When the spring of 1946 comes, Katherine Callahan decides to leave her loving husband and newborn baby so that she may embark upon an unknowingly tragic journey across the famous American highway from Chicago to her sister's home in Burbank. She never does arrive. Fast forward into the present, Kevin Callahan, Katherine's grandson, along with his best friend Cheryl Bachman, traces his grandmother's steps along the now decommissioned road to uncover the mystery surrounding her disappearance. They are armed with only a handful of postcards from Katherine and a Victorian secret code involving postage stamps surrounding a mysterious man from her past. This, along with Cheryl's detective skills and an unusual, paranormal connection between Kevin and his grandmother transcending time itself, bring them closer to the truth as their lives merge in 1946.
Relative of Davy Crockett, King of the wild frontier. World traveler. Award winning author. As a native of Chicago, Illinois, Dennis Higgins has a passion for things that are gone but not forgotten, a romance with the past.
Quote: I once had a passionate affair with an Irish lass back in 1871 Chicago. I broke her heart. It just wasn't our time.
He now lived in the Chicago suburbs with his lovely wife, a dog and a couple birds.
Among his influences are: Richard Matheson, Jack Finny, Dean Koontz, Joan Wester Anderson, Peter S. Beagle and Audrey Neffenegger.
Author of the Time Pilgrim series: Katya and Cyrus, Almost Yesterday and Tomorrow's Borrowed Trouble from Whiskey Creek Press. Also my indie books, Parallel Roads (Lost on Route 66) and Steampunk Alice.
A review by Ingrid. Dennis Higgins is the author of several time travel books including Katya and Cyrus (Time Pilgrims) Parallel Roads (Lost on Route 66) was his first indie novel
When the spring of 1946 comes, Katherine Callahan decides to leave her loving husband and newborn baby so that she may embark upon an unknowingly tragic journey across the famous American highway from Chicago to her sister’s home in Burbank. She never does arrive.
Fast forward into the present, Kevin Callahan, Katherine’s grandson, along with his best friend Cheryl Bachman, traces his grandmother’s steps along the now decommissioned road to uncover the mystery surrounding her disappearance. They are armed with only a handful of postcards from Katherine and a Victorian secret code involving postage stamps surrounding a mysterious man from her past. This, along with Cheryl’s detective skills and an unusual, paranormal connection between Kevin and his grandmother transcending time itself, bring them closer to the truth as their lives merge in 1946.
I am very receptive to the concept of time travel and have written about it myself, so this novel was of immediate interest to me. The opening chapter gripped me from the word go, and I instantly found myself wanting to know more about Grandma Kate. Where she had disappeared to, and I was left with an overarching feeling that nothing was going to be as it seemed and I found myself reaching for the chocolates, the tissues, and then more chocolates..
The book is written in an accessible, no fuss, straightforward manner, and has characters which you can instantly identify with, and which keep you engaged throughout. The time travel element is incredibly well sign posted. There was never any confusion over location or timing at any point. The story moves easily from first person narrative to third person narrative, which is a very tricky thing to do, so credit to Mr Higgins for accomplishing this so seamlessly!! The postcards which are dotted throughout are also a nice touch and help illuminate the way.
I loved the fact that Grandma Kate is Irish, and her Irish accent/voice comes through beautifully especially at the beginning of the novel, and having spent a lot of time in Belfast and Northern Ireland, her voice seemed genuine to me and at times made me chuckle.
Grandpa John: Wow what a character! I felt his pain and heartache, and I loved his cockiness and obnoxiousness in the opening chapter. I would however have liked more from him later on. The novel captures and highlights the mundane differences between the sexes beautifully in their differing tastes to movies. My husband and I rarely go to the pictures because we can never agree, and it's something that neither of us will give way on, so this really resonated with me! I also loved the cultural harmony and integration theme which runs throughout, and which harks back to a time when life in many ways was less complicated. Being British I am unsure if this is a factual interpretation of Chicago in the early 1940's or not, but either way it worked well, and was expanded upon with the dynamic between Kevin and Cheryl.
I liked the fact that Grandpa John was presented as solid and was clearly grounded in the real world and the present, whereas Kate wanted to honeymoon in Saturn. This paved the way for what later came nicely. I loved Kate's initial otherworldliness and the way John misunderstands and playfully indulges this, and the theme of the sexes not understanding each other and missing the signs plays out throughout.
I was slightly disappointed that the author seemed to underplay and somewhat trivialise Kate's reaction to John enlisting during WW2, and I felt that the tension and emotion could have been ratcheted up considerably over this, and I feel that whilst throughout the novel the character of Kate grows and shines through, initially I was left wondering whether the author was more comfortable in John's head than Kate's, and whilst I understand what the author was trying to do/show, as a wife whose own husband has frequently worked away from home and as someone who has also battled depression, I would definitely have liked more fromKate in the early stages of the novel. Whilst everything becomes clear throughout the course of the novel, I definitely feel that an early opportunity to give the reader a better understanding of Kate was missed, and as a reader I wanted the author to have a good old root around in her head!!
The relationship between Kevin and Cheryl is refreshing and had a ring of truth to it, and the character of Cheryl is very well rounded. The romantic elements between all of the characters are very sweet, almost innocent. There is no use of bad language, and the darker side of life is swiftly airbrushed over.
The variations in regional accent are nicely explained, however the dialogue could be a bit punchier. It became a tad protracted in places, however it is effective in driving the story along. Speaking of driving, I have always wanted to travel Route 66 and this book, and it's beautiful telling of it's history has reinforced that desire (Although it will be my husband that will be driving!!)
I enjoyed the way the past and present runs side by side, eventually catching up with each other, and even though this is a time travel novel there is also a strong spiritual feel to it. The Jewish and Catholic elements were nicely written and I enjoyed learning about their festivals and religious days. The concept of the faiths and religions existing side by side is also an excellent metaphor for the Parallel Roads and provides food for thought.
Overall, whilst the book is a little twee in places, and at times I would have liked a bit more depth, I really enjoyed reading this book. It is an easy, pleasant, feel good read and I am looking forward to reading about Katya and Cyrus whenever I get a chance.
I am offering free interviews and reviews for indie authors at www.ingridhall.com
DENNIS HIGGINS knows how to craft a fast-paced well-written story. Have you ever been lucky enough to ride along Route 66 (actually I meant next to it)? Could you just imagine how exciting it would be to go back in time to 1946 and be part of it? When I found out DENNIS HIGGINS had penned PARALLEL ROADS (LOST ON ROUTE 66) I lunged at the chance to read his book. I love anything associated with time travel and last year I was lucky enough to visit Chicago and travel along/next to a small segment of this historical roadway.
Kevin, Cheryl, Grandpa John, Grandma Kate and June are the main characters. Cheryl and Kevin are on a mission, one they cannot ignore. Dennis does a fantastic job fleshing out his characters, painting his word picture with such vivid scenes, colors and emotions. Have you ever wanted to be somewhere, to see and hear everything that's going on, as if you were a fly on the wall? While reading PARALLEL ROADS, Dennis' first book, I was that fly on the wall. I traveled back in time and I never left my chair. My wife spoke to me several times and I never heard one word she said, until she yelled at me.
I love Dennis' cover, it grabs you and pulls you in. His high-contract cover graphics are easy on the eye and his back cover blurb in easy to read. While I prefer spacing between each paragraph, his font choice was still no problem for me. Dennis has gone a step further than many writers because he has added several illustrations that will enhance your reading experience. I can't wait to read Dennis' other time travel treats. Jack Finney meet DENNIS HIGGINS, you both have something in common.
I had a blast reading this book for several reasons. Firstly, I am a fan of time travel books. Secondly, I've wanted to travel Route 66 for some time. Thirdly, I recently "met" the author on Facebook. Fourthly, the author lives in my hometown and has other time travel books that are based in that town.
As I wrote on my blog post about this book, it is about a 30-something’s search for information about the disappearance of his paternal grandmother shortly after she gave birth to his father. It is also a bit of a travelogue about Route 66, then and now. I always find it interesting that so many authors have been able to make so many different ways to time travel, and this one is unique.
My love for the concept managed to withstand the lacklustre writing (honestly, it reads like a rough copy was pushed through without an editor) . The idea of following a mystery down the ghostly roads of old route 66 was enough to grab my interest. The fact that it ended up being a narrative about time travel just added to the conceptual draw. I am a bit of a time travel nut. However, this certainly does not mean this is a good work of fiction. It just means there was potential for this to be good in the hands of a better author.
Before Mr. De Rose adds his customary 'cut [the author] some slack,' the low rating reflects my lack of interest in time travel fantasy. I should have researched more thoroughly but I jumped at a mystery and a road trip on Route 66 without doing full due diligence. At a little more than 100 pages in (more than half way through) the element of time travel is introduced turning a fairly decent mystery plot into a fantasy and this is where I left Mr. Higgins on Route 66. As others have pointed out the writing is on a junior high school level, or below, and more than once I had to check to make sure I wasn't reading a novel written for young teens. Mr. De Rose will claim that the juvenile prose is the fault of the editor but he fails to acknowledge that this novel was self-published by the author who did his research on Route 66 but failed to capture contemporary dialogue between modern characters in their 30's. My bad despite the awful prose. I learned my lesson for going forward into the future in real time.
Uncovering the past. This book is intriguing, and a mystery suspense for readers of all genres. The author takes readers into the life of Katherine Callahan. Going back in time to when the woman seemed to disappear. In the present, Katherine's grandson, Kevin, joins forces with his friend, Cheryl Bachman to try to unleash secrets of the past and discover the truth about Kevin's grandma's strange disappearance. The author does a great job with the mystery in this tale, and the links of past and present.
This book is highly recommended. I never realized that through the pages emotions would hit so hard. Kev and Cheryl are funny in their give and take conversations. They say; Time Heals All Wounds, it sure does in this story. The author of this novel has opened my eyes to the past and future. The research that went into this book is superb. You will never look at this world the same again. Download an ebook or buy the paperback book today! You will love it!
This book, Parallel Roads, Lost on Route 66 by Dennis Higgins, was a tremendous surprise. I bought this book because I loved the beautiful cover and love traveling Route 66. As I began reading the book, I thought it was a well-written travel book with strong emphasis on family genealogy. Next thing I am time-traveling down Route 66 with mystery and danger as my companions. I could not put this book down.
I love to read and leave an honest review after. I have a few issues with some books,like too many characters to follow,or when an author starts each chapter with new or other people that have no connection with the main characters until later in the story. This story has only a few characters that are all important,and even though the story takes place in 2 different time periods, it is so well written and each chapter starts with the date of that era. This makes it so much easier to follow and really works with the story. Kevin is on a quest to find his grmother who disappeared on March 22, 1946 ,after giving birth and leaves her hubby and infant son behind to drive to California and visit with her sister. He takes his childhood friend ,Cheryl with him on this journey. As they all travel in their times,there are some very interesting connections coming up, but Kevin and his grmother Kate have never met. Kate is driving on route 66 ,and Kevin feels her presence as he visits each place that Kate has passed thru in 1946, even though Kevin and Cheryl are traveling in modern times. This is a wonderful story of true love,blind love,and using your own institutions. Very good read and I highly recommend this to everyone
With moving from the present to the past flawlessly, mystery throughout, a bit of darkness and romance too, this story was the perfect mix...
The author, Dennis Higgins, had me hooked in the opening paragraph of Parallel Roads Lost on Route 66 with, "Grandma disappeared only weeks after giving birth to my dad. She left Chicago via Route 66 on March 22nd, 1946, but never arrived at Aunt Karen's in Burbank..." After that, I wanted to keep reading to learn what happened and find out more about Grandma Kate's disappearance. This author goes from the present to the past throughout his story, flawlessly. Characters were well developed, and the story was written with mystery, a little bit of darkness, and held me captive throughout the story while I rode along the journey. The pace was just right and with romance thrown in the mix...this story was the perfect mix!
PARALLEL ROADS-LOST ON ROUTE 66 DENNIS HIGGINS In 1946 Kevin Callahans grandmother disappeared along the famous rte 66. To present day Kevin and his friend Cheryl have wondered what exactly happened. Together they take off to solve the mystery by retracing her steps but get caught up in a paranormal phenomenon. In this fascinating tale of time travel we get to follow the steps of Kevin and Cheryl and grandma Kate and her friend on their travels. It is a story of new friendship and new lovel. Mr. Higgins has woven a great mystery road trip. It is a page turner to be sure. I would recommend PARALLEL ROADS to anyone who loves time travel and a good mystery rolled into one. Definitely a 5 star read.
Two things caught my attention enticing me to read this book--Route 66 and time travel. I've always wanted to travel along remaining portions of Route 66 and now, through the author's in-depth descriptions, I feel I've been there and now, more than ever, I would like to see the places he incorporated into the story.
The time travel portion goes back to the late 1940s, men home from war and trying to integrate themselves into the lives they left. The author's ability to interweave the couple's backstory of how they met and fell in love before the war made me root for them through the whole story that they could overcome any and all obstacles.
I found myself not wanting to put down this book so I could find out the ending as soon as possible.
Mr. Higgins has a wonderfully descriptive writing style. His characters are very endearing and he takes the reader back with them on a beautiful journey in a simpler time in this lovely country. He also shows, that though we may tend to romanticize the past, there was evil back then too, along with heroes, just as there are both today.
I'm eager to read more of Mr. Higgins' books in this series.
Highly recommended to all, especially lovers of historical places in the USA.
Time travel is a favorite subject of time and I really like how Dennis has woven it in to this story about a grandson that is tasked with saving his grandmother from harm and finding his true love under his nose at the same time. This book takes you down the old Route 66 along with Kevin and Cheryl on an adventure to save Kevin's grandmother Kate who in their original timeline was lost. I won't give away the ending but I will say this, this book needs to be made into a film, it is perfect for the screen either big or small and is a must read for Time travel fans.
I loved this book, especially since this author is new to me and I love finding new authors to enjoy. This book is a fun mystery with a great, happy ending. The time travelling aspect is very well done and not "kitchy" at all. Being from Chicago and having lived in Santa Monica - the beginning and ending points for Route 66, it was fun to read about places that I had been and could picture as the characters visited those places. Best part is this book has sequels, which means the fun can continue!
I would recommend this story to anyone. When I first came across it, I was skeptical, as I've never liked a time traveling type story. But upon the beginning, I found that I was attached to each character, loved the story line and became lost in the read. I could not put it down until I found out where these sweet characters ended up. This is a great spring/summer day read.
I enjoyed the book, despite the not overly subtle religious messaging. At least it wasn't strictly Christian this time, but also involved a Jewish character. I just wish these books came with warning labels to warn anyone not into Christian (and it usually is Christian) literature. **Sigh**