Death and the Arrow

Rating:
Summary: SPECTRUM Children's Book Club Recommendation
Review: Reading Level: Ages 9 and Up

In the Spring of 1715, London is beset by a string of sensational murders where each victim is found to be in the possession of a card with an ominous depiction of Death holding an arrow engraved upon it.

Fifteen-year-old Tom Marlowe works for his widowed father in the family print shop. He yearns for adventure. Perhaps that is why he is drawn to the likes of Dr. Harker, a well-traveled scholar, and to Will Piggot, a young pickpocket. When Will is found murdered with a Death and the Arrow card upon his body, Tom seeks the aid of Dr. Harker in his quest to bring Will's murderer to justice.

Chris Priestly has crafted a wonderful tale that is a rousing blend of Robert Louis Stevenson adventure and Sherlock Holmes detective story. Priestly's bits of historical detail add texture to the tale without losing sight of his action/adventure pacing.

Although the reading level says ages 9 and up, this is a terrific book for anyone who reads to younger children at bedtime, for it will keep them entertained and will inspire them to revisit the book on their own when they are older.

- KB SHAW, Publisher
Spectrum Children's Book Club - www.incwell.com
Member SCBWI