Arroyo

by Chip Jacobs

Set against two distinct epochs in the history of Pasadena, California, Arroyo tells the parallel stories of a young inventor and his clairvoyant dog in 1913 and 1993. In both lives, they are drawn to the landmark Colorado Street Bridge, or "Suicide Bridge," as the locals call it, which suffered a lethal collapse during construction but still opened to fanfare in the early twentieth century automobile age. When the refurbished structure commemorates its 80th birthday, one of the planet's best known small towns is virtually unrecognizable from its romanticized, and somewhat invented, past.

Wrought with warmth and wit, Jacobs' debut novel digs into Pasadena's most mysterious structure and the city itself. In their exploits around what was then America's highest, longest roadway, Nick Chance and his impish mutt interact with some of the big personalities from the Progressive Age, including Teddy Roosevelt, Upton Sinclair, Charles Fletcher Lummis, and Lilly and Adolphus Busch, whose gardens were once tabbed the "eighth wonder of the world." They cavort and often sow chaos at Cawston Ostrich Farm, the Mount Lowe Railway, the Hotel Green and even the Doo Dah Parade. But it's the secrets and turmoil around the concrete arches over the Arroyo Seco, and what it means for Nick's destiny, that propels this story of fable versus fact.

While unearthing the truth about the Colorado Street Bridge, in all its eye-catching grandeur and unavoidable darkness, the characters of Arroyo paint a vivid picture of how the home of the Rose Bowl got its dramatic start.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

384 pages, hardcover

First published October 15, 2019

About the author

Chip Jacobs is an acclaimed author and prize-winning journalist, praised by Publisher Weekly as "an exceptional storyteller." His forthcoming novel, "Later Days," the follow-up to his Los Angeles Times bestselling "Arroyo," will be published in 2025. On the narrative, nonfiction side, Jacobs wrote the riveting, true-crime book, "The Darkest Glare," and the biography "Strange As It Seems," an Indies Book of the Year finalist. He is also the co-author, with William J. Kelly, of two environmental social histories: the international bestselling "Smogtown" and its sequel, "The People's Republic of Chemicals." He has contributed pieces to anthologies, as well, among them "Los Angeles in the 1970s: Weird Scenes Inside the Goldmine." Jacobs' reporting, meantime, has appeared in the L.A. Times, the L.A. Daily News, CNN, The New York Times, the Southern California News Group, L.A Weekly, and elsewhere. He has won seven Los Angeles Press Club Awards and multiple literary honors, including from the Independent Publisher Book Awards, The Green Prize for Sustainable Literature, Booklist and Foreword magazine's best books in genre, and the Shanghai Book Awards. He is currently at work on the story of the Long Beach Freeway (710) fight, the longest, fiercest highway battle in US history, and several Hollywood projects. Jacobs, a graduate of the University of Southern California, garage-band guitarist, and Beatles fanatic, lives in the L.A. area.

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arroyo is such an engaging and interesting story. There are two parallel stories about an inventor and his soothsayer dog. The timelines are 1913 and 1993. At the center of both stories is the “Suicide Bridge,” also known as the Colorado Street Bridge. This bridge has a history and a story to tell of its own.

Arroyo is also about Pasadena, California. Nick and his dog follow such local characters as Teddy Roosevelt, Adolphus Busch, and Upton Sinclair. Through it all, Nick continues to be drawn to this eerie, mysterious bridge.

I enjoyed the peek into Old Pasadena. I didn’t know much about this time or place, and I found it fascinating. Arroyo was adventurous, original, and surprised me. The characters were fun and quirky, and overall, Nick and Royo stole the show as they likely should as the main characters.

I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com

[OutlawPoet · Rating 4 out of 5]

It should be noted that I live in Pasadena. Each morning I pass by the entrance to Devil's Gate. Each evening, I traverse Suicide Bridge. I buy my books at Vroman's.

As a result, some of my opinion may be colored by my delight in taking a little journey in time to my city as it was.

People familiar with Pasadena - especially those who live here - will revel as we visit Bungalow Heaven or hear tales from the old days at Castle Green.

