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: |
Choice Hub Online – Found some rare finds today, and moving through the catalog was hassle-free.
заказ курсовых работ http://kupit-kursovuyu-6.ru/ .
our website https://lumi-wallet.io/
a knockout post https://jaxxwallet-web.org/
Unique Selection Hub – Some really interesting products appeared, and browsing was simple and enjoyable.
бронепленка в москве Оклейка Москва: Защита и Персонализация в Одном Оклейка автомобиля пленкой в Москве – это современный способ защиты кузова от повреждений и придания ему уникального внешнего вида. Широкий выбор цветов и фактур позволяет реализовать любые дизайнерские идеи.
этот контент блэк спрут
Bu yaz?da, evinizi guzellestirirken islevselligi de art?rman?n yollar?n? kesfedecegiz.
Зацепил раздел про Ev Dekorasyonu: Fonksiyon ve Estetik Ipuclar?.
Смотрите сами:
https://cilginmobilya.com
Gelecek yaz?lar?m?zda bulusmak uzere, dekorasyona dair en iyi fikirlerle burada olacag?z.
Hi, just wanted to mention, I enjoyed this blog post.
It was inspiring. Keep on posting!
check that https://lumi-wallet.io/
8. Bitfinex Platform e le Opportunita nel Mercato DeFi Italiano https://viewbase.com/bitfinex-platform-report-analitico-sulle-prestazioni-e-le-opportunita-emergenti/
Outlet for Happy Buyers – Clean layout with fast page loads made the experience enjoyable.
look at here https://lumi-wallet.io/
Happy Buy Outlet – Browsed today and the cheerful layout made everything feel inviting.
Merhaba dekorasyon severler! Estetik ve islevselligi bir araya getirdigimiz mobilya cozumlerine hos geldiniz.
По теме “Yeni Moda Trendleri ve Stil Ipuclar?”, там просто кладезь информации.
Смотрите сами:
https://siktarz.com
Daha fazla dekorasyon onerisi icin bizi takip etmeyi unutmay?n!
melbet apk http://www.melbet5012.ru
Choice Finds Online – Found some eye-catching products, and the shopping experience was smooth and quick.
additional resources wallet jaxx
Unique Product Picks – A nice selection of exclusive items, and browsing the site felt easy and natural.
melbet oficial md melbet5012.ru
click here to read https://web-breadwallet.com/
https://1xbetperucodigopromociona40505.hamachiwiki.com/2002907/the_greatest_guide_to_cГіdigo_promocional_1xbet_argentina
like it https://lumi-wallet.io/
Joyful Buy Hub – Clean interface and fast response times made browsing stress-free.
check this site out wallet jaxx
Unique Hub Market – Plenty of standout products appeared, and navigating the store was smooth and simple.
На удивление был поражен скоростью работы магазина. Все четко как в аптеке))) Благодарствую купить скорость, кокаин, мефедрон, гашиш Всегда на высоте)
мега сайт вход без проблем
megaweb
Simply wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness to your submit is simply great and that i can think you’re knowledgeable in this subject. Well with your permission allow me to seize your RSS feed to keep up to date with coming near near post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please keep up the rewarding work.
https://igruli.com.ua/sklo-fary-cadillac-escalade-koly-premium.html
организация по уходу за инвалидами Москва дом инвалидов платный: инвестиции в комфорт и безопасность близких Выбор платного дома инвалидов в Москве – это инвестиция в комфорт, безопасность и качество жизни вашего близкого человека. Мы предлагаем широкий спектр услуг, направленных на улучшение самочувствия и поддержание активного образа жизни, а также обеспечиваем круглосуточный уход и медицинскую помощь.
melbet cum intru dacă e blocat melbet cum intru dacă e blocat
click to find out more https://lumi-wallet.io/
why not look here https://web-breadwallet.com/
HappyBuy Online – Items displayed nicely and navigating the pages felt easy.
Happy Deals Outlet – Quick access to products and a cheerful design kept browsing fun.
No matter if some one searches for his vital thing, therefore he/she desires
to be available that in detail, so that thing is maintained over
here.
http://woojooind.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=4427002
Happy Outlet Hub – Easy to check different categories, everything felt very light and simple.
look what i found https://web-breadwallet.com/
go to my site https://lumi-wallet.io/
giftcentralonline – Excellent range of gifts, browsing the website was smooth.
address jaxx wallet
visit jaxx wallet download
https://sun-clinic.co.il/he/question/codigo-promocional-1xbet-2026-bonos-exclusivos-48/
Full Article https://jaxxwallet-web.org/
melbet bonus http://melbet5011.ru
you’re actually a excellent webmaster. The site loading pace is incredible. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterwork. you’ve performed a great process on this topic!
https://geliosfireworks.com.ua/zamina-skla-far-svoyimy-rukamy-pokrokovyi.html
hop over to these guys https://lumi-wallet.io
That is really fascinating, You are an excessively professional blogger. I have joined your rss feed and sit up for seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks
http://loviskidki.com.ua/efekt-lupy-chomu-deyaki-novi-sklo-far.html
you can try here jaxx bitcoin wallet