Framed by Malcolm Rose

Title: Framed (Traces #1)
Author: Malcolm Rose
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YA Mystery
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: Moderate descriptions of murder scenes
Premise: "Forensic scientist Luke Harding and his robot assistant must solve a series of on-campus murders, especially since Luke is being framed for the murders." (King County Library System)
Opinions: This was a fast and intriguing read. Set in the future in England the majority of people are brown-skinned and the white is considered the minority. In this world people are also "paired" together to produce the best genetic result based on the field that they are in. So if you are brilliant in science you will be paired with a mate who is also in science. If you are in athletics than you will be paired with a mate who will help produce the best genetic offspring for athletics.

What's even more intriguing about the world that Malcolm Rose created is his main character, Luke. Having just barely graduated as the youngest forensic investigator ever he is almost instantly put on assignment to investigate a murder at his own school. I also love "Malc" (Mobile Aid to Law and Crime). He is a mechanical "Watson" to Luke as "Holmes". I love the relationship between these two characters as they work to solve the crime where all the clues point to Luke himself as the main suspect. This book is a unique twist on the typical murder mystery. Some of the descriptions of the crime scenes might be too gruesome for some readers, but other than that I definitely recommend this book as an enjoyable read.