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Time Travelling Taxman #1
T-Rexes & Tax Law
A routine tax fraud investigation. A strange lab. A mysterious button.
He shouldn’t have pushed the button. But Alfred Favero, senior analyst with the IRS, pushed the button. And now he’s 67 million years in the past, stranded out of time with a coworker who hates him and a bunch of tax cheats.
Oh, and then there’s the other inhabitants of his prehistoric home: the dinosaurs that want to make a meal of him. Things couldn’t get worse.
Until a mysterious visitor from an uncertain future shows up with murder on his mind…
He shouldn’t have pushed the button. But Alfred Favero, senior analyst with the IRS, pushed the button. And now he’s 67 million years in the past, stranded out of time with a coworker who hates him and a bunch of tax cheats.
Oh, and then there’s the other inhabitants of his prehistoric home: the dinosaurs that want to make a meal of him. Things couldn’t get worse.
Until a mysterious visitor from an uncertain future shows up with murder on his mind…
201 pages, ebook
First published February 14, 2019
186 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Ford
74 books128 followersRachel Ford lives in beautiful Central Wisconsin. She is a programmer, who works in everything from SQL to .NET to Cisco CVP and IVR. Her latest foray into new and exciting things has been developing custom Java plugins for CVP applications.
Rachel also enjoys recreating historically authentic jewelry, and mixing historical recreations with fantasy elements to create exciting new pieces.
When not designing jewelry or tinkering with computers, Rachel spends her time writing and reading science fiction and fantasy.
Rachel also enjoys recreating historically authentic jewelry, and mixing historical recreations with fantasy elements to create exciting new pieces.
When not designing jewelry or tinkering with computers, Rachel spends her time writing and reading science fiction and fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 14, 2019
This is a good fun light hearted read, albeit a little predictable at times. As the name of the book might suggest it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Imagine travelling through time and the tax man still chases you across millions of years!
Essentially a book full of excitement and action but it’s not going to win any prizes for literature. Our cast are good, a little cliched maybe, the protagonist an irritating petty little man but his way of taking things to the extreme make it ridiculous, amusing and even endearing at times.
I think this is a 3.5*/5 but I’m rounding up to 4 because as silly as it might be it was a fun easy read, which I really enjoyed.
Essentially a book full of excitement and action but it’s not going to win any prizes for literature. Our cast are good, a little cliched maybe, the protagonist an irritating petty little man but his way of taking things to the extreme make it ridiculous, amusing and even endearing at times.
I think this is a 3.5*/5 but I’m rounding up to 4 because as silly as it might be it was a fun easy read, which I really enjoyed.
October 2, 2019
The title of this book was what drew me to it! I'm a big fan of book with dinosaurs but couldn't figure what it had to do with tax but it quickly became apparent when I started to listen.
Senior analyst for the IRS, Alfred Favero, is sent to investigate a big company who is suspected of fraud. His reluctant companion is Nancy who is barely able to stand Alfreds' pompous attitude. When they arrive at the compound they find the place to be abandoned, and it looks like it's been abandoned for years. They enter a room and Alfred pushes a big red button which causes both of their lives to change forever!! Alfred and Nancy are transported millions of years into the past with no way home. they eventually find the missing people but they also find themselves embattled in a mystery that needs to be unraveled.
While the plot sounds ridiculous, it actually works extremely well! Who knew that the IRS would stumble upon such a mystery!! Lol. I do wish there was more dinosaur action though, there was one scene where it became very tense, but I wanted more. I did love the mystery intertwined with the time travelling plot though and couldn't listen to it fast enough in order to find out what happened.
But the absolute best thing about this book was Alfred. He is so sure of himself and his work, he follows the rules to the letter and is almost pompous in his attitude, but he is a lovable pompous and I immediately liked him. He reminded me a bit of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory in a way, though he isn't geeky at all!! I also loved his interactions with Nancy. You can feel her exasperation with him but she gets Alfred to take a long look at himself when she reveals some truths to him. That's when he stars growing as a character and that's when he and Nancy become friends.
In all, this was a fun read, with plenty of laugh out loud moments... most of them from or about Alfred!! I'm intrigued to see what else Alfred gets up to and am so glad I have the second one to listen to right away!!
While I loved the story, I'm quiet torn with the narration. On one hand John Carter Aimone made for an awesome Alfred but on the other, he just read the story too slowly. It took me ages to get into because it sounded so boring and I ended up having to start again from the start and speed up the narration in order to finish it. Once I found a speed I felt comfortable with, I did end up liking his narration. He had plenty of tones and voices and put emotion behind his performance, which made it all the more fun with Alfred!!
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
Senior analyst for the IRS, Alfred Favero, is sent to investigate a big company who is suspected of fraud. His reluctant companion is Nancy who is barely able to stand Alfreds' pompous attitude. When they arrive at the compound they find the place to be abandoned, and it looks like it's been abandoned for years. They enter a room and Alfred pushes a big red button which causes both of their lives to change forever!! Alfred and Nancy are transported millions of years into the past with no way home. they eventually find the missing people but they also find themselves embattled in a mystery that needs to be unraveled.
While the plot sounds ridiculous, it actually works extremely well! Who knew that the IRS would stumble upon such a mystery!! Lol. I do wish there was more dinosaur action though, there was one scene where it became very tense, but I wanted more. I did love the mystery intertwined with the time travelling plot though and couldn't listen to it fast enough in order to find out what happened.
But the absolute best thing about this book was Alfred. He is so sure of himself and his work, he follows the rules to the letter and is almost pompous in his attitude, but he is a lovable pompous and I immediately liked him. He reminded me a bit of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory in a way, though he isn't geeky at all!! I also loved his interactions with Nancy. You can feel her exasperation with him but she gets Alfred to take a long look at himself when she reveals some truths to him. That's when he stars growing as a character and that's when he and Nancy become friends.
In all, this was a fun read, with plenty of laugh out loud moments... most of them from or about Alfred!! I'm intrigued to see what else Alfred gets up to and am so glad I have the second one to listen to right away!!
While I loved the story, I'm quiet torn with the narration. On one hand John Carter Aimone made for an awesome Alfred but on the other, he just read the story too slowly. It took me ages to get into because it sounded so boring and I ended up having to start again from the start and speed up the narration in order to finish it. Once I found a speed I felt comfortable with, I did end up liking his narration. He had plenty of tones and voices and put emotion behind his performance, which made it all the more fun with Alfred!!
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
September 17, 2019
The hero of this novel, Alfred, could easily have served as its primary villain. He’s not evil, just obsessively interested in enforcing every rule in the work place and the United States. In many ways, this is a perfect disposition for a Senior Analyst at the IRS, but when you add to the equation that Alfred is completely oblivious to how his need for orderliness negatively impacts those around him, he should have been the least sympathetic of heroes. It’s a testament to Rachel Ford’s skill as an author that I had the opposite reaction. I almost immediately connected with Alfred and I vigorously rooted for him as he struggled with both complex social interactions and the even more difficult problem that drives the plot of the story. And what a problem it is…
Alfred and his reluctant investigative partner, Nancy, are investigating a suspected billionaire tax cheat when they stumble upon dinosaurs in one of his abandoned corporate facilities and Alfred accidentally gets the two of them transported 67 million years into the past where they discover the missing billionaire and a few dozen of his employees trapped in the Cretaceous Period. This is where the book really gets interesting. There are several intertwined mysteries here all stemming from the question: how did the billionaire get trapped in the past? I was very pleased that I worked out most of the answers on my own and was even more pleased with the parts Ford had to fill in for me.
In any book involving time travel, the author has to deal with the problems of paradox and the circular possibilities that time travel brings to the table. I felt completely satisfied with Ford’s handling of these problems which she adroitly used to add quite a bit of tension to the novel.
The best part of the story was Alfred’s growth as a person. Being isolated under stressful circumstances with Nancy forces him to truly listen to another person for the first time in his life and he is shocked by her perception of him. This led to a moving and wholly believable evolution in his character. He doesn’t stop being a rules obsessed know-it-all, but he does learn a little about self-sacrifice and friendship which makes him increasingly endearing as the novel unfolds.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to listening to the sequel.
I received this book free from Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
Alfred and his reluctant investigative partner, Nancy, are investigating a suspected billionaire tax cheat when they stumble upon dinosaurs in one of his abandoned corporate facilities and Alfred accidentally gets the two of them transported 67 million years into the past where they discover the missing billionaire and a few dozen of his employees trapped in the Cretaceous Period. This is where the book really gets interesting. There are several intertwined mysteries here all stemming from the question: how did the billionaire get trapped in the past? I was very pleased that I worked out most of the answers on my own and was even more pleased with the parts Ford had to fill in for me.
In any book involving time travel, the author has to deal with the problems of paradox and the circular possibilities that time travel brings to the table. I felt completely satisfied with Ford’s handling of these problems which she adroitly used to add quite a bit of tension to the novel.
The best part of the story was Alfred’s growth as a person. Being isolated under stressful circumstances with Nancy forces him to truly listen to another person for the first time in his life and he is shocked by her perception of him. This led to a moving and wholly believable evolution in his character. He doesn’t stop being a rules obsessed know-it-all, but he does learn a little about self-sacrifice and friendship which makes him increasingly endearing as the novel unfolds.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to listening to the sequel.
I received this book free from Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
September 20, 2019
There are two words that I would use to describe this book: ridiculous and awesome. Ridiculously awesome.
Picture a hybrid of Sheldon from Big Bang Theory and Sandra Bullock's character from The Heat. Now imagine that that character got dropped into the middle of the Cretaceous period with his "sidekick" (who, let's be honest, is really the hero) in the form of a hybrid Leonard/Melissa McCarthy. Ridiculous, right? Awesome, right? Why not create a hybrid of ridiculously awesome?
This is a book that does not take itself seriously, but does pack a lot of humor and enjoyment. I often found myself laughing or snorting out loud at Alfred's ridiculousness. He's not a completely likable character at first. In fact, he may only be tolerable. You'll get exasperated with his antics (or realize you know someone exactly like him) and roll your eyes. But you know that one person that can annoy the heck out of you, but you end up adoring anyway? That was Alfred for me, and the turning point was when Nancy had to educate him on mansplaining. I wanted to stand up and applaud her for it and give Alfred a pat on the back for realizing what he was doing and attempting to change it.
