What do you think?
Rate this book
Bug Man #6
Nick of Time (A Bug Man Novel) by Tim Downs
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 nuptials-Nick finds himself driving to Philadelphia for the monthly meeting of the Vidocq society. Being among a group of forensic professionals consulting on cold cases will surely allow him to feel useful and normal.But while there he discovers that a close friend has been murdered . . . and in classic Nick style, begins to follow the trail of evidence rather than returning to his fiancee. Fearing that his one-track mind won't lead him home by Saturday, Alena and three of her dogs go to track him down.When she finally finds him, nothing is as Alena expected . . . because the twists in this case will surprise even the most dedicated Bug Man fans.
Paperback
First published April 17, 2011
23 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Tim Downs
47 books267 followersTim 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, PlagueMaker, Head Game, First the Dead, Less than Dead, and Ends of the Earth. PlagueMaker was awarded the Christy Award for the best CBA mystery/suspense novel of 2006, and Less than Dead was a finalist for the 2009 Christian Book Award in suspense fiction. Tim lives in Cary, North Carolina, with his wife Joy. They have three grown children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
October 6, 2024
So, Nick and Alena are getting married. Or are they?
The last thing in the world Nick wants to do is help plan a wedding.
Cake? He doesn’t care.
Tuxedo? Oh please!
Music? You decide.
Flowers? Do we really need any?
His eyes glaze over and he’s ready to do anything in life other than plan a wedding.
So one week before the wedding, when his best friend insists that he attend the forensics meeting of the Vidocq Society, the only meeting he ever looks forward to in Philadelphia (and also to help with a cold case), he takes off. But before he leaves he gives Alena a cell phone, something she's never owned, and tells her he'll call her every night at 9:00pm.
Well of course something goes wrong because something always goes wrong when Nick is involved.
Surprises upon surprises. My head was reeling.
This might rival Chop Shop as my favorite Tim Downs book.
The last thing in the world Nick wants to do is help plan a wedding.
Cake? He doesn’t care.
Tuxedo? Oh please!
Music? You decide.
Flowers? Do we really need any?
His eyes glaze over and he’s ready to do anything in life other than plan a wedding.
So one week before the wedding, when his best friend insists that he attend the forensics meeting of the Vidocq Society, the only meeting he ever looks forward to in Philadelphia (and also to help with a cold case), he takes off. But before he leaves he gives Alena a cell phone, something she's never owned, and tells her he'll call her every night at 9:00pm.
Well of course something goes wrong because something always goes wrong when Nick is involved.
Surprises upon surprises. My head was reeling.
This might rival Chop Shop as my favorite Tim Downs book.
May 31, 2011
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 to me was not needed. But, these things are something I can pass over and handle.
So, my thoughts on the book? It was a wonderful mystery and great plot!! I am afraid to say too much as I don't want to give anything away, but I was shocked at the ending! Nick has the same sarcastic dialogue as normal and the witty conversations are hysterical. Donavan(coming in from a previous book) has to bail out Nick several times and Alena got on my good list. I wasn't too sure about Nick being married as he is so much of a loner through the other books but Alena is just as different as he is:)
If you have never read any of the Bug Man books, you really need to start from the beg. and read all of them. This is the 6th book in the series and these could get confusing if you don't read them in order. These are well written and even the squirmy scenes I was able to read okay. I am not a big person to read about maggots and flies mixed in with dead bodies, but I did okay through this book.
Another fun, humorous read from Tim Downs and I can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve next. I mean, where would we be without the Bug Man? Totally bored:D
I received a copy of this book from Booksneeze for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
So, my thoughts on the book? It was a wonderful mystery and great plot!! I am afraid to say too much as I don't want to give anything away, but I was shocked at the ending! Nick has the same sarcastic dialogue as normal and the witty conversations are hysterical. Donavan(coming in from a previous book) has to bail out Nick several times and Alena got on my good list. I wasn't too sure about Nick being married as he is so much of a loner through the other books but Alena is just as different as he is:)
If you have never read any of the Bug Man books, you really need to start from the beg. and read all of them. This is the 6th book in the series and these could get confusing if you don't read them in order. These are well written and even the squirmy scenes I was able to read okay. I am not a big person to read about maggots and flies mixed in with dead bodies, but I did okay through this book.
Another fun, humorous read from Tim Downs and I can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve next. I mean, where would we be without the Bug Man? Totally bored:D
I received a copy of this book from Booksneeze for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
July 4, 2018
I love the Bug Man novels. This is #6 and Nick and Elena are to be married in four days. Nick, as clueless about humans as he's always been, decides he MUST attend the monthly meeting of Vidocq Society. The Vidocq Society is forensic specialists from all over the world who gather to pool their knowledge to solve cold cases. A good friend of Nick's has specifically asked him to attend by letter enticing him with a case he's been working on.
When Nick arrives he can't find his friend Pete nor can he reach him. He eventually decides to drive to Pete's home and things start to unravel.
I enjoyed the weaving of the wedding story with the search for Pete. It was also interesting to learn about Elena and how she and Nick came to be together. Elena has some special talents that come in particularly handy.
I had a hard time putting this book down. I hope you find it as riveting as I did.
When Nick arrives he can't find his friend Pete nor can he reach him. He eventually decides to drive to Pete's home and things start to unravel.
I enjoyed the weaving of the wedding story with the search for Pete. It was also interesting to learn about Elena and how she and Nick came to be together. Elena has some special talents that come in particularly handy.
I had a hard time putting this book down. I hope you find it as riveting as I did.
February 17, 2025
The perfect send off in this quirky mystery series in so many ways.
April 14, 2020
It would be hard to imagine this series ending any other way! These are some of the best books that I have ever read!
May 9, 2011
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.”
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.”
October 1, 2012
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!
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!
June 13, 2011
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 his future. There is one problem, Nick wants to go out of town for a meeting and their wedding is on Saturday.
This laugh out loud, funny, creepy murder mystery is another 5 star winner for Tim Downs. I have read 3 of his books and loved each one. If you are married, or even thinking about it, then read this book, it’s a sarcastic study on the quirks between men and women. To understand Nick Polchak, aka the Bug Man, you may want to read some of the earlier books, but this one can stand alone. If you like the TV program Bones, then you’ll love Tim’s books. I read this through the Amazon Vine program and was thrilled to read a favorite author’s new release.
This laugh out loud, funny, creepy murder mystery is another 5 star winner for Tim Downs. I have read 3 of his books and loved each one. If you are married, or even thinking about it, then read this book, it’s a sarcastic study on the quirks between men and women. To understand Nick Polchak, aka the Bug Man, you may want to read some of the earlier books, but this one can stand alone. If you like the TV program Bones, then you’ll love Tim’s books. I read this through the Amazon Vine program and was thrilled to read a favorite author’s new release.
August 25, 2011
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 compelled to find the killer. Nick is anal when he gets on an interesting case and he misses phone calls to the fiance, taking off for the Poconos following a slim trail.
And the days start counting down.
His fiance, Alena, takes off with three of her dogs to find him.
A murderer to find, it's funny and I had a great time reading it. Knocked it out in less than a day. From a North Carolina writer, my state, it's the latest in the series. i must find the rest.
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 compelled to find the killer. Nick is anal when he gets on an interesting case and he misses phone calls to the fiance, taking off for the Poconos following a slim trail.
And the days start counting down.
His fiance, Alena, takes off with three of her dogs to find him.
A murderer to find, it's funny and I had a great time reading it. Knocked it out in less than a day. From a North Carolina writer, my state, it's the latest in the series. i must find the rest.
November 24, 2015
"You said, 'I can't think of anything sadder than a man who never figured out what he wants.' I can: a man who figures out what he wants when it's too late ."
I prefer mystery rather than love stories because I love chasing clues than chasing feelings but this book gave me best of both worlds. I picked up this book at a store and read the synopsis. At that very moment, I knew this is a great read and it surpassed my satisfaction. Though its my first bug man read, I didn't get lost at all. I liked the way Tim Downs had shown the fine line between a wedding and marriage and how mature girls and boys see it. Also, the way he emphasized the thought of making up one's mind and knowing one's priorities is just right.
