Traces series

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Traces is a series of books written by author Malcolm Rose, about the adventures of Forensic Investigator Luke Harding and his Mobile Aid To Law And Crime, Malc. So far their have been 5 books released with the sixth planned for release in Autumn 2007.

[edit] Alternate England

The books are set in an alternate version of England, reversing the traditional roles of "The North" and "The South". Rose has changed the country so that "The North" is the centre of culture and excellence whilst "The South" including such famous cities as London and Cambridge is a slum: thriving with crime and home to most of the country's prisons etc.

Another of the most noticable differences is the "Authorities" and the control they have over the population. From age five, when all children are separated from their parents and sent to school, the Authorities are the most important thing in your life. When you reach the age of twenty, it will be the Authorities who will decide who you will be "paired" with. The selection will pair two people of the same age and in similar professions (eg. scientist with scientist) to ensure any children produced will be of similar mind (eg. a scientifically minded child). Feelings play no part in the selection. A recurring theme in all books so far is Luke Harding's dissatisfaction with Pairing Committees. When he reaches twenty he is to be paired with biologist Georgia Bowie depsite his wish to be with muscian Jade Vernon. Their struggle to be together is a central part of several of the storylines.

There are many other, often minor differences betweens the Traces world and the real. For instance, other than a few, rare, white skinned people, most people have brown skin. This reverses the traditional idea of racism because it is the white people who are the minority. There is also the fact that common pets cats and dogs are endangered animals and that somking cigarettes is illegal. Also, children select there future jobs in Year Eight, similar but not the same to a Year Nine student's "Options" where he or she picks his or her GCSE subjects.

[edit] Books in Series


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