Lost Bullet

Traces #2

by Malcolm Rose

In the rotting slums of London, Luke and Malc are called to investigate the shocking murder of an attractive young doctor. The investigation eventually leads Luke to a bizarre cult called the World Church of Eternal Vision whose members believe that the entire medical profession is interfering with creation. More doctors are murdered, and the pressure mounts on Luke and Malc to find the perpetrators before its too late.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Crime, Childrens, Fiction, Dystopia

205 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Believe it or not, until Easter 1996, I was a Lecturer in Chemistry at The Open University. I carried out research in analytical chemistry, particularly in the area of health, and I taught mainly organic chemistry. The teaching part of the job predominantly involved writing, with some radio, TV and video work. It also left very little time for fiction writing which I tackled mostly after midnight. Perhaps that is why some of my strongest scenes are set on dark nights! Anyway, I am now a full-time writer.

Many people think it odd and fascinating that a scientist should also be a novelist but I don’t find it strange. After all, scientists have to be creative and show perseverance to carry out research. They also write a lot; in particular, they produce textbooks and articles on their research. Anyone who is imaginative, can stick to a task, and knows how to construct a sentence has the credentials for writing a novel. On top of that, my chemical research was aimed at understanding a little better some aspects of human life. A novel also seeks to illuminate some aspects of human life. The aims are similar even if the tools are different.

I reckon novel writing is not so removed from chemistry as you might think. In one life, I mix chemicals, stew them for a while and observe the reaction. In the other, I mix characters, stir in a bit of conflict and, again, observe the outcome.

I began writing stories while I was carrying out research at York for my DPhil degree in chemistry. Writing became a means of escape from everyday life. While I was at York, my then girlfriend (now wife) read my efforts and commented that I ought to try and get something published. I had never thought of writing as anything other than a hobby. Besides, as I thought then, a budding chemist couldn’t possibly be any good at it! Anyway, I joined a writers’ club to find out how to submit a manuscript to a publisher and, to cut a long story short, found a publisher in William Collins for my first novel, Rift.

I am now over half a century old, married to Barbara and have one son (Colin) who is an architect. I read all of my stories aloud to Barbara and Colin and they help me with their comments.

Reviews

[Kadi P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read this three times and it still goes strong.

A solid mystery that delved more into the familiar yet distinctly futuristic world the series is set in. The new setting (compared to Framed!) provided an interesting angle that I think I appreciated more during my third reading.

Despite the physical distance between the protagonist Luke and his love interest Jade, there was still adequate mention of their steady love. Although I would’ve liked more, it made for a nice change of pace to have Luke and Jade separated for so long. The true gem of a relationship in this book was Luke and Malc’s. Though Malc may have been a robot incapable of emotions, the circumstances of the case drew Luke and Malc closer and I loved their witty and sometimes sentimental interactions. It also was impressive to see how Luke’s character growth was impacted so much by Malc.

So, first and foremost this was a great mystery, but also a great addition to the series which I can’t wait to read more of in Roll Call!

[Khushi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just couldn't put the book down. The writing style's brilliant and it pulls you into this fictional world of Traces like a magnet till you finish the book. I would definitely recommend the book to anyone who's looking for 'a good book'.

[Adarsh Kota · Rating 4 out of 5]

My brother sent me this book a few months ago but after a while, I finally picked it up and started to read it. But after i read a few chapters into this book, I just had to read more. An interesting Murder Mystery novel from the Traces series that keeps you wanting more (and gives you a chuckle once in a while) written by Malcolm Rose.

This is a futuristic crime drama set in the abandoned and dangerous streets of London about the young but clever, 16 year old forensic investigator Luke Harding and his brilliant yet emotionless robot sidekick ,Malc which is equipped with lasers and scanners but apparently not a sense of humour. They look into a case in which a doctor had been murdered by a clever killer. Soon the number of victims rise as the killer a.k.a Lost Bullet, continues his/her killing spree on specified targets while Luke and Malc need to find out who will be the next target. In order to do so, Luke will have to join an illegal organisation to dig up more info on Lost Bullet. Meanwhile, Lost Bullet also has his/her eyes on Luke and Malc themselves. They could be the next target.

This book is great, filled with shocking surprises and unexpected twists. Great for fans of page turning Murder Mystery novels. I'd recommend this book to my friends, catches your attention from start to end.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading this book, I was at first unsure of myself about reading. As I got further and further into the story, I really got into it and I enjoyed the book very much. The story kept me interested with the "Oh, she did it, No he did it" scenario. I remember saying that all the time while reading this and I will keep continuing the series. Malcolm Rose is slowly starting to become one of my favorite authors.

[Viola Sung · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great mystery, as always. :D

[Arjun Kaushal-Goel · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good!

[Ethan Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Lost Bullet by Malcolm Rose is about sixteen year old Forensic Investigator Luke Harding and his aid to law mobile companion Malc, investigating their first assignment after being posted to slums of London. A clever killer has just recently killed a doctor but all the evidence has been swept away.
As FI Harding works to find the killer (aka Lost Bullet), he gets a call from the Pairing Committee. But as the meeting progresses Lost Bullet makes an entrance killing three members of the committee.
Desperate to find his killer, FI Harding joins an illegal organization, to find out that his killer, Lost Bullet also has an eye on himself and Malc. For they are the next target.
In this thrilling book, as well as series, they are clever discoveries and unexpected twists. Defiantly the type of book for Murder Mystery fans!! I would recommend this series to anyone who likes a lot of suspence, as this book just makes you itching to see the next page!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is sorta a stereotyped book. It involves snakes, fires, four deaths, attempted killings and religion. If you are a mystery lover try and figure out who the killer is before it's too late.

[Annalena · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
reading these books is definitely a form of nostalgia for me. i do enjoy the dystopian london and the worldbuilding and wish we had more of that. the world with the pairing committee, death penalty, a hate against whites (?), the little robot thingies etc is extremely interesting and i wish it was more fleshed out.
the cases are decent, kinda short, plot twists feel average.
i like luke harding a lot and i enjoy his dialogues with malc (even tho luke does not act like a 16/17 year old)

[Black Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still love it and can't wait to go on, but this one fekt a bit quick and not that much clue hunting went on. It felt more like an actual hunt than an investigation. I still love Luke so much as a character though.

[rabs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5

I quite enjoyed the mystery in this book and it was such a good read. I liked learning more about the little world that Malcolm Rose has created.

[egzaltacjaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

nawet dobrze się czytalo, bardzo spoko książka ale plot twist bardzo do przewidzenia.

[aconstellationoftomes · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I mentioned in my review of Framed! , I always dreamed of being a detective, so this book takes me back to that time in my life where I'd daydream of solving mysteries.

What makes this series interesting is how murder mysteries are set against a dystopian backdrop and the inclusion of MALC, the robot assistant, feels more plausible today than it did when I first read the book over 15 years ago. It's also engaging to follow Luke as he sifts through evidence and pieces everything together to solve the crime, while trying to figure out the mystery along the way too. Even though this was a reread, I forgot the whole story, but still managed to surprisingly guess the culprit before the big reveal.

There are some intriguing aspects in this book, like cults, reverse racism and extremism, that I wish were explored more deeply, but I know that isn't the point of the story. The characters are static, but I like the dynamic between Luke and MALC and also noticed that Luke is depending more on MALC. I was also surprised by Ethan Loach, who's views are definitely skewed, but also quite intriguing.

So far, I'm enjoying revisiting this series because it's a gripping mystery set in a unique world, but I have to admit that much remains underdeveloped.

[Fahad · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a town in London Birmingham, Luke and Malc are told to investigate a murder of a doctor. They find clues on how to get to World Church of Eternal Vision. The government in the city wasn't taking care of the people. Luke and Malc had alot of incounters with there other crimes. Luke and Malc struggled to find who killed the doctor.

