Miles in Time

by Lee Matthew Goldberg

From the Author of the Runaway Train series comes Miles in Time, a Thrilling Time-Travel Mystery for Young Detectives.

Solve the mystery, save the future…

14-year-old Miles Hardy spends most of his time as an amateur Sherlock Holmes and running his detective agency with his good friend and loyal assistant, Kevin. However, in sleepy Frontier, Iowa, it’s been hard to snag a case bigger than finding some old lady’s missing cat—until Miles’ genius older brother, Simon the inventor, winds up dead.

Using his knack for uncovering hidden truths, Miles stumbles upon a secret lab where his late brother, Simon, created a groundbreaking time machine. Among the discoveries is a chilling video Simon recorded before his death, revealing his fear of being followed and a dire if anything happens to him, Miles must use the time machine to uncover who is after the invention and stop them. The stakes couldn’t be higher—if the device falls into the wrong hands, the future itself could be at risk.
From suspicious classmates to shadowy corporations, no one is above suspicion as Miles races against time to solve his first real case. But one wrong move could change everything—and running into his past self is strictly off-limits.

Can Miles crack the case, save his brother’s life, and protect the future? Or will time run out before he uncovers the truth? Grab your copy of Miles in Time today and find out!

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Science Fiction, Time Travel

306 pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2025

About the author

Lee Matthew Goldberg is the author of fourteen novels including THE ANCESTOR and THE MENTOR along with his five-book DESIRE CARD series. His YA series RUNAWAY TRAIN is currently in script development with actress Raegan Revord from TVs Young Sheldon off his original written pilot. The GREAT GIMMELMANS comes out in 2023. He has been published in multiple languages and nominated for an Anthony Award, the Lefty, and the Prix du Polar. After graduating with an MFA from the New School, his writing has also appeared as a contributor in Pipeline Artists, LitHub, The Los Angeles Review of Books, Electric Literature, The Millions, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, LitReactor, Mystery Tribune, The Big Idea, Monkeybicycle, Fiction Writers Review, Cagibi, Necessary Fiction, Hypertext, If My Book, Past Ten, the anthology Dirty Boulevard, The Montreal Review, The Adirondack Review, The New Plains Review, Maudlin House and others. His pilots and screenplays have been finalists in Script Pipeline, Book Pipeline, Stage 32, We Screenplay, the New York Screenplay, Screencraft, and the Hollywood Screenplay contests. He is the co-curator of The Guerrilla Lit Reading Series and lives in New York City. Follow him at LeeMatthewGoldberg.com

Reviews

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a YA time travel mystery that could be enjoyed by anyone 12 and up. I had a fun time reading this and read it over 2 days. It pulled me in right away and it was a nice escape from the world that I needed. 

Miles is a 14 yr old boy who runs his amateur detective agency with his friend Kevin. When a tragedy occurs in his family, he must travel back in time to try and change what happened. I really liked Mike's a lot. I actually felt really bad for him throughout the book for the way his family and friends treated him. I was rooting for him to accomplish what he set out to do. There were some twists I didn't see coming and the mystery of what happened kept me engaged.

I hope this continues on to a series. I think Lee Matthew Goldberg is a really talented story teller. I have read multiple books by him and have enjoyed them all. 

Thank you to the publisher, Suzy approved book tours and the author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: Miles In Time
AUTHOR: Lee Matthew Goldberg
PUB DATE: 05.06.2025

14-year-old Miles Hardy loves being a detective, running his own agency with his best friend, Kevin. Life in sleepy Frontier, Iowa has been pretty quiet—until his genius older brother, Simon, turns up dead.

While looking into Simon's death, Miles discovers a hidden lab and a time machine Simon invented. He also finds a video from Simon, warning that someone is after him and urging Miles to use the time machine to find out who and stop them. If the wrong person gets control of the machine, it could change the future forever.

Now, Miles is racing against time to figure out who’s behind his brother’s death, but every move counts. And the one thing he must avoid? Meeting his past self.

THOUGHTS:

Miles in Time by Lee Matthew Goldberg is an absolute page-turner, perfect for readers of all ages who crave a thrilling sci-fi adventure with a time-bending mystery at its core. The story is packed with heart, and the protagonist, Miles, is both intelligent and driven, making him a captivating character to follow. His determination to solve puzzles and unravel mysteries keeps the momentum high throughout the book. I especially enjoyed the unexpected twists and turns—each one adding a new layer of excitement. A truly fun and rewarding read!

