MARK OF THE PLAGUE (Blackthorn Key #2), by Kevin Sands

The story: It's 1665, and the black plague has hit London with a vengeance. A unexpected message from Christopher's dead master, apothecary Blackthorn, reveals that there's a treasure hidden somewhere in the house...but Christopher can't seem to find it, and money is getting tight. Even worse, friends are falling victim to the plague, and a mysterious plague "prophet" has predicted that Christopher's best friend, Tom, will be among the next to die...

June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult PG-13; GLBT content G; adult themes (manipulation of public fear for gain) PG; overall rating PG.

Liz's comments: I'm a big fan of "The Blackthorn Key", and thought this one was really good as well--although a little less like a Dan Brown book for kids, and a little more like the historical fiction that it is. Even so, there are puzzles to crack and mysteries to solve, and fans of book 1 will like book 2 also.