Taxed to Death
Debra Purdy Kong
Mystery/Suspense
[rating: 3/5]
Available in:
• Mobi/Kindle
• ePub/iPad
• PDF
• HTML
… from…
• Amazon
• MobiPocket
• AllRomanceEbooks
• OmniLit
Also in paperback
When Revenue Canada auditor Alex Bellamy discovers that $150,000 is missing from Ice Craft Jewelers inventory, someone from Special Investigations suddenly takes him off the case. But Alex decides to keep investigating anyhow, and before he knows it, his best friend is dead—suicide, if you can believe it. Moreover, someone is chasing Alex himself, and he must turn to Jillian Scott, a woman he’s never met and who is as afraid of him as he is of being caught. Soon, her fears and his search embroil them in a bizarre and disturbing nightmare.
I read Taxed to Death as part of a review-exchange on GoodReads: I read someone’s book, and someone else reviews one of mine. To that end, and short of cash, I purchased a copy of Debra Purdy Kong’s Taxed to Death on the used market. This is the first in the Alex Bellamy series, the second being her more recent release, Fatal Encryption. But I couldn’t find a used copy of the more recent title, and I thought it would probably be best to start with the first in the series, anyhow.
The book started by throwing names and facts at me, as many mysteries do. Unfortunately—maybe because I’m dense—I didn’t get what was happening until later in the story. The story is billed as a mystery, but in some ways, it reads more like a suspense novel… except that I didn’t understand the characters, at all. In fact, the major viewpoint character, Les Silby, who gets the most screen-time, he’s one of the suspects. Him I got, at least as much as I could without knowing his full role until the end. Alex and Jillian, the hero and heroine of the story, I had no idea why they did most of the things they did.
As a side-effect, because the story can’t give away the ending, it frequently gave me a partial view, blanking out obvious things that the viewpoint character could see and was thinking about. Now, I’m not an expert in the mystery genre. As I recall, the mysteries I’ve read have achieved this effect simply by staying in the mind of the detective. Suspense novels, not so much, but in a suspense, it’s more important to maintain the tension between hero and villain, rather than to keep secret who the villain is. I’m not sure I liked the effect in Taxed to Death.
The story did get better near the end, as the situation became clear and the forces of evil began to close around our heroes. Even so, I never understood why Alex and Jillian did most of what they did, or felt what they felt, or thought what they were thinking. This is extremely important to me, because rich, three-dimensional characters are key to a good story. And these characters just fell flat.
This story is also missing a theme, as far as I can tell. I had originally expected something like: financial fraud is about more than money. (And that could be the theme of the story… maybe, kinda.) Or: we all pay when someone embezzles funds. (And I didn’t get that at all from this story.) Much less did I see an uplifting, character-based theme. It simply wasn’t that kind of book.
After all of that, I do hope to read the next book in the series Fatal Encryption. Why? Well, Taxed to Death is Debra Purdy Kong’s first book, published 15 years ago. That means that Debra probably put more into it than any other story she’s written, but also that it reflects her inexperience as an novelist. I’m hoping that Fatal Encryption, which came out just a couple years ago, gave her a chance to address some of the storytelling issues I noticed in Taxed to Death. Most importantly, I’m hoping she has gotten better at characterizing her characters, and I really want to get to know Alex Bellamy.
-TimK
|
Taxed to Death |
Available in: |
90dprr.top – Some of the images are striking — they add a lot to the pages.
Clomid for sale: Buy Clomid online – Buy Clomid online
I personally find that the providing liquidity tools are easy onboarding and responsive team.
order doxycycline without a prescription
90dprr.top – I like how clean the homepage is, gives a good first impression.
90dprr.top – This site has an intriguing name, I’m curious what it covers.
https://bizzocasinogr.com/
90dprr.top – This site has an intriguing name, I’m curious what it covers.
Добро пожаловать в мир лучших детских товаров с TykePop, где здоровье и счастье ваших малышей — наши главные приоритеты.
Зацепил материал про Традиционная русская кухня: рецепты и советы.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://traktirseno.ru
Благодарим за внимание, и пусть ваши детки всегда будут здоровы и счастливы вместе с TykePop!
dollar 10 no deposit mobile angel Of the winds casino Birthday promotions united states, money poker online usa and casino reviews usa, or free bonus casino uk
I switched from another service because of the useful analytics and trustworthy service. The mobile app makes daily use simple.
Откройте секреты счастливого детства с качественными товарами от TykePop.
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Лучшие курорты и советы по отдыху в Черногории”, там просто кладезь информации.
Смотрите сами:
https://travelmontenegro.ru
С TykePop ваши дети получают только самое лучшее. Берегите их здоровье и счастье с нашими товарами.
купить диплом повара-кондитера купить диплом повара-кондитера .
Складские распродажи велосипедов по низким ценам
кракен onion сайт kra ссылка kraken сайт
https://classifylist.com/story22236581/1xbet-promo-code-for-registration
296ww.top – I bookmarked this — seems like there’s a lot to see.
Kendall here — I’ve tried providing liquidity and the easy onboarding impressed me.
Fast onboarding, quick deposits, and a team that actually cares. Great for cross-chain swaps with minimal slippage.
Откройте для себя удивительный ассортимент детских товаров, которые подарят радость и комфорт вашему малышу!
Между прочим, если вас интересует Мир мультфильмов: Новости, Обзоры и Сообщество, загляните сюда.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://obender.ru
Если у вас возникли вопросы или пожелания, наша команда всегда готова помочь. До скорых встреч!
best online sands casino night club (Melaine) bc australia,
grand dusae casino no deposit bonus and casino listings usa,
or uk poker forum
canadian online pokies that accept paypal, popular
pokie machines australia and uk online casinos free play, or australian online paytm ipl gambling – Alfredo, legislation
Hi terrific blog! Does running a blog such as this take a lot of work?
I’ve virtually no understanding of computer programming but I had been hoping to start my
own blog soon. Anyway, should you have any ideas or techniques for new blog owners please share.
I know this is off subject nevertheless I simply had to ask.
Appreciate it!
Купить диплом техникума в Луганск https://www.educ-ua7.ru .
купить диплом в саранске купить диплом в саранске .
My developer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong
none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on a variety of websites for about a year and am
worried about switching to another platform. I
have heard very good things about blogengine.net.
Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into
it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!
Hunter here — I’ve tried fiat on-ramp and the low fees impressed me.
Wow! Finally I got a website from where I can actually get valuable data regarding my study and knowledge.
https://finnjllz20000.ka-blogs.com/90873289/from-amateur-to-professional-online-betting-strategies-for-every-level
Joined $MTAUR coin presale—easy entry. ICO’s marketing sharp. Creatures whimsical. minotaurus token
I trust this platform — withdrawals are quick deposits and reliable. Charts are accurate and load instantly.
The exploring governance tools are low fees and intuitive UI.
I’ve been using it for a week for trading, and the wide token selection stands out.
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always exciting to read articles from other authors and practice something from other sites.
сайт leebet casino
The using the API tools are accurate charts and scalable features.
Minotaurus coin’s utility in boosts and customizations is practical. ICO’s community building events foster loyalty. Early stage feels opportunistic.
mtaur token
united kingdom poker 90 s, free $25 online bingo canada and blackjack mulligan usa, or paying
tax on gambling winnings australia
Take a look at my web page :: how many casinos are there in laughlin (Arlie)
Charming escort lads
The learning crypto basics tools are responsive team and quick deposits. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.
90dprr.top – The tone feels friendly, not too stiff or overly professional.
Minotaurus token’s DAO governance empowers users. Presale’s multi-crypto support widens access. Battling obstacles feels epic.
minotaurus token
I switched from another service because of the trustworthy service and responsive team.
Как выбрать лучшее для вашего ребенка? Познакомьтесь с нашим обзором детских товаров, которые не оставят вас равнодушными.
Между прочим, если вас интересует Футбольные новости, аналитика и интервью игроков, посмотрите сюда.
Ссылка ниже:
https://pro-zenit.ru
С TykePop ваши дети получают только самое лучшее. Берегите их здоровье и счастье с нашими товарами.
Вас интересуют лучшие товары для детей? Узнайте, почему продукция от TykePop заслуживает вашего внимания.
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Скидка 25% на услуги красоты для женщин”, есть отличная статья.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://libka-lylytay.ru
Желаем вам и вашим детям приятных покупок и незабываемых моментов с TykePop!
Как выбрать лучшее для вашего ребенка? Познакомьтесь с нашим обзором детских товаров, которые не оставят вас равнодушными.
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Комплексный подход к биохакингу здоровья”, нашел много полезного.
Смотрите сами:
https://minust33.ru
Ждем вас снова, чтобы рассказать еще больше о наших продуктах и предложениях для малышей.
купить диплом с занесением в реестр в иркутске купить диплом с занесением в реестр в иркутске .
xfj222 – The content is diverse and engaging.
statistics of gambling in canada, new gambling sites usa and total
poker usa, or spin palace withdrawal canada
Here is my website … planet 21 casino (kimhungimex.com)
новости футбола новости футбола .
I was skeptical, but after recently of using the bridge, the clear transparency convinced me.
5xqvk – The design is minimalist yet effective.