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Sydney Rye Mysteries #5

The Devil's Breath

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Justice with a vengeance. Do you have faith in your friends? Enough to risk your freedom to prove their innocence? One of Sydney Rye's dearest friends, Hugh Defry, is accused of a brutal murder. All the evidence points to Hugh, and he has no memory of that night. But Sydney refuses to believe Hugh is capable of such violence. Sydney flies to Miami searching for the real killer, unprepared for the realization that her personal fight for justice has become much more than she ever imagined. Sydney is forced to make a decision that will change not only her life, but possibly the future of vigilante justice.

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250 pages, ebook

First published April 9, 2014

510 people are currently reading
1320 people want to read

About the author

Emily Kimelman

41 books883 followers
I 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.

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5 stars
634 (40%)
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614 (39%)
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232 (14%)
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53 (3%)
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34 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer.
899 reviews53 followers
March 27, 2025
I like where this series is headed. I am glad that Sydney has finally come around to realizing she has people and she can be stronger with them. This book was wild. It took such a sharp turn that I thought I was missing chapters at first. A truly terrifying experience but with the help of her faithful dog, Blue, and her very talented and steadfast friends….Sydney is back! I always love when strong people protect the weaker or naive from the really devious, and often rich, people that seem above it all. Cheers to Joyful Justice!
Profile Image for Donna.
4,129 reviews57 followers
April 10, 2014
Sydney, Blue and the gang are back. Sydney is stronger than ever but still unsure about who to trust. Mulberry is working for Bobby Maxim and she KNOWS she doesn’t trust him. But when Bobby invites her to help in the investigation to prove that Hugh (her dead brother James’ boyfriend) was framed for murder she has to do it.
THE DEVIL'S BREATH is the latest in this dark often quirky mystery series and is just as good as the previous installments. The author keeps you guessing from one moment to the next. This is a fast paced can’t put down till you finish book.
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2016
Before you decide to read this book....

If you want to read this book, and you don't know anything about these series, don't. It's not a stand alone book, you have to start reading from the beginning. Skipped this and read the next one, but felt like I missed and didn't understand some things, that reason purchased and read this book. I really like the plot, that shines a light on human trafficking. But still my most liked character is Blue. Seems to me author was in hurry to publish a book.
Profile Image for Kim Hammond-beyer.
193 reviews4 followers
September 10, 2014
Interesting characters

I haven't read any others in series, but kinda liked this. tough female character. trying to make the world a better place by fairly violent means sometimes, but not cruel. Will go back and get a little prehistory from earlier books in series, but you don't need to in order to enjoy this. but I suspect it enhances it but understanding characters better
Profile Image for Sue Alexander-Devers.
14 reviews
April 10, 2014
This is a great book. It was my first by Emily Kimelman, and if it is an indication, I will definitely be finding her others to read also! The story moves right along. There are no dragging parts--it keeps you interested through the whole book--even having never read any others.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,867 reviews69 followers
January 19, 2019
The Devil's Breath - a review by Rosemary Kenny

The continuing after-effects of datura (aka Devil's Breath) on victims are made horrifyingly clear in the way MC Sydney Rye is still suffering horrific hallucinations, months after she was attacked with it while being pursued by enemies in the Everglades of Miami. Now another victim of the potentially deadly drug reaches out to Sydney for help via the organisation Joyful Justice, that bears her birth name in its title, helping those who have no other recourse to justice (and can afford these expert vigilantes for hire to underdogs).
I was thrilled by the way Sydney overcame or put aside her own issues to help her late brother James' surviving partner Hugh and didn't shrink from finding out who was really guilty of a crime lord's execution. Bobby Maxim's sleazy efforts to seduce and corrupt her, (even threatening to destroy the fight for right made by Joyful Justice and finally trying to subvert the organisation from the inside), was another exciting thread throughout the book.
In fact the only niggles I really had were the way Sydney's faithful dog/protector Blue is referred to 'tapping her hip' on virtually every other page - once or twice throughout the book would be plenty, as we know all too well, that Blue would never abandon Sydney, plus she's not blind etc to need him as a seeing-eye dog.
Also the offensive/foul language is really unnecessary - we love Sydney just as much if she'd just scream with frustration rage etc to express strong emotions.
Finally having so many men supposedly lusting after Sydney is ridiculous - a) she's indifferent, whether or not due to the datura, b) she has too many 'brief encounters' to put it politely and c) nearly everyone she actually gets involved with seems to betray her in one way or another, which is also unrealistic, even allowing for her being highly judgemental!
Grab a copy of The Devil's Breath and decide for yourself - I think it's another rip-roaring Lara Croft-like all-action adventure for Sydney Rye and another winner for Emily Kimelman...more please!
Profile Image for Sheila .
2,006 reviews
July 1, 2025
Fun continuation of this series. I enjoy Sydney, her attitude, and her dog. I will be continuing this series.
Profile Image for Lisa Finstein.
5 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2025
Very few books can make me express emotion out loud but Emily Kimelman and Sydney can almost every book. One minute I’m laughing; the next I’m wiping away a tear. Kimelman has quickly become my favorite author!
Profile Image for Kade.
211 reviews16 followers
April 21, 2025
I love Blue

Excellent as usual. I really love how she showed the connection between Sydney and Blue while she was apart from him.
Profile Image for Merisha28.
330 reviews19 followers
April 22, 2014
The Devil's Breath by Emily Kimelman
Print Length: 222 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00JLRNEL0

My Review~~~~
I received this book in exchange for a honest unbiased review.
This is the first book read by this author. I want to say a few things about the cover. I have to say that this is one you don't judge a book by it's cover. I honestly don't care for it and I understand why the cover is that way. I just don't understand why all the covers are the exact same just different colors. Personally, I like each cover of a series to be unique and eye catching. With that being said, I would say this book is great. It is fast paced and full of action, suspense, adventure, and danger. What good mystery doesn't have that. I love Sydney and Blue. They just make the book amazing. I love the banter the characters interact with each other. I plan on reading the whole series because it is very good that is why I said what I did about the cover. I think it would pick up much more attention if it was more eye grabbing. This book is like a modern female version of Sherlock Holmes with an adult tweak. Great read that I really enjoyed.

Amazon Book Description~~
THE DEVIL'S BREATH is the 5th novel in Emily Kimelman's Bestselling Sydney Rye Series of mysteries. This series feature a strong female protagonist and her canine best friend, Blue. It is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don't mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!

New to Sydney Rye? Pick up the first book, UNLEASHED, for FREE.

One of Sydney Rye’s dear friends, Hugh Defry, has been accused of a brutal murder, but even though he has no memory of the night, Sydney believes he is incapable of such violence.

Called to investigate by Robert Maxim, a man she has until now, considered her greatest enemy, Sydney flies to Miami searching for the real killer. Rye’s suspicions are raised when she learns that Maxim not only wants to work together but also wants to build a friendship. She doesn’t begin to understand his motives until her former lover follows her to Florida to tell her a devastating secret.

As more people from her past turn up, and not knowing whom to trust, Sydney sees that her personal fight for justice has become something more than she had ever imagined and she is pushed towards making a decision that will change not just her life but possibly the future of the crime fighting.

The Sydney Rye Series

UNLEASHED (A Sydney Rye Novel, #1)

DEATH IN THE DARK (A Sydney Rye Novella, #2)

INSATIABLE (A Sydney Rye Novel, #3)

STRINGS OF GLASS (A Sydney Rye Novel, #4)

THE DEVIL'S BREATH (A Sydney Rye Novel, #5)
82 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2014
This was an awesome book!! I don't give many books five stars but this one definitely deserved all five. I will start by saying this is a book for 18+ and those that don't mind some language, violence and sex. Please be forewarned instead of leaving a bad review for those points. That said, the plot was original, with all the mystery, adventure, action and edge of your seat moments to keep you hooked from the first page to the last. A little bit of romance but not too much. The charecters are well developed and real.
I don't usually read a series all at once, I usually take a quick break with something else so I don't get over loaded and lose interest but with this series I couldn't get enough. The books just flowed one into the other and were over way too soon. Sydney is a strong female, she makes mistakes and has an emotional side too. It is nice to see the characters develop and we get closer to them with each book. This one shows even more of the emotional side of Sydney and friends. We see what each struggles with. And the relationship between Sydney and Blue is well written.
This could be a great stand alone but I do recommend that you read the series in order. With each book you see a little more of Sydney and her struggles with past and present. You see each character develop slowly and strongly. You come to know Sydney and see why she struggles with the past and why she makes some of the decisions she makes. However, be prepared to be as hooked as I am. I can't wait for the next Sydney Rye novel!!
If you are looking for a great mystery that will keep you guessing with plenty of action and adventure, a strong female lead, some violence and plenty of great characters, look no further. I highly recommend this book and the entire series to others!!
Profile Image for Star.
1,290 reviews61 followers
June 3, 2014
Sydney Rye has come full circle. She’s back in Miami and this time it’s to look into what happened to her brother’s ex-partner, Hugh. Hugh’s been accused of murdering one of the people involved in his well-known restaurant, but he has no memory of the incident and Sydney knows Hugh couldn’t do it. Mulberry brought Sydney back to assist Hugh at the behest of Robert Maxim, a man she hates for trying to kill her. Now she’s more suspicious than ever when Maxim tries to recruit her for his company. Searching into hidden motives and areas of dark and disturbing research, Sydney may just be over her head. She’s also being torn in a different direction as friends from her past show up to invite her to join them.

THE DEVIL’S BREATH is by far my favorite book in the Sydney Rye series. I like who Sydney has become, even if she doesn’t always feel the same about herself. Significantly loyal to those she calls friends; Sydney must try to fix this situation with the accusation of murder against Hugh. Sydney is pushed to the breaking point between Maxim and friends from her past, the search for the truth and the dark paths it leads her down. Sydney doesn’t like feeling boxed into a corner, but she’s got some hard decisions to make. I absolutely love the interactions between Blue and Sydney, because I think they’re a lot alike. Blue is a very special dog – he’s just right for Sydney and what she fights for. THE DEVIL��S BREATH is a master mystery, filled with action, intrigue, and dangerous people. Please read this series!
Profile Image for moxieBK.
1,763 reviews4 followers
July 18, 2017
The Devil’s Breath (Sydney Rye Mystery #5) — Emily Kimelman (22 chapters) July 12-18, 2017

Short and bittersweet review here.

This was not my favorite Sydney Rye mystery. It wasn’t the multi lovers that Sydney has, or even the way she puts away her enemies. It was that I felt like Sydney is having a bit of an identity crisis. I didn’t like the way she treats some people (Ashley comes to mind,) but other women are fine. She doesn’t want to be with the men in her life, but when another woman takes an interest, she gets mad?

The plot of this story is that Sydney sets out to clear Hugh’s name, but is constantly rebuffed by Bobby. Plus she gets a lot of grief from her friend about JoyfulJustice….I’m curious how that group is going to proceed. Sydney makes some decision about that at the end of story, but it doesn’t feel completely honest. I still like Sydney. A lot. But that ending feels off—more like a break. An ending with a different beginning about to start. I’m not sure how I feel about that. (I guess I will have to read the next book to find out.)

It is possible that I am generally feeling general melancholy in my life and that is what is feeding into my feels right now, but still, this story felt a lot heavier and darker than earlier ones I have read in this series.

I have to hand it to the writer though who keep reinventing the character(s) by growing them. Sydney has not remained mostly unchanged. She has grown a lot over the last few years. I’m just not sure if she’s completely happy with that personal growth. I’m not sure I am happy with it either.

Three stars.
Profile Image for Desiree Putaski.
90 reviews17 followers
August 13, 2014
Sydney and Blue are back!

The Devil’s Breath is fast paced, full of action, suspense, adventure and danger. The Sydney Rye series reminds me a lot of Sherlock Holmes, with an adult twist to it. Definitely not a book for those younger than 18. There’s sex, violence, and a fair share of bad language. If any of those things turn you off, chances are you won’t enjoy the story that lies beneath those things.

If you haven’t read books one through four, you can still read this one and not be at a total loss. It can stand alone, but you would greatly benefit from reading the others to familiarize yourself with all the characters (many from past books are back). One of my favorite things about this series is what a strong character Sydney is. She kicks ass first, takes names later. She’s always fighting for the underdog. The witty banter between Sydney and the team she has assembled to help her in this situation had me laughing out loud several times… even between her and Blue (Blue is her dog… yep, witty banter with the dog). But it’s not all laughs, there is a much darker side to the story too. Sydney is stronger than ever in this book, but she still doesn’t know who she can trust.


If you don’t like reading books out-of-order, Unleashed is currently free on Amazon! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery, suspense, strong heroines, humor, and doesn’t mind sex, violence or bad language.
Profile Image for Jennifer Clausen-greene.
264 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2016
This is a very dark and adult oriented book, but a great read. Fast paced read that has lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing from the get go. The Devil's breath is the 5th book in the series A Sydney Rye Novel. I have not read the other books in the series, but I did not feel that I needed to either to keep up with the plot and previous books. Wonderful mystery full of action, adventure, suspense and mixed with a little fear and anticipation.


I think what I enjoyed most about this book was the witty banter that took place and the relationship between Blue and Syndey. The characters have alot of depth to them and great romance. I enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the first 4 in the series and whats to come!

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review from Goddess Fish Promotions. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations
4 reviews
April 15, 2014
First of all, when did I become hooked on mystery novels? When I read my first - about 3 weeks ago - and that one would be Unleashed (Sydney Rye's 1st). That's how good this series is...
Sydney is back and full throttle....with this awesome motley of a crew supporting her. The character's brought up in the previous books have returned with a lot more depth to them, yet remaining consistent in the way their character was introduced (nice work, Emily!).
What I enjoyed the most about this book was the writing for the reader's ability to relate to the location in which it takes place (I've been there before and can vividly "see" where Sydney is), as well as the awesome building of a team and all that comes with - do I trust them? What are their intentions? etc. It's all in there, and can be related to how any human feels in real life, regardless if you're taking on what Sydney is. Great writing, Emily! Looking forward to #6.....in Costa Rica, yes???!!!! so excited :)
Profile Image for Gina.
477 reviews11 followers
April 18, 2014
This book is part of a series. It's the 5th book to be exact. However, it can be read as a stand alone without being lost.

Syndey has changed her name and is eager to prove that Hugh did not commit murder. She owes him that much. Hugh was her deceased brothers boyfriend.

Mulberry is there to help Syndey. She feels a draw towards him but yet doesn't trust him. At least not fully. Syndey doesn't know what to think about Maxium either. She is full of all kinds of emotions.

I won't give it away if she proves Hugh innocent or not. You'll have to read it to find out.

If you like Mysteries this is a great book/series. I plan to go back and read the other 4. It's fast paced and action packed.
Profile Image for Librarian Judith.
79 reviews4 followers
June 10, 2014
Emily Kimelman is back again with another adventure for Sydney Rye. This book could probably be read as a standalone, but it is part of a series. I believe you would enjoy it much more if you read them in order. It will help seeing the growth of the character, not to mention it would be easier to sort out relationships.

It was good to see Sydney connecting with the past she left behind and very interesting to see what happens with Maxim.

It's hard to say more about this book without revealing spoilers, but needless to say, it's fine addition to the series with all the danger, excitement, and mystery I have come to expect from Emily Kimelman. I am anxiously waiting the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Niki.
230 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2014
The Devil's breath is the 5th book in the series, Sydney and Blue are back!!!A new mystery book full with danger, action and adventure, I love the fast pace way Emily writes. This time Sydney goes to help one of her good friends Hugh, who is accused of murder, one so brutal that Sydney just knows he is innocent, it is not like Hugh, She is forced to work together with Robert Maxim a man she does not trust, She is realizing soon that more and more people from her past arrive, what;s going on ????? Will Sydney resolve the murder with everything going on???? Another great book, can't wait to read more, fair warning the book is 18+
Profile Image for Kristin (Kritters Ramblings).
2,244 reviews110 followers
December 15, 2014
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings

The fifth in a series, so if you aren't up to date, you may want to pause here and go read the first books in the series. Most of these books are just over the novella length, so don't feel like it will take you awhile to get caught up. Take a weekend and you can maybe get to this point.

Sydney is back in the States and back to help right a wrong. One of her friend's Hugh is being accused of murdering someone and he has no recollection of the murder or really the evening - so Sydney to the rescue with her team behind her to help find the real murderer.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
3,809 reviews25 followers
May 31, 2015
The Devil's Breath is #5 in a series written by Emily Kimelman; it was the first book I've read of hers. Unfortunately, I immediately felt lost in the book. I have not read other books in this series, and there was apparently a lot of back story missing from this book and I could never quite get the full picture of what was going on. I loved the relationship between Sydney and her dog Blue though; they are constant companions. That's the only piece of the book I found interesting, but I don't want to judge the author by this one book since it is part of a series... I will most likely go back to read one of the earlier ones to get more clarity around the Sydney Rye story line.
105 reviews
September 29, 2014
Terrorism or justice?

having had enough of being a victim, Sydney turns the tables on those who make victims of the innocent as she works to free a friend accused of murder. Using their own tactics against those guilty of despicable crimes she fights to right the wrongs they perpetrate and free the innocent.In her honor a society is formed to forge ahead and practice her form of applying justice where justice is due.




Profile Image for Alexis(Andra).
617 reviews4 followers
June 29, 2021
This time Miami and the Everglades. Characters continue to be developed. Bobby Maxim is a big enigma in the story. This time Hugh is framed for murder and doesn’t remember . Enter a drug called DATURA, the devil breath. Sydney drawn back to clear Hugh.
Great scenes from the Everglades.
Justice group continues to gel. Women are freed.
3.7
Fun.
486 reviews
November 24, 2014
I enjoy the character Sydney Rye very much. The author does a great job with her character. Sydney/Joy has evolved to quite a strong young lady. Of course I LOVE her dog Blue. The book is easy reading and so very enjoyable. I have read all of the Sydney Rye books and can't wait for the next one!!!
Profile Image for Liz Wood.
478 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2015
I like!

Sydney Rye is an interesting character, but she sure gets in over her head a lot. I enjoyed the dialogue, which flowed well, and there were definitely lots of twists and turns in the plot.
15 reviews
May 8, 2014
Excellent series. Just finished all 5 in the series (this was the last). Hope there is more coming!
Profile Image for Stacey.
50 reviews
September 5, 2014
My review!!!

Very good book!!!! Read it all in one night!!!! Hope I can get a hold of more of her books!!!!
Profile Image for Eunice.
22 reviews
September 9, 2014
Fast paced

good plot, moved quickly, an enjoyable read. Sydney Rye is a likeable heroine. I enjoyed this novel from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Janet Brown.
9 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2014
Adventures galore

l loved the ride and all the characters too. I wish I had a dog like Blue at my side like Sydney does.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews

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