Review: The Pill Bugs of Time (Offbeat Crimes #2) by Angel Martinez

Relationship and communication issues plague Officer Vikash Soren, but those are nothing compared to facing stick-throwing tumbleweeds, pill bugs and…time travel?

Vikash Soren, the perfect police officer except for his odd paranormal ability, never seems to lose his temper. Always serene and competent, he’s taken on the role of mediator in a squad room full of misfits. But on the inside, he’s a mess. Unable to tell his police partner that he loves him, Vikash struggles silently, terrified of losing Kyle as a lover, partner and friend.

But life in the 77th Precinct doesn’t leave much room for internal reflection. A confrontation with a stick-throwing tumbleweed in Fairmount Park leads to bizarre consequences involving pill bugs, statues and…time travel? If Vikash manages to survive the week and stay in one point in time, he might be able to address normal things like relationship problems. He just needs Kyle to have a little more patience. Maybe a few centuries’ worth.



So much fun! I think I said that about the first book... well, it still applies! I am 100% in with this series after this second installment. I liked the first book, but I loved this second book. 

The story is told from Vikash's point of view, which I really liked. He's still in the closet and fearful of anyone knowing he and Kyle are together. The POV switch really worked here. I think Vikash would have come off as really cold and unlikable if I wasn't able to see what was going on in that serious head of his. While I still wanted to strangle him every time he jumped at the slightest touch with Kyle in public, I don't know that I could've forgiven him if there wasn't any insight from his POV.

The mystery. OMG. So, there are pill bugs latching themselves onto people. Their venom? It causes time travel. I can't get over the quirkiness of this world and I totally love it. It was a crazy ride traveling to different time periods with Vikash. It all moved a little fast. I would have liked a couple more time traveling scenes and maybe a little more mystery in the case. The pacing was really quick and while the story kept me super engaged, it felt rushed.

I simply adore Vikash and Kyle. Their chemistry and their humor is spot on. They are a fantastic duo and I'm so happy with the direction of their relationship. Even though the world-building is a little out there, these guys felt so real. They have real problems and they way they dealt with them felt so natural.

We have the same cast of wacky characters from the first book, snark and humor, and a lovely relationship between two paranormal misfits. I can't wait to get my hands on more of this series. 

Goodness. I hope there's another book coming. Please and thank you.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more info on Goodreads.

No comments:

Post a Comment