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Nick of Time (Bug Man #6)

by Tim Downs (Goodreads Author)

4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 · rating details · 282 ratings · 83 reviews

The Bug Man is getting married on Saturday . . . if his fiancee can find him.

Forensic entomologist Nick Polchak lives in a world of maggots and blow flies and decomposing bodies. No wonder he's still single.

But Nick has finally found a woman as strange as he is--dog trainer Alena Savard, a woman who is odd, reclusive, and can seemingly talk to animals. It was a match made...more

Paperback, 314 pages

Published April 17th 2011 by Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

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Oct 20, 2011 Amy Corwin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: forensics, mystery

This was the first "Bug Man" novel I've read and I'm sure glad I took the chance. The main character is Nick Polchack, an expert in insects (particularly as they relate to determining the time of death), is side-tracked from his duties as groom by a meeting of forensic pros who work on cold cases.

Nick, you see, is engaged to be married to Alena and the wedding is set for Saturday, just a few days away. Personally, I would not be upset if my groom decided to bug out for a few days before the wedd...more

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Jul 02, 2011 Nicola rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, no-longer-own

Reason for Reading: I've always wanted to read this series.

Nick is about to get married on Saturday, but a few days before the wedding he is called out of town and discovers that a close friend has been murdered. As he investigates he finds himself moving farther away from the church as he finds a suspicious death of a deputy sheriff in a small town in the Poconos and starts to solve a cold case in the same area, all which bring him closer to solving his friend's death and further from making it...more

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Jun 09, 2011 Cathy rated it 5 of 5 stars

(From the back cover)

Forensic entomologist Nick Polchak lives in a world of maggots and blow flies and decomposing bodies. No wonder he's still single.

But Nick has finally found a woman as strange as he is - dog trainer Alena Savard, a woman who is odd, reclusive and can seemingly talk to animals. It was a match made in heaven.

Nick and Alena are scheduled to be married on Saturday - but there's one small problem. Nick has disappeared.

Caught up in a murder case involving an old friend, Nick finds...more (From the back cover)

Forensic entomologist Nick Polchak lives in a world of maggots and blow flies and decomposing bodies. No wonder he's still single.

But Nick has finally found a woman as strange as he is - dog trainer Alena Savard, a woman who is odd, reclusive and can seemingly talk to animals. It was a match made in heaven.

Nick and Alena are scheduled to be married on Saturday - but there's one small problem. Nick has disappeared.

Caught up in a murder case involving an old friend, Nick finds himself on a manhunt that's drawing him farther and farther from the church where Alena is waiting. But will he make it back in time? Could Nick's single-minded focus cause him to forget his own wedding? Is he really pursuing a killer, or is he running away from something else?

My Thoughts:

To be honest I didn't even plan on reading this book and I certainly didn't expect to like it. I chose it as a novel that my husband could read and review for me. It deals with bugs and dead bodies and yucky stuff that men like. Unfortunately, if I waited for him to read and review it, I would be waiting until Christmas. So, I decided I would just grin and bear it and wade through the yucky dead body stuff.

Imagine my surprise when I couldn't put this book down. It was wonderful! Yes, there were yucky dead body and bug stuff in there, but the characters were so real. Nick was quirky and arrogant and rude...just like I would imagine a real-life genius bug guy would be. Yet there is a personable side to him, a side that really does want to marry the girl and be with her forever. Then there is Alena - a recluse who doesn't have friends, and who, secretly, has been planning her wedding since she was a little girl.

The author does an excellent job of keeping everything in character. No one does anything that is ever out of sorts with their character, even down to how they describe things. In one instance in the story, both Nick and Alena visit the same house at different times. Nick notices its function and describes it one way while Alena notices its aesthetics and describes it completely different. I thought that was brilliant on the part of the author.

And, as with all good mysteries, there is a twist at the end of the book. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book and was pleasantly surprised by it. Where has this series been that I haven't read it before? I look forward to reading the previous and future Bug Man novels by Tim Downs.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.(less)

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May 31, 2011 Charity rated it 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW- Tim Downs has written some pretty different books. This whole Bug Man series was kind of out of my league when it comes to Christian fiction. I have only read a couple of the other Bug Man series but I have heard the rest of them were pretty good. So when this one came out I knew I had to review it! I have to say first off that there are several things I do not care for in this book. There are several terms that are borderline and then there are heroes in the story drinking beer. That...more

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May 18, 2011 Kristen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Blowflies, dead bodies, and cadaver dogs -ahh the scent of romance is in the air. Eew, O.K. maybe the scent of romance doesn't typically include that particular scent, but Nick Polchak and Alana Savard are anything but your typical engaged couple.

This latest installment of the Bug Man novels finds Nick and Alana less than a week away from their wedding. When Nick takes off to help a friend saying he'll only be gone a day, Alana is frantic. Is he running away because he's getting cold feet? Does...more

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May 09, 2011 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Melissa by: Booksneeze.com

Shelves: mystery

From The Cover:
The Bug Man is getting married on Saturday...if his fiancee can find him.
Forensic entomologist Nick Polchak lives in a world of maggots and blow flies and decomposing bodies. No wonder he's still single.
But Nick has finally found a woman as strange as he is -- dog trainer Alena Savard, a woman who is odd, reclusive, and can seemingly talk to animals. It was a match made in heaven.
Nick and Alena are scheduled to be married on Saturday -- but there's one small problem. Nick has dis...more From The Cover:
The Bug Man is getting married on Saturday...if his fiancee can find him.
Forensic entomologist Nick Polchak lives in a world of maggots and blow flies and decomposing bodies. No wonder he's still single.
But Nick has finally found a woman as strange as he is -- dog trainer Alena Savard, a woman who is odd, reclusive, and can seemingly talk to animals. It was a match made in heaven.
Nick and Alena are scheduled to be married on Saturday -- but there's one small problem. Nick has disappeared.
Caught up in a murder case involving an old friend, Nick finds himself on a manhunt that's drawing him farther and farther from the church where Alena is waiting. But will he make it back in time? Could Nick's single-minded focus cause him to forget his own wedding? Is he really pursuing a killer, or is he running away from something else?
Review:
This was my first Bug Man Novel and the first Tim Downs book. I was a bit hesitant, but have enjoyed crime novels in the past and wanted to see what Downs had to offer. I was not disappointed.
I found myself laughing several times at the humor interspersed throughout the story, and enjoyed the interactions between all of the characters. It really built on the suspense and the twists and turns wondering where the plot of the story would go next. Never seeing what was coming at the end.
The entomology and dog training information was well placed to give the reader some background into the studies to understand the plot, and what a different perspective from the usual CSI novels that are out there.
Although this is by a Christian Author/Publisher, the story was not overtly “Christian” and would be enjoyed by anyone looking for a book that was less intense than Patricia Cornwell and more intellectual than a “Cozy Mystery”.
Overall, this was a great read, and I look forward to reading more of Downs’ books as well as the other Bug Man novels.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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May 01, 2011 Renn Shearin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nick of Time by Tim Downs is the fourth Bug Man novel.
The plot of this book centers around the upcoming wedding of forensic entomologist Nick Polchak to Alena Savard. Nick is unsure about the business of preparing for a wedding, so when his friend Pete invites him to Philadelphia the week before his wedding, Nick goes without question. Shortly after his arrival, Nick becomes involved in the murder investigation of a friend, and he finds himself immersed in a case without giving a thought to poo...more

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Jun 13, 2011 Pamela Barrett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Nick Polchak isn’t so much a confirmed bachelor, then one who has been confirmed by his friends that it would take a miracle for him to get married. You see he’s a little peculiar; he doesn’t really like humans as much as he likes bugs. As a forensic entomologist, he is more comfortable watching maggots on a dead body, than planning a wedding with his fiancé, Alena Savard. Fortunately Alena, who trains dogs, some who find cadavers, is a perfect match for him so it looks like marriage maybe in hi...more

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May 03, 2011 Melanie Coombes rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a fun book to read. I don't think you can go wrong with a good crime thriller/mystery. I believe that this is the sixth book in what is know as the "bug man series." It is called this due to the main characters job as a forensic entomologist. Nick studies bugs that are attracted to human remains. His work helps to solve crimes.

In this story, Nick is getting married to Alena. Alena is a dog trainer who he first met when her dogs helped locate a dead body. These two eccentric characters s...more

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Apr 29, 2011 Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Molly by: BookSneeze

Shelves: book-review

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 hook-line-sinke...more 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 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!
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May 04, 2011 Cheryl Olson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Tim Downs book “Nick of time” is another installment in the “Bugman series” following Virginia based Nick Polchak, forensic entomologist on yet another case. Unfortunately for him, it’s at a pretty bad time in his life as he’s about to get married…on Saturday. Most brides aren’t too keen about their grooms being gone right before the big “I do”. So when Nick tells his fiancé and dog trainer Alena Savard that he is leaving the Monday before their wedding to head to Philadelphia for a Vidocq socie...more Tim Downs book “Nick of time” is another installment in the “Bugman series” following Virginia based Nick Polchak, forensic entomologist on yet another case. Unfortunately for him, it’s at a pretty bad time in his life as he’s about to get married…on Saturday. Most brides aren’t too keen about their grooms being gone right before the big “I do”. So when Nick tells his fiancé and dog trainer Alena Savard that he is leaving the Monday before their wedding to head to Philadelphia for a Vidocq society meeting- a group of highly specialized forensic specialists who handle cold cases- she’s not real thrilled about it. As always when he gets to Philadelphia more is waiting for him than he anticipated and he is caught off guard by the case that is before him that keeps sucking him in farther and farther. With his singular focus, he is completely entrenched in this case and the question is- will he get back to Alena in time?
This is my first book in the Bug man series. I wanted to get that out there because I think those that have read all the books might have a different perspective. I thought the opening chapter with the” fish out of water” feeling for Nick in a Bridal boutique was perfectly written – hilarious, quick pace, doesn’t get better than that. As I continued on with the book, the storyline was good, great little twist in there towards the end that I didn’t see coming, a variety of interesting characters. The tough part for me was that Nick and Alena are so very sarcastic and caustic to practically everyone they meet, it’s tough to get excited about their upcoming nuptials. I was left with the feeling of- how can these two possibly make it? It was difficult for me to really like their characters. There was a little bit of redemption towards the end, but not a lot. The spiritual message was very subtle, which is fine I guess, not every book needs to preach the gospel that is of the Christian genre. On the whole I thought it was a good book and I think I would benefit by reading Tim Downs other books on the “bug man” in fairness to get more of the back story on Alena and Nick.
Discolsure- I was graciously given a preview copy of this book through the Booksneeze program. The opinions expressed are my own.
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Oct 01, 2012 Terri Haynes rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes a get a stroke of genius. I would like to think that my idea to read four books in the Bug Man series at once was a sign of my genius. Unfortunately, I think it was just a matter of timing. I received a copy of Nick of Time for review and realized that I hadn’t read the three books in the series (First the Dead, Less than Dead and Ends of the Earth). I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, Chop Shop and Shoofly Pie. I must admit this was one of the most enjoyable reading e...more Sometimes a get a stroke of genius. I would like to think that my idea to read four books in the Bug Man series at once was a sign of my genius. Unfortunately, I think it was just a matter of timing. I received a copy of Nick of Time for review and realized that I hadn’t read the three books in the series (First the Dead, Less than Dead and Ends of the Earth). I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, Chop Shop and Shoofly Pie. I must admit this was one of the most enjoyable reading experiences I’ve had in a long time. I spent a week in Bug Man-land and loved every minute of it. Genius.

Now I must admit, this is one of the grossest book series I’ve read in a long time. If they were a movie, I don’t think I could watch them. They come with a high, built-in gag-factor. Dr. Nick Polchak is a forensic entomologist…cringe worthy. But the way the author, Tim Downs, portrays Nick and his work, the books were a delight. I love how Downs took such a gross subject and sucked me into that world.

Now this isn’t the kind of series where you need to read the books in order to enjoy them, but it certainly helps. Nick of Time starts with a startling revelation, Dr. Nick Polochak, the crankiest, socially awkward person you’ll ever meet, is getting married (to get the full gist of his social awkwardness, read the whole series). But of course, being the focused and stubborn, he gets a little sidetracked by an investigation.

I love the characters in this book. Nick Polochak is fascinating. His single-minded drive made me wonder if I appeared as weird as he does. And that was a big apart of his appeal. Many people would love to do and say some of the things Nick does but are too afraid of the repercussions. I love Nick’s get-to-the-point attitude.

I also love the way the plot unfolded. Downs does a great job of pacing and flow (especially since I read four of his books at a time). Downs is a solid writer and I loved the fact that the quality remained the same through all four books. Another great thing about this series is that it keeps you guessing until the end. I really don’t like it when I figure out who the antagonist is in the middle of the book. And talk about a surprise ending…you won’t be disappointed.

If you always dreamed of reading four books in a row by the same author, these books are a great place to start!(less)

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Aug 25, 2011 Randy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Nick Polchak is getting married in a week. He gets an invitation from a friend in Philadelphia to work on an interesting case. A forensic entomologist, he teaches at North Carolina State and consults with police on murder cases. His fiance can't understand why he's leaving a week before the wedding.

She lives on top of a mountain and raises a cadaver dogs. The Bug Man and the Dog Woman, a match made in Heaven.

He gets to Philadelphia and finds his friend murdered, the police unhelpful, and feels c...more

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May 15, 2011 Ellen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: from-publisher, fiction, christian-fiction, mystery

The Bug Man is getting married on Saturday... if his fiancée can find him.

Forensic entomologist Nick Polchak lives in a world of maggots and blow flies and decomposing bodies. No wonder he is still single.

But Nick has finally found a woman as strange as he is - dog trainer Alena Savard, a woman who is odd, reclusive, and can seemingly talk to animals. It was a match made in heaven.

Nick and Alena are scheduled to be married on Saturday - just a mere 4 days away- Nick finds himself driving to Phil...more

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Aug 14, 2011 Dan Rowling rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is #6 in the "Bugman Chronicles". Dr. Nick Polchak is up to his usual trouble that he get into. He's getting married. Did you go to the Tim Downs website and vote for who you wanted him to marry? Well, if not, then it's already decided anyhow. Tim Downs has really developed this into a very much anticipated series and I know that I speak for all the people that I lent my copy out to. I can't write about really anything in the book without posting a "spoiler alert". Let's just say that Mr. D...more

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Jul 22, 2011 Suzanne Hartmann rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Bug Man, a forensic entomologist, has finally found someone as odd as himself whom he can love: Alena Savard, a dog trainer who seems to be able to talk to her dogs. The wedding date is set...and only days away. But there's a problem: Nick has disappeared.

Tim Downs' new Bug Man novel drew me in right from the start with the protagonist, Nick Polchak's hilarious sarcastic humor. The pace slows down just a bit as it delves into a little history about the protagonists and sets up the scenario...more

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May 28, 2011 Stacey Donaldson rated it 4 of 5 stars

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 full-blown in...more

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May 10, 2011 Janet rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: janet-s-book-shelf

NICK OF TIME
By Tim Downs

Synopsis

Tying the knot may be the toughest thing Nick Polchak has ever tried to do.

Nick Polchak is comfortable with bugs. Their world is orderly. He knows where he stands and exactly how to interpret the signs they give him. But a fiancee and an upcoming wedding? Not so much.

That's why-a mere four days before the nupitals-Nick finds himself driving to Philadelphia for the monthly meeting of the Vidocq society. Being among a group of forensic professionals consulting on...more

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Mar 17, 2012 Belindachaplin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nick Polchak, a forensic entomologist ("Bug Man") just about to get married decides to travel to a meeting of all the big forensic minds in the US to meet up with a friend. After being stood up at the meeting, Nick, tries to track down his friend: at his house he sees blowflies through the window - meaning only one thing, there is a dead body in the house: his friend is dead.

The rest of the story continues to track Nick (and his fiance, Alena)'s movements while he chases his friend's killer(s) a...more

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Jun 05, 2011 Laurel & Jenny rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I received this through the first-reads program, and this was my first experience with a TIm Downs book. Being mainly a YA fantasy reader, this was in a realm I usually didn't read, although I DO happen to read books from each genre fairly regularly other than horror. I just can't stand horror. D=
I realize that summaries and such are fairly common among reviews, so I will merely telly you my opinion.
The story was fast-paced and funny, if not moderately cliched, but the p lot was definitely intri...more

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May 30, 2011 Shannon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mysteries

Nick of Time is a light mystery focusing on Nick Polchak, a forensic entomologist who heads to Philadelphia to help a friend with a case, only to find evidence that his friend has been killed. He follows the case to the Poconos, leaving his fiancée in Virginia without word of his whereabouts less than a week before their wedding.

The mystery was entertaining enough to keep me reading, even though I figured out most of the solution before I got to the end. The characters had a little more personal...more

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May 18, 2011 Elaine Okupski rated it 5 of 5 stars

I got excited when I saw that there was a new book in the Bug Man series. I LOVE the Bug Man! Nick Downs has written a series of suspense novels based on the character Nick Polchak. Nick is, shall we say, an unusual character. He loves the world of insects--he'd rather spend time with bugs than with humans! Nick is a forensic entomologist: he helps to solve crimes by studying the insects on and around dead bodies. These aren't the kind of books you read while you're eating lunch, but if you enjo...more

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May 14, 2011 Sid Frost rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

The books I like best make me laugh, cry, gasp, and stay awake at night thinking about the characters. Nick of Time caused me to chuckle. Two or three times.

Nick Polchak, a forensic entomologist, who apparently is more comfortable around dead people than live ones, surprises his few friends by announcing he is getting married to Alena Savard. Alena, a dog trainer who lives alone in a double-wide mobile home in the Virginia woods, has fewer friends than Nick does, if you don't count her pack of d...more The books I like best make me laugh, cry, gasp, and stay awake at night thinking about the characters. Nick of Time caused me to chuckle. Two or three times.

Nick Polchak, a forensic entomologist, who apparently is more comfortable around dead people than live ones, surprises his few friends by announcing he is getting married to Alena Savard. Alena, a dog trainer who lives alone in a double-wide mobile home in the Virginia woods, has fewer friends than Nick does, if you don't count her pack of dogs.

Nick is a member of the Vidocq Society, a group of forensic specialists who meet in Philadelphia monthly to investigate cold cases. He is enticed to attend a meeting just a week before the wedding. Alena is not too happy about Nick leaving her with all the wedding preparations. But he feels he must go. He gets her a cell phone and, since there is no cell service where she lives, they agree for her to go into Endor each night so he can call her.

At the meeting, Nick learns the friend and fellow member of the Society who had asked him to come to the meeting had been killed. His death is apparently related to a cold case he was working on. While investigating the murder, Nick ends up in jail and is not able to call Alena. When Nick doesn't call for several days, Alena wonders if he is in trouble or is getting cold feet about their marriage. Either way, she decides to find him, taking three dogs with her. One for protection, one for tracking, and one to find a dead body.

For the rest of the book, Nick searches for the killer while Alena searches for Nick. Both stories are interesting. She proves to be as good an investigator as he is and she would have found him quickly if she had not been misdirected by people she trusted.

Does Nick find the killer? Does Alena find Nick? Do they get married? You'll have to read the book to find out.

Nick of Time is well structured and well written. There are places where I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened next. Unfortunately, there weren't enough such places.

My main criticism of the book is that the characters never came alive for me. Nick and Alena were alike as advertised on the back of the book. But there could have been some differences. Even the supporting characters sounded a lot like Nick to me.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” After reading the book, I donated it to a church library.

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Jun 05, 2011 Brad rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, mystery, thriller

About 2/3 of the way through, I was thinking this book would get 3 stars. It was good, but wasn't anything special. Then there was a twist, and that twist made it all worth it. I like that Downs has gotten a little trickier with his writing and that things aren't nearly as predictable as they were in the first book(s).

As Nick is preparing for his upcoming wedding, I was entertained by his struggles to understand women. I couldn't help but wonder if he might not have a mild autism spectrum disord...more

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May 17, 2011 Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Surprisingly good!

The premise is tricky and multi-layered: a murder mystery, wedding planning, and cold feet. This is probably why I didn't expect much--because, really, how can your regular run-of-the-mill author pull all those odd threads together?

Apparently, Tim Downs is not your regular run-of-the-mill author. I've never heard of him before Nick of Time and I terribly underestimated him. Besides, the cover was unattractive, and I've never read a good mystery from a Christian publisher. So th...more

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Oct 21, 2011 Bill Garrison rated it 2 of 5 stars

NICK OF TIME by Tim Downs is the latest in the series featuring eccentric forensic entomologist Nick Polchak, or Bug Man. Nick proposed to Alena Savard but hates everything about planning a wedding. A few days before his wedding, he gets a call from Pete Boudreau to help with a cold case he was working on. Alena protests but Nick promises he'll be back before the wedding, and heads to Philly to help Pete. In Philly, people start dying, and Nick realizes he can't turn his back on an old friend. B...more NICK OF TIME by Tim Downs is the latest in the series featuring eccentric forensic entomologist Nick Polchak, or Bug Man. Nick proposed to Alena Savard but hates everything about planning a wedding. A few days before his wedding, he gets a call from Pete Boudreau to help with a cold case he was working on. Alena protests but Nick promises he'll be back before the wedding, and heads to Philly to help Pete. In Philly, people start dying, and Nick realizes he can't turn his back on an old friend. But in deciding to help Nick, has he turned his back on Alena and the upcoming wedding?

I'm a fan of Tim Downs' books, but this book is really going to put that to the test. The writing is still crisp and witty, the Bug Man is still beyond quirky, the bug and guts are there a little, the pacing is quick, and the book is easy to read. In other words, Downs' writing is excellent as usual. But, it is possible for an author to use great writing skill in telling a poor story. In NICK OF TIME, the plot is incredibly and ridiculously contrived.

In order to not spoil the plot, I'm not going to give details as to why I feel this way, other than to say it happens about 50 pages to the end of the novel. Up until then, I only had minor complaints, such as Nick leaving a few days before a wedding in order for Nick and Alena to explore how strong their relationship really is. A source of major conflict through much is the novel is that, after Nick leaves to go to Philly, he and Alena can't keep in touch, even though they both have state of the art cell phones. I just shook my head at the angst Alena kept feeling over Nick not calling her. Not believable it all. Just pick up your phone and call him!

Fans of the Bug Man are going to read this novel of course, and I'll continue to read others. It isn't as if I don't like the writing, I just totally disliked the direction of the plot, which to me are two different things. After the major twist at the end of the book which cemented my feelings, the characters even admit that their own actions were incredibly unrealisic and not smart. So to have the author basically admit to his mistake through his characters, and then to gloss over it, shows me that Downs had a mesage he wanted to give and a track he wanted the characters to take, and then worried about how to fit a story around it later.
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May 13, 2011 Dixie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-crime, netgalley

Imagine how excited I was to find out about a series featuring a forensic entomologist!

Nick of Time begins with Nick preparing to wed his fiancé, Alena. Then just a mere four days prior to the big day, Nick leaves town to meet his friend Pete in Philadelphia. Pete has requested Nick’s help on a cold case that he is trying to solve. Unsurprisingly, Alena is unhappy with Nick’s plan to leave town so close to their wedding day. Nick makes a plan to call Alena every evening at 9pm while he is away....more Imagine how excited I was to find out about a series featuring a forensic entomologist!

Nick of Time begins with Nick preparing to wed his fiancé, Alena. Then just a mere four days prior to the big day, Nick leaves town to meet his friend Pete in Philadelphia. Pete has requested Nick’s help on a cold case that he is trying to solve. Unsurprisingly, Alena is unhappy with Nick’s plan to leave town so close to their wedding day. Nick makes a plan to call Alena every evening at 9pm while he is away. Alena waits and waits, but no call from Nick ever comes. In a message relayed from Nick through their pastor, Alena finds out that Pete was murdered before Nick was able to meet with him about the cold case. In an attempt to try to find out what happened to Pete, Nick follows some leads and ends up in the Poconos.

The Poconos was Alena’s dream honeymoon location, and Nick is there without her. Instead, he is on a wild goose chase and if he does not get back soon, their wedding will be missing a groom. Alena follows Nick to the Poconos, following the same leads that he followed just two days prior. Alena needs to know whether Nick still wants to marry her, but the two keep missing each other. They finally catch up with each other on eve of the wedding, but will the wedding go on as planned?

Alena’s dogs and her kennel are a big part of this story. I generally like stories that are dog-related, and I could definitely relate to Alena’s concerns about her dogs any time they were in danger. However, I found her training of the dogs a bit over the top and unrealistic. About halfway through the book, I realized that I found the characters of Nick and Alena to be somewhat abrasive and I nearly gave up reading. But I picked it back up and finished the story. I am glad that I finished the story because there was a big twist at the end. Sometimes I can suspend logic for a good mystery novel, but it just didn’t work for me in this case. Overall this probably isn’t a series that I will continue reading.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing me with an advance copy of Nick of Time via netGalley.(less)

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May 30, 2011 Courtney Vail rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian

This is my first encounter with A Bug Man novel, and I really enjoyed meeting these quirky characters. We follow Nick, a forensic entomologist, as he takes off just days before his wedding to go to a cold-case convention after receiving an invite from his friend. When he gets evidence that his friend is dead, he's off on the hunt to discover what happened, and his engrossment in the case, as well as a few other deterences, have him neglecting Alena. But she's not one to sit home twidling her thu...more This is my first encounter with A Bug Man novel, and I really enjoyed meeting these quirky characters. We follow Nick, a forensic entomologist, as he takes off just days before his wedding to go to a cold-case convention after receiving an invite from his friend. When he gets evidence that his friend is dead, he's off on the hunt to discover what happened, and his engrossment in the case, as well as a few other deterences, have him neglecting Alena. But she's not one to sit home twidling her thumbs, so she takes off to find him.

I was definitely engrossed in the mystery element and found it suspenseful at times. I laughed out loud in several spots, especially in the opening chapter. I especially love the author’s phraseology: chalk outline around a wedding cake, eyes the size of Mallomars.

But, this book had so much rehashing to the point of annoyance, like telling us over and over that the MC was a criminal entomologist, or the storyline would break open to another clue, and there’d be reflection about the clue, a recap of every detail we just read about in uncovering it and then telling us the next move and what the POV character desired to learn next. About two-thirds of the way through, I was like, really? Again? Just give me scenes. Throw me into something once in a while, I’ll get it. I don’t need all this extra, meaningless blather. This might be one of those scene-sequel, scene-sequel type books, but it really grates on my nerves, and as a reader, I don’t like being treated like I’m dense, and the tactic comes across very patronizing.

And then, in the end, I just felt the danger and lack of communication by all strained credibility. I love surprise endings, but this was so extreme and laughable, that it spoiled the read for me. Alena seemed to have been kept in the dark for no other reason but to build suspense and tension for the reader.

This novel has no mention God or anything spiritual at all. I don’t even know if the main characters are Christian. Even though I’m in the minority as a Christian reader, I don’t care that it’s absent either. I don’t read fiction to get preached at or to learn moral lessons or discover perfect people I can’t identify with, I just look for good, engrossing books. And to try to work in spiritual elements when they don’t fit the story’s context is just bad writing. So I appreciate that the author kept the book clean yet didn’t break into a sermon or drum up a conversion scene when the story didn’t call for it.

Overall, I have mixed feelings about Nick of Time. With the exception of the reiteration, I enjoyed most of the read, but just found it too incredible in the end. My husband will probably like it because of the humor and the CSI-type mystery, so I intend to share it with him. He may have more positive feelings about it.

I received this book free through Booksneeze. According to FTC guidelines, I need to mention that and that I was required to provide a review, but the feelings reflected in the review are entirely my own.

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Oct 22, 2011 Debi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Tim Downs has done it again. The latest Bug Man novel is another funny and suspenseful tale. This time Nick is days away from getting married when a case catches his attention and steals him away from the wedding preparations, much to the chagrin of his fiance. Nick and his bugs and Alena and her dogs - what's not to like? The twists in the story - did not see those coming. Easy to read, this page-turning novel doesn't end exactly like you would think it would. But it ended very typically for a...more

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Feb 15, 2012 Eric rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: must-read

Well, I've made it to the last one in the series (for now), but I know Tim Downs won't let me down and will keep writing! Get started on this series now!!!

The Bug Man is getting married on Saturday . . . if his fiancee can find him.

Forensic entomologist Nick Polchak lives in a world of maggots and blow flies and decomposing bodies. No wonder he's still single.

But Nick has finally found a woman as strange as he is-dog trainer Alena Savard, a woman who is odd, reclusive, and can seemingly talk to...more

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About Tim Downs

Tim Downs is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Indiana University. After graduation in 1976 he created a comic strip, Downstown, which was syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate (Calvin & Hobbes, Doonesbury, The Far Side) from 1980 to 1986. His cartooning has appeared in more than a hundred daily newspapers worldwide. Tim has written seven mystery/suspense novels: Shoofly Pie, Chop Shop, PlagueMak...more

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“Pete had always been a compulsive organizer, but the man himself was so sociable and friendly that he could seem absentminded at times. Nick was the diametric opposite; his mind was completely organized, but his physical environment was always in chaos.” — 2 people liked it

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Nick of Time (Bug Man #6)

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