Death, Taxes, and Sweet Potato Fries

Tara Holloway #11

by Diane Kelly

SHE HAS AN APPETITE FOR JUSTICE.

But this time IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway is in over her head―and challenging every dietary law in the book. . .

When the IRS is tasked with assisting the border patrol in pursuing unscrupulous “coyotes” who’ve transported illegal immigrants across the border, Tara finds herself at odds. Not only must she investigate Brett Ellington, her old flame whose landscaping business employs such workers, but now Tara has to convince her new romantic partner in crime, Nick Pratt, that she doesn’t still carry a torch for Brett. #stresseating #greaseistheword

Now, in addition to proving her love to her own fiancé, Tara is on the hunt for a trail of bogus 1099s in the Dallas area. Someone, somewhere is using the IRS as a pawn in a cunning game of revenge. Will Tara be able to identify the culprit making the false tax reports―before her sweet-potato-fry addiction forces her to get her engagement ring resized? That is, if jealousy doesn’t get the best of Nick first…

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Romance, Fiction

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2017

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for something fun but still suspenseful and full of action, then you’re going to love the Tara Holloway series. Tara is an IRS special agent. Wait! I know what you’re thinking…taxes…BORING! But no, this series is far from that. This series is actually quite hilarious and full of action so if you’re anything like me, you might be surprised with how much you’re going to like this series.

The biggest selling point of this series is definitely Tara. This girl is an absolute hoot. She’s fun and feisty and I just enjoy being in her head. She’s definitely someone I would love to be friends with. The narrative is often upbeat and spunky but there is also a great romance that blooms throughout the series. Nick Pratt has always been the apple of my eye ever since she started working alongside him. What’s interesting about this book is that Tara’s ex, Brett Ellington is now involved in her newest investigation. Talk about awkward! I love it and I have loved seeing these characters progress.

I do have one thing to say, if you’ve followed this series from the beginning then some of the jokes and lines the author uses may return again and again. Sometimes I didn’t mind it, but other times I did. It can feel slightly repetitive, but then again, they are good jokes. I just think that if you’re a loyal fan, you’d get tired of it. However, if you’re reading this as a standalone, it would still be fresh to you.

I’ve really enjoyed the journey of this series so far and seeing where Tara has ended up. And I also think if you enjoy the humor and style of Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson series, then you’d probably like this series as well.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 11th book in the Tara Holloway series and I enjoy catching up with her. As a field agent for the IRS Tara is always on the go and this book is no exception. Investigating how a seemingly unconnected group of people had false tax returns filed she is all over Texas. She also gets involved with an illegal immigration investigation. With new husband to be, Nick in tow she still needs to make several visits to the urgent care center. Lots of action and a wedding on the horizon, this is a great book to enjoy and savor. You don't need to read the previous books in order but it's fun to see Tara grow.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is number 11 in a very good series about Tara and her fiancé who are special agents IRS agents and how they are able to get criminals by the tax laws. This book has them looking for a man who brings people in from Mexico and leaves them for dead in the desert, plus trying to figure who had sent false 1099's to people. Tara and her fiance's mother are planning their wedding for them. It gives a totally different picture of the IRS agent since Tara is strangled with a phone cord, throw down the stairs, shot at and goes down in a helicopter fire.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this one sounded really interesting, and I was interested in reading about an IRS agent who solves cases rather like a regular police detective. However, it was also billed as a “cozy mystery” and this is definitely not a cozy. Loads of four-letter words and fluid definitions of morality...I’d just get on a roll with the mystery and Tara would bring in her non-morals, or start keeping secrets from her fiancé, or talk about how “hot” various guys were...she just got on my nerves and it obscured the mystery for me.

I won’t be continuing the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so love this series that I can't wait for the next one to come out. I think it resonates with me because I live in the DFW area and this is where the book is set. Plus I now work for a CPA and while we don't have interactions with Tara's branch of the IRS, we do have to deal with them at times.

So in the last book Tara & Nick got engaged. So now they are planning a wedding..or rather their mother's are planning the wedding since Tara & Nick are very busy with work. The mom's are having a blast and it takes a load off of Tara's plate.

There are of course a couple of cases that Tara has to solve and she does with the help of her coworkers and a few others. One of the case dealt with coyotes and human smuggling into the US. The other had to do with fraudulent tax forms. As usual, Tara and the gang track down the bad parties.

I did figure out a small thing with Tara and a medical condition...I'm sure you will figure it out too if you think about the title!

If you have not read any of this series you have to start with the first book so you can follow the personal story line progression. Plus the books are just plain funny!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just as fun as the previous novels in the series but the topics covered are a little heavier so my heart hurt for some of the characters and what they were going through. Nonetheless, Tara managed to lighten the mood, as usual, and kept me laughing as I learned even more about our tax code than I ever thought I would. I loved the added details about the sweet potato fries and adverse reactions if you eat too many and the quick trip to Vegas. Can't wait for the next one but sad that the series is soon to end.

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, and this one was just as good as previous ones. It is good that in this story, the plight of immigrants is shown, with all of the terror and horror that people desperate for a better place to live, experience. As a teacher of ESL adults and students, I have seen the desperation and asylum-seeking that occurs with people whose lives are threatened on a daily basis in their home countries. In this story, Tara has to save three young girls who were kidnapped and later abandoned in the desert, and it is unfortunately a story that is all too often true in real life. It highlights that fact that there is much work to be done to make the world a safe and peaceful place.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe the series is almost over ... I might need to read the last book next.

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with each book by Ms Kelly, I was riveted from the opening page...Tara Holloway stories aren't what I would necessarily classify as a "cozy mystery", as they have a bit more substance to them, they are truly in a class of their own. There are the investigations that build step by step throughout the story, clearly methodical and logical. Through in good old intensity, suspense and some romance and you have one heck of an entertaining read. I thoroughly enjoy Tara's inner monologue...it is smart and witty...hilarious to the point of laugh out loud funny.

Even though I haven't read each story in the complete series, Ms Kelly perfectly crafts enough backstory layered throughout to eliminate any confusion, frustrations or misunderstandings. I enjoy that Tara is a woman who has complete confidence in her abilities and is able to stand on her own. Her and Nick's relationship is sweet and provides the perfect amount of heat to keep the romance aspect interesting and touching.

The premise of the story was a complete eye opener for me and definitely gave me a different prospect on the topic of illegal migration in our country. Not everything is black and white where these people are concerned...there are many aspects to their stories that are heartbreaking as much as enlightening. The build up to the finale was perfectly created to keep you guessing, wondering, and rooting all at the same time. The ending, though not a cliff hanger, was enticing enough to create anticipation for the Tara Holloway installment.

This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a late comer to the Tara Holloway series but I fell in love. Tara is a hoot. She is doing a thankless job with an incredible sense of humor. Her fiancé, Nick, is a good ol country boy with a brain. How these two work is magic to me but they do. Death, Taxes, and Sweet Potato Fries tackles some serious issues with humor and sensitivity. I promise I will never watch another telenovela the same way. So ponte las pilas and enjoy!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this series 😍

[Barb Mcmahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not enjoy the storyline. It had fun moments but it wasn’t my style of story.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Death, Taxes, and Sweet Potato Fries - Tara Halloway Mystery Book 11
Author: Diane Kelly
Publisher: St Martin;s Press
Published: 2-7-2017
Pages: 321
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Animals, Romance, Suspense
ISBN: 9781250094889
ASIN: B01IA6FMT4
Reviewed For NetGalley and St Martin's Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars

SHE HAS AN APPETITE FOR JUSTICE.
But this time IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway is in over her head—and challenging every dietary law in the book. . .

When the IRS is tasked with assisting the border patrol in pursuing unscrupulous “coyotes” who’ve transported illegal immigrants across the border, Tara finds herself at odds. Not only must she investigate Brett Ellington, her old flame whose landscaping business employs such workers, but now Tara has to convince her new romantic partner in crime, Nick Pratt, that she doesn’t still carry a torch for Brett. #stresseating #greaseistheword

Now, in addition to proving her love to her own fiancé, Tara is on the hunt for a trail of bogus 1099s in the Dallas area. Someone, somewhere is using the IRS as a pawn in a cunning game of revenge. Will Tara be able to identify the culprit making the false tax reports—before her sweet-potato-fry addiction forces her to get her engagement ring resized? That is, if jealousy doesn’t get the best of Nick first…


Fast paced and interesting this novel will take you all through the gauntlet of suspense, humor, romance, and danger. The reader gets to follow along with Tara as she searches for clues and figures who is behind everything. You will not want to put it down until you reach the very end.


My rating of "Death, Taxes, and Sweet Potato Fries - Tara Halloway Mystery Book 11" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.


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[Teena in Toronto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tara is a Special Agent with the IRS. She has two cases on the go. Someone is transporting illegal immigrants into the U.S. Sometimes they live in the process but sometimes they are abandoned and left to die. In the other case, someone had filed false tax reports on contest winnings never won and Tara has to follow the clues to see how the people are connected.

In the meantime, Tara has recently gotten engaged to Nick and they are planning a fall wedding. Since they are busy with their jobs, they have left all the planning to their mothers. In any other story, there would be a clash but Tara and Nick's mothers get along and things are progressing well. She has also developed an addiction to sweet potato fries and a Spanish soap opera.

I've read many books by this author and I liked this one. I liked the writing style ... it was funny and sarcastic at times. It is written in first person perspective from Tara's point of view. As a head's up, there is some swearing.

It is the eleventh book in the Tara Holloway series (I've read them all and like this series). Though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone and you don't have to read the others to know what's going on.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2017/02...

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

#11 in the series, Sweet Potato Fries really is about Sweet Potato fries...and taxes. IRS Special Agent Tara Holloway teams up with Border Patrol to take down a coyote who has kidnapped a few of the people he's supposed to be smuggling. BP is hoping the IRS can lock him up by tracing the funds, and Lu sets Tara on the case. Meanwhile, outside of work, Ajay and Christina elope to Vegas, with Tara and Nick by their sides, and Tara and Nick enlist the (very willing) help of their moms to plan their wedding...help plan their wedding...nah, plan their wedding. Tara runs into Brett again...professionally, of course. Tara gets hooks on a Spanish soap opera (the episodes must be, like, 12 minutes long) that actually helps her solve her case, believe it or not. And sweet potato fries play such a large role, Tara ends up with carotenoderma carotenemia!

A few editing slips...tiny, negligible, even. The only one I noted was rationale (which is a noun, not an adj) instead of rational on p 121...

Side note: At the back, it says the next book (Shotgun Wedding) will be the series finale?!?!?!

[Marty · Rating 3 out of 5]

You don’t need to have read any previous books in the series to enjoy this one. Tara Holloway is a Criminal Investigator for the IRS. She has just become engaged to fellow IRS Investigator Nick Pratt. They work out of the Dallas, Texas office and are occasionally called to help with border control cases. In this one, three young girls have been kidnapped by “coyotes” – individuals who take money from people trying to get into the US illegally.. and often cheat them – occasionally even causing death. This time one of the worst of the coyotes is holding three young women for ransom. The police have one of the chief smugglers in jail but can hold him only for 72 hours. TTara and Nick have to find the girls before the smuggler is released or the girls may die. Can Tara figure out how to save the girls??

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a promotional copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review. Tara and Nick are at it again. Tara is investigating 2 major cases, one is human trafficking of immigrants across the Texas border, the other is the illegal filing of 1099s against a variety of people - one of whom is close to a senator.
While investigating the 2 cases she is also celebrating her new engagement to Nick, and their moms have taken over planning the wedding.
The sweet potato fries also take on a hilarious part of the story, as Tara starts getting strange looks as the story goes on.
In typical Tara fashion, she spends quite a bit of time in Ajay's medical office, but the adventures she has along the way are so worth the read.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

IRS Agent Tara Holloway is pretty, smart, funny, and a crack shot. Oh, she’s also addicted to sweet potato fries – a common fast food in her Dallas, Texas, home area. She makes sure her mother has them on the menu for her wedding to fellow agent Nick. Right now she is busy trying to find three young girls who are being held for ransom by a murderous coyote who smuggles immigrants across the Texas/Mexico border… Immigrants who pay thousands of dollars to him to help them cross the border, only to be abandoned in the desert – often to die there. Will she be able to find the girls while they are still alive? – A good mystery with interesting characters – and of course, lots of sweet potato fries.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow I missed the fact that a new book in the series was being released but as soon as I found out I got a copy and read it as fast as I could. I love how things are going with the series and I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One more book and the series is complete. Tara and Nick have grown on me over the past 11 books - but I do tire of some of the tone and the cheesiness of the series. It has been a fun series and the mysteries are interesting and definitely unique from other cozy mysteries.

[Denver Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, gunplay yet again! I love this series, no other way of saying it. Tara Holloway is one sexy tax collector! Just because she packs a gun. I think any woman who packs and shoots like her is sexy as hell!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Diane Kelly always has a great spin on new issues for Tara to deal with. I don't want it to end!!!

[Diane Segura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate to see this series end. I've enjoyed each book immensely.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a pretty good read. It takes place in the Dallas area, and even mentions Frisco.

[Josi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Tara Holloway book. I love these characters. I will be so sad when this series ends.

[Lana Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book in the series, but the characters were appealing, the plot well structured.

[Alaina Thomson]

Ok

[Linda Bruchert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book - but totally unbelievable with a ton of flaws.

[C'antel Birmingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy these books

[E'Who'Reads'a'Thousand'Mysteries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hilarious book in a fantastic series! Good to see there is one more left...