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Tara Holloway #8
Death, Taxes, and Cheap Sunglasses
SHE LOVES HER WORK—CASE CLOSED.
IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway can calculate tax penalties to the penny. But seeing the world of white-collar crime through rose-colored glasses? Priceless.
Tara's career comes with a lot of pros and cons—which is a nice way of saying that she's kick-a$$ in her fight against professional con-artists. And she's tough enough to deal with all the money-launderers, tax-evaders, and other such criminals who cross her path… Until her own boyfriend, Nick, joins their leagues. Now all bets are off.
Nick is about to go deep undercover—and the stakes are higher than Tara could have ever imagined. It's all part of a joint task force with the DEA to bring down a powerful, violent drug cartel. It's going to take more than a pair of dime store shades for Tara to bring their dark deeds to light. Can she help Nick without blowing his cover… and ending up in harm's way herself?
IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway can calculate tax penalties to the penny. But seeing the world of white-collar crime through rose-colored glasses? Priceless.
Tara's career comes with a lot of pros and cons—which is a nice way of saying that she's kick-a$$ in her fight against professional con-artists. And she's tough enough to deal with all the money-launderers, tax-evaders, and other such criminals who cross her path… Until her own boyfriend, Nick, joins their leagues. Now all bets are off.
Nick is about to go deep undercover—and the stakes are higher than Tara could have ever imagined. It's all part of a joint task force with the DEA to bring down a powerful, violent drug cartel. It's going to take more than a pair of dime store shades for Tara to bring their dark deeds to light. Can she help Nick without blowing his cover… and ending up in harm's way herself?
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 3, 2015
48 people are currently reading
510 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 17, 2015
I loved this book! It was hilarious, lots of laugh out loud moments. This is the first in this series I have read, but it wont be the last. I went and bought the entire series after reading this one! Great characters, and not a dull moment! I cant wait to get started on the rest.
February 23, 2022
I slid my gun into my purse, grabbed my briefcase, and headed out to my car.
Tara overhears a private meeting and learns that her boyfriend, Nick, has volunteered for a dangerous undercover assignment that has her freaking out. In addition to the multiple cases she has, Tara frets endlessly over Nick.
This series never fails to make me happy. There are tears, laughter, crazy situations, and lots of cheap sunglasses. Tara seems to draw the craziest of cases from the pool. I love seeing how her brain works as she approaches each one.
I can relate to the ongoing loss of sunglasses in this book. I have spent way too much money on Raybans in the past only to lose or destroy them. (Rayban will replace broken glasses-or did when I was wearing them on a regular basis) Tara's escapades and variety of ways that she damaged the glasses was a hoot.
The case involving the animal sanctuary and the canned hunting experience really hit home for me. Those are two things that really make me angry, and I could feel my blood boiling the more information was given on them. I was so very happy with the resolution to that situation.
The art gallery made me snicker. Tara's observations were spot on, and I glad to see how she handled everything.
Of course, it wouldn't be Tara if she didn't have some sort of odd injury. This one made me wince. I love the reaction of the clinic when Tara shows up with a new injury.
The resolution of Nick's assignment was gripping and hard to imagine. Thank goodness for Tara's Dad!
I listened to the audiobook this time. The narrator does an excellent job of portraying the characters. I will look for other audiobooks in the series.
I am slowly catching up with this series. I have lagged behind because I don't want it to end.
I highly recommend this series!
Tara overhears a private meeting and learns that her boyfriend, Nick, has volunteered for a dangerous undercover assignment that has her freaking out. In addition to the multiple cases she has, Tara frets endlessly over Nick.
This series never fails to make me happy. There are tears, laughter, crazy situations, and lots of cheap sunglasses. Tara seems to draw the craziest of cases from the pool. I love seeing how her brain works as she approaches each one.
I can relate to the ongoing loss of sunglasses in this book. I have spent way too much money on Raybans in the past only to lose or destroy them. (Rayban will replace broken glasses-or did when I was wearing them on a regular basis) Tara's escapades and variety of ways that she damaged the glasses was a hoot.
The case involving the animal sanctuary and the canned hunting experience really hit home for me. Those are two things that really make me angry, and I could feel my blood boiling the more information was given on them. I was so very happy with the resolution to that situation.
The art gallery made me snicker. Tara's observations were spot on, and I glad to see how she handled everything.
Of course, it wouldn't be Tara if she didn't have some sort of odd injury. This one made me wince. I love the reaction of the clinic when Tara shows up with a new injury.
The resolution of Nick's assignment was gripping and hard to imagine. Thank goodness for Tara's Dad!
I listened to the audiobook this time. The narrator does an excellent job of portraying the characters. I will look for other audiobooks in the series.
I am slowly catching up with this series. I have lagged behind because I don't want it to end.
I highly recommend this series!
July 13, 2022
4.5 stars. I need more Nick in this book but otherwise it was great! I love Tara, she is a great, sassy character. Her cases were interesting and I love seeing the bad guys get taken down or at least paying what they owe. I will say I’ve never seen someone go through so many pairs of sunglasses- usually the cheap ones last forever.
October 5, 2017
Having read all the Stephanie Plum series, and loved many of the early one for the comic crime angle, I was looking for a new "fix" with another sassy, witty female antagonist. Tara Holloway, a Texan IRS agent fills the spot. The humor is not as high or screwball in the Tara Holloway series as it is with the Plum series, but the writing is ace and the characters lovable and fun to hang out with. Happy to have found this series and eager to read my way through the adventures of Tara and her gang.
September 16, 2021
I enjoy every visit with Tara, Nick, and the gang and this was no exception. I do find it a little concerning that Tara keeps getting into these situations. Makes you think twice about that accounting degree being boring. I love that every case she takes on is closed at the end of the book (no cliffhangers) and that she truly seems to enjoy her job, even the not so great parts. Every book is a guaranteed laugh and a lesson on how NOT to cheat the IRS.
March 13, 2016
I read another book in this series and liked it. I have to admit that the book titles are fun to say. What I do like about this series is the fun, cozy mystery feel I get from these books. What I mean by this is that you can read these books without really expecting many twists, entertaining characters, some laughs, and a happy ending. Which is what you will get with this book. However this time I just was not feeling the storyline thus I was only half intrigued by the book. The only thing that kind of made it for me was the funny antics of Tara and Nick. Yet after a while even I grew tried of this to the point that I got half way into the book and put it down. I finally came back to it only to find myself skimming and even jumped ahead the last half of the book.
July 26, 2016
another winner in this series! I love how Tara takes down tax evaders etc, but not without a few bumps and bruises. I will say that Tara did irritate me with her whining about Nick going undercover to get bust a cartel. Yes I get that it is serious and he could die, BUT that is the job. Outside of that, I loved the book and can't wait to start the next one so I can get to the newest release due out 8/2.
January 22, 2017
Another great offering in this fun series. Tara's sweetie, Nick, is going deep undercover in a joint effort with the DEA to bring down a drug cartel. Good story with some great characters! Recommend!
April 5, 2020
Romantic-comedy-mystery; IRS special agent Tara Holloway investigates tax evasion cases and gets involved in gunfights, high speed chases, and undercover work involving drug cartels while obsessed with her boyfriend, Nick, a fellow agent.
I thought the IRS was supposed to check your tax returns and audit you - not come after you with guns drawn? Tara is strong, assertive, and independent when she focuses on her cases. She is not afraid to confront and challenge bad guys - except when she thinks about Nick - then she becomes a weak, insecure, dependent whiner.
I read this because I enjoyed the Paw and Order series by the same author, which was uniquely humorous, but this Tara Holloway fluff is not for me.
I thought the IRS was supposed to check your tax returns and audit you - not come after you with guns drawn? Tara is strong, assertive, and independent when she focuses on her cases. She is not afraid to confront and challenge bad guys - except when she thinks about Nick - then she becomes a weak, insecure, dependent whiner.
I read this because I enjoyed the Paw and Order series by the same author, which was uniquely humorous, but this Tara Holloway fluff is not for me.
June 27, 2018
I somehow missed #4-7 but loved this book anyway.
Tara has become funnier and a better agent over the course of the last few books. She has gone through a lot and now has a different boyfriend than the last time I read about her adventures. Unfortunately, that boyfriend is about to go undercover in a very dangerous cartel related case. Tara does not take it well unsurprisingly.
Fun characters and well paced.
Tara has become funnier and a better agent over the course of the last few books. She has gone through a lot and now has a different boyfriend than the last time I read about her adventures. Unfortunately, that boyfriend is about to go undercover in a very dangerous cartel related case. Tara does not take it well unsurprisingly.
Fun characters and well paced.
September 15, 2022
This was recommended to me as a romcom. This isn't a romcom and it really isn't a romance novel. It's fun a fun adventure/mystery of Tara Holloway. It's well written and funny but not my style. Tara's BF goes undercover in the beginning and they aren't reunited until the end. She does have the realization while he's gone that he's the man for her. Most of the book revolves around her job and adventures.
August 4, 2017
This is a good series. I got a little behind and am playing catch up now.
Tara tackles several cases during tax season while worrying about Nick and Christina undercover in a drug cartel. Everything works out in the end, of course. There were funny moments and tense ones too. I like these books.
Tara tackles several cases during tax season while worrying about Nick and Christina undercover in a drug cartel. Everything works out in the end, of course. There were funny moments and tense ones too. I like these books.
March 10, 2024
I have never read a book about IRS investigations, I was astounded at what they might go through and the many ways people cheat the system. On a whole, I found the book quite boring, I thought Tara was a bit juvenile and I got very tired of her sunglasses. Would I recommend it? No
October 17, 2024
My heart sank when I realized that her two best folks in her life were going deep. I am glad she finally went to Josh. I was kind of wondering why she didn't tag him sooner rather than later. I am nervous as to how all of this is gonna play out.
June 27, 2017
Loved this book and the entire series. Hate to see it end.
July 29, 2017
If you liked Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series books, you will love these books. Diane Kelly has become one of my very favorite authors. I can't wait to get my hands on her next book!
January 14, 2018
As entertaining as previous books.
January 18, 2018
3.5 Stars
April 11, 2018
A real page turner with lots of twists and turns and lots of mystery and action to the very end of the book.
March 24, 2020
Loved this book!! Loved the mystery, comedy, and excitement. I couldn't guess what was going to happen next. I felt like I was on a ride with Thelma and Louise.
Love, Love, Loved it!!
Love, Love, Loved it!!
January 7, 2021
Well written book, funny - but I'm not that fond of books that have sex in them. Just not.
February 14, 2021
First book I've read by this author and I'm going to read more. Like the tax angle of law enforcement. Refreshing change to crime novels. Good story. Nice read.
November 26, 2021
Another exciting read in the Tara Holloway series!!
February 2, 2022
:) action, bit of love.
December 27, 2024
I am a bit of an impatient reader. I kept looking for the gun play, long before it occurred. Truly, I did not see the samurai sword being used. That was wild. Talk about shish kebabs!
September 23, 2025
This high quality comedy mystery audiobook is a hilarious rollercoaster of twists and turns! This book in the series has more dangers and suspense!
October 31, 2022
I adore this series so much but this particular one drove me bonkers. She was extra whiney and the sunglasses were just ever-present
May 7, 2015
IRS Special Agents Tara and Nick are still dating after almost a year and Tara is hoping things are progressing to the next level. Nick and Christina, one of Tara's friends who is a DEA agent, are assigned to go undercover to bring down the violent leader of a drug cartel. They can't have any contact with the outside world without risking their lives. Nick, though, gives Tara cell phone with the promise that he will call and text her when he can to let her know that they are okay. While they are gone, Tara is not surprisingly fearing for their lives.
In the meantime, Tara has a job to do and some cases to take care of including a lame art gallery with major write-offs, what is purported to be an animal rescue run by two crazy cousins, a con artist who is running a fake charity to elicit funds and a thief who is making withdrawals from people's accounts that aren't his. And on top of all this, Tara keeps breaking her sunglasses and buying new ones only to have them broken!
This is the eighth book in the Tara Holloway series (I've read the previous ones) and the tenth book I've read by this author. It works as a stand alone as there was enough information from the past ones so you know what's going on.
I liked this book. I liked the writing style ... it was funny and sarcastic. It is written in first person perspective from Tara's point of view. As a head's up, there is swearing and adult activity
With Nick and Christina away on a mission, there is more focus on Tara and we discover, as she does, how deep her feelings have become for Nick and how dependent she is on him in her life.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2015/05...
In the meantime, Tara has a job to do and some cases to take care of including a lame art gallery with major write-offs, what is purported to be an animal rescue run by two crazy cousins, a con artist who is running a fake charity to elicit funds and a thief who is making withdrawals from people's accounts that aren't his. And on top of all this, Tara keeps breaking her sunglasses and buying new ones only to have them broken!
This is the eighth book in the Tara Holloway series (I've read the previous ones) and the tenth book I've read by this author. It works as a stand alone as there was enough information from the past ones so you know what's going on.
I liked this book. I liked the writing style ... it was funny and sarcastic. It is written in first person perspective from Tara's point of view. As a head's up, there is swearing and adult activity
With Nick and Christina away on a mission, there is more focus on Tara and we discover, as she does, how deep her feelings have become for Nick and how dependent she is on him in her life.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2015/05...
March 14, 2016
Only Tara Holloway could go to a toga party dressed in a fitted sheet, break her coccyx, and still get her man. She's also after multiple "non-profit" posers: a museum with macaroni-kindergarten art and a wildlife sanctuary that's really selling the animals to a fake hunting club nearby. With Nick gone, she partners with others in the office, including her partner Eddie and the go-to tech guy in the office.
Tara's friends Special Agent Nick Pratt and DEA Agent Christina Marquez are off to infiltrate El Cuchillo's drug cartel, deep undercover and definitely with no contact for who knows how long...except Nick sneaks a secret cell phone which ends up saving their lives. Good for a plot, but not terribly realistic, esp seeing as Nick's been there before.
It'll be interesting to see where Kelly takes Nick/Tara's relationship from here. She certainly makes IRS Tax Agents seem like fascinating people, not pencil-pushers. I enjoy the titles of the chapters...always gives you a sneak preview of what's to come.
Tara's friends Special Agent Nick Pratt and DEA Agent Christina Marquez are off to infiltrate El Cuchillo's drug cartel, deep undercover and definitely with no contact for who knows how long...except Nick sneaks a secret cell phone which ends up saving their lives. Good for a plot, but not terribly realistic, esp seeing as Nick's been there before.
It'll be interesting to see where Kelly takes Nick/Tara's relationship from here. She certainly makes IRS Tax Agents seem like fascinating people, not pencil-pushers. I enjoy the titles of the chapters...always gives you a sneak preview of what's to come.
November 28, 2015
Tara Holloway, gun-toting Special Agent of the IRS, is back in Death, Taxes, and Cheap Sunglasses. While Tara’s boyfriend, Special Agent Nick Pratt, and DEA Agent Christina Marquez are off to infiltrate a drug cartel run by the murderous El Cuchillo, Tara and her partner Eddie Barton tackle a variety of cases, including an art museum that doesn’t seem to know much about art (macaroni mosaics, anyone?), a wild life refuge that may not be as charitable as it claims, an identity thief (that one sends Tara to a toga party—dressed in a fitted sheet), and a charity scam on Facebook. Throw in some forbidden legwork for Nick, and Tara is up to her neck in excitement. This is a series I never miss (and I love Kelly’s Paw and Order series just as much).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews