Laura Ruttig - Children's Literature
The tension is ratcheted up in this second book in the "Traces" series. This adventure is set in the wilds of a futuristic London, when the city has become literally part jungle. The action is more intense, as are the situations that Luke finds himself investigating. The consequences feel more vital and realistic set out in the 'real' world rather than at the boarding school of the prior episode. The young Forensic Investigator (FI) along with his robotic aide MALC have their work cut out for them, as they attempt to hunt a killer who may be part of an underground brown supremacist group. The presence of hate crimes and racism, combined with the urban setting and its heightened feeling of danger give this novel a gritty tone that was mostly missing from "Traces: Framed!." In addition, Luke has become even more the traditional hard-boiled detective in this novel, complete with bad jokes and a tendency for creative thinking. This title's likable hero and fast-paced action will hook most mystery readers instantly. Furthermore, the combination of Luke's entertaining antics and the unusual forensic details should help get even reluctant readers interested. 2005, Kingfisher Publications/Houghton Mifflin Company, Ages 8 to 18.
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-Luke Harding, a 16-year-old, newly qualified forensic investigator, is called in on his first murder case when fellow student Crispin Addley is found with an arrow in his heart. Malc (Mobile Aid to Law and Crime), a robot whose technological capabilities include X-ray, lasers and scanners, and an enormous database that can cross-check facts within seconds, helps Luke throughout hisinvestigation. This futuristic novel has a thrilling plot and deadpan humor. Fans of Anthony Horowitz's "Alex Rider" series (Philomel) will enjoy following Luke's action-packed career in which solving crimes sometimes involves saving the world. Lost Bullet takes place in a future England, where London's infrastructure has been so long neglected that trees and vines have created a junglelike atmosphere amid the concrete and brick structures. Crime is rampant, and Luke narrowly escapes gunshots as a sniper shoots at him at the beginning of the novel. He picks up a clue that will help to unravel a murder investigation, again with the help of his trusty robot sidekick, Malc. Luke must infiltrate a dangerous cult called the Visionaries, whose views of medicine and use of violence to achieve their goals make them the perfect suspects. This is a suspenseful, thoughtful, and humorous addition to the series.-Elizabeth Fernandez, Brunswick Middle School, Greenwich, CT Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature
This title's likable hero and fast-paced action will hook most mystery readers instantly. Furthermore, the combination of Luke's entertaining antics and the unusual forensic details should help get even reluctant readers interested. School Library Journal
This is a suspenseful, thoughtful, and humorous addition to the series.
Children's Literature
This title's likable hero and fast-paced action will hook most mystery readers instantly. Furthermore, the combination of Luke's entertaining antics and the unusual forensic details should help get even reluctant readers interested. School Library Journal
This is a suspenseful, thoughtful, and humorous addition to the series.
This title's likable hero and fast-paced action will hook most mystery readers instantly. Furthermore, the combination of Luke's entertaining antics and the unusual forensic details should help get even reluctant readers interested. "Children's Literature "
This is a suspenseful, thoughtful, and humorous addition to the series. "School Library Journal ""
"This title's likable hero and fast-paced action will hook most mystery readers instantly. Furthermore, the combination of Luke's entertaining antics and the unusual forensic details should help get even reluctant readers interested." --Children's Literature
"This is a suspenseful, thoughtful, and humorous addition to the series." --School Library Journal