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: |
cs-nippon-cp – I’d recommend checking for official credentials or “About” info before moving forward.
Je suis absolument captive par Monte Cryptos Casino, ca transporte dans un monde virtuel. Les options sont vastes comme un ledger, incluant des paris live dynamiques. Avec des depots crypto rapides. Disponible 24/7 via chat ou email, offrant des solutions claires. Les transferts sont fiables, neanmoins quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient bienvenus. En bref, Monte Cryptos Casino garantit un plaisir constant pour les joueurs en quete d’innovation ! Par ailleurs le design est moderne et captivant, ce qui rend chaque session plus immersive. Particulierement captivant les paiements securises en BTC/ETH, qui booste l’engagement.
Obtenir des infos|
cs-nippon-cp – I checked the site but couldn’t find a clear description of what it offers.
envolavecning – A suggestion: add testimonials, business registration info, and clearer product/service descriptions.
bwaylocations – Prime location services with strategic placement and accessibility.
mostbet kg http://www.mostbet12031.ru
Cilt bak?m?n?z? bir ust seviyeye c?karman?n zaman? geldi, siz ne dersiniz?
“Moda ve Stil Rehberi: En Yeni Trendler ve Kombinler” konusunda bilgi arayanlar icin cok faydal? bilgiler buldum.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://modaruhu.com
Sagl?kl? ve dogal bir cilt icin duzenli bak?m sart.
mostbet регистрация через официальный сайт mostbet регистрация через официальный сайт
Cilt bak?m?n?n puf noktalar?na dair bilmeniz gereken her sey burada!
Lezzetin Zirvesine C?karan SofraKeyfi Hikayeleri hakk?ndaki bolum ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://sofrakeyfi.com
Sagl?kl? ve dogal bir cilt icin duzenli bak?m sart.
Je suis enchante par Impressario Casino, il procure une experience exquise. Le catalogue est riche en saveurs, avec des slots aux designs elegants. Avec des depots instantanes. Le service est disponible 24/7, offrant des reponses claires. Le processus est simple et elegant, cependant plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du piquant. En bref, Impressario Casino garantit un plaisir constant pour les fans de casino en ligne ! En bonus le design est moderne et chic, facilite une immersion totale. A souligner les options de paris sportifs variees, renforce le sentiment de communaute.
Continuer maintenant|
motivilovesmusic – For now, treat it as a lower-certainty option until more background is found.
Hi to every , as I am genuinely eager of reading this weblog’s post to be updated regularly. It includes pleasant information.
kra42 cc
Everything in One Place: https://www.colehardware.com
trabas007hoki – Might return later once more content or testimonials are posted.
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really understand what you’re talking about!
Bookmarked. Please additionally seek advice from my website =).
We can have a hyperlink trade arrangement among us
Viagra genérico online España: farmacia confiable en España – Confia Farmacia
Je suis emerveille par Monte Cryptos Casino, c’est une plateforme qui scintille comme une etoile blockchain. Le catalogue est riche et varie, proposant des tables elegantes. 100% jusqu’a 300 € + tours gratuits. L’assistance est rapide et experte, joignable a tout moment. Le processus est lisse comme un wallet, mais des bonus plus varies seraient un tresor. Dans l’ensemble, Monte Cryptos Casino garantit un plaisir constant pour les joueurs en quete d’innovation ! En bonus le site est rapide et futuriste, ajoute une touche de sophistication. Particulierement captivant le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, offre des recompenses continues.
Cliquez ici|
kraken обмен
kraken вход
Je suis seduit par Impressario Casino, ca offre un plaisir sophistique. Il y a une abondance de jeux captivants, offrant des sessions live sophistiquees. Renforcant votre capital initial. Le support client est impeccable, toujours pret a servir. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, bien que plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du piquant. En bref, Impressario Casino offre une experience memorable pour ceux qui aiment parier en crypto ! En bonus le design est moderne et chic, ce qui rend chaque session plus raffinee. Un autre atout le programme VIP avec niveaux exclusifs, offre des recompenses continues.
Lire l’avis complet|
motivilovesmusic – Might be useful as an additional link, but I’d balance it with higher-authority sources.
Спасибо за уничтожение клопов в общежитии! Всё чисто и безопасно.
выведение тараканов
Cilt bak?m?n?z? bir ust seviyeye c?karman?n zaman? geldi, siz ne dersiniz?
Bu arada, eger Dogal Guzellik Yontemleri: Cilt ve Sac Bak?m? Ipuclar? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://ipekcilt.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
мостбкт http://www.mostbet12031.ru
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
Bu arada, eger Faydal? Dekorasyon ve Mobilya Ipuclar? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://cilginmobilya.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say great blog!
kra42 at
Je suis totalement fascine par Monte Cryptos Casino, ca procure un frisson virtuel unique. Les options sont vastes comme un reseau decentralise, avec des slots aux themes modernes. 100% jusqu’a 300 € + tours gratuits. L’assistance est rapide et professionnelle, avec une aide precise et fiable. Les transactions sont securisees par blockchain, neanmoins des recompenses supplementaires seraient top. Au final, Monte Cryptos Casino offre une experience memorable pour les passionnes de casino en ligne ! Ajoutons que le site est rapide et captivant, facilite une immersion totale. A souligner les tournois reguliers pour la competition, garantit des transactions fiables.
Essayer d’explorer|
motivilovesmusic – Overall: potentially fine for casual reference, but not yet fully endorsed for important business use.
vjcn,tn vjcn,tn
ставки на спорт мостбет ставки на спорт мостбет
https://socialexpresions.com/story6031662/meilleur-code-promo-1xbet-s%C3%A9n%C3%A9gal
Dogal ve etkili cilt bak?m yontemlerine dair tuyolar? kesfedin.
Bu arada, eger Modern Mobilya Trendleri ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://evimtarzi.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
trabas007hoki – Navigation takes a moment and some links weren’t obvious at first.
https://mannensapotek.shop/# kop receptfria potensmedel online
Cocaine comes from coca leaves organize in South America.
While once cast-off in stock medicine, it’s in this
day a banned substance due to its dangers.
It’s immensely addictive, unsurpassed to well-being risks like pump attacks, conceptual disorders,
and glowering addiction.
hanayaka-na-life – Overall pretty pleased with the site so far, worth keeping an eye on.
мостбет приложение https://mostbet12032.ru
mostbet kg mostbet kg
trabas007hoki – Just found this site and it feels a bit unclear about its purpose.
mostbet com login mostbet com login
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
“Dogal Guzellik Yontemleri: Cilt ve Sac Bak?m? Ipuclar?” konusunda bilgi arayanlar icin harika bir makale var.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://ipekcilt.com
Cilt bak?m?n?n buyusu ile tan?s?n ve hayat?n?za kazand?r?n.
купить диплом вуза купить диплом вуза .
Become a 1xbet agent or join the affiliate and referral program and earn money without risky casino and sports betting https://temrus.com/post/8346_code-promo-1xbet-du-jour-il-optimise-vos-chances-de-succes-des-le-depart-en-doub.html
купить диплом в кемерово купить диплом в кемерово .
мостбет кыргызстан скачать http://mostbet12032.ru
мостбет вход на сегодня mostbet12032.ru
trabas007hoki – I’d like to see more about what they offer—info seems light so far.
мостбет кыргызстан https://mostbet12031.ru
envolavecning – The design seems clean yet incomplete, missing clear “About Us” or company info sections.
Cildinizi s?martmak icin haz?r olun!
Lezzetin Zirvesine C?karan SofraKeyfi Hikayeleri hakk?ndaki bolum dikkatimi cekti.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://sofrakeyfi.com
Guzelliginizin ve sagl?g?n?z?n anahtar? dogru cilt bak?m?nda sakl?.
букмекерские конторы бишкек mostbet12032.ru