Hello, taxpayers. I’m Eddie Bardin, a Senior Special Agent for the IRS Criminal Investigations Division in Dallas, Texas. We’re the feds who go after tax cheats. Our boss is retiring in just a few weeks, and I’ll be stepping up to the position of co-director of the department. Bigger paycheck. Bigger office. Bigger headaches. But you’ve got to take the bad with the good, right?
What’s my typical day like? Well, that depends. When I’m not working alongside Special Agent Tara Holloway, things are pretty routine. Reviewing spreadsheets and financial records. Interviewing tax evaders and witnesses. Tracking down money trails. But when I’m partnered with Tara? Heck. That’s a whole ‘nother story.
I suppose it wouldn’t be fair to say that Tara is bad luck. But I will say trouble always finds her. Unfortunately, I’ve been along for the ride on more than one occasion when trouble showed up. On one of our early cases I ended up in the ER with a bullet in my skull. Another time Tara and I were nearly blown up by an improvised bomb. Needless to say, I stay on my toes whenever I’m working with her. And I always make sure I’ve got my gun at the ready.
This time around, Tara is helping the Border Patrol track Salvador Hidalgo, a human smuggler or “coyote” who’s abandoned desperate people in the west Texas desert. The Border Patrol agents have found several corpses in Big Bend, a rugged national park that lies just north of the Rio Grande river. There’s also evidence implicating Hidalgo in kidnappings for ransom. Three sisters are missing as we speak, their ransom due in mere days. I can tell the case is eating Tara alive. Tara, in turn, has been eating sweet potato fries by the truckload. If she’s not careful, she won’t be able to fit into her wedding dress come October. That’s when she and Special Agent Nick Pratt will be tying the knot. To make matters more interesting, the case has led her to her ex, Brett, who might have some helpful information. Talk about awkward! Of course I’m trying my hardest not to get in the middle of things.
I’ve also been helping Tara track down an as-yet-unidentified criminal who issued bogus 1099’s to a number of victims, reporting cash prize winnings that were never paid. The scheme has caused confusion at the IRS and angered the victims, so much so that one of them has sic’d a senator on us. Nothing like Congress breathing down your neck to add some pressure.
Come spend some time with me and the rest of the gang at IRS Criminal Investigations. You might be surprised how fun—and dangerous—being a financial detective can be.
You can read more about Eddie in DEATH, TAXES, AND SWEET POTATO FRIES, the 11th book in the Tara Holloway humorous mystery series.
SHE HAS AN APPETITE FOR JUSTICE.
But this time IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway is in over her head—and challenging every dietary law in the book. . .
When the IRS is tasked with assisting the border patrol in pursuing unscrupulous “coyotes” who’ve transported illegal immigrants across the border, Tara finds herself at odds. Not only must she investigate Brett Ellington, her old flame whose landscaping business employs such workers, but now Tara has to convince her new romantic partner in crime, Nick Pratt, that she doesn’t still carry a torch for Brett.
Now, in addition to proving her love to her own fiancé, Tara is on the hunt for a trail of bogus 1099s in the Dallas area. Someone, somewhere is using the IRS as a pawn in a cunning game of revenge. Will Tara be able to identify the culprit making the false tax reports—before her sweet-potato-fry addiction forces her to get her engagement ring resized? That is, if jealousy doesn’t get the best of Nick first.
# # # # # # # # # # #
About the author
A former Assistant Attorney General and tax advisor, Diane Kelly inadvertently worked with white-collar criminals. Lest she end up in jail, Diane decided self-employment was a good idea. Her fingers hit the keyboard and thus began her Death and Taxes romantic mystery series. A graduate of her hometown’s Citizen Police Academy, Diane Kelly also writes the hilarious K-9 cop Paw Enforcement series. Sign up for Diane’s newsletter at www.dianekelly.com, find her on Facebook, and on Twitter @dianekellybooks.
All comments are welcomed.
Giveaway: Five people selected at random will win a copy of Death, Taxes, and Sweet Potato Fries, either Kindle/Nook (open to everyone) or paperback (U.S. residents only), winner’s choice. Leave a comment below for your chance to win. The giveaway ends February 5, 2017. Good luck everyone!
Death, Taxes, and Sweet Potato Fries is available at retail and online booksellers.
I look forward to each book in this series. They can’t come out fast enough.
Aw, you made my day, Lynette! Good luck in the giveaway!
“Death, Taxes and Sweet Potato Fries” sounds like a great read.
This series has been so much fun to write! The characters have become some of my best friends. : )
I love this series. Well I love everything Diane Kelly has written.
Aw, Kaye, you made me blush! : ) So glad you’ve enjoyed the books!
This is a new to me series. I look forward to reading it. If I win, I would prefer a paperback copy.
Good luck in the giveaway!
IRS agent stories are very appropriate at this time of year. I would love to have a paperback copy. Thanks!
I too love this series! Tara is such a badass! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Yep, Tara’s a badass, all right. : ) I’ve had so much fun living vicariously through her all these years!
I absolutely love Diane Kelly’s books…always so super duper exciting! This new book sounds awesome…looking forward to reading it. What a perfect time for this book to come out with it being tax season….not thrilled with paying taxes, but reading this will make it less painful..lol. Thank you dear Dru Ann and Diane Kelly for the chance to win. You girls ROCK!
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the books, Beverly! Yep, paying taxes isn’t much fun. But at least we can laugh at Tara and the gang. : )
Oh how awesome….thank you sooooo very much dearest Diane Kelly for taking the time to comment on my post…..you are sooooo awesome!!! I absolutely love your books as I already said. I can’t get enough of your other awesome series PAW ENFORCEMENT with the awesome Megan Luz and super awesome Brigit…..they are always so exciting to read about too!!! Keep all of your awesome books coming please!!!! God bless you dear Diane!!!!
Never heard of this series. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the giveaway.
If you like funny books or cozies with a little edge, you’ll enjoy this series. Glad we could introduce you to it!
One of the things I love about Dru. Intro’s to new writers and readings. Always exciting and refreshing. My book dealer loves her too. The book looks most intriguing and am looking forward to reading the book. Do hope it will be sooner. Rather than later.
Thank you Della
Authors and publishers love Dru Ann and her blog, too! She’s always winning awards for her coverage of books. We can’t thank her enough!
You are so right about the awesome and beautiful Dru Ann….she is super duper amazing with all that she does to keep all of us fans up to date on all the new books coming out. She definitely deserves all of her awards. She is the best of the best!!! Thank you so much dearest Dru Ann for all that you do for us readers…..you ROCK girl!!!
This is a terrific series, and I am looking forward to reading the newest installment of Tara, Nick, and friends! Diane sure has opened my eyes to the problems the IRS faces! Thanks Dru Ann for today’s selection! Thank you Diane for the generous opportunity to win a copy of Death, Taxes, and Sweet Potato Fries! 🙂
With all the crazy financial stuff that goes on, I’ve never had trouble finding plots for the books. : ) Good luck in the giveaway, Barbara!
Thanks for posting this, I wasn’t aware of this series–sounds like a good one! I’m looking forward to checking it out.
The world of taxes is much more intriguing than people might guess. So much white-collar crime going on! Every day it’s a new scam.
What a catchy title. Titles and covers are among the first items that make me stop to check out a book and this one is a keeper. Thanks Dru Ann for including it on your blog. My fingers are crossed I am lucky to win. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com
Got my fingers crossed for you, too! I’ve had fun coming up with these titles. This one came to me while I was chowing down on some sweet potato fries. I’ve got quite an addiction! : )
Yes please Dru. I love this series and just HAVE to own a copy of this book. Pretty Please, toss my name into the Magic Contest Hat.
I hope the hat is good to you Nora Adrienne! Thanks for your support!
Sweet potato fries have become one of my favorites. I’d love to win a paperback copy of your book. It sounds scrumptious.
They’re delicious, aren’t they? My favorite way they are served is with sugar. That makes them a superfood and dessert rolled into one! Yum!
Sweet Potato Fries are delectable. Your books are delightful.
Thanks, Ellie! Glad you’ve enjoyed them!
I’m new to your series having read only your last book – and loved it! Paperback for me if I should win.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
So glad you liked the book, Karen! Good luck in the giveaway!
I want it! The title is a magical draw. Please!
Yep, sweet potato fries are hard to resist! : ) Good luck!
Love, love, love this series!! So much fun! Thanks for the chance to win a print copy of Death, Taxes, and Sweet Potato Fries.
I’m so happy you like the books, Linda! I have the BEST readers!
I so enjoy some humor with my mysteries. This series is really fun. Thanks for the drawing.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
It’s always fun to add some laughs! Good luck in the drawing, Sue!
As a lawyer investigating financial fraud, I know the IRS can be intimidating. This series shows it can also be entertaining!
This series sounds right up your alley! As you know, the variety of white-collar crime is amazing. Some new scam every day! Enjoy!
This is such a fun series that I love to read!! Would love to win this title in paperback form. Thank you for the chance!
Good luck, Johnna! Fingers crossed for you!
Interesting. Didn’t think about the IRS in this capacity. Thanks for the chance. Sounds like a winner.
Looking forward to reading Tara’s latest adventure.
Tara’s always getting herself into a pickle, isn’t she? : )
I eagerly await each new book. This is one of my all time favorite series. I love Tara because she kicks some ass and always gets her man or woman whatever the case may be.
Thanks, Lorraine! I’m so glad you’ve had fun with the series. I’ve had a blast writing them. After this, there will be one more full-length book and a digital novella, and then we’ll be launching a new series. I’m going to miss Tara and the gang!
I’m going to miss them too.
Definitely one of my favorite series! Can’t wait to add this installment to my shelf.
Thanks, Bev!
I absolutely love these books! Wait anxiously for the next one.
Yay! Love to hear this, Julie. My readers are GREAT!!!!
Really enjoyed this post. Thanks for the chance to win a book from this wonderful series & author.
Good luck, Doward!
What a great series, I can’t wait to get the latest book!
IRS, huh? Sounds like a fun twist
This is a “new to me” series. It sounds great and I’m looking forward to reading it Thank you for this chance.
I love the concept of a financial detective. I have added the book and series to my TBR list. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Death, Taxes and Sweet Potato Fries.
Her series is on my TBR list. Sounds like a fuñ series.
“Death, Taxes and Sweet Potato Fries” sounds like a great read. This is a new series to me and I would really enjoy reading.
I love these books! What a wonderful series! Tara is such a wonderful main character. I love strong female leads!
Thanks, Leah! I love my readers!
I’m not an expert on sweet potato fries, but this book may mark the beginning of a beautiful friendship!
They are the yummiest dessert disguised as a health food. : )
Sounds like a winner.
Thanks, Karen! Glad you stopped by!
I love this series. Tara always manages to get into some sticky situations.
Tara certainly knows how to find trouble! Glad you like the books, Melissa!
This sounds like a great series. Not one that I have ever read before. I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance to win Dru!
If you like funny books, you’d enjoy these. Lots of humor in them.
Love this series. Im looking forward to Tara’s next adventure. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the new book.
So glad you’ve liked the books, Elisa! My readers are such fun people!
This sounds great! Thanks for this giveaway.
Connie
Thanks for coming by, Connie!
I need to do some serious catch-up on this series….
Thank you for the giveaway…..
**** WINNERS ****
of Death, Taxes, and Sweet Potato Fries by Diane Kelly are Barbara Hackel, Barbara Jones, Linda MH, Lorraine Kraft and Melissa Castor.
Congratulations!