TaxMan

by M.K. Alexander

A short story about the democratization of the tax code that asks a simple question: What if you could decide how the government spends your tax dollars?

A fiction, and an incredibly simple idea that could change modern civilization.
A bold claim? See for yourself…
Can fiction change reality?
Perhaps…

Author’s note:
The characters in this story are named for famous economists, all from a bygone era. They in no way reflect the fictional persons as presented. It is meant as an homage to these thinkers of the past.

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2021

About the author

No genre is safe from me!
(OK, maybe Romance is safe)

One thing that bugs me is the accusation that I am too subtle. Too subtle? Is this even possible? I like to give my readers some credit: I always assume they are clever, educated, and have a good sense of humor...

I've has been writing fiction for over 20 years and recently published eight new titles, as well as a short story collection. Every book I write is exhaustively researched, I'm proud to say.

I have been a reporter and editor for many newspapers, and worked for The New York Times for well over ten years. Winner of the BBC Short Story Award.

Reviews

[Richard Schwindt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it’s fair to say that Taxman is an unusual novella, marked by strong settings, MK Alexander’s grows-on-you sense of humor, and a completely original take. Yeah, it goes into Alexander’s unique universe, and talks about taxes. It will appeal to your dorkish impulses, and inner economist. If you have read Mr. Thursday, you will know that Alexander can nail group dialogue, and he does so again. Not interested in taxes? Maybe you should be; we all pay them. So if you want a taste of funny, suspense, woo-woo and especially a bit of provocative thought on the real world around us, Taxman is highly recommended, with a bracing glass of cold water.

[Taggart Rehnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death and taxes might be unavoidable, as the saying goes. Hard to miss, given this book’s cover mirrors the Hermitage version of Böcklin’s “Island of the Dead”.
Both can also (as everyday news constantly remind us) profoundly change the world.
And yet, we often imagine taxmen as bureaucratic experts steeped in codes and collection mechanics, essentially the high priests of administrative dogma. What if among them a new, bright creative spark flew that questions dogma? A possible answer, Alexander’s vividly cinematic thriller “Taxman”, populated by famous names and full of wit and sarcasm, tackles the subject brilliantly.

[Jools King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subtle, enjoyable short story

You've got to hand it to the author: titling a book Taxman might be seen as a hard sell in some quarters. :) Yet this short political finance thriller packs a punch, moves fast with its inspired use of snappy dialogue, and ends satisfyingly. I shall certainly be checking out more works from this author.

[Sandra Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short fiction about the dangers of trying to improve on democracy, especially where money, politicians and special interests are concerned. The author takes a simple idea for revising the tax code and leaves the reader wondering, what if….
A well-written, thought-provoking read that I thoroughly enjoyed.