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 epate par Vbet Casino, ca donne une vibe electrisante. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, avec des slots aux designs captivants. Le bonus de depart est top. Le service client est de qualite. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, en revanche quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. Globalement, Vbet Casino est un must pour les passionnes. Ajoutons que le design est style et moderne, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Particulierement interessant les evenements communautaires engageants, renforce le lien communautaire.
Obtenir plus|
Je suis totalement conquis par Cheri Casino, on y trouve une energie contagieuse. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, comprenant des titres adaptes aux cryptomonnaies. Le bonus d’inscription est attrayant. Les agents repondent avec efficacite. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, rarement quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. Globalement, Cheri Casino offre une aventure memorable. Ajoutons aussi la plateforme est visuellement dynamique, permet une immersion complete. Particulierement attrayant les evenements communautaires dynamiques, propose des privileges sur mesure.
https://chericasinoappfr.com/|
Start your journey to financial freedom with our guide.
By the way, if you are interested in Master financial management with TaleStrucker, take a look here.
Here, I’m sharing a link:
https://talestrucker.com/
Use this knowledge to achieve your financial goals!
If you are new to investing, these tips will help you save money.
On the topic “Practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely”, there is an excellent article.
Here, I’m sharing a link:
https://cacticarely.com/
Choose your strategy and start your journey to financial freedom.
Je suis fascine par Posido Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. Le catalogue est un paradis pour les joueurs, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Il booste votre aventure des le depart. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Le processus est transparent et rapide, en revanche des recompenses additionnelles seraient ideales. Pour conclure, Posido Casino merite un detour palpitant. Ajoutons que la navigation est fluide et facile, ce qui rend chaque moment plus vibrant. Un atout le programme VIP avec des recompenses exclusives, offre des recompenses continues.
Obtenir les dГ©tails|
adorbit.click – Loved the layout today; clean, simple, and genuinely user-friendly overall.
Welcome to the world of financial management with TaleStrucker!
For those who are looking for information on the topic “Financial strategies for gamers: tips and tools”, I found a lot of useful information.
See for yourself:
https://esportsgrind.com/
Choose your strategy and start your journey to financial freedom.
Сайт про все https://kraina.one практичні поради, таблиці та калькулятори, добірки сервісів. Теми – здоров’я, сім’я, фінанси, авто, гаджети, подорожі. Швидкий пошук, збереження статей та розсилка найкращих матеріалів тижня. Простою мовою та у справі.
Start your journey to financial freedom with our guide.
I was hooked by the section about A practical guide to financial security and growth.
Here, you can read it:
https://codefortots.com/
We hope these tips will help you become financially successful.
Сайт про все https://kraina.one практичні поради, таблиці та калькулятори, добірки сервісів. Теми – здоров’я, сім’я, фінанси, авто, гаджети, подорожі. Швидкий пошук, збереження статей та розсилка найкращих матеріалів тижня. Простою мовою та у справі.
If you are new to investing, these tips will help you save money.
On the topic “A practical guide to financial security and growth”, there is an excellent article.
See for yourself:
https://codefortots.com/
Use this knowledge to achieve your financial goals!
Інформаційний портал https://presa.com.ua новини, технології, здоров’я, фінанси, будинок, авто та подорожі. Короткі гайди, огляди, чек-листи та інструкції. Розумний пошук, підписки на теми, закладки та коментарі. Тільки перевірені джерела та щоденні оновлення.
Tarz?n?z? 90’lar?n unutulmaz modas?ndan esinlenerek gunumuze tas?mak ister misiniz? Oyleyse bu yaz?m?z tam size gore!
Между прочим, если вас интересует Guzellik ve Kozmetik: Trendler ve Ipuclar?, посмотрите сюда.
Смотрите сами:
https://guzellikturk.com
Tarz?n?zda 90’lar?n esintilerini hissetmeye baslad?g?n?za eminim. Gecmisin izlerini tas?maktan korkmay?n!
Інформаційний портал https://presa.com.ua новини, технології, здоров’я, фінанси, будинок, авто та подорожі. Короткі гайди, огляди, чек-листи та інструкції. Розумний пошук, підписки на теми, закладки та коментарі. Тільки перевірені джерела та щоденні оновлення.
Check out a review of the official Pinco Casino website Pinco казино
Єдиний портал знань https://uaeu.top наука та техніка, стиль життя, будинок та сад, спорт, освіта. Гайди, шпаргалки, покрокові плани, експерти відповіді. Зручні теги, закладки, коментарі та регулярні оновлення контенту для повсякденних завдань.
Сайт про все https://kraina.one практичні поради, таблиці та калькулятори, добірки сервісів. Теми – здоров’я, сім’я, фінанси, авто, гаджети, подорожі. Швидкий пошук, збереження статей та розсилка найкращих матеріалів тижня. Простою мовою та у справі.
Єдиний портал знань https://uaeu.top наука та техніка, стиль життя, будинок та сад, спорт, освіта. Гайди, шпаргалки, покрокові плани, експерти відповіді. Зручні теги, закладки, коментарі та регулярні оновлення контенту для повсякденних завдань.
Discover practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely.
By the way, if you are interested in Tips for beginner investors and saving money, check out here.
See for yourself:
https://noobastro.com/
Continue to learn and apply new financial strategies!
Start your journey to financial freedom with our guide.
By the way, if you are interested in Financial strategies for gamers: tips and tools, take a look here.
See for yourself:
https://esportsgrind.com/
Your financial well-being is in your hands!
Інформаційний портал https://presa.com.ua новини, технології, здоров’я, фінанси, будинок, авто та подорожі. Короткі гайди, огляди, чек-листи та інструкції. Розумний пошук, підписки на теми, закладки та коментарі. Тільки перевірені джерела та щоденні оновлення.
http://www.mebel-rental.ru Столы для выставки и демонстрации продукции. Выставочные стенды напрокат.
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla gunumuzun trendlerine meydan okumaya ne dersiniz?
Особенно понравился раздел про Guzellik ve Kozmetik: Trendler ve Ipuclar?.
Смотрите сами:
https://guzellikturk.com
Nostalji dolu bu yolculukta bizimle oldugunuz icin tesekkur ederiz. 90’lar modas? ve guzelliginin ruhunu hissedin.
Binary Options Demo: Learn Before You Trade.
Start your trading journey with a Binary Options Demo account and practice risk-free before going live. Sharpen your skills and explore smart strategies at https://terrasseo.jp/
If you are new to investing, these tips will help you save money.
For those who are looking for information on the topic “Financial strategies for gamers: tips and tools”, it’s a real treasure trove of information.
Here, you can read it:
https://esportsgrind.com/
Use this knowledge to achieve your financial goals!
Єдиний портал знань https://uaeu.top наука та техніка, стиль життя, будинок та сад, спорт, освіта. Гайди, шпаргалки, покрокові плани, експерти відповіді. Зручні теги, закладки, коментарі та регулярні оновлення контенту для повсякденних завдань.
Cildinizi s?martmak icin haz?r olun!
“Modern Mobilya Trendleri ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar?” konusunda bilgi arayanlar icin cok faydal? bilgiler buldum.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://evimtarzi.com
Dogal guzelliginizi koruyun ve her zaman en iyi versiyonunuz olun.
Check out a review of the official Pinco Casino website https://xn--31-dlchfb3bxd.xn--p1ai
Je suis bluffe par Viggoslots Casino, on ressent une ambiance de fete. La variete des jeux est epoustouflante, incluant des options de paris sportifs dynamiques. Il amplifie le plaisir des l’entree. Disponible 24/7 pour toute question. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, a l’occasion plus de promotions variees ajouteraient du fun. Globalement, Viggoslots Casino vaut une exploration vibrante. En extra l’interface est intuitive et fluide, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. Particulierement fun les evenements communautaires dynamiques, qui motive les joueurs.
Avancer|
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
Yeri gelmisken, eger Zamans?z S?kl?k ve Klasik Giyim Onerileri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://klasikstil.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
J’adore le dynamisme de Betzino Casino, il offre une experience dynamique. On trouve une profusion de jeux palpitants, avec des slots aux graphismes modernes. Il booste votre aventure des le depart. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, mais des offres plus importantes seraient super. Pour conclure, Betzino Casino vaut une exploration vibrante. Par ailleurs la navigation est claire et rapide, booste le fun du jeu. Un plus les paiements securises en crypto, propose des avantages uniques.
Aller en ligne|
If you are new to investing, these tips will help you save money.
For those who are looking for information on the topic “Master financial management with TaleStrucker”, I found a lot of useful information.
