Killing Time

by Alice Mills

Twelve-year-old Miranda Winklesworth is furious that she didn’t get more time with her terminally ill mother before she died. And she never imagined she’d be arrested for attempted chronocide when her angry outburst broke the family’s old grandfather clock—an act which would turn her life upside down and send her spiraling through time…and time again.
Killing Time is a mind-bending fantasy that pits Miranda against Time itself and her anti-Miranda until she must face her own personal black hole. Along the way, she encounters a feisty watch and some virtual realities that defy her wildest imaginations.

264 pages, Paperback

Published July 16, 2025

Reviews

[Stacey Pardoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compelling book reframed the way I see time. We live in a world in which time is often idolized in many ways: We hurry through our days, but we often look back and wish we could recreate certain seasons. Particularly when facing the loss of those who are dear to us, we wish we could return and do things differently, living our moments together more presently.

Through Miranda's story, I was reminded to embrace the moments in front of me and also allow the good memories from the past to carry me forward. I passed this book along to my teenage daughter and find it a wonderful book for all ages. The plotline made it hard to put down. This is well-written, clean, and captivating!

[Peter Lebron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A combination of "Alice in Wonderland" and the movie "Inception".

Alice Mills has a way with words, as seen in her social media puns. This book has that also, as Miranda, the main character, faces a trial because she broke a clock and is charged with "chronocide", or murdering time. The names of some of the characters are plays on various words for time, especially using French and German names that mean time.

A delightful venture through various word plays on the several meanings of the idioms we use daily, like "out of time".

Though this is listed as a book for young readers, adults will find it an enjoyable way to pass the time.

[Jennifer DeFrates · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fun tween adventure about how we use our time, but also deals with some important topics that affect many tweens and young teens.

The story is interesting and the writing very descriptive. I am not the target audience but I definitely got caught up in the story and teared up when the main character has to face her fears.

I would recommend this book for 10-15 year old readers who like fantasy stories.

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an intriguing little book, about a girl struggling to cope with life and her identity after the death of her mother. I enjoyed the many scenes and worlds created by the author. The characters were well-conceived. I liked how the author peeled back the layers of each character's backstory as the book unfolded. The book definitely made me think deeper about how I spend my time. I would recommend this book as a wholesome read for preteens and teens.

[Tonia Martin]

I am intrigued with this book. The concept and treatment of Time is unique and compelling. It will get your brain going in fabulous directions. So much to consider! READ it and allow your brain a treat.

[Keith Heltsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda is definitely a little girl with a lot of problems. I really enjoyed the way that she resolved them through her fantasy world. It would’ve been nice though to see her resolving some of her problems with her real people in her real universe. still, I think she learned her lessons.