The reason why i picked up this book was because i thought this book would be amazing and it turned out it was and i started reading it and it got interesting.

The reason why i finished the book because they took forever to find out who killed this doctor so i just wanted to finish the book fast.

I would recommend this book to Carman because she likes mystery books.

[Rachael Hewison · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my comments when I reviewed the first book was that I really liked the futuristic world that Rose had created and wanted to hear more about it. Well that certainly happened in this book. Luke is brought to London to solve a new murder case and Rose's descriptions of what has happened to London is fascinating; nature has taken its hold over London, whilst dangerous people hide around corners.

The subject matter for this book was also very grown up. It covers racism, arranged marriages and religion with some very hard hitting points.

I really liked that the relationship between Luke and Malc grows ever stronger and their interactions are very humorous.

A good little book but I don't think it's one I would read again.

[Diana Gagliardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Luke Harding sf/mystery series takes him to a depressed London where government doesn't take care of everyone and many people are without regular work (and thus health care and food). Discrimination is rampant with someone trying to kill white people and anyone who supports medical intervention of "God's" work (disease, etc).

A good mystery with great characters, this was the most intense book of the series I've read yet with lots of interesting questions, not all of them able to be wrapped up neatly by the end.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and easy to read book. I really enjoyed the adventures of 16 years old Luke and a robot Malk for finding Lost Bullet. This book is perfect for holiday.

Попаднах на тази книга случайно на един панаир на книгата на смешната цена от 1лв, съответно нямах големи очаквания. Изненада ме приятно, оказа се интересна кримка, чието действие се развива в бъдещето, където ценностите са доста поразбъркани в сравнение с това, което е действителност. Много леко и бързо се чете, няма излишни описания.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a mystery book where the investigator,Luke Harding,goes under cover and infiltrates a white hating cult in an attempt to find the one that killed the pairing committee and the doctor as well as shooting at Owen. The bullet he needed for evidence at the beginning of the story was lost forever in the maze of sewer systems.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

His first case out of school. An interesting mix of rules, smuggling, racial segregation and minority shaming. It was a highlighting idea of differences and a fun look at the changes. I really enjoyed the twists and turns of this case at the same time as the morality of having to leave behind MAC sometimes. I am really looking forwards to reading more of this series.

[Lukas · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good read that you find yourself getting through quicker than you'd expect. The novel flows nicely and each characters are as developed as they need to be. I have issue with detective stories that make it almost impossible to guess the culprit and this strayed too close to that territory for me. I do however love the reclaimed by nature aesthetic and think it is a wonderfully built world.

[Yohannes · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is very exciting beacuse it has lots of points were their is a red hearing or spark of iformation. Its about 16 year old field invetigator who is on the case someone who got shot but while he is investigating the crime their is many incounters with different crimes

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this instalment in the Traces series a little more than the first. Some of the descriptions of bodies and injuries were a little gory so just bear that in mind if you're sensitive to things like that.

[Cole Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not as good as the first one, but was still a pretty good book. I like how Malc has changed and had weapon like features. I hope the next one is better than this one, but I would still recommend this book to people who liked the first one.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating read. Another thrilling yet unpredictable mystery. The plot was a bit forced in my opinion but the overall mystery was fast paced. I like how both scientifically and technoligical facts were put together. Interesting yet easy to read.

[Cory Rouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good.... the last was better but still major props....

[Mad-eye · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far it is really good.

[Ahmad · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book,in fact the series is well written......a good story and a good plot....

[Shayma · Rating 5 out of 5]

i relly liked this edventuris book i hope to read more.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but the church in here was too similar to our Christian church now (and it sort of portrayed it in a bad light) for me to love it.

[Rhozyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected it to be okay but not this good. It surely caught me off guard. I think the author did a very good job with this one.