Published by Puffin Books
Set in London in the 1660s, the story revolves around Christopher Rowe, the apprentice to a Master Apothecary named Benedict Blackthorn. Christopher is eager to learn and please his benefactor. Blackthorn, recognizing his young student’s potential, teaches him everything from chemistry and Latin to church history and cryptography. It’s well that he does, as Christopher will need all his wits and knowledge to solve the mystery of the murdered apothecaries happening around him.
Full of codes and puzzles, action and adventure, trials of friendship and growing up, the lurking menace of murderers and secret societies. 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. The more that the protagonist uncovers, the more he finds himself in danger, along with his loyal best friend.
An excellent read with detailed characters and historical background—plus lots of explosions. It’s a story that should have broad appeal, while especially intriguing readers with an existing interest in chemistry, history, and decoding puzzles.