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Sydney Rye Mysteries #17
Jagged Truth
Robert Maxim's smirk feels a little like home, like the scary exciting basement steps with their shadows and hints of unnatural powers. A cold wind rushes across the fallow corn field, pulling at my cargo pants and dipping into the open neck of my long overcoat. It's too large for me, drooping off the shoulders and buttoned around my son, James, as he sleeps against my chest in his baby carrier. Blue's nose taps my hip. My son's breath warms my chest. This is home. They say you can’t ever go home again–but I think they're wrong. No matter where I stand, as long as I have these two with me, I am home. Robert Maxim, on the other hand…I know I don't belong with him although he doesn't agree. The man is richer and more powerful than anyone should be. He holds as much sway over our world as the basement steps over the imagination of a child—it's a death grip that makes no sense. Here he stands now, the same cold wind bracketing me, teasing his hair—sable but silvered at the temples, just like a real villain. His ebony coat fits him perfectly, the material the kind of soft black that absorbs light. When we are ten feet away, Robert stirs, moving forward to meet us. "Sydney," he says in that voice of his, looking at me with those oceanic eyes, smiling with that smirk. Robert's gaze drops to Blue. "Blue," he says, nodding a greeting. Blue's tail wags, and he lets out a warble. Robert's smirk spreads into a smile. Blue doesn't hate Robert Maxim. Which is a point in Robert's favor. But there are too many checkmarks in the "this guy is a dangerous psychopath column" to totally trust Blue's assessment that he shouldn't be mauled on site. "Robert," I say, tilting my chin up. His gaze shifts to the bulge under my coat. My arms circle James. The black wool coat reaches past my knees covering James's body, keeping him hidden and warm. "He's asleep." "I've so looked forward to meeting him." I spent James's entire life—all eleven months of it—hiding. Not just from Robert Maxim, but he was one of the key components that made me want to bury myself away from the world. I may believe you can find home no matter where you are…but that also means you can't ever run away from yourself. Wherever you go, there you are…and in my case Robert Maxim is there too. "I left you, Robert. You must realize that I'm not going to let you be in my son's life." "No?" His gaze drops to the top of James's head. He leans forward to get a peek at his face, and the emotion that steals over Robert Maxim breaks off a piece of my heart and runs away with it. "You can have it all," Robert says. "Any thing or person you desire." He throws the word desire at me like it's mine, like I should own it. "All of your wants and needs can be met. You just have to allow yourself to have them." His eyes come back to mine. "Can you do that, Sydney? Let yourself have everything you want?" "How do I get you to just leave me alone?" His nostrils flare, and the skin around his eyes tighten. "You can have that too. I'm not here to force you into my bed, Sydney. I'm here to save your life." P.S. The dog does not die. ** If you can’t handle a few f-bombs, you can’t handle this series.**
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2023
About the author
Emily Kimelman
99 books976 followersI write because I love to read, but I have specific tastes...
If I was offered a job as a professional reader with no strings attached, I would take it. Getting paid to sit around and read while drinking tea all day—I'm there. Since that’s not possible, I became an author.
I write the books I want to read—stories that give me the immersive reading experiences I crave. When a series grabs me, and it's all I can think about, I'm SO happy. When my inner dialogue starts sounding like the protagonist of my current read, I think, Oh yeah, this is IT. This is what I love.
When I finish a book, and I NEED to immediately grab the next one in the series, that’s the intensity I crave. When I binge read an entire series, I want to feel like my own reality changed—as if the stories I read affected the real world just a little. After a great series I'm a little wiser, a little more grateful for my everyday existence, and a little more aware that my personal perspective is not everyone's.
Personally, I like to spend time in fictional worlds where justice is exacted with a vengeance, even though good and bad are not always black and white. Give me raw stories with a main character who occasionally makes me laugh, is flawed like we all are, and feels like a friend by the end of the first few chapters. They don’t have to be a friend I always LIKE, per se, but a part of me has to root for them.
For me, the sentence structure is important. Too much passive voice, and I'm out. I do not mind four-letter words at all though. Sex in books can go either way—fade to black or show me the details, but either way there has to be a reason it’s in the story. I'm also into heroic pets, plots that seem totally unhinged but all come together in the end with a BANG, and long series so I always have more to look forward to.
Those are the types of stories I love reading, so that’s how I write. If you’re into some or all of the above then I think we are going to get along fantastically.
If I was offered a job as a professional reader with no strings attached, I would take it. Getting paid to sit around and read while drinking tea all day—I'm there. Since that’s not possible, I became an author.
I write the books I want to read—stories that give me the immersive reading experiences I crave. When a series grabs me, and it's all I can think about, I'm SO happy. When my inner dialogue starts sounding like the protagonist of my current read, I think, Oh yeah, this is IT. This is what I love.
When I finish a book, and I NEED to immediately grab the next one in the series, that’s the intensity I crave. When I binge read an entire series, I want to feel like my own reality changed—as if the stories I read affected the real world just a little. After a great series I'm a little wiser, a little more grateful for my everyday existence, and a little more aware that my personal perspective is not everyone's.
Personally, I like to spend time in fictional worlds where justice is exacted with a vengeance, even though good and bad are not always black and white. Give me raw stories with a main character who occasionally makes me laugh, is flawed like we all are, and feels like a friend by the end of the first few chapters. They don’t have to be a friend I always LIKE, per se, but a part of me has to root for them.
For me, the sentence structure is important. Too much passive voice, and I'm out. I do not mind four-letter words at all though. Sex in books can go either way—fade to black or show me the details, but either way there has to be a reason it’s in the story. I'm also into heroic pets, plots that seem totally unhinged but all come together in the end with a BANG, and long series so I always have more to look forward to.
Those are the types of stories I love reading, so that’s how I write. If you’re into some or all of the above then I think we are going to get along fantastically.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 18, 2023
Jagged Truth a Sydney Rye novel by Emily Kimelman is continuation of a series 20tears in the making. This is book 22 of the series. Emily has written both plot and tintillating narrative over the years and just keeps getting better. If your interested in a badass female main character and don’t mind the f* bomb and you love dogs in stories then this is your new favorite series. I recommend starting from the beginning with Unleashed to get the full experience of the series, the growth, the excitement and the characters development.
Sydney Rye, James her son and Blue’s adventures continue in this story about love, lies, honesty and loyalty. Bring into the story One Robert Maxim her billionaire husband in name only, Peter the man she has fallen in love with over the last eleven months and her true love Mulberry, James’s biological father (who she thought was dead). And, things take off from there.
Sydney Rye, James her son and Blue’s adventures continue in this story about love, lies, honesty and loyalty. Bring into the story One Robert Maxim her billionaire husband in name only, Peter the man she has fallen in love with over the last eleven months and her true love Mulberry, James’s biological father (who she thought was dead). And, things take off from there.
August 30, 2023
Jagged Truth - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Trapped in a web of deception by her manipulative devious husband Robert, Sydney Rye is in emotional turmoil, and her baby son James must remain her number one priority, even as she plans their escape route from Maxim's gilded cage.
Whom can she believe?
How can she save her loved ones and herself, whilst seeking the eponymous truth about the 'protector' she let down her guard with, and trying to get back to James's father Mulberry?
Adventure, thrills and danger are everywhere and Blue, Frank and Nila are the only ones who will never betray her.
Guaranteed to grip you firmly by the imagination throughout, if you're intrigued to discover where the Jagged Truth by the incredible Emily Kimelman will lead you, don't miss the chance to grab a copy when it comes to a bookseller near you/online, from 25th September - and tell all your book-lover friends!
Trapped in a web of deception by her manipulative devious husband Robert, Sydney Rye is in emotional turmoil, and her baby son James must remain her number one priority, even as she plans their escape route from Maxim's gilded cage.
Whom can she believe?
How can she save her loved ones and herself, whilst seeking the eponymous truth about the 'protector' she let down her guard with, and trying to get back to James's father Mulberry?
Adventure, thrills and danger are everywhere and Blue, Frank and Nila are the only ones who will never betray her.
Guaranteed to grip you firmly by the imagination throughout, if you're intrigued to discover where the Jagged Truth by the incredible Emily Kimelman will lead you, don't miss the chance to grab a copy when it comes to a bookseller near you/online, from 25th September - and tell all your book-lover friends!
