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: |
Yo, vídeo muito bom também sobre slot demo. procon dos jogosalguém sabe?
Okay folks gather around because this Miami rental nightmare needs to be discussed. You see a sweet ride online — clean spec, fair price, looks legit. Plus they want a $2000 hold on your debit card. I’ve lived here for years and still get burned occasionally. luxury car rental miami fl. Miami without proper wheels is basically a hostage situation. Design District shopping, late-night South Beach cruising, or a spontaneous drive down to Homestead — AC must freeze your teeth and unlimited miles or bust. most are smoke and mirrors with decent SEO. Finally found one outfit that actually delivers what’s in the listing. Here’s the only honest broker for premium vehicles across South Florida
suv car hire https://luxury-car-rental-miami-5.com Yeah finding parking in Wynwood will test your patience — but that’s not on them. Anyway glad there’s at least one straight shooter left in this rental jungle.
Alright listen up because I’m about to save you a massive headache. Swear some of these “luxury” fleets should be in a museum. You land at MIA, tired, grab an Uber to the rental office, and bam — surprise $1500 hold on your card. No thanks, I’m too old for this nonsense. luxury car rental miami florida. any local will tell you the same thing. Coral Gables brunch, South Beach night run, or a spontaneous Everglades detour — AC must be ice cold and unlimited miles. most are just polished turds with Instagram ads. Finally stumbled on one that doesn’t play games. rates change daily with demand so don’t sleep on it:
suv car hire suv car hire also bring polarized shades unless you enjoy driving blind into sunset. drive safe and maybe pass on that overpriced roadside assistance add-on.
Alright let me drop some truth about the Miami rental scene — it’s an absolute minefield. Then you actually go to pick up the car. Plus they lock up $3500 on your card for who knows how long. Fool me ten times? That’s just the 305 experience. luxury car rental miami fl. anyone who’s taken public transport here knows the struggle is real. leather seats that won’t cook your back in the July heat. most are shiny websites hiding the same beat-up fleet with fresh wax. Finally found one outfit that actually delivers what’s promised. Here’s the only straight shooter for premium rides across South Florida
urus rental miami https://luxury-car-rental-miami-10.com Yeah parking in Brickell will cost you a nice dinner — but that’s just how it is down here. Anyway glad there’s at least one honest rental joint left in this town.
Saloon into excitement! Take part in crack games at our casino – slots, blackjack, roulette & more. Attain upper case with full bonuses and munificent spins. Join now & seek your well-received step!
https://beefcasino.app/
Olá, esse site é confiável copa mundo. o Fortune Tiger tbm odds estão boas.
Fala. Na minha experiência na cassino com bonus e e vale o risco.
Текст посвящён распространённым мифам о зависимости и их развенчанию. Мы предоставим научно обоснованную информацию и дадим рекомендации по выбору эффективного способа борьбы с зависимым поведением.
Интересует подробная информация – частная наркологическая помощь
wettanbieter in deutschland
Review my homepage :: Basketball Wetten Overtime
В этой публикации мы предложим ряд рекомендаций по избавлению от зависимостей и успешному восстановлению. Мы обсудим методы привлечения поддержки и важность самосознания. Эти советы помогут людям вернуться к нормальной жизни и стать на путь выздоровления.
Где можно узнать подробнее? – clinica plus в королеве
кликните сюда https://tripscans90.cc
читать https://tripscans90.cc
чувствую у меня будет то же самое, трек получил но он нихуя не бьется, а что ответил то? я оплатил 3 февраля и трек походу тоже левый ТС обьясни и мне ситуацию купить кокаин
Смотреть здесь https://tripscans90.cc
Oi gente, explicação objetiva sobre baccarat online. autoexclusão? dá pra confiar?
melbet mines demo http://www.melbet42815.help
подробнее здесь https://tripscans90.cc/
в этом разделе https://tripscans90.cc/
Saloon into disquietude! Stake peerless games at our casino – slots, blackjack, roulette & more. Gain a victory in upper case with generous bonuses and munificent spins. Accompany second & seek your well-received tender!
https://lolly-spins-casino.app/
Источник https://tripscans90.cc
Qué tal. juegos de casino es real. 1xBet
опубликовано здесь https://tripscans90.cc/
узнать больше Здесь https://tripscans90.cc/
здесь https://tripscans90.cc/
нажмите, чтобы подробнее https://tripscans90.cc/
Следующая страница https://tripscans90.cc
Эта статья подробно расскажет о процессе выздоровления, который включает в себя эмоциональную, физическую и психологическую реабилитацию. Мы обсуждаем значимость поддержки и наличие профессиональных программ. Читатели узнают, как строить новую жизнь и не возвращаться к старым привычкам.
Все материалы собраны здесь – нарколог вызов на дом
Этот документ охватывает важные аспекты медицинской науки, сосредотачиваясь на ключевых вопросах, касающихся здоровья населения. Мы рассматриваем свежие исследования, клинические рекомендации и лучшие практики, которые помогут улучшить качество лечения и профилактики заболеваний. Читатели получат возможность углубиться в различные медицинские дисциплины.
См. подробности – kursk clinica plus
всё посылка пришла всё ровно теперь будем пробовать ) купить кокаин
веб-сайте https://tripscans90.cc/
кликните сюда https://tripscans90.cc/
Football is the most exciting sport, especially when the World Cup is on. But you’ll be even more excited to watch the match if you decide to bet on it! But how do you learn to bet on sports, and most importantly, where? You can find the answers to all these questions at sports betting picks
В-общем среднестаьистический вечер пятницы обычного одинокого ITшного инженера 😉 купить кокаин
Подробнее https://tripscans90.cc/
deutschland ungarn wette
Here is my web page; Basketball wetten Systeme [https://www.stockhecke-fraestechnik.de]
подробнее chatgpt plus купить в россии
Давно работаю с чемиком. купить кокаин
Публикация знакомит читателей с различными подходами к реабилитации. От традиционных методов до современных программ — вы узнаете, как выбрать оптимальный путь к выздоровлению и преодолеть препятствия на этом пути.
Узнать напрямую – клиника плюс
здесь https://tripscans90.cc/
Irwin Casino irwincasino.eu.com bietet eine moderne Plattform für Fans von Online-Casinospielen. Nutzer finden hier attraktive Bonusangebote, regelmäßige Aktionen und exklusive Vorteile für Neu- und Bestandskunden. Mit einem Promo Code Irwin Casino, einem Bonus Code Irwin Casino oder einem Irwin Casino Bonus Code können zusätzliche Boni und besondere Angebote freigeschaltet werden.
подробнее https://tripscans90.cc
1 Bhk For Sale In Dubai one bedroom apartment in dubai sports citytime ttaken o buy a house in dubaidubai properties vendor registration password
Fala, pessoal, esse guia tá muito bem feito world cup 2026. cassino seguro odds estão boas. Abraços.
посетить сайт tripskan
Reading this in the gap between work projects was a small but meaningful break, and a stop at pathwaytrigger extended that gentle reset, content that provides genuine refreshment rather than just distraction during work breaks is content with a particular kind of utility and this site fits that role for me reliably during work days.
узнать больше https://tripscans90.cc
antrasitle uyumlu renkler hakk?ndaki bolumu gercekten begendim. Link burada: https://yappendik.com/articles/gri-antrasit-renk-estetik-kullanimi/
веб-сайт https://tripscans90.cc
Benefits of buying property in dubai 3 bedroom apartments for rent in al nahda dubaiuae real estate newsmarriott executive apartments dubai creek joining bridge in metets
https://www.claimajob.com/profiles/8433249-target-bets26