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Sydney Rye Mysteries #18
Brutal Mercy
The dog’s howls echo the mechanical whine of the sirens blaring from the speakers. The sounds undulate, rising and falling like the jungle-draped topography around us.
The airfield we stand on is a swath of ochre in a sea of riotous green—the sky above a cerulean dome hazed in tremulous clouds. Sunlight beats through them, baking the dirt, mixing with the moisture of the jungle and wrapping itself around us in a heavy, sweaty embrace. My arms tighten around my son.
Frank presses his snout to James’s foot, a low whine escaping as he looks up at me. Nila joins with Blue circling us as though forming a defensive line. They know we are in danger but don’t know from what.
The dogs in the jungle, trained to protect the compound’s perimeter, continue to howl even as the sirens wind down.
Blue leads us to the jungle path. Darkness closes in around us, the air stifling and humidity thick. Over the cascading insect orchestra, a resonating hum grows louder. James looks up at the canopy above us. “Vroom?” He asks.
“Vroom,” I agree, keeping my focus on the winding path. Roots criss-cross the dirt. Big wet leaves and spidery vines encroach, tugging at my clothing as if to stop me from entering. Sweat slides down my spine under my shirt.
Nila jogs ahead, taking the lead, her nose to the ground while Blue stays by my side and Frank behind us—a train of people and dogs. A pack moving through the jungle. A formidable force.
A bird squawks loudly, jerking James’s attention. He pulls his arms from around my neck to clap.
The drone’s mechanical hum grows louder.
Nila stops, turning her head to the sky, nostrils flaring, trying to find its scent. I crane my neck. Through the thick foliage the sky is just a few flashes of blue. Three shadows darken the diamonds of light cascading to the jungle floor, and flashes of white glint above us. No bombs drop. No bullets rain.
Yet.
The airfield we stand on is a swath of ochre in a sea of riotous green—the sky above a cerulean dome hazed in tremulous clouds. Sunlight beats through them, baking the dirt, mixing with the moisture of the jungle and wrapping itself around us in a heavy, sweaty embrace. My arms tighten around my son.
Frank presses his snout to James’s foot, a low whine escaping as he looks up at me. Nila joins with Blue circling us as though forming a defensive line. They know we are in danger but don’t know from what.
The dogs in the jungle, trained to protect the compound’s perimeter, continue to howl even as the sirens wind down.
Blue leads us to the jungle path. Darkness closes in around us, the air stifling and humidity thick. Over the cascading insect orchestra, a resonating hum grows louder. James looks up at the canopy above us. “Vroom?” He asks.
“Vroom,” I agree, keeping my focus on the winding path. Roots criss-cross the dirt. Big wet leaves and spidery vines encroach, tugging at my clothing as if to stop me from entering. Sweat slides down my spine under my shirt.
Nila jogs ahead, taking the lead, her nose to the ground while Blue stays by my side and Frank behind us—a train of people and dogs. A pack moving through the jungle. A formidable force.
A bird squawks loudly, jerking James’s attention. He pulls his arms from around my neck to clap.
The drone’s mechanical hum grows louder.
Nila stops, turning her head to the sky, nostrils flaring, trying to find its scent. I crane my neck. Through the thick foliage the sky is just a few flashes of blue. Three shadows darken the diamonds of light cascading to the jungle floor, and flashes of white glint above us. No bombs drop. No bullets rain.
Yet.
280 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2024
91 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Emily Kimelman
41 books880 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 53 reviews
June 28, 2024
This Sydney Rye mystery( #18) was not as fast paced as her previous ones but still a great story and a great read. This very well written book was stimulating and exciting to read. No one could imagine the adventures that Sydney and Blue can get into in this #18 novel about a woman who challenges societal norms and the power of man and wealth. Sydney is challenged to trust Peter after finding out that he has been lying and deceiving her for almost a year. Mulberry has taken his rightful place as James’s father. And, Sydney realizes she is in love with three very different men. This story leaves us with a cliffhanger ending like so many other of her books. Where will life take these four people in the future and how does life save them from themselves. I highly recommend this book giving it a 4.5⭐️ rating, with a closed door spicy rating.
September 8, 2024
Another great book
The one thing I hate are cliff hangers! Each book in this series has them but they are so good!
The one thing I hate are cliff hangers! Each book in this series has them but they are so good!
