Customer Reviews

Ends of the Earth: A Bug Man Novel

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Michael Severenson was a small time farmer and even smaller time drug dealer. When someone shot him in the back on his own farm, not too many people questioned why. However, to ensure his killer is brought to justice, his estranged wife, Kathryn Guilford, calls an old friend, forensic entomologist Nick Polchak, to help the local authorities determine the time of death. What she doesn't realize at the time, is the true motive behind her husband's death is to cover up a massive terrorist attack on America's food supply. Will Nick be able to unravel the mystery in time?

Tim Downs is one of the best authors in the Christian market. His bug man series, featuring Nick Polchak, is outstanding. Each book is interesting and has a new, creative plot, so the method of solving the crime does not get old. This series could easily have developed a pattern with each book being fairly predictable. However, Downs has kept each book fresh and Ends of the Earth is no exception.

The agricultural terrorism presented in Ends of the Earth was exceptionally believable. It seemed well researched and disturbingly feasible. Could someone actually use insects to infect our farms? While the book is fiction, Downs wrote it in such a way, that the plot seemed realistic. It was something new I had not read before and thoroughly enjoyed following the terrorist intents as well as their reasons. The different ideas presented for why each terrorist was involved appeared well thought out and made a great deal of sense. Obviously this was fiction, but it was written in a way that was griping, realistic, and didn't cause the reader to have to suspend disbelief. Great job by Downs to research and develop a very plausible sounding attack.

Less Than Dead is my favorite of the bug man books and the reason is Alena. I loved her character. She was vulnerable, yet independent with a quick wit that could keep up with Nick. I was very happy to see her return in Ends of the Earth. I didn't like her character quite as well this time because of her jealousy of Kathryn, but she was still a wonderful part of the story.

Those who have followed the series will remember Kathryn from an earlier book. It was nice to revisit her character. However, her highlight came with her autistic daughter, Callie. Downs did a pretty good job of giving the reader a feel for an autistic child. He was tender towards Callie and introduced some of the more common characteristics of autistic children. Though not as sever as Callie, I have three children on the autistic spectrum. It was easy to identify with Kathryn's struggle and I could certainly understand her frustration when Callie somewhat bonded with Alena. However, I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the rewarding side from autistic children and a bit more acceptance of who they are. There were some scenes where outsiders captured that acceptance, but not Kathryn. I really wanted to see her start to better understand her daughter.

Aside from the terrorist plot, the bigger mystery was the question of with whom Nick was going to fall in love. Would it be Kathryn or Alena or neither? Nick certainly found himself in quite a mess this time. Caught between two women he cared for, but not knowing how to proceed. Some really funny scenes between him, Kathryn, and Alena as well as some great dialog exchanges. Nick made some excellent progress towards becoming a human. It'll be interesting to see how well he continues in the next book.

Ends of the Earth has a cliff hanger ending that the reader gets to help decide. On Tim Downs' website are two bonus chapters. Readers will vote and help determine how the story actually ends. Do not read these bonus chapters until finishing the book. There are some serious spoilers there. Given how the book is set up, the cliff hanger ending with the reader participation is appropriate and fun.

I really enjoyed Ends of the Earth. It was well written and extremely believable. The returns of Kathryn, Alena, Macy, and Donavan were perfect and greatly enhanced the story. The dialog is often priceless with a major dose of humor and sarcasm. It's another strong book in an already wonderful series.

As an avid reader, I love to discover series and lead characters that keep my guessing while providing consistent results. Tim Downs has a winner with the Bugman novels. Not only is Nick Polchak, the infamous "Bugman", a likeable if sometimes exasperating character, he has a way of finding trouble in different places. (Of course, with insects covering most of our planet, his possibilities are endless, aren't they?)

This time around, agroterrorism takes center stage, as international scientists and criminals come up with a way to undermine the US economy. Their hope is to cripple the greedy Americans, while enabling foreign survival. It's a grandiose idea, but entirely plausible--even frighteningly believable--in the capable hands of Tim Downs.

The plot begins to unfold when strange seedlings are found among some cannabis plants on the farm where a man has been found shot with a zip gun. The man's estranged wife calls in an old friend to investigate: the Bugman. Soon, the FBI is also involved, not to mention Alena, the woman with the cadaver dogs from the last Bugman novel. This sets up not only a great story with some underlying important themes, but also some romantic intrigues unlike any other in fiction. To even think of Nick Polchak in a "love triangle" is humorous--and, indeed, there are quite a few funny moments here.

As always, Downs gives us a thoroughly researched story that feels very human despite its protagonist who considers himself more insect-like. The supporting cast is full of zest and empathy, and while we do not get as much of the delightful "ick"-factor as normal, we get lots of development for future titles. To top it all, Downs gives readers a chance to have their say in that future.

I leave it to you to play your part...

This book is one of a series of thrillers with a forensic entomologist for a hero. If you have not watched CSI or Bones, that means he works with the insects found at crime scenes to work out time of death and other clues. The lead character is delightful. He over-identifies with insects. One of the love interests over-identifies with dogs. His conversations are the best dialogs I have read in a very long time. So many writers have trouble displaying the differences between the way men and women approach relationships, or even basic socializing. Tim Downs captures conversations, and lack thereof, pitch perfect.
The plot involves a fair amount of science, which Downs manages to explain in reasonably digestible portions. Frankly if it's too much science for you, just scan it and move on to the next part. The rest of the story is worth reading. We have a ruthless Russian farmer and an arrogant American farmer. We have two foreign graduate students from parched lands who are appalled at the use of corn for fuel when so many are starving. Downs presents their points of view without preaching.
The entire book is written with a light touch. I have not read any others in the series, but I will.

this is fabulous. combing characters from previous books and putting together a well written story. then ending will leave you wanting more. but hey i like all his books so he's got me and a fan for life. always original plots with gripping storylines which is hard to find in writers now-a-days. and i learn something new in each book which would keep my intrest anyway. thank you mr. downs and i cant wait for your next novel.

The first thing I can can say about this novel is "Why did I wait so long to read it?" I had thought about reading it a few times, but didn't get it. Then, after reading a review from a good friend, I knew I couldn't wait any longer. From the first pages to the last, this is a wonderful mystery/thriller. Yes, the plot is excellent. Yes, the dialogue and action are great. However, it is the main character, Dr. Nick Polchak, a forensic entomologist ("Bug Man"), that really makes Ends of the Earth a fantastic novel.

Nick is called to the scene of a murder, a small organic farm in North Carolina, not far from North Carolina State, where he teaches. The victim has a troubled past, most recently he was involved in drugs. But Nick wasn't called to the scene by the police, rather he was asked to apply his particular brand of forensics by the murdered man's wife, Kathryn, whom Nick knows from a previous encounter (the subject of one of Tim Downs' earlier novels). As the case takes a few turns, Nick asks the assistance of Alena Savard, a dog trainer, who has also had prior dealings with Nick. Both women set their sights on renewing their relationship with Nick. But there is still a killer out there and the evidence around the murdered man is making Nick wonder if there is an environmental target.

Nick is a great Bug Man, of that there is no doubt. However, and this is what makes this novel so entertaining, he has no social skills. He has no idea that Kathryn and Alena are pursuing him. Interacting with the faculty, staff, and students at North Carolina State, he is equally inept. As an example, he doesn't take any time to learn his students names, rather he calls them "Smith" or "Jones." The scenes where he interacts with others are also extremely entertaining. While the subplot concerning the two women and Nick moves forward, the main action concerning the investigation of the murder takes several exciting twists, culminating in a very satisfying conclusion. Downs presents a very believable environmental attack, that is chilling in its delivery.

Ends of the Earth, while part of a series of Bug Man novels, is an excellent introduction to Downs' writing and his character, Nick Polchak. Downs provides enough background on Nick, Kathryn, and Alena that the reader does not feel as if they have missed anything. However, I discovered that locating the earlier novels is a bit difficult, if you look at your local bookstores or library. Thankfully, I have two other novels on their way to me, courtesy of an inter-library loan. I cannot wait for them to arrive. Polchak has quickly become one of my favorite characters in fiction.

Disclosure:
Obtained from: Amazon Vine Review Program
Payment: Free

Tim Downs' new Bug Man novel is somewhat competent, interesting in a few parts, slightly alright in its plot. Faint praise, I know. But, Downs doesn't do dialogue well. Conversations are unnatural and stilted. Because of that, and other plot contrivences, the novel is only average. The tension between the two women fighting for Nick's affections was not enough of a draw to keep me turning the pages with excitement. The Russian drug angle was a bit boring as well. And the ending....so extrememly contrived and idiotic. I won't give a spoiler here, but believe me, you'll be frustrated with Downs when you close the book. Was this a teen novel? He uses a ridiculous ploy in my opinion. Needless to say, I won't be buying another "Bug Man" novel any time soon. There are so many better thrillers out there. Buy one of those instead.

A man whose interests are bugs, insects and the research of same, is compelled to aid an old friend--who may or may not become much more to him romantically. While investigating a murder using entomology to place the time of death, he calls in another old friend--who also may or may not become a romantic interest. As the two women bicker lightly over which of them should 'score' the absent-minded professor--who is strangely appealing in his less than romantic way--forces are afoot to destroy the evidence, and perhaps the main characters as well.

The story itself is well written, the personalities, though a bit quirky, are nicely handled and the plot is air tight, excepting a very unsatisfactory ending. Once Mister Downs has determined how his book will end, I'm sure it will be a treat for mystery/thriller readers to enjoy.

I nearly gave it fewer stars because the ending didn't strike me as quite fair to the reader, but decided since the rest of the story was so gripping and well done, I couldn't bring myself to do less than five stars!
Highly Recommended

Diane Davis White,
Author of Moon of the Falling Leaves

"Ends of the Earth" features a hero who is brilliant, very funny, intensely involved in his forensic entomology work, and just a bit grandiose. In the latest installment of his adventures, Nick's brains and good heart not only save the U.S. economy but also befuddle two strong-- and very different--women.

The agricultural terrorism plot is very interesting, and all three main characters are interesting and compelling. I found the villain stuff a bit formulaic/ and based upon lots of implausible coincidences. (But that is the stuff of most such novels, so not a real cause for complaint-- you don't read a thriller for the realistic situations!).

Tim Downs has created a truly likable and unique character in the Bug Man. Recommended as a fun read. (But... I have to say I hated the "vote for your favorite ending" thing.)

It's been awhile since I visited Tim Downs and his Bug Man series. But his latest, Ends of the Earth: A Bug Man Novel, recently showed up at our library, so I got on the hold list. I forgot how much I enjoyed these books. Interesting (and quirky) characters, enjoyable dialogue, and some situations that make you think about how at-risk our food supply might be to terror attacks.

Nick Polchak, the series' forensic entomologist (aka, the Bug Man), is called upon to check out a crime scene. A farmer with a rather sordid history was found shot in the back, and Nick was using the insects found in the wound to narrow down the time of death. The case is a bit complicated, however. There's a bale of marijuana by the body, and the bugs found there do not match up with what Nick would expect. And when Nick finds the unexpected, he becomes consumed in finding the explanation. The deeper he digs into the case and his bugs, the more it looks as if someone is attempting to launch a pest infestation that would have a dramatic impact on a few critical crops across America.

The subplot running throughout the story also is quite interesting and amusing... Nick was requested to investigate the case by the wife of the dead farmer, and she's someone who had feelings for Nick in the past. Nick calls up a woman with narcotic dogs for help on the case, and she also has a thing for Nick. Of course, Bug Man is completely oblivious to love and normal human interactions, and that leads to some interesting and amusing interactions as the two women vie for Nick's attention while trying to understand each other.

There's a number of things to like about the Bug Man novels. Polchak is quite aware of his lack of social graces, but he really doesn't care. This leads to some great dialogue, at times directed towards others, at other times very self-deprecating. The two women are also humorous in their rivalry that leads to a truce and then a friendship as they both figure out how they feel about Nick. And the ending is just typical Polchak... :) On the more serious side, Downs makes a case in his novel on how easy it would be to launch a biological attack on crops in such a way that it would be very difficult to defend, as well as to track down the person(s) behind the attack.

Ends of the Earth is one of those novels that is enjoyable to read on one level, while giving you a bit more to chew on if you're so inclined. With any luck, Tim Downs already has another Bug Man novel in the works, because now I'm ready for another episode.

Disclosure:
Obtained From: Library
Payment: Borrowed

Hooray, and pass the chunks of beef liver! Nick Polchak is back, and he is as delightfully brilliant and bone-headed as ever! If you're not familiar with award-winning author Tim Downs' unusual protagonist from any of the previous 6 mystery novels in the Bug Man series, you're in for a treat. His blisteringly funny sarcastic wit with students and colleagues, his total and utter cluelessness regarding women, his fascination with insects to the point of identifying with them more than humans, and his stunningly brilliant ability to help solve crimes through the study of bugs makes him one of the quirkiest, most intriguing amateur detectives imaginable.

As in the previous novels, Nick is faced with the challenge of unraveling a murder mystery, but this one has international entanglements, and cataclysmic consequences of global proportions. If that weren't enough, Nick also finds himself in not just one, but two potential romantic relationships with women from past cases. Watching Nick painstakingly put the pieces of the mystery together in his inimitable fashion is always worth the read, but watching him struggle to even understand both women, much less take his first halting steps towards his first romantic relationship in the midst of a case was vastly entertaining! Ends of the Earth is one of the most thoroughly enjoyable novels I've read in a long time, and I can't recommend it highly enough!