The Blackthorn Key weaves together mystery and history

Murder, mayhem and intrigue are integral parts of The Blackthorn Key’s plot, but so are history, humour and a young lad’s inquisitive nature.

Set in London, England, in 1665, this first novel by Toronto’s Kevin Sands could have been a hodgepodge of elusive strands. Instead, it is a tightly woven tale that will keep readers riveted.

The story starts with a bang, as 14-year-old Christopher Rowe, apprentice to master apothecary Benedict Blackthorn, talks his friend Tom into helping him create gunpowder and sets off a pipe bomb of sorts. Tom, son of a baker (who is often on the receiving end of his father’s blows), tries to reason with his friend but, as apparently happens too often, wilful Christopher barrels ahead with his plans, in the process blowing a hole in his master’s prized taxidermied bear.

It comes as no surprise that

this book carries a warning, prominently displayed on the back cover and in the opening pages: “The recipes and remedies in this book were used by real apothecaries,” it reads. “There’s a reason we don’t see them anymore. Some are devious, some are dangerous, and a few are just plain deadly. So, as they say, don’t try this at home. Seriously.”

It’s good advice. Not only does Christopher manage to create gunpowder, but he knows about madapple seeds — how a few are used to treat asthma, but too many mean instant death — and oil of vitriol, which can eat through iron. He has learned to decipher Master Benedict’s codes and has memorized what ingredients combine to create potions that ease the pain of burn victims and how to treat digestive or respiratory problems.

Having spent his first 11 years in Cripplegate, an orphanage, he knows how lucky he was the day he was selected for the Apothecaries’ Guild entrance test — and even luckier that Master Benedict, recognizing his wit and intelligence, chose him as apprentice, a position he has held for three years now. Even so, Christopher’s impulsive tendencies often get him into trouble, and he has thanked his lucky stars that Benedict, unlike other masters, does not resort to beatings.

In fact, Benedict Blackthorn clearly sees the potential in Christopher, because as the story progresses it soon becomes obvious that the clever and fearless boy is about to follow in his master’s footsteps. In the absence of family, Tom is a constant source of support, even when Christopher puts them both in the path of ruthless killers.

A tale of mystery, gruesome deaths and intricate puzzles, this book deals with alchemy and the search for Prima Materia — “the raw energy from which Our Lord created the universe.” At its heart, however, it is a story of friendship, trust and loyalty. There’s enough humour and humanity to keep female readers caring about the characters, and enough explosions, brutality and gore (not to mention vomit and other bodily secretions — we’re talking 17th century, remember) to also keep the males riveted.

In fact, not only is this first novel a well-paced, intelligent read aimed at 10- to 14-year-olds, it’s bound to be especially popular with boys.

THE BLACKTHORN KEY

By Kevin Sands Aladdin, 371 pages, $21.99