See for yourself:
https://talestrucker.com/
Your financial well-being is in your hands!
adorbit.click – Content reads clearly, helpful examples made concepts easy to grasp.
J’ai une affection particuliere pour Viggoslots Casino, il cree un monde de sensations fortes. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. Il offre un demarrage en fanfare. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Les retraits sont ultra-rapides, cependant quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. En bref, Viggoslots Casino garantit un amusement continu. Pour ajouter l’interface est fluide comme une soiree, permet une plongee totale dans le jeu. Particulierement fun le programme VIP avec des recompenses exclusives, propose des avantages uniques.
Aller sur le web|
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
Turk Mutfag?n?n Geleneksel ve Modern Lezzetleri hakk?ndaki yaz? ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://turklezzeti.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
Learn how gamers can improve their financial management skills.
I especially liked the section about Practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely.
See for yourself:
https://cacticarely.com/
Continue to learn and apply new financial strategies!
Discover practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely.
For those who are looking for information on the topic “Tips for beginner investors and saving money”, there is an excellent article.
Here, I’m sharing a link:
https://noobastro.com/
Continue to learn and apply new financial strategies!
admomentum.click – Navigation felt smooth, found everything quickly without any confusing steps.
adorbit.click – Appreciate the typography choices; comfortable spacing improved my reading experience.
bergkompressor.ru Зайдите на нашу страницу – Всё самое актуальное уже здесь.
Welcome to the world of financial management with TaleStrucker!
I especially liked the material about A practical guide to financial security and growth.
See for yourself:
https://codefortots.com/
Your financial well-being is in your hands!
If you are new to investing, these tips will help you save money.
I especially liked the section about Practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely.
Here, I’m sharing a link:
https://cacticarely.com/
Continue to learn and apply new financial strategies!
Je suis emerveille par Vbet Casino, ca transporte dans un monde d’excitation. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, offrant des experiences de casino en direct. Il donne un elan excitant. Le suivi est toujours au top. Les transactions sont toujours fiables, par contre des offres plus consequentes seraient parfaites. En fin de compte, Vbet Casino merite un detour palpitant. Pour ajouter le design est style et moderne, apporte une energie supplementaire. Un atout les transactions crypto ultra-securisees, assure des transactions fluides.
DГ©marrer maintenant|
90’lar modas?n? hat?rlayanlar burada m?? Sizlere gecmisin moda ikonu olan donemden ilhamla ipuclar? sundugumuz bu yaz?ya davetlisiniz.
По теме “Guzellik ve Kozmetik: Trendler ve Ipuclar?”, там просто кладезь информации.
Ссылка ниже:
https://guzellikturk.com
90’lar?n guzellik s?rlar?yla tarz?n?za yeni bir soluk kazand?rabilirsiniz. Eski moda, yeni size ilham olsun!
https://pad.degrowth.net/s/oeXLobAKi#
купить диплом о среднем медицинском образовании купить диплом о среднем медицинском образовании .
J’ai une passion debordante pour Vbet Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. Le choix est aussi large qu’un festival, avec des slots aux graphismes modernes. Il amplifie le plaisir des l’entree. Les agents sont rapides et pros. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, par moments des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. En fin de compte, Vbet Casino est un endroit qui electrise. Pour couronner le tout l’interface est fluide comme une soiree, ajoute une vibe electrisante. Particulierement fun le programme VIP avec des privileges speciaux, offre des bonus exclusifs.
Voir les dГ©tails|
Discover practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely.
On the topic “A practical guide to financial security and growth”, it’s a real treasure trove of information.
The link is below:
https://codefortots.com/
Choose your strategy and start your journey to financial freedom.
Learn how gamers can improve their financial management skills.
For those who are looking for information on the topic “Practical tips for financial well-being with CactiCarely”, it’s a real treasure trove of information.
Here, you can read it:
https://cacticarely.com/
Your financial well-being is in your hands!
Je suis sous le charme de Cheri Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, offrant des tables live interactives. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Le support est pro et accueillant. Les retraits sont simples et rapides, neanmoins quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. En bref, Cheri Casino assure un fun constant. A noter le site est fluide et attractif, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. Un point cle le programme VIP avec des avantages uniques, propose des avantages sur mesure.
DГ©couvrir le contenu|