Product Description
Encourages readers to question the influential messages in video and computer games.Describes what media is and how games are a part of media. ... Read more

Product Description
Forensic entomology. Arthropod, Insect, Home stored product entomology, Francesco Redi, Jean Pierre Mégnin, Decomposition, Forensic entomological decomposition, Insect development during storage ... Read more

Product Description
A set of laminated cards for use in the field or lab depicting the most common U.S. species of insects and arthropods attracted to human remains. Specially developed for crime scene investigators, coroners, medical examiners, and law enforcement personnel that collect and analyze insect evidence at death scenes. An instructive tool for students of the forensic sciences and useful in field workshops that discuss the identification and collection of evidence at a death scene. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

super
The insect cards are very informative and the picures are great, I have really enjoyed reviewing them. I think they are a definate for the field investigator.

Great tool for Investigators
I am a medicolegal death investigator, and these forensic entomology cards are a great. The size and shape are perfect for field work, and the color photographs are wonderful for positively identifying insects. They are a must for any crime-scene kit.

An Exceptional Tool for Forensic Investigators
The forensic insect identification cards are a tremendouslyhelpful item for me as a crime scene technician.Their small designallows them to fit easily into a pocket, and they are one of the fewitems dealing with forensic entomology that have color photographs ofthe most important insects at a crime scene.Particularly helpful tome is the small silhouette on the bottom corner of the cards thatindicates the actual size of the insect.Lacking a great deal ofexperience in entomology, I often have no idea how large these insectsmay be, particularly the beetles.The life-size diagram, used withthe photo enables me to quickly identify some of the adult insects Ioften encounter at a decomposition scene.The brief description ofthe insect on the back of the card is also helpful to me whenattempting to identify the insects I have collected.I have a copy ofthe first edition of the cards, and have purchased the revised set forthe other officers in my unit. ... Read more

Product Description
Medical and Veterinary Entomology is a comprehensive text and is primarily intended for graduate students and upper level undergraduates studying the medical and veterinary significance of insects and related arthropods. The book will also appeal to a larger audience, specialists and non-specialists alike, including entomologists, parasitologists, biologists, epidemiologists, physicians, public health personnel, veterinarians, wildlife specialists and others looking for a readable, authoritative book on this topic. The first two chapters provide overviews of medical-veterinary entomology and epidemiology, respectively. These are followed by individual chapters devoted to each group of insects or arachnids of medical-veterinary importance and the health problems they can cause including their role as vectors of pathogens. Each of these chapters provides an overview of the taxonomy, biology and ecology of the group, and is followed by separate sections on their medical and veterinary importance, then by a section on prevention and control and, finally, by a list of references and further reading.

Key Features
* Nationally and internationally renowned contributing authors
* Up to date and new information that is easy to locate, with extensive subheadings and highlighted key words throughout text
* Includes extensive coverage of arachnids, including scorpions, solpugids, spiders, mites and ticks
* Designed for teaching several courses including Medical Entomology, Veterinary Entomology or combined Medical-Veterinary Entomology courses ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

very tecnical
very good book, the pictures drawings and details are very rich!
a must buy for entomology enthusiasts

Perfect!
One of the lowest prices offered. Received product fast - exactly when expected as I needed this shipped super express for a course I was taking - and in perfect condition. No issues whatsoever. I would definitely buy from this online store again. Thanks! ~Michelle ... Read more

Product Description
The forensic entomologist turns a dispassionate, analytic eye on scenes from which most people would recoil--human corpses in various stages of decay, usually the remains of people who have met a premature end through accident or mayhem. To Lee Goff and his fellow forensic entomologists, each body recovered at a crime scene is an ecosystem, a unique microenvironment colonized in succession by a diverse array of flies, beetles, mites, spiders, and other arthropods: some using the body to provision their young, some feeding directly on the tissues and by-products of decay, and still others preying on the scavengers. Using actual cases on which he has consulted, Goff shows how knowledge of these insects and their habits allows forensic entomologists to furnish investigators with crucial evidence about crimes. Even when a body has been reduced to a skeleton, insect evidence can often provide the only available estimate of the postmortem interval, or time elapsed since death, as well as clues to whether the body has been moved from the original crime scene, and whether drugs have contributed to the death. An experienced forensic investigator who regularly advises law enforcement agencies in the United States and abroad, Goff is uniquely qualified to tell the fascinating if unsettling story of the development and practice of forensic entomology.Amazon.com Review
Almost every murder has literally millions of witnesses, buttheir only testimony is a maddening buzz. Speaking for the insects isforensic entomologist M. Lee Goff, who relates some of the secrets ofhis young profession in A Fly for the Prosecution. Equal partsscientific and true-crime journalism, the book reports unflinchinglyon the development of this field as an important adjunct totraditional means of investigation. Based on our constantly improvingknowledge of the reproduction and growth of carrion flies and beetles,an informed examiner can determine the time and location of death withgreat precision, often lending the final evidence needed to close acase. Goff has been at the forefront of forensic entomology and hasworked closely with Hawaiian law enforcement for many years, yieldinga rich assortment of crime stories to illustrate his research. Readersneed a strong stomach to take the macabre details of some of themurders; fortunately for those at the borderline, all the excellentillustrations depict insects rather than their meals. Goff alsoexplores how we came to the knowledge we have today, including themeticulous field research of the 19th century and the moderndecomposition studies with pigs in a wide variety of environments andconditions. You might never need the knowledge, but reading A Flyfor the Prosecution will at least satisfy your curiosity bytelling you what the blowfly saw. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Hubby Loved it!
DH is an entomologist and I am a CSI junkie. Got the book for him, and he really enjoyed it. Well written with accurate details, etc. My turn is next!

A buzz-worthy Read
I am not one to enjoy death and crime scenes; however, I found it hard to put down "A Fly for the Prosecution" because each case drew me in with its interesting puzzles and unique details.The author Lee Goff writes in first person describing over 20 cases in which he explains with further detail exactly how he tries to solve each crime; each model has its own distinctive characteristics about solving the various stages of insect larvae.Once a person dies and is exposed to the outdoors, insects especially flies will lay their eggs on the body so evidence from insects can help establish the time of the murder and where it happened.

Moreover, there are numerous insects that feed off one another creating a diverse pool of insects to classify.The standard procedure it seems is to preserve half of the insects found in their larval stage and grow the other half to determine the type of species it has become.This will greatly improve results in finding the time of death depending on the growth cycle of that particular insect.This author and Professor of Entomology at University of Hawaii has been called upon to decipher the forensic evidence of many crimes collaborating with the FBI.In addition, Mr. Goff explains his observations and data in understandable terms making it easy for the first time reader of biological information.

Something to note is that insects are unique in that they do have common blueprints of development, yet there is always variability in their specific developmental trajectory and behavior.Take for example a crime scene observation where bow flies began activity at night when they are normally not functioning at night.Another big factor effecting evidence is climate of the surroundings where a body might be found: temperature, weather conditions such as snow, rain, humidity, etc.The decomposition of the body attracts maggots and other insects that are analyzed for forensic purposes.Slight changes in temperature can affect the habits of life cycle and increase or decrease any certain stage for the eggs and larvae; since maggots are hard to classify when they are still in their larval stage, they are often reared to determine the type of species.

Certain species of flies are attracted to a post-mortem body instantly whereas other flies need time for the body to decompose before harvesting their eggs.Many times wounds and open areas present great conditions for infestation making it easier for the various flies to feed on the moist skin tissues as their source of food.An extremely fascinating fact uncovered by Goff proved that diverse conditions in which the body is discovered plays a key role in forensic entomology.A body that is found on the ground, in the air, covered up, buried, or other possible ways have a variety of influential factors that impact the timing insects will colonize a body.He investigated the importance of environmental conditions by experimenting with 50-pound pigs because they most closely simulate the environment created by humans.I recognized this instantly before it was mentioned for the reason that I had viewed a CSI television show creating exactly the same procedures using forensic entomology (as also stated by M. Lee Goff himself).Although his main focus was on maggots and other Diptera larvae, he does devote a chapter to other various "bugs" which prey on flies and can be found on bodies.

Burned victims represent an unusual challenge for forensic entomology. Goff describes how burning increases postmortem interval timing of insect colonization and decay.What's more, drugs consumed by the human were seen to be evident in the maggots and maggot casing left behind during the pupal stage.Similar to the pig experiment, rabbits were used for the experimental use of drug reactions in insects (post-death of the animal).In rare cases, insects will begin to harvest while the body is still living though usually they do not infest until after decomposition has begun.The author contemplates almost all possibilities of body location and their entomological effects on it.Goff has a wonderful approach in discussing an unpleasant subject of crimes.This author is very credible and has had quite an experience in the forensic entomology field.

This book raised my curiosity with each new sentence in wanting to know more about how the cases are solved (and sometimes left unresolved unfortunately).I would highly recommend Forensic Entomology to anyone wanting to learn more about this field or even simply just to have a new perspective on insects and their importance on human life.One of many distinguishable features this book offers is that it speaks to you on a personal level unlike what is expected, not bland at all.I highly enjoyed this fantastic book.

A True Forensic Lover's Dee-Light
A wonderful triumph for M. Lee Goff!Yet another forensic masterpiece that I did not want to end.His comforting, empathetic, thorough coverage of the material was engrossing and tantalizing.I hope he will grace us with another treasure such as this.His success is well worth the "gross-out" factor (others - not moi). Very readable and yet mesmorizing.

a "must read" in the category
This book succeeds at all levels.He has hard science a layperson can follow.He has history as he was in on the process of forensic entymology becoming a recognized field.He has case histories.He has thoughts on being a forensic entymologist.("I know a life can be radically changed, even ended by my testimony.") And he has funny parts (really) that you can buttonhole your family to read to them aloud. Goff seems an honorable and compassionate man.I want to read his thoughts.I've read any number of books on forensic science for the lay reader so it isn't often anymore that I learn so much new.I had not read one on bugs before and recommend this one with enthusiasm.

Autobiographical explanation of forensic entomology
Goff is a forensic entomologist, basically someone who figures out how long someone has been dead by the insects on, in, or under the body. The book is a tale both historical and technical about the subject: historical in that it provides many examples of his work over the years, and technical in that he provides a good overview of just what he's looking for-which insects he expects to appear at what time.

His style is clear and frequently understated, as when he relates that some of his colleagues were somewhat put out when it was found that one of his labs did not vent to the outside as it was supposed to.

Anyhow, this is a fascinating if somewhat grisly read about an unusual but surprisingly significant subject. Just don't read it when you're eating! ... Read more

Product Description
When a national disaster strikes, "first the living" is the rule.

Unless you're the Bug Man.

When Hurricane Katrina strikes New Orleans, forensic entomologist Nick Polchak signs up to help with the recovery effort. He is known as the Bug Man for his knowledge of insects and what they can reveal about the dead. The government's mandate is clear--rescue the living first, recover the dead later.

But something is very wrong in the toxic soup-bowl of post-Katrina New Orleans.

Someone is using the cover of disaster to kill...hiding the victims of murder in the same watery grave as the victims of Katrina.

It's a tale only the dead can tell. But no one besides the Bug Man is listening.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Great Reading
This is a great read.Very funny especially if you enjoy "gallows humor" But I also saw a truer picture of what damage Hurricane Katrina did.

A great book for first-time Tim Downs readers
Tim Downs is an especially talented author, and I appreciate that this book was packed with substance.One must admit that there's a certain risk in using elements of recent history to write a novel.Everyone is an expert, or at least thinks so, which opens the writer up to technical criticism.More so, the risk of including genius experts like the Bugman, or his psychologist friend, Beth.In order to convince the masses of common knowledge, one must master only common knowledge, but to include a believable genius, one must do enough research to be able to fake the part.I find that impressive.

I can't give this book the full five stars, for reasons that won't be apparent to anyone who's never read a Tim Downs book.It includes too many familiar elements from previous novels to be anything but predictable to a Tim Downs fan.You've got the feckless beginnings of a romantic relationship with a smart woman with a phobia.In Shoefly Pie, it was a fear of bees.Here, it's a fear of mice.You've got the very likeable friend (the nicest guy in the whole story), who's primary purpose in the plot is to get killed by the bad guy.The bad guy happens to be law enforcement, or at least in legue with some manner of law enforcement, keeping the protagonist from taking the matter straight to the police.Being that the police can't get involved, the bad guy has to get killed some other way.The protagonist can't do it, even in self-defense, because that just doesn't happen in Christian novels, so the villain gets killed by an animal, an insect, a burning pile of coal tailings or even another villain.This summary is true for a few of his novels, including this one.These elements make a great novel.Unfortunately, I found myself making a mental checklist.Got the woman?Check.Nice friend?Check.Hungry alligators next to a wobbly dock?Ah, yes, I can guess why that's there.

Ah, well, it was an enjoyable read, nonetheless.Nice to have a meaty novel at such a great price!

Fiction Mixed with Fact Equals an Excellent Novel
Dr. Nick Polchak, forensic entomologist, volunteers his time and expertise with DMORT, Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team, which assists FEMA with mass casualties. As a part of the response team, he is called to New Orleans in the days preceding Hurricane Katrina's landfall. DMORT sets up operations outside of the city, preparing for the worst. Once the hurricane hits New Orleans, DMORT's orders change. Instead of recovering the dead, they are told to assist with rescue operations.

Nick, however, is not happy.

While he certainly understands the new directive, a few of the bodies that Nick has recovered (against orders) do not fit a pattern consistent with the results of Hurricane Katrina. Someone is using the hurricane as a cover for murder. Presenting the evidence to his superiors, Nick is rebuffed. Persistent as he is, Nick's little investigation is discovered by the DEA, which also tells him that his efforts would be better served by rescuing the living.

Even when he is shot at and nearly burned alive, Nick does not stop following his instincts. He is on to something and will not rest, literally, until the dead give up their secrets.

With First the Dead, Tim Downs' third novel in the Bug Man series, the reader is provided another view of Nick Polchak, one that is much more developed. While Nick is still more of an insect than a human, his humanity shines through as he goes about his search and rescue task. The supporting characters are well defined and believable. Downs has populated this novel with excellent characters, not even a pair of bayou Cajuns can be considered "throw away." They add a level of depth necessary for the story to progress. Further, Downs treats the Hurricane Katrina tragedy with sensitivity and grace. Through the eyes of Nick Polchak, the reader is given a look at the aftermath, the sense of loss, and the frustration of conflicting news that permeated the early days following the hurricane. To help the reader remember, Downs includes a timeline of Hurricane Katrina which ends six months after landfall with DMORT closing down its operations.

While five years has passed since Hurricane Katrina, First the Dead is no less important. Downs keeps the memory of the tragedy alive and current. The devastation and the response are very well described. As for Nick Polchak , he is more complex than in previous entries in the series but still keeps the idiosyncrasies that make him one of the best characters in fiction. Downs' First the Dead is an excellent novel and a fantastic entry in the Bug Man series.

Disclosure:
Obtained from: Library
Payment: Borrowed

Best series ever!!!
I LOVE Nick Polchak, he is funny, confident and very smart.Bugs, bugs & more bugs and he is always in trouble with someone.I just love this book and the other ones too.

Intriguing take on Katrin aftermath.
Having visited New Orleans, and having witnessed the Katrina destruction via TV, this book really grabbed me. I adore Nick, the bug man. What a funny and different kind of hero. Didn't know exactly what was going on until the end. ... Read more

Product Description
An autopsy room is where secrets are revealed...or buried.

Young Dr. Riley McKay has worked hard toward her career in pathology-and now she has secured a fellowship at the renowned Allegheny County Coroner's Office in Pittsburgh. But her promising future is threatened when suspicious activities incriminate her supervising pathologist, Dr. Nathan Lassiter. Bungled autopsies, concealed evidence, and unexplained wounds accumulate at an alarming rate. When Riley is ignored by her seniors and threatened by Dr. Lassiter, she turns in desperation to Dr. Nick Polchak, the Bug Man, to help her uncover the truth.

From a handful of tiny maggots, Nick and Riley begin to unearth the facts, and together they discover that these blunders are not accidents but part of a larger evil that threatens their very lives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Bug Man Novel of Great Depth and Insight
Dr. Nick Polchak is teaching a summer session of General Entomology at North Carolina State University. He is battling for the students' attention as they are battling drowsiness. Unfortunately, one student succumbs to a nap. Nick, quietly gathering the students around the snoozing individual, proceeds to "dissect" the student. The point was made: no sleeping in Dr. Polchak's class. The dean of the department does not see this action in a humorous light and Nick is censured, spending the summer in Pittsburgh where he has the chance to further his research in forensic entomology and perform some community service in a local school.

It is during his outreach program that Nick is discovered by a young pathology fellow, Dr. Riley McKay, who works in the Allegheny County Coroner's Office in Pittsburgh. The coroner, who is her supervising pathologist, is missing some major elements in his exams and reports. Needing a disinterested third party, Dr. McKay turns to Nick and pays him out of her pocket for assistance. As Nick investigates a recent drive-by shooting, he discovers that there is a surgical incision in the victim's back and also the presence of maggots, which indicates a different time of death than reported.

As Riley and Nick continue to investigate, more anomalies appear, which changes their focus from simply unprofessional autopsies to something more sinister. Further, it appears that Nick and Riley are having feelings for each other, which is something for which Nick is not prepared. He relates better to the insect world than to humanity.

As Chop Shop is the second novel in the Bug Man series, author Tim Downs delivers a novel of more refinement. He fleshes out more detail concerning Nick Polchak, his family life and his past. In fact, the readers are treated to the appearance of his Mom, which adds another humorous aspect to the novel while providing details about his childhood and subsequent withdrawal from normal human contact and interaction.

Downs also delves into organ donation, which is currently is in the news as lawmakers are wrestling with the idea of "presumed organ donations," which makes everyone an organ donor unless they opt-out. The ethics and arguments for presumed organ donation are presented in Chop Shop but, I hope, taken to an extreme. It makes for a highly entertaining novel, one that happens to bring current events to another wonderful Bug Man novel.

This is a pivotal novel in the series as Downs continues the adventures of forensic entomologist Nick Polchak but with delivers more detail about the man, provides him with a love interest, which provides insight into Nick's psyche, and centers the action in the hills around Pittsburgh, the Nick's childhood home. Downs also provides enough twists and turns to make this a page turner while enlightening the reader on the inner workings of organ donation. The ending was a complete surprise, although very satisfying.

Chop Shop is a novel not to be missed.

Disclosure:
Obtained from: Library
Payment: Borrowed

Funny beginning and engaging characters
"Chop Shop" was a well-written contemporary suspense/mystery novel with a bit of romance. It's the second book in the Bug Man series, but you don't need to read the first book to understand this one. Chapter one of Chop Shop was pretty funny, but chapter two was the funniest thing I've ever read. I couldn't stop laughing...and I'm still laughing when I think of it.

The main mystery was fairly easy to figure out, but Nick also figured most of it out at about the same time. However, there was one mystery element that was revealed only near the end. The suspense was mainly created by the danger of being discovered and then because their lives were in danger.

The characters were complex and often quirky, and there was an underlying humor to the story. Nick's parts were often very funny, and all of the good characters--even the minor ones--were engaging. (Some of the bad guys were jerks.) Nick did make some stupid mistakes near the end that increased the suspense level, but this time he was validly distracted and had a good reason for not thinking straight or gave reasonable explanations for why he'd done them. The ending was a bit depressing, but I could see it coming from way ahead of time so it wasn't a surprise.

The world-building and pacing were excellent. The level of detail was much better in this novel than in the first Bug Man novel, especially when it came to the fast-paced scenes.

The dead body scenes were somewhat graphic, but not really gross. There was one instance of "he cursed" style bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd highly recommend this novel as well-written, clean reading.


Reviewed by Debbie from Genre Reviews
(genrereviews. blogspot. com)

Good Book
I like Tim Downs work.This book is not his best but OK if you like him and his work.It is worth the price.Good but not great.

Writer Faster Mr. Downs....Please!
Tim Downs has created a compelling character in Nick "Bug Man" Polchak. Nick is a bad boy with a good heart and extremely skewed vision. And he's full of sarcasm and quick wit and random bits of fascinating details. In book 2 of the Bug Man series Nick is called in by a beautiful, but annoying, medical resident who suspects that an autopsy was missed something crucial. As the two investigate the details an awful plot unfolds. Sadder than book 1, Chop Shop really gets into the heart and mind of Nick letting the reader in on a bit of his childhood. I didn't like the ending at all, I tend to hope for happily ever after. But the sadness of the ending didn't keep me from immediately ordering the next book in the series. Keep em coming, Mr. Downs. And I really hope someone is optioning this series for the big screen.

Awesome Series
This is the 2nd in a series of 4 books about the Bug Man.He is an entomolgist and a crime solver.Quirky guy, but a fascinating read.I have all 4 books and read them all and loved them. ... Read more

Product Description

Dogs have long been man's best friend, but the Bug Man's friend is a rare breed . . . the cadaver dog.

All roads lead to the White House for John Henry Braden, the charismatic senator from Virginia aristocracy whose beautiful wife Victoria is the talk of Washington and the crown jewel of Endor, her backwoods Virginia hometown.

But when bodies turn up on Braden's property--the site of a multimillion dollar construction project he's spearheading--the senator's spin doctors, led by his future first lady, must act quickly to quell a conspiracy before it blemishes their presidential campaign.

Enter entomologist Nick Polchak, the quirky bug expert enlisted to determine if the senator's bone yard is a forgotten cemetery or a crime scene.

To help with the investigation, Polchak follows local legend to Alena Savard, a mysterious woman known for her ability to turn mongrels into the best search dogs around. They soon find themselves on the trail of a desperate individual bent on protecting a terrible secret.

Less than Dead is an unforgettable tale of crime and concealment in the corridors of high-stakes politics--as well as in the deepest contours of the human heart.

Customer Reviews (26)

Marvelous
Marvelous!If you haven't read any of Tim Downs Bug Man books, you need to try at least one. Although this one is not the first in the series it will give you the best insight into the character of Dr. Polchak.I have often said that if Tim Downs treated any of his friends the way Dr. Polchak treats those he meets, he would certainly be friendless.Sarcasm is alive and well in this novel where science meets murder, mystery and suspense.There is even a love angle to keep things moving and to add a laugh or two.If you are anything like me, you will love the Bug Man series.I am waiting for another....

How Good Is "Less Than Dead"?
*A clever, suspenseful tale that will keep even the best bloodhound following his tail a few times.*

Tim Downs is know for his "Bug Man" novels, featuring Nick Polchak as a forensic entomologist (that's a guy who studies the insects that are found with dead bodies, very CSI-ish). When a field owned by a U.S. Senator who is a candidate for president is excavated and a couple of old bodies are found, the FBI has an explosive situation on their hands. Agent Nathan Donovan, famous since he stopped the "Plague Maker" in New York City, is sent to oversee the investigation. He calls Nick to the small Virginia town of Endor to help him identify how long the bodies have been there.

After a mysterious discovery, Nick calls for a cadaver dog to be brought in to search for other possible graves. When the purebred FBI dog fails, he follows up on the rumor of the "Witch of Endor", a woman who lives alone and supposedly talks to animals, to see if her mongrel can aid in the investigation.

Unfortunately, there are people who want buried secrets to stay buried, and soon Nick is trying to figure out these secrets before he becomes one himself.

I've read a lot of books this year, and I keep finding books that I think, "Wow, this is the best book so far this year." Well, Less Than Dead has left them all behind. I really enjoyed Plague Maker but Less is from top to bottom a tightly woven suspense, keeping my head twisting around until I about got whiplash. There were a few times that he had me totally thrown by what he was doing - in a good way! The surprises were great and kept me on my toes and invested in the stellar plot. I thought that having a politically-themed book was a little disingenuous during an election year, but this book is not thinly written like other election-related books I've read.

Nick Polchak is a great character, fully comfortable in his own awkward skin. The bonus is that every other character stands on their own as well, with none of them acting as "filling". It was great to have Nathan Donovan from Plague Maker make an appearance here, as Nick did in that book. Very good touch, and it even gives a little epilogue to Plague that I appreciated greatly.

The other thing that stands out is the humor of the book. Many books have a sarcastic hero, but Nick carries it off very well with his idiosyncrasies. I was laughing out loud at many spots in the book, and it added to the richness of the book every time.

I'll have a "best of" list at the end of the year at my blog, and so far, against very stiff competition, Less Than Dead is the leader of the pack. Don't miss this book if you enjoy suspense, clever writing, or forensics-type shows/books. Actually, just don't miss it!

(From a review at Spoiled for the Ordinary, and a copy was provided by the publisher)

great service
fast and the book was in great shape as always its a great joy to shop with you guys

my favorite of the bug man series
This was my favorite bug man book so far. If you liked the first 3, you have to read this one. I won't give you any details. Just start reading and you will get pulled in. (My least favorite was #3-First the Dead)

A Bug Man Book
If you're like me, you'll find forensics interesting. The cool part is in the learning. This book deals with forensic entomology as does the other books in this series. Hence the name "The Bug Man Series." While the name "Bug Man" sounds puerile, it is anything but, though at times, Nick the main character might be.

Bodies are being buried in graveyards on top of coffins. They are placed in a fetal position on their sides, suggesting the killer was in a hurry to bury them.

This installment is more about cadaver dogs and less about insects though insects are still part of the equation. ... Read more

Product Description
In a remote county of North Carolina, thirty-year-old Kathryn Guilford receives the news that her long-time friend and one-time suitor is dead. The authorities declare the death as 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 Guilford 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.

The flies on the wall can talk...and forensic entomologist Nick Polchak is listening. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

Excellent Introduction to the "Bug Man"
Continuing with my addiction to author Tim Downs, I had the library track down and acquire for me the first book in the Bug Man series, Shoofly Pie. The attraction for me is the central character, Dr. Nick Polchak, a man with no social graces what so ever. He has little care for his appearance, less with societal norms. And that captivates me. Adding to his control over me is his dedication to his work, he is a forensic entomologist, that is, he uses the bugs found on and around a dead body to determine the exact time of death and the location (some bodies may have been moved after death), His knowledge of the bug world adds to your understanding of it, which only increases the enjoyment of the novel.

The story begins with a bit of a history lesson, as we are witnesses to a horrific auto accident that scars a young girl for life. Following that, we are introduced to Dr. Nick Polchak, out on a routine investigation of the death of a woman. The investigation does not turn out too well and Nick is asked by North Carolina State, where he teaches, to take a little leave to do research in a remote county of North Carolina. Unbeknownst to Nick, three hunters in that county come across a dead body in a meadow. While it isn't hunting season, they are traveling to their deer stands, to prepare them for the upcoming season. The body of Jim McAllister interrupts the men from their task. Everything at the scene points to suicide and the death certificate is duly prepared. However, Kathryn Guilford, a lifelong friend of Jim's, isn't convinced it was suicide and enlists Nick's services to learn the truth. If you want to work with Nick, you had best not have any phobias when it comes to bugs, Kathryn, however, has a pathological fear of insects.

This is a thoroughly entertaining Bug Man novel. The pacing, the suspense, and the dialog between Nick and any other human propels the reader onward. You think that Nick could not be any more clueless when it comes to human interaction until you turn the page and discover that you were wrong. While a major character flaw, it is this detachment that so endears me to him. The results are always uncomfortable and hilarious. While he is removed from normal human interaction, his knowledge of the insect world is top rate; Nick is not to be underestimated (although that happens frequently). Author Tim Downs not only creates a very visual world through his words, he is able to provide the readers with the smells, too. Quite a trick, one that adds to the enjoyment. The debut novel of the Bug Man series, Shoofly Pie is an excellent introduction to Nick Polchak, his idiosyncrasies, and the writing of Tim Downs. Why "Shoofly Pie" as a title? Nick will explain it to you. :-) Highly recommended.

Disclosure:
Obtained from: Library
Payment: Borrowed

Another Winner
This book is gross! I mean that with the highest admiration for Tim Downs writing ability. His character forensic entomologist Nick Polchak brings you into a world you don't want to know about, unless you love flys, bugs and rottening corpses. But I needed to know if Kathryn's friend Jimmy killed himself or was murdered? Only Nick can find the answers, with the help of his disgusting tiny friends. Tim Downs knows how to hook you and from the prologue you're heart will be racing...I would have given this five stars, but I read his book Plague Maker and it's one of my favorites.

Enjoyable, though a bit predictable
"Shoofly Pie" was an enjoyable contemporary suspense/mystery novel. The mystery was fairly easy to figure out (this was a group read, and we all agreed on the who-done-it and why long before the end), but the detective also figured out the who-done-it at about the same time. Their problem was finding the proof that would stand up in court while surviving the ever-increasing body-count. So the suspense was sustained throughout the novel.

The characters were fairly complex. Nick was enjoyably quirky (though he started out as a jerk), and there was an underlying humor to the story. Nick's parts were very funny, and all of the characters--even the minor ones--were engaging.

My main complaint was the excessive level of detail given in two dramatic scenes that were supposed to be happening breath-takingly quickly. For example, in the prologue, the author gave extreme detail about the cars, how they were placed in relation to each other, personal details about a very minor character and his dogs, what the beehives looked like, and so on. I couldn't tell what details I should try to remember out of the onslaught, and the detail level slowed the pacing so much that the suspense was lost. Most of the novel hit the right level of detail, but these two "supposed to be going fast" scenes didn't work for me.

I was also disappointed in the climax. In order to have a huge, dramatic ending, both Nick and Kathryn did unexplained and very stupid actions that weren't in-character (since they were previously smart and quick-thinking in similar circumstances). The climax turned into a Hollywood suspense movie cliche--though with some funny, unique details--and was very predictable.

The examining-the-body scenes were graphic and gross, but Nick added such humor to the scenes that the gross details didn't bother even our normally easy-to-gross-out listener. I don't recall any bad language, and there was no sex. I'm looking forward to reading the next novel in the series. Overall, I'd recommend this novel as humorous, clean reading.


Reviewed by Debbie from Genre Reviews
(genrereviews. blogspot. com)

Tim Downs - my new favorite author
After reading all Downs' books, I love the mystery, rich character development, laugh out loud humor, clean language....all are superbly written & even filled with fascinating information you never thought you would want to know!Love these books!

Fun, Informative, Creepy Great Read...

CSI, body farm, bug fans need to check out this series if they haven't done so.

Nick Polchak is a sarcastic, nearly blind, fearless entomologist that I'm extremely fond of. I read book four (Less Than Dead) and was impressed enough to go back and pick up book one. Before I was halfway done I'd ordered two and three.

Shoofly Pie is well-written, clever and full of fascinating details. Downs has a winner in Nick. The sarcastic yet oddly vulnerable Bug Man has stolen my heart. I'd like to take him by his hand and help him find the perfect little woman to settle down with, but, I don't have any females I'd want to do that to, if you know what I mean?
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Product Description

In 2003, the Shoofly Pie introduced an intriguing and unique detective: forensic entomologist Nick Polchak. So popular did Polchak become that author Tim Downs has now published five Bug Man novels. And now for the first time: the first two Bug Man novels under one cover.

Within minutes of a murder, the first fly arrives at the scene. Soon there are hundreds, then thousands, and each one knows the victim's story...

Thirty-year-old Kathryn Guilford turns to Dr. Nick Polchak, the Bug Man, to help her learn the truth about the apparent suicide of her longtime friend and onetime suitor. Polchak introduces her to a mysterious world of blood-seeking flies and flesh-eating beetles. But there's a problem...

Kathryn Guilford 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.

Young Dr. Riley McKay has worked hard toward her career in pathology. But her promising future is threatened when suspicious activities -- bungled autopsies, concealed evidence, and unexplained wounds -- incriminate her supervising pathologist at the Allegheny County Coroner's Office in Pittsburgh, Dr. Nathan Lassiter. When Riley is ignored by her seniors and threatened by Dr. Lassiter, she turns in desperation to Dr. Nick Polchak, the Bug Man, to help her uncover the truth.

From a handful of tiny maggots, Nick and Riley begin to unearth the facts...

The flies on the wall can talk.

Forensic entomologist Nick Polchak is listening. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great book
I love this author.The books are well-written and hold your interest.They arrived in good shape and I was eager to begin reading.Couldn't put the books down!Highly recommend.

First Bug Man Novels
I had read a few other Bug Man novels by Tim Downs and loved them.Although you can read them by themselves, there is clearly history from other books in them.

None of the books make it clear in what order the series is in.After three of them I finally got to these and am glad as it explains a LOT.

If you are new to Tim Downs and the Bug Man series, read these first.

Oh yeah, and for the price you can't beat getting Bug Man #1 and #2!

ok I am hooked!
both of these books are quick and fun reads.who knew bugs could tell us so much. ... Read more

Product Description
Nick Polchak must stop a terrorist from causing a global ecological nightmare.

Two beautiful women from Nick's past are competing for his heart.

He's not sure which impending disaster makes him more nervous.

When forensic entomologist Nick Polchak is called to the scene of a murder on a small organic farm in North Carolina he is astonished to find that the victim's estranged wife is an old friend, a woman he once worked with--a woman he once had feelings for. When she asks Nick to investigate her husband's drug-related murder, Nick seeks the assistance of Alena Savard, the reclusive dog trainer known to the people of northern Virginia as the Witch of Endor.

Alena jumps at the chance to renew her relationship with Nick--but when she arrives in North Carolina she discovers that she's not the only woman who has her eye on the Bug Man. Soon Nick finds his usually analytical mind clouded by thoughts of a strangely human nature. These two women have stirred feelings that he can't quite fathom, feelings of lost opportunities and future possibilities...

Now Nick must navigate the unexplored territory of his own heart while he solves an agroterrorist's plot to ignite an environmental holocaust that could spread to the ends of the earth.
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Customer Reviews (54)

Good writer
The codition of the book was "as new". No marks on the pages, binding tight and jacket in perfect condition.
Tim Downs has created yet another masterpiece (though I may be biased). I truly love the way his mind works and describes details in which truely build a mental picture as he walks (and sometimes runs) you through his vast imagination as he continues to take you on yet another journey with "The Bug Man".

Great beginning, then it drops away
The very first chapter had my attention and I couldn't wait to read more.Then the book came to a sliding HALT, big time.

The second and third chapters were setting the stage for what the main character does for a living and to say it turned me off is an understatement.While I enjoy forensics, or in this case entomology, and what it is all about, the "studious" side of the practice is something I want to read about not learn so I can pass a medical exam.

By the time I was ready to read the fourth chapter, the book had lost my interest and I didn't continue.So, if you are looking for a fast paced book, don't pick this one up.If you can get through the long set up after a GREAT first chapter, then Ends of the Earth may be the book you settle in with for the evening.

From One End of the Earth to the Other
© 2009, Thomas Nelson, Nashville

Tim Downs can tell a story. He can even get me interested in the details (which usually put me to sleep). The reason: Downs has a sense of humor that bursts forth--especially in the details. He makes this perfectly clear in his Bug Man series featuring Nick Polchak. In the Bug Man novels, forensic entomologist, Polchak, goes into minute detail when describing what happens to blowflies and beetles when they encounter a fresh dead body.

Ends of the Earth has Polchak called in to develop a postmortem interval (PMI), determining as closely as possible when a person died. Nick arrives on the scene to find a dead tomato farmer who may or may not be involved in drug trafficking. He suggests that the police might make use of a good drug dog, and recommends Alena Savard (see Less than Dead to meet the "Witch of Endor"). As he begins collecting larval evidence, he discovers that the widow of the dead farmer (who asked that he be brought in on the case) is none other than Kathryn Guilford (see the Bug Man's first outing in Shoofly Pie for background on the connection here). Now the mother of an autistic child, Kathryn wants to know who killed her deadbeat husband and why.

Nick's investigation leads him to call in other characters from past stories--Nathan Donovan (Plague Maker and Less than Dead) and his new wife Macy (First the Dead). He finds that he is chasing after an international agriterrorist. Among the details found in the story are some about corn farming (including some interesting information on ethanol), organic farming, and autism spectrum disorder. As always Downs has done a great deal of research to marry these concepts.

The story moves smoothly from beginning to end, with lots of dry humor along the way. In an effort to overcome his desire to make a decision about Nick's future, Downs leaves the last chapter blank. Writing two separate endings, he offers them online at his author website for readers to vote. (Don't click on the link to read the options for resolving the cliff-hanger unless you want to have the ending of the conflict to be spoiled.) This element angered my blushing bride--I'd given her the book for her birthday. So much so that she threw the book across the room. Then she refused to vote for either of the optional online endings arguing anti-climax for both.

I found the options to be satisfactory (regardless of the choice), but that's just me. I think you'll enjoy the story regardless of the cliff-hanger ending. Pick up a copy at your favorite online or brick and mortar bookstore today.

You should enjoy the story at 4½ out of 5 reading glasses.

--Benjamin Potter, June 12, 2010

my first bug man book and I am hooked!
I know this is the 5th book in the Bug Man series, but it is the first one I have had the pleasure of reading.I immediately liked Nick and found his humor to be refreshing.He is too-smart and has zero social skills and knows it.He laughs at himself and just accepts himself for the way that he is.I loved his character!Maybe because I am an engineer and know plenty of people like him, I found him endearing.

Even though I have never read any of the other books in the series, I did not feel lost.I am sure a number of the characters have been mentioned in other books, but past interactions with Nick were not necessary to make this story whole.It was excellent as a stand alone book.

I enjoyed every bit of this book.There was plenty of humor and wit right along with a good suspense story.The story is well written and believable.I know very little about bugs and farming, but none of the story was too overwhelming and the premise of it was well-developed and timely.I finished this book in the best way possible--with a smile on my face and ready to read more from the characters.

Okay, so the ending was a big of a hanger and it can be annoying, but I found it funny and was not bothered by it in the least.I am looking forward to more from the Bug Man series and plan on going back and reading the first four in the series.

Great Mystery, Excellent Characters
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 ... Read more