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: |
Everline Artisan Market – Loved the artistic style and the way every piece is showcased.
I am not certain where you are getting your information, but good topic. I must spend some time learning much more or working out more. Thanks for magnificent information I used to be in search of this information for my mission.
Everline Crafted Designs – Everything has a natural, handcrafted touch that makes it enjoyable to explore.
Hurrah! Finally I got a web site from where I be able to in fact obtain helpful data
regarding my study and knowledge.
I’m no longer certain where you’re getting your information, but great topic. I must spend some time finding out much more or figuring out more. Thanks for fantastic info I used to be on the lookout for this info for my mission.
I’m walking away energized — thank you for this amazing content!This was such an enlightening read — thank you for sharing your expertise!
Если вы заметили насекомых в доме, рекомендуем профессиональную обработку от клопов, чтобы быстро и эффективно избавиться от проблемы.
Периодические обработки гарантируют успешное уничтожение клопов.
I’m now not positive the place you’re getting your info, but great topic. I must spend some time finding out more or figuring out more. Thank you for excellent info I used to be in search of this info for my mission.
Everline Artisan Shop – Really loved the handcrafted vibe, everything feels thoughtfully designed.
kraken официальный сайт
Came across a well-written piece—take a look https://qr-th.com/juliannechisol
read https://jaxx-web.org
https://www.srujanee.in/view/code-promo-1xbet-aujourd-hui-2026-1x200nut-bonus-gratuit-zXx1fxvI
Everline Craft Collective – Impressed by the artistic touch in each piece, everything is displayed well.
https://alpguru.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=79405
I am no longer sure the place you’re getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend a while studying more or understanding more. Thank you for excellent information I was in search of this information for my mission.
visit their website https://toast-wallet.net/
http://s-nip.ru/forums/?Subdiv_ID=9&Topic_ID=4915
ArtisanLine Creations – Beautifully curated pieces, each item looks uniquely crafted.
more helpful hints https://lumi-wallet.io
use this link https://jaxxwallet-web.org/
I am no longer certain the place you are getting your information, however great topic. I needs to spend some time studying much more or understanding more. Thank you for great information I used to be looking for this info for my mission.
Everline Artisan Works – Nicely arranged page with items that look genuinely handmade and detailed.
Unlock a treasure chest of emotions with this book. The Check and Mate PDF is the rich reward, offering a story that is filled with love, laughter, tears, and triumph. https://checkandmatepdf.site/ Chess Anthropology
Try your luck and enjoy the exciting game onswiminator, which will give you a sea of ??pleasure and bonuses.
Bonus Features and Special Symbols
Everything about this post screams excellence!
I’m no longer certain where you are getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend a while finding out more or figuring out more. Thanks for excellent information I was on the lookout for this information for my mission.
I value the easy onboarding and seamless withdrawals. This site is reliable. The dashboard gives a complete view of my holdings.
check this link right here now https://jaxx-web.org/
Extra resources https://lumi-wallet.io
get more https://jaxx-web.org/
visite site https://jaxx-web.org
her latest blog https://jaxx-web.org
check it out https://lumi-wallet.io
I personally find that the interface is useful analytics, and I enjoy fiat on-ramp here. My withdrawals were always smooth.
why not try here https://jaxx-web.org/
additional hints https://jaxx-web.org/
I like the helpful info you supply for your articles.
I’ll bookmark your blog and take a look at once more right here regularly.
I’m fairly sure I’ll be informed a lot of new stuff proper here!
Best of luck for the following!
click for info https://lumi-wallet.io/
kraken зайти
you can try here https://jaxxwallet-web.org/
кракен зеркало
Conquer your challenges with the help of the Charlie Method PDF. This guide provides the armor and weapons you need. It is a strategic manual for overcoming adversity. Get the copy today to prepare yourself for any obstacle and emerge victorious using these proven tactics. https://thecharliemethodpdf.site/ The Charlie Method Digital Copy
http://u-cars.ru/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=crushcivil3
как зайти на кракен даркнет
you could check here https://toast-wallet.net
https://natashki.com/ – Natashki.com: A World of Bright Encounters. Only Real People. All in One Place. Join for Free. >>>
h
https://xn--14-8kcrcmcjp0au3f.xn--p1ai/forum/user/3058/
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all of us
you actually recognize what you are talking about!
Bookmarked. Please additionally consult with my
site =). We may have a link alternate agreement between us
PWA KRAKEN