Writing Between Genres: A Conversation with Lee Matthew Goldberg on Miles in Time and the Shift to Young Adult Fiction
By: Miles Cartwright
Lee Matthew Goldberg is well-known for creating crime thrillers that keep readers engaged. With a history of delving into the psyches of morally complex characters in challenging situations, Goldberg has built a strong reputation for writing stories that focus on crime, suspense, and the darker aspects of human nature. However, in his latest project, Miles in Time, Goldberg explores Young Adult (YA) fiction—a genre known for its emotional depth, character-driven narratives, and themes of growth and discovery.
Goldberg’s shift from crime thrillers to YA is not entirely unexpected, as both genres share some narrative elements. While the stakes in Miles in Time may not seem as high as in his typical murder mysteries, the emotional intensity and character development remain compelling. The new series follows 14-year-old Miles Hardy, an amateur detective who discovers a time machine invented by his late brother Simon. The time machine allows Miles to travel a week into the past to solve the mystery of Simon’s death. As he races against time to uncover the truth, Miles not only contends with a mystery but also navigates the complexities of his family dynamics, his self-identity, and his first crush.
Goldberg’s work, though set in a slightly different world than his previous thrillers, still incorporates the thrills his readers expect. Yet, there’s something undeniably gentler and more heartfelt about Miles in Time, making it a refreshing departure from his usual work.
The Shift from Crime Thrillers to Young Adult Fiction
Writing YA is distinctly different from crafting adult thrillers, and Goldberg acknowledges the challenges of switching between the genres. The nature of the characters, the narrative style, and the thematic exploration all require careful adjustments. While his crime thrillers often delve into the minds of morally gray characters in high-stakes situations, YA fiction has a slower pace—one that demands more focus on personal development and emotional journeys.
“I think it would be hard for me not to incorporate thriller elements in my books,” Goldberg says, acknowledging the inherent suspense and mystery in Miles in Time. “But this Young Adult series lets me explore a different side of myself. The characters, while dealing with heightened suspenseful moments, also have more emotional depth. Miles is one of the most relatable characters I’ve created, and he could serve as a role model for teens reading.”
In Miles in Time, the thriller elements are woven into a deeply emotional narrative. Miles’ journey isn’t just about solving a crime; it’s about healing wounds, both internal and external. He’s on a quest to uncover the mystery of his brother’s death while also reconnecting with his family and finding the courage to interact with others, particularly his crush, Maisie. The result is a layered narrative that blends suspense and emotional growth, appealing to both YA readers and fans of Goldberg’s more intense crime thrillers.
The Heart of the Story: Miles and His Family Dynamics
At the heart of Miles in Time lies the complex relationship between Miles and his older brother Simon. Before Simon’s death, the two brothers were distant—so different that they never quite understood each other. However, through the course of the time travel journey, Miles is able to gain new insights into his brother in ways he never did before. In a short span of time, their relationship evolves as Miles discovers the depths of Simon’s intelligence and the sacrifices he made. This emotional arc provides a strong foundation for the story, with the mystery of Simon’s death being a key part of the plot, but the real emotional focus lies in the reconciliation between the two brothers.
“I wanted to explore the idea of how people can change in a short time,” Goldberg explains. “Miles starts off as an amateur detective, but over the course of a week, he grows not just as a sleuth but also as a person. He becomes more confident and learns important lessons about family, trust, and what it means to be brave.”
This evolution is also mirrored in Miles’ relationship with his parents. Initially, Miles feels disconnected from his family, unsure of how to relate to them after Simon’s death. But as he works through the time travel mystery, he gradually learns how to repair these relationships, finding ways to communicate and bond with his parents in a way that was previously difficult.
The Importance of YA Characters in Shaping Readers’ Lives
Goldberg is aware that the characters in YA novels can have a significant influence on young readers. In a genre where teens are still forming their identities, the actions and growth of the protagonists can impact how readers view themselves and the world around them. For this reason, Goldberg made a conscious effort to ensure that Miles Hardy is a positive role model.
“Teens are in the process of figuring out who they are and what kind of person they want to become,” Goldberg says. “It’s important for me that Miles isn’t just a detective or a kid caught up in a time travel adventure—he’s a character that readers can look up to.”
Miles’ kindness is a defining feature, setting him apart from the morally ambiguous protagonists Goldberg typically writes. Instead of being a hardened, tough character, Miles is sensitive, thoughtful, and unsure of himself. Over the course of the series, however, he grows into someone who faces challenges head-on, confronts his fears, and learns to navigate the complexities of relationships. In doing so, Miles becomes not only a hero in the context of his adventure but also a relatable figure for teens grappling with their own issues of self-esteem, family, and identity.
Flexing a Different Muscle: Writing YA Fiction
Goldberg admits that writing YA fiction has given him the opportunity to explore a different side of his writing abilities. While he still infuses Miles in Time with the suspense and thrills that he’s known for, the softer, more introspective moments allow him to expand his writing range.
“It’s really interesting to shift gears and write from a teenager’s perspective,” Goldberg explains. “There’s an energy and innocence in that age that makes it so much fun to write. But there’s also the added challenge of making sure the emotional depth is there. It’s not just about solving the mystery; it’s about what the characters learn about themselves along the way.”
Looking Forward: The Future of Miles in Time
As Goldberg continues with the Miles in Time series, he remains excited about the potential for character growth and deeper exploration of themes like time, family, and personal transformation. The next book in the series, Time Fixers, promises more emotional stakes as Miles continues to travel through time to undo wrongs in his family’s past.
For fans of Goldberg’s thrillers, Miles in Time offers a fresh perspective, but one that retains the emotional depth and suspense that has made his work engaging. As he continues to explore the intersection of time travel, personal growth, and family dynamics, readers can expect more intriguing mysteries—and relatable characters—for years to come.
Order Miles in Time Now and Preorder Time Fixers
Explore the engaging YA time-travel mystery series! Order Miles In Time: A YA Time Travel Mystery by Lee Matthew Goldberg on Amazon today and join Miles Hardy as he embarks on a journey to solve his brother’s mysterious death across time. Additionally, get ready for the sequel Time Fixers—you can preorder it now and follow Miles as he travels back to 1999 to uncover important aspects of his mother’s past trauma. Miles In Time is available now, and Time Fixers is expected to be released on June 3, 2025. Order Miles In Time on Amazon | Preorder Time Fixers on Amazon.
