Browse: Home / 2010 / April / 19 / Taxed to Death (Book Review), Debra Purdy Kong

Taxed to Death (Book Review), Debra Purdy Kong

By on April 19, 2010

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
Debra Purdy Kong
Mystery/Suspense
[rating: 3/5]

Available in:
• Mobi/Kindle
• ePub/iPad
• PDF
• HTML
… from…
• Amazon
• MobiPocket
• AllRomanceEbooks
• OmniLit
Also in paperback

Posted in , , | Tagged , , , , | 96,366 Responses

96,366 responses to “Taxed to Death (Book Review), Debra Purdy Kong”

  1. avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_uvOl
    avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_uvOl November 10, 2025 at 5:28 am |

    купить электрические рулонные шторы http://www.avtomaticheskie-rulonnye-shtory77.ru .

  2. 1xbet giris_agma
    1xbet giris_agma November 10, 2025 at 5:28 am |

    one x bet one x bet .

  3. 1xbet_dder
    1xbet_dder November 10, 2025 at 5:29 am |

    1xbet resmi giri? 1xbet resmi giri? .

  4. pereplanirovka nejilogo pomesheniya_yxei
    pereplanirovka nejilogo pomesheniya_yxei November 10, 2025 at 5:29 am |

    перепланировка нежилого помещения в нежилом здании законодательство http://pereplanirovka-nezhilogo-pomeshcheniya16.ru .

  5. 1xbet giris_bxma
    1xbet giris_bxma November 10, 2025 at 5:29 am |

    xbet giri? xbet giri? .

  6. HowardScado
    HowardScado November 10, 2025 at 5:29 am |

    Эта информационная заметка содержит увлекательные сведения, которые могут вас удивить! Мы собрали интересные факты, которые сделают вашу жизнь ярче и полнее. Узнайте нечто новое о привычных аспектах повседневности и откройте для себя удивительный мир информации.
    Всё, что нужно знать – http://www.mrcljnsn.nl/portfolio/above-the-clouds

  7. avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_vqOl
    avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_vqOl November 10, 2025 at 5:30 am |

    рулонные шторы это avtomaticheskie-rulonnye-shtory77.ru .

  8. medicinskaya tehnika_bbpa
    medicinskaya tehnika_bbpa November 10, 2025 at 5:30 am |

    медтехника http://www.medicinskaya-tehnika.ru/ .

  9. 1xbet_txer
    1xbet_txer November 10, 2025 at 5:31 am |

    1xbet yeni adresi 1xbet yeni adresi .

  10. citytigeras4Phews
    citytigeras4Phews November 10, 2025 at 5:32 am |

    J’ai une affection particuliere pour Gamdom Casino, on ressent une ambiance de fete. La gamme est variee et attrayante, comprenant des jeux crypto-friendly. Le bonus de depart est top. Le service client est excellent. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, par moments des offres plus genereuses seraient top. Globalement, Gamdom Casino garantit un amusement continu. En complement le design est style et moderne, ajoute une touche de dynamisme. Un avantage les options de paris sportifs diversifiees, propose des privileges sur mesure.
    https://gamdomcasinoappfr.com/|

  11. TimothySeige
    TimothySeige November 10, 2025 at 5:32 am |

    Dogal guzelliginizin s?rlar?n? ortaya c?karmaya var m?s?n?z?

    Bu arada, 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.

  12. postavka medicinskogo oborydovaniya_ouor
    postavka medicinskogo oborydovaniya_ouor November 10, 2025 at 5:32 am |

    поставщик медицинского оборудования поставщик медицинского оборудования .

  13. avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_hyOl
    avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_hyOl November 10, 2025 at 5:32 am |

    рулонные шторы на окна недорого рулонные шторы на окна недорого .

  14. wildwingok3Phews
    wildwingok3Phews November 10, 2025 at 5:32 am |

    Je suis emerveille par Betway Casino, ca transporte dans un univers de plaisirs. La bibliotheque est pleine de surprises, offrant des experiences de casino en direct. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Le service client est de qualite. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, de temps a autre plus de promos regulieres dynamiseraient le jeu. En conclusion, Betway Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs. Pour completer le site est rapide et style, booste le fun du jeu. Egalement genial les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, renforce la communaute.
    https://betwaycasino366fr.com/|

  15. TimothySeige
    TimothySeige November 10, 2025 at 5:33 am |

    Cilt bak?m?n?z? bir ust seviyeye c?karman?n zaman? geldi, siz ne dersiniz?

    Yeri gelmisken, eger Turk Mutfag?n?n Geleneksel ve Modern Lezzetleri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.

    Iste, linki paylas?yorum:

    https://turklezzeti.com

    Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.

  16. CrimsonZonean7Phews
    CrimsonZonean7Phews November 10, 2025 at 5:34 am |

    J’ai une passion debordante pour Belgium Casino, c’est une plateforme qui deborde de dynamisme. Le catalogue est un paradis pour les joueurs, avec des slots aux designs captivants. Le bonus de bienvenue est genereux. Le support client est irreprochable. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, bien que des offres plus genereuses seraient top. Dans l’ensemble, Belgium Casino assure un fun constant. A signaler le design est tendance et accrocheur, ce qui rend chaque session plus excitante. A noter les options de paris sportifs variees, offre des bonus exclusifs.
    Commencer maintenant|

  17. HowardScado
    HowardScado November 10, 2025 at 5:34 am |

    В данной обзорной статье представлены интригующие факты, которые не оставят вас равнодушными. Мы критикуем и анализируем события, которые изменили наше восприятие мира. Узнайте, что стоит за новыми открытиями и как они могут изменить ваше восприятие реальности.
    Только факты! – https://spassobor.ru/11-sentyabrya-useknovenie-glavyi-ioanna-predtechi

  18. 1xbet giris_fhSa
    1xbet giris_fhSa November 10, 2025 at 5:36 am |

    1xbet com giri? 1xbet-giris-5.com .

  19. citynerdix1Phews
    citynerdix1Phews November 10, 2025 at 5:36 am |

    Je suis emerveille par Betify Casino, ca offre une experience immersive. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, proposant des jeux de cartes elegants. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des free spins. Le suivi est toujours au top. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, par ailleurs des recompenses supplementaires dynamiseraient le tout. Pour conclure, Betify Casino est un endroit qui electrise. Notons egalement la navigation est intuitive et lisse, ce qui rend chaque partie plus fun. A mettre en avant les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, propose des avantages sur mesure.
    Voir plus|

  20. RandomNamevow
    RandomNamevow November 10, 2025 at 5:36 am |

    dailyvalueoutlet – Great deals and smooth browsing, perfect for everyday shopping and savings.

  21. pereplanirovka nejilogo pomesheniya_dnei
    pereplanirovka nejilogo pomesheniya_dnei November 10, 2025 at 5:36 am |

    перепланировка нежилого помещения в москве http://pereplanirovka-nezhilogo-pomeshcheniya16.ru .

  22. stydiya podkastov spb_atKn
    stydiya podkastov spb_atKn November 10, 2025 at 5:37 am |

    аренда студии подкастов аренда студии подкастов .

  23. Josephabott
    Josephabott November 10, 2025 at 5:38 am |

    90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla gunumuzun trendlerine meydan okumaya ne dersiniz?

    Особенно понравился раздел про Ev Dekorasyonunda Modern ve Estetik Cozumler.

    Ссылка ниже:

    https://evimturk.com

    90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?n? kesfetmek, tarz?n?za farkl? bir boyut kazand?rabilir. Denemeye deger degil mi?

  24. Josephabott
    Josephabott November 10, 2025 at 5:39 am |

    Tarz?n?z? 90’lar?n unutulmaz modas?ndan esinlenerek gunumuze tas?mak ister misiniz? Oyleyse bu yaz?m?z tam size gore!

    Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Ev Dekorasyonunda S?kl?k ve Fonksiyonellik”, есть отличная статья.

    Вот, делюсь ссылкой:

    https://evimsicak.com

    Tarz?n?zda 90’lar?n esintilerini hissetmeye baslad?g?n?za eminim. Gecmisin izlerini tas?maktan korkmay?n!

  25. medicinskaya tehnika_pjpa
    medicinskaya tehnika_pjpa November 10, 2025 at 5:39 am |

    медицинская техника медицинская техника .

  26. Charlesamora
    Charlesamora November 10, 2025 at 5:39 am |

    Эта информационная статья содержит полезные факты, советы и рекомендации, которые помогут вам быть в курсе последних тенденций и изменений в выбранной области. Материал составлен так, чтобы быть полезным и понятным каждому.
    Интересует подробная информация – https://r3ei.com/2018/01/09/marketing-consulting-services-to-avoid-costly-mistakes

  27. TimothySeige
    TimothySeige November 10, 2025 at 5:39 am |

    Dogal guzelliginizin s?rlar?n? ortaya c?karmaya var m?s?n?z?

    “Dogal Guzellik Yontemleri: Cilt ve Sac Bak?m? Ipuclar?” konusuyla ilgili olarak cok faydal? bilgiler buldum.

    Kendiniz bak?n:

    https://ipekcilt.com

    Cildinizin dogall?g?n? ve sagl?g?n? korumak sizin elinizde.

  28. medicinskaya tehnika_yypa
    medicinskaya tehnika_yypa November 10, 2025 at 5:39 am |

    медтехника medicinskaya-tehnika.ru .

  29. medicinskaya tehnika_hgpa
    medicinskaya tehnika_hgpa November 10, 2025 at 5:40 am |

    медицинская техника медицинская техника .

  30. 1xbet_bker
    1xbet_bker November 10, 2025 at 5:40 am |

    one x bet one x bet .

  31. 1xbet_vver
    1xbet_vver November 10, 2025 at 5:40 am |

    bahis sitesi 1xbet bahis sitesi 1xbet .

  32. CharlesRem
    CharlesRem November 10, 2025 at 5:41 am |

    Казино Dragon Money – ваш путь к великим победам! Щедрые бонусы, мгновенные выплаты, лучшие игры!
    https://robo-c.ru/

  33. 1xbet_nser
    1xbet_nser November 10, 2025 at 5:41 am |

    bahis sitesi 1xbet bahis sitesi 1xbet .

  34. cyberknightex1Phews
    cyberknightex1Phews November 10, 2025 at 5:41 am |

    J’ai un veritable coup de c?ur pour Belgium Casino, il cree une experience captivante. Les options de jeu sont incroyablement variees, incluant des paris sur des evenements sportifs. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Le suivi est toujours au top. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, toutefois des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. Globalement, Belgium Casino est un choix parfait pour les joueurs. De surcroit la navigation est fluide et facile, booste l’excitation du jeu. Un atout les transactions crypto ultra-securisees, cree une communaute soudee.
    AccГ©der maintenant|

  35. TimothySeige
    TimothySeige November 10, 2025 at 5:41 am |

    Dogal ve etkili cilt bak?m yontemlerine dair tuyolar? kesfedin.

    Yeri gelmisken, eger Estetik ve Fonksiyonellik: Ideal Mekan Tasar?m? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.

    Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:

    https://evsahnesi.com

    Cildinizin dogall?g?n? ve sagl?g?n? korumak sizin elinizde.

  36. avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_ciOl
    avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_ciOl November 10, 2025 at 5:41 am |

    рулонные шторы с электроприводом купить рулонные шторы с электроприводом купить .

  37. 1xbet_mher
    1xbet_mher November 10, 2025 at 5:41 am |

    1xbet guncel 1xbet guncel .

  38. avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_chOl
    avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_chOl November 10, 2025 at 5:41 am |

    двойные рулонные шторы с электроприводом avtomaticheskie-rulonnye-shtory77.ru .

  39. avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_lyOl
    avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_lyOl November 10, 2025 at 5:42 am |

    рулонные шторы купить москва недорого рулонные шторы купить москва недорого .

  40. avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_tcOl
    avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_tcOl November 10, 2025 at 5:42 am |

    рулонные шторы автоматические рулонные шторы автоматические .

  41. Josephabott
    Josephabott November 10, 2025 at 5:44 am |

    90’lardan gunumuze uzanan guzellik anlay?s?na ?s?k tutan bu rehberle, zaman?n otesine gecen bir tarz elde edin.

    Особенно понравился раздел про Guzellik ve Kozmetik: 90’lar Modas?ndan Ipuclar?.

    Ссылка ниже:

    https://aynakirildi.com

    Tarz?n?zda 90’lar?n esintilerini hissetmeye baslad?g?n?za eminim. Gecmisin izlerini tas?maktan korkmay?n!

  42. NerdTigeran6Phews
    NerdTigeran6Phews November 10, 2025 at 5:44 am |

    Je suis fascine par Betify Casino, ca donne une vibe electrisante. Les options de jeu sont infinies, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Il donne un elan excitant. Le support est efficace et amical. Les paiements sont securises et instantanes, occasionnellement quelques spins gratuits en plus seraient top. En bref, Betify Casino offre une aventure inoubliable. A souligner la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, incite a prolonger le plaisir. Un atout les transactions crypto ultra-securisees, garantit des paiements rapides.
    Commencer Г  explorer|

  43. 1xbet giris_frEn
    1xbet giris_frEn November 10, 2025 at 5:45 am |

    1 xbet giri? http://1xbet-giris-2.com .

  44. avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_ueKr
    avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_ueKr November 10, 2025 at 5:46 am |

    производители рулонных штор http://avtomaticheskie-rulonnye-shtory1.ru .

  45. CharlesRem
    CharlesRem November 10, 2025 at 5:46 am |

    Казино Dragon Money – ваш путь к великим победам! Щедрые бонусы, мгновенные выплаты, лучшие игры!
    dragon money официальный сайт

  46. 1xbet giris_boEn
    1xbet giris_boEn November 10, 2025 at 5:47 am |

    1xbet yeni adresi 1xbet-giris-2.com .

  47. avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_ywKr
    avtomaticheskie rylonnie shtori_ywKr November 10, 2025 at 5:48 am |

    рулонные шторы с автоматическим управлением http://www.avtomaticheskie-rulonnye-shtory1.ru .

  48. medicinskaya tehnika_vapa
    medicinskaya tehnika_vapa November 10, 2025 at 5:48 am |

    медицинская техника медицинская техника .

  49. 1xbet giris_qvEn
    1xbet giris_qvEn November 10, 2025 at 5:48 am |

    1xbet 1xbet .

  50. RandomNamevow
    RandomNamevow November 10, 2025 at 5:48 am |

    simplevalueplace – Easy navigation and clear visuals, great for quick and simple shopping.

1 … 1,919 1,920 1,921 1,922 1,923 … 1,928

Leave a Reply