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Time Hack: A Near-Future Science Fiction Mystery Novel
HIGH TECH, HIGH WATER, AND A RACE TO BUY A FRIEND MORE TIME
A cozy sci-fi mystery from the winner of the Green Stories Prize!
As the year 2101 draws to a close, life above the Fenland Sea keeps ticking along smoothly.
But trouble is brewing just below the surface – an unstable AI means an unstable territory, and Ben's glitches are getting worse.
When Ben notices a young man recklessly braving a violent storm, Charlotte risks her life to find out why. The trail leads to her estranged adoptive father, who's peddling a dangerous bootleg technology on the black market: a "time hack" that lets people add more hours to their days.
But the deeper Charlotte digs, the higher the stakes. Ben's fate will come down to a vote from ArkTech’s corporate board, and the one person who might turn the tide has gone missing.
Soon, Charlotte and Ben are living on borrowed time, using the illegal tech to search for answers.
Set in a near future that is neither heaven nor hellscape, Time Hack is charming, thought-provoking, and cynically optimistic – perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett, Martha Wells, and Becky Chambers.
A cozy sci-fi mystery from the winner of the Green Stories Prize!
As the year 2101 draws to a close, life above the Fenland Sea keeps ticking along smoothly.
But trouble is brewing just below the surface – an unstable AI means an unstable territory, and Ben's glitches are getting worse.
When Ben notices a young man recklessly braving a violent storm, Charlotte risks her life to find out why. The trail leads to her estranged adoptive father, who's peddling a dangerous bootleg technology on the black market: a "time hack" that lets people add more hours to their days.
But the deeper Charlotte digs, the higher the stakes. Ben's fate will come down to a vote from ArkTech’s corporate board, and the one person who might turn the tide has gone missing.
Soon, Charlotte and Ben are living on borrowed time, using the illegal tech to search for answers.
Set in a near future that is neither heaven nor hellscape, Time Hack is charming, thought-provoking, and cynically optimistic – perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett, Martha Wells, and Becky Chambers.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2025
About the author
Marianne Pickles
2 books14 followersMarianne Pickles writes mystery novels set in the future. She grew up in Scotland near Aberdeen, where many people worked on offshore oil rigs in the North Sea. Now she lives on low-lying land in the Fens with her partner, David. They are contemplating learning to kayak.
She holds a first-class degree in English Literature and Classics from the University of Edinburgh. Her novel Time Hack won the Green Stories Novel Prize in 2023 and was shortlisted for the WOB Sustainable Story Award in 2025.
To hear about new releases and to receive a free prequel short story, visit her website and sign up to the monthly Picklesverse emails.
She holds a first-class degree in English Literature and Classics from the University of Edinburgh. Her novel Time Hack won the Green Stories Novel Prize in 2023 and was shortlisted for the WOB Sustainable Story Award in 2025.
To hear about new releases and to receive a free prequel short story, visit her website and sign up to the monthly Picklesverse emails.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 23, 2026
Loved it. Can't wait for book 3.
Time Hack by Marianne Pickles
Loved it, though seemed dry at times. This had a satisfying ending but with enough issues left open that I'm looking forward to the third book in the series.
Time Hack by Marianne Pickles
Loved it, though seemed dry at times. This had a satisfying ending but with enough issues left open that I'm looking forward to the third book in the series.
July 1, 2026
Fun and thoughtful
Marianne Pickle's imagination and deep understanding of language create an exciting new world to explore. Delightful and engaging. Characters with depth and stories leaving you wanting more.
Walk in the sun.
Marianne Pickle's imagination and deep understanding of language create an exciting new world to explore. Delightful and engaging. Characters with depth and stories leaving you wanting more.
Walk in the sun.
October 15, 2025
This was another round of this fun Sci-Fi mystery series. It took me awhile to come around to the characters in the first book but now I really enjoy them. :)
November 3, 2025
An excellent book that is easy to read. Great characters, world building and story telling.
As good as book one, Artificial Selection.
As good as book one, Artificial Selection.
March 15, 2026
Interesting ideas and fun, I enjoy the characters, especially Ben!
Currently Reading
July 4, 2026Started reading after borrowing using Kindle Unlimjfed in 2025. no longer able to borrow in 2026. Cost of $4.99 plus tax is more than I want to pay to finish, about 3/4 done.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews