Quickie Book Review: "First the Dead" ("Bug Man", No. 3) by Tim Downs

Author: Tim Downs
Published: 2008 by Thomas Nelson

Synopsis: In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, federal disaster agents Jerry, Beth, and Nick "The Bug Man" Polchak go to investigate matters and assist with the recovery effort...when they find out that they have a murderer on their hands, and one who is intent on killing one of their own.  Will they find out who in time?

My Review: Mildly entertaining, but doesn't quite live up to its premise.  I was expecting the main character(s) to use insect-based detection skills, but they didn't do that all that much; it was primarily focused on the character interaction, especially the romantic banter of the two leads.  Maybe the earlier books in the series were better on the bug front; I don't know.  Still, for what it was, it was good.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: None. 5/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: None. 5/5
• Violence: People are killed, but not in graphic detail. 4/5
• Drugs: Drug usage and addiction is mentioned, though vilified. 4/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: A main character is murdered, and another one is almost killed. 3.5/5
• Other: Some disgusting moments, such as someone "messing the bed" by throwing up all over it. 4/5

Score: 3/5