September 25, 2023
How does a woman choose?
Three men want to be “the one” in Sydney’s life and father to baby James. Mulberry, James’s father, “Peter”, Sydney’s faux husband, the man who helped her hid from the third man in this equation, F’ing Robert Maxim.
In this installment of the Sydney Rye series, Emily gives us more excitement with gun fire, hiding from bad guys and “good guys” and dogs. I love the dogs. Nila and Frank are back with us for this book. Nila is, as always, dignified and focused on all the action. Frank, oh Frank, he is still the silly, loving, goofball but he shows some signs that he can be more like Blue. Frank has discovered his person, baby James. James has become the focus of attention and protection for Frank.
So, get your pumpkin spice latte or spiked apple cider and curl up for a great fall read.
ENJOY!
Three men want to be “the one” in Sydney’s life and father to baby James. Mulberry, James’s father, “Peter”, Sydney’s faux husband, the man who helped her hid from the third man in this equation, F’ing Robert Maxim.
In this installment of the Sydney Rye series, Emily gives us more excitement with gun fire, hiding from bad guys and “good guys” and dogs. I love the dogs. Nila and Frank are back with us for this book. Nila is, as always, dignified and focused on all the action. Frank, oh Frank, he is still the silly, loving, goofball but he shows some signs that he can be more like Blue. Frank has discovered his person, baby James. James has become the focus of attention and protection for Frank.
So, get your pumpkin spice latte or spiked apple cider and curl up for a great fall read.
ENJOY!
September 25, 2023
Robert & Mulberry & Peter, OH MY!
Could not put it down! Sydney & Robert & Mulberry & Peter are the all-star line-up in this book. But is Peter really Peter? Who does he work for or with? See what happens to Robert! How does Dan figure in all this? Emily Kimelman has really brought these characters together in a way you won’t see coming! Not going to give any spoiler alerts on who does what to whom when or why. There are great action scenes in the desert with motorcycles, rocks, & rain & later with a yacht on the high seas! I write as if it is a movie, but it is a book which transports you to where Sydney and her cast of characters exist. Cannot wait for the next in the series!
Given ARC (Advanced Reader’s Copy) for my voluntary review.
Could not put it down! Sydney & Robert & Mulberry & Peter are the all-star line-up in this book. But is Peter really Peter? Who does he work for or with? See what happens to Robert! How does Dan figure in all this? Emily Kimelman has really brought these characters together in a way you won’t see coming! Not going to give any spoiler alerts on who does what to whom when or why. There are great action scenes in the desert with motorcycles, rocks, & rain & later with a yacht on the high seas! I write as if it is a movie, but it is a book which transports you to where Sydney and her cast of characters exist. Cannot wait for the next in the series!
Given ARC (Advanced Reader’s Copy) for my voluntary review.
September 28, 2023
Sydney is like a danger magnet. She never seems to have much downtime before the inevitable finds her. Like she always says “trouble does love me.” She’s a target of the good guys and the bad guys. Everyone wants a piece of her… everyone. Her son and her dogs are her main priority. But Maxim, Mulberry, and Peter are all vying for her attention. They say there’s no allure to darkness but with Maxim it is very tempting. There’s just something about a man that takes you for who you truly are and will burn the world for you.
You may be wondering how a 17 book series thus far can last? That’s because Kimelman has that magic where you are thrust into a world full of action, adventure, and heart pumping adrenaline! I look forward to each and everyone of them!
You may be wondering how a 17 book series thus far can last? That’s because Kimelman has that magic where you are thrust into a world full of action, adventure, and heart pumping adrenaline! I look forward to each and everyone of them!
September 16, 2023
Once again Sydney is on the run and is still trapped in a love triangle. Sydney, James (her son) and Blue are forced to make a live or death decision to survive. Her husband Robert whisks her away and soon he is shot and barely alive while she is told her recent fake husband is a liar. All the while her son’s real father is still looking for her as well. Once again you will be blown away by the story that Emily has provided us with. As always you can count on a top notch cast of characters, non stop action, intrigue, murder and mystery to keep you up into the wee hours of morning eagerly waiting for the next twist.
September 22, 2023
Sydney and baby James are quite the adventurers. While Sydney has her own harem of men willing to do anything for her James is just excited for cars and mom. We pick up exactly where the previous book ended in a field across from a hotel, Sydney talking with Robert while Mulberry and Peter stayed back. It never stops for her, she never knows who to trust or who to love honestly. The dogs are wonderful for comic relief, Frank is my favorite doofus. James is quite the character as he has moments of just being a kid and making noises. I can’t recommend this series enough, but it must be read from the beginning. I’ve received an earlier copy from the author and wrote my review voluntarily.
August 28, 2023
Amazing, interesting story, the author never disappoints us, nor does Sydney.
Sydney draws us into her world, the love-hate she has with some people.
A story showing the love over everything else is her infant son James
A complex life, the evil of some that are around.her. The love- hate of the man
whose the father of her child. Then the gray world she had built with Peter.
Realizing she was not cut out for a normal life, yet wanted love and family
Great plot, one reads several times while waiting for the next
Given arc for my voluntary review .......Sept 25: '23
Sydney draws us into her world, the love-hate she has with some people.
A story showing the love over everything else is her infant son James
A complex life, the evil of some that are around.her. The love- hate of the man
whose the father of her child. Then the gray world she had built with Peter.
Realizing she was not cut out for a normal life, yet wanted love and family
Great plot, one reads several times while waiting for the next
Given arc for my voluntary review .......Sept 25: '23
September 25, 2023
This book had me from the start! I love the characters and love how they interact. I love how I am so engrossed in the book that I forget the “real world”!! I was on the edge of my seat during part of the book and was rooting for Sydney all the way. This series has kept my attention from the first book and can’t wait for the next book. Love love love Sydney and her entourage and how their escapades keep you guessing on what is going to happen next. If you are looking for a book with excitement that will keep you guessing this is the book (and series) for you!
September 25, 2023
No matter what comes Sydney Rye's way, she can handle it. Motherhood-check. Dead people come to life-check. Pirates-check. Betrayal-check. Robert Maxim-check? Robert may be the only question mark, oh and Pete- question mark. Just like real life (only way more adventurous and exciting!) Just when you think you have it handled-here come the question marks! It was good to have some of the well loved characters from previous books make an appearance and get caught up with them. Can't wait until the next book when some questions are answered and more come up! Always an engaging read!
September 25, 2023
Jagged Truth
Wow, what a great read! Sydney, Blue and company are back and the exciting adventures continue. I love that we see both sides of Sydney. The kick ass vigilante seeking justice as well as the loving, devoted mother to James.
This book has a little of everything- action, adventure and even romance. There are exciting twists you never see coming. If only we didn’t have to wait until 2024 to read Brutal Mercy, number 18 in the Sydney Rye Mystery series. Grab your copy of Jagged Truth today, you won’t be disappointed!
Wow, what a great read! Sydney, Blue and company are back and the exciting adventures continue. I love that we see both sides of Sydney. The kick ass vigilante seeking justice as well as the loving, devoted mother to James.
This book has a little of everything- action, adventure and even romance. There are exciting twists you never see coming. If only we didn’t have to wait until 2024 to read Brutal Mercy, number 18 in the Sydney Rye Mystery series. Grab your copy of Jagged Truth today, you won’t be disappointed!
September 25, 2023
Sydney Rye continues to walk in the grey zones between good and evil, right and wrong, and always with her trusty sidekick, Blue. No matter what the world throws her way (motherhood, why not!) Sydney is always ready to fight for the little guy, the underrepresented, the underdog.
If you are new to the series, go back. Start at book #1. Trust me.
If you’re all caught up, this newest installment will not disappoint. It has all the twists and turns, romance and gunfire, that we expect from this series. Can't wait for #18!
If you are new to the series, go back. Start at book #1. Trust me.
If you’re all caught up, this newest installment will not disappoint. It has all the twists and turns, romance and gunfire, that we expect from this series. Can't wait for #18!
September 26, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. It has the right amount of adventure, romance, and dogs. I love those dogs, especially Frank! Sydney is in love with three different men, her husband Robert Maxim, her fake husband Petter, and the baby daddy Mulberry. Two of them she doesn’t know whether to kill them or have sex with them.
Jagged Truth is one of those books you can’t wait to see how it ends but you aren’t ready for it to end. Motherhood has changed Sydney in a very positive way, but she still loves a good fight. Her favorite line is, “trouble does love me.”
Jagged Truth is one of those books you can’t wait to see how it ends but you aren’t ready for it to end. Motherhood has changed Sydney in a very positive way, but she still loves a good fight. Her favorite line is, “trouble does love me.”
August 31, 2023
Another great addition to Sydney’s story, and like usual I could NOT put this book down. Filled with love, lies, betrayal, action, and even pirates, this book is sure to keep you on your toes.
Seeing Sydney as a mother is probably my favorite part of the last few books, I love her relationship with little James, and the fact that he doesn’t slow her down. I cannot wait to see where this story goes and what Sydney and the gang get up to next!
Seeing Sydney as a mother is probably my favorite part of the last few books, I love her relationship with little James, and the fact that he doesn’t slow her down. I cannot wait to see where this story goes and what Sydney and the gang get up to next!
September 1, 2023
Emily Kimelman doesn't disappoint! Another fast paced adventure for Sydney Rye.
Love and betrayal with the men closest to her are causing a lot of emotional turmoil for Sydney. She is unsure who to trust.
Danger and trouble follow her. This story doesn't disappoint in that department. Can she keep her son and those she loves safe?
I hope we don't have to wait long for the next installment. The ending promises the next adventure is about to begin.
Love and betrayal with the men closest to her are causing a lot of emotional turmoil for Sydney. She is unsure who to trust.
Danger and trouble follow her. This story doesn't disappoint in that department. Can she keep her son and those she loves safe?
I hope we don't have to wait long for the next installment. The ending promises the next adventure is about to begin.
September 22, 2023
I quite liked this one! The story line is more like the early books, more about daily life and adventures with Sydney, less about ‘causes’. The soapbox here is touting Sydney, her struggles in balancing her family, her romantic life and those of being held up as a shining example to so many. Yes, there are action scenarios, as always, so she’s on guard, as always, but who is it that wants to bring her down? The story continues…
September 25, 2023
I was unable to put this down! I adore Sydney's ability to consistently fight for what is right. She kicks a$$ and takes names and she leads in a way that inspires others to join her. I wholeheartedly believe the world would be a better place if Sydney was human. Alas - she is not so do the next best thing and pick up a Sydney Rye story to live in her world for a while. You might get inspired to change the real world.
September 25, 2023
WOW!
Prepare to be once again captivated in the world of Sydney Rye. Now that she has left the “gray-beige “ suburban life behind, the ride accelerates. Blue by her side, she packs the diaper bag in with the weapons and takes her son along. Now with him to protect, her mission to make the world a better place has intensified. Lay in a supply of snacks and turn off the phone. Ready? Set. READ!
Prepare to be once again captivated in the world of Sydney Rye. Now that she has left the “gray-beige “ suburban life behind, the ride accelerates. Blue by her side, she packs the diaper bag in with the weapons and takes her son along. Now with him to protect, her mission to make the world a better place has intensified. Lay in a supply of snacks and turn off the phone. Ready? Set. READ!
September 25, 2023
Sydney's drama-filled journey continues in this book. She travels from place to place, never being able to settle long, before the next issues arise and she's forced to run.
The men in her life are constantly surprising her, and not in a good way. Everyone has their own motives and it's difficult to know who to trust.
I love Blue and the other dogs, and they're reunited in this one. Frank is adorable and silly, as usual.
This was an action-packed story, from start to finish, and was a good addition to the series. Read it in one sitting!
The men in her life are constantly surprising her, and not in a good way. Everyone has their own motives and it's difficult to know who to trust.
I love Blue and the other dogs, and they're reunited in this one. Frank is adorable and silly, as usual.
This was an action-packed story, from start to finish, and was a good addition to the series. Read it in one sitting!
September 25, 2023
I received an advance review copy of this book. I loved it!!!
Sydney is in an emotionally tough spot while also dealing with those who are after her. I cannot imagine being a mom of such a young child while in her situation. Robert, being in a vulnerable position really has her confused. And, what is with Petey Poppins? Helicopters, motorcycles, boats, gunfire, missiles, and more. It all seems overwhelming and impossible. But, this is Sydney MF Rye.