[Tanisha Storey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ARC read that I received. MILES in Time is a YA Time Travel Mystery novel that was an enjoyable read! Miles is a 14-year old kid who uncovers a tragedy in his family and has to go back in time to try to fix it.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book; I instantly connected with Miles and was rooting for him to succeed. I felt so bad for him! Between his family life and his social life poor Miles doesn’t have much going for him. Always being compared to his older brother and shunned at school and home he really has a rough go of things. His mission to help his family is so sweet considering he could go the complete opposite way and just not care about them since they seem content to forget about him.

I cried 30% into this book! Didn’t see that coming. There were parts that were annoying to me, basically any scene that had Kevin in it. He was too abrasive and immature for me to be able to tolerate him and I hope Miles gets better friends. I was shocked by the twists and turns that this book had and am super curious to see what happens in the next book given what I think Miles new objective will be.

Does have some mature content that probably isn’t suited for those under 13 as an FYI for those with younger readers.

Well done, Lee Matthew Goldberg!!

[Shylo Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Miles In Time by Lee Matthew Goldberg. It is a YA time traveling mystery.

Miles is a 14 year old high school student who runs his own amateur detective agency. There aren’t many exciting cases to investigate in his small town until one morning he finds his older brother, Simon has been murdered. Simon was an aspiring scientist working on creating the very first Time Machine. Can Miles find his Time Machine, travel back in time and try to save his brothers life?

Miles In Time is full of twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat. Not a genre I’d normally go for, but I really loved it!

[April B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review Day!

Miles In Time

By Lee Matthew Goldberg

This book is incredible!  I love it!

Miles is a super smart kid with quick wit and drive to solve mysteries, while Iowa doesn't have the most exciting cases to solve, Miles knows a true mystery will come his way at some point.  Miles gets his big case but he didn't expect it so close to home, his older inventor brother Simon winds up dead!  Miles starts digging into what Simon was working on and discovers a secret lab with the ultimate invention, a time machine!  Simon left a video behind with his worries that he was being followed and Miles needs to use the time machine to stop the people responsible, so begins an action packed adventure!

Miles is a fun character to follow not just because of his wit but he genuinely cares for those around him and his relationship with Simon pulls the heartstrings throughout the book.  The murder mystery paired with the Sci fi elements of time travel creates an unique setup that can appeal to both YA and adult readers alike.  I greatly enjoyed Miles search for answers, so many suspects and theories to keep you engaged page after page. During the time travel investigation, Miles and Simon begin to heal a fractured relationship and that was a beautiful moment, the love is very real and you feel it while you read.  The ending was satisfying but well set up for the next book.  The author does an outstanding job at balancing murder mystery, Sci fi, teenage tribulations, family drama and action in a well paced novel with detailed world building!

[Ishani Guha-Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟
I received this book as an arc read, and I absolutely devoured it. All the characters were brilliant, especially the hero Miles, a 14 year old who runs a detective agency with his best friend Kevin. But a tragedy occurs, and he is thrust back in time to fix it. I was really rooting for him from the start; Miles is written with plenty of humour, wit, and empathy. There are twists and turns aplenty, and it is surprisingly quite emotionally heavy at times. Strong family ties and connections are the underlying message throughout.
A satisfying ending which will no doubt lead to more adventures. I can not wait! Well done, Lee Matthew Goldberg!

[Brittany McMahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't generally read YA books, but I was instantly drawn into this one. It was emotional and intriguing. It touches on bullying and the significant importance of family and friends. The writing is great and I'd definitely recommend it to the teenage crowd.

[Daniela D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC, and I am so glad I got to read it!! It is not usually a book I would read, but I really did enjoy it!

I read the book over two days, and it kept me very engaged the whole time! I loved experiencing the mystery unfold!

I am a huge fan of world building, so I personally feel like there could have been more, but other than that, it was all very enjoyable! I had fun waiting to see what the characters would do next!

I am looking forward to number two!

