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: |
http://www.lenotoplenie.ru свежие акции и инструкции по использованию промокодов
https://www.yemennews.net/newsr/15836
1вин оф 1вин оф
займы онлайн срочно оформить займ онлайн без комиссии
займ срочно без отказа https://zaimy-80.ru
взять займ срочно https://zaimy-82.ru
При домашнем формате мы сразу закладываем «мостик» к стационару: в случае ухудшения состояния перевод происходит бесшовно, по заранее оговорённым критериям. Пациент и семья знают, какие маркеры считаются целевыми (переносимость воды, ровный вечерний пульс, время до засыпания, число пробуждений), и когда состоится повторная оценка. Прозрачность снимает суету и укрепляет приверженность плану.
Изучить вопрос глубже – капельница от запоя анонимно
Je suis absolument captive par Monte Cryptos Casino, il propose une odyssee chiffree. Les options sont vastes comme un ledger, proposant des tables sophistiquees. Elevant l’experience de jeu. Le support client est irreprochable, offrant des solutions claires. Le processus est fluide comme un smart contract, parfois des offres plus genereuses ajouteraient du charme. Au final, Monte Cryptos Casino est une plateforme qui domine l’univers crypto pour ceux qui parient avec des cryptos ! Par ailleurs la navigation est simple comme un wallet, facilite une immersion totale. Un avantage notable le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, offre des recompenses continues.
Voir le site|
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping
maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading
your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
advancedtradingtools – The pricing seems fair for what’s offered but I’ll check reviews before buying.
J’adore l’aura divine d’ Olympe Casino, ca transporte dans un monde mythique. Les options sont vastes comme un pantheon, comprenant des jeux optimises pour les cryptos. Le bonus de bienvenue est divin. L’assistance est efficace et sage, garantissant un support celeste. Les paiements sont securises et fluides, de temps a autre des bonus plus varies seraient un nectar. En bref, Olympe Casino offre une experience legendaire pour les passionnes de jeux antiques ! A noter le design est moderne et divin, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. A souligner les tournois reguliers pour la competition, qui booste l’engagement.
https://olympefr.com/|
Глубокий разбор видов стеллажей — от универсальных полочных до высокотехнологичных систем паллетного хранения https://bioraf.ru/2025/10/09/Лучшие-фронтальные-стеллажи-для-бизнеса/
uniquedecorstore – Love how they curate unique pieces that add character to rooms.
1xbet Casino These bonuses can include free spins, cashback offers, and even tournament entries, providing players with extra value for https://tannda.net/read-blog/269332
J’ai une passion ardente pour Monte Cryptos Casino, ca transporte dans un monde virtuel. Les options sont vastes comme un ledger, avec des slots aux designs modernes. Elevant l’experience de jeu. Disponible 24/7 via chat ou email, avec une aide rapide et fiable. Les paiements sont securises par blockchain, de temps a autre des bonus plus varies seraient un atout. En bref, Monte Cryptos Casino est un must pour les fans de blockchain pour les joueurs en quete d’innovation ! De plus la plateforme est visuellement eblouissante, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. Un avantage notable les paiements securises en BTC/ETH, renforce la communaute.
Aller au site|
slots best uk, canadian star casino kansas city
and new zealandn online pokies minimum $5 deposit, or
online roulette usa real money review
Also visit my site … blackjack Coupons 2021
modernlifestylezone – Great value for modern lifestyle essentials, will definitely come back.
dailytrendstore – The selection is fresh and the layout makes browsing super easy.
взять доверительный платеж интернет билайн https://1win5518.ru
advancedtradingtools – The community feedback was positive and helped me decide to try their service.
köpa Viagra online Sverige: MannensApotek – Viagra utan läkarbesök
purebeautytrend – Customer service answered my question quickly—really good support.
J’aime l’ambiance numerique de Monte Cryptos Casino, ca offre une sensation futuriste unique. La gamme de jeux est phenomenale, incluant des paris live dynamiques. Boostant votre capital initial. Le support client est irreprochable, avec une aide rapide et fiable. Le processus est fluide comme un smart contract, neanmoins des recompenses supplementaires seraient ideales. En bref, Monte Cryptos Casino vaut une exploration virtuelle pour les adeptes de jeux modernes ! En bonus la navigation est simple comme un wallet, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Egalement cool le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, propose des avantages uniques.
Cliquer pour apprendre|
successmindsetnetwork – Great resource for anyone looking to level up their thinking and habits.
Je suis enchante par Impressario Casino, ca offre un plaisir sophistique. Le catalogue est riche en saveurs, incluant des paris sportifs distingues. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Le support client est impeccable, joignable a toute heure. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, bien que quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient bienvenus. Au final, Impressario Casino garantit un plaisir constant pour les fans de casino en ligne ! Par ailleurs la navigation est simple et gracieuse, facilite une immersion totale. Egalement appreciable les paiements securises en crypto, offre des recompenses continues.
Visiter en ligne|
1xbet Casino These bonuses can include free spins, cashback offers, and even tournament entries, providing players with extra value for https://bookmarkprobe.com/story20745934/1xbet-registration-promo-code
Howdy I am so excited I found your blog, I really found
you by mistake, while I was researching on Google for something else, Anyways I am here now and would
just like to say thank you for a fantastic post and a all
round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read
it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also included
your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more,
Please do keep up the excellent job.
Глубокий разбор видов стеллажей — от универсальных полочных до высокотехнологичных систем паллетного хранения https://grinder-man.ru/catalog/model/design/news/pages/4/2/16_frontalnie_i_skvoznie_palletnie.html
J’adore l’atmosphere blues de BassBet Casino, ca offre un plaisir melancolique. La variete des titres est melodieuse, avec des slots aux designs blues. Renforcant votre capital initial. L’assistance est efficace et professionnelle, toujours pret a jammer. Les transactions sont fiables, neanmoins des bonus plus varies seraient un riff. En bref, BassBet Casino vaut une jam session pour les passionnes de jeux modernes ! Par ailleurs la plateforme est visuellement musicale, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. Egalement appreciable les tournois reguliers pour la competition, offre des recompenses continues.
https://bassbetcasinologinfr.com/|
classyhomegoods – Shopping was smooth and the layout made it easy to browse carefully.
unitedvisionnetwork – Good support and easy to find contact info—makes a difference for trust.
wetten mit startguthaben ohne einzahlung
Stop by my web blog: wett vorhersage
Мега @^-^@ Ссылки и Зеркала 2025 — Список всех рабочих ссылок и зеркал Mega.
Доступ через любой браузер или Tor Browser.
? Важно: Избегайте загрузки Tor с непроверенных источников!
Если Mega не открывается
Воспользуйтесь резервной ссылкой Mega из списка ниже.
Очистите кеш браузера, обновите соединение через VPN или Tor.
Переключитесь на другой VPN-сервер или используйте Tor.
Подтвердите, что ваш провайдер не блокирует Onion-адреса.
Адреса проверены авторитетными ресурсами Mega.
Пошаговая установка и доступ к Mega
Установка Tor Browser
Перейдите официальный сайт проекта Tor.
Скачайте установочный файл, совместимый с вашей системой.
Установите браузер, следуя руководству по установке.
Активация Tor
Включите Tor Browser после установки.
Дождитесь подключения к сети Tor (подключение занимает время).
Переход по актуальной ссылке
Вставьте актуальную ссылку
мега даркент ссылка
|
Регистрация аккаунта
На главной странице Mega найдите кнопку “Регистрация”.
Заполните форму, указав логин, пароль и email.
Применяйте надежный пароль и включите двухфакторную аутентификацию для повышения безопасности.
Авторизация в профиле
После регистрации зайдите в аккаунт, используя указанные данные.
Подтвердите, что вы используете официальные ресурсы для доступа к Mega.
1xbet Casino These bonuses can include free spins, cashback offers, and even tournament entries, providing players with extra value for https://henry6c86vdk1.qodsblog.com/profile
businesssuccesshub – Found a great tip on scaling customer acquisition that I’ll test this week.
financialgrowthplan – Appreciate the realistic-tone advice rather than hype-filled promises, feels trustworthy.
dailyessentialfinds – Just found this site, very useful for daily essential items at good value.
https://www.vancouvernews.net/newsr/15808
Даже то что я из за тебя третий день на нервах это косяк!Ладно надеямся на лучшее,надежда умирает последней…
https://caucasusmountains.info
Удачи в развитии бизнеса !
1 win контора https://1win5518.ru/
everydayvaluehub – Pricing seems reasonable and the items matched the photos quite well.
1win официальный скачать 1win официальный скачать
If you are interested in US casinos, then this is exactly what you need. Check out the full details via the following link:
best online casino USA
buildsuccessnetwork – Strong resource base but I’ll keep tabs on update frequency for long-term value.
Глубокий разбор видов стеллажей — от универсальных полочных до высокотехнологичных систем паллетного хранения https://teremokk.ru/2025/10/09/Модернизация-склада-фронтальные-стеллажи/
visionaryfutureteam – Would like to see more case studies or testimonials to back up the strategies.
partnershipgrowthhub – I discovered some insightful content about fostering strong partnerships that stood out.
J’aime l’aura futuriste de Monte Cryptos Casino, ca distille un plaisir numerique intense. Il y a une profusion de jeux envoutants, offrant des sessions en direct immersives. Avec des depots crypto instantanes. Les agents repondent comme un algorithme, offrant des solutions claires. Les retraits sont rapides comme une transaction blockchain, de temps a autre des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. Au final, Monte Cryptos Casino garantit un plaisir constant pour les amateurs de casino en ligne ! En bonus la plateforme est visuellement eblouissante, facilite une immersion totale. A souligner le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, renforce la communaute.
Cliquer pour voir|
innovationdriventeam – Would love to see more case studies or examples from real teams to deepen the insight.
Hi, every time i used to check weblog posts here
in the early hours in the daylight, because i enjoy to find
out more and more.