Death and the Taxman

by David Hankins

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Humor, Fiction

278 pages, Hardcover

Published April 15, 2024

About the author

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

Reviews

[Kitty G Books]

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.

[Marcie Reads]

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗻?

This was such a brilliant palate cleanser. Absurdly wry, genuinely witty, and far more intelligent than I expected. The supernatural premise is wonderfully well thought out, the characters are fantastic, and the moral ambiguity gives everyone enough depth that I kept finding myself switching sides.

And Peter Wicks is fantastic. His narration makes Grim completely endearing without ever tipping into the irritating, overly sarcastic style that can ruin this kind of audiobook for me.

A clever, entertaining, very adult take on the Grim Reaper that had me smiling constantly and actually giggling more than once. Sometimes a book just needs to put a little more humour back into your life. 😂

Thank you to David Hankins, Lost Bard Enterprises, and NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

[Alinar Den]

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!

[John Sapienza]

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.

[Raymond Parish]

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)

[Doc Honour]

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.

[ROBERT L. EMMONS]

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!

[Ellis Eden]

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.

[Catherine Weaver]

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!

[Brian Gaston]

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).

[Ron Shaw]

A witty woven tale of dark humor and the timeless question about your car’s warranty. Highly recommended.

[Mark]

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.

[Anna Henkens]

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.

[Cat Girczyc]

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!

[D. James]

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.

[Rachel Morton]

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.

[Kat Baker]

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.

[Hadas]

3.5 rounded up. The Grim Reaper was fantastic, but ultimately it did still feel like a stretched out short story... which it was.

[Beth]

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!

[Pamela N.]

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.

[karmi]

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.

[June]

Fun read; nice change of pace.

[Leann Burke]

“I, the Grim Reaper, terror of men’s souls, shall forevermore despise Mondays because that was the day I met Frank Totmann.”

With that first line, David Hankins grabbed me by the soul and dragged me into Death and the Taxman, book one in his Grimsworld series. There was no putting down this story.

Death and the Taxman follows the Grim Reaper through quite possibly the second-worst week of his life. IRS auditor Frank Totmann outsmarts him with a Sumerian soul switching spell, leaving Grim trapped in the body of the gray-haired, overweight taxman with a failing heart. Meanwhile, Frank becomes a reaper, and is very, very bad at his job, not that he cares. As humans slip into comas instead of crossing into Purgatory, Grim’s list of problems grows longer and longer. In the chaos, Hell’s Auditor sees a chance to take over Grim’s job and will happily eliminate any being that gets in his way.

The stakes are high, but the prose is light-hearted and fun. It is, after all, a humor story. I especially loved the running joke of Grim constantly answering calls on Frank’s phone from telemarketers offering an extended car warranty. Of course, those calls come from Hell. Hankins reimagines Hell as a bureaucracy where souls are damned to an eternity working in cubicles and terrorizing humans through mundane annoyances like telemarketing calls. Grim will need all his patience to handle them and still outsmart The Auditor.

Death and the Taxman offers a clever look at humanity with as many heart-warming moments as jokes. Paired with the fast-paced plot and intriguing cast of character, the book is impossible to put down. As soon as I finished, I cracked open book two, Death and the Dragon. So far, it’s proving to be just as enjoyable.

[MadReads]

Death and The Taxman was such a fun romp. The Grim Reaper is tricked into swapping souls with an IRS agent and must figure out a way to change back before the lack of deaths becomes a world wide problem, and definitely before his superiors notice. It reminded me a bit of a mix of a Freaky Friday concept, the irreverent humor of Terry Prachet, with the camaraderie of Travis Baldree’s Legends & Lattes, an equally unique and interesting take on death like TJ Klune’s Under the Whispering Door, and the learning to be human of Martha Well’s Murderbot. A dash of a little bit of all my favorites. I don’t think the concepts went quite as deep as some of those other books, but the world building groundwork is there. It definitely leaned more into the humor and lighthearted side of those comparisons. I was invested right from the start, and laughing all the way through. I especially loved the bit about cat, even as a dog person. The characters were all great and interestingly fleshed out, especially for the short length. The narration was wonderful, and added a lot to the novel and characters. I also really appreciated the statement on AI and art at the end. This was a quick, fun and overall touching read. I will definitely be exploring more of David Hankins works. I can’t wait to read the sequels, and hope I can get them in audiobook format soon.

Thank you to Lost Bard Enterprises and NetGalley for the ALC.

[Patrick MacPhee]

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.

[Daniel Yocom]

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...

[Paula The Shelf Shifter]

Thank you to NetGalley and Audiobee Productions for the audiobook copy of this title.

Peter Wicks’ first-rate narration propels Death and the Taxman and makes it seem a multi-cast experience. With an outstanding voice range, excellent character changes and clear, varied accents, the audio is a completely engulfing experience.

In this quirky, modern fantasy the Grim Reaper meets Frank Totmann, an IRS auditor with an agenda. Sharing a cup of spellbound tea, Grim is yanked from his eternal domain and deposited into Frank’s terminally ill body. Forced to quickly learn what it means to be human, manage Frank’s job, and try to find a reversal spell- all while dodging demon hunters and Auditors from Hell- Grim becomes aware that his problem is also a major problem for humans and the cosmic forces that make up the universe.

This is an easy listen that brings you right into the mischief. With laugh-out-loud moments, clever characters and thoughtful commentary, this is a book I would definitely recommend!

[Lori Alden Holuta]

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.

[Lesley]

🎧4⭐️

I am drawn by the few books that I’ve read where Death is the narrator, so I couldn’t resist going for this one. The cover gives a hint that this is a lighthearted book.

I had the audiobook read by Peter Wicks who has a good voice for death and definitely added to my enjoyment.

It’s listed as humour and satire, so I was wary, as satire is a miss for me. But I found it light, easy and entertaining, with the humour finding its mark for me.

Grim gets conned by Frank when he goes to collect his soul with a transference spell. The ultimate identity theft. Grim has a race against time to regain his identity before he is held accountable for his original sin. The flip side is that Frank is neglectful of his Reaper duties causing further issues.

Grim navigating his way through human every day activities provides much of the humour. It’s something a bit different, it’s definitely a palate cleanser with this quick easy listen of a book.

I had this book for free from NetGalley

[O.j.]

The description of this book, “The Grim Reaper, trapped in an IRS Agent's dying body, must regain his powers before he dies and faces judgment for his original sin” was intriguing enough to pique my interest. I’ve seen some people compare this book to the writings of Terry Pratchett. It also reminded me of the writing of Christopher Moore.

The story was humorous without being annoying, and featured afterlife mythology in an educated way. The story also had heartfelt moments that I was not expecting when I started the audiobook.

Speaking on the audiobook, the narrator, Peter Wick’s did an amazing job reading this and bringing the grim reaper character to life. He sounded exactly what I expected the grim reaper to speak like. The book is a solid four-star book, but the narrator brings it to a five-star book.

Thanks to Lost Bard Enterprises, and NetGalley for the ALC and to David Hankins, for bringing this entertaining book to life. All opinions are my own and given honestly.