Sydney is in an emotionally tough spot while also dealing with those who are after her. I cannot imagine being a mom of such a young child while in her situation. Robert, being in a vulnerable position really has her confused. And, what is with Petey Poppins? Helicopters, motorcycles, boats, gunfire, missiles, and more. It all seems overwhelming and impossible. But, this is Sydney MF Rye.
September 26, 2023
Worth the wait but now I need the next one!
Sydney and Blue (and James) are back and the adventure continues. Cornfields and deserts and oceans- oh my! The author does such a great job at recapping the character history here and there without overdoing it. And there is a LOT of history. I started the Sydney Rye series a little over a year ago and whenever I start a new book, I just can't put it down. And Blue will never die!
Sydney and Blue (and James) are back and the adventure continues. Cornfields and deserts and oceans- oh my! The author does such a great job at recapping the character history here and there without overdoing it. And there is a LOT of history. I started the Sydney Rye series a little over a year ago and whenever I start a new book, I just can't put it down. And Blue will never die!
September 30, 2023
Having a chid changes everything, your Heart now resides outside your body. Sydney Rye is blindsided by the person she came to trust most in her new world and a ghost from her past. I love this series and look forward to each new installment. Every book can be read as a stand alone novel, but don't deprive yourself the pleasure of these intriguing characters. Fast paced, convoluted and ever evolving self awareness.
December 9, 2024
I swear these books are like potato chips. There was no way I could stop with just a couple, I had to continue. The thing about books is that even though you get sucked into a world the author has built... you are able to come out on the other side without a scrape. Not Sydney though, she's gone more than most of us could possibly endure, and now she's protecting her baby. Dang if I haven't opened the next bag of chips.
September 19, 2023
Sydney Rye and her dog Blue are a perennial favorite. Back with Robert Maxim with a love hate relationship and hoping to reunite with Mulberry, her son's father. A gun fight leaves Maxim fighting for his life. Sydney is about to make a deal with a US Senator for immunity when an assassination occurs. She is once again on the run.
September 20, 2023
Oh my!!!! Well this one was jam packed with so much awesomeness…. But STOP if you haven’t read the rest of the series head to number 1 and Go….
Back to my now favourite so far Sydney Rye story.
Can Sydney trust her own judgment?
Can Sydney trust anyone but her beloved dogs?
Is anything in life real ? Lol
I am hanging out for lots of answers
Back to my now favourite so far Sydney Rye story.
Can Sydney trust her own judgment?
Can Sydney trust anyone but her beloved dogs?
Is anything in life real ? Lol
I am hanging out for lots of answers
September 25, 2023
If you dislike the F word, then this isn't the book for you. BUT, if you like an explosively good story that's hard to put down.....then it most certainly is!
I have been a fan of the Sydney Rye books since day one, and I certainly enjoy the depth of the characters and story. There's always intense situations, distrust, and a lot of action. There's three pretty great dogs, too.
I have been a fan of the Sydney Rye books since day one, and I certainly enjoy the depth of the characters and story. There's always intense situations, distrust, and a lot of action. There's three pretty great dogs, too.
September 25, 2023
This series has become my favorite series-- the writing is phenomenal, the characters are complex and multi-faceted, which makes them relatable on some level. This book has as much action as always, and I love seeing Sydney grow and change as a mother. The only thing I don't like is having to wait for the next book!
August 30, 2023
With a 1 year old in tow, Sydney still manages to hold things together. At times, juggling more than she thinks she's capable of handling. But....she IS Sydney Rye, after all. Was nice to hear some names from the past pop up. And then there's Frank!! How could anyone not love that goofball?
September 4, 2023
Sydney and Mulberry are back together and eager to be together. Peter has proven to Sydney that he is dishonest and can’t be trusted. The betrayal is real and painful. Robert thinks Sydney will come with him without a fight. So many challenges ahead for Sydney. Great book! Loved it!
September 17, 2023
What can I say about this book? Sydney Rye at her best, and with a one year old . Robert is at his usual tricks. Peter betrayed her trust, but feelings are still there. Mulberry is back and the love they have is so pure . I can not wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews