There are a number of things I admire about my girlfriend and coworker, IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway. She’s cute and clever, feisty and tenacious. Affectionate, too, but I’m a gentlemen so I won’t go into detail about that. You’ll just have to use your imagination . . . or read Tara’s books.
Gotta say, though, my ass is more than a little chapped right now. Tara’s gone gaga over the target in her latest case, country-western superstar Brazos Rivers. Tara thinks the guy hung the moon. I think he’s a no-talent man whore. Really, what kind of guy parades around shirtless on stage singing “Baby, if you’re willing, let’s do some horizontal drilling?”
Needless to say, this difference in perspective has led to a rough patch in me and Tara’s relationship.
Brazos has several platinum records and a pair of shiny silver spurs. But what he doesn’t have is a paid-up tax account. Yep, despite the fact that he’s earned millions through record deals, concerts, and product endorsements, the guy has never filed a tax return or paid a penny in taxes. Tara thinks his failure to file his returns is a mere oversight. I, on the hand, think Brazos is trying to pull a fast one.
In the meantime, I’m trying to grin and bear it, hoping Tara will come to her senses and realize that Brazos Rivers and those jingle-jangling silver spurs of his are up to no good. But I’ve never been good at grinning and bearing it. I just might have to force my way into this case and take that bastard down myself . . .
You can read more about Nick in Death, Taxes, and Silver Spurs, the 7th book in the “Tara Holloway” mystery series, published by St. Martin’s. The first book in the series is Death, Taxes, and a French Manicure. Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on August 5 for the chance to win a copy of DEATH, TAXES, AND SILVER SPURS. (US entries only, please.)
About the author
A former tax attorney, award-winning author Diane Kelly spent several years at an accounting firm where she worked with a partner later charged with tax fraud. She also served as an Assistant State Attorney General under an AG convicted of criminal charges. Given this work history, Diane decided self-employment was a good idea. She also realized her experiences made excellent fodder for crime novels. Thus began her “Death and Taxes” romantic mystery series. A graduate of her hometown’s Citizen Police Academy, Diane recently launched her Paw Enforcement series starring a female K-9 cop team. Find Diane at www.dianekelly.com, on Facebook at dianekellybooks, and on Twitter @dianekellybooks.
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I enjoy this series very much. Can’t wait to read this one.
Thanks, Lynette! Tara has a lot of fun in this one getting to meet her heartthrob. Of course there’s that saying – “Never meet your heroes.” : )
Sounds like a fun series. 🙂
Lots of fun! Perfect for light summer reading.
Sounds like a great book, can’t wait to add it to my TBR stack.
Wonderful! I’d love to be “stacked!”
I love this series and would love a copy to continue it.
Thanks, Nancy! I have so much fun with Tara and the gang. She’s my BFF (best fictional friend)!
Since I read newspapers, the idea of crooked public employees does not shock me —-I wish it did but it does not. Would love to win this book.
Yep, I steal my plotlines directly from the headlines sometimes. Fiction writers are liars and thieves, after all. : )
Another fun title and cover! Can’t wait, thanks for the chance to win!
The cover artists are awesome! They always seem to really catch the mood of the books and I’ve had a lot of fun with the colorful covers. I even have coordinated colored pens that I use at my book signings. (I stopped maturing after junior high). ha ha
love the cover, and thank you for the chance to win 🙂
Me, too! I even shopped online for turquoise boots and have been debating a cute pair at Zappo’s.
This is going to be good; she had me hooked with the title!
Great! You must like cowboys, huh? : )
This sounds like such a fun read, loved the excerpt.
Thanks! Things get even more crazy once Brazos joins the fray.
I’ve checked both the Kings and Queens county libraries and it seems they won’t be adding this to their collections..
Dru, toss my hat into the contest ring. I ain’t gonna miss reading this book for anything.
What a bunch of party poopers! (Just kidding. Having served on my Friends of the Library board I know libraries have limited budgets. Ask them if they’ll add it to their collection if I mail them a copy. If so, I’d be happy to send them a full set of the series.) Thanks!
That’s EZ… I have a friend who is the IT specialist at the branch and she always adds the once read review books I bring her into circulation.
Michelle Santiago
c/o Howard Beach Branch – Queens County Library
92-06 156 Avenue
Howard Beach, NY 11414
(718) 641-7086
Just stick a note in with my name on it. I’ll send her an instant message right now.
Fantastic! I love getting my books into libraries. Thanks!
What a smart lady to switch jobs and become a cozy mystery writer. Although I’ve never ready any of her books, I would love the opportunity to read this one.
Writing funny books is way more fun than dealing with the 7 volumes of the Internal Revenue Code. : )
Diane is as funny and fun to be with as she writes. I love her snarky, sassy voice.
Love Love Love Diane’s books. Please enter me into the contest. Would love to win her new one 🙂
Sounds like a fun read—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
Our pleasure! Good luck!
OK, is it really cricket to like a tax attorney? Is Tara supposed to remind me of Tara in Gone With The Wind? People aren’t going to swoop in and take over the character in this book are they? And swooning over a country singer–who woulda thought? I’ll get my cowgirl books out and get prepared for a bang up mystery read. Love to win this book. This is the first I’ve heard of this series and would love to corral this book for a lazy afternoon of reading. Who knows, I might just have to read the whole series next!!
This is the perfect book for kicking up your heels, Ronna!
This sounds like a fun read, who would have thought IRS and fun being put together, LOL. Thanks for the chance to win.
Never filed?! That is so wrong
He’s a naughty boy . . . : )
I love this series. I won the first one wayyy back in time and have been addicted ever since. I already own this book and just started reading it this morning. I have feeling I’ll be up late tonight finishing it ;-))
Thanks, Mo! Hope you’ll enjoy it!
Love, love, love this series! The characters are great. I can’t wait to read this new one.
Thanks, Christie!
I LOVE this series and of course Diane and her witty writing! I have all of the books and have gotten coworkers addicted to this series as well.
Thanks, Leslie! I appreciate you getting your coworkers hooked on the books!
Tara and a country western star should make a fun book.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
It’s “kick up your heels” fun!
Another new author and series!
You can always count on Dru’s recommendations. ; )
The book and the series sound great, will have to add it to my tbr list. Thanks for the chance to win your book.
Thanks, Jen!
Sounds like a fun read.
Thanks for stopping by, Rita!
This book sounds like a fun read. I love the cover. Thanks for this chance to win it.
Our pleasure! Good luck!
Sounds like a great read.
Added to my wish list.
Thanks Diane for interacting with my readers.
Contest is closed.
My pleasure! You’ve got a great following here!