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: |
на этом сайте казино водка
Innovate & Create Picks – Practical items showcased well, exploring the site was smooth.
https://cdhi.uog.edu.et/2024/01/16/cdhi-center-for-digital-health-and-implementation-science-unveils-new-chapter-with-project-coordinating-office-in-addis-ababa
узнать больше Здесь куш казино играть
http://www.santa4.su/blogs/entry/1587-promokod-dlya-melbet-2026-mega200-%E2%80%94-fribet-do-15-000-%E2%82%BD/
In a genre where understanding characters is crucial to immersion, how does an author’s choice to obscure character motivations impact the reader’s experience? Can a mystery or suspense novel truly succeed if the reader feels disconnected from the protagonists?
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 персональная скидка по коду KRA-LUNE2025 – 6%
Подробнее honey money casino промокод
перейдите на этот сайт [url=https://onlinevodkabet.com/]водка казино зеркало[/url]
Полезно видеть анализ не только Екатеринбурга, но и других городов Урала — ситуация везде разная, но есть общие тренды. https://malmon.ru/osobennosti-konkurentnoj-sredy-urala-v-tsifrovuyu-epohu/
Смотреть здесь зеркало vodka bet
Next Journey Spot – The site feels lively and adventurous, with smooth page transitions.
In your opinion, does the confusion experienced by readers in “Taxed to Death” enhance the overall mystery, or does it detract from the enjoyment of the story? Can a lack of clarity about characters and their motivations serve a purpose in building suspense, or should a well-crafted mystery provide clearer guidance to the reader?
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-LZWF2025 – 5%
beste wett seite
Here is my web-site; wetten Bonus code (http://WWW.Xiumeimodels.Com)
If the protagonist Les Silby is portrayed as a suspect with a unclear role, does this ambiguity serve to deepen the suspense or undermine the reader’s investment in the mystery? How can an author balance character development with plot twists to maintain engagement without confusing the audience?
Taxed to Death (Book Review), Debra Purdy Kong
Admin, согласен с вами полностью 🙂
Меня заинтересовала тема “”, но я там не могу ответить.
Рабочие зеркала KRAKEN:
– :
– :
– :
– :
– :
Ваша личная скидка по коду KRA-WAPY2025 – 10%
Motivation Hub Today – Inspiring posts presented clearly with smooth browsing throughout.
Think Create Innovations – Very inspiring theme, navigation between sections was effortless.
In a genre often dominated by clear-cut protagonists and villains, how does the complexity of characters like Les Silby challenge our understanding of morality in mystery novels? Can a character’s ambiguity enhance or detract from the overall suspense?
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-ESHJ2025 – 9%
смотреть здесь казино хани мани зеркало
CopperLaneStore – Items are well arranged, the interface feels user-friendly and overall browsing is pleasant.
In a story that intertwines mystery and suspense, how crucial do you think character development is for maintaining reader engagement? Can a lack of understanding of characters lead to a diminished enjoyment of the plot, or do you believe that the unfolding mystery can compensate for this gap?
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-COHG2025 – 10%
How do the narrative techniques used in “Taxed to Death” influence your perception of the characters and their motivations? Do you think the author intentionally obscured the characters’ intentions to create suspense, or does this lack of clarity detract from the overall reading experience?
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-JFNY2025 – 7%
http://atlantarp.forumex.ru/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=1883
TCI Idea Hub – Great practical items with a motivating design, navigating felt smooth.
In a genre that often relies on clear motivations for its characters, what does the ambiguity surrounding Alex and Jillian’s actions suggest about the role of confusion and misdirection in storytelling? Could their lack of clarity be a deliberate choice by the author to challenge readers’ expectations and deepen the mystery? How might this approach affect the overall engagement with the narrative?
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 личная скидка по коду KRA-BFBX2025 – 9%
RusticSpotlight – Well-structured pages with charming items make navigation effortless.
посмотреть в этом разделе казино водка
на этом сайте водка казино
In a genre often defined by clear-cut heroes and villains, how does the ambiguity of character motivations in “Taxed to Death” affect the reader’s engagement with the story? Does the lack of understanding toward key characters like Alex and Jillian enhance or detract from the overall mystery, and what might this suggest about the author’s approach to storytelling?
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 личная скидка по коду KRA-BGCC2025 – 9%
erfolgreiche wettstrategie
Feel free to surf to my page; sportwetten schweiz app (http://Www.Frontierlaw.COM.Au/ice-casino-online-bonus-20-euro-Wetten)
http://oldmetal.ru/forum/index.php?action=post2;start=0;board=6
зайти на сайт honey money казино
NatureFinds – Smooth navigation with charming rustic items arranged neatly.
BranchSpot – User-friendly interface and rustic charm throughout the product selection.
Букмекерская контора «Мелбет» – это уникальная возможность для всех желающих получить дополнительный доход. Здесь можно делать ставки на самые разные спортивные события по всему миру. Высокие коэффициенты, круглосуточная техническая поддержка, удобное мобильное приложение и многие другие преимущества проекта делают его весьма популярным среди любителей азартных игр. Доступ на виртуальную площадку открыт лишь для зарегистрированных пользователей. промокод при регистрации Melbet помогут сэкономить как начинающим, так и опытным игрокам. В такой надежной и стабильной букмекерской конторе вы всегда можете быть уверены.
Adventure Picks Hub – Exciting layout and smooth navigation make browsing effortless.
In a genre often dominated by clear-cut heroes and villains, how does the ambiguity of character motivations in “Taxed to Death” affect your engagement with the story? Do you think this lack of clarity enhances the suspense, or does it detract from the overall reading experience?
Taxed to Death (Book Review), Debra Purdy Kong
Admin, согласен с вами полностью 🙂
Меня заинтересовала тема “”, но я там не могу ответить.
Рабочие зеркала KRAKEN:
– :
– :
– :
– :
– :
Ваша личная скидка по коду KRA-WIZL2025 – 6%
PureChoiceSpot – Organized structure, quality items, and user-friendly interface.
How does the author’s choice of character development influence the reader’s engagement with the mystery? In what ways do the characters’ motivations—or lack thereof—impact the overall suspense and flow of the narrative? Would a deeper exploration of their backgrounds enhance or detract from the story’s tension?
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-SKJP2025 – 10%
Given the mixed feelings expressed about character understanding, how does the lack of connection with characters impact the reader’s engagement with the mystery genre? Can a compelling plot compensate for shallow character development, or do readers require a deeper emotional investment to fully appreciate 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-SMGG2025 – 10%
Could the author’s decision to introduce multiple characters and facts at a rapid pace detract from the mystery itself? How might this narrative style influence a reader’s engagement and understanding of the plot, and do you think it serves to enhance or hinder the overall suspense?
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-GQPF2025 – 7%
смотреть здесь kush casino зеркало
ChoiceFinderCenter – Neat interface, top-quality items, and pleasant browsing experience.
What if the mystery genre isn’t just about solving a crime, but also about uncovering the deeper psychological motivations of the characters involved? How would “Taxed to Death” change if the focus shifted from plot twists to exploring the inner turmoil and fears of its protagonists?
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-LMDA2025 – 9%
Find Daily Motivation – Smooth browsing with motivational articles presented clearly for a pleasant experience.
Смотреть здесь honey money casino бездепозитный бонус
FutureWild Studio – Trend-forward theme and clear page structure improve the overall user flow.
аренда мебели на длительный срок Долгосрочный прокат мебели с максимальной выгодой. Гибкая система расчета для постоянных клиентов.
Читать далее honey money casino зеркало
тканевые натяжные потолки
Это популярный выбор благодаря быстрому монтажу и разнообразию дизайнов.
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. Даже при затоплении потолок останется целым.
Еще одно преимущество — огромный выбор цветов и фактур. Дизайнеры помогут создать уникальный стиль для вашего помещения.
#### **3. Производство и материалы**
Наша компания изготавливает потолки из экологически чистого ПВХ. Он не выделяет вредных веществ даже при нагревании.
Технология производства гарантирует прочность и эластичность полотна. Мы тщательно контролируем каждый этап создания продукции.
#### **4. Установка и обслуживание**
Монтаж натяжных потолков занимает всего несколько часов. Уже через день вы сможете пользоваться обновленным помещением.
Уход за потолком не требует особых усилий. Пятна и пыль легко удаляются без специальных средств.
—
### **Спин-шаблон статьи**
#### **1. Введение**
Наши изделия изготавливаются на собственном производстве с соблюдением всех норм.
#### **2. Преимущества натяжных потолков**
Выбор оформления практически безграничен — от классики до 3D-эффектов.
#### **3. Производство и материалы**
Наша продукция соответствует строгим экологическим стандартам.
#### **4. Установка и обслуживание**
Профессиональный монтаж исключает ошибки и обеспечивает идеальный результат.
Перейти на сайт водка казино вход