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The Blackthorn Key

by Kevin Sands · The Blackthorn Key

A code-cracking historical mystery where a young apprentice must outsmart a killer to protect his master's most dangerous secret.

Kid
66
/ 100
Parent
61
/ 100
Teacher
65
/ 100
Best fit: ages 10-13 Still works: ages 9-14

Our Take

A tightly-plotted historical mystery that hooks kids with codes and adventure while offering genuine emotional depth and strong classroom connections, especially for read-aloud and cross-curricular work.

✓ Perfect for

  • • Readers who love puzzles
  • • codes
  • • and mysteries will devour this book
  • • especially those drawn to historical settings where intelligence matters more than physical strength. Ideal for the kid who loved the puzzle elements of Percy Jackson but wants something grittier and more grounded.

Book facts

Format
middle grade novel
ISBN
9781481446525
Series
The Blackthorn Key
Illustration
none

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