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Sydney Rye Mysteries #1-3
The Sydney Rye Mysteries Box Set
Justice with a vengeance.
Do you love powerful characters, gritty mysteries and heroic dogs?
Because this series will keep you up past your bedtime while you promise just one more chapter. Be warned, the Sydney Rye Series causes major book hangovers. But luckily, there are ten books with number eleven on the way so while you may need a week off work when it’s over, the adventure is worth it because these books are addicting!
UNLEASHED (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #1)
One of Joy Humbolt's dog walking clients turns up dead, and she begins to look into the crime, first out of curiosity and then out of anger. As she digs deeper into the secrets of Manhattan's elite, Joy gets too close to the killer with disastrous consequences.
DEATH IN THE DARK (A Sydney Rye Novella, #2)
The daughter of a close friend is brutally murdered in the desert and Rye turns away from her mentor to seek revenge. Her quick temper and deadly intentions lead Sydney Rye into a trap where she will need all of her new skills to survive.
INSATIABLE (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #3)
When a dangerous man from her past calls, Sydney Rye finds she cannot turn him away. Robert Maxim explains the daughter of a powerful friend is missing, and he wants Rye to find her. In exchange, he offers her something she gave up hope of ever having: freedom from her past.
Recommended for adults who love brave female protagonists, dogs, and action-packed series that you can't put down until you've read them all. If you have trouble with the f-bomb, violence, or sex (not graphic but out of wedlock).. then you shouldn't start this series....it's just not your thing. If you're looking for your next adventure, you've found it.
Do you love powerful characters, gritty mysteries and heroic dogs?
Because this series will keep you up past your bedtime while you promise just one more chapter. Be warned, the Sydney Rye Series causes major book hangovers. But luckily, there are ten books with number eleven on the way so while you may need a week off work when it’s over, the adventure is worth it because these books are addicting!
UNLEASHED (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #1)
One of Joy Humbolt's dog walking clients turns up dead, and she begins to look into the crime, first out of curiosity and then out of anger. As she digs deeper into the secrets of Manhattan's elite, Joy gets too close to the killer with disastrous consequences.
DEATH IN THE DARK (A Sydney Rye Novella, #2)
The daughter of a close friend is brutally murdered in the desert and Rye turns away from her mentor to seek revenge. Her quick temper and deadly intentions lead Sydney Rye into a trap where she will need all of her new skills to survive.
INSATIABLE (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #3)
When a dangerous man from her past calls, Sydney Rye finds she cannot turn him away. Robert Maxim explains the daughter of a powerful friend is missing, and he wants Rye to find her. In exchange, he offers her something she gave up hope of ever having: freedom from her past.
Recommended for adults who love brave female protagonists, dogs, and action-packed series that you can't put down until you've read them all. If you have trouble with the f-bomb, violence, or sex (not graphic but out of wedlock).. then you shouldn't start this series....it's just not your thing. If you're looking for your next adventure, you've found it.
Audible Audio
First published March 29, 2013
2352 people are currently reading
838 people want to read
About the author
Emily Kimelman
41 books882 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 111 reviews
April 2, 2018
Everything I like in a mystery, when the hero is a heroine. Friendships (real and false) ... family (both loved and unworthy) ... strength (as much from necessity and stubborn hard work, as from sometimes just being surrounded by things that force the characters to reach out to be better than perhaps they first expected). I also like that each story ends satisfactorily so that I'm not dangling in the air, anxious to see what happens next. Sydney is that heroine that you know will never just sit back and let life slap her around, and because of that, she notices and steps in, when others seem to be out of their depth. Sydney is every needy woman's dragon rider ... not expecting or assuming the worst, but having been sucked into protecting herself, notices and responds when people around her need help.
September 21, 2017
Book 1
This book, WOW. I could not believe the turn this book took. I was delightly reading along thinking I know this girl then slowly I was hanging on thinking what happen. You will pick the wrong killer over amd over. Boyfriend? I couldn't decide on a boyfriend. Good fast read although I did hit a spot that I thought slowed it down some. I think it was me wanting to fast-forward to the excitement that I knew was coming. This was a great intense book.
Book2
This was a good bridge book. I didn't realize that if was going to be a fast few hour read. The story was good and I can't wait for Sydneys next adventure.
Book3
I love where this story is going. It has a lot of layers that keep me interested. I am a little concerned with where I want her going on the love whos/who. Getting ready for the next book.
This book, WOW. I could not believe the turn this book took. I was delightly reading along thinking I know this girl then slowly I was hanging on thinking what happen. You will pick the wrong killer over amd over. Boyfriend? I couldn't decide on a boyfriend. Good fast read although I did hit a spot that I thought slowed it down some. I think it was me wanting to fast-forward to the excitement that I knew was coming. This was a great intense book.
Book2
This was a good bridge book. I didn't realize that if was going to be a fast few hour read. The story was good and I can't wait for Sydneys next adventure.
Book3
I love where this story is going. It has a lot of layers that keep me interested. I am a little concerned with where I want her going on the love whos/who. Getting ready for the next book.
March 31, 2018
I can't in all honesty say that I'm turned on by this series. Each book reminds me of an episode in all the old movie serials that use to play at all the movie shows when I was a kid. Each book, just like those weekly serials end with a cliff hanger and you have to wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens. I suppose that's one way to get the readers to buy the next box set with book 4, 5, and 6 for $9.95. I'm not going for it. The only character in these books that's believable is Blue, the dog. If I had paid for the first box set I would've been very upset.
March 13, 2020
Interestingly plotted with well drawn characters but the description says it all — little morality here. Pays your money and you takes your chances. Otherwise it has all the earmarks of a classic. Too bad.
February 10, 2020
Finally! Three books read, recorded as one 😅
It’s a unique series for me. The protagonist is not a typical perfect book character; if anything she is more flawed.
The imperfection makes me fall for her hard 😍
It’s not a character everyone can adapt to, though. The way it is developed is... an acquired taste. A reader would easily love her or hate her.
I have so many other TBRs so I would refrain from purchasing the second set of three books by the author for now. Hopefully I will remember to, when the right time comes. Haha.
It’s a unique series for me. The protagonist is not a typical perfect book character; if anything she is more flawed.
The imperfection makes me fall for her hard 😍
It’s not a character everyone can adapt to, though. The way it is developed is... an acquired taste. A reader would easily love her or hate her.
I have so many other TBRs so I would refrain from purchasing the second set of three books by the author for now. Hopefully I will remember to, when the right time comes. Haha.
August 7, 2025
It can be read, but the main character is really naive and dumb and keeps getting her friends in very bad troubles.
April 2, 2020
An amazing way to get three fantastic stories about Sydney. She is one fantastic detective and strong person. Can’t wait to read more.
March 19, 2020
Meh
It was ok. Not great, not terrible, just...ok. The editing left something to be desired as well. What disappointed me most was the "peak"of the action. It was missing that sense of excitement that one gets at the height of each story. No plans for reading the rest in the series.
It was ok. Not great, not terrible, just...ok. The editing left something to be desired as well. What disappointed me most was the "peak"of the action. It was missing that sense of excitement that one gets at the height of each story. No plans for reading the rest in the series.
April 11, 2018
Joy or Sydney who's who?
I am an avid reader but I have a new author on mystery murder books! Lineman is fantastic! I've read all three of her first books on investigator detective Sydney Rye n I couldn't put down any one of them for long!! With in an hour I was back reading her book! Do yourself a favor n read her books! I'm gonna go crazy til I can afford her next book in series! I'm limited to how many books I can get n I'm used up till next month! Really think this series will give you a thrill! I cried on the first one! James tore my heart! Each one has its own pain n tears! Read it! Read them all!
I am an avid reader but I have a new author on mystery murder books! Lineman is fantastic! I've read all three of her first books on investigator detective Sydney Rye n I couldn't put down any one of them for long!! With in an hour I was back reading her book! Do yourself a favor n read her books! I'm gonna go crazy til I can afford her next book in series! I'm limited to how many books I can get n I'm used up till next month! Really think this series will give you a thrill! I cried on the first one! James tore my heart! Each one has its own pain n tears! Read it! Read them all!
October 4, 2017
One would never know feisty Joy Humbolt would ever be capable of the dangerous life she leads. Good thing too because her alter ego Sydney Rye is a badass. Plain and simple. She has an itch for a fight a need to right a wrong. But she also has that charisma that just makes people admire her and follow her lead. Working for the greater good by seeking justice where the system has failed makes enemies but fear doesn't stop her. If anything, it pushes her forward. Sydney seeks to save as many as she can even if it means leaving a few bodies behind.
#Towanda ✊🏼 #AndTequila 🥃
#Towanda ✊🏼 #AndTequila 🥃
August 5, 2018
Submitted this review after listening to the audio rendition of these books.
A woman, a dog worker, is caught up in the biggest crime in New York City, and no one would believe her!!
So, she takes it on herself to avenge her dead brother. She now becomes a folk hero to some. Her only friend, it seems, rescues her from her drunken existence and has her trained. She starts to use her talents, although others want to use her for their own evil purposes. However, friends she makes and help, want let her go down without a fight.
GOOD SERIES!!
A woman, a dog worker, is caught up in the biggest crime in New York City, and no one would believe her!!
So, she takes it on herself to avenge her dead brother. She now becomes a folk hero to some. Her only friend, it seems, rescues her from her drunken existence and has her trained. She starts to use her talents, although others want to use her for their own evil purposes. However, friends she makes and help, want let her go down without a fight.
GOOD SERIES!!
December 18, 2018
I have had this box set on my e-reader for so long I almost forgot I had it. Now, I am kicking myself for not having started it sooner. From the first sentence, I was hooked and immediately wanted to learn about Joy/Sydney and I devoured the first 3 books. Filled with plenty of action, mystery, a wonderful heroine who you can easily get behind, and who doesn't love a story that involves a loyal canine companion. Can't wait to finish off the rest of this series, hands down one of my favorite non-paranormal reads in a long time.
March 12, 2019
Sydney Rye, downright gritty adventure and danger...
I really liked this series of books because it's filled with hard core situations that wander between dangerous and deadly. Sydney is a character that is both strong and volitol who moves with the ferocity and skill achieved only by learning the hard way. Interesting emotional drama takes place as she learns to manuever in a world that she challenges. Walk with her through the minefield of moral and criminal challenges while she finds who she really is.
I really liked this series of books because it's filled with hard core situations that wander between dangerous and deadly. Sydney is a character that is both strong and volitol who moves with the ferocity and skill achieved only by learning the hard way. Interesting emotional drama takes place as she learns to manuever in a world that she challenges. Walk with her through the minefield of moral and criminal challenges while she finds who she really is.
June 14, 2019
An addictive read
Overall an enjoyable read. Defo not a book for children. Lots of violence, semi sex scenes, etc. In these three books you get to find out how Joy Humbolt became Sydney Rye. There are a few minor typos, and Snowflake has a sex change, then reverts back to female, but even so I found I wanted to keep reading. Book two format, no so keen on the huge dialogue life story with the dude. Could have covered that as he was training Sydney, would have been more interesting that way. Other than that it is addictive read that keeps you hooked.
Overall an enjoyable read. Defo not a book for children. Lots of violence, semi sex scenes, etc. In these three books you get to find out how Joy Humbolt became Sydney Rye. There are a few minor typos, and Snowflake has a sex change, then reverts back to female, but even so I found I wanted to keep reading. Book two format, no so keen on the huge dialogue life story with the dude. Could have covered that as he was training Sydney, would have been more interesting that way. Other than that it is addictive read that keeps you hooked.
August 15, 2019
This book it has dogs in it but not much substance — just Sydney chasing clues, drinking too much, getting trapped, being rescued, and killing bad guys. I was disappointed by the plots which were too illogical for me and the writing was uninspiring. I hate writing negative reviews but I have to be honest, I didn't like this book very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2021
Well, I read some of the reviews where the language was criticized as offensive. I must say there was quite a lot of swearing but it went with the story. You won’t find a goodie two shoes doing what Joy got involved in. I am always suspicious of people who can’t stand books with adult material. What do they like to read? I loved Joy. She was fearless and probably that is unbelievable in real life but it makes a great protagonist and lead character in this new vigilante/mystery series.
Book 1 - UNLEASHED - This is a grounding book where we find just how strong Joy Humboldt is. She gets fired from her job as a barista and winds up getting a ready made dog walking gig. Interesting explanation about how dog walkers sell their ‘owners’ to another dog walker if they quit the ‘profession.’ I got interested in this series because of Blue, Joy’s shelter dog. She didn’t spend enough time with him. Good thing she had a nice neighbor, Nona, to step in. This book develops the characters that will appear in future books. I was surprised that she killed off some good characters but it moves the story along to where it needs to go. She needs to be desperate and angry to continue her mission of getting even. She discovers a dead body on her first walk. Then she finds out he is one of her dog walking owners. She continues dog walking but is looking into who killed the man. Her curiosity may lead her into trouble. It is a fast moving story with lots of action. The ending is a surprise but it leads to good vibes and future stories.
Book 2 - DEATH IN DARK - This was a short story so only 3 stars. Sydney is training with a colleague of Mulberry. He is teaching her how to survive without using guns. He teaches her to be calm, be physically fit, and to think. All is going well until the daughter of close friends is murdered in Juarez. She must help them so she and her trainer and the dogs drive to Juarez, a 12 hour drive. They meet the young woman who knows what happened. She and Sydney go out the next night to find the 3 policemen who committed the murder. The 3 policemen know they are coming and trick them. The two vigilantes are caught and about to be tortured when Sydney’s trainer arrives and saves the day. It was too short and quite violent for the short story. I really like Sydney but not sure I’m ready for all the violence it takes to be a vigilante private investigator. The ending is abrupt but she survives—there are lots more books in this series. I listened to this book in audible and enjoyed the narrator, Sonja Fields, very much.
Book 3 - INSATIABLE - Sydney gets paired with Blane, an employee of Global, to pose as a married couple and find out where the teen aged daughter, Ana Marie, has run off to. The girl’s parents think she is hiding somewhere and will come home but they want her found and returned. They meet the nephew who is very close to Ana Marie and when Sydney is invited to join him for dinner on his yacht, she accepts. From there everything goes sideways. Sydney has a feeling that something is ‘off’ about this assignment. She isn’t sure if she is being set up or just what is going on. It turns into a cat and mouse game with Sydney being pursued by someone she doesn’t know. Does it have two do with her past as Joy Humboldt? Or is is to do with the current investigation? Her paranoia tells her to hide. This is a fast paced thriller where new characters are introduced that will show up in future books. Dan is especially intriguing and a real computer geek. Great read. Kept me reading last night until 3 a.m. to finish but I just couldn’t quite get it read. Lots more in the series. Narrator Sonja Fields brings it all to life.
Book 1 - UNLEASHED - This is a grounding book where we find just how strong Joy Humboldt is. She gets fired from her job as a barista and winds up getting a ready made dog walking gig. Interesting explanation about how dog walkers sell their ‘owners’ to another dog walker if they quit the ‘profession.’ I got interested in this series because of Blue, Joy’s shelter dog. She didn’t spend enough time with him. Good thing she had a nice neighbor, Nona, to step in. This book develops the characters that will appear in future books. I was surprised that she killed off some good characters but it moves the story along to where it needs to go. She needs to be desperate and angry to continue her mission of getting even. She discovers a dead body on her first walk. Then she finds out he is one of her dog walking owners. She continues dog walking but is looking into who killed the man. Her curiosity may lead her into trouble. It is a fast moving story with lots of action. The ending is a surprise but it leads to good vibes and future stories.
Book 2 - DEATH IN DARK - This was a short story so only 3 stars. Sydney is training with a colleague of Mulberry. He is teaching her how to survive without using guns. He teaches her to be calm, be physically fit, and to think. All is going well until the daughter of close friends is murdered in Juarez. She must help them so she and her trainer and the dogs drive to Juarez, a 12 hour drive. They meet the young woman who knows what happened. She and Sydney go out the next night to find the 3 policemen who committed the murder. The 3 policemen know they are coming and trick them. The two vigilantes are caught and about to be tortured when Sydney’s trainer arrives and saves the day. It was too short and quite violent for the short story. I really like Sydney but not sure I’m ready for all the violence it takes to be a vigilante private investigator. The ending is abrupt but she survives—there are lots more books in this series. I listened to this book in audible and enjoyed the narrator, Sonja Fields, very much.
Book 3 - INSATIABLE - Sydney gets paired with Blane, an employee of Global, to pose as a married couple and find out where the teen aged daughter, Ana Marie, has run off to. The girl’s parents think she is hiding somewhere and will come home but they want her found and returned. They meet the nephew who is very close to Ana Marie and when Sydney is invited to join him for dinner on his yacht, she accepts. From there everything goes sideways. Sydney has a feeling that something is ‘off’ about this assignment. She isn’t sure if she is being set up or just what is going on. It turns into a cat and mouse game with Sydney being pursued by someone she doesn’t know. Does it have two do with her past as Joy Humboldt? Or is is to do with the current investigation? Her paranoia tells her to hide. This is a fast paced thriller where new characters are introduced that will show up in future books. Dan is especially intriguing and a real computer geek. Great read. Kept me reading last night until 3 a.m. to finish but I just couldn’t quite get it read. Lots more in the series. Narrator Sonja Fields brings it all to life.
June 3, 2023
9I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible)
Unleashed
A dog walker transfers her business to another woman and, in the process, appears fearful of any unwarranted sound.
The new dog walker, on her first day of work, encounters a gruesome discovery.
From then on, she's worse than her canine companions, with a bone, chomping away until she uncoveries the true truth to the mysterious death.
Death in the Dark
In a Mexican hideaway, Joy, now under the name of Sydney, was progressing through the training to enable her and her canine companion to work together as private eyes.
A situation arises with the family that Sydney had been living beside, and her need to revenge an evil committed arose.
It looks as though it was actually a trap, but it's best to read the whole story than my poor synapses.
Insatiable
Sydney is blackmailed into taking a job on, in Mexico, one of a wealthy couples missing daughter.
However, all isn't as was described, and Sydney finds herself the target of a kidnapped girl hunt.
With the help of her friends, she again has a plan, but it's going to be a hit or miss thing.
Unleashed
A dog walker transfers her business to another woman and, in the process, appears fearful of any unwarranted sound.
The new dog walker, on her first day of work, encounters a gruesome discovery.
From then on, she's worse than her canine companions, with a bone, chomping away until she uncoveries the true truth to the mysterious death.
Death in the Dark
In a Mexican hideaway, Joy, now under the name of Sydney, was progressing through the training to enable her and her canine companion to work together as private eyes.
A situation arises with the family that Sydney had been living beside, and her need to revenge an evil committed arose.
It looks as though it was actually a trap, but it's best to read the whole story than my poor synapses.
Insatiable
Sydney is blackmailed into taking a job on, in Mexico, one of a wealthy couples missing daughter.
However, all isn't as was described, and Sydney finds herself the target of a kidnapped girl hunt.
With the help of her friends, she again has a plan, but it's going to be a hit or miss thing.
August 1, 2022
I enjoyed this collection. The blurb was very enticing and definitely grabbed my attention so I wanted to give it a try, even though some reviews had me wondering but I am glad that I gave it a shot. The first book is really an introduction (even though a ton of things happen) but we get to see what made Sydney Rye. The second book is where things starting picking up for me. This is really where Joy makes the transition to Sydney. I enjoyed watching her train and become stronger and see that where she wanted to go moving forward was writing wrongs and making justice happen in instances where it wasn't though she doesn't just go off willy-nilly over all. The third book picks up a few years after that and now she is embroiled in another situation that doesn't make sense and something is seriously wrong and Sydney just can't let it be. She has to figure out what the truth is and do what is right according to her moral code. I will definitely be grabbing the next collection to see what is in store for Sydney next.
The narrator did a good job, not great but good. It still adds a certain aspect listening to it but the emotions and voices aren't as vibrant to really bring the story to life.
The narrator did a good job, not great but good. It still adds a certain aspect listening to it but the emotions and voices aren't as vibrant to really bring the story to life.
September 23, 2024
Read the first book. DNF the next two. Only read that far to see if I was right about whodunnit (no), and how the author planned to resolve the mess of a plot (poorly).
1.5 stars. The half star is for some interesting descriptions of NYC neighborhoods and history - I learned things. Unfortunately a good setting isn't enough, especially when the protagonist is A) obnoxious, and B) naive/idiotic/idiotically naive. I normally like a protagonist who is a hot mess. This one I loathed. The plot is poorly done and the supposed conclusion is rushed. If you like the concept I recommend Laura Lippman or Gillian Roberts instead. (I will also give bonus points for casual queer inclusion (gay sibling) and the barest hint of possible bisexuality in the protagonist.)
CW for heavy alcohol use (getting blackout drunk most nights), one occasion of casual drug use, grossly under-negotiated BDSM, intoxicated BDSM, casual sex, and some other bullshit.
1.5 stars. The half star is for some interesting descriptions of NYC neighborhoods and history - I learned things. Unfortunately a good setting isn't enough, especially when the protagonist is A) obnoxious, and B) naive/idiotic/idiotically naive. I normally like a protagonist who is a hot mess. This one I loathed. The plot is poorly done and the supposed conclusion is rushed. If you like the concept I recommend Laura Lippman or Gillian Roberts instead. (I will also give bonus points for casual queer inclusion (gay sibling) and the barest hint of possible bisexuality in the protagonist.)
CW for heavy alcohol use (getting blackout drunk most nights), one occasion of casual drug use, grossly under-negotiated BDSM, intoxicated BDSM, casual sex, and some other bullshit.
March 16, 2023
I listened to the audio versions of these books and absolutely couldnt get enough of the Sydney Rye storyline. The first book starts out a bit slow and I nearly gave up on the storyline thinking the story just wasnt quite right for me. Then quite suddenly the storyline ramps up and I was hooked for all three books. I simply couldnt wait to see where Sydney would end up next.
Emily Kimelman's words simply come to life before your eyes (and ears) and you are simply immersed in the life of Sydney Rye, following the highs and lows of her life. You cant help liking Kimelman's Rye character.
This is a great read and the storyline has something for everyone, especially for an action, suspense and thriller junkie like me. I recommend this book 5 out of 5 from me.
Emily Kimelman's words simply come to life before your eyes (and ears) and you are simply immersed in the life of Sydney Rye, following the highs and lows of her life. You cant help liking Kimelman's Rye character.
This is a great read and the storyline has something for everyone, especially for an action, suspense and thriller junkie like me. I recommend this book 5 out of 5 from me.
April 11, 2022
UNLEASHED. In the first book, we meet Sydney in her original persona, Joy Humbolt. After breaking up with her boyfriend, Joy goes to the pound looking for a companion who wouldn't treat her bad, and it's love at first sight between her and Blue. Shortly after, Joy purchases a dog walking business in Manhatten, so her life is filled with companions that treat her well and a growing circle of comrades in the dog walking business as they congregate at dog parks scattered around the city. She and one of her business dogs discover a dead body in an alley and her life begins to revolve around the police investigation of that murder, keeping her clients happy, and nights and weekends with Blue. She gives us images of excellent walks through parts of NYC and invests lots of words on life there. Her needs are simple. She wants to help solve this murder, the first of several, mourn the death of a close family member, and find a kindred spirit to join her and Blue in a contented life. Can she find that spirit in Detective Doyle? Or perhaps Police Detective Mulberry.
DEATH IN THE DARK In the second of this series of Sydney Rye mysteries, we explore the Baha Peninsula and the Sea of Cortez with Joy and Blue and are reintroduced to Detective Mulberry. Joy and Blue are staying near a small restaurant on the beach run by a disabled man, Ramon, and his mother Abedella Alvarez in Puerto Penasco, Mexico and have their fill of sun and sand and oysters. A short, this is a bridge between Joy and NYC, and her Sydney Rye RV days in Mexico. Things are calm and cool in Mexico until Detective Mulberry shows up. We know from the epilogue of Unleased that Joy and Mulberry were able to curtail any worry they would ever have about future money problems. She is also now wanted by the police in the U.S. for a murder she didn't commit in New York. It is a charge they can deal with, but not in the present time.
Mulberry shows up with ID, credit cards, passport, and birth record all in the name of Sydney Rye. He is also accompanied by his old friend Merl and Merl's three rottweilers, commissioned to train Sydney and Blue in skills they will need in their future private security and investigation work. Sydney is not at all sure that she wants to be a PI or a partner in any business with Mulberry, but Mulberry doesn't listen to her denials. And Merl is a teacher in every facet of their talked-about future and keeps Sydney and Blue wore out and sore muscled until he is satisfied that with or without Blue, she can protect herself.
Their timing is good because their first case is happening right now, in Juarez and Puerto Penasco. No money in it, but they don't need money. The daughter of the restauranteur where she is parking her RV is violated and murdered by the police in Juarez. Sydney and Mulberry will do their best to find justice for the Alvarez family. Maybe working with Mulberry won't be so bad, after all?
INSATIABLE
DEATH IN THE DARK In the second of this series of Sydney Rye mysteries, we explore the Baha Peninsula and the Sea of Cortez with Joy and Blue and are reintroduced to Detective Mulberry. Joy and Blue are staying near a small restaurant on the beach run by a disabled man, Ramon, and his mother Abedella Alvarez in Puerto Penasco, Mexico and have their fill of sun and sand and oysters. A short, this is a bridge between Joy and NYC, and her Sydney Rye RV days in Mexico. Things are calm and cool in Mexico until Detective Mulberry shows up. We know from the epilogue of Unleased that Joy and Mulberry were able to curtail any worry they would ever have about future money problems. She is also now wanted by the police in the U.S. for a murder she didn't commit in New York. It is a charge they can deal with, but not in the present time.
Mulberry shows up with ID, credit cards, passport, and birth record all in the name of Sydney Rye. He is also accompanied by his old friend Merl and Merl's three rottweilers, commissioned to train Sydney and Blue in skills they will need in their future private security and investigation work. Sydney is not at all sure that she wants to be a PI or a partner in any business with Mulberry, but Mulberry doesn't listen to her denials. And Merl is a teacher in every facet of their talked-about future and keeps Sydney and Blue wore out and sore muscled until he is satisfied that with or without Blue, she can protect herself.
Their timing is good because their first case is happening right now, in Juarez and Puerto Penasco. No money in it, but they don't need money. The daughter of the restauranteur where she is parking her RV is violated and murdered by the police in Juarez. Sydney and Mulberry will do their best to find justice for the Alvarez family. Maybe working with Mulberry won't be so bad, after all?
INSATIABLE
September 12, 2024
I bought this purely on the basis of an Emily Kimelman video/ad that popped up on my Facebook feed, she was so witty taking down the haters that I felt she'd earned a purchase! So far (Book 1) it's more of a background, scene setter so I'm being a little cautious in my rating, however there's great potential so I'm looking forward to the next two books. It's light murder/mystery/detective stuff but as long as you're happy to suspend your disbelief it works for me, there could be parallels with Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series but that's no bad thing and the lead, Sydney is developing into a three dimensional character. Let's see how the series goes?
October 22, 2021
Thriller, violence, and justice!
What a combination! This box set of three stories definitely grabs your attention by the throat and shakes the boring out of your mind. I absolutely recommend this series to anyone who appreciated justice taking down the those who believe they are above the law. Add an amazing dog into the mix along with a very different cast of characters working together and you have an exciting story to keep you entertained, riveted, and unsure of how It will turn until the end.
What a combination! This box set of three stories definitely grabs your attention by the throat and shakes the boring out of your mind. I absolutely recommend this series to anyone who appreciated justice taking down the those who believe they are above the law. Add an amazing dog into the mix along with a very different cast of characters working together and you have an exciting story to keep you entertained, riveted, and unsure of how It will turn until the end.
April 4, 2024
Wow what an awesome start .
I really enjoyed reading how Sidney Rye was made. I read 1 to 3 series free introductions. The first book the start of Joy to Sidney is fast paced and insightful to her character . Second one is short but her character builds stronger. Her mind is analytical and her dog is awesome I love him the most. The third book totally rocks never a dull moment at all it's a fast paced and thrilling read. Thank you Emily Kimelman. Now to read the next three.
I really enjoyed reading how Sidney Rye was made. I read 1 to 3 series free introductions. The first book the start of Joy to Sidney is fast paced and insightful to her character . Second one is short but her character builds stronger. Her mind is analytical and her dog is awesome I love him the most. The third book totally rocks never a dull moment at all it's a fast paced and thrilling read. Thank you Emily Kimelman. Now to read the next three.
September 30, 2024
These are my first Sydney Rye books
Amazing! I love the rough Sydney. I love her colorful vocabulary and her ability to always get bonked on the head, bound with duct tape and injected with a syringe. She's really rough and tumble. She thinks things out, but they never ever go as planned right away.
These first three books gave me something to look forward to and introduced me to characters I hope I see again.
Well done. Thank you for the imperfections in Sydney. And thank you for the adventure!
Amazing! I love the rough Sydney. I love her colorful vocabulary and her ability to always get bonked on the head, bound with duct tape and injected with a syringe. She's really rough and tumble. She thinks things out, but they never ever go as planned right away.
These first three books gave me something to look forward to and introduced me to characters I hope I see again.
Well done. Thank you for the imperfections in Sydney. And thank you for the adventure!
July 22, 2025
Action packed
I'm normally an urban fantasy fan, but this series was action-packed. I won't lie to you. The dog doesn't die, but there are still painful parts in this story. If you've lost people, they are painful. It does have justice, though. The justice parts feel good. The first time I tried to read this I got twenty percent in and put it down.
I picked it up months later and started over. Then I couldn't put it down. I think I was in the wrong head space. Sometimes, my soul can't take the darkness of humanity.
This series lays out humanity. The good and the bad.
I'm normally an urban fantasy fan, but this series was action-packed. I won't lie to you. The dog doesn't die, but there are still painful parts in this story. If you've lost people, they are painful. It does have justice, though. The justice parts feel good. The first time I tried to read this I got twenty percent in and put it down.
I picked it up months later and started over. Then I couldn't put it down. I think I was in the wrong head space. Sometimes, my soul can't take the darkness of humanity.
This series lays out humanity. The good and the bad.
January 4, 2019
Creating a changed society
I stopped just a couple chapters in. The easy and constant use of casual sex, sexual fantasizing, drinking, pot smoking, etc. we’re just TOO BIG a turn-off. I can understand how this style of writing is changing our society. By making everyone think this is normal, it becomes normal. Personally, I think it’s sad because the story certainly showed some promise. Clean it up....it just might be worth reading all the way!
I stopped just a couple chapters in. The easy and constant use of casual sex, sexual fantasizing, drinking, pot smoking, etc. we’re just TOO BIG a turn-off. I can understand how this style of writing is changing our society. By making everyone think this is normal, it becomes normal. Personally, I think it’s sad because the story certainly showed some promise. Clean it up....it just might be worth reading all the way!
July 11, 2022
Currently nearing the end, I think, of Chapter 3 of the first book and hoping it picks up soon. The blurb really got me. The FB ad really got me. (Reading on Kindle Unlimited) I'll finish at least the first of the three books, then we'll see. (Just FYI, don't mind the language or whatever, just the plot hasn't picked up yet.) Updating soon...
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Just got into Chapter 13 and I'm DNFng. Not because it's a bad book. I think it is probably a good one. It's just not my cup of tea. Sorry.
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Just got into Chapter 13 and I'm DNFng. Not because it's a bad book. I think it is probably a good one. It's just not my cup of tea. Sorry.
January 16, 2024
atypical, increasing character development, engaging.
Credit worthy in boxed set of 3. At different points I wasn't sure if I would continue but I like that it isn't typical mystery formula driven. Unclear if this will lead to a tragic heroine's end...
Some portions will turn off those who are easily shocked or offended, especially in book 1. The adventure is constantly changing. The character development continues to grow, including "flaws" such as empathy.
Credit worthy in boxed set of 3. At different points I wasn't sure if I would continue but I like that it isn't typical mystery formula driven. Unclear if this will lead to a tragic heroine's end...
Some portions will turn off those who are easily shocked or offended, especially in book 1. The adventure is constantly changing. The character development continues to grow, including "flaws" such as empathy.
April 7, 2018
GREAT
A thriller from the beginning of Book 1 through Book 3! It really seems like one big book. The is are well written and edited. The intensity just keeps on building to the end of book three. It felt like I was in the book along side just waiting for whatever was going to happen next. There was never a dull moment. Great read!
A thriller from the beginning of Book 1 through Book 3! It really seems like one big book. The is are well written and edited. The intensity just keeps on building to the end of book three. It felt like I was in the book along side just waiting for whatever was going to happen next. There was never a dull moment. Great read!
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