Now, Nancy. She's really the hero in this book, but I like that we're getting everything from Alfred's perspective. He's not the big, buff soldier that takes charge. In fact, Nancy is definitely the leader and capable one in this relationship. Which all leads to this adorable relationship between Nancy and Alfred as Alfred learns to become a little less rigid in rule following and a little more understanding about the rest of humanity.
I listened to the audiobook version of T-Rexes and Tax Law and absolutely loved it. I think the book would have been entertaining whether I read it or listened to it, but the narrator, John Carter Aimone, adds a whole other level to Alfred's ridiculousness. He created the perfect mix of comedic timing, cluelessness, and dry wit. Though sometimes the acting was a little over the top or added in odd places, overall it was incredibly enjoyable. The pacing is a little slow though and there’s odd pauses after sentences, but nothing that speeding it up to 1.35x can’t fix.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Picture a hybrid of Sheldon from Big Bang Theory and Sandra Bullock's character from The Heat. Now imagine that that character got dropped into the middle of the Cretaceous period with his "sidekick" (who, let's be honest, is really the hero) in the form of a hybrid Leonard/Melissa McCarthy. Ridiculous, right? Awesome, right? Why not create a hybrid of ridiculously awesome?
This is a book that does not take itself seriously, but does pack a lot of humor and enjoyment. I often found myself laughing or snorting out loud at Alfred's ridiculousness. He's not a completely likable character at first. In fact, he may only be tolerable. You'll get exasperated with his antics (or realize you know someone exactly like him) and roll your eyes. But you know that one person that can annoy the heck out of you, but you end up adoring anyway? That was Alfred for me, and the turning point was when Nancy had to educate him on mansplaining. I wanted to stand up and applaud her for it and give Alfred a pat on the back for realizing what he was doing and attempting to change it.
Now, Nancy. She's really the hero in this book, but I like that we're getting everything from Alfred's perspective. He's not the big, buff soldier that takes charge. In fact, Nancy is definitely the leader and capable one in this relationship. Which all leads to this adorable relationship between Nancy and Alfred as Alfred learns to become a little less rigid in rule following and a little more understanding about the rest of humanity.
I listened to the audiobook version of T-Rexes and Tax Law and absolutely loved it. I think the book would have been entertaining whether I read it or listened to it, but the narrator, John Carter Aimone, adds a whole other level to Alfred's ridiculousness. He created the perfect mix of comedic timing, cluelessness, and dry wit. Though sometimes the acting was a little over the top or added in odd places, overall it was incredibly enjoyable. The pacing is a little slow though and there’s odd pauses after sentences, but nothing that speeding it up to 1.35x can’t fix.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 27, 2020
Notes:
2.5 Stars Round Up
Points for fun concept & cover but loses points for poor plot.
2.5 Stars Round Up
Points for fun concept & cover but loses points for poor plot.
November 24, 2019
Okay, this was fun, silly, good, exciting, and all that other super stuff. I didn't always like the narrator, but at times, perhaps for certain of the voices, he was great. It's a nice short story that has tax investigators ending up in the past with dinosaurs and a bad guy that could help keep it that way. So I'm definitively interested in checking out the others if they come my way!
August 19, 2019
Alfred the taxman gets out of his comfort zone...
T-Rexes and Tax Law (Time Travelling Taxman, Book 1) by Rachel Ford and narrated by John Carter Aimone turned out to be a fun and humorous time traveling story. If you love time travel, this is the book for you.
What’s it about? Alfred and Nancy are investigating tax fraud. They find a little more than they bargain for and end up traveling to the time of the dinosaurs. While they do find the man of the company they are investigating, problems arise as things are not as Alfred has hoped for. Other things you’ll get: friendship, betrayal, survival of a group, time travel and what’s expected with it, hidden labs, dinosaur adventures, and more.
I ended up loving the book. At first I wasn’t sure as Alfred is a “by the rules/goody two shoes” kind of guy and there were times I wanted to smack him upside the head. Nancy helps to put Alfred in his place. She is a strong woman who knows what she wants and won’t put up with Alfred’s crap. If you start the book and are like man, this guy...stick with it as his character does develop into a not so annoying one. The supporting cast turns out to be just as great as the two main characters.
The narrator, John Carter Aimone, did a good job. He definitely helped to make the characters, especially Alfred.
Overall, I recommend as it’s well-written, entertaining, and a light read/listen. I’m already on to the second book in the series.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: a couple swear words (f’s) but very minimal as the MC doesn’t believe in swearing, guns (for survival and other uses- not saying due to spoilers), mention of serving in the Marine’s but no war talk, death. Overall, it’s a very light read. I’d have no problem letting my teen listen to this, or my younger child.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
T-Rexes and Tax Law (Time Travelling Taxman, Book 1) by Rachel Ford and narrated by John Carter Aimone turned out to be a fun and humorous time traveling story. If you love time travel, this is the book for you.
What’s it about? Alfred and Nancy are investigating tax fraud. They find a little more than they bargain for and end up traveling to the time of the dinosaurs. While they do find the man of the company they are investigating, problems arise as things are not as Alfred has hoped for. Other things you’ll get: friendship, betrayal, survival of a group, time travel and what’s expected with it, hidden labs, dinosaur adventures, and more.
I ended up loving the book. At first I wasn’t sure as Alfred is a “by the rules/goody two shoes” kind of guy and there were times I wanted to smack him upside the head. Nancy helps to put Alfred in his place. She is a strong woman who knows what she wants and won’t put up with Alfred’s crap. If you start the book and are like man, this guy...stick with it as his character does develop into a not so annoying one. The supporting cast turns out to be just as great as the two main characters.
The narrator, John Carter Aimone, did a good job. He definitely helped to make the characters, especially Alfred.
Overall, I recommend as it’s well-written, entertaining, and a light read/listen. I’m already on to the second book in the series.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: a couple swear words (f’s) but very minimal as the MC doesn’t believe in swearing, guns (for survival and other uses- not saying due to spoilers), mention of serving in the Marine’s but no war talk, death. Overall, it’s a very light read. I’d have no problem letting my teen listen to this, or my younger child.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
March 28, 2019
Good book
Not a lot of dino action. Alright for a quick read. Characters could have more development. T rex only mentioned at beginning end of book. I have it a three because it could have been better.
Not a lot of dino action. Alright for a quick read. Characters could have more development. T rex only mentioned at beginning end of book. I have it a three because it could have been better.
November 16, 2020
Mediocre. Good idea and reasonably amusing, but could have been better. For a book with the word "T-Rex" in the title the tyrant lizard king got remarkably little page time and there were few sightings and fewer interactions with prehistoric beasties of all shapes and sizes.
September 16, 2021
Good plot idea but lots of missed potential. Should have been longer and storyline developed more.
December 28, 2019
T-Rexes & Tax Law is the third ‘genre type’ by Rachel Ford that I have read. My first reading experience was set in a dystopian future, the second a short story I would call a horror fantasy.
Rachel has proven her versatility with this time travelling tale and I would say my enjoyment has grown with each book I have read.
This book is light-hearted with plenty of action and an look at human interactions.
The main protagonist Alfred Favero, senior analyst for the IRS is a pedantic, number obsessed burocrat to whom keeping and enforcing rules is the highest objective. Alfred pompously considers himself superior to others and whilst pragmatic is hopelessly impractical.
The female lead character is Nancy Abbot, she is the lead information technology analyst at the IRS, intelligent and a bit of a geek. At the same time she is a confident, practical and adventurous woman and absolute counterpoint to Alfred.
They are thrown together on a mission to uncover tax fraud of large corporation and are flown out to this company’s facility in an oasis in the middle of a desert. The place is abandond and they are forced to spend the night there. They encounter dinosaurs and then accidentally send themselves back in time to the Cretaceous Period, where they find the missing billionaire and facility owner, his wife and a number of employees who have set up a fortified, well stocked camp, but are trapped in this time zone.
From here on a number of adventures and experiences ensue; some are about exploring the fauna and flora, some uncovering the secrets surrounding the facility and why these people are trapped in the past and some exploring human feelings and interactions.
Alfred learns there are more things to life than rules and starts to develop socially and emotionally. Ultimately they bring Alfred and Nancy closer and they become close friends.
Overall this is an amusing, often exciting, sometimes surprisingly deep and well paced time-travelling adventure story, which I thoroughly enjoyed and I am looking forward to the next books in the series.
PS: We all know an Alfred and love to hate him!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review of my own opinion of it.
Rachel has proven her versatility with this time travelling tale and I would say my enjoyment has grown with each book I have read.
This book is light-hearted with plenty of action and an look at human interactions.
The main protagonist Alfred Favero, senior analyst for the IRS is a pedantic, number obsessed burocrat to whom keeping and enforcing rules is the highest objective. Alfred pompously considers himself superior to others and whilst pragmatic is hopelessly impractical.
The female lead character is Nancy Abbot, she is the lead information technology analyst at the IRS, intelligent and a bit of a geek. At the same time she is a confident, practical and adventurous woman and absolute counterpoint to Alfred.
They are thrown together on a mission to uncover tax fraud of large corporation and are flown out to this company’s facility in an oasis in the middle of a desert. The place is abandond and they are forced to spend the night there. They encounter dinosaurs and then accidentally send themselves back in time to the Cretaceous Period, where they find the missing billionaire and facility owner, his wife and a number of employees who have set up a fortified, well stocked camp, but are trapped in this time zone.
From here on a number of adventures and experiences ensue; some are about exploring the fauna and flora, some uncovering the secrets surrounding the facility and why these people are trapped in the past and some exploring human feelings and interactions.
Alfred learns there are more things to life than rules and starts to develop socially and emotionally. Ultimately they bring Alfred and Nancy closer and they become close friends.
Overall this is an amusing, often exciting, sometimes surprisingly deep and well paced time-travelling adventure story, which I thoroughly enjoyed and I am looking forward to the next books in the series.
PS: We all know an Alfred and love to hate him!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review of my own opinion of it.
May 27, 2020
I listened to an audio book but, as that isn't currently listed on Goodreads.com, I am placing my review here. Also, I did not finish this book, it was just that bad.
For a book about time travel and dinosaurs it is slow to develop and, frankly boring. This is in large part due to the MC who is very much like Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory tv show- loves following rules and doesn't understand other humans. Frankly the MC isn't well written as his inability to understand other humans just comes across as stupidity. Further, the key to the entire story, the MC traveling through time, is a product of the MC's absolute, beyond any possible measure of reasonableness, complete idiocy. Essentially the MC, on an overnight trip to discover how a major corporation just up and disappeared without first paying their taxes, wakes up to find dinosaurs in the modern world. All of ten minutes later the MC, who was unprepared for an overnight stay because he is just that big of an idiot, is asked if he wants to travel back to the Cretaceous Period. Ignoring all the evidence to the contrary (dinosaurs) the MC decides this is just some trick and says "yes". Further this ignores that the MC discovered major crimes in addition to tax fraud and so should be heading off to report his discoveries. This also ignores how terrified and interested in survival the MC was 10 minutes ago when confronted with dinosaurs. Basically the MC forgets about the dinosaurs as soon as they are no longer in sight.
The author undermines her MC and calls it "humor" but in reality it is just bad writing. The MC is thorough unlikable before the first chapter is over. Further, rather than writing an actual story where characters have motivations for their actions the author just makes the MC so stupid she can have him do anything, like agree to travel back in time with no food or water.
Bottom line: there must be something better to read.
For a book about time travel and dinosaurs it is slow to develop and, frankly boring. This is in large part due to the MC who is very much like Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory tv show- loves following rules and doesn't understand other humans. Frankly the MC isn't well written as his inability to understand other humans just comes across as stupidity. Further, the key to the entire story, the MC traveling through time, is a product of the MC's absolute, beyond any possible measure of reasonableness, complete idiocy. Essentially the MC, on an overnight trip to discover how a major corporation just up and disappeared without first paying their taxes, wakes up to find dinosaurs in the modern world. All of ten minutes later the MC, who was unprepared for an overnight stay because he is just that big of an idiot, is asked if he wants to travel back to the Cretaceous Period. Ignoring all the evidence to the contrary (dinosaurs) the MC decides this is just some trick and says "yes". Further this ignores that the MC discovered major crimes in addition to tax fraud and so should be heading off to report his discoveries. This also ignores how terrified and interested in survival the MC was 10 minutes ago when confronted with dinosaurs. Basically the MC forgets about the dinosaurs as soon as they are no longer in sight.
The author undermines her MC and calls it "humor" but in reality it is just bad writing. The MC is thorough unlikable before the first chapter is over. Further, rather than writing an actual story where characters have motivations for their actions the author just makes the MC so stupid she can have him do anything, like agree to travel back in time with no food or water.
Bottom line: there must be something better to read.
March 5, 2020
This is a different book for me to listen, my choice is cozy mysteries but I fancied a change and the blurb sounded interesting so I gave it a go. Glad I did as I enjoyed it and am going to get book two. Again the title sounds strange and not one I would normally listen to- UFOs and unpaid taxes but some how the author made this one work so I am going to give it a try. I liked it because it was so unusual, there was also a slight mystery (which kept me happy) as to who had followed them and was trying to kill off the survivors. I liked the characters and the way Alfred used creative words for swearing, also the way he has no problems when it comes to his job and upholding the law but life and every thing else he is less assured of himself even if he doesn't know it.
When Alfred and Nancy go on a field trip to investigate some irregularities with a company's taxes and the fact that everybody in the company disappeared, they had no idea that the helicopter ride to the desert and a secret base would change there lives. The empty base in abandoned and there task seems impossible the computer doesn't work because there is no power. No power that is except for the power running to the big button. The big button that Alfred can't help but press. Sending them back in time to when the dinosaurs walked the earth and then begins a fight to survive, good job they are able to find the missing scientist. However any changes in the past could effect them in the future and by traveling back in time they have already made one big change that could effect every one and give Alfred a big headache trying to understand it all . Will the change mean they can get back to there own time line or are they stuck?
I liked the narrator but did have to increase the speed a bit because he talked a bit to slowly, the voices were good though and you could always tell who was speaking.
When Alfred and Nancy go on a field trip to investigate some irregularities with a company's taxes and the fact that everybody in the company disappeared, they had no idea that the helicopter ride to the desert and a secret base would change there lives. The empty base in abandoned and there task seems impossible the computer doesn't work because there is no power. No power that is except for the power running to the big button. The big button that Alfred can't help but press. Sending them back in time to when the dinosaurs walked the earth and then begins a fight to survive, good job they are able to find the missing scientist. However any changes in the past could effect them in the future and by traveling back in time they have already made one big change that could effect every one and give Alfred a big headache trying to understand it all . Will the change mean they can get back to there own time line or are they stuck?
I liked the narrator but did have to increase the speed a bit because he talked a bit to slowly, the voices were good though and you could always tell who was speaking.
January 16, 2020
Haha! What a fun tale! It's perfectly ridiculous. I could tell from the cover that it would be silly but it was also clever. The idea of a tax fraud investigator stumbling upon a time travel conspiracy and getting sucked back into dino times makes me chuckle.
Nancy was my favorite character (sorry Alfred!). She's got the harsh snarky comments (totally excusable when you're being chased by a dino) and she's the brains too. I think without her Alfred would have died and we would have had a very short, bloody tale.
There's plenty of action, tax jokes (not nearly as boring as that sounds), and Alfred screaming like a small frightened child. Toss in a megalomaniac murderer, dehydration, and some indecipherable tax forms, and you got a pretty good story. 4.5/5 stars.
The Narration: John Carter Aimone needs to pick up the pace of his speech. He was so slow. I actually bumped up the playback speed on my app... and then bumped it up again... and again. I was at 1.75x on the playback speed and there were still these pauses inbetween some sentences that were just awkward and made it a bit of a trudge to get through this book. Other than that, he had a good voice for Alfred and a feminine don't-mess-with-me voice for Nancy. Other than the slow speech issue, there were no tech issues with the recording. 3/5 stars.
Nancy was my favorite character (sorry Alfred!). She's got the harsh snarky comments (totally excusable when you're being chased by a dino) and she's the brains too. I think without her Alfred would have died and we would have had a very short, bloody tale.
There's plenty of action, tax jokes (not nearly as boring as that sounds), and Alfred screaming like a small frightened child. Toss in a megalomaniac murderer, dehydration, and some indecipherable tax forms, and you got a pretty good story. 4.5/5 stars.
The Narration: John Carter Aimone needs to pick up the pace of his speech. He was so slow. I actually bumped up the playback speed on my app... and then bumped it up again... and again. I was at 1.75x on the playback speed and there were still these pauses inbetween some sentences that were just awkward and made it a bit of a trudge to get through this book. Other than that, he had a good voice for Alfred and a feminine don't-mess-with-me voice for Nancy. Other than the slow speech issue, there were no tech issues with the recording. 3/5 stars.
August 23, 2020
The book is mostly bland and the author is completely scattered. The author keeps adding things into the story for seemingly no real point. Going from mystery, to sci-fi, to adventure, then they throw in some romance for no reason, and then they suddenly remember that they needed a villain.
The male character is incredibly incapable. He is supposed to be a logical person who is trying to find the truth, but in reality, he is more like a bumbling side-kick who is unable to take a piss without being constantly instructed through each step.
The female of the two IRS agents is the strongest character in the story, and I feel that the reason the author chose to make Alfred the MC is to illustrate how capable Nancy is. Nancy can shoot, comes prepared, has inspirational flashes, understand quantum theory, time travel. And it comes off like she is being forced to help this autistic child.
The antagonist in the story, not counting the main character, is a special kind of idiot. The author has made it a point to not reveal the character until the very end. But let me try to sum up their motivations and personality.
There is a scene where at the middle of the night, Nancy comes up to the MC and unleashes this torrent of disjointed non-sensical theory at a person who is half-asleep. That is what the bad guy feels like. A 3 AM rant.
The male character is incredibly incapable. He is supposed to be a logical person who is trying to find the truth, but in reality, he is more like a bumbling side-kick who is unable to take a piss without being constantly instructed through each step.
The female of the two IRS agents is the strongest character in the story, and I feel that the reason the author chose to make Alfred the MC is to illustrate how capable Nancy is. Nancy can shoot, comes prepared, has inspirational flashes, understand quantum theory, time travel. And it comes off like she is being forced to help this autistic child.
The antagonist in the story, not counting the main character, is a special kind of idiot. The author has made it a point to not reveal the character until the very end. But let me try to sum up their motivations and personality.
There is a scene where at the middle of the night, Nancy comes up to the MC and unleashes this torrent of disjointed non-sensical theory at a person who is half-asleep. That is what the bad guy feels like. A 3 AM rant.
October 29, 2019
Dinosaurs, Timetravel & Future Assassins,
What can you say about this? It says 4hrs to read. 21/2 hours max.. Really interesting premise. Reads like a very famous film bringing dinosaurs to life on an Island - oh yes - Jurassic Park. To get around copyright this one is set in the Cretaceous Era. Easy. Some nice descriptive passages about the flora & fauna - but all secondary to the action, romance and plot.
Er, some of the future tech a bit vague and lack lustre, the morals and ethical philosophy could have been brought in sooner to create a continuous thread. Nothing is as black & white.
Speaking of colours, SO vanilla a Nun from a Carmelite Order could read it and still have nothing to confess.
Nice characters, based on Jurassic Park,I think, or similar.
I find it hard to criticise anyone who has got off their a&$e and written a book AND had it published AND had me so interested I have forked out money for it. Success in my eyes.
A good read when you are full of pain meds, flat on your back with your back in spasm. What more can I say.
What can you say about this? It says 4hrs to read. 21/2 hours max.. Really interesting premise. Reads like a very famous film bringing dinosaurs to life on an Island - oh yes - Jurassic Park. To get around copyright this one is set in the Cretaceous Era. Easy. Some nice descriptive passages about the flora & fauna - but all secondary to the action, romance and plot.
Er, some of the future tech a bit vague and lack lustre, the morals and ethical philosophy could have been brought in sooner to create a continuous thread. Nothing is as black & white.
Speaking of colours, SO vanilla a Nun from a Carmelite Order could read it and still have nothing to confess.
Nice characters, based on Jurassic Park,I think, or similar.
I find it hard to criticise anyone who has got off their a&$e and written a book AND had it published AND had me so interested I have forked out money for it. Success in my eyes.
A good read when you are full of pain meds, flat on your back with your back in spasm. What more can I say.
June 9, 2019
Turned out pretty good. :-D
I found that keeping the narrative between 95-100x worked best to get the sarcasm down. It did take me a few chapters to really get into the story but once I did it kept me engaged. :-)
So, Alfred totally annoyed me at the start, until I started laughing at him. :-D Of. course, Nancy is the back bone & heroine. Therefore, her character is strong which makes Alfred seem weak. Lol, I became annoyed with him in regards to the Marine. ;-)
Good word building, put I'd like a little more depth to the Cretaceous period.
The narrative, a bit distracting & his enunciations were a bit off more so in some places than others. He alone would get a 2.5 out of 5 from me.
Nice ending, I'm certainly going to read the next in the series. :-D
My star ratings include these 5 elements:
1★ story line
1★ engaging characters
1★ use of world building/descriptions
1★ narration or editing
1★ the ending
I found that keeping the narrative between 95-100x worked best to get the sarcasm down. It did take me a few chapters to really get into the story but once I did it kept me engaged. :-)
So, Alfred totally annoyed me at the start, until I started laughing at him. :-D Of. course, Nancy is the back bone & heroine. Therefore, her character is strong which makes Alfred seem weak. Lol, I became annoyed with him in regards to the Marine. ;-)
Good word building, put I'd like a little more depth to the Cretaceous period.
The narrative, a bit distracting & his enunciations were a bit off more so in some places than others. He alone would get a 2.5 out of 5 from me.
Nice ending, I'm certainly going to read the next in the series. :-D
My star ratings include these 5 elements:
1★ story line
1★ engaging characters
1★ use of world building/descriptions
1★ narration or editing
1★ the ending
December 26, 2019
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
"T-Rexes & Tax Law" is Ford's kickoff to an entertaining series. The author does a fine job of world building and character development.
Ford introduces us to Alfred Favaro, a senior analyst with the I.R.S. and Nancy Abbot an I.T. Goddess that also works for the I.R.S.
This entertaining tale is very easy to read and leaves me hungry, as is usual with Ford's writing, for more.
I strongly recommend this book, or better yet, pick up the newly released boxset with the first six volumes of the series!! Then you can do the reading equivalent of binge-watching
In the interest of transparency: I was given a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.
"T-Rexes & Tax Law" is Ford's kickoff to an entertaining series. The author does a fine job of world building and character development.
Ford introduces us to Alfred Favaro, a senior analyst with the I.R.S. and Nancy Abbot an I.T. Goddess that also works for the I.R.S.
This entertaining tale is very easy to read and leaves me hungry, as is usual with Ford's writing, for more.
I strongly recommend this book, or better yet, pick up the newly released boxset with the first six volumes of the series!! Then you can do the reading equivalent of binge-watching
In the interest of transparency: I was given a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2020
Hitchhiker's Guide to Jurassic Park
Can this book possibly measure up to the epic cover? Let's peek inside:
"Like his Italian grandmother’s idea of a pinch of garlic in her cooking, the usual seasoning of sarcasm Nancy sprinkled into her tone had given way to peak, knock-you-out-of-your-seat saturation."
Time to get cozy, this looks like a fun read!
An upright taxman whose vulgar language tends towards baked goods goes to investigate a case with his much calmer (and better prepared) colleague. Not to spoil it, because it's in the title, but time travel, T-Rexes, and wry humor ensue.
It's a pretty light, quick read, even trying to ensure no paradoxes occur. I'd read more from this author.
Can this book possibly measure up to the epic cover? Let's peek inside:
"Like his Italian grandmother’s idea of a pinch of garlic in her cooking, the usual seasoning of sarcasm Nancy sprinkled into her tone had given way to peak, knock-you-out-of-your-seat saturation."
Time to get cozy, this looks like a fun read!
An upright taxman whose vulgar language tends towards baked goods goes to investigate a case with his much calmer (and better prepared) colleague. Not to spoil it, because it's in the title, but time travel, T-Rexes, and wry humor ensue.
It's a pretty light, quick read, even trying to ensure no paradoxes occur. I'd read more from this author.
April 24, 2019
Don’t push that button... or you just might end up 67 million years in the past!
I thought this was an enjoyable, time travel story. I chuckled at the humor of a tax fraud investigator traveling back in time, especially that far back. As Al and his partner try to come up with a plan for survival, they find out they are not alone...
A unique storyline and great narration. Definitely a fun way to spend a few hours.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
I thought this was an enjoyable, time travel story. I chuckled at the humor of a tax fraud investigator traveling back in time, especially that far back. As Al and his partner try to come up with a plan for survival, they find out they are not alone...
A unique storyline and great narration. Definitely a fun way to spend a few hours.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
February 11, 2020
Nobody gets away without paying tax
This book is a brilliant read, you can travel through time but you can't get away without paying taxes.
Alfred and Nancy track together to find out what happened at a deserted facility, they don't expect to run into dinosaurs. Not do they expect to be transported back in time to the time when dinosaurs ruled the earth.
Suddenly there is more to live than petty office squabbles and then they need to find a way home. An excellent read for all
This book is a brilliant read, you can travel through time but you can't get away without paying taxes.
Alfred and Nancy track together to find out what happened at a deserted facility, they don't expect to run into dinosaurs. Not do they expect to be transported back in time to the time when dinosaurs ruled the earth.
Suddenly there is more to live than petty office squabbles and then they need to find a way home. An excellent read for all
April 11, 2020
This was another of those books that I think is better with the narrator’s reading of the book. The inflections he puts in the taxman make him sound like a 80s action hero fighting tax evaders.
The story is straight forward and relatively predictable but well worth the time, though a few more dinosaurs would have been fun. It’s kind of like “The Walking Dead” in that sense: yes there are zombies, but it’s the characters that matter more.
I definitely will be checking out the next book in this series to see where (and I have a reasonable guess) they take Nancy and Alfred.
The story is straight forward and relatively predictable but well worth the time, though a few more dinosaurs would have been fun. It’s kind of like “The Walking Dead” in that sense: yes there are zombies, but it’s the characters that matter more.
I definitely will be checking out the next book in this series to see where (and I have a reasonable guess) they take Nancy and Alfred.
December 19, 2021
"T-Rexes & Tax Law" is a fun, time-traveling adventure full of humor, action, and troublesome paradoxes.
I enjoyed the protagonist, Alfred the taxman, who is a quintessential "annoying geek who doesn't know he's a geek" type. I like how Ford wrote the story from his point of view, so we're presented his opinions as if they are fact, but context clues provided by other characters suggest his view is usually out of touch with reality. Most obviously in that he thinks of himself as a noble hero and others... let's say "think less of him."
It's a fun, quick read and good for a laugh.
I enjoyed the protagonist, Alfred the taxman, who is a quintessential "annoying geek who doesn't know he's a geek" type. I like how Ford wrote the story from his point of view, so we're presented his opinions as if they are fact, but context clues provided by other characters suggest his view is usually out of touch with reality. Most obviously in that he thinks of himself as a noble hero and others... let's say "think less of him."
It's a fun, quick read and good for a laugh.
March 2, 2019
A time travel story both serious and funny.
I really enjoyed this story. I liked the characters. Alfred is smug, and believes he is always right. Nancy puts him in his place. They work for the IRS, and find themselves in the past chasing tax cheats, while avoiding dinosaurs. They find danger, and complications with time lines. This is different than most time travel books I have read.
I really enjoyed this story. I liked the characters. Alfred is smug, and believes he is always right. Nancy puts him in his place. They work for the IRS, and find themselves in the past chasing tax cheats, while avoiding dinosaurs. They find danger, and complications with time lines. This is different than most time travel books I have read.
April 24, 2019
Great start....
This story has so much potential!!! What happened??? Rachel has so much talent and argh!!!!! I feel cheated out of a heck of a tale! The beginning was excellent.....the characters were interesting and the potential for an amazing story about survival 67 Million years ago was awesome!
The other very annoying fact is that the story was partially duplicated at the beginning of almost every page......... It was hard to read and frustrating.
This story has so much potential!!! What happened??? Rachel has so much talent and argh!!!!! I feel cheated out of a heck of a tale! The beginning was excellent.....the characters were interesting and the potential for an amazing story about survival 67 Million years ago was awesome!
The other very annoying fact is that the story was partially duplicated at the beginning of almost every page......... It was hard to read and frustrating.
December 17, 2019
So, the premise of this always intrigued me. I mean, who doesn't like Land Before Time? But what if a Lawyer, or an IRS man traveled back in time to be there? I mean, what could go wrong?
Well, the answer is quite a lot.
The narration was done well, and the story was fun, with plenty of humor, and fun Time-Travel timeline and paradoxes that it made it fascination. I'd definitely recommend it for some light-hearted fun. The audio book was well done.
Well, the answer is quite a lot.
The narration was done well, and the story was fun, with plenty of humor, and fun Time-Travel timeline and paradoxes that it made it fascination. I'd definitely recommend it for some light-hearted fun. The audio book was well done.
Read
January 8, 2020T-Rexes & Tax Law (Time Travelling Taxman Book 1), my first read from author Rachel Ford. This book is so well-written & enjoyable. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reading & reviewing it. John Carter Aimone’s talented narration adds greatly to the book's enjoyment. I look forward to the next book in the series, UFOs & Unpaid Taxes (Time Travelling Taxman Book 2). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
May 13, 2019
Not enough T-Rex. More like "Tax evasion via time travel". Still though not bad.
A busybody IRS agent and a computer wiz are investigating a possible tax fraud. While searching an abandoned facility, they're transported back 60+ million years.
Good vacation reading material; I read this in small increments during lunch at work.
A busybody IRS agent and a computer wiz are investigating a possible tax fraud. While searching an abandoned facility, they're transported back 60+ million years.
Good vacation reading material; I read this in small increments during lunch at work.
September 7, 2019
Hell Of A Title!
Time traveling IRS agents stumble 67 million years into the past in their search for corporate miscreants and find themselves in a world of trouble. I suppose you could call this a lighthearted romp with a little romance thrown in. It was okay but ultimately a letdown --it didn't live up to the promise of its zany title.
Time traveling IRS agents stumble 67 million years into the past in their search for corporate miscreants and find themselves in a world of trouble. I suppose you could call this a lighthearted romp with a little romance thrown in. It was okay but ultimately a letdown --it didn't live up to the promise of its zany title.
November 10, 2019
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It was interesting following the IRS agents time traveling with the t-rex dinasours. The bad guy has an interesting storyline which you need to read to find out about. The writer left a good opening for more adventures. Enjoyed the book
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