However, the story itself was fun. Oh, it's not a deep story to be sure. Our characters are more quirky than fleshed out and even a rather dreadful event is a bit lighter than you expect. But the tale is full of charming characters from Pasadena's past and Pasadena itself is perhaps the largest character of all.

It's a fun read, but I do think it's a lot more fun if you're from here.

[Evelina | AvalinahsBooks]

I didn't finish this book. DNF @ 18%

How I read this: Free ebook copy received through NetGalley

I just couldn't get into this book at all. 18% and I still have no clue what it's about. I'm sure it's a great book and all, once you get into it, but it's just not for me.

I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.

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[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fasanating read. I learned from it. the dialog was hard to follow at times, but that may have been not understanding the language at times.
I would say that this is a 3.5 star book. Give it a try and see what you think about it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

[Bruin Mccon]

DNF at 9%. I think I was lost at the first SUC reference. Thought I would love this but too many details and not enough action. At least for me.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this book and the story surrounding the famous and beautiful Pasadena, California “Colorado Street Bridge” also known by the locals as the “Suicide Bridge” where many lives were lost. As a long-time resident of Southern California and living only a few blocks from the bridge where I pass it by multiple times a day, I knew that this book by Chip Jacobs, ARROYO would be a fantastic read.

Part Historical Fiction and part Magical Realism this was a very creative story of learning the fascinating history surrounding the Arroyo Seco, and the San Gabriel Foothills and the Sierra Madre range through this fictional tale. I certainly learned a lot about the famous names that were either residents or have influenced Pasadena in some way, such as Teddy Roosevelt, Upton Sinclair, Charles Fletcher Lummis, and Lilly and Adolphus Busch (Busch Gardens) to name a few.

I enjoyed how the story begins and is seen through the eyes of Nick Chance and his very unusual dog who saved his life and named it Royo, in 1913. In a parallel timeline 80 years later in 1993, the story connects back to the famous bridge in a very interesting way.

I thought the writing was very creative, with beautiful prose that took me back to the early days when Pasadena was just developing. I loved the vivid and rich detail about the residents that built the city to what it is today.

I loved that the landmarks I know well now was described in the book on how it all started back in the day, and to see some of those places still standing to this very day was remarkable to me. One of the places mentioned was Vroman’s, which is an amazing independent bookstore that I frequent, and to know that it was already a part of Pasadena’s history since the early 1900’s was pretty amazing. I loved that the author also mentioned one of my favorite hang outs “Pie ‘n Burger” and the Colorado Blvd shops, and many famous names that I merely know now as famous streets in Pasadena, which now gives meaning and deep understanding.

We all know something about Pasadena - whether it’s from the Beach Boys song “Little old lady from Pasadena”, or have seen the famous Rose Parade every New Year, or have watched the football games at the Rose Bowl in television. I highly recommend this book for a great historical fiction read that is a delight and will capture your interest.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Colorado Street Bridge and Pasadena are carefully recreated in a story about history, ostrich farms, the invention of solar powered lights, dogs, the impecunious hero and more. Nothing happens in a great rush, and a bridge doesn't get built in a hurry either, so quite a lot of the book details progress and problems in construction, including strange vibration noises and explosions.

This is also a story which uses the device of reincarnation (of hero and dog) to move the time forward without losing the connection for the reader to the characters. Kim Stanley Robinson did this with The Years of Rice And Salt.

Some readers will be far more interested in the minutiae and personalities of Pasadena, and will delightedly award five stars. I don't know the area but I almost feel as if I do, now. Many unusual features, not least the ostrich riding, make Arroyo a memorable book. I'm awarding four stars because I feel the book will not appeal to every reader. I'll look out for more from this author, who has previously written non-fiction.

I received an e-ARC from the author. I chose to read and to write a review. This is an unbiased review.

[Jypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you HFVBT for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Arroyo
By: Chip Jacob's


REVIEW ☆☆☆
When I hear the word Pasadena, I automatically think of the Rose Bowl Parade. I do not, however, think of the Colorado Street Bridge, aka Arroyo, because I know nothing about it. This story is about Nick and his kind of psychic dog and the Arroyo bridge. Dual timelines run through the story. One is in 1913 when the bridge opens and another in 1993 after major renovations. Through Nick, we experience the novelty of Progressive Age, plus a few notable persons of the time such as Teddy Roosevelt and Upton Sinclair. Nick is an ambitious flawed figure whose destiny seems to be entwined with the Colorado Street Bridge and the city of Pasadena. What follows is a bizarre, entertaining, convoluted and fascinating story of a little known part of history. The bridge has a checkered past of death and hauntings. Workers died during construction, and the bridge is infamously labeled Suicide Bridge because of the baffling number of people who have jumped to their deaths. Of course, there are numerous accounts of ghost sightings and creepy lore about this feat of engineering. This story is a genre mix, and in that spirit, might contain a ghost or two. I think many people, such as myself, will enjoy the book for the historical information, as well as the combination of magical realism, adventure, historical fiction and fact, mystery, suspense and a touch of romance. The bridge is its own character as it looms over everything. Pasadena lends itself to an effortless atmospheric experience. This story is different and weird, but it's quite interesting and informative, too. Get a copy for yourself, and look up some pictures of the Colorado Street Bridge. It's really amazing!

[Bhawna Kapil · Rating 4 out of 5]

✍️: ARROYO is a beautiful written historic fictional novel. It is full of interesting characters, historical information and also combination of magical realism. It's based in small town of Pasadena, South California.

✍️: There is a parallel stroies of a young man and his dog in 1913 and 1993. Both stories revolves around the famous 'Calorado Street Bridge' also known as 'Suicide Bridge'. I actually googled to know more about this bridge, atleast 407 suicide deaths by bridge jumpers have occurred till July 2017.

✍️: Nick Chance is a young man who works at an strich ranch and ostriches.
Out of his ambition, he also develops a solar lighting system for the new bridge in 1913. Royo, his dog, seems to be Clairvoyant with his master. Nick and his dog do get the opportunity to meet some renowned individuals. In the parallel story, Nick has the chance of seeing what occurred in the parallel past. There is also an angle of Nick with a young lady too.

✍️: The relationship portrayed between Nick and his dog is really heartwarming and interesting. I love both Nick & Royo and it was fun to follow their adventures. I would highly recommend this combination of adventure, mystery and dark humour.

[Booksandchinooks (Laurie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story based on two timelines and centered around the Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena, California. This is a fiction book with many nonfiction facts and stories interwoven. The main characters are Nick Chance and his clairvoyant dog, Royo. The beginning of the book details building the controversial bridge. I loved this part of the book. There were many famous names mentioned that were prominent in 1913 and many are still relevant now. The one remaining theme is that the bridge was controversial at the time it was being built in 1913 and still in 1993 where the book ends. I really liked the descriptive writing and you definitely feel transported to the time periods. I spent some time googling to look into the many stories about the Colorado Street Bridge, which was considered ahead of its time with the unique design. I loved both Nick and Royo and it was fun to follow their adventures. I really enjoyed this book and definitely was engaged in the story.

[Megan Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book. It was a great historical fiction book and I enjoyed the storyline and characters. I loved the main character’s experience in California in the 1900s. I thought his dog who was clairvoyant was great to see in this story. I also got to learn about California and the paranormal. I couldn’t put this book down and I enjoyed reading this book.

[Julie (Bookshelf Adventures) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a very well researched and fun novel to read. The author obviously spent quite a bit of time finding the history of the Colorado State Bridge and Old Pasadena.

Full review on my blog here:

http://bookshelfadventures.home.blog/...

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’ve got to figure that a book that starts out with an ostrich race is going to be kind of strange. But ostrich races really *do* take place, so this in itself doesn’t knock the book into complete fantasy land. It’s the psychic, highly intelligent dog that does that, and later, the reincarnation thing. The rest is detailed history- the main characters are fictional, but there are many historical figures and the setting has been researched so well that it totally comes alive- it’s practically a character, itself.

The Arroyo in question is Arroyo Seco in Pasadena, CA, and the year is 1913. The bridge is the Colorado Street Bridge, known locally as Suicide Bridge after its completion, and 1913 is the year it is being finished and opened. You’ve all seen Colorado Street; it’s the avenue that the Rose Parade goes down on New Year’s Day. Young Nick Chance is an inventor and a bird caretaker on the local ostrich farm when the book starts, hence the race. He is developing a method of solar lighting, and gets a job working on the bridge lighting it, thus saving them from running an electrical system clear across. But there are a number of mysterious things going on, which seem to center upon the bridge. When Nick’s life is saved by a psychic stray dog, who he adopts and names Royo, he finds himself drawn into these events.

Jacobs, who is normally a journalist, has made old Pasadena come alive. The Busch Gardens, then lived in by Lilly and Adolphus Busch, sound like a fairy land-they were labeled the ‘eighth wonder of the world”. The details of the ostrich feather industry were something I’d never come across before. He describes the local businesses in detail, all of which existed- and some still exist! The characters are likable and rather whimsical, but even though I liked Nick a lot, he (and the others) had no real depth. When the story moved to 1993, I lost a lot of interest in the story. The era itself is less interesting to me, and 1993 Nick isn’t as compelling. The plot seemed to move along in the past, but sort of just… petered out in ’93. Is it worth reading? If you have any interest in Pasadena (or L.A. area) history, yes, absolutely, as long as you’re okay with it being magical realism or historical fantasy. If not, it might not be the first historical fantasy I’d reach for. Will I read another book by Jacobs? Yes, once the shut downs end I’m going to have the library get “Smogtown” for me, and possible another of his books. This one’s a four star for me.

[Tristine Rainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I close the covers after reading Arroyo having savored the city of Pasadena in all its ambition, vanity, humanity, vigor, variety, and beauty. Like a city in a glass globe the novel offers views from multiple angles, including its underbelly, the corruption hidden from sight, until its memorable protagonist, a hyperactive inventor of solar lamps for the Colorado Street bridge, comes to understand near the novel’s end that “certain objects absorb the energy of man’s lesser instincts.” The bridge holds the memory of violent death both involuntary and voluntary (in its many suicides) and in Chip Jacobs’ deft hands it spans not only the arroyo, but also life’s span and its connection to the other side.

In this completely original and genre-defying work - both historical novel and metaphysical noir – time, 1913 and 1993, is believably connected through the clairvoyant bond between the hero, Nick Chance, and his, equally hyperactive, mutt. Their adventures with Nick’s suffragette girlfriend and their benefactor, a cultured Pasadena matron, are as full of twists and turns as a carnival fun ride. The author has caught the brass ring and given it to us as pure gold in the tastes, sounds, sights and smells of 1913 Pasadena: the greasy sandwiches, the cold Budweiser served at Busch Gardens, the lavish furnishings of stately mansions, the sweat of dangerously overworked men constructing the bridge, and much more. Under all this sensual richness a deep mystery is unlocked by the hero as his exuberance moves to a knowing cynicism and then to the assurance that while life is seemingly predetermined and unfair, we still have agency. The ending that pulls together all the elements of this ambitious novel is a satisfying tour de force.

Tristine Rainer, author Apprenticed to Venus, my years with Anaïs Nin

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his just-published, ARROYO: A Novel journalist/bestselling author Chip Jacobs gives us the best of both worlds as he uses both fact and fiction to recreate the amazing history of the building of the historic Pasadena Colorado Street Bridge, more commonly known to Angeleno’s as, “Suicide Bridge.”
Along the way, we meet Pasadena’s founding fathers and mothers and are introduced to a host of the town’s real-life celebrities by way of our two loveable protagonists, the charming and inventive Nick Chance and his loveable dog, Royo. (Spoiler alert—this pooch is the real brains in this dynamic duo.)
Jacobs is one of the best wordsmiths I know, and his Arroyo and his unique presentation of the real facts using real and imagined characters, along with a nice bouquet of romance and you have a story that is guaranteed to bring you a lot of laughs, a few tears and a very real knowledge of Old Pasadena and the important role it played in the formation of early LA. A delightful read, highly recommended.

Steve Hodel
Retired LAPD Homicide Detective and NYT bestselling author of Black Dahlia Avenger.

[Mike Consol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hear T.C. Boyle. I hear Tom Wolfe. I hear a flamboyant new voice on the literary scene, and its name is Chip Jacobs. His trans-dimensional tale revolves around the microcosm of the Colorado Street Bridge (the so-called Suicide Bridge) an iconic Southern California structure, an architectural gem with a sordid and glorious history — and some unfinished business. Enter protagonists Nick Chance and tail-wagging mutt, and this fantastical story is set in motion. Pasadena is one of America’s great cities, and Mr. Jacobs one of its native sons. Edgy and satirical, yet rooted in fact, Arroyo is a fast-paced technicolor timepiece that bridges life and death and the past and present.

[Nicholas George · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhere in here was the germ of an interesting book--a look at the modern history of Pasadena, California (where I live) and particularly its iconic bridge spanning the Arroyo Seco, told through the eyes of a fictional hero. But the writing is so florid, overdone, and self-consciously twee that reading this was a struggle. I don't know what effect the author was trying for (a duplication of the melodramatic prose of sensational novels of the early 1900s?) but it just doesn't work. On top of that, we get reincarnation, talking dogs, Led Zeppelin fandom, and bizarre Wham-O products. I really wanted to like this, but only ended up shaking my head.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chip Jacobs combines the historical deep-dives of Erik Larson and Caleb Carr with the sweep and grandeur of E.L. Doctorow's best work, albeit with a sense of new-age (for lack of a better term) whimsy one doesn't typically associate with those authors, or this genre. Jacobs' maiden venture into the realm of fiction -- a departure from his award-winning, investigative non-fiction -- is an almost impossible blend of the historical with the supernatural...and the result is sublime. This reader is very much looking forward to seeing what he comes up with next!

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was eager to read this, since I live only a few miles from the Arroyo. And I did appreciate all the references to places I knew, especially the historic details. But I've only given this book 2-1/2 stars because I felt as if I was reading a first draft from a novelist who had so much more work to do to make a coherent story. Not to mention all the typos and sentences that were so awkwardly written they made no sense.

[Jon Fassnacht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many books have been written about second chances. "Arroyo" is a book written about a second Chance.

Chip Jacobs' novel exists on two different planes, which is fitting since it's a book centered around a bridge. Colorado Street Bridge spans the Arroyo Seco, which inspired the name of the book and Nick Chance's all-important clairvoyant dog, Royo.

When we first meet Chance, he's a champion ostrich rider at the world-famous Cawston Ostrich Farm in Pasadena, Calif., in the early 1900s. A near-death incident unites him with a dog who quickly shows himself to be much more than a simple canine.

A series of unfortunate events leads to Nick's quick downfall, followed by a series of unexpected events leading to his immediate resurrection.

He gets in the good graces of the wife of Adolphus Busch, the magnate of the Anheuser-Busch beer empire, and that leads to a gig helping to build the state-of-the-art Colorado Street Bridge and outfit some of the landscape with his very own solar-powered lamps.

If this feels like the description of a nonfiction book, it's because “Arroyo” hews close to it: Jacobs calls the book “a historical novel.” Most of the characters are fictionalized, but quite a few are not, and Jacobs painted scenes that include eccentric writer Upton Sinclair, comedian Will Rogers and President Teddy Roosevelt with strokes of real-life information.

The majority of the book takes place pre-World War I, climaxing in a fateful incident at the bridge. It then immediately picks up 80 years later. Most of the same players return in altered roles, but one very important character remains, acting as a bridge — there it is again — for the parallel storylines.

“Arroyo” is a fantastic read. Not only do you get to learn a good deal of history about the bridge and Pasadena, but you truly come to care about the characters. A love story woven into the tragedy-laden fabric zigs and zags in ways you least expect.

On a meta level, it makes you think about existence itself, and whether feelings of deja vu are rooted in something much deeper.

And, of course, there's the titular Royo, the much-more-than-he-appears dog, who proves that it's not only cats who have nine lives.

One small quibble: Jacobs appears to be a big rock fan. Led Zeppelin's deep cut “The Crunge” is discussed more here than perhaps anywhere else thanks to the song's James Brown-inspired mentions of (musical) bridges. And that's why this oversight was so surprising.

During one of the book's final scenes, Jacobs lists some of the famous folks attending the 80th anniversary of the Colorado Street Bridge's unveiling. He mentions Eddie Van Halen sitting next to bandmate David Lee Roth. But the two mercurial rockers were estranged in 1993; Sammy Hagar was Van Halen's lead singer at the time. I know, I know, poetic license and all that, but it's a book billed as a historical novel. Admittedly, I'm a music dork, and it's very likely no one else reading the book will think anything of it. It didn't tarnish my opinion at all, it just stopped me when I read it.

[Zeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bracing Piece of Historical Fiction
A novel full of interesting characters and fascinating history
"Arroyo" is a superb first novel from Chip Jacobs and is packed with interesting characters and an arresting style that belies the author's relative inexperience intros genre. I love the way he introduces and blends the collection of real historical figures and presents such a beguiling centerpiece in the Colorado Street Bridge (the so-called Suicide Bridge"). It's fast-paced and quirky and charming, and Jacobs' affection for his city colors every page.

Fictional characters who are believable and fascinating to the reader. Relationships between the characters that touch the heart and ring true to the reader's own experience. The setting of "Arroyo" is the Arroyo Seco, a broad and deep canyon which is part of the essence of the famed city of Pasadena, California. Spanning the Arroyo and the entire novel is the Colorado Street Bridge, which, on its' completion in the early 20th century, was an architectural wonder and work of art that smoothed the connection between Pasadena and the rest of Southern California. Chip Jacobs brings this massive bridge to life with vivid descriptions of its' construction that focus on its' colossal size and the dangers inherent in its' hands-on building. Along the way in "Arroyo," Nick Chance will interact with figures such as Upton Sinclair, Charles Lummis and Lily Busch of the famed brewing family. These characters are given a depth of involvement with Nick which renders them believable and not just historical props. Nick Chance is a young man who works at an ostrich ranch and races ostriches. Out of his intellect and ambition, he develops a solar lighting system for the new bridge in 1913. Jacobs frames Nick as a man rooted in his era and yet, believably, far ahead of his time. "Arroyo" also brings forth a loving relationship between Nick and his dog, named Royo. As the novel progresses, Nick's involvement with a young woman is presented with warmth and eroticism. In a further progression, the focus shifts from 1913 to 1993-- a jump into a new character named Nick who, ultimately, is a reincarnation of the Nick of 1913. The bridge exists as a span between these two men and their eras. By the latter part of "Arroyo," it has become known as "suicide bridge" because of the number of desolate people who have leapt from its' heights over the decades. Jacobs brings to this historical tale his expertise at non-fiction environmental narratives and his extensive background in journalism. In Jacobs' first novel-length effort at fiction, the shift from early to late 20th century is a bit disappointing for this reader, but the overall narrative is fun to read-- full of interesting characters and laced with believable settings from small restaurants to the great, curving bridge.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arroyo is a little bit of historical fiction, a little bit reincarnation and pure escapism. Ostrich race anyone? I did begin to wonder what I had let myself in for when I started reading this novel. But it turns out ostrich racing is a thing and how we are introduced to the main man, Nick Chance. Riding an ostrich on one of his lunchtime breaks (from the ostrich farm where he works) against a car.
The novel is split into two main timelines - 1913 and 1993, with one of the main characters being the Colorado Street Bridge, which looms over everything and intertwines through every word of the book. In the beginning, we meet a character who is out to cause a little bit of mischief on what is a special day for the bridge and the city of Pasadena. Who this man is or what his intentions are, doesn’t become clear until the book loops back to the beginning and we realise it is someone we have already met in the 1913 timeline. And he has met Nick in one of his previous lives. I loved this little trick. At first, I thought it would perhaps be a distant relative out to get justice or maybe recognition for a stolen invention. I did not expect the reincarnation part of the story. But thought it worked very well.
Arroyo is littered with familiar names from history who all play a part in Nick’s story. In 1913 he is riding ostriches and dreaming of harnessing the sun’s rays to make light. A dreamy type of inventor with strong principles, Nick gets a job on the bridge, through a famous connection and sets about creating solar lamps to light the area on and around the Arroyo. Being saved from a brush with death Nick ends up with a dog – Royo. A somewhat unique dog with the power to be able to read minds – clairvoyant like.
I enjoyed this book. I don’t know much about American history (I knew some of the famous names that make cameo appearances), this era or Pasadena but found Arroyo to be well researched and thought out. From what I thought was fiction I have found that it is based on a lot of truth. If you are not a native of Pasadena or the USA, you will probably still recognise the bridge in the story as a famous backdrop in lots of films. One with a very chequered past… In its construction there was bloodshed – workmen lost their lives, and it is also rather infamously become to be known as ‘Suicide Bridge’ because of the number of people who have sadly leapt to their deaths from its decks. Which is how we get to meet Nick again in 1993. Although I think I prefer old 1913 Nick to 1993 Nick. Pasadena is going on the bucket list for a little visit if I ever get to California.
Great read, great first noel from Chip Jacobs.
(This is an honest review in exchange for a complimentary copy of the book through Booktasters)

[Rajiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

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“Arroyo” is a riveting historical fiction novel that dwells into parallel timelines surrounding Pasadena’s famous bridge, and I enjoyed reading it.

What I enjoy about Chip Jacob’s books is his eccentric style of writing. Having read “The Darkest Glare,” I knew what was in store for me. He has a unique style of writing that takes a while to get used to but entertaining once you adapt to it. Initially, when I started reading Arroyo, I thought many random things were happening to Nick. But once you immerse yourself in the story and the character, you begin to see the author’s intricate details to tell the tale realistically. Moreover, reading this book made me add the Colorado Street Bridge to the list of places I want to visit in the future. I had no idea about the history behind the bridge until I read this book, particularly called “The Suicide Bridge.”

Similarly, the story is also interesting as we follow the highs and lows of Nick and his dog Royo. I loved how their stories interconnected between two timelines, one in 1913 and one in 1993. The author adds excitement, humor, and a few thrills to the story. It was interesting to see how Nick’s career takes off during the bridge’s construction, where he interacts with memorable characters like Chester and Darby. Some moments are exciting as Nick searches for Royo or when Nick comes across the malfunctioning transformer. On a side note, I also liked Nick’s chemistry with Jules and thought it sparked the tale.

Overall, I found “Arroyo” a fascinating historical piece of fiction that inspired me to visit Pasadena someday.

[Vaani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book initially because it’s set in Southern California and refers to local Pasadena landmarks and history so I was happy to see this book on the blog circuit!
The main character Nick Chance was a likable anti-hero and the interactions with his dog Royo were very entertaining as he becomes a morality guide of sorts. The Colorado Street Bridge is the namesake of the novel and I had no idea it had such a dark as deadly history. A quick search told me that over 100 people have sadly ended their lives by jumping off this bridge. I’m betting that a longtime resident would really enjoy this novel with the references to local residents and historical events.


About the author
The author is a very capable wordsmith and I had to lookup more than a few words… bugaboo, iconoclast, photovoltaic. Satire often goes over my head so there was a probably deeper message that I missed. However, I enjoyed the quirky characters and the detailed look back through time.
Jacobs’ thoroughly researched debut novel excavates the buried history of Pasadena … a riveting and enjoyable look at how local myths are constructed, and a vivid depiction of a time and a place that felt full of possibility’s.

Historical fiction is a favorite genre and this was a fascinating, well-researched look at Old Pasadena.

[Jagriti Mandot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly,I had lot of expectations as the genre of the book was something that always fascinates me. Arroyo is undeniably an adventurous novel. It is a historical fiction that left no stone unturned to surprise me everytime with the time ride full of fun,entertaining and quirky characters. Going straight to the city of Pasadena,one can definitely peek into the deadly history of the city.

This book takes us back in time and depicts 2 parallel timeline showing stories of a young inventor and his clairvoyant dog in 1913 and 1993.Also,it unveils the truth about the Colorado street bridge(suicide bridge) . The beautiful relationship between Nick and his dog is absolutely heart-warming. Readers who love animals will relate with the bonding and the fun equation with the main character. The darker side of the book is shown when Jacobs focuses on the deaths that occurred during construction and the near death experience of the main character, Nick Chance.

I would highly recommend this combination of adventure,mystery ,and dark humour.After reading this addictive novel one would really want to discover all the spots and existing landmarks that are featured in the book.

Jacobs could give so much light to the novel as he too grew up in northeast Pasadena.He did a wonderful work in making the book informative,intriguing yet interesting and mysterious .