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always on the hunt for a new book series for my son whose thirteen! It’s sometimes difficult since one it needs to be exciting , and two he has dyslexia so it takes a bit longer for him to sit down and read a book! He really enjoyed this book! This was the perfect time travel mystery that could be enjoyed by anyone twelve and older.
Miles is fourteen and he runs his own detective agency with his best friend Kevin. Miles admires Sherlock Holmes and he has a brother Simon who is extremely intelligent and invents unique things to make the world a better place. Living in Iowa finding a big case is hard to find, that is until Miles’ genius older brother, Simon the inventor, winds up dead. Miles stumbles upon a secret lab where his late brother, Simon, created a groundbreaking time machine. Among the discoveries is a chilling video Simon recorded before his death, revealing his fear of being followed and a dire if anything happens to him, Miles must use the time machine to uncover who is after the invention and stop them. The stakes couldn’t be higher—if the device falls into the wrong hands, the future itself could be at risk.
From suspicious classmates to shadowy corporations, no one is above suspicion as Miles races against time to solve his first real case. But one wrong move could change everything—and running into his past self is strictly off-limits.
Can Miles crack the case, save his brother’s life, and protect the future? Or will time run out before he uncovers the truth?

[Darina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, wild, action packed funny adventure for mid schoolers age 12-14.

Being an adult, I enjoyed reading it very much. It was super fun and it was such a great retreat from adulting! I love time traveling stories. And I liked that it was easy on breaking all adult time-traveling stories’ rules. Don’t meet with your past self. Don’t tell anyone you are from the future. Don’t try to change the past. Bla bla bla… Break all them boring rules and forget the consequences, yay! 😁

The best advice for adults who want to read it is to relax, shut off that rational adult brain of yours, pretend that you are 14 again, that the world didn’t ruin you, that you don’t know any better, and fave fun as much I as I did while reading this book.

What I also loved about it is that it touched the topics all teenagers, boys especially, are fixated on but the cuss language was adapted to be sharp yet age appropriate.

For parents: parental discretion is advised. There is a sensitive topic of an on-page detailed description of a death of an immediate relative that was ruled out as a suicide. There is no way around it as this was something that set the main chain of events in motion.

Also, take a note that both MMC and his crush are romantically interested in both boys and girls.

The book also covers a video range of mental health disorders.

If you are ok with everything above, read it and you will have a lot of fun.

[rosalinda.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was mesmerizing to read. I didn’t even notice the time. I had already read quite a lot before I had to stop because of something I needed to do. I love the brotherly bond between Miles and Simon. Even though they hadn’t really been part of each other’s lives for years (I can’t go into detail since it might spoil something), the connection between them was still strong. That’s why Simon trusted Miles with something very important.

I got curious about what would happen next, so I couldn’t stop reading. I even found myself guessing who the culprit was, haha. I also love the Okoboji language. I tried to crack the code too, haha. I know this is just Book 1, but I’m really excited to read Book 2. I’m curious to see what happens next and I hope they succeed again.

There was a point where I hated Kevin, haha. I thought something bad was going to happen because of him. But honestly, Simon was right and if I were in his place, I would have done and said the same thing, haha.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I got so into it that I completely lost track of time. It is definitely worth reading.

-
Thank you Author Lee Matthew Goldberg
for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Navina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was always a little nerdy when it comes to time travel so I was cheerful surprised by the book.

From the beginning to the end I was rooting for the lead Character Miles to accomplish his task.

With every twist and turn I was thinking could I do all this what he's doing? And with 14 too?
No probably not.

Mr. Goldberg has once again managed to move me emotionally. There was a depth in the characters with their flaws that sometimes left me speechless.

The moral I take with me is strong family ties and connections with others are the things that matters.

The only reason why I didn't give the Book five stars was that I'm a fan of world building. Sure, the story was in a modern setting and I was able to figure out a lot with human reason and logic, but I would have liked more details to really dwell in it.

Last but not least I can't wait for another adventure!

[Paige Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a big fan of YA but I absolutely loved The Great Gimmelmans by Lee Matthew Goldberg so I figured I would give Miles In Time a try. This book is fantastic! Miles In Time kept my attention, I needed to keep reading it to see what happened next. I told my children little tidbits while I was reading the book and they are so excited to read it! My 14 year old is just getting into reading and I think this is the perfect book for her to love it. Miles stole my heart from the beginning and I didn’t want the story to end.

I definitely recommend this book for preteen/teens even adults that enjoy YA! Lee Matthew Goldberg has done it again and is an auto read author for me!!

I received this as an arc in exchange for my honest review.

[David Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this YA time travel story from beginning to end. Once again the author's writing style and craftsmanship come together perfectly to tell this engaging tale that is wonderfully paced and plotted. The characters are very well fleshed out with distinct personalities that are relatable and familiar. The mystery is fun to investigate right along with Miles. The stakes are high and time is running out but our new hero proves more than capable. I can't wait to see what case presents itself in the next book in the series, Time Fixers. (look for my review of it on July 5th)

Thank you to the author, Wise Wolf Books and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.

[Melissa Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got a message about receiving an arc of this book by Lee Matthew Goldberg, it’s not the usual type of story i read but i must say i was hooked.

The killer being Smith was not something i would’ve ever expected, maybe that’s just me being blind to romance but i truly didn’t take in how many times he asked for Simon.

The writing is easy to understand making the book such a fast read i started it yesterday and finished today, one of my quickest ever as i was so desperate to find out what came next.
I look forward to hearing more about the mums story and hopefully saving her.

[ash✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sci-fi thriller is a game-changer! With its unique blend of time travel, mystery, and detective work, it's a page-turner that will keep you hooked. The story follows a young scientist's brother as he travels back in time to prevent his brother's murder and unravel the conspiracy behind it. What makes it even more intriguing is the collaboration between the protagonist's past and future selves, adding a complex layer to the narrative.

With its engaging plot, well-crafted characters, and unexpected twists, this book earns a solid 5-star rating from me. The cliffhanger ending sets the stage for the next installment, leaving me eagerly anticipating the continuation of the series. If you're a fan of sci-fi, mystery, or time travel stories, this book is a must-read!

[madi · Rating 4 out of 5]

ahh i really enjoyed this book! i’ve never read a time travel book before, this was executed very well!
if you’re looking for a good YA time travel book this is definitely a good place to start!!
Miles is a 14 yo “detective”, he runs his own little agency to solve mystery’s in his town. well when his brother finishes his time machine he realizes he’s being followed and something bad happens and Miles needs to go back in time and figure out who did it and might even repair some relationships in the process.
thank you to the author for sending me an arc!!

[Cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miles in Time is a true rollercoaster of emotions. It made me laugh and cry, and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I read this story in a day!

The characters are well-rounded, relatable and endearing. I felt like I was back in childhood watching The Goonies or Stand by Me.

If you’re a fan of sci-fi, mystery, raw emotions and adventure, this book definitely is for you!

Thank you Lee Matthew Goldberg for this opportunity of an ARC read!

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read several books by this author and always enjoy their work, but Miles in Time—my first dive into their YA writing—might just be my favorite yet.
This story is a brilliant blend of mystery, sci-fi, and heart, wrapped in a fast-paced adventure that’s impossible to put down.
It’s a thoughtful journey through identity, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
I absolutely loved Miles—his curiosity, courage, and quick thinking make him a character you can’t help but root for.

[Holly Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely coming of age sci-fi novel! I really enjoyed the plot and the characters.

I enjoyed following Miles who is a wannabe detective who is trying to solve his brother Simon’s murder. He was funny and relatable and really rather down to earth. He gets mixed up in time travel in an attempt to save his brother and we also see the bond between Miles and his brother. This was what I enjoyed the most as initially it showed that they’d grown apart, but by the end, they were practically best friends again.

The plot was easy to follow and definitely dropped some exciting clues along the way. It’s obvious that the organisation the antagonist was with is going to continue being the antagonist in further books and I’m excited to read!

It’s definitely aimed at Young Adults/ Young Teens and it is absolutely worth the read! Although I enjoyed this immensely as an adult!

[Lacy Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I feel any teen would want to read. It’s about bonding and fixing what was broken. The writing is really good it gets all the emotions of the characters and puts your detective skills to good use.

[Christy Tapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book!! Very well written and extremely hard to put down to get anything else done. If you love a good YA adventure book then I highly recommend. I can’t wait to get a physical copy because I know my kids are going to enjoy this too!

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

MILES in Time pulled me in from page one—an emotional, fast-paced mystery packed with heart, friendship, and family bonds that truly matter. I adored Miles! His curiosity and courage had me rooting for him the whole way through. With twists I didn’t see coming, this was a fun and thoughtful escape I read in just a couple of sittings. Can’t wait to see what comes next!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book for free to review and it was absolutely amazing! I loved everything about it. The characters, the story line. This is a book I’ll definitely recommend to people! Can’t wait to read the second one.

[Andrea Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Miles in Time had me channeling my inner teen. As an adult, I genuinely enjoyed following a teenager’s journey through time, but when it comes to YA, the emphasis here is definitely on the young side. Miles is 14 years old, and I found myself thinking about how much my younger self would have absolutely loved this book — especially the excitement of trying to predict who the killer might be.

To really get into the story, I had to put myself back in my high school shoes. Once I did, I could completely understand the characters’ feelings and emotions. The way the high school cliques were portrayed brought on a strong sense of nostalgia for me.

Overall, I loved the plot twist and the story kept me engaged. The only downside for me was reading about a 14-year-old “growing a tent in his pants” — it felt unnecessary and pulled me out of the moment a bit. Other than that, it was a great read!

[Linda Zagon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Matthew Goldberg, the Author of “Miles in Time” has written a captivating and entertaining novel. The Genres for this book are : Teen and Young Adult Time Travel, Teen and Young Adult Coming of Age, Fiction, Teen and Young Adult Mysteries and Detective Stories, and Mystery and Thriller. This is the perfect mystery filled with time travel, young scientists , and young detectives. The author vividly describes his complex and complicated characters, as well as the props and scenery.

Simon and Miles Hardy are brothers that attend the same school, but at times seem like strangers. Simon is extremely intelligent and invents unique things to make the world a better place. Miles likes to be a detective, admires Sherlock Holmes, and runs an amateur detective agency. They come from a dysfunctional family. Miles is the younger brother and hangs around with his friend Kevin. One of the bigger cases that Miles and Kevin have research is their neighbor’s missing cat. They get payed in home baked pies.

Miles is curious and and discovers a video that his brother Simon had left him. He also discovers a hidden lab, where Simon created a Time Machine. In present time, it seems that someone has wanted Simon dead. It is up to Miles to investigate, uncover and possible stop this. This is both risky and dangerous. Miles realizes that there are many suspects. Will he be able to save both his brother and the Time Machine?

I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of family, friends, neighbors and community. In this book, Lee Matthew Goldberg does discuss contemporary subjects such as bullying, and students with individual needs. It is also pointed out that one can’t judge a person without really knowing them. I recommend this thought-provoking novel for inquisitive readers. I look forward to the next novel.

[Julie Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers: Lee Matthew Goldberg has a tendency to give his Readers a wild ride. Slow Down was a drug trip about a Hollywood hopeful who gets involved with an experimental film that gets too experimental and deadly. Orange City is about a copywriter in a futuristic society who samples a drink that is used to drug and ultimately control the people. The Mentor features an editor who is stalked by an author who turns to violence and murder for inspiration. The Desire Card is a five volume series about several people who become involved with a nefarious organization that promises their deepest desires but with strict payments and penalties that are literally real killers. His latest, Miles in Time, is more conventional as it is written for a YA readership, but it still retains much of the suspense, tension, unpredictable chaos, and plot twists of its predecessors.

Miles Hardy is a teen with a fascination for mysteries so he opens up a private investigation service. Unfortunately, serious mysteries and crimes are hard to come by in small town Frontier, Iowa and he can search for missing cats for so long. However, he is hit with a very serious crime when his secretive older brother, Simon, dies in what was originally believed to be suicide but evidence points to murder. Devastated but determined, Miles receives coded messages that SImon sent him in advance that leads him to a mysterious lab which holds Simon’s secret project: a time machine. Miles must use the time machine to travel to a week before his brother's death to save his life and find out who wants him dead.

Because Miles in Time crosses genres with Science Fiction and Mystery, it combines tropes from both to create an interesting amalgam of two separate tones and styles. In some ways both genres rely on curiosity. Science Fiction asks “What if?” and involves imagining possibilities and procedures to lead to the answer to that initial question. Mysteries often ask “What happened and who did it” and involve seeking clues and leads to come to a credible conclusion. Mysteries asks that you look around you while Science Fiction asks that you imagine what lies ahead but both are genres which involve discovery.

That is what is at play here. Both Hardy Brothers go through their own individual quests of discovery to come to their conclusions. Simon spends his time in his lab, testing his theories about time travel, experimenting by sending his guinea pig Stinkers into the past, writing messages in code, and transcribing his notes into book form so Miles can understand and follow it. His goal is to prove that time travel is possible and that the past can be changed. His quest requires thought, intellect, and analysis of data.

Miles however is more physically than mentally active. He spends his time observing his surroundings for any changes in normal patterns, asking open ended questions that lead to potential leads, sneaking into forbidden places, and gathering clues in a way that ties all of the evidence together to draw conclusions. His goal is to find his brother’s murderer and to defeat potential enemies. His quest requires strength, courage and attention to detail.

There are many suspenseful moments that occur during Miles’s trip to the past. No one is above suspicion. Miles investigates the school bully, Simon’s clique, his detached father, his mentally ill mother, a teacher who appears to have encouraged Simon’s pursuits, and a curious and attentive girl that Miles is attracted to. There is also a mysterious organization that hampers Miles’s investigation, seem to know a great deal about Simon’s experiment, and aren't afraid to get violent if need be even towards kids. It’s a tight plot with plenty of dangerous situations that Miles has to use his wits to escape from. It’s the kind of book that keeps the Reader fascinated with the various questions and Miles’ pursuit in answering them.

There is also plenty of emotional depth in the book that thankfully doesn’t get in the way of the overall suspenseful and inquisitive tone. There are a lot of soft emotions in Miles’ relationship with his mother for example. She is a haunting presence as someone who lives in a semi-catatonic state in which she is awake and is able to move but is mentally separated from her family. She says very little except the occasional non sequitur rages and moves so seldomly that she has to be fed and given medicine by hand. She is like a dependent frightened child but occasionally she seems to know or understand more than she can admit. The brothers and their father clearly love her but are overwhelmed and anxious about her slipping away from her family.

Miles and Simon's fraternal relationship is the real soul of the book. The chapter where Miles discovers Simon’s body is heartbreaking as is his anguish and remorse over the distance between the two brothers. During his time travel adventure, Miles stays by his brother’s side pretending that he is interviewing him for a school assignment and is able to see the world through Simon’s perspective. The time travel and the investigation gives Miles and Simon an opportunity to understand, empathize, and bond with one another.

Ironically, Miles’ time in the past is the longest most pleasant experience that the two brothers shared in years. They are able to repair a relationship that was once close when they created imaginary worlds and secret codes but has become distant when maturity, puberty, and different interests and perspectives got in the way. Miles may have traveled through time to save Simon, but it was clear that the brothers needed to save each other.

As with many ongoing series, Miles in Time leaves some questions unanswered and some plot points unresolved for the next volume. This first volume is a strong sharp start and hopefully the next volume will continue to be that way.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miles in Time is a page-turner—a high-stakes mystery with heart, humor, and a ton of imagination. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, it’s an adventure worth taking. Told through the eyes of 14-year-old Miles Hardy, the story immerses readers in his thoughts, emotions, and evolving sense of courage as he embarks on a time-traveling quest to uncover the truth and protect the future.
As a longtime fan of time travel stories, I’m always on the lookout for authors who bring fresh ideas to the genre while respecting the internal logic that makes time travel so compelling. In Miles in Time, Lee Matthew Goldberg delivers exactly that—an engaging, twist-filled adventure that blends mystery, suspense, and smart science fiction, all with a tone that’s pitch-perfect for young adult readers.

Miles Hardy is an insecure yet brave amateur detective who finds himself in the middle of a life-altering mystery after the sudden death of his older brother, Simon. What begins as small-town sleuthing quickly evolves into a thrilling journey through time, featuring shadowy threats, hidden laboratories, and a mission as personal as it is perilous. Goldberg nails the emotional complexity of adolescence, making Miles a protagonist readers can genuinely root for—flawed, earnest, and unexpectedly heroic.

One of the book’s biggest strengths lies in its handling of time travel. The mechanics are imaginative and internally consistent, with just enough rules to raise the stakes without bogging down the story. Goldberg avoids the trap of over-explaining or dumbing things down; instead, he keeps the pace brisk and the twists sharp, grounding the sci-fi elements in emotional reality.

That said, there were a few moments when modern themes of inclusiveness felt somewhat shoehorned in—non-essential to the plot and mildly distracting, slightly sidetracking the story’s tension and narrative flow. Still, this is a minor critique rooted in personal preference and does little to detract from what is otherwise a gripping and heartfelt story.

Miles in Time is everything you want in a time-travel mystery: smart, fast-paced, and emotionally resonant. Whether you’re a young reader with a taste for the unknown or an adult who appreciates a well-crafted story, this book is absolutely worth your time. It's thrilling, clever, and surprisingly moving—proof that a great adventure transcends age.

As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from Blackberry Book Tours and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it.

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miles In Time: A YA Time Travel Mystery
By: Lee Matthew Goldberg
Publisher: Wise Wolf Books
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Length: 278 pages
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dread Factor: 💀

What Did I Just Walk Into?
Picture this: your genius older brother dies under “totally not suspicious at all” circumstances, and instead of processing your grief like a normal kid, you find a secret lab, a cryptic video message, and oh yeah—a functioning time machine. Miles In Time is Sherlock Holmes meets Back to the Future, if Holmes was 14, grieving, and barely keeping it together in the cornfields of Iowa.

It’s a heart-tugging, brain-bending mystery wrapped in teenage sass, science-y hijinks, and the kind of emotional damage you didn’t sign up for but are weirdly grateful to have. Miles Hardy is the kind of young detective who’d probably lose his lunch at a crime scene but still manage to crack the case before the grown-ups find the body.

Here’s What Slapped:
📖 A surprisingly emotional sibling storyline that makes you want to hug your brother... then question him about his mysterious lab.
📖 Actual tension and twists that kept me guessing (and cursing my own bad detective instincts).
📖 Time travel that’s fun without frying your brain circuits. Bonus: no multiverse lectures.

What Could’ve Been Better:
📖 Some plot points clearly held back for the sequel—don’t blueball me with unanswered time travel rules, Goldberg.
📖 Miles is 14 but occasionally speaks like he’s writing a podcast about his own life. YA voice pinged a little off-key now and then.

Perfect for Readers Who Love:
📖 Smart-kid mysteries with just enough sci-fi to make it spicy.
📖 Grief-soaked time travel adventures where you root for the nerd with a mission.
📖 A murder mystery set in corn-fed nowhere that turns out to be way more interesting than expected.

Book Series Order:
Miles In Time: A YA Time Travel Mystery
Book 1 of 2: Miles In Time
Time Fixers: A YA Time Travel Mystery (Miles In Time Book 2)
Book 2 of 2: Miles In Time

Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review

[Bethan Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review -

It took me a while to get into the book, but that's mainly because it has been a while since I have read a book for children. If you are / are looking for a book for someone around the age of 12 - 16 then definitely give it a go.

There is a good mix of diverse characters in the book who are relatable, im assuming it would be more relatable to someone who lives in the US - as I'm from England it's quite nice to be taken to a small American superb. There are characters in it who are LGBT+, and there are characters with neurodivergent traits too.

The plot focuses on a 14 year old boy named Miles, his brother Simon and his (really irritating i must say) best friend Kevin. Miles is a budding detective who goes around town picking up whatever case he has, until he stumbles across a life/death case which involves him needing to travel in time.

When his dad was introduced I couldn't help put picture Jeff Goldblum in Cats vs Dogs tinkering away in the basement. His parents aren't conventionally present, and it is refreshing to see a story written from an angle like this. I found it quite relatable as I have needed to care for a parent - like Miles.

I will always rate a mystery high if I dont guess it within the first half of the book! Mystery wise I really enjoyed it.

There are some scenes that are cringy but in a totally normal teen fiction way.

I would put out a warning of suicide/murder/ gun violence / blood scenes, bullying, psychosis themes and animal abuse.

I hope this review makes sense, it's currently the early hours of the morning and I have just finished it!

Great work, and thank you Lee Michael Goldberg! I look forward to the sequel!