Can IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway break up a clever ring of tax cheats who love money, dishonor the IRS, and disobey the laws of justice?
When Tara agreed to be her best friend’s maid of honor, she knew it would be a ton of work. But planning a bachelorette party is a piece of (wedding) cake compared to her latest mission for the IRS. Her target is radio host Florence “Flo” Cash, star of “The Flo Cash Cash Flow Show.” Not only has Flo been giving her listeners shady tax advice, she’s set up an elaborate barter system that leaves Uncle Sam out of the equation―and Tara tied in knots…
While Flo flouts the IRS at every turn, Tara has yet another case to tackle: a catfishing Casanova who’s relieved several lonely ladies of their cash, credit cards, and dignity. When her best friend’s big day arrives, it’s all Tara can do to keep from crying uncle. But when Tara snatches the bridal bouquet and her boyfriend Nick catches the satin garter, could Tara’s days of filing single tax returns be over?
Award-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.
Tara Holloway, gun-toting Special Agent of the IRS, returns in Diane Kelly’s latest novel, Death, Taxes, and a Satin Garter, and she’s just as feisty—and funny—as ever.
In this outing, Tara is investigating Flo Cash, owner of a small radio station carrying financial advice shows, including her own Flo Cash Cash Flow Show. Trouble is, Flo Cash’s own cash flow seems to be pretty nearly nonexistent, and Tara can’t figure out how Flo supports her lavish lifestyle without so much as a checking account to her name. She sure isn’t following the advice she gives her listeners. Tara knows there’s something else going on, but what?
One case won’t be enough to keep our Tara busy. When three intelligent—and somewhat embarrassed—women turn up looking for help cornering the online catfisher who scammed them for two grand apiece, Tara takes a personal interest. She’s an IRS agent, and six grand in unreported income isn’t exactly a major case. But where there are three victims, maybe there are more, and Tara, with help from colleagues Josh Schmidt (the office computer whiz) and Special Agent Hana Kim, sets out to track down the illusive “Jack Smirnoff,” although her activities as catfish bait don’t sit well with her boyfriend, Special Agent Nick Pratt.
But the Satin Garter of the title has nothing to do with either of Tara’s investigations. Tara’s BFF, Alicia, is getting married on Sunday, and Tara is neck-deep in helping with wedding preparations—and wondering about her own marital prospects.
Death, Taxes, and a Satin Garter is the tenth in Kelly’s delightful series, with new cases, great characters, and a wild bachelorette party. I enjoyed it immensely. Many thanks to the folks at St. Martins and Net Galley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. The book will be available at your favorite bookseller on August 2.
Another great addition to the series! I learn so much about taxes and the law in these books and I find it so fascinating. Tara is a good agent but it’s nice that she’s also a little flawed; it makes it easier for me to relate to her. Bonus points to the narrator, Wendy Tremont King! Her sound effects are hilarious!
this book arrived as a surprise in the mail! the author sent it to me with such a sweet note in it to me!
its about tara (IRS agent) and her boyfriend (IRS agent across the hall). her friend is getting married, they go out to find something blue (garter) and she gave her something borrowed (her pearl bracelet).
she is investigating a woman who is at a radio station with very little income to find out where all the money is coming from.
just started it this morning and im already so into the book i hate to stop!
the lady at the radio station is not being helpful. she keeps trying to find out why she is giving away advertising for free. she looked in the safe in her house to confirm the lady has the cash she said she did (i didnt know the irs could do that!)
she is also looking into a man that scammed 3 women he met on a dating site by giving them bad checks and getting $2,000 from each of them. i hope she gets him!
she set him up to date her and another agent. he pulled the same check cashing scam and they busted him
she finally got one of the advertisers to agree to testify against the talk show host from the radio. she was not happy to be caught using a barter site she set up and put up a fight in the radio booth. she was arrested as well
she went to her friends wedding and after it was over her boyfriend proposed by having the dog wear the garter around her neck with the engagement ring attached, cute idea! she of course accepted!
cute book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Though I've read the author's Paw Enforcement Series, this is the first book in the Tara Holloway series I've had the pleasure of reading. Having just jumped into the series, I never felt lost as Ms Kelly does a fine job of providing just enough of the back story to keep the reader moving along without confusion.
Tara's tenth story is filled with romance (her romance with Nick continues), suspense, mystery and a whole lot of clever dialogue and banter. I truly enjoyed how she was able to juggle her two main investigations, an IRS cheating radio host, and a scamming Casanova, while serving as Maid of Honor for her best friend...and she never drops the ball, but keeps every moving hilariously forward.
After getting my feet wet with Tara Holloway's tenth book, it looks like I now need to catch myself up on the first nine books in the series!
This book was provided by Netgalley for my honest review.
As with the previous book in the series, Satin Garter sees our protagonist, IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway, working several cases, into which the reader gets intimate insight. Here, she's investigating a radio host/station owner for fraud and ends up finding a secret(ish) underground bartering system, which means quite a bit of unpaid taxes brought in. “The Flo Cash Cash Flow Show” has been giving "free" advertising in exchange for services, both for the station and for Flo Cash personally, which Holloway explains to the show audience on-air is a no-no.
She's also investigating a catfisher who uses alcohol has his codenames: Morgan Walker for one. He sets himself up with fake profiles on dating sites, takes a few gals (and guys) out for enough dates to get comfortable, then jumps in with a sob story about his fictitious dead wife and his deadbeat stepson who's cleaned out his bank account, asking the date to cash a pay check for him because he's just moved to the area and hasn't set anything up yet.A few days later when the bank returns the check marked NSF and takes it back from the victim's account (since he or she cashed it), Morgan Walker (or whatever his alias of choice is that month) is long gone, along with their money. Holloway estimates he makes about a 300% profit on each victim if you add up what he spends on the dates. Again, she ends up unearthing more victims than she thought and really takes him to the cleaner (or the bank).
In the background (as the title indicates), Alicia's marriage and the bachelorette party preceding it play a role in this novel. In the end, Tara catches the bouquet and Nick wins (?) the garter...I'll leave it to you to guess instead of inserting an obvious spoiler here.
As always, Kelly's chapter titles are great, whether you guess what the chapter will be about or not. So much better than just #s. I was surprised to find a few typos here. Normally SMP books are edited with quality in mind. Maybe this one was rushed to print because we were all clamoring to read it! For example: "To wake up every day to the same face on the pillow next to time?" (p 97) mine? "You government employees aren't exactly know for your hard work..." (p142) known? "Alicia and I spent half an hour colleting the bedding..." (p 235) collecting? "Nick had been siting at the sushi bar for twenty minutes." (p 250) sitting?
I think it was the smaller details that made the book enjoyable. I always appreciate the victims of the crime getting involved in taking down the scammers, even if it’s not realistic whatsoever. I also enjoyed the wedding part and Tara being concerned about the bet Nick made even though she was just proposed to. Priorities I guess.
I honestly would have given the book a 3.5 as opposed to a 4 because of the racy comments regarding Asians. I also felt like Tara’s attempt to use a stereotypical Asian accent was in poor taste.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love the Tara Holloway books. I really didn't like Flo Cash. She is probably the most annoying of the criminals that Tara has caught. These books are just so much fun. I love the mystery with some action and romance.
Title: Death, Taxes, and a Satin Garter - Tara Holloway Series Book 10 Author: Diane Kelly Published: 8-2-2016 Publisher: St Martin's Press Pages: 320 Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense Sub Genre: Women Sleuths; Cozy Mystery ISBN: 13: 9781250094827 ASIN: B01AGFYU3Q Reviewer: DelAnne Reviewed For: NetGalley Rating: 4.5 Stars
I received a copy of "Death, Taxes, and a Satin Garter" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description From the Publisher:
FOR RICHER OR POORER, IN BUSINESS AND IN STEALTH.
Can IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway break up a clever ring of tax cheats who love money, dishonor the IRS, and disobey the laws of justice?
When Tara agreed to be her best friend’s maid of honor, she knew it would be a ton of work. But planning a bachelorette party is a piece of (wedding) cake compared to her latest mission for the IRS. Her target is radio host Florence “Flo” Cash, star of “The Flo Cash Cash Flow Show.” Not only has Flo been giving her listeners shady tax advice, she’s set up an elaborate barter system that leaves Uncle Sam out of the equation—and Tara tied in knots…
While Flo flouts the IRS at every turn, Tara has yet another case to tackle: a catfishing Casanova who’s relieved several lonely ladies of their cash, credit cards, and dignity. When her best friend’s big day arrives, it’s all Tara can do to keep from crying uncle. But when Tara snatches the bridal bouquet and her boyfriend Nick catches the satin garter, could Tara’s days of filing single tax returns be over?
My Review:
A cozy filled with romance, humor and suspense. A hard task to pull off and keep a reader involved in the story. Diane Kelly has managed to pull it off with flying colors. The characters in "Death, Taxes, and a Satin Garter" are fleshed out and multidimensional. They interact well and make it a fun read. The plot flows smoothly and the editing is well done with no grammar mistakes that I could find. "Death, Taxes, and a Satin Garter" is a light mystery to be enjoyed from start to finish. My rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Death, Taxes and a Satin Garter by Diane Kelly is the tenth book in A Tara Holloway Novel series. Tara Holloway is a special agent for IRS Criminal Investigations in Dallas, Texas. Her latest client is Florence “Flo” Cash who owns a local radio station. Flo has stated on her tax returns that the station is barely breaking even since she took over its ownership. Tara knows that Flo is being deceptive, and she is determined to get the truth. Flo is equally determined and uses the radio to voice her displeasure. Tara has also been assigned a special case by her boss, Lu Lobozinski. Three women have been “catfished” and they would like justice. Morgan Walker (an alias) dated each of the women and after three dates he asked them to a cash a check for him. After giving him the money, they never saw Morgan again (of course). The check would then bounce, leaving each women owing the bank. Tara has to think outside the box to catch this culprit. During her off time, Tara is busy helping her friend, Alicia plan her wedding and organizing the bachelorette party. This leaves little time for her relationship with fellow agent, Nick Pratt. Read Death, Taxes and a Satin Garter to see if Tara will be able to reel in Flo Cash and Morgan Walker.
Death, Taxes and a Satin Garter was an enjoyable book to read. I have to admit to chuckling a few times while reading this book. I liked the investigations. I had no clue was “catfishing” was before this novel (to me it relates to fishing). I also cannot imagine going to such lengths to avoid paying taxes. If Flo had put as much thought into her business, she would be wildly successful. While Death, Taxes and a Satin Garter is a part of a series, it can easily be read alone. We get the necessary background information needed to read (and understand) the book. I liked Tara Holloway. Tara comes across as a strong, determined woman. I liked the ending, and it will make readers sigh with pleasure. I give Death, Taxes and a Satin Garter 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The book has good writing, nice pace, a little romance, and just the right amount of humor. This book has introduced me to a whole new series to read. I will be adding more books to my TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy of Death, Taxes and a Satin Garter from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own. I will always give a forthright and unbiased evaluation.
2.5 stars. This is the first book in this series that I've read, and it was decent. The beginning dragged, but the last 50 pages made up for it with the action and witty humor. I'm not so sure if I'll be able to wrap my brain around the idea of making finance and taxes sexy and mystery-worthy, though. We'll see.
Tara Holloway is an IRS special agent, and she's on the trail of a tax dodger. Florence Cash, host of Flo Cash's Cash Flow Show, and owner of the station it runs on, has been reporting remarkably low income for years. The station's ad revenue is also oddly low, and the number of paying advertisers reported is quite low compared to the number of advertisers Tara hears on the air. This is all especially puzzling since, before she inherited the station from her father, Flo Cash was collecting a six-figure salary, and the station ad revenues were very healthy indeed.
Given all the reported numbers, it's hard to see how the station is even still afloat, even with Cash taking a minimum wage salary, much less with Cash living her very comfortable lifestyle. Where is the money coming from?
Meanwhile, Tara has another case also taking her attention, albeit with much less money involved. Three women have reported that they same man, whom they all met on an online dating site, has cheated them of $2,000 each, and disappeared. It' not much money, form the IRS perspective, and if she can find him and prove it he'll still probably get a slap on the wrist, but Tara hates predators who prey on lonely women like this. If she can find more victims, though, he could face serious penalties.
There's also an ongoing romance with another special agent, and the question of whether their demanding but respected boss is going to retire and who will succeed her.
The chase for the perps gets rather more physical than I would think is typical, but honestly, I have no idea what is typical for IRS special agents, and it is set in Dallas. Doesn't matter, though (unless you're an IRS special agent and your profession is being misrepresented); it's fun, fast-moving, and comes to a satisfying conclusion.
A good beach read.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
I have not read any other books by this author, but did not feel lost reading the 10th book in the series. There are references to what I suspect are cases from previous books, but the author includes these little snippets in a manner that fits flawlessly into the story instead of feeling like a commercial like I've come across in other series by other authors. These snippets are included as a relevant point and you only get a glimpse. They allow the reader to know where the characters are coming from.
I did find ONE problem, though minor. While searching for the new alias of the catfisher, although only the initials M.W. have been made known thus far, the name Morgan Walker is mentioned on page 110 even though that ah-ha moment where the alias is revealed doesn't actually happen until the end of page 111. (And maybe a second minor problem. For somebody so intelligent, why did it take so long to
I LOVED Tara and her inner thoughts!!! She has a realistic personality. I could find myself thinking the same way she does. The little puns are just priceless.
...his round, shiny forehead reflecting the fluorescent lights above like a miner's headlamp. Appropriate, since I was here to mine for information, hoping to hit the mother lode.
He was a smart cookie. Unfortunately for him, I liked to eat cookies.
I'd give him a new thing to try. My foot in his ass.
A chandelier sporting more crystals than a meth dealer hung in the foyer.
Tara is my hero! She is super fun! I love her smart ass attitude. Will definitely have to read more of this series.
Tara is a Special Agent with the IRS. She has two cases on the go. Florence Cash is the owner of a once thriving radio station. She lives lavishly yet is paying herself a low salary, thus paying not a lot in taxes. Tara knows something is up and determines that Flo is running a barter system ... giving out free advertising time on her radio station in return for stuff. She's not cooperating and Tara is determined to bring her down. The other case is that of a guy who is using online dating sites to attract women and then have them cash bad cheques for him. Tara poses as a potential dater to get justice for the women he's taken advantage of.
The other focus for Tara is that her best friend, Alicia, is getting married soon (hence the satin garter reference in the title) and Tara is one of her brides maids ... which means planning the bachelorette party and helping with the wedding preparations.
I enjoyed this book and thought the two plots were interesting. I liked the writing style ... it was funny and sarcastic. It is written in first person perspective from Tara's point of view. Tara and Nick (Tara's boyfriend and fellow IRS agent) are good together.
It is the tenth book in the Tara Holloway series (I've read the previous ones and really enjoy this series) and the twelfth 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.
Tara Holloway is one of my idols! Not only can she understand all things related to taxes (and explain things succinctly), but she is funny, a good friend, girlfriend, and daughter, as well as unflappable. When I think of all the things that have happened to Tara over the series, I am amazed she still enjoys her job. Lu, probably the best boss anyone could ask for, gives her case upon case of seemingly hopeless tax evasions. Tara and her cherry red Doc Martins always get the job done!
The main characters in this series have become more proficient and real in each book. Although little is mentioned about agent's personal lives, what we do learn shows us how they aren't perfect, or what you always expect. For instance, geeky Josh has gone from a total nerd who no girl would talk to, to an agent that is cooperative, has a girlfriend, and is even a little cheeky at time. I liked how he didn't complain about the lint covered lifesavers, but didn't forget about them either! I like the fact that Lu and Carl are moving forward romantically at their age, making changes at the agency possible. It keeps the books fresh and honestly, at times I forget they aren't all real people.
This is a great book, and if you have read the series it will have lots of little mentions of past cases you will recall. If you haven't read the series, you owe it to yourself to start at the beginning and work your way through the details book by book! You will be glad you did!. I know I have read them all, and enjoyed every word!
Death, Taxes and a Satin Garter by Diane Kelly was another fun read filled with some laugh out loud moments, action and romance. Although the tenth book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I had only read the first four books in this series; but I had no problems jumping into this one without feeling lost.
Tara Holloway is a fiery and independent IRS investigator. She may be small in stature; but she has determination and guts to finish every one of her cases. Nick Pratt, her boyfriend and fellow IRS investigator is a handsome Alpha male with eyes only for Tara. He really is her perfect complement as they are both from from ranching/farming backgrounds, they both love country music and both are crack shots with firearms. There is plenty of twists and turns as Tara has two investigations to complete. Nick often joins in the investigations as both backup and a sounding board to focus her thoughts. The plot is well paced and the sharp banter made this a very enjoyable read. I enjoy spending time with the secondary characters, too. They are all well developed and realistic. Alicia's bachelorette party and wedding added some additional insights into Tara as well. I am thinking of going to Dallas so that I can meet all of them.
I received a eARC from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an honest review. Thank you St. Martin's Press for the opportunity.
Death, Taxes and a Satin Garter, a Tara Holloway mystery By Diane Kelly
I am a huge fan of the Tara Holloway mysteries and this latest installment was just as good if not better than the rest. Tara is working a few big cases that are frustrating her to no end and her best friends wedding is getting closer, which excites and scares her as well because she wants everything to go perfectly for Alicia's big day, also Tara starts to wonder if she herself will ever settle down even though she and her boyfriend Nick are going well does Tara really want a happily ever after with one guy? When she realizes she does and that guy is Nick Tara starts to wonder if Nick is ready are they both on the same page?
Tara is a gun toting ball of energy, I love her Sass, Stubbornness and effervescence. Tara always makes me laugh she is down to earth and takes her job seriously with a good dose of sarcasm.
Tara reminds me of a female Elliot Ness...lol she always get's her man or Tax evader as the case may be. Nick is an amazing guy, he is a great partner for Tara both personally and professionally, I love how he dotes on Tara but also knows she can take care of herself, I really love it when they help each other out with cases they really sync well together.
This is a great series and Death,Taxes and a Satin Garter really was a brilliant mystery.
I managed to catch up on this series (was only 3 books behind!) over the past few weeks so that I could read this book that will be released on Tuesday. (thank you Netgalley for an early copy!)
I have loved this series from the very first book. It has hooked me with the witty dialogue, action and the books have even been a little educational! Many times I found myself chuckling out loud to various situations that Tara found herself in only to have my husband ask what was so funny. Sadly I couldn't really tell him because it would take longer to set up the situation to explain a 1 liner and then he probably wouldn't understand. Maybe he needs to read the books!
These books are also educational and provide some good tidbits about the IRS and how to not find yourself crosswise with them. Pay your taxes!
Tara and Nick are a dynamic couple and one of these days they might get hitched....only time will tell. They have their own quirks but fit together quite well. I really enjoy all of the characters in the book(s) and they just round out the storyline.
While you can read these books out of order (or read a later book without reading the first books) I don't recommend it. Start with book 1 and work your way up to this one. You can thank me later!
This is one of my favorite series and the author has, once again, demonstrated why. Tara Holloway is an IRS special agent investigating cheats after other attempts to collect have failed. Tara is a tiny little thing with phenomenal shooting skills and kick ass Doc Martins to, well, kick ass with their steel toes.
The author has created a compelling and tightly woven romantic mystery. Tara's love interest is the very sexy senior special agent Nick. I've really enjoyed watching how their relationship has progressed over the series and this book continues to move their relationship forward.
Tara finds herself investigating both a shady radio station owner and a catfishing casanova. Of course, nothing goes as it should, leading to moments of humor and great story. Meanwhile, in the background, Tara is fulfilling her maid of honor duties in helping her best friend as she gets closer to her marriage.
If you enjoy smartly written chick lit, you will love this book. While it is part of a series, it is a stand alone novel. However, the series is so good that you really owe it to yourself to read them all.
Special Agent for the IRS, Tara Holloway makes another appearance in Diane Kelly's newest addition to the Death, Taxes series. Her boyfriend, Nick, is also an agent in the Dallas IRS office. He and other members of the group are always ready to take part in every scheme. In this delightful book, Tara goes undercover to find a "catfish" who is scamming women through online dating services. She also tangles with a radio talk show host who is scamming the IRS for hundred of thousands of dollars. This book is hilarious! I never thought that I would like a character who is an IRS agent! The dialogue is witty, the plot is superb! Great, likable characters and good ole Texas humor, what fun! I recommend this book to all readers who love to have fun, cozy mystery lovers and those who like a really entertaining story.
Death, Taxes, and a Satin Garter by Diane Kelly will be available August 2, 2016 , from St. Martin's Press . An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Smart and sassy, our gun-toting IRS Special Agent Tara Halloway is back. And not soon enough to my mind. In this latest addition to what I call, the Death, Taxes and . . . series, Tara is still sexy and still kicking butt while she investigates an obnoxious radio host and a conniving catfishing scumbag posing as perfect boyfriend material while charming women out of their money. Yes, Nick is still very much in her life. And Alicia is getting married. And her boss the Lobo is healthy and still frisky. So nice to get back to the gang and watch Tara work her cases. I like that these stories are about frauds being perpetrated on the public and the IRS and the craftiness and intelligence that goes into a unraveling the cases. The situations can be serious and sometimes dangerous, yet this series is a blast to read! Tara and her friends are irreverent and goofy and committed to the cause. They live and love fiercely. Read this book and I guarantee you will be hooked on Tara and gang!