
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: |
The best insights here: https://deeprealestate.in
CapMetro has lot going on at all times, and we’re always looking for ways https://bitcoin-sv.mn.co/members/36128869
Sou louco pela ressonancia de JonBet Casino, pulsa com uma forca de cassino digna de um sino. As escolhas sao vibrantes como um sino. com slots tematicos de aventuras sonoras. Os agentes sao rapidos como uma onda sonora. assegurando apoio sem dissonancias. O processo e claro e sem pausas. as vezes mais recompensas fariam o coracao ecoar. No fim das contas, JonBet Casino e o point perfeito pros fas de cassino para os cacadores de vitorias ressonantes! Vale dizer o site e uma obra-prima de estilo sonoro. fazendo o cassino ecoar como um sino.
cГіdigo jonbet hoje|
Нужен компрессор? компрессор промышленный для производства и сервисов: винтовые, поршневые, безмасляные, осушители и фильтры, ресиверы, автоматика. Проектирование, монтаж, пусконаладка, сервис 24/7, оригинальные запчасти, аренда и трейд-ин. Гарантия и быстрая доставка.
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I to
find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to provide something again and help others like you aided me.
This design is incredible! You certainly know how to keep
a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost
moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job.
I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented
it. Too cool!
Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored at work so I
decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break.
I enjoy the information you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, wonderful blog!
https://pubhtml5.com/homepage/ramkh
Вас интересуют лучшие товары для детей? Узнайте, почему продукция от TykePop заслуживает вашего внимания.
Кстати, если вас интересует Ваш новый сайт готов к запуску!, посмотрите сюда.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://alloopt.ru
С TykePop ваши дети получают только самое лучшее. Берегите их здоровье и счастье с нашими товарами.
These Webpages advertise 1xBet promotional codes and bonus offers, promising new users incentives https://bsky.app/profile/austinboothin.bsky.social
Je suis seduit par Boomerang Casino, offre un spectacle de plaisir qui revient. propose un ricochet de divertissement qui seduit. avec des slots qui bouclent comme des arcs. Les agents du casino sont rapides comme un retour boomerang. garantissant une assistance qui cadence. Les retraits au casino sont rapides comme un retour boomerang. quand meme plus de bonus pour une harmonie boomerang. En somme, Boomerang Casino est un casino en ligne qui revient comme un boomerang pour ceux qui cherchent l’adrenaline boomerang du casino! En plus est une cadence visuelle envoutante. donne envie de replonger dans le casino sans fin.
boomerang casino is dit legaal|
Je suis envoute par Boomerang Casino, c’est un casino en ligne qui revient comme un boomerang lance. Le repertoire du casino est un arc de divertissement. offrant des sessions de casino en direct qui reviennent comme un boomerang. repond comme un boomerang parfait. repondant en un ricochet circulaire. Le processus du casino est transparent et sans boucle. cependant des tours gratuits pour une melodie ricochet. A la fin, Boomerang Casino offre une experience de casino circulaire pour les virtuoses des jeux! Ajoutons l’interface du casino est fluide et revient comme un boomerang. ce qui rend chaque session de casino encore plus circulaire.
boomerang casino opinie|
These Webpages advertise 1xBet promotional codes and bonus offers, promising new users incentives https://dandelion-health.mn.co/members/36128064
Conclude the bonus clearance terms within one month https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4150036870/
Charlie here — I’ve tried portfolio tracking and the easy onboarding impressed me.
Je suis charme par Boomerang Casino, est un retour de divertissement qui boucle. L’assortiment de jeux du casino est une courbe de delices. incluant des tables qui ricochet comme un projectile. Les agents du casino sont rapides comme un retour boomerang. proposant un appui qui enchante. Les gains du casino arrivent a une vitesse circulaire. parfois des recompenses de casino supplementaires feraient revenir. En fin de compte, Boomerang Casino offre une experience de casino circulaire pour les fans de symphonies circulaires! En bonus le site du casino est une merveille graphique circulaire. enchante chaque partie avec une symphonie de retours.
boomerang casino applicatie|
Бесплатная доставка при заказе велосипеда онлайн blacksprut сайт blacksprut, блэкспрут, black sprut
Je suis totalement captive par Boomerang Casino, est un retour de divertissement qui boucle. Le repertoire du casino est un arc de divertissement. offrant des sessions de casino en direct qui reviennent comme un boomerang. repond comme un boomerang parfait. assurant un support de casino immediat et boomerang. Le processus du casino est transparent et sans boucle. occasionnellement des tours gratuits pour une melodie ricochet. Pour resumer, Boomerang Casino enchante avec une rhapsodie de jeux pour les virtuoses des jeux! Ajoutons le site du casino est une merveille graphique circulaire. enchante chaque partie avec une symphonie de retours.
boomerang casino mobiele applicatie downloaden|
Conclude the bonus clearance terms within one month https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4150041790/
Вызов анонимного нарколога — это значительным шагом на дороге к избавлению от зависимости. Когда вы или кто-то из ваших близких сталкиваетесь с трудностями с психоактивными веществами или алкоголем‚ не откладывайте обращение за помощью. На сайте site;com доступна консультация нарколога и вызвать специалиста на дом. Конфиденциальная помощь гарантирует вашу конфиденциальность‚ что особенно важно для людей с зависимостями. Квалифицированный нарколог проведет детоксикацию организма и предложит индивидуальные программы реабилитации. Психотерапия зависимости также играет ключевую роль в процессе выздоровления. Поддержка для зависимых и их семей поможет справиться с последствиями зависимости. Не забывайте‚ что лечение алкогольной зависимости так же важно‚ как и лечение наркомании. Не стесняйтесь обратиться за помощью‚ это ваш первый шаг к свободе от зависимости.
Je suis accro a Boomerang Casino, il propose une aventure de casino qui ricoche comme un projectile. est une trajectoire de sensations qui enchante. avec des machines a sous de casino modernes et circulaires. repond comme un boomerang parfait. repondant en un ricochet circulaire. Le processus du casino est transparent et sans boucle. cependant des tours gratuits pour une melodie ricochet. A la fin, Boomerang Casino promet un divertissement de casino arque pour les passionnes de casinos en ligne! De surcroit resonne avec une melodie graphique arque. facilite une experience de casino boomerang.
boomerang casino betalingen|
These Webpages advertise 1xBet promotional codes and bonus offers, promising new users incentives https://portfolio.newschool.edu/lant053/sample-page/rain/
Je trouve absolument boomerang Boomerang Casino, on dirait un cercle de frissons qui boucle. vibre avec un cercle de jeux varies. proposant des slots de casino a theme lance. Le personnel du casino offre un accompagnement digne d’un lanceur. assurant un support de casino immediat et boomerang. arrivent comme un concerto boomerang. tout de meme j’aimerais plus de promotions de casino qui bouclent comme un boomerang. En somme, Boomerang Casino enchante avec une rhapsodie de jeux pour les passionnes de casinos en ligne! A noter la plateforme du casino brille par son style ricochet. ajoute une touche de rythme arque au casino.
boomerang casino is het legaal|
I personally find that the staking process is simple and the fast transactions makes it even better. Definitely recommend to anyone in crypto.
https://naturalbookmarks.com/story20412164/1xbet-c%C3%B3digo-promocional-sin-dep%C3%B3sito
I was skeptical, but after half a year of learning crypto basics, the scalable features convinced me. Great for cross-chain swaps with minimal slippage.
прогнозы от профессионалов прогнозы от профессионалов .
https://pubhtml5.com/homepage/xoarx
These Webpages advertise 1xBet promotional codes and bonus offers, promising new users incentives https://upload.city/N2p3Dq59zMa5/file
Conclude the bonus clearance terms within one month https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4150502242/
купить диплом в салавате купить диплом в салавате .
Duolito Iceman
Conclude the bonus clearance terms within one month https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4150093375/
These Webpages advertise 1xBet promotional codes and bonus offers, promising new users incentives https://postimg.cc/hQFtnQgj
Этот информативный текст выделяется своими захватывающими аспектами, которые делают сложные темы доступными и понятными. Мы стремимся предложить читателям глубину знаний вместе с разнообразием интересных фактов. Откройте новые горизонты и развивайте свои способности познавать мир!
Получить больше информации – https://quick-vyvod-iz-zapoya-1.ru/
WebPtoJPGHero converter is an online image converter built for speed, simplicity, and accessibility. This web-based platform allows instant conversion of popular image formats such as PNG, WebP, and BMP into JPG files. No downloads, installations, or user accounts are required. The entire process happens in-browser and takes only a few seconds. Users can upload up to 20 files at once for batch conversion, making it suitable for individuals and professionals managing multiple images. All uploaded files are automatically deleted after processing to maintain privacy and ensure data security. WebPtoJPGHero is compatible with all modern devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones, offering flexibility for work on the go. Whether the goal is to reduce image file size, prepare visuals for the web, or standardize a project’s image format, this tool delivers clean, reliable results without any extra steps.
WebPtoJPGHero
https://imageevent.com/sxujutynivys/xqeem
These Webpages advertise 1xBet promotional codes and bonus offers, promising new users incentives https://martinpstr00122.bleepblogs.com/38041428/on-the-web-betting-faqs-opening-casinos-from-the-net
Вашему малышу нужно самое лучшее? Прошлите с нами в мир заботы и радости с продуктами от TykePop.
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Лучшие DIY идеи и советы для дома”, там просто кладезь информации.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://stroi-skid.ru
Если у вас возникли вопросы или пожелания, наша команда всегда готова помочь. До скорых встреч!
Откройте секреты счастливого детства с качественными товарами от TykePop.
Между прочим, если вас интересует Советы по уходу за редкими домашними растениями, посмотрите сюда.
Смотрите сами:
https://raregreen.ru
Желаем вам и вашим детям приятных покупок и незабываемых моментов с TykePop!
Вашему малышу нужно самое лучшее? Прошлите с нами в мир заботы и радости с продуктами от TykePop.
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Советы по уходу и воспитанию собак: Портал 13 Собак”, есть отличная статья.
Ссылка ниже:
https://dog13.ru
Желаем вам и вашим детям приятных покупок и незабываемых моментов с TykePop!
Conclude the bonus clearance terms within one month https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4150028714/
These Webpages advertise 1xBet promotional codes and bonus offers, promising new users incentives https://wasila-tech.mn.co/members/36128073
New and useful here: https://www.manaolahawaii.com
Only verified here: https://www.sportsoddshistory.com
Only the most important: https://www.oaza.pl
Hot topics here: http://redeecologicario.org
Conclude the bonus clearance terms within one month https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4150502245/
https://gimnas3.ru/d/articles/?kometa_casino_promokod.html
Владислав Аксинович — белорусский психолог, гипнолог, логопед, сексолог и писатель порно видео