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: |
Что именно отличает экраны iPhone 15 и iPhone
15 Plus от их предшественников?
| В чём различия экранов iPhone 15 и iPhone 15
Plus по сравнению с предыдущими моделями?
| Чем iPhone 15 и iPhone 15 Plus выделяются в плане
дисплея от прошлых поколений?
Во-первых, рекордная пиковая яркость до 2000 нит , что обеспечивает
комфортное использование смартфона при ярком солнечном свете .
По мнению Дэна, остаётся вопрос , как долго устройство сможет удерживать максимальной яркости, прежде чем начнётся её падение .
Подобное фиксировалось ранее, например, с iPhone 13 Pro . https://macuser.ua/search?word=airpods+max+%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BE
Comprehending Imitation Hermes Handbags: A In-depth Overview
The sphere of premium style has consistently been enthralled by Hermes handbags, particularly
their renowned Birkin and Kelly models. These sought-after accessories
represent elegance, artisanship, and uniqueness, with prices varying from ten thousand dollars to more than 500,000 dollars for special pieces.
With such substantial worth and desirability, it’s predictable that Hermes has become one
of the highly duplicated high-end labels in the world.
The Legacy of Hermès
Started in 1837 as a harness workshop in Paris, Hermès began by crafting leather
equestrian accessories. The company’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship
was established from the beginning and persists to be their distinction today.
Each Hermès craftsperson requires at least two years of training before they can make their initial handbag, demonstrating the
company’s dedication to quality.
The renowned Kelly was introduced in 1935 (first called the “Sac à dépêches”),
while the famous Birkin bag launched in nineteen eighty-two following
a random conversation between Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas and icon Jane Birkin on a plane journey from France to
England.
The Proliferation of Imitation Hermes Handbags
The incredible desirability and expensive prices of original Hermes handbags have fostered a large
industry for replicas. Modern research suggest that as many as 90%
of all Hermes Kelly and Birkin purses listed online aren’t
authentic, causing major challenges for buyers
looking for the authentic item.
Modern copycats have grown increasingly refined, utilizing
state-of-the-art technologies to produce persuasive
imitations that can be hard to differentiate from genuine items at
first sight. These replicas vary from obvious obvious fakes to “mirror images” that copy several characteristics
of authentic Hermès handbags.
How to Recognize Authentic Hermes Bags
When examining a Hermès bag to verify its authenticity, experts look at many critical details:
1. Artisanship and Fabrics
Genuine Hermes handbags are manually created with the top grade materials and excellent workmanship.
The material should be luxurious and pliable with a distinctive leather smell that imitators can’t imitate.
The hardware should be heavy, crafted from precious metals that doesn’t wear or flake
readily.
2. Thread work
One surprising detail is that because real Hermès bags are handmade,
the seams should in fact have some irregularities. Imitations are typically machine-sewn, so they are
absolutely consistent with one other. Hermès
utilizes a particular saddle stitching style derived from their horse-riding heritage.
3. Emblem and Stamping
The Hermes stamp stamp should state “Hermès Paris Made in France” on three lines with clear clean imprinting.
On imitation Hermes bags, the stamp would appear off, too big, or boxy and may have blurred lines or irregular alignment.
4. Metallic elements and Elements
The hardware on original Hermès purses features characteristic details like exact engravings, premium fasteners,
and properly fixed bottom studs. Hermès makes its own fasteners, so you should never notice a YKK or some other company’s name on the metal.
5. Identification Signs
Remarkably, Hermès never offer authentication certificates with their purses.
They have never and likely will never. If you’ve obtained a Hermes bag and got an authenticity card with it, it is unquestionably a imitation.
The Moral Implications
The knockoff trade poses considerable moral problems.
While fake purses may seem comparable to authentic ones, they
are produced without the quality assurance, fair labor conditions, or environmental
commitments that authentic luxury companies maintain. Additionally, the knockoff industry has been linked to criminal
organizations and labor abuse.
Summary
For those who admire the artistry and tradition of Hermes, grasping the
difference between original and fake bags is critical.
Whether investing in for future value or personal satisfaction, understanding how to identify original Hermes craftsmanship assists ensure that
you’re acquiring what you pay for – a
item of designer accessory heritage made with unmatched
expertise and precision.
If you’re contemplating buying a Hermès bag, the most reliable option is to obtain directly
from Hermes or from highly reputable retailers who deliver detailed
authentication guarantees and warranties.
At this time I am going to do my breakfast, afterward having my breakfast coming again to read other news.
It’s enormous that you are getting thoughts from this
article as well as from our discussion made at this time.
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account
your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access
consistently quickly.
Its not my first time to pay a quick visit this website, i
am browsing this web site dailly and get fastidious
facts from here daily.
I don’t know if it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing issues with your site.
It seems like some of the written text in your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them too?
This could be a issue with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen before.
Many thanks
I just like the valuable info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and test once more right
here frequently. I’m reasonably certain I’ll be told many new
stuff proper right here! Good luck for the following!
We are a bunch of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your web site offered us with valuable info to work on. You have performed a formidable job
and our whole community will be grateful to you.
This is my first time visit at here and i am actually impressed to read all at one place.
Hello there, You’ve done an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
I’m sure they’ll be benefited from this website.
My family every time say that I am killing my time here
at net, however I know I am getting know-how everyday
by reading such fastidious content.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot
about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home
a bit, but other than that, this is excellent blog. A fantastic read.
I will certainly be back.
Here is my page :: สูตรหวยยี่กี
Incredible story there. What occurred after?
Good luck!
Heya this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted
to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would
be enormously appreciated!
It’s enormous that you are getting thoughts from this article as well as from our dialogue made here.
Thanks for some other informative web site. The place else could I get
that type of info written in such a perfect way?
I have a project that I am just now working on, and I have been on the
look out for such information.
What’s up, every time i used to check website
posts here early in the break of day, since i love to find out more and more.
My bro bookmarked this blog for me and I have been going through
it for the past couple hours. This is really going to benefit me and my friends for
our class project. By the way, I enjoy the way you write.
Hey there! Quick question that’s totally off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when viewing
from my apple iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might
be able to correct this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share.
Thank you!
I do accept as true with all the ideas you’ve introduced to
your post. They are really convincing and will certainly work.
Nonetheless, the posts are very quick for starters.
May just you please prolong them a little from next time?
Thanks for the post.
Thanks for finally talking about > Taxed to Death (Book
Review), Debra Purdy Kong < Loved it!
Добрый день, недавно в Краснодаре увидел замечательный сайт, где можно познакомиться с девушками и получить удовольствие от общения https://krasnodar-indi.life/
I visited multiple blogs except the audio feature for audio songs present
at this site is truly superb.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check
again here regularly. I am quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!
Thanks for any other magnificent post. Where else may anybody get that
kind of info in such an ideal approach of writing?
I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the search for such information.
I absolutely love your blog.. Excellent colors & theme.
Did you make this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my very own website
and want to know where you got this from or just
what the theme is called. Cheers!
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my weblog thus
i came to “return the favor”.I am attempting to find things to improve my web site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
แนะนำระบบ ให้แต้มผ่านทาง Line นั้นคือ ระบบ crm ใช้งานง่าย PiNME ตอบโจทร์ทุกการใช้งาน,การแข่งขัน ระบบ CRM
ในปัจุบันสูงมาก และราคาแพง
ขอแทนะนำ ระบบ crm PiNME ตอบโจทร์ทุกการใช้งาน
Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem with your site in internet explorer,
would check this? IE still is the market chief and a good
portion of other folks will omit your excellent writing due to
this problem.
Hello, Neat post. There is an issue with your website in internet explorer, may
check this? IE nonetheless is the market chief and a big
section of other folks will pass over your great writing because of this problem.
My homepage :: game
Hey there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok.
I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look
forward to new posts.
bokep rusia
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and
I in finding It truly useful & it helped me out a lot.
I hope to present something back and help others like
you helped me.
I read this paragraph fully regarding the comparison of
hottest and earlier technologies, it’s awesome article.
https://yourua.info/
I get pleasure from, lead to I found exactly what I used to
be taking a look for. You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt!
God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
Hi my loved one! I wish to say that this post is awesome, great written and come with approximately all vital infos.
I’d like to see extra posts like this .
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading?
I’m trying to determine if its a problem
on my end or if it’s the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated.
I believe what you posted made a great deal of sense.
But, what about this? suppose you were to create a awesome post title?
I am not saying your information isn’t solid, however what if
you added something to maybe grab a person’s attention? I mean Taxed to
Death (Book Review), Debra Purdy Kong is a little vanilla.
You should look at Yahoo’s front page and note how they create news titles to grab people to click.
You might add a video or a picture or two to get readers
interested about everything’ve written. In my opinion,
it might bring your posts a little livelier.
https://autodublikat.su/
I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else encountering issues with
your website. It appears like some of the text in your
posts are running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment and
let me know if this is happening to them as well? This could be a issue
with my browser because I’ve had this happen before. Thanks