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: |
I haven?t checked in here for some time since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are good quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
Quietly impressive in a way that does not announce itself, and a stop at premiumcartcorner extended that quiet impressiveness, the kind of quality that emerges through sustained attention rather than first impressions is the kind I trust more deeply and this site has been earning that deeper trust across multiple sessions over time consistently.
Профессиональный подход менеджеров в Екатеринбурге, грамотно проконсультировали по техническим характеристикам сплавов.
https://xn--80aeedb0bfzeok.xn--p1ai/catalog/mednye-zaglushki-pod-paiku/mednaia-zaglushka-kolpachok-pod-paiku-76-1kh65kh1-6-mm-33-5kh36-5-mm-tverdaia-paika-m1m-gost-r-52922-2008/
Closed and reopened the tab three times before finally finishing, and a stop at royalshelf held my attention straight through, sometimes content fights for time against my own distraction and the times it wins say something positive about its quality and this post clearly won that fight today afternoon for me.
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement? My blog has a lot of unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization. Do you know any methods to help protect against content from being ripped off? I’d certainly appreciate it.
My time on this site has now extended past what I had budgeted, and a stop at duotile keeps extending it further, content that overstays its budget in my schedule is content that has earned the extra time and this site has been earning extra time across multiple visits to the point where my schedule needs adjustment.
“akulu araba bmw” konusu icin cok faydal? bir yaz? buldum. Iste link: https://toyshediye.com/articles/bmw-akulu-arabalar-cocuk-gelisimine-katkilari/
Эта публикация исследует взаимосвязь зависимости и психологии. Мы обсудим, как психологические аспекты влияют на появление зависимостей и процесс выздоровления. Читатели смогут понять важность профессиональной поддержки и применения научных подходов в терапии.
Доступ к полной версии – Похмельная служба в Новороссийске
В данном материале представлены ключевые тенденции в сфере медицинской науки и практики. Вы узнаете о последних открытиях, инновационных подходах к терапии и важности профилактики заболеваний. Особое внимание уделено практическому применению новых методов в клинической практике.
Кликни, не пожалеешь – Наркологическая клиника «Похмельная служба» в Москве.
В этой статье рассматриваются способы преодоления зависимости и успешные истории людей, которые справились с этой проблемой. Мы обсудим важность поддержки со стороны близких и профессионалов, а также стратегии, которые могут помочь в процессе выздоровления. Научитесь первоочередным шагам к новой жизни.
Информация доступна здесь – Похмельная служба в Новороссийске
Этот обзор посвящен успешным стратегиям избавления от зависимости, включая реальные примеры и советы. Мы разоблачим мифы и предоставим читателям достоверную информацию о различных подходах. Получите опыт многообразия методов и найдите подходящий способ для себя!
Обратиться к источнику – Наркологическая клиника «Похмельная служба» в Ногинске
В этой статье мы говорим о важности поддержки в процессе выздоровления. Рассматриваются семьи, группы поддержки, специалисты и онлайн-ресурсы, которые могут сыграть решающую роль в избавлении от зависимости.
Смотри, что ещё есть – Похмельная служба в Новосибирске
проверить сайт https://t.me/s/mounjaro_tirzepatide/
В этом исследовании рассмотрены методы лечения зависимостей и их эффективность. Мы проанализируем различные подходы, используемые в реабилитационных центрах, и представим данные о результативности программ. Читатели получат надежные и научно обоснованные сведения о данной проблеме.
Детальнее – Похмельная служба Геленджик
Эта информационная публикация освещает широкий спектр тем из мира медицины. Мы предлагаем читателям ясные и понятные объяснения современных заболеваний, методов профилактики и лечения. Информация будет полезна как пациентам, так и медицинским работникам, желающим поддержать уровень своих знаний.
Прочитать подробнее – Похмельная служба в Москве
В этом исследовании рассмотрены методы лечения зависимостей и их эффективность. Мы проанализируем различные подходы, используемые в реабилитационных центрах, и представим данные о результативности программ. Читатели получат надежные и научно обоснованные сведения о данной проблеме.
Только для своих – «Похмельная служба» в Новосибирске
I cherished as much as you’ll obtain performed right here. The comic strip is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. however, you command get got an edginess over that you would like be delivering the following. in poor health for sure come more previously once more as precisely the same nearly very incessantly inside case you protect this increase.
Этот обзор медицинских исследований собрал самое важное из последних публикаций в области медицины. Мы проанализировали ключевые находки и представили их в доступной форме, чтобы читатели могли легко ориентироваться в актуальных темах. Этот материал станет отличным подспорьем для изучения медицины.
Эксклюзивная информация – Похмельная служба в Ногинске
“terrex ne demek” hakk?nda bilgi arayanlar icin burada harika bilgiler var. Iste link: https://dinamizsport.com/articles/adidas-terrex-spor-ayakkabi-estetik-performans/
актуальное зеркало eva casino
Если кто ищет eva casino сайт с нормальным доступом, этот вариант можно сохранить. Я тестировал его с телефона и ПК — работает стабильно везде. Вход и бонусные страницы открываются быстро
Hello! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to fix this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share. Thank you!
I recently underwent a Teeth Whitening Toronto procedure at Yorkville Smiles, and the results were phenomenal! They offer both in-office treatments and at-home kits, ensuring flexibility and effectiveness. My smile has never looked brighter!” Dr. Judy Sturm & Associates
кухни на заказ от производителя кухни на заказ от производителя
https://www.tumblr.com/mike-from-gidstats/817043281391271936/throwing-cold-water-on-the-hype-my-top-bets-for
Placing bets on regional MMA promotions represents a niche where you actually find the sportsbooks entirely unprepared, and Legacy Fighting Alliance 234 in Sao Paulo follows the same pattern.
Hey, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, excellent blog!
The depth of coverage felt about right for the format, neither shallow nor overwhelming, and a look at rustwin kept that calibration going, getting the depth right for blog format is genuinely difficult because too shallow loses experts and too deep loses beginners but this site nailed it nicely which I really do appreciate.
https://medium.com/@mikefromgidstats/chasing-the-apex-gold-and-gambles-in-s%C3%A3o-paulo-c0886b569cae
The competitors entering the spotlight at LFA 234 are fully aware of what a convincing showing truly implies: Dana White reaching out, an agreement with the UFC, and a life turned upside down in the best way.
В статье рассматриваются различные стратегии борьбы с зависимостями, включая проверенные методы и реальные истории успеха. Читатель узнает, какие подходы наиболее эффективны и как начать путь к выздоровлению.
Продолжить изучение – Похмельная служба Казань
very nice post, i actually love this web site, carry on it
Legacy Fighting Alliance 234 presents several clear analytical angles so that the visual scouting and archived numbers run counter to standard public perception.
apartments for sale in phuket thailand apartments for sale in phuket thailand
Wagering on local-level MMA is where one truly finds the oddsmakers fully caught off guard, and LFA 234 is no exception.
What i don’t realize is actually how you’re not really much more well-liked than you may be now. You are very intelligent. You realize therefore considerably relating to this subject, produced me personally consider it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always maintain it up!
https://www.tumblr.com/mike-from-gidstats/817043281391271936/throwing-cold-water-on-the-hype-my-top-bets-for
Placing bets on regional MMA promotions is the area where you can genuinely catch the oddsmakers fully caught off guard, and Legacy Fighting Alliance 234 in Sao Paulo is no different.
Эта медицинская заметка содержит сжатую информацию о новых находках и методах в области здравоохранения. Мы предлагаем читателям свежие данные о заболеваниях, профилактике и лечении. Наша цель — быстро и доступно донести важную информацию, которая поможет в повседневной жизни и понимании здоровья.
Все материалы собраны здесь – Похмельная служба в Геленджике
Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a weblog website? The account helped me a applicable deal. I have been a little bit familiar of this your broadcast offered brilliant clear idea
I?m impressed, I need to say. Really hardly ever do I encounter a weblog that?s each educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you might have hit the nail on the head. Your concept is excellent; the problem is something that not sufficient individuals are talking intelligently about. I am very blissful that I stumbled across this in my seek for one thing relating to this.
https://www.tumblr.com/mike-from-gidstats/817043281391271936/throwing-cold-water-on-the-hype-my-top-bets-for
Betting on regional MMA represents a niche where one truly finds the sportsbooks entirely unprepared, and LFA 234 taking place in Sao Paulo is no different.
You actually make it appear really easy together with your presentation however I find this topic to be actually something which I feel I would by no means understand. It kind of feels too complex and extremely wide for me. I am taking a look forward to your next put up, I?ll attempt to get the dangle of it!
UFC LFA 234
Betting on lesser-known MMA circuits offers a scenario where one truly finds the oddsmakers fully caught off guard, and LFA 234 taking place in Sao Paulo is no exception.
зайти на сайт https://soulestate.ru/catalog/novostroiki/poklonnaya-969875/
mostbet uzcard karta bog‘lash https://www.mostbet48217.help
I savour, lead to I found exactly what I used to be looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
Перейти на сайт https://soulestate.ru/catalog/novostroiki/reka66893/
Кстати, если вас интересует Советы и Идеи для Ремонта и Декора от Flat 24, загляните сюда.
Смотрите сами:
https://flat-24.ru
Как подчёркивает врач-нарколог И.В. Синицин, «современная наркология — это не только вывод из запоя, но и работа с глубинными причинами зависимости».
Выяснить больше – http://
UFC LFA 234 fight card
The competitors entering the spotlight at LFA 234 know exactly the significance of a commanding performance: a call from UFC president Dana White, a contract to join the UFC, and a completely changed life.
в этом разделе https://t.me/s/mounjaro_tirzepatide/
https://medium.com/@mikefromgidstats/chasing-the-apex-gold-and-gambles-in-s%C3%A3o-paulo-c0886b569cae
The competitors entering the spotlight at LFA 234 understand fully the significance of a commanding performance: a ring from Dana White, a UFC contract, and a life entirely transformed.
зайти на сайт https://t.me/s/mounjaro_tirzepatide