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Tara Holloway #9
Death, Taxes, and a Chocolate Cannoli
TRUE CRIME DOESN'T PAY...TAXES.
IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway has risked her life to take down drug cartels and other dangerous tax frauds. But going after the mob is one offer she can't refuse...
He's no Tony Soprano. Still, local crime boss Giustino "Tino" Fabrizio is one shady character that Tara would love to see behind bars. He operates a security business-or so he claims on his tax forms-but his clients don't feel so secure when it's time to pay up. Problem is, no one can get close enough to nail this wiseguy for extortion. No one, that is, except Tara...
Going undercover, Tara lands a waitress job at Benedetta's Bistro-which is owned and operated by Tino's wife. Being surrounded by cream-filled cannolis could be hazardous to Tara's waistline...even though the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, right? Only thing Tara can't afford to do now is blow her cover. Because serving Tino his just desserts will surely come with a price...
IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway has risked her life to take down drug cartels and other dangerous tax frauds. But going after the mob is one offer she can't refuse...
He's no Tony Soprano. Still, local crime boss Giustino "Tino" Fabrizio is one shady character that Tara would love to see behind bars. He operates a security business-or so he claims on his tax forms-but his clients don't feel so secure when it's time to pay up. Problem is, no one can get close enough to nail this wiseguy for extortion. No one, that is, except Tara...
Going undercover, Tara lands a waitress job at Benedetta's Bistro-which is owned and operated by Tino's wife. Being surrounded by cream-filled cannolis could be hazardous to Tara's waistline...even though the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, right? Only thing Tara can't afford to do now is blow her cover. Because serving Tino his just desserts will surely come with a price...
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
47 people are currently reading
449 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 39 reviews
August 10, 2016
Tara Holloway is an IRS special agent who risks her life to take down dangerous tax frauds. In this book she is taking down a mobster by going undercover. Very interesting to see the methods used to find and go after tax frauds and how the IRS can get criminals behind bars for taxes when nothing else can be pinned on them.
September 28, 2015
I have read a few other books in this series. They are fun, quick reads. Fans of cozy mystery books will like this series. There is none of the blood and guts like a suspense/thriller book. Tara is always fun for laughs. Her and her relationship with Nick is a good one as well. They are kind of like Lucy and Ricky. They are great together and they keep things entertaining.
Although I enjoy reading these books, I found this one just middle of the road. There was nothing too intriguing about the characters to really suck me into the story. Which speaking of characters, the mob in this story were scary but not that scary. Although the descriptions of the food had my mouth watering. While this book was not in my top five in this series, I still enjoy reading these books that guarantee a good time.
Although I enjoy reading these books, I found this one just middle of the road. There was nothing too intriguing about the characters to really suck me into the story. Which speaking of characters, the mob in this story were scary but not that scary. Although the descriptions of the food had my mouth watering. While this book was not in my top five in this series, I still enjoy reading these books that guarantee a good time.
September 20, 2021
This series is always good for a laugh. I can't believe how much undercover work goes into IRS investigations - it's crazy the situations Tara finds herself in. I loved this latest installment set in an Italian restaurant and craved a cannoli every time it was mentioned. Besides the laughs, there were serious moments where it's made apparent how dangerous Tara's work really can be. I enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next.
February 20, 2020
Kind of a clever idea. IRS special agent. Taking down bad people over tax evasion. But it lacks umph. Just a lot of sweet wine and sweet foods. I'm done now.
March 19, 2017
Another solid read in one of my all time favorite mystery series.
January 10, 2016
The FBI are trying to bring down Tino Fabrizio, a crime boss who had moved from Chicago to Texas. They ask the IRS to help and Tara is the Special Agent in charge of the IRS team. Tino owns a security business and it's suspected that he also robs his clients and/or forces them to give him extra money to avoid something unpleasant happening to them or their families. Some of his staff have disappeared or turned up dead in a violent way.
Tara goes undercover as a waitress in Tino's wife's restaurant, which is next door to Tino's security company. This way, Tara can see if Benedetta, his wife, is also involved and it potentially provides access to Tino's office. Nick, Tara's boyfriend who is also an IRS agent, sets up a business across from Tino and Benedetta's businesses so he can keep an eye on them.
In addition, Tara is investigating a case for three elderly men who had been ripped off by a travel agency. They had been approached to go on a casino trip and had given a deposit in cash. The guy didn't show up on the day it was supposed to happen and not surprising has disappeared.
I enjoyed 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. I like the characters. Tara and Nick are good together. Other characters are quirky and comical (like Tara's boss, Lobo).
It is the ninth book in the Tara Holloway series (I've read the previous ones) and the eleventh 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.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2016/01...
Tara goes undercover as a waitress in Tino's wife's restaurant, which is next door to Tino's security company. This way, Tara can see if Benedetta, his wife, is also involved and it potentially provides access to Tino's office. Nick, Tara's boyfriend who is also an IRS agent, sets up a business across from Tino and Benedetta's businesses so he can keep an eye on them.
In addition, Tara is investigating a case for three elderly men who had been ripped off by a travel agency. They had been approached to go on a casino trip and had given a deposit in cash. The guy didn't show up on the day it was supposed to happen and not surprising has disappeared.
I enjoyed 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. I like the characters. Tara and Nick are good together. Other characters are quirky and comical (like Tara's boss, Lobo).
It is the ninth book in the Tara Holloway series (I've read the previous ones) and the eleventh 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.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2016/01...
January 17, 2016
Tara Halloway is a gunslinger for the IRS. She always gets her man no matter what she has to do! This time she had to pose as a college student and work as a waitress, all while staying away from home, pets, and boyfriend! She hardly ever whmpers about it either! She is after a mob boss who's security company seems to have a history of getting rid of non-compliant customers, that is, ones who won't pay him protection money. Never mind about all the other nasty things he has done, Tara and crew are on the job. Apparently the best thing about the case and working in the restaurant of the mob boss's wife is the great food and the chocolate cannoli dessert. There is a lot of food in this book, and I blame Diane for the 2 pounds I gained while reading it! :)
The story line is exciting with many little twists and a whopper near the end. It will keep you on the edge of your chair and reading into the night. I recommend it highly! I have loved all the Death, Taxes series, but this one is especially good. You are sure to enjoy it!
The story line is exciting with many little twists and a whopper near the end. It will keep you on the edge of your chair and reading into the night. I recommend it highly! I have loved all the Death, Taxes series, but this one is especially good. You are sure to enjoy it!
June 26, 2019
I remember enjoying the earlier books in this series when I read them during grad school, but found this one to be disappointing. I'm not sure if it's because my tastes and mindset have changed, if cozy mysteries are not a genre I enjoy, or if the series itself is starting to drag, but there just wasn't much about this to love.
The writing is mediocre, with way more tell than show for my tastes. Kelly over-explains so often and repeated the same information multiple times, as if the reader couldn't remember from chapter to chapter basic information like the main character changing the names in her new cell phone to protect their identities. The characters all seem pretty two dimensional and there's really not as much excitement or intrigue when you know who did the crime from the beginning. It also moved so slowly. The pacing felt off throughout the entire book, and for how many pages long it is, barely anything happened. Overall this was a pretty meh book and I don't think I'll be reading any more of the series.
The writing is mediocre, with way more tell than show for my tastes. Kelly over-explains so often and repeated the same information multiple times, as if the reader couldn't remember from chapter to chapter basic information like the main character changing the names in her new cell phone to protect their identities. The characters all seem pretty two dimensional and there's really not as much excitement or intrigue when you know who did the crime from the beginning. It also moved so slowly. The pacing felt off throughout the entire book, and for how many pages long it is, barely anything happened. Overall this was a pretty meh book and I don't think I'll be reading any more of the series.
