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: |
creadordesitios – On mobile it adapts decently, though some buttons are small.
Порадуйте себя и своего ребенка отличными товарами от TykePop — уникальными, практичными и безопасными.
Зацепил материал про Откройте мир с блогом Run Man.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://run-man.ru
Надеемся, наш обзор помог вам сделать правильный выбор. До новых встреч в мире детских товаров!
probuis – They might want to add a blog or content section soon.
Вас интересуют лучшие товары для детей? Узнайте, почему продукция от TykePop заслуживает вашего внимания.
Между прочим, если вас интересует Традиционная русская кухня: рецепты и советы, загляните сюда.
Смотрите сами:
https://traktirseno.ru
Благодарим за внимание, и пусть ваши детки всегда будут здоровы и счастливы вместе 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 “Честные обзоры фильмов и гаджетов: стоит ли доверять”, там просто кладезь информации.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://100ch.ru
С TykePop ваши дети получают только самое лучшее. Берегите их здоровье и счастье с нашими товарами.
Je suis totalement envoute par FatPirate, ca donne une energie de pirate dejantee. Les jeux sont nombreux et delirants, proposant des sessions live ultra-intenses. Les agents sont rapides comme l’eclair, garantissant un support direct et efficace. Les retraits sont rapides comme une tempete, par contre j’aimerais plus de promos qui tabassent. En gros, FatPirate est un spot incontournable pour les joueurs pour les aventuriers du jeu ! En prime le site est une pepite visuelle, facilite le delire total.
fatpirate review|
The program is led by Justin Suarez, Sarah C. Rutherford and Brittany Williams https://emilianostrn45567.ourcodeblog.com/38031995/copyright-and-on-line-betting-a-smooth-relationship
axjaognr – Wish there was more description on their items, I feel slightly unsure.
https://directoryglobals.com/listings13342408/code-promo-melbet-cote-divoire
The program is led by Justin Suarez, Sarah C. Rutherford and Brittany Williams https://www.notebook.ai/users/1169027
wbb6e – The homepage gives me a techy vibe, interesting direction.
wbb6e – Quite a mysterious domain name, I’m curious what it offers.
pakopakoma – I just found this site and it looks like it’s shaping up nicely.
pakopakoma – I’d love to see user feedback or comments section added soon.
wbb6e – Found the navigation a tad confusing, needs clearer labels.
cooperativadeartesanos – I hope to see blog posts or project updates in coming weeks.
cooperativadeartesanos – Some links appear broken or not yet active, maybe site still under construction.
The program is led by Justin Suarez, Sarah C. Rutherford and Brittany Williams https://bilecikmutluleri.com/on-the-web-betting-bonanza-unveils-unique-campaigns-2/
pakopakoma – It would help to have an “About Us” page with background details.
set-mining.website – Looks like a mining-investment type project, but transparency is low.
aaront – I hope they add portfolio or project examples soon.
creadordesitios – Would love more visuals or graphic elements to enrich pages.
Приобрести онлайн кокаин, мефедрон, гашиш, бошки
creadordesitios – The design feels clean and professional, refreshing to see.
creadordesitios – The design feels clean and professional, refreshing to see.
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 Go и Rust для веб-разработки”, там просто кладезь информации.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://web-kokteil.ru
Будем рады вашим отзывам и впечатлениям о товарах TykePop! Делитесь с нами своими идеями и вдохновением.
hhproduction – The images load cleanly, gives a professional and trustworthy feel.
I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic.
I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding
more. Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this info for my mission.
The program is led by Justin Suarez, Sarah C. Rutherford and Brittany Williams https://pinbackonline.com/strategies-for-online-betting-success-in-a-global-industry/
I value the fast transactions and seamless withdrawals. This site is reliable.
Добро пожаловать в мир лучших детских товаров с TykePop, где здоровье и счастье ваших малышей — наши главные приоритеты.
Кстати, если вас интересует Футбольные новости, аналитика и интервью игроков, загляните сюда.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://pro-zenit.ru
Если у вас возникли вопросы или пожелания, наша команда всегда готова помочь. До скорых встреч!
https://directory-king.com/listings13342760/1xbet-registration-promo-code
I’ve been using it for almost a year for exploring governance, and the accurate charts stands out. I moved funds across chains without a problem.
I switched from another service because of the seamless withdrawals and clear transparency.
Откройте для себя удивительный ассортимент детских товаров, которые подарят радость и комфорт вашему малышу!
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Советы по Go и Rust для веб-разработки”, есть отличная статья.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://web-kokteil.ru
Ждем вас снова, чтобы рассказать еще больше о наших продуктах и предложениях для малышей.
probuis – On mobile it renders okay, though some elements overlap slightly.
I personally find that the interface is reliable uptime, and I enjoy checking analytics here.
Закладки тут – купить гашиш, мефедрон, альфа-РїРІРї
психоаналитический психотерапевт Психотерапия выгорания Психотерапия выгорания – это процесс, направленный на восстановление эмоционального, физического и умственного благополучия человека, страдающего от профессионального выгорания. Выгорание – это состояние эмоционального, физического и умственного истощения, вызванное длительным воздействием стресса на работе. Симптомы выгорания могут включать чувство усталости, цинизм, снижение производительности и потерю мотивации. Психотерапия помогает людям выявить причины выгорания, изменить негативные мысли и убеждения, научиться справляться со стрессом и восстановить баланс между работой и личной жизнью. Различные методы психотерапии, такие как когнитивно-поведенческая терапия, гештальт-терапия и майндфулнесс, могут быть эффективны при лечении выгорания.
Hello, just wanted to tell you, I loved this post. It was
helpful. Keep on posting!
t371 – Found it through a blog — curious what they’ll publish next.
The program is led by Justin Suarez, Sarah C. Rutherford and Brittany Williams https://pxhere.com/en/photographer-me/4775836
giftd – Bookmarking this; curious to see their offerings soon.
axjaognr – Their menu layout is okay but needs more visual contrast to stand out.
https://bookmarkcork.com/story21040705/1xbet-promo-code-for-registration
set-mining.website – The SSL/HTTPS works but doesn’t guarantee legitimacy, still looks sketchy.
cooperativadeartesanos – The font and spacing are comfortable, makes reading easier.
It’s very trouble-free to find out any matter on net as compared to textbooks,
as I found this post at this website.
The program is led by Justin Suarez, Sarah C. Rutherford and Brittany Williams https://emilianoaeom39639.theisblog.com/38057849/the-cultural-part-of-betting-on-line-areas-and-boards
aaront – The typography is pleasant and easy to read for sure.