Helpful Score: 7
All I can say is WOW! This was a great book! If you really enjoy shows like CSI then this book is for you.
It is also nice since this is a Christian author you do not have all of the "extra" stuff that people feel they need to put in a book to make it sell (i.e. sex, swearing, etc.). The Christian message in the story was not in your face, it was subtle and fit perfectly with the story.
The story was a little predictable, but WHAT at twist at the end!!! That really broadsided me!!!
Now I bet you REALLY want to read it, no skipping to the end though, because the end will make no sense without the rest of the story.
It is also nice since this is a Christian author you do not have all of the "extra" stuff that people feel they need to put in a book to make it sell (i.e. sex, swearing, etc.). The Christian message in the story was not in your face, it was subtle and fit perfectly with the story.
The story was a little predictable, but WHAT at twist at the end!!! That really broadsided me!!!
Now I bet you REALLY want to read it, no skipping to the end though, because the end will make no sense without the rest of the story.
Helpful Score: 3
I loved this book! The writing style, the storyline, the suspense--it was all great. If you like forensic mystery/suspense, you will love this book. And best of all, Mr. Downs wrote a great story with no graphic sex or language. Yes!!
This is a classic "Bug Man" novel! Tim Downs is an excellent author. His books are not for those who get easily grossed out. Nick (the main character) solves different types of death by the flies found around the body. Different kind of plot, but excellently written. If you are into solving crimes - CSI - etc, you will like this.
Helpful Score: 1
Good mystery and action, a bit heavy on the gross insect details.
Helpful Score: 1
Dr. Nick Polchak (aka the Bug Man) is sent to rural North Carolina as punishment and he sets out to do some simple research. However, Kathryn Guilford has just learned of the death of a friend and one-time suitor, and she asks the Bug Man to help her investigate. The only problem is that Kathryn has a pathological fear of insects (you'll learn why in the opening chapter, which starts with a horrific auto accident).
Tim Downs is the rare Christian author who doesn't evangelize through his novels. There's always an overtly Christian character (here, it's Dr. Jameson, the pastor of Mount Zion AME church), but this character is always treated with respect and not contempt. The plot is solid and taut, with subplots involving Gulf War syndrome, blowflies and their larva, and how close Kathryn was to three men from her hometown, all of whom feature into the mystery.
There's little actual violence aside from the homicides that Dr. Polchak investigates and no sexual content. However, if you suffer from a fear of insects as Kathryn does, beware the ending...it's a real stinger, er, zinger.
Tim Downs is the rare Christian author who doesn't evangelize through his novels. There's always an overtly Christian character (here, it's Dr. Jameson, the pastor of Mount Zion AME church), but this character is always treated with respect and not contempt. The plot is solid and taut, with subplots involving Gulf War syndrome, blowflies and their larva, and how close Kathryn was to three men from her hometown, all of whom feature into the mystery.
There's little actual violence aside from the homicides that Dr. Polchak investigates and no sexual content. However, if you suffer from a fear of insects as Kathryn does, beware the ending...it's a real stinger, er, zinger.
Helpful Score: 1
I got this book for my brother. He really liked it and wants to collect the rest of the series.
Kick off book to the Bug Man series. Nick is a forensic entomologist who's hired by grieving widow Kathryn after one of her best male friends is found dead of an apparent suicide. The book is fascinating with all of the information & science jargon having to do with bugs like flies, scorpions, bees, etc. Nick starts investigating for Kathryn and includes her in the investigation as a requirement to help her overcome her fear of insects. Delving into the mystery puts Nick in the cross hairs of the local sheriff (who has a history with Kathryn, the victim, & her deceased husband.) Nick lives in the bug world & isn't really good with human connection and is analytical and humorous. Kathryn is tightly wound and isn't sure if she really wants answers or not. Another dead body happens and everything Kathryn has know is put to the test along with Nick's bug evidence. Looking forward to reading the next in series
A great mystery with a strange, yet oddly endearing main character. A good read for fans of forensics!
The flies on the wall can talk.....and forsenic entomologist nick Polchak is listening
A great book! Book 1 in the Bug Man series.
I also recommend Chop Shop by this author.
I also recommend Chop Shop by this author.
Very entertaining read!
"In a remote county of North Carolina, 30-year-old Kathryn Guilford receives the news that her long-time friend and one-time suitor is dead. The authorities declare the death a suicide, but Kathryn is not convinced. In desperation she turns to Dr. Nick Polchak, the Bug Man, to help her learn the truth - and she is introduced to a mysterious world of blood-seeking flies and flesh-eating beetles.
But there's a problem...Kathryn has a pathological fear of insects. Now she must confront her darkest fears to unearth a decade-long conspiracy that threatens to turn her entire world upside down."
"In a remote county of North Carolina, 30-year-old Kathryn Guilford receives the news that her long-time friend and one-time suitor is dead. The authorities declare the death a suicide, but Kathryn is not convinced. In desperation she turns to Dr. Nick Polchak, the Bug Man, to help her learn the truth - and she is introduced to a mysterious world of blood-seeking flies and flesh-eating beetles.
But there's a problem...Kathryn has a pathological fear of insects. Now she must confront her darkest fears to unearth a decade-long conspiracy that threatens to turn her entire world upside down."
