What do you think?
Rate this book
Tara Holloway #3
Death, Taxes, and Extra-Hold Hairspray
When you’re an agent for the IRS, it’s always tax time. And this season, Tara Holloway is up to her neck in work with two very knotty cases. One involves a charismatic minister who’s using his mega-church as a tax shelter. The other is a crazy militant who’s trying to turn Texas into a separate country. With her boyfriend out of town and her partner reassigned, Tara is on her own—and things are getting hairy.
If dealing with the Lone Star State isn’t enough, Tara has other new issues to take into account: There’s a sexy new agent named Nick, who’s got her head in the clouds...and Tara’s boss, Lu, who’s having a hair problem of epic proportions: not even her Chinese contraband industrial-strength hairspray is enough to keep her signature strawberry blonde beehive from falling flat. Can Tara help Lu find a wig—and keep from wigging out over Nick? Love, updos, taxes—this time, Tara’s got a whole lot of kinks to iron out…
If dealing with the Lone Star State isn’t enough, Tara has other new issues to take into account: There’s a sexy new agent named Nick, who’s got her head in the clouds...and Tara’s boss, Lu, who’s having a hair problem of epic proportions: not even her Chinese contraband industrial-strength hairspray is enough to keep her signature strawberry blonde beehive from falling flat. Can Tara help Lu find a wig—and keep from wigging out over Nick? Love, updos, taxes—this time, Tara’s got a whole lot of kinks to iron out…
352 pages, ebook
First published June 26, 2012
55 people are currently reading
853 people want to read
About the author
Diane Kelly
69 books1,227 followersAward-winning author Diane Kelly writes romance and romantic mysteries featuring feisty heroines, quirky sidekicks, and sexy leading men, with humor that leaves readers laughing out loud.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 7, 2017
4.5 stars
I have a new obsession and her name is Tara Holloway. To be honest, I’ve had these books on my bookshelf for quite a long time and I haven’t had a chance to read them until now. But since I’ve had this Cozy Mystery kick, I figured that I would read these since I already have so many of them. This is the first book that I read from the series and although it’s technically the third in the series, I had no problem jumping into the story.
Tara is an agent for the IRS and like most people I know, I associate taxes is really boring people. However, Tara is probably the most lively heroine I’ve read in a long time. Immediately I fell for her because of her snark and sense of humor. If you can’t guess by the cover of these books, they are going to be light read, but don’t think for one moment that they don’t pack a punch.
Diane Kelly does a wonderful job of exploring white collar crime. Not only if she highly detailed, but there are so many laugh out loud moments in this book, I felt like I bookmarked every single page.
In addition to the wonderful cases, there’s a touch of romance in this series as well. Although Tara is technically matched up with someone already, she has the hots for temporary partner, Nick.
Nick – Oh man, this guy is everything a woman would want in a guy. He’s a tad cocky but not over the top to where your eyes roll over in your head. It’s just enough to make you smile and I think Kelly did a great job with his character. The other secondary characters are amazing as well. In fact, I fell in love with the whole crew, which is why I’m so excited that I found this series. I have a feeling that I’m going to be glomming the rest of the series because they are so damn fun!
The Tara Holloway series is packed with hilarious antics and fast-paced action. If you’re looking for something that is wholly unique, Diane Kelly is your girl.
I have a new obsession and her name is Tara Holloway. To be honest, I’ve had these books on my bookshelf for quite a long time and I haven’t had a chance to read them until now. But since I’ve had this Cozy Mystery kick, I figured that I would read these since I already have so many of them. This is the first book that I read from the series and although it’s technically the third in the series, I had no problem jumping into the story.
Tara is an agent for the IRS and like most people I know, I associate taxes is really boring people. However, Tara is probably the most lively heroine I’ve read in a long time. Immediately I fell for her because of her snark and sense of humor. If you can’t guess by the cover of these books, they are going to be light read, but don’t think for one moment that they don’t pack a punch.
Diane Kelly does a wonderful job of exploring white collar crime. Not only if she highly detailed, but there are so many laugh out loud moments in this book, I felt like I bookmarked every single page.
In addition to the wonderful cases, there’s a touch of romance in this series as well. Although Tara is technically matched up with someone already, she has the hots for temporary partner, Nick.
Nick – Oh man, this guy is everything a woman would want in a guy. He’s a tad cocky but not over the top to where your eyes roll over in your head. It’s just enough to make you smile and I think Kelly did a great job with his character. The other secondary characters are amazing as well. In fact, I fell in love with the whole crew, which is why I’m so excited that I found this series. I have a feeling that I’m going to be glomming the rest of the series because they are so damn fun!
The Tara Holloway series is packed with hilarious antics and fast-paced action. If you’re looking for something that is wholly unique, Diane Kelly is your girl.
April 13, 2015
This was just plain fun. In tone, the Tara Holloway series reminds me a bit of the chick lit books we used to see all over the place. The books are told in first person, and Tara is pretty snarky indeed. Because the plots involve goofy, off-the-wall mysteries and there's a bit of a love triangle shaping up, the comparisons to Stephanie Plum are pretty obvious.
However, I have to say that, as of this book, I'm starting to like Tara better than Stephanie. Sure, the mysteries here are best described as wild capers and there are all kinds of goofy antics. However, underneath it all, Tara is actually competent and good at what she does. She and her sidekicks function as a team, and they seem to take turns rescuing one another throughout the books. I'm not 100% sure that I'm going to like how the romantic plots play out, but as of now, I am still happily along for the ride.
However, I have to say that, as of this book, I'm starting to like Tara better than Stephanie. Sure, the mysteries here are best described as wild capers and there are all kinds of goofy antics. However, underneath it all, Tara is actually competent and good at what she does. She and her sidekicks function as a team, and they seem to take turns rescuing one another throughout the books. I'm not 100% sure that I'm going to like how the romantic plots play out, but as of now, I am still happily along for the ride.
May 3, 2019
Another fun adventure with Tara. This book was laugh out loud funny and justice was served in the end, can't ask for more than that. Excited to see what happens next.
October 10, 2023
A high-spirited romp with IRS tax fraud investigator Tara Holloway, the third in the series.
This episode finds our sassy sleuth on the trail of two cases: A TV mega-preacher living his best life with luxury limos and loose ladies, and a militant Free State type holing up with stockpiles of firearms and potted meat.
The preacher is the more interesting of the two, just cause a sleazoid man of The Lord holds our interest every time. Plus there’s something about the Follow Me And Get Rich! message that reminds me of a certain other Texas-based super pastor currently shaking his money maker every Sunday on TV.
Another big part of the story is Tara’s lust for her co-worker Nick, which accounts for a whole lot of what we got here. Tara’s steady lover man Brett is out of town for work, see, and with the cat away Tara’s attention wanders to Nick and his whiskey-colored eyes, which we hear about at least a dozen times. To me, this takes away from the more interesting story arc and left me wishing for more preacher, less Nick, please.
But I enjoyed this as a fun and fast read, though maybe not as much as the first volume in this series. But if you’re here for the romance element as much as the fraud investigation, saddle up for a ride you’re sure to enjoy.
This episode finds our sassy sleuth on the trail of two cases: A TV mega-preacher living his best life with luxury limos and loose ladies, and a militant Free State type holing up with stockpiles of firearms and potted meat.
The preacher is the more interesting of the two, just cause a sleazoid man of The Lord holds our interest every time. Plus there’s something about the Follow Me And Get Rich! message that reminds me of a certain other Texas-based super pastor currently shaking his money maker every Sunday on TV.
Another big part of the story is Tara’s lust for her co-worker Nick, which accounts for a whole lot of what we got here. Tara’s steady lover man Brett is out of town for work, see, and with the cat away Tara’s attention wanders to Nick and his whiskey-colored eyes, which we hear about at least a dozen times. To me, this takes away from the more interesting story arc and left me wishing for more preacher, less Nick, please.
But I enjoyed this as a fun and fast read, though maybe not as much as the first volume in this series. But if you’re here for the romance element as much as the fraud investigation, saddle up for a ride you’re sure to enjoy.
June 28, 2012
Who wrote the rule that you can only have one man in your life?
Tara Holloway continues her pursuit to bring in the tax evaders whatever way necessary. Her partner these days is very Special Agent Nick who is a walking eye orgasm and way too much temptation for Tara. Being in a committed relationship to a great guy makes her behave, but it is not easy.
Chasing down the crazies who set up their own Nation and bringing a minister to his knees for more than a prayer group are every day events. Tara may get caught in the strangest circumstances but she does know her way home with or without Nick too close for comfort.
When the preacher does a great bob and weave away from the long arm of the law, Tara and Nick decide this is not a closed case. Undercover pursuit, long hours on surveillance, and chasing down a man too slick for his own good is just in a day’s work. At some point Tara is going to have to decide whom the future looks brighter with and that is not going to be a walk in the park.
Diane Kelly knows how to rock the romance, and roll the story right into a delightful mix of high drama with great characters.
Tara Holloway continues her pursuit to bring in the tax evaders whatever way necessary. Her partner these days is very Special Agent Nick who is a walking eye orgasm and way too much temptation for Tara. Being in a committed relationship to a great guy makes her behave, but it is not easy.
Chasing down the crazies who set up their own Nation and bringing a minister to his knees for more than a prayer group are every day events. Tara may get caught in the strangest circumstances but she does know her way home with or without Nick too close for comfort.
When the preacher does a great bob and weave away from the long arm of the law, Tara and Nick decide this is not a closed case. Undercover pursuit, long hours on surveillance, and chasing down a man too slick for his own good is just in a day’s work. At some point Tara is going to have to decide whom the future looks brighter with and that is not going to be a walk in the park.
Diane Kelly knows how to rock the romance, and roll the story right into a delightful mix of high drama with great characters.
June 2, 2012
Ms. Kelly knows how to write a hilarious book. I have to say that I can see Nick's charm very well. Enjoyable read. Recommended.
Reviewed in the July issue of Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
Reviewed in the July issue of Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
August 4, 2017
Ok. Fine. I see where she's going with this and how she's handling it ... so i might stay on board.
July 6, 2022
Having an IRS agent as the main character made for an interesting change in mystery reading.
August 13, 2012
This is a great series and this one is the best one yet. These books are definitely more "chick lit" than cozy mysteries, due to the fact that there is more "language", which doesn't bother me, but I know does bother some cozy fans. And there's more sex and thinking about sex. Anyway, this story involves one of my favorite things....a POS phony preacher who gets shown up for what he is. One of my big problems with organized religion is people like this guy. "Stealin' in the name of the Lord", and the church members going along like blind sheep. Arggggghhhhhh!! So, long story short, good read and a big RECOMMEND!!
October 5, 2017
I found Diane Kelly while looking for more female sleuths with a sense of humor to keep me entertained. Tara Holloway, the protagonist, is an IRS agent in Texas. She's a little bit sassy, old enough to know her way around a hand gun and the blind dating circuit, and a good gal pal to hang out with. There is a romantic sub-plot with Nick the sexy new IRS agent and a good comic running plot that involves some nuts with ammo wanting Texas to form its own country and an Elmer Gantry minister running a mega church while hiding a luxurious and, er, less than Christian life style. An easy ride with writing and characterization at a higher level than many books classified as "cozy mysteries." Satisfied my itch for a few laughs, a little bit of romance, and some whacky crime capers.
July 4, 2021
I love this series. I love Tara she is an amazing strong woman who is also fun. I am glad of a heroine who is not only able to stand on her own two feet doesn't have a terrible relationship with her family and parents. The story line was entertaining and I loved every minute of it except when Tara chooses wrongly of the guys. I am totally for the other guy. A fantastic read.
January 8, 2017
I have a new obsession and her name is Tara Holloway. To be honest, I’ve had these books on my bookshelf for quite a long time and I haven’t had a chance to read them until now. But since I’ve had this Cozy Mystery kick, I figured that I would read these since I already have so many of them. This is the first book that I read from the series and although it’s technically the third in the series, I had no problem jumping into the story.
Tara is an agent for the IRS and like most people I know, I associate taxes is really boring people. However, Tara is probably the most lively heroine I’ve read in a long time. Immediately I fell for her because of her snark and sense of humor. If you can’t guess by the cover of these books, they are going to be light read, but don’t think for one moment that they don’t pack a punch.
Diane Kelly does a wonderful job of exploring white collar crime. Not only if she highly detailed, but there are so many laugh out loud moments in this book, I felt like I bookmarked every single page.
In addition to the wonderful cases, there’s a touch of romance in this series as well. Although Tara is techinically matched up with someone already, she has the hots for temporary partner, Nick.
Nick – Oh man, this guy is everything a woman would want in a guy. He’s a tad cocky but not over the top to where your eyes roll over in your head. It’s just enough to make you smile and I think Kelly did a great job with his character. The other secondary characters are amazing as well. In fact, I fell in love with the whole crew, which is why I’m so excited that I found this series. I have a feeling that I’m going to be glomming the rest of the series because they are so damn fun!
The Tara Holloway series is packed with hilarious antics and fast-paced action. If you’re looking for something that is wholly unique, Diane Kelly is your girl.
*Reviewed by Annie
❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
June 25, 2025
I enjoyed this book! It was fine and kept my attention and had a pretty good storyline. Tara as the main character was a little more difficult for me to relate to and understand her thought processes, but I did eventually warm up to her a lot more. I do wish I read the first two books in the series before reading this one but it did give me a new perspective of Tara’s character and her actions. I would read another book in this series!
November 6, 2012
I'd like to thank my sister for putting me on to Diane Kelly's novels. She graciously lent me her copy of this book while I was at her house tonight and told me to "just read the first chapter". So after five chapters she took her book back and I drove straight to our local bookstore to buy my own copy! This is the third book in a series, but it can be read without reading the first two. I did buy the other two books tonight also, but I had to finish this one since I'd already fallen in love with it. One warning...don't have a beverage and read this book at the same time or you'll end up doing what I did, which was laugh so hard you spit Cherry Coke all over the pages! The main characters were easy to fall in love with and root for. Who knew the I.R.S. had sex appeal??? Whew though...Nick is H-O-T! If there is an I.R.S. agent like Nick, I will gladly submit myself for an audit. Tara is a strong female character and exactly the type of main character I enjoy--a girl who sticks to her guns-literally! I absolutely can't wait to read the other books and find out what I missed. With Diane Kelly's sense of humor, I'll stick with drinking water from now on so I don't stain the pages.
November 6, 2012
WARNING - Don’t read while kids are sleeping…I laughed so hard, accidentally snorted, then went into a coughing fit that woke up my three year-old! Diane Kelly’s quick wit and hilarious word usage will have you laughing - the gut wrenching, snorting type that isn’t very ladylike in the least! From her “pogo-stick riding,” to the poor dog named “Nutty,” and many undisclosed cases of spam, I have just added another favorite to my list of awesome authors!
This is the first book I’ve read in the series, thanks to winning the book on Goodreads First Reads, but I plan to buy the rest to see where the craziness of the IRS takes Tara and Nick. Who knew being a suit could be so much fun - I so want to be a bad-a** gun-toting IRS chic now,(but only if I get Nick - and his ASSETS - for a partner!) Diane Kelly…U ROCK!!!
This is the first book I’ve read in the series, thanks to winning the book on Goodreads First Reads, but I plan to buy the rest to see where the craziness of the IRS takes Tara and Nick. Who knew being a suit could be so much fun - I so want to be a bad-a** gun-toting IRS chic now,(but only if I get Nick - and his ASSETS - for a partner!) Diane Kelly…U ROCK!!!
July 10, 2012
I think this may be my favourite book in this series so far. I thought that the plot was a slightly different spin on the typical mystery - no murders for a start - and the need for Tara to be creative in order to bring down the 'bad guy'. I put this on my shelves as a cozy mystery, but really it's a bit more of a chick-lit mystery - the romance is just a little bit more explicit and the language just a little bit more vulgar than what most would consider "cozy". But the humour is dry and wry and the romantic tension is ratcheted up a notch in this book as Tara tries to decide who is a better fit in her life, Brett or Nick.
An excellent read, I really enjoyed it.
An excellent read, I really enjoyed it.
September 1, 2013
Tara Holloway is my hero! She gets better with each book in this series. This time around she is up against militant separatists and a slimy evangelist of a mega church. Her new partner, Agent Nick Pratt, adds some romantic tension and causes her to rethink her relationship with landscaper, Brett. There are moments that are laugh out loud funny and others that make you say oohhh! Fast, fun and furious! 4 stars
July 5, 2012
I really love this series, and this one hit close to home because my sister just escaped from a cult-like church with a pastor exactly like this one who was doing the exact same things!! Unfortunately he is still not in prison where he belongs --- maybe these two characters would like to take care of him, too. It was a very good read!
July 7, 2012
This is a genuinely amusing romance in which our heroine takes on Texan secessionists and the god-fearing members of a mega-church to ensure the US government collects its proper share of tax. After solving the government's problem, all she had to do is decide between the two men in her life.
http://opionator.wordpress.com/2012/0...
http://opionator.wordpress.com/2012/0...
July 17, 2012
I really enjoyed the mystery without the murder. Tara is a lively personality. Trying to take down a televangelist with a taste for his parishioners money. I can't wait 'til the next one.
July 10, 2012
I really enjoy these funny well thought out stories, I hope these stories just keep coming as well written and funny as the first three were.
October 23, 2014
I enjoyed the latest adventures of Tara Holloway. I always like to see what trouble Tara gets herself into.
June 27, 2018
These books get better as we go along.
It had more heart and less fat shaming than the previous 2 books.
Tara Holloway is a fun character and in this book her eye is turning away from her boyfriend, Brett who I adored but is not quite right for Tara. Her eye is straying towards her coworker, Nick. In addiction, she is under a lot of stress because her boss, Lu, is undergoing cancer treatment and her usual partner, Eddie, is acting as supervisor in Lu's absence. She is also working several big cases.
As an IRS criminal investigator, Tara is looking into members of a separatist group as well as a huge Texas church with a minister that is not paying his fair share of taxes. Both of these cases become sticky and frustrate Tara's life.
Overall, this is a fun series with great characters and well written thrills that keep you guessing what Tara is going to get herself into next.
It had more heart and less fat shaming than the previous 2 books.
Tara Holloway is a fun character and in this book her eye is turning away from her boyfriend, Brett who I adored but is not quite right for Tara. Her eye is straying towards her coworker, Nick. In addiction, she is under a lot of stress because her boss, Lu, is undergoing cancer treatment and her usual partner, Eddie, is acting as supervisor in Lu's absence. She is also working several big cases.
As an IRS criminal investigator, Tara is looking into members of a separatist group as well as a huge Texas church with a minister that is not paying his fair share of taxes. Both of these cases become sticky and frustrate Tara's life.
Overall, this is a fun series with great characters and well written thrills that keep you guessing what Tara is going to get herself into next.
October 12, 2018
This book had been on my bedside table for years, languishing. I actually almost gave it away a couple times. I'm so glad I was lazy!
Tara Holloway is an investigator for the IRS, and this time she's chasing wild ones. The elderly leader of a secessionist group in Texas and the pastor of a Megachurch who is more interested in the latest fashion and his latest sexual conquest than saving souls. Along with Nick, the Special Agent; Josh, the virginal tech guru; Lu, her pink beehive-wearing supervisor; and a host of other characters, Tara gets into all kinds of adventures.
If you like your cozies with some humor and a little sexual tension, pick up this series!
Tara Holloway is an investigator for the IRS, and this time she's chasing wild ones. The elderly leader of a secessionist group in Texas and the pastor of a Megachurch who is more interested in the latest fashion and his latest sexual conquest than saving souls. Along with Nick, the Special Agent; Josh, the virginal tech guru; Lu, her pink beehive-wearing supervisor; and a host of other characters, Tara gets into all kinds of adventures.
If you like your cozies with some humor and a little sexual tension, pick up this series!
June 18, 2023
Hmm ... I'm done with this series. I wouldn't want to put any of the books on my reading list at school due to the NSFW sections. I didn't like this book in particular, because of some of the things that happened in the book that were ... not right? uncomfortable for me personally? I'm not liking the love rectangle situation, which I assume will resolve, but this is not for me at this time in my life. There are many books to read in the world. Perhaps I will revisit this series later as I have enjoyed other books by Diane Kelly.
July 27, 2022
Death, Taxes and Extra-Hold Hairspray by Diane Kelly is the 3rd book in the Tara Holloway Mystery series. IRS agent Tara Holloway takes on a militant member of the Lone Star State as well as a high profile minister misusing church funds. A fun and entertaining book where Tara struggles with her love life while trying to help her boss who is undergoing cancer treatment. Lots of laughs and fun characters that you can't help but love despite them working for the tax department.
August 20, 2022
can we stop talking about her "girlie parts"?? I mean seriously! If it weren't for her constant focus on what's happening with her girlie parts or boy parts, sex, etc., the series would be SO MUCH BETTER! Like, the crime is fun, the characters are interesting, but the enjoyment level drops every time the phrase "girlie parts" is said. Well, I'm not ready to throw in the towel on this series just yet, but getting there.
October 14, 2024
Now I am wondering if she is only sticking it out with Brett because he was the only one who stuck it out with her, who wasn't afraid of her job and who she was. I am sorry she didn't get her regular partner. I am not sure how I feel about the new person. Josh is getting more field experience, and I bet he is enjoying that part. But really, did her life go back to normal after this case was closed with the mixed feelings she has about Brettand Nick?
November 11, 2024
Considering liens have to be filed through the clerk of courts I struggled with this just a bit. I think the character is a bit of a power hungry freak. I thought I was going to lose respect for the character, but she held onto the respect I have for her. She did not follow through, which was a good thing. And it was an absolute amazing journey to get to the prize at the bottom of the box. Incredible writing love your work Diane Kelly!
October 19, 2019
Love this series! The IRS investigative branch goes in where there is egregious tax evasion and fraud. This time a mega church and the pastor. The law is on the side of the mega church but Tara Holloway has never lost a case and she continues in her pursuit with Nick Pratt as her partner. A side story on s self proclaimed independent nation causes complications for Tara. Great story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews