They aim to finish what his master began and stop it from getting into the wrong hands. With his only allies being his best friend Tom, Molly and his ever faithful pigeon Bridget. Christopher is left to solve and unveil the clues left by his master. After a wave of mysterious murders in town, and the death of his own master. Peter: The book follows an apothecaries' apprentice Christopher. VERDICT This is an excellent story for readers who enjoy puzzles, action, and fantasy keep an eye out for future installments.1. The action does get intense, but would still be appropriate for upper elementary school students. One of the true triumphs is the author’s ability to create a character who feels accurate for the time period, while also displaying a modern sensibility that will keep readers engaged.

The ending is dynamic and rewarding, with just the right blend of the fantastical and realistic. Sands integrates a series of fun and interesting riddles and codes with chemistry concepts-no easy feat. The story is well paced, managing not only to keep readers hooked, but also second guessing everything they think they know. The more that the protagonist uncovers, the more he finds himself in danger, along with his loyal-to-a-fault best friend. After losing his master, Christopher begins to unravel a series of complex codes that his master had, unbeknownst to Chris, been preparing him to solve all along. Set in the 1600s, the story revolves around Christopher Rowe, the apprentice to a Master Apothecary. VERDICT This is an excellent story for readers who enjoy puzzles, action, and fantasy keep an eye out for future installments.- Chad Lane, Easton Elementary, Wye Mills, MDĪn auspicious debut middle grade novel.

The blackthorn key