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Auto Series #3
Timeline
NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD FREE from the author's website: http://www.davidwailing.com/stories/t...
It’s always risky, meeting a strange man for the first time. But not for Joanna O’Donnell. Not in the year 2022.
Her auto – a digital assistant – has scoured his history, his entire timeline. Working for a detective agency, Joanna knows how to unearth secrets.
Joanna’s auto calculates that her date is 85% compatible with her. At last, she’s found her match!
And then, moments before they meet, Joanna’s auto reports there is a 24% chance this man will kill her.
'Timeline' is a 10,000 word short story, part of the Auto series including 'Relationship Status', 'Friend Request', 'Backup' and 'Copy'.
'Timeline' is the winner in both the Science Fiction category and Short Stories and Novelettes category of the Best Indie Books of 2012 Awards run by Indie Book Bargains.
'Timeline' can be download in multiple formats for free from the author's website at http://www.davidwailing.com/stories/t...
It’s always risky, meeting a strange man for the first time. But not for Joanna O’Donnell. Not in the year 2022.
Her auto – a digital assistant – has scoured his history, his entire timeline. Working for a detective agency, Joanna knows how to unearth secrets.
Joanna’s auto calculates that her date is 85% compatible with her. At last, she’s found her match!
And then, moments before they meet, Joanna’s auto reports there is a 24% chance this man will kill her.
'Timeline' is a 10,000 word short story, part of the Auto series including 'Relationship Status', 'Friend Request', 'Backup' and 'Copy'.
'Timeline' is the winner in both the Science Fiction category and Short Stories and Novelettes category of the Best Indie Books of 2012 Awards run by Indie Book Bargains.
'Timeline' can be download in multiple formats for free from the author's website at http://www.davidwailing.com/stories/t...
29 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2012
10 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
David Wailing
23 books59 followersI was born in Nineteen Davidey-Dave (all the best people were born that year) and live in London. I write contemporary fiction, a blend of mystery, thriller and humour.
My most recent novel is Under, a horror/mystery set on the London Underground. Both it and Signal Failure - a prelude short story available for free - are the result of a long-held fascination with the London Underground and its history.
As a native Londoner I have travelled on the Tube thousands of times, but it always feels like inhabiting a slightly different world to the city on the surface. The facts and figures of the Underground are just as fascinating as its mysteries and shadowy corners, and I hope my book does justice to both aspects.
I have five other novels available as Kindle ebooks: Auto, Auto 2, Bang, Duallists and Fake Kate.
My most recent novel is Under, a horror/mystery set on the London Underground. Both it and Signal Failure - a prelude short story available for free - are the result of a long-held fascination with the London Underground and its history.
As a native Londoner I have travelled on the Tube thousands of times, but it always feels like inhabiting a slightly different world to the city on the surface. The facts and figures of the Underground are just as fascinating as its mysteries and shadowy corners, and I hope my book does justice to both aspects.
I have five other novels available as Kindle ebooks: Auto, Auto 2, Bang, Duallists and Fake Kate.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 21, 2012
I'm not sure I like all that "Auto" business... Really frighten me, this story did, even gave me a nightmare! It's another great story set in the not-so distant future where mankind has become heavily dependent on digital stuff to the scary point where (ok I'm exaggerating, but only a teeny weeny bit) the auto would tell people what they want to watch on telly (ok not the best example, but you get the idea). A future that is unlikely to happen? I don't think so...
What is great about this story, and about Relationship Status to the same extent, it's that David Wailing has taken the present, evolved it into a future that is rather plausible, added to it a little pinch of humour (and I still think there is a certain element of satire), and transformed the whole into an interesting and rather thought-provoking story. I really hope there are more stories to come. But for now, after reading all this, I think that the only auto I'll use is my "automobile"...
What is great about this story, and about Relationship Status to the same extent, it's that David Wailing has taken the present, evolved it into a future that is rather plausible, added to it a little pinch of humour (and I still think there is a certain element of satire), and transformed the whole into an interesting and rather thought-provoking story. I really hope there are more stories to come. But for now, after reading all this, I think that the only auto I'll use is my "automobile"...
May 17, 2012
This is another short story set in the same imagined future as Relationship Status. Technology is managing people's lives to such an extent that their 'autos' or on-line assistants can take care of all daily needs including making and updating friendships. I enjoyed both these stories for the way they make me think about our current penchant for sharing our lives through digital media. Some of David's ideas seem wonderful and some absolutely monstrous! I wonder how far we will go in ten years? Currently certain on-line retailers cannot reliably predict which books I would like to read!
David Wailing's writing is clear, light hearted and modern in style and he tackles some unusual subjects and does it in depth. I like his style!
David Wailing's writing is clear, light hearted and modern in style and he tackles some unusual subjects and does it in depth. I like his style!
May 16, 2012
I am not usually a fan of short stories, but any thing by David Wailing is an exception to any rule in my book! He has an ability to create characters that are not only believable but loveable too. Even in his short stories you glean enough information on each character to feel that you 'know' them.
With 'Timeline', and indeed 'Relationship Status' his vision for how technology will evolve, in the next decade or so, is genius. I can absolutely imagine us all walking around with our own Autos.
Timeline was a funpacked read that I know I will return to again and again.
With 'Timeline', and indeed 'Relationship Status' his vision for how technology will evolve, in the next decade or so, is genius. I can absolutely imagine us all walking around with our own Autos.
Timeline was a funpacked read that I know I will return to again and again.
June 22, 2012
Compelling reading. And with Google Specs / Project Glass already well into development and street testing, it's not that far from being entirely plausible.
And somehow I find that rather disturbing. Blink. Send.
And somehow I find that rather disturbing. Blink. Send.
June 9, 2012
I'm not really a science fiction fan so was surprised to find that Timeline is my favourite David Wailing title so far. This short story is amusing, eye-opening and fills you with adrenalin.
It starts as a romance and quickly becomes an exciting crime thriller. Wailing makes use of the same intrusive, futuristic technology introduced in his earlier short, Relationship Status, to tell the tale. Once again, this provides a witty commentary on modern technology, which I enjoyed as much as the storyline.
There are many little gems of brilliance hidden within the story. Look out for the part about private healthcare insurance and the sneaky reference to the 'porch' music introduced in Wailing's novel Fake Kate. I also enjoyed the (mis)use of statistics, which really appealed to me.
When reading from my Kindle, I tend to highlight any truly brilliant bits of text. By the time I finished this short, I'd highlighted half the book.
It starts as a romance and quickly becomes an exciting crime thriller. Wailing makes use of the same intrusive, futuristic technology introduced in his earlier short, Relationship Status, to tell the tale. Once again, this provides a witty commentary on modern technology, which I enjoyed as much as the storyline.
There are many little gems of brilliance hidden within the story. Look out for the part about private healthcare insurance and the sneaky reference to the 'porch' music introduced in Wailing's novel Fake Kate. I also enjoyed the (mis)use of statistics, which really appealed to me.
When reading from my Kindle, I tend to highlight any truly brilliant bits of text. By the time I finished this short, I'd highlighted half the book.
July 7, 2025
An interesting short story that I enjoyed even more so than the first in this 'world' Relationship Status !
This book had an advantage from the start. We already knew the world it was set in and there wasn't as much explaining to do, this made for a very smooth and well laid out short story that packed a real punch.
I especially enjoyed the added bits of information of somewhat improved technology from the last short.
The idea of it was quite terrifying. How can a computer know something that major?
I really liked, and thought it was incredibly smart, when her auto, who in theory is her in a computer, started doing her job. It made perfect sense.
The ending was a surprise, I was expecting something completely different to happen!
This book had an advantage from the start. We already knew the world it was set in and there wasn't as much explaining to do, this made for a very smooth and well laid out short story that packed a real punch.
I especially enjoyed the added bits of information of somewhat improved technology from the last short.
The idea of it was quite terrifying. How can a computer know something that major?
I really liked, and thought it was incredibly smart, when her auto, who in theory is her in a computer, started doing her job. It made perfect sense.
The ending was a surprise, I was expecting something completely different to happen!
May 19, 2012
I am not a reader of short stories usually but having enjoyed David's other work I couldn't wait to read this.
I assumed that with short stories you couldn't really get to know a character. But I was pulled in straight away. Started reading it before I went to work and then carried on at lunch time. I was nearly late down because I didn't want to put it down. I finished it the same day, which is not hard to do with a short story.
David's ideas in Timeline are great. I love the technology and the idea of how it can affect us. There are only really two characters in the story but they are great and well written.
I have loved all of David's work so far and would highly recommend Timeline. It will be 77p well spent.
I really look forward to what's coming next.
I assumed that with short stories you couldn't really get to know a character. But I was pulled in straight away. Started reading it before I went to work and then carried on at lunch time. I was nearly late down because I didn't want to put it down. I finished it the same day, which is not hard to do with a short story.
David's ideas in Timeline are great. I love the technology and the idea of how it can affect us. There are only really two characters in the story but they are great and well written.
I have loved all of David's work so far and would highly recommend Timeline. It will be 77p well spent.
I really look forward to what's coming next.
May 16, 2012
Timeline is another short story set in the same world as Relationship Status.
I suppose it is similarish to Relationship Status in that the autos are taking over a human's life choices. I felt this one had more tension I read it in one sitting (well one lying as I read it in bed lol) and I was on the edge of my proverbial seat as Joanna was racing across London.
It was a decent length for a short story. Just short of 1k locations translates to about ten thousand words. The length was perfectly suited to this story, but I want more from Mr Wailing.
I suppose it is similarish to Relationship Status in that the autos are taking over a human's life choices. I felt this one had more tension I read it in one sitting (well one lying as I read it in bed lol) and I was on the edge of my proverbial seat as Joanna was racing across London.
It was a decent length for a short story. Just short of 1k locations translates to about ten thousand words. The length was perfectly suited to this story, but I want more from Mr Wailing.
July 11, 2012
A fabulous short story that really had the adrenalin going! I had no idea how it was going to end. Again the whole auto thing kind of freaks me out, especially when it comes to the deceased still being able to communicate with the living. The whole idea always has me wondering if this is the way our society is heading and will we one day not really socialise with our colleagues friends and neighbours? A great thrill of a read.
June 24, 2012
In creating the world of Timeline and Relationship Status, Wailing obviously has thought hard about how technology might evolve and the result is plausible... often disturbingly so.
Timeline is everything a short-story should be - fast-paced, exciting, imaginative and insightful; with a unexpected denouement.
Timeline is everything a short-story should be - fast-paced, exciting, imaginative and insightful; with a unexpected denouement.
July 4, 2012
Love this book wish thatch it had a better ending maybe a twist :)
August 28, 2012
A great short story that I think looks uncannily into the future when social networking and the information highway will be ever more ingrained in our lives.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
June 24, 2012
I enjoyed this short story immensely. The premise was new but not foreign - how would your life change if privacy and social connections were inescapable? How intrusive is social media now - how much information do we willingly and unwillingly share about ourselves? How is that information used, dispersed? Can that information paint the wrong picture of our personality and actions - or alibi us in case we are suspected in a crime.
Can that information be used to frame us for a crime we didn't commit?
All these elements are present in this book, and I must admit since it's set in 2022 - it's not an implausible picture of the near future if social media and interaction continues on the path it is currently on.
I love how the author weaved this tale - using technology as the focal point of the story without unnecessary geeky jargon to overshadow the plot. It was the perfect mix of innovation and technology currently available.
There was enough suspense to keep me going, but a resolution that left me satisfied at the end - something often lacking in short stories - they either end up being cliffhangers or anti-climatic.
I think I would read more from the author, especially the two books featured at the end of the short story. Both blurbs seemed interesting, it's nice to see a Kindle story formatted so well.
Can that information be used to frame us for a crime we didn't commit?
All these elements are present in this book, and I must admit since it's set in 2022 - it's not an implausible picture of the near future if social media and interaction continues on the path it is currently on.
I love how the author weaved this tale - using technology as the focal point of the story without unnecessary geeky jargon to overshadow the plot. It was the perfect mix of innovation and technology currently available.
There was enough suspense to keep me going, but a resolution that left me satisfied at the end - something often lacking in short stories - they either end up being cliffhangers or anti-climatic.
I think I would read more from the author, especially the two books featured at the end of the short story. Both blurbs seemed interesting, it's nice to see a Kindle story formatted so well.
October 29, 2012
This was a free Kindle story. It's pretty short, but packs a lot of interesting extensions of today's technology into such a short tale. The story is set around 10 years in the future and the main character is using her latest technological marvel to do her job and to find a boyfriend. What should have been a simple meet and greet with a handsome fellow turns into a harrowing detective story as her digital assistant begins warning her that her date has an ever-escalating chance of being her murderer.
Much of the story was filled with incidental things like a shopping trip and virtual chat that expanded on how much the facebook-style timeline has pervaded the lives of everyone in 2022. Many of the technology extensions seem natural and likely. I thought the least likely idea was that the "autos" (personal assistant devices) would emulate the personalities of their owners. This kind of artificial intelligence seems more than 10 years away.
I liked the way the main mystery resolved itself and that a second mystery was left dangling with a fairly easy answer for the reader. I'd be interested in reading more stories set in this future.
Much of the story was filled with incidental things like a shopping trip and virtual chat that expanded on how much the facebook-style timeline has pervaded the lives of everyone in 2022. Many of the technology extensions seem natural and likely. I thought the least likely idea was that the "autos" (personal assistant devices) would emulate the personalities of their owners. This kind of artificial intelligence seems more than 10 years away.
I liked the way the main mystery resolved itself and that a second mystery was left dangling with a fairly easy answer for the reader. I'd be interested in reading more stories set in this future.
September 15, 2012
It is 2022 and Joanna is going on a date with a man, her auto (a digital assistant) has scored at being 85% compatible with her. But there is also a 24% chance he will kill her. This is the intriguing premise to this short story.
Science fiction is not my genre at all, but I enjoyed this interesting and rather thrilling take on social media in the future. Is this science fiction or just reality for the future?! Whatever the answer, David Wailing draws a world that seems far-fetched on the one hand but frighteningly believable on the other.
What has thrown this man together with Joanna? Why is her auto telling her she will be killed by him? I will not spoil the story but it is a genuine page-turner and I raced to the satisfying conclusion. I have never been overly fond of this futuristic sci-fi genre but Wailing's story engaged me enough to want to look at his other 'auto' stories, and this is an indication of the quality and readability of his writing. Well worth a look.
Science fiction is not my genre at all, but I enjoyed this interesting and rather thrilling take on social media in the future. Is this science fiction or just reality for the future?! Whatever the answer, David Wailing draws a world that seems far-fetched on the one hand but frighteningly believable on the other.
What has thrown this man together with Joanna? Why is her auto telling her she will be killed by him? I will not spoil the story but it is a genuine page-turner and I raced to the satisfying conclusion. I have never been overly fond of this futuristic sci-fi genre but Wailing's story engaged me enough to want to look at his other 'auto' stories, and this is an indication of the quality and readability of his writing. Well worth a look.
September 7, 2015
Great Read! I've read all the stories in the Auto Series so far. I'm hoping there will be more in the near future. These stories really makes one wonder about Social Media in the not so distant future.
As disturbing as some of these stories may be, you can't deny that they have you wanting to know what will happen next. It's not horror, it's entertainment. Although, the thought of something like that happening is horrible. I surely wouldn't want my friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc... knowing everything about me.
I would recommend this series to anyone. Although they're shorts, they're highly entertaining.
As disturbing as some of these stories may be, you can't deny that they have you wanting to know what will happen next. It's not horror, it's entertainment. Although, the thought of something like that happening is horrible. I surely wouldn't want my friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc... knowing everything about me.
I would recommend this series to anyone. Although they're shorts, they're highly entertaining.
August 22, 2012
This was fantastic! It takes where we are going - with Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc and zips you into a possible future. Wonderful exploration of the unknown - or, at least, hinted at in the present - future. Wailing's writing grabs you and pulls you with it, assuming you know some of the technology/basis for the technology while creatively explaining others. (I.e. indirect explanation) I'm impressed with Wailing's skill with words and ability to convey new concepts while not losing plot development and progression of emotion. I highly recommend this short story!
October 18, 2013
Timeline: by David Wailing.
