BackTracker

by Milo James Fowler

For Harry Muldoon, private investigator, there's just one thing beyond his reach: the BackTracker. It's a device that could make his job a whole lot easier, but there's a problem: he's not the only one after it. Whoever wields power over the past must accept responsibility for the future -- but Harry's top priority is surviving the night.

Short Story - 10,000 words - Future Noir
Originally published by JukePop Serials

468 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 6, 2021

About the author

Milo James Fowler is the cross-genre author of more than thirty books: space adventures, post-apocalyptic survival stories, mysteries, and westerns. A native San Diegan, he now makes his home in West Michigan with his wife and all four seasons. Some readers seem to enjoy the unique brand of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and humor found in his ever-growing body of work. Soli Deo gloria.

Reviews

[Lyndon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milo James Fowler treats us to another sci-fi noir crime thriller in the vein of his Immaterial Evidence, but this time instead of the paranormal element, the trope is time travel. Despite the general sense that time travel paradoxes simply don't work and end up ruining the story, Fowler avoids the typical pitfalls of the genre and wraps up this short novella with an endearing resolution.

This is a wonderfully exciting niche that Fowler fills out nicely with his trademark voice - a snarky Private Eye repartee in a not-so-distant future noir society. His attention to setting and story details (the requisite future tech and Q-esque gadgets) makes for an engaging read. This short thriller is quick, entertaining, and recommended.