Forensic entomologist extraordinaire Nick Polchak (a.k.a. The Bug Man) is facing a challenge far more taxing than the murders he has solved or the life-threatening predicaments he has faced. In four days, Nick is getting married. His upcoming nuptials come as a surprise to his friends and colleagues, who assumed he was destined to a life of bachelorhood. After all, he seemed to prefer his neat and tidy world of maggots and blowflies to the far more complex workings of human society.

But Nick has met his match. Dog trainer and mountain recluse Alena Savard prefers the company of dogs to people, especially the townspeople who believe she's a witch. But the quick-witted bug guy has stolen her heart. Unfortunately he's missing, and she's determined to find him before their wedding day. Will he show up in the nick of time?

Days before the ceremony, Nick's friend Pete made him an offer he couldn't refuse: an invitation to a Vidocq society meeting, and the chance to work on a mysterious murder. Nick's work had kept him from attending the meetings for a long time, and he missed solving cold cases with his fellow forensic specialists. More importantly, his curiosity about Pete's case drew him in like an addict to cocaine. Assuring Alena he would only be gone a day, Nick leaves for Philadelphia. But when he arrives, Pete is not there. Concerned about his friend, he drives to Pete's house and finds the one thing he dreaded most: blowflies on the window. It can only mean one thing: Something or someone is dead inside the house, and Nick is pretty sure he knows who it is.

Nick calls the police, interferes with the investigation and gets arrested, finally leaving jail when his FBI friend and best man comes to bail him out. But a night behind bars doesn't deter him from searching for Pete's killer. As Nick digs deeper, his wedding draws nearer...and Alena fears her fiancée has fled the scene.

Nick promised to call, and even gave her a cell phone, but Alena hasn't heard from him since he left, other than a message delivered by her pastor. Certain there's trouble brewing, she packs up three of her dogs and heads out to find her missing husband-to-be. What she finds instead are shady characters, clues to a murder cover-up, and more trouble than she ever imagined.

It's no surprise that fans of the Bug Man series could hardly wait for this new title. Author Tim Downs has created quirky, witty, likable characters and intriguing plots throughout the series, with NICK OF TIME being no exception. Nick Polchak is as hilarious as he is gifted in his field, and Alena is the perfect tough-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside, intelligent, clever match for him. In this highly anticipated sequel to ENDS OF THE EARTH, the two are dynamite in ferreting out clues and one-upping those who stand in their way. But will they ever make it to the chapel? No spoilers here, you'll have to read the book. Better yet, start with Book One, SHOOFLY PIE, then move on to the rest.

NICK OF TIME can be read as a stand-alone, but knowing the characters and all that came before will add another layer to the pure enjoyment of this novel. Realistic? Not so much, but it's still a fun read.