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: |
сайт krab 1 at
dreamgrovehub online – The site gives a soft, inviting impression and makes checking items quite simple.
https://aviator-game.biz
https://mymedia.com.ua/zachem-telegram-akkauntu-nuzhen-otdeln%d1%8bj-nomer/
подробнее здесь kraken сайт зеркала
browse around this web-site thinkorswim login
Хочу рассказать про эвакуатор с крюком — информационный ресурс, где собрана необходимая информация об помощи на дороге в столице. Здесь можно найти информацию о видах эвакуации, а также получить полезные советы для водителей. описания предназначены для тех, кто хочет лучше ориентироваться в процедуре вызова эвакуатора и подобрать оптимальную технику для экстренных ситуаций.
inspireyourjourney.click – Inspiring products displayed nicely, browsing feels natural and very pleasant today.
Подробнее здесь kraken ссылка зеркало
Перейти на сайт кракен onion
Majestic Grover Online – Items appear high-quality, finding products is simple and easy.
aviator game official site verified
Перейти на сайт kraken ссылка зеркало
journey inspiration corner – Items are well arranged, navigation feels natural and easy.
Majestic Grover Finds Hub – Products look high-quality, exploring the store is easy and pleasant.
Dream Grove Hub – A pleasant place to look around, with items that feel imaginative and easy to explore.
Modern Style Hub – Smooth navigation and a stylish, well-arranged catalog.
Главная kraken ссылка на сайт
I really appreciate your thoughtful approach to writing.
Magnificent site. A lot of useful info here. I’m sending it to several buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks to your sweat!
перенаправляется сюда krab1.cc
World Fashion Hub – Fast page transitions with a modern feel and diverse fashion picks.
Wonderful website. Lots of useful info here. I’m sending it to some pals ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you on your effort!
Wonderful web site. Plenty of useful information here. I’m sending it to some buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks for your effort!
clickphase.click – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
fashion corner picks – Products look attractive, navigation is quick and pleasant.
pin up yuklash ios pinup5009.ru
пин ап как зарегистрироваться http://pinup5009.ru/
пин ап обход блокировки http://pinup5009.ru/
Hi there, I enjoy reading all of your article. I wanted to write a little comment to support you.
pin up uzcard orqali pul olish pinup5009.ru
Hydrochlorothiazide Blood Pressure Meds Losartan
Magnificent web site. Lots of useful information here. I’m sending it to a few buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you to your effort!
проверить сайт кракен ссылка onion
FreshTrend Lane Studio – Trendy items arranged attractively with smooth navigation create a pleasant browsing flow.
inspire and explore – Selections feel uplifting, browsing is simple and enjoyable today.
Wild Rose Hub Online – Cozy boutique vibe, found several enjoyable items while browsing.
заказ курсовых работ заказ курсовых работ .
check this link right here now thinkorswim login
Majestic Grover Selection – Well-laid-out Grover products, exploring is easy and enjoyable.
узнать kraken
you can find out more thinkorswim
Majestic Grover Hub Online – Unique items showcased nicely, navigation feels fast and simple.
http://mentalhealtheasybuy.com/# buy AntiDepressants online
top trend market – Items are well displayed, browsing feels smooth and user-friendly.
Fresh Trend Select – Cleanly arranged items and fast navigation ensure effortless shopping.
learn this here now thinkorswim
fashion outlet store – Items look trendy, navigation feels intuitive and fast.
посетить сайт кракен зеркало
pin up yutuq olish yo‘li https://pinup5009.ru