Tim Downs

First of all, I want to say that I love it when I get to review a book by an author from my state of North Carolina....this one happens to be about 20 minutes from me! How cool is that?! I think that is awesome! Another reason I am happy about this book, is that it starts off in Front Royal, Virginia. I used to live SUPER close to that and would go there sometimes, so it was fun reading that! Anyway, I loved The Bug Man. I loved the book. I loved Tim's work. All of it. This was a show more hook-line-sinker for me, folks. The Bug Man is a fantastic character and Tim Downs did an EXCELLENT job of blending him in with the plot line of this book.

From page one, I was laughing. Nick Polchak was a funny yet played the suspenseful role quite well. I enjoyed the banter and interaction between him and Alena. When Nick had to leave just few days before his wedding to Alena, the suspense begins. His close friend is found dead in his home and he's determined to find out why. But will he make it back home in time for the "I do's" with his fiance? She's determined to have him there so her and her tracking dogs set out to find him....only things aren't what she expected. Once Alena sets out, things really get going in the twists and turns department.

Tim's writing style for this Bug Man novel was awesome. He kept me laughing with Polchak's humorous character, but kept me in suspense with each twist the story took. I couldn't put this book down for I HAD to keep turning the page and finding out the next twist in the scenes!

If you love suspense novels, then please grab a copy of Tim's Nick of Time. Though you will laugh out loud at Nick Polchak, you'll be guessing what's gonna happen next in this 5 star read. This is the first Bug Man novel I've had the pleasure of reading, but I will tell you this: this will NOT be the last one! I will be collecting and reading ALL the Bug Man novels and will be anxious and hoping that Tim Downs' releases another one SOON! Hat's off to Tim Downs for a ROCKIN' great suspense novel! show less

This is the first book I have read by Tim Downs. All I have to say is that I wish I had discovered him sooner! Although this is the sixth book in a series, I was able to jump right into the storyline. Reading the first few lines, I smiled. By the time I reached the bottom of the first page, I giggled. From that point on, I laughed out loud at the often sarcastic but completely realistic comments of the main character Dr. Nick Polchak. The writing is sharp. The plot is believable. Although show more some of the science is a little more in depth than I cared for, it is interesting.

One of my favorite TV shows is Bones. If you like the character Dr. Brennan, you will LOVE Dr. Polchak. Nick speaks his mind, which sometimes lands him in jail. He chases leads, which may make him target practice for a bad guy. He is relentless in searching for answers. But the best, the absolute BEST, is the twist in the cold case he is following.

But it isn’t just about solving the case. Tim Downs presents a character that believes he is next to flawless, but realizes through the story that he is indeed flawed. Nick’s journey from Virginia to the Poconos in Pennsylvania aids him in a journey learning about himself.

If you enjoy mysteries, suspense, and a touch of romance, you will enjoy following the adventures of “The Bug Man” who receives help in the Nick of Time. show less

Nick of Time (A Bug Man Novel) is a great read. The main character, Nick Polchak works as a forensic entomologist and always finds himself in the thick of trouble. Days before his own wedding he goes to Philadelphia to help out one of his friends on a cold case. Nick is convinced that he'll be back in time to exchange nuptials with his lady love Alena Savard ( a dog trainer who has an uncanny ability to communicate with canines)...naturally she disagrees. When the trip turns into a show more full-blown investigation...everything spirals out of control.

Tim Downs has done a remarkable job developing an intelligent character with quick wit and impeccable sarcasm, who manages to annoy every person he encounters (even his so called friends or colleagues as he would call them). Nick of Time is a great ride. The story held me captive, so much so that I will be putting the previous Bug Man Novels on my TBR! show less

Nick Polchak, Downs' brilliant "Bug Man", makes only a token appearance in this fast-paced philosophical thriller, but in exchange Downs introduces his readers to some of the most interesting and engaging characters in thriller-fiction. Special Agent Nathan Donovan is a man whose personal tragedy has caused him to lose faith in just about everything; his ex-wife, a professor of political science, tempers her realistic view of the world with both determination and compassion; and the show more mysterious Mr. Li, who inserts himself into Donovan's investigation of a possible bio-terrorism incident while forcing Donovan to examine the state of his own soul.

In the hands of a less-gifted author, these characters would play out into a stereotyped plot, but Downs brings something a little bit special into play here -- his own deep Christian faith, which allows him to see even the vilest of acts through a redemptive lens. Though I am an atheist, I found Downs' insistence that all human beings are given the chance at spiritual salvation neither preachy nor Pollyannaish.

Downs never indulges the temptation to insert an end-of-days Armageddon scenario, and those looking for signs and portents in this book will look in vain. Rather, Downs' message seems to be that if God is indeed the power to love our enemies, it is incumbent upon us to show that love even in the most dire of circumstances.

Aside from the philosophical additions, which play out naturally as the plot unfolds, this is a darned good read all on its own -- fast-paced, interesting, and suspenseful.

Very highly recommended. show less