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Traces #4
Double Check
Luke Harding's fourth case is very different to his first three. Previously he was hunting murderers, this time he is working in reverse - he has to prove a condemned man's innocence. The authorities are not happy with Luke's actions, but Luke trusts his instincts and the advice of good friend Owen Goode.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2006
12 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Malcolm Rose
59 books64 followersBelieve 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 15, 2021
What I’ve always loved about this murder mystery series is how episodic it felt, yet it still managed to shake things up and do different things each time. And this instalment was no different in that sense because it was completely different than the previous books! The tables turned in this one as the protagonist had to prove someone’s innocence rather than guilt.
However, I think that difference certainly made for a more sombre tone than the previous books. And there was noticeably less jokes between the protagonist and his robot assistant in this book compared to previous ones in the series.
In fact, the protagonist’s relationship with his robot assistant, as well as with his girlfriend, became more serious in this book. It worked extremely well to advance the story and add some crucial world-building to this series. The conclusion of one of the mysteries in this dual mystery book will surely have lasting consequences. I wouldn’t be surprised if it comes back to bite The Authority overlords in the next book...
However, I think that difference certainly made for a more sombre tone than the previous books. And there was noticeably less jokes between the protagonist and his robot assistant in this book compared to previous ones in the series.
In fact, the protagonist’s relationship with his robot assistant, as well as with his girlfriend, became more serious in this book. It worked extremely well to advance the story and add some crucial world-building to this series. The conclusion of one of the mysteries in this dual mystery book will surely have lasting consequences. I wouldn’t be surprised if it comes back to bite The Authority overlords in the next book...
February 11, 2018
I loved this book because I find CSI and investigating really interesting. at the start I was at little confused since I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series but I believe you could read this as a stand alone if you wanted.
February 28, 2022
Rating: 5/5
This was such an interesting book! How does one prove that the murderer is innocent and his obvious connection at the crime scene is a entirely a result of the force of nature? I'm not sure, but Luke Harding really went out of his way with this one. Aside from the whole situation with The Authorities, I really enjoyed this case of Luke's, because it was entirely situational and very difficult to prove.
This was such an interesting book! How does one prove that the murderer is innocent and his obvious connection at the crime scene is a entirely a result of the force of nature? I'm not sure, but Luke Harding really went out of his way with this one. Aside from the whole situation with The Authorities, I really enjoyed this case of Luke's, because it was entirely situational and very difficult to prove.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 29, 2022Series is improving
January 13, 2023
It wasn't great I kinda hated it
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October 10, 2013Luke Harding is the youngest FI ever. In this future world, where every investigator has a Mobile Aid to law and crime, Luke has already made a good record for himself. MALC helps him out, but really, it's Luke's instinct and daring that has gotten him this far.
Jade is his best friend and a woman he knows can never be his partner - the authorities pick who is best for partners and never do they mix fields. Jade is an artist and Luke is an investigator. It would be unheard of. But the authorities are handing him a case now of that very thing. A couple appeared to have bribed the committee and joined together. Luke has to take the case, but is it a trap? Do the authorities know his true feelings for Jade?
He's sure he's never said anything in front of MALC, who is programmed never to lie and a puppet of the authorities. All of these issues take a back seat when an old schoolmate asks for his help. A prisoner is about to die, his sentence from a murder two years ago. The prisoner has no idea if he did it or not, but Luke's best friend from school is convinced his friend is innocent. Now, Luke is on two cases, one authorized (and possibly a trap) and one not authorized at all.
As if juggling these cases isn't enough to keep his life in an uproar, and steering clear of the authorities while he does it, the information he uncovers is compromising enough to put not only his life, but Jade's life as well - at risk.
Jade is his best friend and a woman he knows can never be his partner - the authorities pick who is best for partners and never do they mix fields. Jade is an artist and Luke is an investigator. It would be unheard of. But the authorities are handing him a case now of that very thing. A couple appeared to have bribed the committee and joined together. Luke has to take the case, but is it a trap? Do the authorities know his true feelings for Jade?
He's sure he's never said anything in front of MALC, who is programmed never to lie and a puppet of the authorities. All of these issues take a back seat when an old schoolmate asks for his help. A prisoner is about to die, his sentence from a murder two years ago. The prisoner has no idea if he did it or not, but Luke's best friend from school is convinced his friend is innocent. Now, Luke is on two cases, one authorized (and possibly a trap) and one not authorized at all.
As if juggling these cases isn't enough to keep his life in an uproar, and steering clear of the authorities while he does it, the information he uncovers is compromising enough to put not only his life, but Jade's life as well - at risk.
January 18, 2008
This book is about a guy who lives in the future and he is a forensic investigator. He thought that a 15 year old wasnt guilty but was sentence to be killed in a few weeks. He goes through many things and find many evidence that somehow he didnt murder the victim.
I thought this book was very interesting, it kept me reading till the end. I use to like horror more than mystery book but this mystery book was just as thrilling. The language was very easy to understand but the author still use a variety of words, that didnt make the story seem dull. This story can connect to our society a lot because we have a lot of forensic investigators who do the same thing as the main character, this might be to show that the world will advance in technology and other aspects but the people in the world will always think the same way. The author shows that robots and other things were created in the book to help improve human life, like how the world is now, everyday people are looking for a way to make our lives easier. It might also just be for entertainment.
I thought this book was very interesting, it kept me reading till the end. I use to like horror more than mystery book but this mystery book was just as thrilling. The language was very easy to understand but the author still use a variety of words, that didnt make the story seem dull. This story can connect to our society a lot because we have a lot of forensic investigators who do the same thing as the main character, this might be to show that the world will advance in technology and other aspects but the people in the world will always think the same way. The author shows that robots and other things were created in the book to help improve human life, like how the world is now, everyday people are looking for a way to make our lives easier. It might also just be for entertainment.
December 5, 2025
In Double Check, there are two exciting cases and it's interesting to see how Luke tackles them, along with his robot partner, MALC, and their banter has only gotten better. While some elements feel familiar at this point in the series, the pairing system case is quite intriguing, especially because of Luke’s perspective on it.
However, one of the characters, Molly, is labelled as "clearly older" without any deductions from Luke to support this, especially when she's only about two years older than the person she's being compared to. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but it pulled me out of the story.
However, one of the characters, Molly, is labelled as "clearly older" without any deductions from Luke to support this, especially when she's only about two years older than the person she's being compared to. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but it pulled me out of the story.
November 8, 2011
Double Check is yet another amazing book in the Traces series by Malcolm Rose. In this installment, a friend asks Luke Harding (a forensic investigator) to help a boy named Everton Kohter, convicted of a murder. Something seems off to Luke when he looks at the evidence, but his robot MALC points out that it all makes sense. This book is yet another example of Rose's fantastic writing and imagination. I highly recommend this story. Read the book to find out how all the evidence comes together!
October 23, 2015
I'm really enjoying re-reading this series. Double Check, the fourth instalment, did not disappoint. I love the crime aspect of these books, Malcolm Rose does a great job making them interesting and different. I also like the little hints we get for the future books and how things that will take a centre stage in a different book are introduced earlier on. Malcolm Rose obviously thought this all through. Great stuff!
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May 13, 2010F ROS traces bk.4
June 10, 2015
The gender of this book is mystery.This book was about a 16 year old boy and is a agent
October 3, 2025
Same as last book. I really love his increasing understanding with Malc plus I loved the snowy scottish landscape.
December 23, 2012
Luke investigates for a teen sentenced to death for murder.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews