Bad Accounts

by Kate McVaugh

Top notch accountant Pia might have suspected her bosses of cooking the books, but when you're fifty-two and jobs are scarce, it's easy to look the other way. Or it is until you find out that your employers might be managing the finances of a drug cartel, right there in your hometown. Stealing a few files to implicate her bosses seemed like a good idea... until Pia finds a gun in her front yard, apparently dropped by an inept hitman. Maybe she should have listened to Brad and quit her job instead of absconding with the incriminating documents. But it's too late for regrets now, and she's a marked woman. Luckily for Pia, Brad puts his surfing on hold long enough to help get her out of town and down to Ocean Beach. Unfortunately, that might not be enough. Crossing the border into Mexico may be the only answer. From Monterey, California, all the way to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, aging gangsters, bungling rent-a-cops, and an out-of-his-element hitman, thwart Pia's every move. But with the help of a few surfers and their friends, she's determined to not only stay alive, but to see the drug cartel shut down once and for all.

278 pages, Paperback

First published December 26, 2014

About the author

Kate McVaugh writes fast-paced, fun-filled adventures, mysteries, and literary fiction. All are set in foreign countries where she has lived, worked, and traveled.

She grew up in the cold, foggy San Francisco Bay Area, but always felt that she should be living somewhere else. Preferably in a hot, tropical climate, exploring the culture and learning the language.

A two-year stint with the Peace Corps in Brazil is where she first fulfilled that desire for international adventure. From there, she went on to work as an educator both in the US and abroad. Except, that is, when she required a break from the profession. She found her respite while working in bars and running nightclubs.

Kate is also a travel essayist whose work has appeared in Lonely Planet.

Contact: McVaugh.books@gmail.com

Reviews

[Jill Rey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Accounts was a satisfying read about a middle-aged accountant, Pia, as she discovers her new employers are running the books for a large drug operation under her nose. The ensuing chase as Pia runs from a hired gun, is hilarious and surprisingly realistic as it keeps you turning pages.

This story is definitely a crazy one, many of Pia’s pursuits seem a bit far-fetched to say out loud but author, Kate McVaugh, does an incredible job of keeping the story’s crazy within the lines of possible. This book was an easy choice for me as it revolved around an accountant, the California coast and promised a refreshingly funny read. I was not disappointed and was excited to find a book with an accountant as the main character, as an accountant myself it is rare find.

For the full review, please visit: https://fortheloveofthepageblog.wordp...

*Disclaimer: This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Francene Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pia is a middle-aged accountant whose life is stuck in a rut until she discovers that her bosses are heavily involved with a drug cartel. When her bosses realise that Pia has been snooping in their files and has the evidence to incriminate them they are quick to act, sending a hit man to take care of her. Fortunately for Pia, the hit man bungles the job and she is forced to flee to Mexico. Along the way she finds herself in several unexpected situations (including having to dress up as a drag queen!) and even manages to have a good time despite the fact that the hit man is hot on her trail.

This is a fun, light-hearted read full of entertaining twists and turns. I especially loved the character of Brad, an ageing surfer-dude who helps Pia to realise that life can still be an adventure, no matter how old you are. If you're looking for something to amuse and entertain, then you can't go wrong with this one.