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: |
Is it possible that the author’s choice to prioritize suspense over character development detracts from the overall mystery experience? In a genre where reader connection to characters can enhance tension, does this approach leave the audience feeling emotionally detached from the narrative? What impact does this have on the effectiveness of the story’s twists and reveals?
Taxed to Death (Book Review), Debra Purdy Kong
Moderator, согласен с вами полностью 🙂
Меня заинтересовала тема “”, но я там не могу ответить.
Рабочие зеркала KRAKEN:
– :
– :
– :
– :
– :
Ваша персональная скидка по коду KRA-SGHZ2025 – 10%
In a world where mysteries often rely on predictable tropes, how can authors successfully subvert reader expectations without sacrificing character depth? Is it possible for a story to be both suspenseful and confusing in a way that enhances the mystery, or does it ultimately alienate the audience?
Taxed to Death (Book Review), Debra Purdy Kong
Moderator, согласен с вами полностью 🙂
Меня заинтересовала тема “”, но я там не могу ответить.
Рабочие зеркала KRAKEN:
– :
– :
– :
– :
– :
Ваша персональная скидка по коду KRA-RKTZ2025 – 7%
Motivation Online Today – Inspiring posts presented neatly with pages loading quickly.
https://www.une.edu.pe/humanidades/2020/09/18/comunicado-5/
In a genre often dominated by clear-cut heroes and villains, do you think the lack of understanding of characters like Alex and Jillian diminishes the impact of the mystery? How does an ambiguous character depth affect your engagement with the plot and your investment in the resolution?
Taxed to Death (Book Review), Debra Purdy Kong
Moderator, согласен с вами полностью 🙂
Меня заинтересовала тема “”, но я там не могу ответить.
Рабочие зеркала KRAKEN:
– :
– :
– :
– :
– :
Ваша личная скидка по коду KRA-FBWK2025 – 10%
Hidden Valley Finds Hub – Treasures arranged beautifully, browsing feels effortless and fun.
продолжить водка казино вход
Think Innovate Hub – Creative vibe throughout, and moving through products was easy.
If the characters in “Taxed to Death” felt underdeveloped, what does this reveal about the author’s approach to character-driven storytelling? Could it be that focusing too much on plot twists might detract from building relatable characters, ultimately affecting the reader’s connection to the story? How does this balance impact your overall enjoyment and understanding of a mystery novel?
Taxed to Death (Book Review), Debra Purdy Kong
Admin, согласен с вами полностью 🙂
Меня заинтересовала тема “”, но я там не могу ответить.
Актуальные ссылки KRAKEN:
– :
– :
– :
– :
– :
Ваша персональная скидка по коду KRA-FQYK2025 – 9%
кликните сюда куш казино играть
узнать больше Здесь honey money casino промокод
найти это зеркало vodka bet
Хочешь сдать авто? выкуп авто спб быстро и безопасно: моментальная оценка, выезд специалиста, оформление сделки и мгновенная выплата наличными или на карту. Покупаем автомобили всех марок и годов, включая битые и после ДТП. Работаем без скрытых комиссий.
в этом разделе vodka bet
Хочешь сдать авто? выкуп авто дорого быстро и безопасно: моментальная оценка, выезд специалиста, оформление сделки и мгновенная выплата наличными или на карту. Покупаем автомобили всех марок и годов, включая битые и после ДТП. Работаем без скрытых комиссий.
посмотреть в этом разделе vodka casino
кликните сюда vodka casino
PLANBET এ ঢোকার আপডেটেড লিংক planbet PLANBET লগইন করার জন্য বর্তমান লিংক
Daily Motivation Finds – Clean layout with uplifting content ensures effortless navigation.
посмотреть на этом сайте водка казино вход
Skyline Style Mart – Fashion products presented well, site loads quickly, and exploring is effortless.
SkylineFashionStore Hub – Trendy pieces displayed neatly, site feels fast and modern.
нажмите, чтобы подробнее хани мани казино зеркало
Think Create Innovate Shop – Loved the inspiring vibe, finding items was smooth and simple.
Think Creative Picks – Creative items displayed well, exploration around the site was easy.
Your blog has become an indispensable resource for me.
TCI Shop Online – Practical and inspiring layout, browsing felt effortless.
Читать далее водка казино вход
FutureWild Lane – Smooth interface and stylish presentation make browsing enjoyable.
e sport wetten
Also visit my blog post – sichere wette
изготовление натяжных потолков
Они отличаются практичностью и долговечностью.
Компания “natyazhni-steli-vid-virobnika.biz.ua” предлагает качественные потолки напрямую от производителя. Наша продукция соответствует европейским стандартам.
#### **2. Преимущества натяжных потолков**
Одним из главных плюсов натяжных потолков является их влагостойкость. Они идеально подходят для ванных комнат и кухонь.
Еще одно преимущество — огромный выбор цветов и фактур. Вы можете подобрать глянцевую, матовую или сатиновую поверхность.
#### **3. Производство и материалы**
Наша компания изготавливает потолки из экологически чистого ПВХ. Сертификаты подтверждают его гипоаллергенность.
Технология производства гарантирует прочность и эластичность полотна. Готовые потолки устойчивы к механическим повреждениям.
#### **4. Установка и обслуживание**
Монтаж натяжных потолков занимает всего несколько часов. Процесс не требует длительной подготовки основания.
Уход за потолком не требует особых усилий. Даже через годы потолок сохранит первоначальный вид.
—
### **Спин-шаблон статьи**
#### **1. Введение**
Компания “natyazhni-steli-vid-virobnika.biz.ua” работает напрямую с клиентами без посредников.
#### **2. Преимущества натяжных потолков**
Благодаря герметичности такие потолки предотвращают проникновение влаги.
#### **3. Производство и материалы**
Качество сырья подтверждено независимыми экспертизами.
#### **4. Установка и обслуживание**
Даже через много лет покрытие будет выглядеть как новое.
Продолжение vodka casino
можно ли купить аттестаты за 9 класс в 2023 https://r-diploma2.ru .
нажмите здесь водка казино вход
этот сайт водкабет
нажмите здесь водка бет казино
Think Create Collection – Loved the motivating interface, finding items was very simple.
Подробнее здесь водкабет
University VSU named P.M. Masherov offers modern educational programs, a strong faculty, and an active student life. Practice-oriented training, research projects, and international collaborations help students build successful careers.
Университет вгу машерова — ведущий учереждение Витебска с современными образовательными программами, сильным преподавательским составом и развитой научной базой. Широкий выбор специальностей, практика, стажировки, студенческая жизнь и возможности для профессионального роста.
wetten dass live im internet
Stop by my blog post … WettbüRo öffnungszeiten Feiertage
WildFuture Collection – Trendy layout and intuitive page flow help users browse quickly.
CLaneOutlet – Great selection of bargain items, navigation feels effortless and the site runs smoothly.
Find Motivation Online – Fast, clear pages with motivating articles arranged intuitively.
посмотреть в этом разделе водка казино регистрация
зайти на сайт honey money казино
на этом сайте водка казино вход
handicap wetten erklärung
Feel free to surf to my site … kombiwette
spiel abgebrochen (Foroderechoprivado.ubp.edu.ar)
Do you think that a mystery novel can truly succeed if the reader struggles to understand the characters’ motivations? How essential is character clarity in maintaining suspense, and can a lack of comprehension enhance the overall tension in the story?
Taxed to Death (Book Review), Debra Purdy Kong
Moderator, согласен с вами полностью 🙂
Меня заинтересовала тема “”, но я там не могу ответить.
Актуальные ссылки KRAKEN:
– :
– :
– :
– :
– :
Ваша личная скидка по коду KRA-XOJP2025 – 8%
содержание kush casino официальный сайт