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: |
Appearance drone show companies in the night sky became a real spectacle, captivating the audience with its beauty and technological complexity.
has become a staple in modern entertainment. Drone shows involve the use of multiple drones, often equipped with LED lights, to deliver mesmerizing light shows. These displays can be customized to fit various themes and events, offering a distinct and captivating experience for audiences.
The technology behind drone shows has become more sophisticated, allowing for more complex and intricate designs. As a result, drone shows have become more frequent and widespread . The use of drones in entertainment has opened up new possibilities for creative expression .
Drone shows offer a range of benefits, like their power to inspire and delight spectators. They can be used to promote events, create brand awareness, and enhance marketing efforts . Additionally, drone shows can be used to raise awareness about social and environmental issues .
The versatility of drone shows makes them an attractive option for a wide range of events and occasions . They can be used to produce interactive displays, foster engagement, and encourage participation . Furthermore, drone shows can be combined with other technologies, like virtual and augmented reality .
Despite their many benefits, drone shows are subject to various restrictions and regulations. One of the main challenges is ensuring the safety of the audience and the drones themselves . This requires thorough risk assessment, meticulous preparation, and strict adherence to safety protocols .
Another challenge is dealing with regulatory requirements and compliance issues . Drone shows are subject to strict regulations, require special permits, and must meet specific safety requirements . Additionally, drone shows are vulnerable to environmental factors, like temperature and humidity .
The future of drone shows is bright, with ongoing innovation and growing demand . As the technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for drone shows will expand and diversify. The use of drones in entertainment will enable new forms of artistic innovation .
The potential applications of drone shows are extensive and diverse, spanning fields like sports, tourism, and hospitality . As the industry continues to grow and mature, the impact of drone shows will be felt across a wide range of fields and disciplines. Furthermore, drone shows will evolve and adapt to changing trends and technologies, remaining a vibrant and dynamic part of our cultural landscape.
webfixer.click – Navigation felt smooth, found everything quickly without any confusing steps.
Appearance drone light shows in the night sky became a real spectacle, captivating the audience with its beauty and technological complexity.
and has been gaining popularity rapidly . Drone shows involve the use of multiple drones, often equipped with LED lights, to produce breathtaking aerial performances . These displays can be customized to fit various themes and events, making them a unique and exciting form of entertainment .
The technology behind drone shows has become more sophisticated, allowing for more complex and intricate designs. As a result, drone shows have become more frequent and widespread . The use of drones in entertainment has enabled the creation of innovative and immersive experiences.
Drone shows offer a range of benefits, like their power to inspire and delight spectators. They can be used to promote events, create brand awareness, and enhance marketing efforts . Additionally, drone shows provide a unique platform for storytelling and messaging .
The versatility of drone shows allows them to be adapted to various settings and contexts . They can be used to create immersive experiences, stimulate emotions, and inspire imagination . Furthermore, drone shows can be combined with other technologies, like virtual and augmented reality .
Despite their many benefits, drone shows are subject to various restrictions and regulations. One of the main challenges is mitigating the risks associated with drone operations. This requires thorough risk assessment, meticulous preparation, and strict adherence to safety protocols .
Another challenge is dealing with regulatory requirements and compliance issues . Drone shows are subject to strict regulations, require special permits, and must meet specific safety requirements . Additionally, drone shows can be affected by weather conditions, such as wind and rain .
The future of drone shows is bright, with ongoing innovation and growing demand . As the technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for drone shows will expand and diversify. The use of drones in entertainment will continue to push the boundaries of creative expression .
The potential applications of drone shows are extensive and diverse, spanning fields like sports, tourism, and hospitality . As the industry continues to grow and mature, drone shows will become an integral part of various industries and sectors . Furthermore, drone shows will remain a popular and captivating form of entertainment, a powerful tool for marketing and education, and a driving force for creativity and progress .
Если вы мечтаете о надежном жилье, рассмотрите каркасный дом под ключ как отличный вариант для быстрого и экономичного строительства.
Каркас оснащается изоляцией и внешней облицовкой.
Они демонстрируют высокую устойчивость к сейсмическим нагрузкам.
Финальный этап включает монтаж кровельного покрытия и стен.
Обратитесь к квалифицированным экспертам за консультацией.
Hi there, You’ve done an incredible job. I will definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this website.
This text is priceless. When can I find out more?
ivy casino – https://ivy-casino-mexico.com
Если вы мечтаете о надежном жилье, рассмотрите каркасный дом под ключ в спб как отличный вариант для быстрого и экономичного строительства.
В итоге получается уютный и прочный дом.
Главным достоинством выступает экономичность возведения.
Затем монтируется основной деревянный каркас.
Такой выбор — это перспективная инвестиция в жилье.
Wow! This is a cool platform. They really do have the stable performance. Charts are accurate and load instantly.
обучение seo обучение seo .
big bola – https://big-bola-mx.com
webfixer.click – Content reads clearly, helpful examples made concepts easy to grasp.
esportebet – https://esportebet-br.com
Thanks very nice blog!
betcris – https://betcris-777.com
Зато искать долго не пришлось наверное???! https://moskvatops.info продукт – прет дико и жестко, но по сути ничего интересного, цена в 2 тыр себя полностью оправдывает. Эдакий бычий кайф. Если вам нравится трястись и стучать зубами – вы попали по адресу. Во всех остальных случаях – нахер-нахер. Слабенькая 3/5Ребят ну давайте уже мокрую,мы сами досушим :hz:
Привет! Недавно искал игровой клуб, где можно спокойно вывести выигрыш, и понял: главное — отзывы. Собрал рабочие варианты с поддержкой QIWI — ссылка: лев казино. Кто уже пробовал?
esport bet – https://esportbet-br.com
Logan here — I’ve tried fiat on-ramp and the quick deposits impressed me.
Hunter here — I’ve tried portfolio tracking and the reliable uptime impressed me.
Hello There. I found your blog the use of msn. This is an extremely well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to learn extra of your useful info. Thank you for the post. I’ll definitely return.
brapub – https://www.brapub-br.com
Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what a stuff! existing here at this web site, thanks admin of this website.
Привет! Решил собрать только те казино, где лично получил выплату. Критерии: с минимальным депозитом. Все рабочие ссылки — по адресу: [url=https://tvcifrovoe.ru/raznoe/kazino-onlayn-kak-igrat-s-udovolstv-2.html]Клубника Клубника казино[/url]. Кто уже тестировал эти площадки?
https://www.google.hu/url?q=https://astra-hotel.ch/articles/code_promo_45.html
seo курсы seo курсы .
Why people still make use of to read news papers when in this technological world the whole thing is presented on web?
This site was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Thanks a lot!
Normally I do not read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice post.
There is definately a great deal to find out about this subject.
I like all the points you have made.
L’offre meilleur code promo 1xBet permet de recevoir un bonus de 130 $ pour tous les nouveaux inscrits. Le bonus est actif apres un depot minimum et la bonne application du code promo. En cas d’erreur dans le code, le bonus ne sera pas accorde. Toutes les informations sur le meilleur code promo 1xBet sont disponibles ici : https://madagascartourseverino.com/pages/le-code-promo-1xbet_bonus.html
Hey there, You have done an incredible job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this web site.
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all people you actually understand what you are talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also talk over with my website =). We could have a link trade arrangement between us
jogodeouro – https://jogodeourobet-br.com
Accomplished attained content.
credits 1win telecharger 1win apk
Hey! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the great work!
connexion au site web 1win 1win telecharger
esportenet – https://esportenetbet-br.com
novibet – https://www-novibet.com
https://www.google.co.uk/url?q=https://angersnautique.org/fonts/pgs/code_de_bonus_1.html
poker 1win 1win apk
application 1win 1win apk
bingo – https://bingo-br.com
Hi there, of course this article is genuinely good and I have learned lot of things from it regarding blogging. thanks.
I switched from another service because of the scalable features and trustworthy service. The updates are frequent and clear.
The best choice I made for providing liquidity. Smooth and seamless withdrawals. Charts are accurate and load instantly.
poker 1win 1win telecharger
connexion 1win 1win telecharger
Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa? My website covers a lot of the same topics as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Awesome blog by the way!