A thrilling roller coaster ride of a story. Timeline is a high intensity, fast paced thriller of a story, which will leave you buzzing. A well thought out vision of the future in 2022, the concepts it explores would make a Luddite out of any sane person. As insightful as a Philip K Dick novel, it explores the weaknesses of the human imagination against a backdrop on reliance on technology. I loved it from beginning to end. It has sat in my T.B.R. list for some time, and little did I know what a gem it was. If I could rate a 6, this short story would get it.
A thrilling roller coaster ride of a story. Timeline is a high intensity, fast paced thriller of a story, which will leave you buzzing. A well thought out vision of the future in 2022, the concepts it explores would make a Luddite out of any sane person. As insightful as a Philip K Dick novel, it explores the weaknesses of the human imagination against a backdrop on reliance on technology. I loved it from beginning to end. It has sat in my T.B.R. list for some time, and little did I know what a gem it was. If I could rate a 6, this short story would get it.
August 9, 2012
From i devices to eye devices, Timeline is a unique futuristic story where people use eyeglasses and blink instead of handheld touch devices. The information retrieved about an individual leaves less and less room for privacy, even providing compatibility ratings for dating.
Joanna discovers something entirely too creepy moments before she meets with her date.
A refreshing change from the everyday mystery clones.
Joanna discovers something entirely too creepy moments before she meets with her date.
A refreshing change from the everyday mystery clones.
August 23, 2012
This was a quick read. Although I enjoyed the story, I was waiting for that "twist" ending. It never came. I know, I didn't write the story, but I could see a couple different endings, instead of the one the author decided upon. Plus, I didn't like the main character. She was a little too "stuck-up, money-hungry, I'm too cool" for my tastes. I should mention this story takes place in the future. I thought that was a neat idea.
December 12, 2012
Entertaining short story about a Londoner in the future initially excited about a forthcoming date. Except her gadget tells her some information that makes her start panicking...
I have a habit of trying to guess the twists/endings of books before I've finished reading them and this one was no different, except I guessed incorrectly which I was very happy with.
Regarding all the futuristic gadgetry and the reliance on them, I'm so glad we're not at that stage yet in real life!
I have a habit of trying to guess the twists/endings of books before I've finished reading them and this one was no different, except I guessed incorrectly which I was very happy with.
Regarding all the futuristic gadgetry and the reliance on them, I'm so glad we're not at that stage yet in real life!
June 20, 2012
Returning once again to the world established in "Relationship Status," Timeline focuses briefly on the character of Joanna O’Donnell, a data analyst living in London. When her auto, (an automated personal assistant that sorts out every aspect of her life), reveals that the man she's due to meet may be trying to kill her, Joanna experiences an evening she will never forget...
January 11, 2013
Thought provoking stuff!!
I really enjoyed this. The story is actually very thought provoking and alludes to the "big brother" technology which we're all aware of; but are we really???
The tension is built expertly and I never saw the ending coming at all. It's written really well with a careful hand and I'll be reading more of his work.
I really enjoyed this. The story is actually very thought provoking and alludes to the "big brother" technology which we're all aware of; but are we really???
The tension is built expertly and I never saw the ending coming at all. It's written really well with a careful hand and I'll be reading more of his work.
January 25, 2013
I really enjoyed this short story. It was thrilling and exciting, and it had me sitting on the edge of my seat while I read as fast as I could to find out what happens next! I have read Wailing's short story Relationship Status and enjoyed it, and am looking forward to reading the rest of Wailing's stories in the Auto Series!
April 28, 2013
Read this (short) story very quickly as I found myself racing through the pages to find out what happened next! I think the subject matter of autos is actually a good one, and probably not as far fetched as you might imagine! I hope this gets developed into a full blown book which the story truly deserves.
June 16, 2012
A great short story. It combines innovation, imagination and humour. I Googled the author after reading it and, because the story is centred on social networks, I kept feeling as if I was in the story... one to remember, definitely.
October 22, 2012
I loved this short story sent in 2022. it is so well written that I felt I was in London with the main character going through all the emotions she did. Very clever plot and use of technology had me gripped throughout. I definitely want to read more by this author.
June 24, 2012
Good short futuristic story. well worth a read .
June 19, 2012
Very good futuristic book. Makes u wonder where technology will be in the future. Well written - love short stories that u want to know what's going to happen next.
June 25, 2012
This was a nice little read. I preferred it to his similar story, Relationship Status.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews