SANDS, Kevin. The Blackthorn Key. 6 CDs. 6 hrs. S. & S. Audio. 2015. $39.99. ISBN 9781442388536. digital download.

Gr 3-6 –Christopher Rowe’s life has changed for the better. For the past three years he has been apprenticed to Master Benedict Blackthorn to learn the apothecary trade. Having grown up in an unhappy and sometimes violent orphanage, Christopher is extremely grateful for his kind and patient master and the knowledge he is gaining from him. However, when a mysterious group begins torturing and murdering London apothecaries, Christopher’s course takes a terrible turn. He finds himself in the fight of his life and must solve a series of complex codes left for him by his master. Combining a touch of humor with codes, puzzles, mystery, and a heavy dose of edge-of-your-seat suspense, this is a riveting tale from start to finish. Reader Ray Panthaki does a skillful job building on this already masterful tale with his pacing and compelling voices. His vocals present Christopher as a thoroughly likable character for whom listeners will be rooting from start to finish. VERDICT This compelling adventure is a winner. [“An excellent story for middle grade readers who enjoy puzzles, action, and fantasy”: SLJ 8/15 starred review of the Aladdin book.]–Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT