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Death and the Taxman

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Never trust a dying auditor.

Allies are few and hijinks are many in this hilarious race against time as the Grim Reaper himself tries to cheat death and avoid an audit by Hell’s Auditor and the Office of Micromanagement.

After sharing an ill-advised cup of tea with IRS auditor Frank Totmann, Grim finds himself trapped in Frank’s life amid a world of dangers: love, betrayal, reckless cabbies, implacable demon hunters, and the incessant needs that keep his body ticking . . . for now.

But what happens when Death isn't shepherding souls to their final destinations? When bodies refuse to die in a world-wide epidemic of miraculous survivals? Grim has seen this once before. He knows what's coming, and it's not good . . .

“A wry look at humankind from the outside, Death and the Taxman takes the reader on a fast-moving journey they won’t want to stop until they have finished the last page.”
— Jody Lynn Nye, NYT and USA Today Best-Selling author of the Myth-Adventures of Aahz and Skeeve.

274 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2024

9 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

David Hankins

14 books26 followers
Award-winning author David Hankins writes from the thriving cornfields of Iowa where he lives with his wife, daughter, and two dragons disguised as cats. David joined the US Army after college and, through some glitch in the bureaucracy, convinced Uncle Sam to fund his wanderlust for twenty years. He has lived in and traveled through much of Europe, central Asia, and the United States. Now that he’s retired from the Army, David is devoted to his passions of writing, traveling with his family, and finding new ways to pay his mortgage.

You can find him at https://davidhankins.com

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5 stars
43 (66%)
4 stars
14 (21%)
3 stars
5 (7%)
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2 (3%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Kitty G Books.
1,691 reviews2,968 followers
September 3, 2024
Read as a judge for #SPFBO.

This is a one off little story which I read as a judge for the #SPFBO and I’m very happy that the competition got me to pick this up as it’s not something I usually would have. Comedy in fantasy is something I tend to struggle a bit with, and I wasn’t sure what to make of the title, but this feels a little bit inspired by writing like Pratchett with the personification of Death as the Grim Reaper. Grim is about to go off harvesting souls when he’s tricked into a body swap, and becomes human. After that his whole mission is to get back to being death as he can’t be stuck in this human world and body, and his ‘replacement’ isn’t doing a very good job!

The plot is easy to get into with a quick beginning and the action feels like it’s ongoing throughout. Grim is lost in the human world, not knowing how to do basic things, and yet somehow scraping along, which makes for an eventful evasion of enemies and some hilarity.

I do think that some of the humour in this book worked well for me and other things fell a bit flat (the usual for me with comedy in books). Overall I think this is well written and one of the better comedic fantasy titles I’ve tried in a while. Apparently the story started as a short story and was fleshed into a longer novel later. I liked that it felt substantial enough as a book but still fast moving and I never felt bored whilst reading it.

It’s short and sweet and if you like comedy more than me in books then I can see you’d enjoy this one. I thought it was a standalone but apparently another one and the same world and following Grim is due out, so that’s cool that it’s a series. I gave it a solid 3.5/5 which is 7/10 for #SPFBO and I hope more people will give this a try as it’s a very solid little adventure tale.
Profile Image for Alinar Den.
Author 13 books43 followers
May 24, 2025
Such a fun read!
I needed a palate cleanser, and this book was just a perfect choice!
Smooth, fun, exciting, unexpected.
It carries the refreshing magic of a new perspective. It's full of unexpected realizations.
It made me giggle, which was highly appreciated!
Profile Image for Raymond Parish.
Author 3 books17 followers
September 10, 2025
I acquired this novel when I happened into a lovely bookstore in Dubuque, and the author was on site. Death and the Taxman is a fast- moving, engaging, humorous story - in a genre previously unfamiliar to me. I recommend David Hankin's unique spin on life, death, and the days adventures along the way. (Raymond Parish, pen name, Hank Anderson Mystery series)
42 reviews
December 6, 2025
Damned Auditors

A humorous and well-constructed tale. Death becomes human, and doesn’t like the details of living. Or discovering he is no longer immune from demons.
Profile Image for Doc Honour.
Author 3 books13 followers
May 1, 2025
Buy this book!

One of the best, easy reads I’ve found in a long time, not unexpected from a novel that expanded on an international contest winner. Hankins has a knack for humor that shines on every page, as Death is suddenly forced to endure being human while his duties go unattended and the highest forces of Hell chase him down. Death manages to find friends and helpers among the highest forces of the IRS, banishing demons while running from auditors. Truly entertaining, a book not to be missed.
1 review
August 29, 2025
I bought this book a couple years ago then completely forgot about it. I picked it up about a week ago and couldn't put it down! The story has a playful light-hearted vibe that never takes itself too seriously, while at the same time hinting at a much larger world. Felt like Harry Potter with the backdrop of Christian mythology instead of magic. I loved every minute of it and bought every one of the author's books afterwards. Great read!
Profile Image for Ellis Eden.
26 reviews9 followers
April 17, 2024
What happens when you cheat death, leaving him to pick up the pieces of your tax auditor life? A hilarious and madcap adventure through Sumerian bone dust and Apfstrudel, obviously!

This story is a light-hearted take on the meaning of life, as seen through the lens of Death. If you enjoy fast-paced, clever novels with a dash of philosophy, I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Catherine Weaver.
Author 6 books16 followers
April 15, 2024
A fun ride from beginning to end, with many laugh out loud moments. The story was filled with heartwarming characters, exciting chases and fights, a cat who can travel to Hell and back, and much more. I’m ready for the sequel!
537 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2025
This is another of those books that falls between ratings -- 3 and 4 in this case. I gave it a 4 because it was such fund to read. Nothing deep here just another take on the grim reaper (like nothing you have read before).
Profile Image for Ron Shaw.
46 reviews6 followers
November 5, 2024
A witty woven tale of dark humor and the timeless question about your car’s warranty. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Mark.
Author 124 books177 followers
May 29, 2024
This was a fun, clever, and inventive romp. Easy to see how the short story it was based on won the Writers of the Future award that year.
Profile Image for Anna Schmidt.
48 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2025
Would you believe a book about death and taxes could be funny? David Hankins takes readers on a ridiculous and hilarious adventure about an auditor who cheats Death and Death who must right the balance of heaven and hell while trapped in a human body.
Profile Image for Cat Girczyc.
51 reviews4 followers
May 17, 2024
fun romp through a week with Death

I really enjoyed this book. It's a fun romp through a week with the grim Reaper who gets tricked into becoming a human. Lots of great characters and a fast moving plot. A great summer read!
1 review
June 6, 2024
Funny and smart. A good combination.

Great, easy read. Written in a fluid, readable style. No dull sections. The story continues to develop with some surprising turns. You’re gonna love it.
Profile Image for Rachel Morton.
33 reviews
May 5, 2025
In David Hankins' whimsical fantasy novel, "Death and the Taxman," the personification of Death finds himself in a most undignified predicament. The narrative commences with the ultimate immortal being unceremoniously thrust into the frail, mortal form of a tax auditor – a fate deemed utterly unbecoming of his powerful stature and vital cosmic responsibilities. Stripped of his spectral form and divine authority, the once formidable Reaper of Souls is now trapped within the confines of a decidedly mundane existence. The central conflict of the story ignites with Death's desperate quest to unravel the deception that led to his corporeal imprisonment. He must navigate the complexities of human life, a realm he once merely oversaw, in order to discover the means of reclaiming his immortal essence and returning to his crucial role in the natural order. The novel promises a humorous and imaginative exploration of mortality and immortality, as the embodiment of Death grapples with the absurdities and limitations of human existence while striving to regain his rightful place in the grand tapestry of the universe.


In a story that is so punny funny you forget the plot is there, David Hankins' "Death and the Taxman" offers a surprisingly engaging narrative where the overarching plot subtly unfolds, gradually drawing the reader into the lives of its deeply human characters. You'll find yourself unexpectedly invested in the well-being of these supporting players within a grand, timeless story. The novel presents a unique and humorous perspective on humanity through the eyes of ancient, immortal beings, representing opposing celestial realms. Their interactions and daily routines are cleverly framed by a layer of earthly bureaucracy that will feel instantly familiar to fans of "The Office." This blend of the extraordinary and the ordinary creates a delightful and relatable backdrop for the unfolding events. Readers who typically find bureaucratic processes tedious will likely find a comedic appreciation in Hankins' portrayal. Furthermore, those who enjoy the imaginative and witty storytelling of Neil Gaiman or the humorous fantasy of Terry Pratchett will discover a similar charm in Hankins' work. "Death and the Taxman" distinguishes itself with its lighthearted tone and brisk pacing, ensuring that the reader remains entertained and engaged throughout. The world Hankins has crafted is a compelling juxtaposition of the everyday and the fantastical, where the mundane aspects of existence intertwine with the extraordinary elements of immortality and the afterlife, resulting in a truly original and captivating reading experience.
Profile Image for Kat  Baker .
25 reviews
May 19, 2024
Five stars might be a tad generous but I love supporting a local author. I felt the last 30 pages to be very rushed and had the vibe of setting this up for a sequel which I don’t think the overall story line can support. There are also some unanswered questions, possibly due to my previous suspicion. But overall This was such a fun and sweet story. Humorous and glib, getting to the heart of what it means to be human. I will definitely be recommending this book I very much enjoyed it.
63 reviews8 followers
February 16, 2024
3.5 rounded up. The Grim Reaper was fantastic, but ultimately it did still feel like a stretched out short story... which it was.
Profile Image for Beth.
110 reviews11 followers
April 21, 2025
Maybe it was the title, the cover illustration (which is a GREAT and hilarious oil painting but not the kind of image that typically adorns my books), or the notion of "fantasy" that put me off ... but I was slow to open this novel.

But three factors finally compelled me to dive in:

1. The author lives not far from the bookstore my husband Jim and I run in Geneseo, Illinois.
2. I enjoy talking with this author and am entertained by his social media content.
3. Jim and I chose this title for our bookstore's monthly book club discussion.

When at last I began the book, and by the time I was halfway through, I wondered how my own limited thinking might be limiting my intake of good storytelling. Have I really been (mis)judging books by their covers?!

David Hankins is funny, and he's a deep thinker. This story is loaded not just with humor, but with observations that may prompt you to contemplate life and death and the purpose of living.

My favorite moment is when a demon is taking the soul from the body of an old man who has just died. The soul appears younger than the deceased man. The book tells us that this is because your soul matches your self image. WHOA. What a profound thought! (One that inspired great conversation at our book club gathering.)

Try this novel. Try books that are not your "usual." Read the works of local authors!
6 reviews
September 12, 2025
Death and the Taxman is sharp, hilarious, and unexpectedly profound. David Hankins has created a story that balances laugh-out-loud comedy with clever twists and surprising heart. The premise alone is genius Death trapped in an IRS auditor’s body and the execution is even better. Every page brims with wit, yet beneath the humor lies a thoughtful exploration of mortality, bureaucracy, and the absurdity of life. This is one of those rare books that entertains from start to finish while leaving you grinning long after the last page.
Profile Image for karmi.
2 reviews
September 15, 2025
eath and the Taxman by David Hankins is a funny, clever, and surprisingly heartfelt read. The story throws the Grim Reaper and an IRS agent into a battle of loopholes and paperwork, mixing dark humor with sharp wit. What makes it stand out is how, beneath all this fantasy world, very human emotions are presented. If you like the satirical vibe of Terry Pratchett or Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens, this is a quick, entertaining book that’s both fun and thought-provoking.
1 review
June 14, 2025
I came for the comedy; I stayed for the story.

Like the book description says, Death swaps bodies with a human and has to figure out how to get back. It’s funny, intriguing, and at times, touching.

The comedy: There are jokes, quips, banter, the usual. It was fun and I laughed out loud a few times. However, none of the humor ever pulled me out of the story, which is always a danger with comedy. It never gets “meta”. Every joke makes sense and mainly involves the classic “stranger in a strange land” variety.

The story: This is unveiled, bit by bit, through a wide variety of interesting characters. I never found myself skimming when a new character showed up. They each seemed well-grounded, with their own motivations and agendas that, while often strange, made sense. I quickly found myself invested in Death and in this strange and intriguing reflection of our world, where the bureaucracies of heaven and hell battle, clipboards in hand, for the souls of humanity.

I could end this review there, but some jokes, a cool concept, and an interesting world usually aren’t enough for me to get fully engaged with a story. That’s where the main character shines. Death isn’t just a one-dimensional skeleton with a cool robe. He has a rich history, and as I got to know him, I found myself cheering for him.
Profile Image for Daniel Yocom.
206 reviews6 followers
July 31, 2024
Frank Totmann is, or rather was a man who played by the numbers. Like his work as an auditor for the Internal Revenue Service, he was methodical in his planning. Even when it came down to his death, and how he was going to avoid it.

Death and the Taxman was an enjoyable fun read.

There are family elements in the story that bring different levels of humor to the characters. Part of making the humor work is it is all very earthy, or human, making it relatable.

The main plot of events is resolved, and the promises made at the start of the story are fulfilled. However, Death makes a comment along the lines when people die, they leave unfinished business. There are hooks dropped in Death and the Taxman I am sure we can look forward to more adventures of Death and Frank. I am interested in seeing where Hankins is going to take us on this metaphysical journey.

I recommend Death and the Taxman to readers who enjoy a lighter read that allows for a level of reflection on our own lives.

You can read the full review at https://guildmastergaming.blogspot.co...
Profile Image for Lori Alden Holuta.
Author 19 books67 followers
June 22, 2024
As a fan of Terry Pratchett's version of Death, I was easily pulled into this story by the blurb's promise of death cheating hijinks and hilarity. And as a former cubicle dweller and lifelong fearer of taxes, it really was inevitable that I'd give this story a go.

I found it to be everything the blurbie promised... and more! Once I'd explored the 'fish out of water' hilarity of Death trying to blend in with humanity while learning how to drive his unwished-for new body and grappling with an endless flood of robocalls regarding his extended warranty, the author deftly raises the stakes. The story expands into a tale of epic proportions. The latter part of the book is filled with genuine beauty, heartbreak, passion, and determination.

Can a book start out as a sitcom and end with interesting answers to the big questions about life? Yes. Yes it can. And as a bonus, you'll gain a deeper understanding of cats and their place in the universe.
Profile Image for Wulf Moon.
Author 51 books19 followers
May 17, 2024
Professional, clear writing with a hilarious premise: the Grim Reaper gets outsmarted by a dying tax auditor and gets stuck in a mortal body! Will he be able to hunt down the man that swapped places with him before the underworld finds out and rakes Death over the coals? You'll love dancing with Death as you follow his fish-out-of-water journey in the realm of mortals!

What's more, this book has already proven itself. The story by the same title won the world's largest talent search for speculative fiction writers: the Writers of the Future Contest. David Hankins successfully crowdfunded the creation of the novel through Kickstarter and was awarded both of their coveted promotions: Project We Love and Project of the Day. Don't miss this debut novel by a rising star that has the talent to bring Death ... to life!
5 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2024
Death and the Taxman is a fabulous novel! This story is an entertaining romp through the world David Hankins continues to embody in many of his stories. The humor is palpable, but not overbearing. I also found the details he included regarding angels and demons very interesting because he took a few moments to go deeper than the "norm". The most interesting aspect of this novel, however, is the fact that this originated as a short story (that garnered the author a Writers of the Future win). He took the story and expanded it into this amazing novel, and the writing is so good that this little tidbit was completely unnoticeable. This is a must-read for anyone looking for humor, emotional depth, and truly distinct characters, all wrapped up in a wonderful tale!
Profile Image for BookmarkedOne.
108 reviews26 followers
April 14, 2024
It's weird to think that it's been almost a year since the original "Death and the Taxman" short story was released.

But it's nice to come back to Grim's world.

He's still just as humorously flummoxed by doorknobs, but his quest to stop this nonsense of being trapped in a human body is now accompanied by new characters, new places, and new adventures.

And, of course, there's more Cora.

It reads like a bedtime story for grown-ups--charming, funny, lighthearted, and thoughtful in turn.

But most of all, it's a story that reminds you to be in love with life. And that, I think, is the best part of all.

Longer review for the curious: https://bookmarkedone.home.blog/2024/...
552 reviews4 followers
May 28, 2025
Two things in life are inevitable, death and taxes. In this story they are still inevitable but some wiggle room is available. Frank Totmann is a senior IRS auditor who is in poor health and works way too much with little going on outside of work. One day Frank is at his desk when THE big heart attack gets him, or does it? Turns out Frank has been planning for this eventuality and pulls a fast one on Death and somehow changes places. Death is stuck in Frank's body, with a bad ticker, and Frank sort of takes over Death's duties. Hijinks definitely ensue.
This is a rollicking, scary, warm hearted romp about life, death and a little taxes. Well written, engrossing and well worth the "audit". Enjoy
Profile Image for Candice Lisle.
73 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2023
Hilarious book! I got this book from David Hankins' Kickstarter. It will be available to the public on April 15th, Tax Day. I laughed out loud many times. It isn't just funny. It's hilarious! I found myself laughing at Death and his problems with doorknobs. Too many kinds that work too many different ways. I found myself cheering for the cat! Part of my support of the Kickstarter came in the form of being Tuckerized in this novel. David made me into a nurse. I admire nurses and Nurse Lisle is a good one in this story! David has left it open for a sequel which makes me very happy. Fast paced, fun story! Highly recommended!!
Profile Image for Jen Bair.
Author 18 books11 followers
July 3, 2024
This was a fantastic story. When the grim reaper and the IRS get tangled up with guardian angels, demons with their own agendas, and Hell's Bureau of Micromanagement, nothing goes right. I love the humor, very Terry-Pratchett-like in nature, brushing on the impracticalities of the human condition. While I enjoyed the short story version of Death and the Taxman, I was a little worried the novel would just be a longer version of the same plot. I was pleasantly surprised to see it introduces multiple larger plot threads that combine for a thrilling story that's as compelling as the short version with plenty of new material to hold my interest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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