April 2, 2022
This is the ninth in the series and the second I have read. I won this audio version and listened to it on Audiobooks. The narrator did a wonderful job. Kept me listening and tracking throughout the story.
Tara Holloway is an IRS agent. She and a task force are investigating Tino, Giustino Fabrizio, a suspected mafia crime boss. There have been complaints of extortion and possible money laundering. Tara and others go undercover to see if they can substantiate the claims.
Tara is also investigating an elder scam when residents from a assisted living facility track her down and ask for the IRS’ and specifically her assistance. Her boss Lou agrees to the assignment.
I found both mysteries compelling and the characters to be quirky and entertaining. Loved the humor throughout the book.
I am not required to leave a positive review.
Tara Holloway is an IRS agent. She and a task force are investigating Tino, Giustino Fabrizio, a suspected mafia crime boss. There have been complaints of extortion and possible money laundering. Tara and others go undercover to see if they can substantiate the claims.
Tara is also investigating an elder scam when residents from a assisted living facility track her down and ask for the IRS’ and specifically her assistance. Her boss Lou agrees to the assignment.
I found both mysteries compelling and the characters to be quirky and entertaining. Loved the humor throughout the book.
I am not required to leave a positive review.
December 12, 2018
I picked up this book thinking it was a cozy mystery based on the cover of the book, instead I found a fast-paced thriller packed with action. In so many ways, the book is a lot like cozy mysteries- close and loving relationships, lots of good food around, and colorful characters- with the exception of graphic descriptions of the violent ways people are killed, and some sexual content. With a strong and intelligent female character who works as a special agent for IRS to expose financial crimes such as money laundering, tax evasion, etc., the series has an unusual and original theme. The book is lighthearted and is mostly about warm and fuzzy feelings in spite of dealing with some series subjects. Four and a half stars.
January 17, 2022
Don't mess with the IRS, obviously. Tara Holloway and crew may be my new favorite travel reads (yes, read & leave for others to enjoy at Little Free Libraries). In this, my introduction to the series, Tara and crew go undercover to try to catch a mob boss, using taxes (unpaid, or unreported income) as a way to nab him for a security company that appears to go heavy on "protection" above & beyond the original package (cameras, pull-down grating, etc). In the end, Tara and team get their man, and along the way, she hones her waitress skills in the adjacent restaurant owned by his wife --what does she know? -- returns to college (cover), and never manages to learn what linguistics is. Fun book, and boy, it made me hungry for a cannoli!
June 27, 2017
Another entertaining book in this great series.
June 26, 2019
Entertaining with a great heroine!
February 12, 2020
This is a priceless read. Tara Holloway is a delightful heroine.
April 12, 2020
This was a really funny book. I want to read more.
December 2, 2021
Great read. Enjoying this series. Love the cast of characters!!
May 18, 2022
Lots of action
June 24, 2025
Best read of the series so far! A definite nail- biter. Toward the end I could not put it down.
October 8, 2025
This high quality mystery is easy to follow, written and clear and concise terms. The lively storytelling and vibrant characters keep the book interesting. Also so much delicious food!
November 23, 2022
Hmm, i really liked the undercover in a restaurant and I loved that there was less romance but it was a bit all over the place too. Still enjoying the series and have the next one added to my wishlist ready to put it on hold.
March 1, 2017
Is a chocolate cannoli really the final dessert for the Tara series?
Each of the books in the series has been fun, all with different twists and each adding to the character development of the regulars. I want more but then one of the perks of being old is that memory diminishes so that in a year or so I can grab book one and do it all over again!
Each of the books in the series has been fun, all with different twists and each adding to the character development of the regulars. I want more but then one of the perks of being old is that memory diminishes so that in a year or so I can grab book one and do it all over again!
June 13, 2025
I absolutely love this series. Excellent writing!. Just slightly disappointed, Tara did not shoot anyone in this book. Overall a great read.
October 1, 2015
This was a new series for me, from an author I have enjoyed in another series. I have to say I enjoyed this book tremendously and am going to be reading every book in the series. Tara Holloway is an IRS Special Agent who goes after tax evaders and bad guys in general. This time she is undercover in an Italian bistro trying to nail Tino Fabrizio for laundering money, extortion and murder. Tino runs a security business and his wife and three daughters run the bistro. Tara, her tax squard, the FBI and the local Dallas PD work together to take Tino down before more murders are committed. I never thought anything dealing with the IRS could be fun or entertaining, but I was wrong. The characters are well developed and realistic. The background and setting are informative and entertaining. The murder and mystery plot are extremely well thought out and presented. This book entertained me and broadened my experience at the same time. I think both crime and cozy readers should try this series for a new and enjoyable adventure in life.
I won this book as a prize from the author and this is my fair and honest review of it.
I won this book as a prize from the author and this is my fair and honest review of it.
May 20, 2016
Giustino "Tino" Fabrizio hasn't been claiming the threat money he extorts from his clients on his taxes, and Lu puts Tara in charge of the team liaising with the FBI and local authorities to take him down. Tara goes undercover as a college student / waitress so she can spy on him from within--at his wife's restaurant. Does the wife know Tino is a mafia-style crime boss? Is she in on it? Do their daughters know and turn a blind eye? On the plus side, she goes home from every shift laden with leftover Italian food...and usually a cannoli! She may pack on the "freshman 15" on this case.
Not a nail-biter...there's really only one chapter like that, but Tara Holloway is always a good read--quick & witty...and it's a cozy mystery series where the lead character is actually *supposed* to be getting into these tricky situations so she's trained for it!
Not a nail-biter...there's really only one chapter like that, but Tara Holloway is always a good read--quick & witty...and it's a cozy mystery series where the lead character is actually *supposed* to be getting into these tricky situations so she's trained for it!
August 22, 2015
This is a wonderful book. I enjoyed it, being a IRS Tax Agent comes with a lot of dangers when you have to go undercover to catch the bad guys. But working in an Italian Restaurant to catch the owners husband that is using his business to extort money from business and individuals come with just a few good perks. One of them every night getting to come home with dinner and a Chocolate Cannoli. Having the whole team watching your back to catch the bad guys is also a help when they guy you are dating is working across the parking lot undercover also. I loved this book and recommend it to everyone who loves a good story with a lot of interesting twist and turns,
January 30, 2016
As always, another great addition to the series. This time Tara is up against a dangerous mobster as well as a conman cheating the elderly out of prepaid vacations. The author toggles between the two cases in a way that doesn't annoy the reader. I thoroughly enjoy the cast of characters in this series - love the undercover work in this book. Who knew the IRS was so much fun? But a warning - don't read this on an empty stomach because an integral part of the story involves Italian food!!!
July 31, 2016
I love this series and this book was no different. The witty dialogue, dangerous situations and even the romance make it one of my favorites. It doesn't hurt that it is set in Dallas (close to where I live) and involves the IRS (I work for a CPA so can relate a bit more). Oh and this book made me hungry when it mentions chocolate cannoli's from Tara's most recent undercover work.
I enjoy Tara and Nick's relationship and can't wait to see where it goes.
I enjoy Tara and Nick's relationship and can't wait to see where it goes.
December 2, 2015
Enjoyed the story though it did take longer than I anticipated to read it. The characters from previous books are progressing quite nicely, glad that Nick and Tara are still a couple and life is going along smoothly other then having to deal with an occasional case that keeps them apart. Looking forward to the next book.
October 19, 2015
Another winner in the Tara Holloway series. The author has mastered the genre and blends mystery and humor together perfectly. It's a stand alone novel, but you really owe it to yourself to read all the books in the series.
December 8, 2015
These books are always good, and it is always interesting to see what undercover operation Tara has to do in her job as Special Agent for the IRS. The latest here is not only entertaining, but the descriptions of the Italian food, especially the cannoli, made me hungry!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews