Monday, December 9, 2013

Cozy Mystery Holiday Review ~ DEATH TAXES AND MISTLETOE MAYHEM by Dianne Kelly

’Tis the season for death, taxes, and maybe even love under the mistletoe…
Death, Taxes, and Mistletoe Mayhem is a brand-new holiday novella from award-winning author Diane Kelly!


Christmas is fast approaching when IRS Special Agent Tara is assigned a new case involving a jewelry wholesaler who’s repeatedly claimed large theft losses on her tax returns. Was Nadine Gramercy really robbed, or were the thefts a mere ruse to pocket tax-free profits? Tara believes Nadine belongs at the top of Santa’s “naughty” list. Her investigation takes her to Chisholm Trail mall, where she meets Fort Worth Police Officer Megan Luz and her fluffy K-9 partner, Brigit. Though Megan believes Tara is barking up the wrong tree, she agrees to provide backup if a bust goes down. Moreover, they decide to team up as matchmakers to find love for Chris Rasmussen, a pediatric nurse who moonlights at the mall playing Santa Claus. Chris has a warm heart and a body that’s hot enough to melt to the polar ice caps. This sexy-yet-sad shopping mall Santa was recently dumped by his fickle fiancée, leaving the not-so-old elf more jilted than jolly. Can Tara and Megan solve the crime…and lift Santa’s spirits in time for Christmas?
REVIEW

I’ve wanted to read a Diane Kelly book since meeting her at RWA in 2012.  Until then, I hadn’t heard of her and I probably wouldn’t have even noticed her, without her big pink beehive wig.  I mean think about it, if an author dressed that crazy, then you know her books have to be a little crazy as well.
I wouldn’t exactly say that Death, Taxes, and Mistletoe is a crazy book.  It’s an interesting book.  The book focuses on Tara Holloway, Megan Luz, and Brigit the dog.  Tara Holloway is an IRS Special Agent, who is tasked with the job of capturing people who cheat the IRS out of money.  Megan Luz is a Fort Worth Police Officer and Brigit is actually Sergeant Brigit, Megan’s K-9 partner and ranking officer.  
In this installment of the Tara Holloway Series, Tara is tasked with the job of finding out if jewelry wholesaler Nadine Gramercy is committing tax fraud.  She goes undercover as a mall CPA at a local jewelry store to see if in fact, Nadine is doing something illegal and has a partner.  Tara enlists the help of Megan and they fast become friends.  Told in first person from Tara’s, Megan’s and Brigit’s point of view, Death, Taxes, and Mistletoe Mayham is charming and humorous with several laugh out loud, spew your drink moments.  And a dog who seems to be smarter than anyone else playing cupid.
Death, Taxes, and Mistletoe Mayham marks the start of a new series starring Officer Megan Lutz and Sergeant Brigit called Paw Enforcement.  I have to say I’m looking forward to reading it and more of the Tara Holloway Series as well.
Rating: 4
 
Release Date: October 29, 2013
Book Length: 84 pages
Source: Publisher - St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley
Reviewed by: Kim
Reading Format: Available only in eBook


Purchase DEATH, TAXES, AND MAYHEM: A HOLIDAY NOVELLA from Amazon or your favorite eRetailer


The Tara Holloway Series:


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2 comments:

  1. Paw Enforcement--That's so cute!! Sounds like a lot of fun and omg yeah I'd definitely remember an author with a big pink beehive. THat's so awesome. Hadn't heard of these so thank ya for the heads up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome. I'm going to have to start reading MORE of her books.

      Delete

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