Framed is a member of that genre which has become so popular in recent years, the forensic detective novel. It does, however, have a difference. It's set in a vaguely dystopian near future world ruled over by a (surprisingly benevolent) dictatorship known as 'The Authorities'.

The novel follows the newly graduated forensic investigator Luke Harding (along with his robot MALC) as he investigates his first case in which all the evidence appears to be pointing towards him...

The book is pretty good, not brilliant or extraordinary but certainly enjoyable. The plot is pretty average and features a few less noticeable holes with the exception of one conceit in terms of the reasoning behind the murder weapons, which is inspired (although it does cause a fair few plot holes). The dialogue and actual writing is quite enjoyable and funny, though not on par with something such as Artemis Fowl or Skullduggery Pleasant.

The thing which raises this story above average is the setting, which is pure brilliance. An alternative world ruled by a strange dictatorship which simultaneously respects peoples' privacy more then modern day America and yet dictates every action of your entire life. An alternative world where the north is a cultural Capitol and Cambridge is pretty much one giant prison. The world is brilliantly conceived, the benevolent parts of The Authorities being contrasted with the idea of 'The Pairing', an event in which the government decides who to breed together to create the optimum workers in particular fields in the next generation. The semi-doomed love shared between our hero and a musician, Jade, is wonderfully portrayed.

In short, if you're a fan of the sci-fi or forensic detection genres, and you see this book in a library, then get it. I personally wouldn't buy it (well, I might if it were on sale) but I am definitely going to be searching for the sequels at my local library.

3/5

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