By: Owen Blackburn

In the realm of speculative fiction, time-travel stories occupy a distinctive and engaging space. The concept of traveling to the past or future opens up many possibilities, but it also introduces a complex set of rules and challenges that authors must thoughtfully navigate. Lee Matthew Goldberg’s Miles in Time addresses these challenges directly, crafting an intriguing and thoughtful narrative about a young amateur detective, Miles Hardy, who travels back in time to investigate the mystery of his brother Simon’s murder.

At first glance, Miles in Time might appear to be a straightforward mystery. However, as Goldberg reveals in his behind-the-scenes look at the novel’s development, the rules of time-travel play an important role in shaping the plot and characters. Unlike some time-travel stories that may gloss over the implications of such a journey, Goldberg’s approach is grounded in the idea that any misstep in time could potentially have significant consequences.

The Rules of Time Travel

One of the first things readers will notice in Miles in Time is the defined set of guidelines that govern the use of the time machine. Miles’ brother, Simon, leaves behind a book titled The Do’s and Don’t’s of Time Travel, which acts as a kind of manual for the young detective’s journey. The most important rule is clear: “Your past self cannot know about the time machine, nor can anyone see the two of you together.”

The rule itself seems simple enough: don’t interfere with the past. It’s a classic time-travel trope seen in many works, including movies like Back to the Future. However, Goldberg offers a fresh take on this rule. Rather than keeping Miles’ past and future selves separate, he allows them to meet and work together. This decision not only adds complexity to the plot but also creates a unique opportunity for character development. As Goldberg points out, the dual existence of Miles from the past and present provides a way for the character to learn from himself and grow.

Miles from the Past and Present

A major challenge for Goldberg in writing Miles in Time was creating two distinct versions of the same character—Miles from the past and Miles from the present. The trick, as Goldberg explains, is to make both versions of Miles believable as the same person while ensuring they are distinct enough for readers to differentiate between them.

Miles from the present is more worldly and confident. After all, he has faced real-world challenges, including the death of his brother and the need to solve a complex mystery. In contrast, Miles from the past is still a teenager, shy and uncertain about his own abilities. In one pivotal scene, past Miles is too nervous to talk to his crush at school, while present Miles has the courage to confront his emotions and take risks.

It’s in these moments of contrast that the strength of the time-travel narrative becomes clear. Through the interaction between the two Miles, Goldberg explores themes of growth and self-discovery. The older Miles, having gone through significant trauma and hardship, has developed resilience and a more outgoing personality. In turn, the younger Miles learns from his future self and begins to break free from the inhibitions that have held him back.

This duality between past and present allows readers to witness a unique evolution of character, one that doesn’t rely solely on external circumstances but on the internal journey of self-improvement. Miles from the past isn’t simply a foil to the present Miles; he’s a mirror that reflects the potential for change, growth, and maturity.

The Mystery at the Heart of the Story

While the exploration of time-travel and character development is compelling, Miles in Time is also a gripping mystery. At the heart of the novel lies the murder of Simon, Miles’ brother, and the race against time to uncover the killer’s identity. But as Miles travels back into the past, he realizes that the crime isn’t just about solving a death; it’s about preserving his brother’s legacy and, ultimately, safeguarding the integrity of the time machine that allowed him to make this journey.

In some ways, the time-travel aspect of the story becomes secondary to the emotional stakes of the mystery. Miles is not only trying to solve his brother’s murder but also grappling with the loss of someone he loved deeply. The time machine is a tool that allows him to explore changes in the past, but it also becomes a symbol of his desire to understand and perhaps influence the events that shaped his life. In this sense, the mystery is as much about emotional healing as it is about uncovering facts.

The interplay between personal loss and time manipulation creates a strong emotional current throughout the story. Goldberg’s decision to focus on the emotional consequences of time-travel rather than just the mechanics of it demonstrates his thoughtful approach as a writer. While the rules of time-travel are important, it is the emotional journeys of the characters that anchor the novel and encourage readers to connect.

The Future of the Miles in Time Series

The world Goldberg has created in Miles in Time doesn’t end with the first book. As Goldberg hints in the author’s notes, the sequel Time Fixers will take Miles even further into the past, this time to the year 1999, to address challenges in his mother’s life. The continuation of the time-travel theme presents new challenges and new opportunities for character growth, and readers can likely expect the same level of emotional depth and intrigue that Goldberg developed in the first installment.

Miles in Time is an example of how time-travel stories can extend beyond the mechanics of time itself. By focusing on character development, emotional stakes, and thoughtful rules of time manipulation, Goldberg has crafted a novel that may appeal to fans of mystery, science fiction, and storytelling alike.

Order Miles in Time and Preorder Time Fixers

Consider exploring the YA time-travel mystery series by Lee Matthew Goldberg. Miles in Time: A YA Time Travel Mystery is available on Amazon, inviting readers to follow Miles Hardy’s journey as he works to uncover the mystery of his brother’s murder across time. Additionally, the sequel Time Fixers is scheduled for release on June 3, 2025, with preorders available. In this upcoming installment, Miles travels back to 1999 to address challenges in his mother’s past.

Miles in Time is currently available, and Time Fixers can be preordered through Amazon.