By: Isla Montgomery

Lee Matthew Goldberg’s Miles in Time offers a captivating mix of mystery, time travel, and teen angst, drawing readers into the life of Miles Hardy, an amateur detective who seeks to solve the murder of his brother, Simon. Initially conceived as a standalone book, the story expands into something much bigger, and Goldberg’s exploration of time travel opens up a narrative with numerous possibilities.

What begins as a seemingly typical murder mystery takes readers on a thrilling journey through the past, with a young protagonist using a time machine to investigate his brother’s untimely death. But time travel, as Goldberg demonstrates, can extend beyond solving one mystery. It allows for revisiting past traumas, unraveling family secrets, and examining how the past influences the present—elements that ultimately inspired Goldberg’s eagerly awaited sequel, Time Fixers.

Time, Trauma, and Family

In Miles in Time, the focus primarily rests on Miles Hardy’s quest to uncover the truth behind Simon’s murder, utilizing his time-traveling abilities. However, as the story progresses, it suggests that Miles’ journey isn’t solely about solving the mystery of his brother’s death but also about understanding the complex connections and intricacies of family. The revelation of his mother’s mental health struggles and her eventual path toward institutionalization lays the groundwork for the sequel. But what led to the decision to write a sequel?

According to Goldberg, a time-travel narrative can naturally expand to explore countless storylines. While the first book revolves around a murder mystery, the sequel shifts toward a more personal, emotional tone, delving deeper into the history of Miles’ family, particularly his mother. Time Fixers brings Miles back to 1999, the year his parents first met in high school, weaving together a storyline that combines the search for truth with the desire to heal familial wounds.

In Time Fixers, Goldberg guides the reader on a new adventure, where Miles travels back in time not just to solve a mystery but to potentially alter his mother’s trajectory before her life spirals into turmoil. What he discovers is a nuanced narrative of abuse, trauma, and the weight of hidden family secrets, culminating in an emotionally charged storyline that reflects on what it truly means to be family. The novel considers not just traditional family ties but also the idea that friends—people who may not share blood—can sometimes provide comfort and support when family cannot.

The thematic evolution from mystery to healing in Time Fixers showcases Goldberg’s ability to transition from the tight suspense of the first novel into something more introspective. By intertwining the mystery of the past with Miles’ personal stakes—attempting to save his mother from her abusive past—Goldberg crafts a narrative that touches on themes of love, loss, and redemption.

The Shift from Mystery to Family Drama

Where Miles in Time centers on a full-on mystery, Time Fixers leans more into the emotional complexities of what it means to be a son and the profound lengths Miles might go to to mend his fractured family. Goldberg’s exploration of family dynamics in the second book feels particularly relevant, as it addresses how trauma can shape relationships, leaving scars across generations. This shift introduces another layer to the storytelling, allowing readers to connect with Miles not just as a detective but as a vulnerable young man facing challenges that extend beyond any mystery he’s solved.

In Time Fixers, readers see Miles at a crossroads between his past and future, grappling with the emotional toll of his mother’s mental health struggles. For a long time, Miles had been close to his mother, but her downward spiral had created distance between them. The young detective now feels compelled to fix things, to save his mother before it’s too late. But it’s far from simple—revisiting the past often means confronting painful family history.

Goldberg’s decision to explore his mother’s traumatic past in this sequel enables him to touch on difficult yet important topics like abuse, mental health, and the generational effects of trauma. By framing this exploration through time travel, Goldberg allows Miles—and readers—to witness his mother’s struggles from a new perspective. In attempting to save her from her past, Miles gains insight into resilience, love, and the power of forgiveness.

Time Travel and the Bonds That Define Us

At its core, Time Fixers is a narrative about understanding and reconciling with the past. While the mystery of Simon’s death drives the first book, the emotional backbone of the sequel is Miles’s effort to address his mother’s past—a past that has shaped who she is, and who he is, in ways they might not fully grasp. What makes this sequel especially compelling is that the narrative isn’t just about saving someone but about understanding them in ways time had obscured. By returning to 1999, Miles hopes to mitigate the traumas that could have contributed to his mother’s mental health struggles and, perhaps, prevent further family disintegration.

Goldberg not only crafts an intricate mystery in Time Fixers but also presents a broader story about healing and how sometimes, the things we strive to fix are not just external—they often reside within the fabric of our families. It’s a complex, emotionally raw, and at times heartbreaking narrative, but one that readers may find both compelling and relatable.

A Sequel That Resonates

Goldberg’s transition from the mystery of Miles in Time to the emotional depth of Time Fixers feels organic, as the author taps into the storytelling potential of time travel. With a well-developed plot, memorable characters, and a thoughtful exploration of trauma and healing, Time Fixers could leave readers eager for the next chapter in Miles’ journey.

Miles in Time and Time Fixers provide more than just time-travel thrills—they present an emotionally resonant story about family, love, and the persistent desire to mend what’s broken. As Goldberg’s characters confront their personal histories, readers are invited to consider that sometimes, the most important mysteries to solve are the ones within ourselves.

Order Miles in Time Now and Preorder Time Fixers

Don’t miss the thrilling YA time-travel mystery series! Order Miles In Time: A YA Time Travel Mystery by Lee Matthew Goldberg now on Amazon and embark on Miles Hardy’s journey to solve his brother’s murder across time. Plus, prepare for the sequel, Time Fixers—preorder it today and join Miles as he travels back to 1999 to confront his mother’s past trauma. Miles In Time is available now, and Time Fixers is set to release on June 3, 2025! Order Miles In Time on Amazon | Preorder Time Fixers on Amazon.

Published by Joseph T.