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: |
fashionexpress.click – Sleek clothing designs and stylish ideas made discovering new pieces easy.
J’ai une passion debordante pour Coolzino Casino, on ressent une ambiance festive. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, proposant des jeux de cartes elegants. Il amplifie le plaisir des l’entree. Le service client est de qualite. Les transactions sont fiables et efficaces, mais quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. En bref, Coolzino Casino offre une aventure memorable. En extra le design est style et moderne, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. Egalement top les options variees pour les paris sportifs, qui motive les joueurs.
Aller à l’intérieur|
creativefashionzone.click – Inspiring designs and fashionable pieces made exploring the site easy.
https://gaslab.ru/gazoanaliticheskoe-oborudovanie/dymomery Поставка дымомеров СМОГ от GASLAB.RU
Our exclusive agency, Paris Elite Escorts, is the premier destination for clients seeking vip escort in Paris
trendylooksdaily.click – Fashionable items and design inspirations made exploring seamless.
пояснения https://kra46a.at
Hey superb blog! Does running a blog such as this take a massive amount work?
I have no knowledge of computer programming however I had been hoping to start my own blog in the
near future. Anyhow, if you have any ideas or
tips for new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic however I
simply had to ask. Cheers!
When some one searches for his essential thing, thus he/she wants to be available that in detail, thus that thing is
maintained over here.
https://officepro54.ru/collection/ofisnaya-mebel
Je suis epate par NetBet Casino, ca transporte dans un monde d’excitation. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, offrant des tables live interactives. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des free spins. Le support client est irreprochable. Les transactions sont toujours fiables, de temps en temps plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. En somme, NetBet Casino est un choix parfait pour les joueurs. En complement le design est style et moderne, ce qui rend chaque moment plus vibrant. Particulierement attrayant les options de paris sportifs variees, assure des transactions fiables.
Explorer le site web|
J’adore l’energie de NetBet Casino, ca donne une vibe electrisante. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, offrant des tables live interactives. 100% jusqu’a 500 € avec des spins gratuits. Disponible 24/7 pour toute question. Les transactions sont toujours securisees, de temps a autre plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du peps. En somme, NetBet Casino assure un divertissement non-stop. Par ailleurs la plateforme est visuellement vibrante, apporte une energie supplementaire. Un avantage notable les tournois reguliers pour s’amuser, cree une communaute vibrante.
Aller voir|
https://officepro54.ru/collection/ofisnye-kresla
fashionstylecorner.click – Eye-catching designs and outfits made browsing enjoyable and fast.
dailyfashiontrends.click – Trendy selections and innovative designs made exploring smooth and fun.
freshfashionfinds.click – New arrivals and stylish designs made the browsing process enjoyable.
https://gaslab.ru/gazoanaliticheskoe-oborudovanie/gazovye-aspiratory Поставка газовых аспираторов от GASLAB.RU
мелбет.кж мелбет.кж
fashionvision.click – Modern fashion ideas and unique designs made browsing very smooth.
трипскан Tripscan – это инновационная платформа, позволяющая спланировать идеальное путешествие, учитывая все ваши предпочтения и бюджет. Она анализирует миллионы вариантов перелетов, отелей и развлечений, предлагая персонализированные маршруты и самые выгодные предложения.
купить аттестат троечника купить аттестат троечника .
мелбет слоты скачать https://melbet5010.ru/
Posting my genuine perspective related to this online casino. I cover bonus offers, payment speed, and the overall platform. Mainly covering bonuses and withdrawals. Covering how the interface works and pays out. Highlighting main takeaways I discovered. Telling what stood out and what could be better. More information can be found by reading the article Crowngreen casino
Je suis totalement conquis par MonteCryptos Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. La variete des jeux est epoustouflante, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Disponible 24/7 par chat ou email. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, toutefois des bonus varies rendraient le tout plus fun. En resume, MonteCryptos Casino offre une aventure inoubliable. Pour ajouter l’interface est simple et engageante, amplifie l’adrenaline du jeu. Un avantage le programme VIP avec des avantages uniques, qui booste la participation.
Lire la suite|
Our exclusive agency, Paris Elite Escorts, is the premier destination for clients seeking high class Paris escort
Je suis sous le charme de MonteCryptos Casino, ca invite a l’aventure. Le choix de jeux est tout simplement enorme, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. Avec des depots instantanes. Le suivi est d’une fiabilite exemplaire. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, a l’occasion quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. Pour faire court, MonteCryptos Casino est une plateforme qui pulse. A noter la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, ajoute une touche de dynamisme. Particulierement interessant le programme VIP avec des privileges speciaux, renforce la communaute.
DГ©couvrir dГЁs maintenant|
melbet скачать мобильное приложение на айфон http://www.melbet5010.ru
Je suis totalement conquis par Lucky8 Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, incluant des options de paris sportifs dynamiques. 100% jusqu’a 500 € + tours gratuits. Les agents repondent avec rapidite. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, a l’occasion des offres plus consequentes seraient parfaites. En bref, Lucky8 Casino merite une visite dynamique. A signaler l’interface est intuitive et fluide, booste l’excitation du jeu. Un point fort les evenements communautaires pleins d’energie, garantit des paiements rapides.
Touchez ici|
https://aritual.by/prices.html
Je suis captive par Lucky8 Casino, il cree un monde de sensations fortes. La selection est riche et diversifiee, comprenant des jeux optimises pour Bitcoin. Avec des transactions rapides. Le suivi est impeccable. Le processus est clair et efficace, bien que des offres plus genereuses rendraient l’experience meilleure. Au final, Lucky8 Casino vaut une exploration vibrante. Par ailleurs la navigation est simple et intuitive, ce qui rend chaque partie plus fun. Un point cle les options variees pour les paris sportifs, propose des avantages sur mesure.
Ouvrir la page|
купить аттестат в тюмени где купить аттестат в тюмени где .
мелбет рабочее зеркало мелбет рабочее зеркало
Wow, marvelous blog structure! How lengthy have you been running a blog
for? you make running a blog glance easy. The total glance of your
website is excellent, let alone the content!
Je suis emerveille par NetBet Casino, on y trouve une energie contagieuse. Le choix est aussi large qu’un festival, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Avec des depots fluides. Les agents repondent avec rapidite. Les transactions sont fiables et efficaces, parfois des offres plus genereuses seraient top. En resume, NetBet Casino assure un divertissement non-stop. Par ailleurs le design est moderne et energique, facilite une experience immersive. Egalement top les transactions crypto ultra-securisees, propose des privileges sur mesure.
VГ©rifier ceci|
перенаправляется сюда https://kra46a.at/
I’ve been browsing online more than 2 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be a lot more useful than ever before.|
трипскан Tripscan упрощает процесс организации путешествий, экономя ваше время и деньги, при этом гарантируя незабываемые впечатления. Трипскан – ваш надежный помощник в мире путешествий, делающий каждое приключение легким и приятным.
Капельница для снятия запоя на дому – это необходимая услуга наркологической службы‚ позволяющая эффективно и резко поддержать людям‚ борющимся от алкогольной зависимости. Начальная встреча нарколога в владимире включает диагностику зависимости‚ оценку состояния пациента и составление индивидуального плана лечения. Основные услуги нарколога на дому предполагают медикаментозное лечение‚ снятие запоя‚ психотерапевтическую помощь при алкоголизме и программы восстановления. Поддержка родственников также играет ключевую функцию в процессе реабилитации алкоголиков. Лечение в анонимном формате обеспечивает удобство и защищенность пациента. помощь нарколога владимир
melbet app https://www.melbet5008.ru
взгляните на сайте здесь https://kra46a.at/
Je suis accro a Coolzino Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. La selection de jeux est impressionnante, comprenant des jeux crypto-friendly. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Le suivi est d’une precision remarquable. Le processus est fluide et intuitif, a l’occasion quelques spins gratuits en plus seraient top. En bref, Coolzino Casino est une plateforme qui pulse. Par ailleurs la navigation est claire et rapide, ajoute une touche de dynamisme. Particulierement fun les paiements securises en crypto, propose des privileges personnalises.
AccГ©der Г la page|
Our exclusive agency, Paris Elite Escorts, is the premier destination for clients seeking high class escorts in Paris
I have been browsing online more than 2 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be much more useful than ever before.|
J’adore l’ambiance electrisante de Coolzino Casino, c’est une plateforme qui pulse avec energie. La bibliotheque de jeux est captivante, offrant des sessions live palpitantes. Le bonus initial est super. Le service client est de qualite. Les paiements sont securises et instantanes, cependant plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. Pour finir, Coolzino Casino est un must pour les passionnes. Pour ajouter la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, ajoute une vibe electrisante. Un atout le programme VIP avec des privileges speciaux, cree une communaute vibrante.
Explorer la page|
I have been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever before.|
Je suis completement seduit par NetBet Casino, on ressent une ambiance de fete. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, comprenant des jeux crypto-friendly. Le bonus initial est super. Le service client est de qualite. Les transactions sont toujours fiables, a l’occasion plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. Pour finir, NetBet Casino est un must pour les passionnes. A noter le design est tendance et accrocheur, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. Particulierement fun le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, propose des privileges personnalises.
Entrer sur le site|
https://gaslab.ru/gazoanaliticheskoe-oborudovanie/avtomobilnye-gazoanalizatory Поставка автомобильных газоанализаторов на газ, бензин, дизель от GASLAB.RU
веб-сайте https://kra46a.at/
сюда https://kra46a.at
I have been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be much more useful than ever before.|