Tea & Read: Nick of Time

Title: Nick of Time

Author: Tim Downs

Rating: Spend several days sleepy (five 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 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!