The book's just great and yes, it'll be nice to read the sequel :)
I prefer mystery rather than love stories because I love chasing clues than chasing feelings but this book gave me best of both worlds. I picked up this book at a store and read the synopsis. At that very moment, I knew this is a great read and it surpassed my satisfaction. Though its my first bug man read, I didn't get lost at all. I liked the way Tim Downs had shown the fine line between a wedding and marriage and how mature girls and boys see it. Also, the way he emphasized the thought of making up one's mind and knowing one's priorities is just right.
The book's just great and yes, it'll be nice to read the sequel :)
October 31, 2015
I'd love another Nick book!!! They just keep getting better and better!!
July 15, 2021
The series finale? Nick is getting married! The loner entomologist finally asked Alena to marry him; and with four days to go before the wedding he takes off out of town for his monthly club meeting with other forensic specialists. At the meeting his close friend never shows up who requested him to be there. Nick goes to locate him & finds blowflies swarming in the window at his house and the smell of a dead body. Clashing with the police detective, Nick pursues the investigation into his friend's death that puts him in the cross hairs of a former FBI agent, an old case, and puzzling question on why he isn't heading home for his wedding. Meanwhile, Alena wonders if Nick really wants to get married and if she really wants to marry him.
August 21, 2024
I really loved this series and was rooting for the awkward romance between Nick Polchak and Alena. Then the whole book had me praying that their relationship would be able to stay together (it seems Alena is struggling with the concept of marriage). It makes me wonder if maybe, after all, he would have been better off with Kate. The ending was not my favorite, but I was very happy that he was planning to fix the rift in their relationship he accidentally had formed by not being communicative. I think that's Nick and Alena's problem, actually. They can't communicate.
April 17, 2022
The end of The Bug Man, in the worst way possible, marriage! Just kidding. Nick and Alena are soon to be married. But one thing stands in their way. Nick's friend was murdered. Will Nick survive this time? And will they or won't they make it to the church on time?
Wow, that twist came out of no where. I had a suspicion, but nothing like that. And a lesson learned that maybe a simple phone call could clear things up pretty quick.
Wow, that twist came out of no where. I had a suspicion, but nothing like that. And a lesson learned that maybe a simple phone call could clear things up pretty quick.
May 17, 2018
If you like the other Bug Man suspense/mystery books, you will like this one too. Who would have thought the oddball forensic entomologist would find somebody who wants to marry him?! Lots of surprising twists and turns in this one, and it had an unexpected ending on a number of levels.
February 23, 2025
I used to love these books, but this time through I found myself just annoyed at the patriarchal nonsense. “Women are silly and overly emotional and men are emotionless robots” is such an exhausting trope.
July 16, 2017
Interesting twist. Creative writer. I wish I had read the first five books in this series before this one, but I still felt like I knew the characters well enough to enjoy this!
February 25, 2018
A thoroughly entertaining romp with a dash of mystery thrown in.
May 2, 2018
I liked the Bug Man books very much and am sad this is the last one.
January 14, 2019
Forgot all about this last book in the series but glad I finally found a copy. Good forensics and great dogs that help solve crimes.
May 24, 2021
Excellent read, and highly recommend it to others who wnt, clean, engaging mystery.
June 4, 2022
I just bout cried at the end but I loved it. I can't believe how that almost ended! I'm just gonna leave it at that before I start ranting. But I loved the book as a whole.
June 26, 2022
I love this whole series. A very different kind of detective novel to be sure.
February 25, 2023
Another very good novel in the Bug Man Series.
July 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this series. Glad I finally got around to reading these books. Especially this last one in the series since it takes place in the Poconos and Lake Wallenpaupack
October 30, 2023
I hated the ending, more like a 2.5
October 31, 2023
Definitely not as good as the previous 5 but glad I read it.
January 7, 2024
Glad I reread I didn't remember much of it.
I forget how scientific and classifying of a character Nick Polchak is. It was a bit off putting sometimes but does fit how I imagine him.
I forget how scientific and classifying of a character Nick Polchak is. It was a bit off putting sometimes but does fit how I imagine him.
May 18, 2024
The perfect ending to a great series! Loved every book, and this one brought the series to a satisfying close. I am going to miss The Bug Man!
April 28, 2025
Very engaging and excellent read! Love each of His books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews