"Death and Taxes" is the first novel written by David Dodge, who would go on to write some of the finest novels in the mystery genre, including the legendary "To Catch a Thief." Often compared to Dashiell Hammett, Dodge's urbane writing style stands the test of time. His novels are fresh, fast-paced and witty. "Death And Taxes" was originally written on a bet with his wife and it draws extensively from his experience as a tax consultant. Who'd of thought the subject of tax fraud, when mixed with murder, romance and binge drinking, could be so entertaining. "Death and Taxes" has one of the funniest drinking scenes in all of literature-not to be missed, and Whit Whitney, tax man turned detective in 1940's San Francisco, is one of the most endearing characters in crime fiction.