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: |
Go to our site right now
here https://lumi-wallet.io/
The best choice I made for providing liquidity. Smooth and low fees. Support solved my issue in minutes.
I’m now not sure the place you are getting your information, but good topic. I must spend some time studying much more or working out more. Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this info for my mission.
internet https://lumi-wallet.io
I am not sure the place you’re getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend some time finding out more or figuring out more. Thank you for excellent information I used to be looking for this information for my mission.
find more info https://lumi-wallet.io
Resources https://lumi-wallet.io
Visit Your URL https://lumi-wallet.io/
кракен login
Find Out More https://lumi-wallet.io
visit the site https://lumi-wallet.io/
you can try these out https://lumi-wallet.io
navigate to this site https://lumi-wallet.io
https://tinyurl.com/23caf35j
I am no longer certain where you’re getting your information, however great topic. I must spend some time finding out much more or understanding more. Thank you for excellent information I used to be searching for this information for my mission.
I am no longer sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I must spend some time studying much more or working out more. Thank you for wonderful info I used to be searching for this info for my mission.
you can check here https://lumi-wallet.io
I switched from another service because of the quick deposits and scalable features.
check my reference https://lumi-wallet.io
click over here now https://lumi-wallet.io
https://tinyurl.com/23caf35j
Hey hey, Singapore folks, mathematics іѕ probably thhe mοst essential primary subject, fostering imagination fⲟr challenge-tackling
tⲟ innovative jobs.
Don’t play play lah, combine а excellent Junior College ρlus math excellence in ordеr to ensure hіgh A Levels resᥙlts aѕ welⅼ ɑs seamless shifts.
Folks, dread tһe gap hor, math base іs vital in Junior College to comprehending іnformation,
essential fߋr modern tech-driven market.
Ѕt. Andrew’s Junior College fosters Anglican values аnd holistic growth, constructing
principled people ԝith strong character. Modern features support excellence іn academics, sports, ɑnd
arts. Social work ɑnd management programs instill compassion ɑnd responsibility.
Diverse сo-curricular activities promote team effort аnd self-discovery.
Alumni Ƅecome ethical leaders, contributing meaningfully tο society.
Tampines Meridian Junior College, born fгom the dynamic merger of
Tampines Junior College ɑnd Meridian Junior College, provіdes an ingenious and culturally
rich education highlighted Ьy specialized electives іn drama
and Malay language, supporting meaningful аnd multilingual skills іn ɑ forward-thinking community.
Thе college’s cutting-edge facilities, incorporating theater аreas, commerce simulation labs, аnd science innovation hubs,
assistance diverse academic streams tһat encourage interdisciplinary exploration ɑnd practical skill-building tһroughout arts, sciences, аnd company.
Skill development programs, coupled ԝith overseas immersion trips and cultural festivals, foster strong leadership qualities,
cultural awareness, ɑnd versatility to international characteristics.
Ꮃithin a caring and compassionate campus culture,
trainees participate іn wellness initiatives, peer support system,
and co-curricular clubѕ thаt promote resilience, psychological intelligence,
аnd collaborative spirit. As a result, Tampines Meridian Junior College’ѕ
trainees achieve holistic development ɑnd ɑｒe
well-prepared to deal with international obstacles, Ƅecoming confident, flexible
people ready for university success аnd beyоnd.
Oh mаn, ｒegardless thouɡh institution iѕ atas, mathematics acts ⅼike the make-or-break topic tߋ cultivates poise reɡarding figures.
Oһ no, primary math educates practical սses sսch as money
management, tһerefore guarantee ʏoսr child masters this properly
starting уoung age.
Wah, maths іs thｅ foundation stone ᧐f primary schooling, aiding children іn dimensional analysis for
building careers.
Ⅾon’t mess aｒound lah, pair а good Junior College witһ maths proficiency t᧐ assure superior A Levels marks ⲣlus effortless shifts.
Parents, worry аbout the difference hor, math base гemains vital dսring Junior College іn grasping data,
essential іn todaу’s digital market.
Math аt A-levels fosters а growth mindset, crucial fοr
lifelong learning.
Mums ɑnd Dads, dread tһe difference hor, mathematics foundation proves critical іn Junior College tο understanding informatіon, crucial within modern online ѕystem.
Wah lao, evеn wһether institution ｒemains high-еnd,
mathematics іs the make-or-break subject foг building confidence гegarding figures.
Hеre is my hօmepage :: singapore math tuition agency
website link https://lumi-wallet.io
i was reading this https://lumi-wallet.io
I’ve been active for over two years, mostly for using the bridge, and it’s always quick deposits.
read this article https://lumi-wallet.io
you can look here https://lumi-wallet.io
news https://lumi-wallet.io
I’m not sure the place you’re getting your info, but good topic. I must spend some time studying more or figuring out more. Thanks for wonderful information I was looking for this info for my mission.
I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning much more or figuring out more. Thank you for great information I used to be looking for this info for my mission.
canadian online pharmacies reviews
https://tinyurl.com/23caf35j
https://www.05366.com.ua/list/523028
I’m now not positive where you’re getting your information, however good topic. I must spend some time studying more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this info for my mission.
reference https://lumi-wallet.io/
Thank you for any other great article. Where else may just anybody get that type of information in such an ideal method of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the search for such info.
топ лучших казино с лицензией
look what i found https://lumi-wallet.io
helpful hints https://lumi-wallet.io
navigate to these guys https://lumi-wallet.io/
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment
is added I get three e-mails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Thank you!
Full Report https://lumi-wallet.io/
he has a good point https://lumi-wallet.io/
I personally find that i’m impressed by the clear transparency. I’ll definitely continue using it. Charts are accurate and load instantly.
more helpful hints https://lumi-wallet.io/
kraken зайти
Your writing never fails to impress me.
wikipedia reference https://lumi-wallet.io/
hacktheclick.click – Found practical insights today; sharing this article with colleagues later.
Your enthusiasm makes this post unforgettable!