Title: Time Stitchers by Pat Scheckel
Publisher / Publication Date: WWA Press (November 2026)
Language: English
Format / # of Pages: Trade Paperback, 227 pages.
Genre: Time Travel Thriller
ISBN: 979-8295599927
Reviewed by: Cayce Osborne

Non-stop action in this historical adventure through time.

UW-Madison college student Jimmy returns to his hometown of Hiawatha, Wisconsin for the summer break of 1989. Like many young adults finding their way, he’s caught between worlds: the more grown-up community he’s building at college, and the childhood community he left behind in Hiawatha. This contrast is the perfect metaphor for what happens to Jimmy next, as he stumbles upon a time travel portal and finds himself in Washington DC during the Civil War.

What follows is a fast-paced combination of Dazed and Confused’s nostalgia and an Indiana Jones adventure. Jimmy’s time in the 1980s is full of clever, Wisconsin-specific pop culture references. While back in 1862, he gets out of one scrape only to find himself in another. Sprinkled throughout are enough historical details to immerse us in the era, without bogging down the rollicking action.

Real-world consequences ground the story, giving the narrative depth and heart. Jimmy wants to find out who is responsible for the death of his sister, her fate entwined with the traveling “time stitchers” he meets on his adventures. The time-spanning conspiracy he uncovers has life-and-death stakes for everyone. Jimmy finds his way in both worlds as his adventures come to an explosive and satisfying conclusion. I have a feeling Jimmy is destined for more adventures—fingers crossed for a sequel.