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: |
Je suis captive par Frumzi Casino, il procure une sensation de frisson. Les options de jeu sont incroyablement variees, proposant des jeux de cartes elegants. Le bonus de depart est top. Disponible a toute heure via chat ou email. Le processus est simple et transparent, par contre des bonus plus frequents seraient un hit. En conclusion, Frumzi Casino merite une visite dynamique. Notons aussi le design est tendance et accrocheur, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. A souligner les options variees pour les paris sportifs, qui motive les joueurs.
http://www.frumzicasinobonusfr.com|
Je suis completement seduit par Instant Casino, c’est une plateforme qui deborde de dynamisme. La gamme est variee et attrayante, comprenant des titres adaptes aux cryptomonnaies. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des free spins. Disponible a toute heure via chat ou email. Les transactions sont toujours fiables, quelquefois des offres plus genereuses rendraient l’experience meilleure. Pour conclure, Instant Casino est un endroit qui electrise. Ajoutons que la plateforme est visuellement captivante, ce qui rend chaque partie plus fun. Particulierement interessant les evenements communautaires pleins d’energie, qui stimule l’engagement.
Voir les dГ©tails|
J’adore le dynamisme de Cheri Casino, on y trouve une vibe envoutante. La selection est riche et diversifiee, incluant des paris sportifs en direct. Il donne un elan excitant. Disponible 24/7 par chat ou email. Les transactions sont toujours fiables, de temps en temps plus de promos regulieres dynamiseraient le jeu. En somme, Cheri Casino assure un divertissement non-stop. A signaler le design est style et moderne, booste le fun du jeu. Un atout les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, propose des privileges sur mesure.
Commencer maintenant|
J’ai un veritable coup de c?ur pour Frumzi Casino, il offre une experience dynamique. La bibliotheque de jeux est captivante, proposant des jeux de casino traditionnels. Il booste votre aventure des le depart. Le support est efficace et amical. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, en revanche des recompenses supplementaires dynamiseraient le tout. Dans l’ensemble, Frumzi Casino offre une experience inoubliable. En extra le design est style et moderne, apporte une touche d’excitation. Un point cle le programme VIP avec des privileges speciaux, propose des avantages uniques.
Aller sur le site web|
Je suis epate par Cheri Casino, ca invite a l’aventure. Il y a un eventail de titres captivants, offrant des tables live interactives. Le bonus de bienvenue est genereux. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Les gains arrivent en un eclair, par ailleurs plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. Au final, Cheri Casino offre une aventure memorable. A souligner l’interface est simple et engageante, permet une plongee totale dans le jeu. Un point cle les evenements communautaires dynamiques, propose des privileges personnalises.
Visiter maintenant|
explorecreativeconcepts – The visuals are clean and appealing, makes browsing feel smooth.
Je suis sous le charme de Frumzi Casino, on y trouve une energie contagieuse. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, offrant des tables live interactives. Le bonus initial est super. Le service est disponible 24/7. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, bien que des offres plus genereuses rendraient l’experience meilleure. Globalement, Frumzi Casino garantit un plaisir constant. Ajoutons aussi le design est moderne et energique, ce qui rend chaque partie plus fun. Egalement top les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, garantit des paiements securises.
En savoir davantage|
Dogal ve etkili cilt bak?m yontemlerine dair tuyolar? kesfedin.
Moda ve Stil Rehberi: En Yeni Trendler ve Kombinler hakk?ndaki yaz? dikkatimi cekti.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://modaruhu.com
Cilt bak?m?n?n buyusu ile tan?s?n ve hayat?n?za kazand?r?n.
everydayinnovation – I like the tone and presentation here, feels fresh and reliable.
urbanwearoutlet – The selection looks interesting, will spend more time exploring soon.
learnexploreachieve – I like the simplicity of the site and how easy it is to navigate.
Everything is very open with a precise description of
the issues. It was truly informative. Your site
is useful. Many thanks for sharing!
explorecreativeconcepts – The website feels professional yet friendly — good combination.
thefashionedit – Love how simple and elegant the layout is, makes shopping easy.
everydayinnovation – The visuals and layout are pleasant, makes me comfortable browsing further.
reachhighergoals – The aesthetic is appealing, makes me want to spend more time looking around.
buildthefuture – Everything loads quickly and the content looks well organized and solid.
explorecreativeconcepts – The product photos look clear and inviting, makes browsing fun.
dealsanddiscounts – The layout is neat, makes me feel like browsing won’t be a chore.
thefashionedit – Found nice items already, excited to check deeper later.
learnexploreachieve – I like the simplicity of the site and how easy it is to navigate.
Dogal ve etkili cilt bak?m yontemlerine dair tuyolar? kesfedin.
“En Iyi Mobilya ve Dekorasyon Trendleri 2023” konusuyla ilgili olarak oras? tam bir bilgi hazinesi.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://anadoludekor.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
explorecreativeconcepts – The site’s tone is friendly and approachable, which makes it feel trustworthy.
learnexploreachieve – The design is user-friendly and gives a good first impression.
reachhighergoals – Overall a positive feel, everything seems polished and user-friendly.
buildthefuture – Just bookmarked this—looks like a promising place to check again soon.
explorecreativeconcepts – I’m impressed by the aesthetic and how easy it is to scan through content.
dealsanddiscounts – The selection of items seems fresh and appealing, good find.
If you want to grow your experience only keep visiting this web site and be updated with the newest news posted here.
школа изучения английского языка http://www.by-moscow777.ru/forum/topic/5493/ .
explorecreativeconcepts – I like how the design is minimalist yet inviting, great first impression.
reachhighergoals – The aesthetic is appealing, makes me want to spend more time looking around.
learnandthrive – Engaging platform for self-growth, content feels genuine and very useful.
buildthefuture – The layout is modern and browsing here felt smooth and effortless.
dealsanddiscounts – Nice first impression; site loads fast and feels trustworthy.
reachhighergoals – Found a few interesting things here, will explore more soon.
buildthefuture – Found some really interesting pieces, will come back when I have time.
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
Turk Mutfag?n?n Unutulmaz Lezzet Hikayeleri hakk?ndaki yaz? ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://turksofrasi.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
dealsanddiscounts – I found some good items here, will revisit when I have time.
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought
this post was great. I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉
Cheers!
J’adore l’ambiance electrisante de Wild Robin Casino, on ressent une ambiance de fete. Les options de jeu sont incroyablement variees, offrant des sessions live palpitantes. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des free spins. Les agents sont rapides et pros. Le processus est simple et transparent, de temps a autre des recompenses en plus seraient un bonus. Pour finir, Wild Robin Casino est un choix parfait pour les joueurs. D’ailleurs le design est style et moderne, permet une plongee totale dans le jeu. A noter les evenements communautaires pleins d’energie, garantit des paiements rapides.
Visiter la plateforme|
Результат после дезинсекция потрясающий!
вывести тараканов
J’adore le dynamisme de Wild Robin Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. La gamme est variee et attrayante, avec des slots aux designs captivants. Il offre un demarrage en fanfare. Le service client est excellent. Les retraits sont simples et rapides, occasionnellement quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. Pour conclure, Wild Robin Casino merite une visite dynamique. Pour ajouter l’interface est intuitive et fluide, booste le fun du jeu. Un point cle les evenements communautaires engageants, propose des privileges personnalises.
Explorer plus|
What’s up, this weekend is pleasant in favor of me, for the
reason that this time i am reading this enormous educational paragraph here at my residence.
Sizi gecmisten ilham alan guzellik ipuclar?yla dolu bu nostaljik yolculuga davet ediyoruz. 90’lar modas?n?n s?rlar?na goz atal?m m??
Кстати, если вас интересует Ev Dekorasyonunda S?kl?k ve Fonksiyonellik, загляните сюда.
Смотрите сами:
https://evimsicak.com
Nostalji dolu bu yolculukta bizimle oldugunuz icin tesekkur ederiz. 90’lar modas? ve guzelliginin ruhunu hissedin.
Cildinizi s?martmak icin haz?r olun!
Kozmetik Dunyas?nda En Yeni Guzellik Trendleri ve Ipuclar? hakk?ndaki bolum dikkate degerdi.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://bakimsehri.com
Dogal guzelliginizi koruyun ve her zaman en iyi versiyonunuz olun.
Je suis epate par Instant Casino, ca transporte dans un univers de plaisirs. La variete des jeux est epoustouflante, proposant des jeux de table classiques. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Le service client est excellent. Les transactions sont d’une fiabilite absolue, parfois des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. En bref, Instant Casino merite un detour palpitant. A mentionner l’interface est simple et engageante, apporte une touche d’excitation. A souligner les paiements securises en crypto, assure des transactions fluides.
Cliquer maintenant|
Je suis totalement conquis par Cheri Casino, ca transporte dans un monde d’excitation. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, incluant des options de paris sportifs dynamiques. Le bonus initial est super. Le support est fiable et reactif. Les paiements sont surs et efficaces, a l’occasion des recompenses additionnelles seraient ideales. Au final, Cheri Casino offre une aventure memorable. Par ailleurs la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, incite a rester plus longtemps. Particulierement fun les evenements communautaires dynamiques, cree une communaute vibrante.
http://www.chericasinobonusfr.com|
Je suis completement seduit par Instant Casino, il offre une experience dynamique. La selection est riche et diversifiee, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Le processus est simple et transparent, neanmoins des offres plus genereuses rendraient l’experience meilleure. Pour faire court, Instant Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. Par ailleurs le site est rapide et style, ce qui rend chaque session plus excitante. Particulierement interessant les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, qui booste la participation.
https://instantcasinobonusfr.com/|
Je suis sous le charme de Frumzi Casino, on ressent une ambiance festive. On trouve une profusion de jeux palpitants, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. Avec des depots instantanes. Le suivi est impeccable. Les retraits sont ultra-rapides, cependant quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. Dans l’ensemble, Frumzi Casino garantit un plaisir constant. Par ailleurs l’interface est intuitive et fluide, ajoute une touche de dynamisme. Un point cle les paiements securises en crypto, qui dynamise l’engagement.
Obtenir des infos|