[Sakshi Dikshit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arroyo: The Colorful Joourney

Chip Jacobs, Author of "Arroyo" has written an engaging and fascinating novel. The Genre for this novel is History Fiction. Even there are small glimpses of Time-travel, Romance, and Paranormal. There are two parallel times in this novel, with similar characters. From the Blurb, "Arroyo recounts to the parallel stories of a man and his dog in 1913 and 1993. The tale takes place in Pasadena California and the characters defined as perplexing, confused and idiosyncratic.

As the novel headway, Nick's connection with a young lady confers warmth and sensuality. Further, the focus of story shifts from 1913 to 1993- - a hop into another character named Nick who, eventually, is a resurrection of the Nick of 1913. The bridge exists as a span between these two men and their eras, By the latter "Arroyo," it has gotten known as "suicide bridge" in light of the number of forlorn individuals who have jumped from its statures over the decade.

Nick and his dog do get the opportunity to meet some renowned individuals. In the parallel story, Nick has the chance of seeing what occurred in the parallel past. What perils and results will happen?

I would suggest this mix tale like and historical story for readers who enjoy this type of adventure.

[Amrita Kartha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arroyo has the historical information, as well as the combination of magical realism, adventure, historical fiction and fact, mystery, suspense and a touch of romance.
This book archives a fictional story that is rooted in historical facts. The story takes place in pasadena california which is about a boy named Nick and his psychic dog and arrogya bridge. There are dual timelines running through the story. I enjoyed how the story begins. One is in 1913 when the bridge opens and another in 1993 after major renovations. I enjoyed the peek into Old Pasadena. I didn’t know much about this time or place, and I found it fascinating.The arrogya bridge has a past of death and hauntings. Workers died during construction, and the bridge is labeled Suicide Bridge because of people who have jumped to their deaths. This story is a genre mix, and in that spirit, might contain a ghost or two. The ending that puts together all elements of this novel is a satisfying tour de force.
Overall the book is very interesting and creative

[Sneha]

First, I would like thank author for sending me the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

All along it felt like a beautiful tribute to the old Pasadena and the Colorado Street Bridge. Given the fact that I don't live in Pasadena or anywhere near it, I had to dig, get my head around the facts and incidents which helped me understand the framework and concept of the book.

Two parts of the book, focusing on the Colorado Street Bridge aka 'Suicide Bridge', so skillfully told that it felt like there were two books inside one. Though I had a hard time in connecting to the narration in the first few pages of the book, I must say that author's storytelling power is promising.

Apart from the dark humour this historical fiction had to offer, the heartwarming relationship between Nick and his dog and their adventures are something that is going to stay with me even when the storytelling is over.

[Pooja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arroyo is such an engaging and interesting story. There are two parallel stories about an inventor and his soothsayer dog. The timelines are 1913 and 1993. At the center of both stories is the “Suicide Bridge,” also known as the Colorado Street Bridge. This bridge has a history and a story to tell of its own.

It is also about Pasadena, California. Nick and his dog follow such local characters as Teddy Roosevelt, Adolphus Busch, and Upton Sinclair. Through it all, Nick continues to be drawn to this eerie, mysterious bridge.


I enjoyed how the story begins and is seen through the eyes of Nick Chance and his very unusual dog who saves his life which he calls Royo, in 1913. In a parallel timeline 80 years later in 1993, the story connects back to the famous bridge in a very interesting way.

. I loved both Nick and Royo and it was fun to follow their adventures. It was a delightful read, highly recommended.

[Ruhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mindblowing historic fictional story ❤️

Arroyo is a beautifully written historic fictional story. Author has wisely considered the location of the story. It’s based in a small town of Pasadena,South California.
It relates to two parallel stories back in 1913 and 1993 about the inventor(Nick) and his dog (Royo). It revolves around the famous “Colorado street Bridge” which is famously known as the “Suicide Bridge”. I actually googled and find out that over 100 people have jumped from that bridge and lost their lives.
This place relates the link between the Nick from 1913 and 1993. I really like the way how he has blend the historical figures with the current presets.
The relationship portrayed between Nick and his dog is really heartwarming and interesting. There is an angle of Nick with a young lady too. It’s an overall read for all the adventure, emotions and fun.