June 28, 2024
I love how these thrillers keep getting better and better. This is another page turner that you cannot put down. Full of twists and turns. Sydney as a mother is more real to me than ever before. She gives no sh*@s and takes no fu@%s and that is the way we love her. Vigilantes at their best! The books always end too soon for me, but the redeeming factor is that Kimelman is very prolific in her writing.
I received this as an ARC reader, but the review is all mine.
I received this as an ARC reader, but the review is all mine.
June 28, 2024
I received an advance review copy (arc) of Brutal Mercy, in the Sydney Rye series. It went by too fast and then, boom, fantastic hook at the end. I read each book always wanting more. The writing is fantastic and fast-paced. I love this world that Emily Kimmelman has created.
In Brutal Mercy, Sydney contemplates her relationships with the men in her life and how she feels about each. James and Frank are so adorable together. I love the bond building between them. And who doesn’t love having Mulberry back. He’s become more accepting of Sydney’s choices. And he’s just loveable.
Declan Doyle, friend, foe, or informant? I don’t want to trust Declan, but can he be useful. Is Consuela Sanchez trustworthy. These two play a part in this story, but I just don’t trust them.
I still love Petey _______ Poppins, who shares a bit of who he really is, and, oh boy, does he have a relative. Gotta read it to find out more. He still loves Sydney, James, and Blue, unconditionally. He is so accepting of who she is, completely.
Robert Maxim is a great character I love to despise. I didn’t get the situation with Sydney and Robert in this book, but noted he was important to the overall plot.
Richard Chiles is a powerful, dirty Politician. It comes down to how everyone else at Joyful Justice wants to deal with Chiles versus how Sydney wants to handle that mess and respond.
How are they ever going to get Dan back? Miss him in the overall story.
In Brutal Mercy, Sydney contemplates her relationships with the men in her life and how she feels about each. James and Frank are so adorable together. I love the bond building between them. And who doesn’t love having Mulberry back. He’s become more accepting of Sydney’s choices. And he’s just loveable.
Declan Doyle, friend, foe, or informant? I don’t want to trust Declan, but can he be useful. Is Consuela Sanchez trustworthy. These two play a part in this story, but I just don’t trust them.
I still love Petey _______ Poppins, who shares a bit of who he really is, and, oh boy, does he have a relative. Gotta read it to find out more. He still loves Sydney, James, and Blue, unconditionally. He is so accepting of who she is, completely.
Robert Maxim is a great character I love to despise. I didn’t get the situation with Sydney and Robert in this book, but noted he was important to the overall plot.
Richard Chiles is a powerful, dirty Politician. It comes down to how everyone else at Joyful Justice wants to deal with Chiles versus how Sydney wants to handle that mess and respond.
How are they ever going to get Dan back? Miss him in the overall story.
June 14, 2025
This entry in the Sydney Rye Mysteries series, Brutal Mercy, garnered three stars. Sydney is self-described as having blood-lust and is ready, willing, and able to take out anyone she judges to be unfit to live. I think this departs somewhat from her former attitude and how Joyful Justice was operating. I miss the specific cause narratives of past episodes. She has made some decisions in which I am disappointed as I think they will interfere with her overall mission. But, like Mulberry, I have to keep my reservations to myself. She must trust herself. There is the usual excellent incident/encounter narration of fight scenes and covert ops. Robert Maxim makes my skin crawl but I love Brock. Mulberry is still my favorite man (except for James, of course) in her life but, let's face it, she is creating quite a polyandrous collection. I have pre-ordered book 19. I almost quit the series when I thought Mulberry had been terminated, but I'm still here.
June 29, 2024
Only Sydney could have men vying for her affection knowing she’s got a vengeful monster living inside her. She stands for her beliefs, has loose morals she bends to her will and loves deeply for her son and her supporters. It’s a wild ride as Sydney learns to trust the liars she once adored, trusting they can reach the same goals. Her little James is quite a handful, loves the dogs like siblings and they are his protectors. Sydney’s story has a lengthy timeline that has been exciting to devour and get lost in. It began with her brother’s death while she was just a dog walker in NYC and ends whenever she feels satisfied her cause is complete. There’s always a new path for her and this series could go to infinity, I’ll be there to read it. I’ve written my review voluntarily after receiving an advanced copy.
June 29, 2024
When I started reading this series, I was afraid that it would become formulaic very quickly and each book would be predictable. I could not have been more wrong! Emily Kimelman is a skilled writer and story teller who manages to balance action & adventure with the tumult that is Sydney's emotional life. Brutal Mercy May not the most fast paced of the Sydney Rye series, but it more than makes up for that by exploring more of Sydney's relationships with the men in her life, her son, and the strong women around her. Every time I finish one of these books, I can't wait for the next one. Emily writes the most fantastic cliffhangers in each of these books, but the one in Brutal Mercy is the best yet. I hope the next book comes out soon.
June 30, 2024
ARC reader for this book with no compensation.
In true Sydney and Blue fashion new revenge adventures continue all through the book. Filled with interactions with previous and new characters. Sydney shares the interactions with James and Frank and how bonded they are throughout. The main characters that share a love for Sydney continue to vie for her affections, usually by helping her during fights, threats and life-threatening scares. What I love about her books is that you are usually on the edge of your seat waiting to see who will die, since many have. Along with those deaths come new members of Joyful Justice to keep the group interesting! I recommend this book to anyone who loves Emily's books and is able to feel empowered at the beginning, middle and end.
In true Sydney and Blue fashion new revenge adventures continue all through the book. Filled with interactions with previous and new characters. Sydney shares the interactions with James and Frank and how bonded they are throughout. The main characters that share a love for Sydney continue to vie for her affections, usually by helping her during fights, threats and life-threatening scares. What I love about her books is that you are usually on the edge of your seat waiting to see who will die, since many have. Along with those deaths come new members of Joyful Justice to keep the group interesting! I recommend this book to anyone who loves Emily's books and is able to feel empowered at the beginning, middle and end.
June 30, 2024
A new Sydney Rye installment, and it was just as twisty as the rest! These books have such complex scenarios and characters, and I've really enjoyed getting to know each one as the series continues.
Sydney's personal life is as complicated as ever, with the men all requiring different things from her, and vice versa. I'm still not sure who I like the most, though.
I love Sydney's dogs, they're just the sweetest, most loyal animals, but also (well, apart from Frank) so intelligent. I like the addition of them to the story/series.
Now, after that ending, I can't wait for the next book! It just got more complicated, and I need to know where it'll go from there.
Sydney's personal life is as complicated as ever, with the men all requiring different things from her, and vice versa. I'm still not sure who I like the most, though.
I love Sydney's dogs, they're just the sweetest, most loyal animals, but also (well, apart from Frank) so intelligent. I like the addition of them to the story/series.
Now, after that ending, I can't wait for the next book! It just got more complicated, and I need to know where it'll go from there.
June 29, 2024
There really is nothing better than curling up with the latest book in one of my favourite series by one of the most amazing authors ever!!!
Brutal Mercy was everything the title says and so much more, it was our favourite bad*ss Sydney Rye at her absolute best, which really means look out anyone who gets in our gals way because she does not ever play by others rules.
With her baby boy James strapped to her chest and her dogs surrounding her Sydney Rye is a force to be reckoned with, so watch your backs people because she is coming for anyone who crosses her.
Brutal Mercy was everything the title says and so much more, it was our favourite bad*ss Sydney Rye at her absolute best, which really means look out anyone who gets in our gals way because she does not ever play by others rules.
With her baby boy James strapped to her chest and her dogs surrounding her Sydney Rye is a force to be reckoned with, so watch your backs people because she is coming for anyone who crosses her.
July 1, 2024
What's not to love about Sydney and Blue and the rest of the canine crew! Sydney lives from her heart and demonstrates what being authentic and true to yourself really looks like. Oh and the action and mayhem are not bad either!
I love that I totally "get" all of Sydney's motivations and am cheering her on throughout the book. And the descriptions and scene depictions are so good that I feel immersed, and not just an outside observer.
You will absolutely love the action, suspense, drama and the ending! 2nd to none!
I love that I totally "get" all of Sydney's motivations and am cheering her on throughout the book. And the descriptions and scene depictions are so good that I feel immersed, and not just an outside observer.
You will absolutely love the action, suspense, drama and the ending! 2nd to none!
August 28, 2024
4.5 ☆s.
WHAT?! It is over too quickly!
Since this book just came out, I am guessing I am going to have to wait awhile for the next one/s. Mystery, adventure, 'thriller' action all woven together with great character development and humor throughout.
[As the author says, don't read if you are offended by use of swears, sexual scenes and/or people with varying perspectives/ different from your own.]
PS Audible book is definitely credit worthy, even though it is a shorter length than I will typically buy with a credit.
WHAT?! It is over too quickly!
Since this book just came out, I am guessing I am going to have to wait awhile for the next one/s. Mystery, adventure, 'thriller' action all woven together with great character development and humor throughout.
[As the author says, don't read if you are offended by use of swears, sexual scenes and/or people with varying perspectives/ different from your own.]
PS Audible book is definitely credit worthy, even though it is a shorter length than I will typically buy with a credit.
December 18, 2024
For every royally pissed-off woman sick to death of this bullshit.
I absolutely loved every single book in this series. I'm not sure if EK has finished, but maybe a spin-off is in the works. Truly a female forward empowered thriller / action series. Every single thing you could think of that could happen to one person, and then some, happens in this series. I loved the conflict between her choice of lovers, her anxiety in keeping her son safe, and just living a life where she isn't running from death. Plus the dog doesn't die!
TW: Blood, Guns, Violence, Kidnapping, Death
I absolutely loved every single book in this series. I'm not sure if EK has finished, but maybe a spin-off is in the works. Truly a female forward empowered thriller / action series. Every single thing you could think of that could happen to one person, and then some, happens in this series. I loved the conflict between her choice of lovers, her anxiety in keeping her son safe, and just living a life where she isn't running from death. Plus the dog doesn't die!
TW: Blood, Guns, Violence, Kidnapping, Death
June 21, 2025
Sydney is still a force to be reckoned with, toting a gun and a toddler everywhere she goes. She’s also a killer and love with at least 3 men but only one of them she plans to stick with, her baby daddy.
As this series continues it’s getting harder to believe an international fugitive isn’t getting caught (although a she does tracked down by Declan allllll the time) especially when she travels with a huge and distinctive dog (or 3) and a child. These are fun reads but basically none of this
could really be real.
As this series continues it’s getting harder to believe an international fugitive isn’t getting caught (although a she does tracked down by Declan allllll the time) especially when she travels with a huge and distinctive dog (or 3) and a child. These are fun reads but basically none of this
could really be real.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2024
Brutal Mercy - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
In Emily Kimelman's excellent Sydney Rye Mysteries Book 18, Brutal Mercy, vigilante Sydney Rye and her Joyful Justice organisation are accused of a cyber attack.
To be still nursing an infant son, trying to disentangle her complicated personal life, find a missing techno-geek and lots more besides, would daunt most, but Sydney (aka Mrs Maxim), always rises to a challenge...bad guys beware!
Dynamic, thrilling, action-packed...the superlatives don't do vigilante spy-thriller, Brutal Mercy justice.
Highly recommended - grab a copy and buckle up for a wild ride to international adventure!
In Emily Kimelman's excellent Sydney Rye Mysteries Book 18, Brutal Mercy, vigilante Sydney Rye and her Joyful Justice organisation are accused of a cyber attack.
To be still nursing an infant son, trying to disentangle her complicated personal life, find a missing techno-geek and lots more besides, would daunt most, but Sydney (aka Mrs Maxim), always rises to a challenge...bad guys beware!
Dynamic, thrilling, action-packed...the superlatives don't do vigilante spy-thriller, Brutal Mercy justice.
Highly recommended - grab a copy and buckle up for a wild ride to international adventure!
June 28, 2024
Having read the entire Sydney Rye series, I find the characters get more interesting in each story - more complex and real in their emotions. This addition to the series has many familiar people, but whether their alliances are the same is in question.
It wouldn't be a Sydney Rye story without the dogs, a lot of action, plenty of intrigue, revenge and violence. Emily Kimelman brings it all together in Brutal Mercy in a way that kept me reading far into the night.
It wouldn't be a Sydney Rye story without the dogs, a lot of action, plenty of intrigue, revenge and violence. Emily Kimelman brings it all together in Brutal Mercy in a way that kept me reading far into the night.
June 28, 2024
Immersed in the story!
Emily Kimelman has matured in her writing skills since Book 1 Unleashed! The scenes are more vivid. I no longer feel I am reading but now I am living the adventure! I could barely put the book down! What will happen next?
This is one of the best cliff hangers by Ms. Kimelman yet! I want more! Unfortunately, I will have to wait for the next book!
(I reviewed the Advance Reader Copy for no compensation). I love this series!
Emily Kimelman has matured in her writing skills since Book 1 Unleashed! The scenes are more vivid. I no longer feel I am reading but now I am living the adventure! I could barely put the book down! What will happen next?
This is one of the best cliff hangers by Ms. Kimelman yet! I want more! Unfortunately, I will have to wait for the next book!
(I reviewed the Advance Reader Copy for no compensation). I love this series!
June 28, 2024
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of reading all the crazy situations Sydney manages to get herself into. This book was a wild ride from start to finish, with plenty of twists and turns. I loved seeing the relationships between Sydney and the various men in her life developing throughout the book, and getting to see her really start to figure out what SHE wants instead of worrying about what other people want. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
June 7, 2024
Dang! Sydney is back at her brutal mercies. She is quite the character, and although motherhood has changed her for the better in some ways, in others, she is as ruthless as ever.
I have always liked the Sydney Rye books, and this one is no exception. I sure hope Kimelman has the next book up real soon!
I have always liked the Sydney Rye books, and this one is no exception. I sure hope Kimelman has the next book up real soon!
June 12, 2024
Loved it! Whether you've been a fan of the Sydney Rye series since the beginning or this is the first one you've tried, it's an enjoyable ride. There's enough backstory mentioned in places that you know why Sydney does what she does for justice. Humor and sexiness, and the best sharky/killer response to "you should smile", lol. Plus dogs! *Read this as an ARC.
June 28, 2024
This book was another awesome book in the Series! Love the characters and the storyline! The conflict, the unexpected, the excitement and the cliffhanger is what the books in the series offer and this one was no exception. Kept me hanging on to the edge of my seat and took me for a roller coaster ride! Loved the book from start to finish!
June 28, 2024
Emily Kimmelman does NOT disappoint. Brutal Mercy kept me glued to the pages with every twist and turn. Sydney, the dogs (who never die and I love that so much), and the guys in her life (sorry, have to leave it there) are back! I followed along as characters were portrayed as falling on different sides of Sydney. Do not cross that line because she will not forget. Can't wait for Book 19!
June 28, 2024
Sydney Rye and Blue are at it again. In this book Sydney is out for revenge against Senator Chiles, for his blaming Joyful Justice for a city cyber-attack.
This book is an action packed, adventurous page turner. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
The hook at the end really drives you in to the next book.
This book is an action packed, adventurous page turner. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
The hook at the end really drives you in to the next book.
June 28, 2024
Sydney is back doing what she does best...And that would be seeking justice for the murdered senator and anyone else along the way. All the old "regulars" pop up in this book: Mulberry, of course, a bit of Maxim, Declan Doyle, and throw in Petey __Poppins and you have quite the ride. The end leaves the reader wanting the next book ASAP!
June 30, 2024
I received an advanced copy of this installment & it didn’t disappoint! As always, there is so much going on in the story and that you are grabbed from the start until the end. Sydney is at her best, teamed up with Simon & Mulberry she is set on bringing down one of the men she hates the most. We are also left with a fantastic cliffhanger! You will love it!
July 2, 2024
I devoured this book in less than 6 hours! Action and storytelling that gripped my attention couples with character development and an overall plot arch that has spanned 18 books now! Thoroughly enjoyed every brilliant word that I've come to expect from the genius level mind of Emily Kimelman. Highly recommend you give her series a try!!
September 14, 2024
Exciting to the end
I have read each of the Sydney Rye series. Brutal Mercy is one of the best. You can read it as a stand alone but it’s best read as a continuation of the series. Sydney is full of surprises. She returns to Robert Maxim and leaves the reader salivating at the end. A true cliffhanger. Highly recommended.
I have read each of the Sydney Rye series. Brutal Mercy is one of the best. You can read it as a stand alone but it’s best read as a continuation of the series. Sydney is full of surprises. She returns to Robert Maxim and leaves the reader salivating at the end. A true cliffhanger. Highly recommended.
June 12, 2024
Sydney finds herself in the middle of a love triangle which centers around her son. She is fighting for keep him safe and to protect her friends at the same time. She is back with a vengeance. This series keeps me coming back for more!
June 19, 2024
.Look up....the drones are coming!
From the first page, you'll be swept into Sydney's world. Twists and turns throughout. Life is never easy for Sydney, but she has Blue and that makes it all worthwhile.
.....and the dog never dies.
From the first page, you'll be swept into Sydney's world. Twists and turns throughout. Life is never easy for Sydney, but she has Blue and that makes it all worthwhile.
.....and the dog never dies.
June 26, 2024
Sydney never disappoints. This story is another wild adventure with lots of twists and turns. Drones, government conspiracy, family, loyalty, adventure, and a dog named Blue. Put it all together with a great cast of characters and you have a great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews