First The Dead by Tim Downs

I have read every fictional novel by Tim Downs thus far, and I can honestly say, "First The Dead" is his ultimate best.

After a very long time, Tim Downs has finally given his fans what they want...a new "Bug Man" novel. Forensic entomologist Nick Polchak is a member of DMORT (Distaster Mortuary Operational Response Team) working in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Instead of helping rescue the survivors, Nick is doing what he does best...searching for answers from the dead. Aiding him in his quest is his buddy Jerry and J.T., a teen survivor who's latched onto Nick as a father figure (for those who've read "Bug Man novels before--don't laugh--it WORKS!).

As they hunt for bodies, survivors and such, Nick stumbles across what appears to be a series of murders...and someone is using the natural disaster to cover up a human one. But who? And why does EVERYONE get so mad at him when he finds another dead body?

Things turn serious when someone takes a shot at Nick and his psychologist, Dr. Beth Woodbridge as they search for evidence. Seems that the person or persons behind this Katrina conspiracy will stop at nothing to cover their tracks...and that includes murdering "Bug Man".

As a reviewer, it is my responsibility to tell you the honest truth. And honestly, I absolutely devour these novels...they are some of my absolute favorites. The dialogue is crisp and witty, the storyline moves at just the right pace, and Tim gives you just enough of the story to keep you guessing until the very end.

But you won't find a LOT of spiritual messages in the pages of a Bug Man novel...just some themes of persistence, justice, and a lot about the human struggle.

And that's okay...as an avid reader, I don't like books with lots of the "ick" factor. So it's nice to know I have "safe reads" in the Christian publishing industry. I'm very pleased that we have such a wide variety of genres and styles of writing to select from these days...it's a great time to be a reader:-)

As a responsible reviewer, it is also my job to tell you about things you might not want to hear. Therefore, I must tell you, if you are the LEAST squeamish, STAY. AWAY. FROM. THIS. BOOK.

BUT, if you are a fan of CSI...run, don't walk, to your local bookstore and get your copy of this novel (it releases January 8th!). Tim Downs has outwritten himself with this story...I can't WAIT to read what he publishes next!

Happy Reading!

Deena