Malcolm Rose (1)Críticas

Adventure

Mystery

Jordy recommendation when 11. Read to discuss and encourage with him. Good fun.

Ros and her boyfriend Kevin are a mismatch in the opinion of David, Ros' brother, and he lets them know it. Kevin responded with a punch that knocked David down in front of the crowd at lunch. This did not bode well for what later followed....David found dead on the sports field.

A few weeks earlier, Ros and David's grandfather suffered a heart attach during a sports event on the field. Was it natural or? David knew it wasn't as his grandfather had whispered something to David just before he died, but David wasn't telling...he was going to solve and revenge his grandfather's death.

It is up to Ros and Kevin to solve the mystery and find the killer before the police arrest Kevin for it. What is it that ties back to WWII and the island of Alderney, where that family was from, and the two deaths?

A good read with twists and turns and action. Worth the time.

Scene of the Crime is a nonfiction text that encourages the reader to be interactive with the story line. This book is an informational storybook that gives the reader information on forensic science and crime solving. I believe it to be an informational storybook because of the narrative style of writing and the invented characters and events. The narrative structure invites the reader into the crime scene and solving the murder. At first, I was confused because I thought this was a fiction text but as I read, I found that it is a nonfiction text that blends fact with fiction, offering a fictional story line about a murder. The reader is to use the nonfiction information that they read and learn about to help solve the murder.
Scene of the Crime has two focuses in terms of content. First, there is a storyline about a fictitious murder. This story includes several characters who were at the scene of the murder and are being investigated as possible suspects. One appendix in the front of the text is the diary of one character. The appendix in the rear of the text is the crime file for the murder and gives information on the weapon, pathology lab results, scene of the crime and suspects. As the book is read, the other content focus appears which is forensic science information and facts, which can be found in the “Fact File” sidebars of each page. This is where the nonfiction part is most apparent in the text. Information is given on how to keep a crime scene clean, estimating time of death, suspect interviews, body language in interviews, footage from crime scenes, and suspect line-ups. As the story unfolds in Scene of the Crime, suspects are eliminated due to the evidence gathered such as video footage, fingerprints, DNA, and evidence fibers. The reader is to use what they learn about forensic science to help solve the murder case in the story. The book and the reader solves the murder case just as detectives would in real life. This book shows the connection of each facet of forensic science to a real, or made up, murder.
The cover of Scene of the Crime shows a silhouette running from a crime scene and has blood splatter and caution tape bordering the title. This cover invites the reader to find out more about the crime scenes in this mystery. The subtitle reads, “A Forensic Mystery Where You Crack the Case”. This clues the reader in on the interactive structure and layout of this book. The end pages are blue with a fingerprint illustration. It felt as if I was opening up a crime file or document as I turned the page. Juvenile readers would love the layout of this book.
The book contains a table of contents that has catchy titles such as “Sealing the Scene” which gives of a hint to what kind of information is located in each chapter. Throughout the chapters, there are “Fact File” text boxes/side bars that offer forensic science and crime solving information. I felt that the author glossed over this information and could have done a better job of explaining and describing each topic. For example, on page 9, the fact file highlights the importance of keeping a crime scene clean. I believe the author could have given examples of vital evidence and the importance of preserving it and the ways in which evidence can be disturbed. This book lacked any real scientific information.
The target audience for this text could range from 4th grade to middle school aged children. I found this book to be a fun way for a reader to practice making use of reading in text boxes/side bars, since each one contained vital information into solving the murder. Although this book is engaging and fun to read, I find it could have offered so much more on the topic of forensic science. I do think this text will spark interest on certain topics such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and fingerprints. I feel that if this book had lost the fictional murder story line it would not have been as interactive or engaging for its target audience but it definitely feels like it is on the edge of fiction and non-fiction because of this. I walked away feeling like this book over simplified forensic science which is such an intriguing topic to tone down.
The text in the book is clear and easy to understand. The ideas and language are ordered logically and are easily accessible by the target audience. The tone of the book is neutral. I feel that the author is objective and presented facts, even in the narrative writing style. Some precise language was used such as autopsy and rigor mortis. The author used the appropriate forensic terms when necessary such as tread pattern instead of footprint. In the back of the text, there is a glossary and index. I felt that the glossary was thorough for the vocabulary words used in the text and that the explanation of concepts were appropriate for a 4th grade -middle school aged students. The index felt subpar for the topic of forensic science but it includes the subjects covered in the book and so, it is on par for this text.
The illustrations are modern and reminiscent of graphic novels. The target audience age group would be attracted to the illustrations. This text layout resembles a picture book to me with added diary and crime file appendixes located in the front and back of the text. The sizing of the pages allow the reader to access both appendixes while reading which lends this book a fun layout that differs from traditional book layouts. Scene of the Crime is from 2008 and the few facts presented appear to be up to date but still offers introductory information into forensic science. The author is a chemist and consulted a Forensic Science department at London South Bank University in England as a resource. The resources used to write this book seem limited and maybe that accounts for the lack of detailed information presented.

Characters:Luke Harding (Detective)& Emily (This character is dead and this is the murder being investigated.

Setting: The Dessert

Theme:Forensic scientists, Murder, Detective and mystery stories.

Genre: Science fiction-Juvenile literature.

Audience: Teenagers

Golden Quote: "The forensic investigator assigned to Emily's death did not realize that she had been murdered either. A thorough examination of her body did not reveal any evidence of a crime. Even the pathologist who performed the autopsy did not find the true cause of death. The toxicity tests on her blood were negative. The microscopic puncture wounds and inflammation on her left forearm were trivial, caused by the tiny spines of a prickly pear cactus,Opuntia vulgaris."

Summary: Luke Harding's third thrilling case involves a series of mysterious murders in which the victims seem to have only one thing in common—they are all named Emily Wonder. In the bitter cold of winter, Luke and Malc struggle to investigate three crime scenes lacking in physical evidence. When a young homeless girl, also named Emily Wonder, is reported missing, Luke and Malc must rush to try to save her.

Curriculum ties:Forensic Science-Students can learn about the process of investigating a murder. Students can also create a situation in class where they can play the role of the investigator and murder so that they can plan a murder and see the role that science plays in this.

Personal Response: I like this book because students are really into sloving mysteries and undertaking challenge. I think this book will make students want to read until the end because it is really good in the scence that you just want to know who the murderer is.

3.5 stars

In the near future city of York, 16-year-old forensic investigator Luke Harding is tasked with investigating why the local hospital has more and more patients dying than ever before. But when Luke and his robotic partner MALC discover DNA evidence linking Luke’s father to the crimes, Luke must confront his family’s past while finding out who the killer is before anyone else dies.

Blood Brother is the sixth installment of Malcolm Rose’s Traces mystery series featuring young Luke Harding. While I have not read the preceding stories, I found it easy to slip into the world that Rose has crafted. The series is geared for young adults and as a result the writing is simple and straight forward. This is probably a strength because this allows the story to move along quickly never allowing the tension to slacken. Rose does a very good job of making his primary characters interesting. There isn’t a lot of character development beyond Luke however. His trials and tribulations have depth, but his relationships aren’t a priority. The real story is in the chase and it is laid out quite well.

Blood Brother is definitely ideal for young readers who want some action and technology in there reading. And while the mystery isn’t very complex, it holds together well and should give adult readers some quick entertainment as well. An enjoyable story.

This book is sbout a detective named Luke Harding. he has just gotten his first assinment which turns out to be a the first of three killings. They all happend at the school and it looks like Luke did it. With the help of is Aid in Law robot Luke proves this not to be true. putting together clues he relizes that every one was killed with something that has to do with dimonds, which is his nickname. it turns out to be his enemy who he embarassed in front of everyone. when he tricks the murderer into confessing he is almost killed himself.
This book was okay. It was a little confusing, but still good. it is the first in a series of books were Luke harding solves crime. The books weren't gorey which is a good thing but a little sad. I recomend this book for people that whatch to crime t.v shows. It isn't a bad book so go get it from the library. I think that you might like it.

PLUS -
* Explanations about the village of Eyam and the story of the Plague there are really detailed and well told.
* The descriptions of the plague symptoms are great - kids will love the gory side of this story.
* It's not just another historical fiction retelling. What would happen if the plague resurfaced now?
* There are some interesting underlying themes about honesty and friendship.

MINUS -
* There's a twist at the end that I wasn't sure I really liked. It links to a more minor part of the plot which I'd forgotten about so it took me a while to work out what was going on.

OVERALL -
* A good read, which would suit readers aged 9 and over. The two parts of the plot set in the past and present would appeal even to those who don't like 'straight' historical fiction.

One of the Shades series. Josh's Mum works at a government astronomical agency and has told him how there is an asteroid on a collison course with Earth. The knowledge hasn't been made public (officially) though rumours are circulating on the Internet. The governments of the world don't want to let anyone know about it because chaos and anarchy might ensue as, if their latest scheme to send a rocket into the asteroid and knock it off-course doesn't work; then it will signal doom for planet Earth. As Josh and his friends Dave ( a girl called Davina) and Zack ( a nerdy Asperger-type in a world of his own but brilliant with numbers)do know; the book opens with them stealing a car and joyriding around before being caught by the cops! There is a lot packed into this very short book as Josh's friends' ideas look like saving the day.......or do they?

Well, first of all this is one of the best mystery book I have looked at in all my life and seriously, this book is so amazing! Love the futuristic style, everything! Luke keep searchin' and Malc keep... doing whatever you do. XD

A fantastic book with an ending that will leave you shocked and stunned!

Set in modern times, this story tells a tale of a modern day outbreak of the Plague! It flashes back to the outbreak of the Plague in Eyam and describes the horror and evastation of the Plague really well.

This is really a tale of morals and how bad deeds will always be punished......

A worthwhile read....my year 7 pupils at school are addicted!!!½

Luke Harding is still recovering from his last close escape from death and has spent time in hospital. He and MALC are called upon to explain why more patients than considered normal are dying. Is there a case to answer? Where is the evidence that there has been something sinister happening? When Luke starts to uncover evidence pointing directly to Peter Sachs, he has a personal reason to solve any crime. Peter Sach’s is Luke's dad. Just who stands to gain from these patients deaths? How are two seemingly unrelated things, heather and cookie crumbs, part of each crime/death scene?

Luke Harding is the youngest Forensic Investigator to ever pass the entrance test. But his first case is turning out to be more difficult than he could have anticipated because someone is trying to frame him for murder! Will he be able to solve the case before he has to arrest himself? Find out.

This book is in a series written by Malcolm Rose. This one is about a Sports Development Project in the south of England. FI Luke Harding is asked to investigate when a number of incidents happen. A plane crash, a scaffolding collapse, and the disappearance of the site manager, Libby Byrne. Luke meets a number of suspicious persons, and when Luke finally figures it out, he is kidnapped. What will happen, and who will save the day now?

This book is in a series written by Malcolm Rose. This one concentrates on Luke's past. FI Luke Haqrding is asked to investigate a rise in deaths in a hospital, as it could be suspicious. However, what he is not bargaining for, is to meet his father, who is involved in the case. And when all the evidence starts to point to his father, Luke will stop at nothing to clear his name.
Date Reviewed: 03/09/08

Book Six in the Traces series. Luke Harding and malc are called upon to explain why more patients than normal are dying. When the evidence points directly to Peter Sachs, Luke's dad, Luke has extra motivation to solve the case. Who stands to gain from patients deaths, and how do heather and cookie crumbs come into play as clues?½

awesome crime!!! LOL too!!

Sixteen-year-old, top-notch forensic investigator, Luke Harding, and his right-hand robot, MALC (equipped with lasers and scanners for finding evidence)are back in action racing the (execution)clock to clear a teenager of murder, although there is overwhelming evidence the teen did it.

Book Four in the Traces Series.

Excellent

Excellent

Excellent

Excellent

Good