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Sydney Rye Mysteries #8
Girl with the Gun
Letting go is an art.
And I am not an artist.
I'm a killer.
Suds slipped down my body and gathered at my ankles before traveling in a flotilla to the drain. The white, iridescent bubbles jiggled as droplets of water crashed around them. They popped one by one, the mass sinking into the pipe as each bubble lost tension and let go.
I don’t kill for pleasure, though there is some. Lady Justice is tantamount to my god. I serve her single-mindedly, but there is no blindfold. I am prejudiced, human...so human.
Would the world be safer with me under lock and key? One less terrorist wreaking havoc. Or more dangerous? One less soldier fighting for justice.
Blue barked. I looked through the fogged glass seeing nothing but gray shapes in the mist. He barked again and I turned the water off and opened the shower door, a cloud of steam coming with me into the room.
Another bark, a "hello,” a "there is someone here," a "someone we trust" bark. Grabbing a towel I left the bathroom; making wet prints on the carpeting as I padded into the living room. Blue sat by the door, his large tail swishing back and forth.
He barked again, turning to look at me, his mismatched eyes bright with excitement. He pushed his large head against my hip, urging me toward the door with a soft whine.
Mulberry stood in the hallway, his broad shoulders taking up the width of the doorway. He wore a subdued yellow and green plaid shirt that brought out the same colors in his eyes. Silver and black stubble covered his jaw.
Blue pushed past me and wriggled his body against Mulberry's legs. The former New York detective broke his gaze from mine and looked down at my dog. He ruffled Blue's head. "Hey, boy."
"I wasn't expecting you."
Mulberry looked up at me, his hand still on Blue. "That's the first thing you say?"
"Hi." He smiled and gave off a little laugh. "I figured I'd stop by and see you. We left things a little …"
"I thought I was pretty clear."
"I'm not sure it's up to you to decide."
"I'm not sure about having this conversation in a towel."
Mulberry raised an eyebrow. "I don't think you need it."
"Come in; I'll get dressed."
He followed me into the living room, clicking the door into place.
I dressed in a pair of dark indigo jeans and a white T-shirt, one of the few without any stains. Blue's tail wagged and his tongue lolled. "Don't look so excited,” I told Blue before returning to the living room.
Mulberry waited on the couch. "You want a drink?"
"Sure." I crossed to the kitchenette and grabbed us each a sparkling water; cracking one open, it released a fizzing sound.
Mulberry came up behind me and placed his hand on my hip. I turned to him and opened my mouth to protest, but he shook his head.
He stepped closer so our bodies brushed. His face was right above mine, his chin angled down, as I stared at his collarbones.
He fisted the short locks at the base of my skull and pulled gently so my chin rose and our lips touched. His kiss was achingly familiar and electrifyingly new. His smell brought back memories I was afraid to face.
The pain of my brother's murder lanced through me; the paleness of his skin, the vivid red of his blood as he died—the gaping wound his loss left in me.
Everybody I love ends up dead. And not some gentle kiss into the night. They leave this world in violence and suffering; they end in misery.
I couldn't watch Mulberry die. But did loving him and denying it hurt more than the grief I feared?
P.S. The dog does not die.
Beware: If you can’t handle a few f-bombs, you can’t handle this series.
And I am not an artist.
I'm a killer.
Suds slipped down my body and gathered at my ankles before traveling in a flotilla to the drain. The white, iridescent bubbles jiggled as droplets of water crashed around them. They popped one by one, the mass sinking into the pipe as each bubble lost tension and let go.
I don’t kill for pleasure, though there is some. Lady Justice is tantamount to my god. I serve her single-mindedly, but there is no blindfold. I am prejudiced, human...so human.
Would the world be safer with me under lock and key? One less terrorist wreaking havoc. Or more dangerous? One less soldier fighting for justice.
Blue barked. I looked through the fogged glass seeing nothing but gray shapes in the mist. He barked again and I turned the water off and opened the shower door, a cloud of steam coming with me into the room.
Another bark, a "hello,” a "there is someone here," a "someone we trust" bark. Grabbing a towel I left the bathroom; making wet prints on the carpeting as I padded into the living room. Blue sat by the door, his large tail swishing back and forth.
He barked again, turning to look at me, his mismatched eyes bright with excitement. He pushed his large head against my hip, urging me toward the door with a soft whine.
Mulberry stood in the hallway, his broad shoulders taking up the width of the doorway. He wore a subdued yellow and green plaid shirt that brought out the same colors in his eyes. Silver and black stubble covered his jaw.
Blue pushed past me and wriggled his body against Mulberry's legs. The former New York detective broke his gaze from mine and looked down at my dog. He ruffled Blue's head. "Hey, boy."
"I wasn't expecting you."
Mulberry looked up at me, his hand still on Blue. "That's the first thing you say?"
"Hi." He smiled and gave off a little laugh. "I figured I'd stop by and see you. We left things a little …"
"I thought I was pretty clear."
"I'm not sure it's up to you to decide."
"I'm not sure about having this conversation in a towel."
Mulberry raised an eyebrow. "I don't think you need it."
"Come in; I'll get dressed."
He followed me into the living room, clicking the door into place.
I dressed in a pair of dark indigo jeans and a white T-shirt, one of the few without any stains. Blue's tail wagged and his tongue lolled. "Don't look so excited,” I told Blue before returning to the living room.
Mulberry waited on the couch. "You want a drink?"
"Sure." I crossed to the kitchenette and grabbed us each a sparkling water; cracking one open, it released a fizzing sound.
Mulberry came up behind me and placed his hand on my hip. I turned to him and opened my mouth to protest, but he shook his head.
He stepped closer so our bodies brushed. His face was right above mine, his chin angled down, as I stared at his collarbones.
He fisted the short locks at the base of my skull and pulled gently so my chin rose and our lips touched. His kiss was achingly familiar and electrifyingly new. His smell brought back memories I was afraid to face.
The pain of my brother's murder lanced through me; the paleness of his skin, the vivid red of his blood as he died—the gaping wound his loss left in me.
Everybody I love ends up dead. And not some gentle kiss into the night. They leave this world in violence and suffering; they end in misery.
I couldn't watch Mulberry die. But did loving him and denying it hurt more than the grief I feared?
P.S. The dog does not die.
Beware: If you can’t handle a few f-bombs, you can’t handle this series.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2016
915 people are currently reading
880 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 110 reviews
October 17, 2017
Okay story.
Read all of this series, like strong female characters and brave dog named Blue. As always many people are killed. Story about Kurdistan women fighters.
Read all of this series, like strong female characters and brave dog named Blue. As always many people are killed. Story about Kurdistan women fighters.
October 16, 2017
This is a combination of sci-fi and just plain blood and guts. Not particularly well written but captivating in a way that's hard to explain. I've read the preceding volumes and have become attached to Sydney Rye and her wolf dog Blue. I have to read the next volume to see if she lives!
April 23, 2022
This is one of the more unusual books that I have read recently. It is an action novel, but written by, for, and about women. Emily Kimelman has taken Sydney Rye, a strong woman, and written her in a genre which until recently was the province of men alone.
One of the first things we learn about Sydney Rye is that she has secrets. She is hiding from the world under an assumed identity – the world believes that the woman she used to be is dead. She is being hunted and blackmailed by an ex-FBI agent, Declan Doyle, who is currently working for an unknown security agency. And finally, there are things going on in her head and her perceptions that she knows are not normal and she is determined to keep from her colleagues.
The one thing she does not hide is that she is a trained, and very effective, killer. She is a pivotal part of a paramilitary vigilante group called Joyful Justice who go in to fight for those who are underdogs, downtrodden, disprivileged, powerless. The story of how she came to be in that position and the way the group has developed is told in the first seven books.
This book begins with her, and her beautiful dog, Blue, taking a little rest and relaxation on the Pacific island where Joyful Justice is based. She has to make a decision regarding Declan’s threat to tell the world her real identity and destroy the group she is working for, or to hand herself in to his custody. Finally, she talks to her trainer and colleague, Merl, and the group’s leader, Dan Burke, and they decide that she should meet Declan in Hong Kong and see how the situation plays out.
It turns out that Declan, and his boss, Mary Leventhal, are CIA, and they have a mission they want Sydney to undertake for them. They want her to work with, and bring make allies of, an all-female Kurdish group fighting in northern Iraq against Daesh and the atrocities and dispossession being perpetrated against the Kurds and in particular, against the women.
The story unfolds in much the way that a similarly all-male military Special Forces fiction novel would progress. However, rather than having the scenario dealt with by an heroic, well-meaning male, Ms Kimelman highlights the plight, strengths, weaknesses, and advantages that women in general by having those issues resolved by one who has been where they are and has made it her life’s mission to help the disadvantaged and vulnerable. The feminism implicit in the novel is not subtle, but it makes some very important points about the societally assumed roles of women , the way they feel and respond, and the injustices enacted on women simply because they are women and perceived as weaker. The power differential is not depicted with bitterness here; The women and the power they wield are not so much an alternative to the patriarchy, as something completely separate from it, operating on their own lines, with a hint that there has to be a way of removing the old power structures and bringing the two sides to work together.
On the whole, I enjoyed this novel. I was a little surprised that it felt more that the action stopped rather than being brought to a resolution. The story arc, as described above, wraps up, but the character and her organisation are catapulted straight into the next novel. It is a marketing ploy used by a lot of indie authors, although I have not seen it done in this genre before.
I will recommend the book though. The characters are wonderful – full of snarky comments and responses, quick to see where the problems are and to act towards a solution. One of these is Zerzan Khani, a strong, but fair, woman leading the rebels who are fighting against Daesh. She has a grit and intelligence all of her own – distinctly different to Sydney’s – compels fierce loyalty, and has a reputation in battle which has landed her with the name, The Tigress.
In addition, the writing is good, with some gems of philosophical summary, encapsulating ideas ranging from the value a dog brings to one’s life, the nature of death and grief, the nature of the patriarchy, the role of women, and so on.
There are fourteen books in the Sydney Rye series, beginning with Unleashed . The story which commences in The Girl with the Gun continues in In Sheep's Clothing (book 9). Book 15, Undefeated, is due out in September 2022. Ms Kimelman has also written Kiss Chronicles Books 1-3 , a paranormal romance/urban fantasy series, which is published under her pen name, Emily Reed.
One of the first things we learn about Sydney Rye is that she has secrets. She is hiding from the world under an assumed identity – the world believes that the woman she used to be is dead. She is being hunted and blackmailed by an ex-FBI agent, Declan Doyle, who is currently working for an unknown security agency. And finally, there are things going on in her head and her perceptions that she knows are not normal and she is determined to keep from her colleagues.
The one thing she does not hide is that she is a trained, and very effective, killer. She is a pivotal part of a paramilitary vigilante group called Joyful Justice who go in to fight for those who are underdogs, downtrodden, disprivileged, powerless. The story of how she came to be in that position and the way the group has developed is told in the first seven books.
This book begins with her, and her beautiful dog, Blue, taking a little rest and relaxation on the Pacific island where Joyful Justice is based. She has to make a decision regarding Declan’s threat to tell the world her real identity and destroy the group she is working for, or to hand herself in to his custody. Finally, she talks to her trainer and colleague, Merl, and the group’s leader, Dan Burke, and they decide that she should meet Declan in Hong Kong and see how the situation plays out.
It turns out that Declan, and his boss, Mary Leventhal, are CIA, and they have a mission they want Sydney to undertake for them. They want her to work with, and bring make allies of, an all-female Kurdish group fighting in northern Iraq against Daesh and the atrocities and dispossession being perpetrated against the Kurds and in particular, against the women.
The story unfolds in much the way that a similarly all-male military Special Forces fiction novel would progress. However, rather than having the scenario dealt with by an heroic, well-meaning male, Ms Kimelman highlights the plight, strengths, weaknesses, and advantages that women in general by having those issues resolved by one who has been where they are and has made it her life’s mission to help the disadvantaged and vulnerable. The feminism implicit in the novel is not subtle, but it makes some very important points about the societally assumed roles of women , the way they feel and respond, and the injustices enacted on women simply because they are women and perceived as weaker. The power differential is not depicted with bitterness here; The women and the power they wield are not so much an alternative to the patriarchy, as something completely separate from it, operating on their own lines, with a hint that there has to be a way of removing the old power structures and bringing the two sides to work together.
On the whole, I enjoyed this novel. I was a little surprised that it felt more that the action stopped rather than being brought to a resolution. The story arc, as described above, wraps up, but the character and her organisation are catapulted straight into the next novel. It is a marketing ploy used by a lot of indie authors, although I have not seen it done in this genre before.
I will recommend the book though. The characters are wonderful – full of snarky comments and responses, quick to see where the problems are and to act towards a solution. One of these is Zerzan Khani, a strong, but fair, woman leading the rebels who are fighting against Daesh. She has a grit and intelligence all of her own – distinctly different to Sydney’s – compels fierce loyalty, and has a reputation in battle which has landed her with the name, The Tigress.
In addition, the writing is good, with some gems of philosophical summary, encapsulating ideas ranging from the value a dog brings to one’s life, the nature of death and grief, the nature of the patriarchy, the role of women, and so on.
There are fourteen books in the Sydney Rye series, beginning with Unleashed . The story which commences in The Girl with the Gun continues in In Sheep's Clothing (book 9). Book 15, Undefeated, is due out in September 2022. Ms Kimelman has also written Kiss Chronicles Books 1-3 , a paranormal romance/urban fantasy series, which is published under her pen name, Emily Reed.
October 27, 2024
Excellent story. When your past meets your future you have to meet it face forward & ready to fight for your future.
September 3, 2019
I need to get #9!
November 5, 2016
Oh My Freaking Goodness that was an amazingly, thrilling twister of epic proportions and yes if you hadn't guessed I love the Sydney Rye books they are all awesome but this one was a cut above and it really leaves you guessing.
Sydney Rye has come into her own so much over the 8 books in this series Girl with the Gun showed us all that Sydney Rye and Blue are a true force to be reckoned with.
What I loved most about this story was the empowering woman message that sprung from a war zone to show us anything really is possible if you have faith.
Sydney Rye has come into her own so much over the 8 books in this series Girl with the Gun showed us all that Sydney Rye and Blue are a true force to be reckoned with.
What I loved most about this story was the empowering woman message that sprung from a war zone to show us anything really is possible if you have faith.
September 23, 2024
Just finished the eighth book in the Sydney Rye series and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. This series has it all; fast paced and well written, with wit, charm, a strong female protagonist, and a dog hero. Not for children or sensitive readers, but fighting for justice isn’t always black and white.
January 4, 2018
Sydney Rye is a hired vigilante who fights for justice around the world. This is the eighth in a series of Kimelman novels about the daring operative. This time, she joins forces with an all-female militia in the Middle East to fight against ISIS. Of course, Rye is severely wounded at the end, and it drives the reader toward the next installment. I think I’m hooked.
October 17, 2017
The Girl with the Gun by Emily Kimelman
To say that this book is fast paced, is an understatement. I could barely catch my breath! If you have not yet become a fan of Sydney Rye and her dog Blue, you will be after reading this story.
I will admit that at times I was a bit overwhelmed by the gory bits, in fact had to keep looking the Kimelman's picture in order to reassure myself that she did not look like a killer. The advantage to the fast pace is that those scenes quickly fade and the reader is transported elsewhere.
This story is sometimes artful, sometimes tender, sometimes philosophical. And sometimes downright brutal.
Sydney and Blue are sent to Iraq to help out an all-woman fighting force. They are fighting for the rights of women to be free of brutality and slavery. They are at war with a group that kidnaps and enslaves women.
As it turns out, there are other factions fighting for the same thing and Sydney tries to broker cooperation and, hopefully, peace between these groups. Along the way she bonds with some strong and powerful women and those bonds make her all the more determined to help them. Blue is always by her side, he is faithful and perceptive and tries, unfailingly, to guide Sydney away from danger; when danger is inevitable he is there to help her.
At times Sydney is forced to choose between the women she wants to help and troops from her own country. Definitely not a win-win situation.
Aside from the big actions, Kimelman is a genius at describing every day scenes. She can make you a part of a bumpy ride in a truck, feel a long needed shower, look with dismay at a rumpled unmade bed. All these familiar scenes are what make the characters so real.
This is not my first Kimelman/Sydney Rye book and I am confident that it is not my last.
The Girl with the Gun by Emily Kimelman
To say that this book is fast paced, is an understatement. I could barely catch my breath! If you have not yet become a fan of Sydney Rye and her dog Blue, you will be after reading this story.
I will admit that at times I was a bit overwhelmed by the gory bits, in fact had to keep looking the Kimelman's picture in order to reassure myself that she did not look like a killer. The advantage to the fast pace is that those scenes quickly fade and the reader is transported elsewhere.
This story is sometimes artful, sometimes tender, sometimes philosophical. And sometimes downright brutal.
Sydney and Blue are sent to Iraq to help out an all-woman fighting force. They are fighting for the rights of women to be free of brutality and slavery. They are at war with a group that kidnaps and enslaves women.
As it turns out, there are other factions fighting for the same thing and Sydney tries to broker cooperation and, hopefully, peace between these groups. Along the way she bonds with some strong and powerful women and those bonds make her all the more determined to help them. Blue is always by her side, he is faithful and perceptive and tries, unfailingly, to guide Sydney away from danger; when danger is inevitable he is there to help her.
At times Sydney is forced to choose between the women she wants to help and troops from her own country. Definitely not a win-win situation.
Aside from the big actions, Kimelman is a genius at describing every day scenes. She can make you a part of a bumpy ride in a truck, feel a long needed shower, look with dismay at a rumpled unmade bed. All these familiar scenes are what make the characters so real.
This is not my first Kimelman/Sydney Rye book and I am confident that it is not my last.
Fritzi Redgrave
To say that this book is fast paced, is an understatement. I could barely catch my breath! If you have not yet become a fan of Sydney Rye and her dog Blue, you will be after reading this story.
I will admit that at times I was a bit overwhelmed by the gory bits, in fact had to keep looking the Kimelman's picture in order to reassure myself that she did not look like a killer. The advantage to the fast pace is that those scenes quickly fade and the reader is transported elsewhere.
This story is sometimes artful, sometimes tender, sometimes philosophical. And sometimes downright brutal.
Sydney and Blue are sent to Iraq to help out an all-woman fighting force. They are fighting for the rights of women to be free of brutality and slavery. They are at war with a group that kidnaps and enslaves women.
As it turns out, there are other factions fighting for the same thing and Sydney tries to broker cooperation and, hopefully, peace between these groups. Along the way she bonds with some strong and powerful women and those bonds make her all the more determined to help them. Blue is always by her side, he is faithful and perceptive and tries, unfailingly, to guide Sydney away from danger; when danger is inevitable he is there to help her.
At times Sydney is forced to choose between the women she wants to help and troops from her own country. Definitely not a win-win situation.
Aside from the big actions, Kimelman is a genius at describing every day scenes. She can make you a part of a bumpy ride in a truck, feel a long needed shower, look with dismay at a rumpled unmade bed. All these familiar scenes are what make the characters so real.
This is not my first Kimelman/Sydney Rye book and I am confident that it is not my last.
The Girl with the Gun by Emily Kimelman
To say that this book is fast paced, is an understatement. I could barely catch my breath! If you have not yet become a fan of Sydney Rye and her dog Blue, you will be after reading this story.
I will admit that at times I was a bit overwhelmed by the gory bits, in fact had to keep looking the Kimelman's picture in order to reassure myself that she did not look like a killer. The advantage to the fast pace is that those scenes quickly fade and the reader is transported elsewhere.
This story is sometimes artful, sometimes tender, sometimes philosophical. And sometimes downright brutal.
Sydney and Blue are sent to Iraq to help out an all-woman fighting force. They are fighting for the rights of women to be free of brutality and slavery. They are at war with a group that kidnaps and enslaves women.
As it turns out, there are other factions fighting for the same thing and Sydney tries to broker cooperation and, hopefully, peace between these groups. Along the way she bonds with some strong and powerful women and those bonds make her all the more determined to help them. Blue is always by her side, he is faithful and perceptive and tries, unfailingly, to guide Sydney away from danger; when danger is inevitable he is there to help her.
At times Sydney is forced to choose between the women she wants to help and troops from her own country. Definitely not a win-win situation.
Aside from the big actions, Kimelman is a genius at describing every day scenes. She can make you a part of a bumpy ride in a truck, feel a long needed shower, look with dismay at a rumpled unmade bed. All these familiar scenes are what make the characters so real.
This is not my first Kimelman/Sydney Rye book and I am confident that it is not my last.
Fritzi Redgrave
October 2, 2017
The Girl With The Gun, Sydney Rye Book #8
by Emily Kimelman
I'm not going to review Kimelman's writing, but I will critique the story line. I've reviewed her style of writing often. It's good. There's action galore. There are strong and consistent characters. The editing and proofing are excellent. That leaves the story.
In this episode, Sydney as agreed to give herself up to Declan Doyle, now of Homeland Security, although she has not yet shared that decision with the others at Joyful Justice. Bobby Maxim is just coming on Board with Joyful Justice and they are taking on the first of their large scale missions with the new influx of cash, equipment and intel he provides. Once Sydney discloses her decision to give herself up to Homeland, the group begrudgingly agrees that Homeland probably wants more of Sydney than to put her in prison. And in fact, it does turn out that Homeland wants to use her talents in a very specific way: the war against Daesh. Once in place, Sydney meets the leader of a Kurdish army of women who are fighting Daesh. When the Homeland officer who placed Sydney in the field comes to meet with them, the entire group is wiped out by a Russian drone attack, with only Sydney and the Kurdish leader surviving. From there the action all takes place in a joint mission with Homeland to rescue one of the female Kurdish fighters and to attract more Middle Eastern women to the cause. Of course, Homeland plans to conveniently rid themselves of Sydney, who they know they can't control, during this effort.
SPOILER ALERT:
This novel ends with a cliffhanger -- which most of you who have read other of my reviews know I hate. You've heard of David Letterman's "Stupid Human Tricks"? Well, to me, the cliffhanger ending in a series is a Stupid Author Trick. Of course, like so many others, the cliffhanger part, which is that Sydney might be dying of her injuries, is sort of moot when the next book in the series is either already announced or out. And, of course, when comments on said upcoming/new book list that Sydney is in the story near the end. SMH So why do authors think they have to do that? I simply do not understand. It would have been simple enough to leave her injured but obviously surviving. And then to begin the next book with the idea that she has disappeared and that her mother, the Jesus freak who thinks Sydney will follow her gay son to hell, is turning over a new vigilante leaf and searching for her. Sheesh. So, yes, that lost the rating a star -- and I seriously considered taking off two. I mean, really, it pissed me off so much I couldn't write this review for two days after finishing the book.
In any event, it's a good read if you don't mind cliffhangers.
by Emily Kimelman
I'm not going to review Kimelman's writing, but I will critique the story line. I've reviewed her style of writing often. It's good. There's action galore. There are strong and consistent characters. The editing and proofing are excellent. That leaves the story.
In this episode, Sydney as agreed to give herself up to Declan Doyle, now of Homeland Security, although she has not yet shared that decision with the others at Joyful Justice. Bobby Maxim is just coming on Board with Joyful Justice and they are taking on the first of their large scale missions with the new influx of cash, equipment and intel he provides. Once Sydney discloses her decision to give herself up to Homeland, the group begrudgingly agrees that Homeland probably wants more of Sydney than to put her in prison. And in fact, it does turn out that Homeland wants to use her talents in a very specific way: the war against Daesh. Once in place, Sydney meets the leader of a Kurdish army of women who are fighting Daesh. When the Homeland officer who placed Sydney in the field comes to meet with them, the entire group is wiped out by a Russian drone attack, with only Sydney and the Kurdish leader surviving. From there the action all takes place in a joint mission with Homeland to rescue one of the female Kurdish fighters and to attract more Middle Eastern women to the cause. Of course, Homeland plans to conveniently rid themselves of Sydney, who they know they can't control, during this effort.
SPOILER ALERT:
This novel ends with a cliffhanger -- which most of you who have read other of my reviews know I hate. You've heard of David Letterman's "Stupid Human Tricks"? Well, to me, the cliffhanger ending in a series is a Stupid Author Trick. Of course, like so many others, the cliffhanger part, which is that Sydney might be dying of her injuries, is sort of moot when the next book in the series is either already announced or out. And, of course, when comments on said upcoming/new book list that Sydney is in the story near the end. SMH So why do authors think they have to do that? I simply do not understand. It would have been simple enough to leave her injured but obviously surviving. And then to begin the next book with the idea that she has disappeared and that her mother, the Jesus freak who thinks Sydney will follow her gay son to hell, is turning over a new vigilante leaf and searching for her. Sheesh. So, yes, that lost the rating a star -- and I seriously considered taking off two. I mean, really, it pissed me off so much I couldn't write this review for two days after finishing the book.
In any event, it's a good read if you don't mind cliffhangers.
April 24, 2025
This is the last book in my boxed set of Sydney Rye Mysteries and I had a decision to make: do I leave the story here, or get some more? Girl with the Gun was good and had the best cliff hanger ending yet. I opted for four more Kindle-able books! I mean, I had to know what happened to her on that cliff where Robert had to leave her. EK promises the dog won't die, but makes no promises about anyone else! Really, I have to assume since there are at least 18 episodes, that Sydney doesn't perish, but how does she get out of this pickle? You may wonder how she got here; well, she was leading a women's fighting force against ISIS. No biggie. Robert Maxim was there to help, again. Mulberry makes an appearance even though, to protect him bodily and protect herself emotionally, she keeps pushing him away. Dan, along with all of Joyful Justice is supportive. Bold, female characters like Zerzan. Men from outside the organization; one assigned to eliminate Sydney. What could possibly go wrong as they attempt to "capture Abu Mohammad al-Baghdadi and use him to begin a women-led revolution that would take out down Daesh." The usual tense fighting scenes that keep you glued to the page 'til they are resolved. Yep, will keep reading these for awhile.
November 4, 2017
Fast paced and full of action
This is the 8th book in the Sydney Rye series but the first one I have read. It sounded I figuring from the reviews and I wasn't disappointed. Sydney and her dog Blue are quite a force. There's enough clues to her backstory that this book stands alone. It's a bit political in that Sydney tries to help Kurdish women right for equality in what I think is an area of Iraq close to the Syrian border. Most of the characters in the book are flawed, and there isn't much of a kind between good and bad. Sydney herself is anguished and tortured by the murder of her brother years ago. She is a vigilante of sorts with her own version of the Justice League, mostly women escaping abuse. Best part of the story is her dog Blue. He is truly her partner. I read this book in two sittings. It's a stand alone story, sort of, but you're provided with an excerpt of book 9 to give a little more closure. That you don't get complete closure of the story kept me from giving this 5 stars. The writing is crisp, the story exciting if at times stretching the imagination a bit. It was a nice change from the cozy mysteries I have been reading lately.
This is the 8th book in the Sydney Rye series but the first one I have read. It sounded I figuring from the reviews and I wasn't disappointed. Sydney and her dog Blue are quite a force. There's enough clues to her backstory that this book stands alone. It's a bit political in that Sydney tries to help Kurdish women right for equality in what I think is an area of Iraq close to the Syrian border. Most of the characters in the book are flawed, and there isn't much of a kind between good and bad. Sydney herself is anguished and tortured by the murder of her brother years ago. She is a vigilante of sorts with her own version of the Justice League, mostly women escaping abuse. Best part of the story is her dog Blue. He is truly her partner. I read this book in two sittings. It's a stand alone story, sort of, but you're provided with an excerpt of book 9 to give a little more closure. That you don't get complete closure of the story kept me from giving this 5 stars. The writing is crisp, the story exciting if at times stretching the imagination a bit. It was a nice change from the cozy mysteries I have been reading lately.
January 22, 2018
The Girl With The Gun (Sydney Rye #8) — Emily Kimelman (18 chapters) Jan. 5-10, 2018
With this new story, Sydney returns to old form. It felt very much like the older stories I read, and this reader liked that a lot.
This author has always written well defined stories and this no is no different, but I always worry that this particular series might be running it’s course. That is why I waited awhile to read this book from #7. I’m not sure if that was what helped in this case, or if the author indeed wrote Sydney to be more like the earlier books.
Whatever, I enjoyed this one much more than the last one, never mind the cliffhanger at the end…which is going to make me want to read the next book in the future.
As mentioned earlier, Ms. Kimelman writes a dense story that has no fat. Everything written in the story is there for a reason, and she circles back around to each mention, whether it be about The Tigers, Declan, or James, her brother.
This was a skeleton ensemble. There is only a brief mention of a few central characters from the earlier books, otherwise it was all Sydney and Zerzan.
Glad I decided to read this.
Four stars.
With this new story, Sydney returns to old form. It felt very much like the older stories I read, and this reader liked that a lot.
This author has always written well defined stories and this no is no different, but I always worry that this particular series might be running it’s course. That is why I waited awhile to read this book from #7. I’m not sure if that was what helped in this case, or if the author indeed wrote Sydney to be more like the earlier books.
Whatever, I enjoyed this one much more than the last one, never mind the cliffhanger at the end…which is going to make me want to read the next book in the future.
As mentioned earlier, Ms. Kimelman writes a dense story that has no fat. Everything written in the story is there for a reason, and she circles back around to each mention, whether it be about The Tigers, Declan, or James, her brother.
This was a skeleton ensemble. There is only a brief mention of a few central characters from the earlier books, otherwise it was all Sydney and Zerzan.
Glad I decided to read this.
Four stars.
October 16, 2017
The Girl With The Gun (Sydney Rye #8) - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Sydney Rye (aka Joy Humbolt) is a feisty PI with a mission; using her secret vigilante corporation Joyful Justice, with its HQ in an inactive volcano no less, she works this, her latest case, reluctantly - blackmailed about her past and alter ego by the Homeland Security agent, Declan Doyle and his superior Mary Levanthal.
When the truth about the international [and extremely up-to-date in its subject matter], case is revealed, Sydney, with her faithful attack dog Blue in tow, are ready for anything - and ready for action as always.
And there is certainly plenty of that in this fast-paced, nail-biter of a thriller which will impact on your consciousness - and conscience - for a long time to come, as the action races from country to country in mostly hostile [and sometimes deadly], surroundings.
You'll never view female action-heroes in the same way again...move over Arnie and Bruce - Sydney's back in town!
Sydney Rye (aka Joy Humbolt) is a feisty PI with a mission; using her secret vigilante corporation Joyful Justice, with its HQ in an inactive volcano no less, she works this, her latest case, reluctantly - blackmailed about her past and alter ego by the Homeland Security agent, Declan Doyle and his superior Mary Levanthal.
When the truth about the international [and extremely up-to-date in its subject matter], case is revealed, Sydney, with her faithful attack dog Blue in tow, are ready for anything - and ready for action as always.
And there is certainly plenty of that in this fast-paced, nail-biter of a thriller which will impact on your consciousness - and conscience - for a long time to come, as the action races from country to country in mostly hostile [and sometimes deadly], surroundings.
You'll never view female action-heroes in the same way again...move over Arnie and Bruce - Sydney's back in town!
October 18, 2017
I did not realize I was in the middle of a series when I read this book. But you know what it did not matter. The story and Characters supported this book So well. As Usual I will only tell you enough to make you want to read this book, but not enough to spoil your Read!!! Sydney Rye and her Dog Blue are Fugitives wanted by the CIA and Homeland Security. She is the mainstay of a vigilante Organization known as Joyful Justice. Sydney is a high Quality assassin and Warrior.She has to turn herself in to someone who has the information to destroy her Organization. They take her to Iraq and Syria where she meets the leader of an all Girl Fighting Force!! This meeting of two Equal and deadly warriors is what develops this Story and why its important!!
And you know what that's all you get, you "gotta git"the book to find out the End!! I looking for the next book and the start of the Series. The author Emily Kimelman does a great job on this Story. So enjoy a Good Read.
Santa Mike
And you know what that's all you get, you "gotta git"the book to find out the End!! I looking for the next book and the start of the Series. The author Emily Kimelman does a great job on this Story. So enjoy a Good Read.
Santa Mike
August 9, 2022
Kimelman is a feminist. It is obvious through this entire series of the feminist motifs throughout. That's not a bad thing at all. But in this book, you really see some of the negative qualities of certain types of feminism. Sydney and subsequently Kimelman say that wearing Burkas are oppressive and that women are forced to wear them. While that may be the case in some situations, it's not in all situations, same for women who wear hijabs.
This book is: women are oppressed, men are bad, strong women can defeat the men and oppressed women will either grow stronger because of the oppression or get worse because of it.
I don't inherently want to keep reading this series, but I keep reading because I like the adventure/thriller nature of these books and there have been some cliffhangers in the last few books.
This book is: women are oppressed, men are bad, strong women can defeat the men and oppressed women will either grow stronger because of the oppression or get worse because of it.
I don't inherently want to keep reading this series, but I keep reading because I like the adventure/thriller nature of these books and there have been some cliffhangers in the last few books.
October 4, 2017
I love Sydney and Blue. Their relationship knows no boundaries. She would die for him as easily as he would for her. Blue is the only constant that Sydney has and the only one she’s allowed completely into her heart. She’s accepted her fate and realizes that peace will only come for her in the form of death. But we all know our girl won’t go down without a fight.
This book makes valid points on how women are underestimated and considered second class the world over. But when given the chance can rise up and make a phenomenal difference. Women are warriors because we are stronger. Action, drama, thrilling, adrenaline pumping, gritty, are all things that describe this series.
#Towanda #RighterOfWrongs
This book makes valid points on how women are underestimated and considered second class the world over. But when given the chance can rise up and make a phenomenal difference. Women are warriors because we are stronger. Action, drama, thrilling, adrenaline pumping, gritty, are all things that describe this series.
#Towanda #RighterOfWrongs
December 17, 2018
The adventure continues...
If Sydney wants to protect Joyful Justice, Declan, a Homeland Security, is blackmailing her to turn herself in or he will expose the truth about Joy Humbolt/Sydney Rye. This time the adventure takes Sydney to the Middle East. She meets Zerzan, The Tigress, who like Sydney, has a loyal cadre of fighters. They are trying to keep their Kurdish Homeland out of the hands of Daesh. This book touches on the evil in the perversion of religion and the inequality women face in the world, but never underestimate a woman with a cause. Sydney has made a lot of enemies and the ending finds her in mortal danger...ending with the lead in to the next book in the series, In Sheep’s Clothing.
If Sydney wants to protect Joyful Justice, Declan, a Homeland Security, is blackmailing her to turn herself in or he will expose the truth about Joy Humbolt/Sydney Rye. This time the adventure takes Sydney to the Middle East. She meets Zerzan, The Tigress, who like Sydney, has a loyal cadre of fighters. They are trying to keep their Kurdish Homeland out of the hands of Daesh. This book touches on the evil in the perversion of religion and the inequality women face in the world, but never underestimate a woman with a cause. Sydney has made a lot of enemies and the ending finds her in mortal danger...ending with the lead in to the next book in the series, In Sheep’s Clothing.
September 14, 2021
Angst! Action! Dog!
Not having read any of the previous seven books in this series did not stop me from enjoying it in the least. There is enough backstory info given to provide context for the general constitution of the main character (ornery, snarky, and cussedly stubborn). Being a former Marine with a giant dog myself, she is right up my alley. Reading this after our catastrophe of a withdrawal from Afghanistan provided some salve as I imagined women rising up and being willing to fight, and die, for a better life and future. The ending was certainly interesting given the choice the main character makes knowing she will most likely end up killed by her own government. I'm definitely going to explore this series.
Not having read any of the previous seven books in this series did not stop me from enjoying it in the least. There is enough backstory info given to provide context for the general constitution of the main character (ornery, snarky, and cussedly stubborn). Being a former Marine with a giant dog myself, she is right up my alley. Reading this after our catastrophe of a withdrawal from Afghanistan provided some salve as I imagined women rising up and being willing to fight, and die, for a better life and future. The ending was certainly interesting given the choice the main character makes knowing she will most likely end up killed by her own government. I'm definitely going to explore this series.
November 5, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book/story is about a kick ass female operative who doesn't take kindly to be. Whether this is from government agencies or private citizens, it doesn't matter. She is a founding member of her own private organization which puts wrongs right and gets involved with a government organization which attempts to use her and then eliminate her. This doesn't really go well for all concerned parties, because as I stated earlier, she is a kick ass female who really really doesn't like bs. Interesting and entertaining book to read.
This book/story is about a kick ass female operative who doesn't take kindly to be. Whether this is from government agencies or private citizens, it doesn't matter. She is a founding member of her own private organization which puts wrongs right and gets involved with a government organization which attempts to use her and then eliminate her. This doesn't really go well for all concerned parties, because as I stated earlier, she is a kick ass female who really really doesn't like bs. Interesting and entertaining book to read.
February 14, 2018
The girl with the gun
Sydney turns herself into Homeland Security to save joyful justice. They send her to middle east. They want her to get women to rise up and fight for the right equals, against a religious faction. She director who set it up got killed leaving Sydney in the hands of Declan. Before Declan to take her to prison she shooting escapes. Along the she meets Zerzan, the tigress. Lots of rescue missions. On one, Sydney will become a target from CIA within her team will betray her. The CIA finds Sydney and Blue are extremely hard to kill. Unfortunately the attempt on her life lands her almost dead in a strange land.
Sydney turns herself into Homeland Security to save joyful justice. They send her to middle east. They want her to get women to rise up and fight for the right equals, against a religious faction. She director who set it up got killed leaving Sydney in the hands of Declan. Before Declan to take her to prison she shooting escapes. Along the she meets Zerzan, the tigress. Lots of rescue missions. On one, Sydney will become a target from CIA within her team will betray her. The CIA finds Sydney and Blue are extremely hard to kill. Unfortunately the attempt on her life lands her almost dead in a strange land.
December 29, 2025
I bought the first 8 book in the Sydney Rye series and although they held my interest and in the last two the writing improved drastically I think I've had enough of Sydney. She isn't very likable, she is blood thirsty, mentally unstable and totally damaged for good reason but its difficult to continue with a character you don't respect or like.
When her brother is murdered in front of her she seeks vengeance along with her dog Blue and Mulberry the cop. For what ever reason men seem to fall in love with her and follow her in her pursuit of what she calls justice. I don't think I'm going to continue the series.
When her brother is murdered in front of her she seeks vengeance along with her dog Blue and Mulberry the cop. For what ever reason men seem to fall in love with her and follow her in her pursuit of what she calls justice. I don't think I'm going to continue the series.
October 10, 2017
I really love the Sydney Rye series. This one is no exception. Packed with action, morale dilemmas, war and love. I enjoyed the increased interactions with Blue than there is in some of the books.
BhumThese are not really stand alone books. To receive the maximum enjoyment and understanding, you really should start at the beginning of the series. But this is not really a hardship as this author does not dissappoint. You will however, become like the rest of us, anxiously awaiting the next book in the series and hoping it won't be the last!
BhumThese are not really stand alone books. To receive the maximum enjoyment and understanding, you really should start at the beginning of the series. But this is not really a hardship as this author does not dissappoint. You will however, become like the rest of us, anxiously awaiting the next book in the series and hoping it won't be the last!
November 24, 2018
I thought the writing was very good, the story was such that I was kept interested. NOTE: This is the first time reading this author. But when I was left hanging with the ending, I knew I would not read this author again. I will never read authors that do not finish the story in the course of the book. I have been burned a time or two and I just can't see buying a second book to finish the story. Sorry I can only give this book a One Star, all because of that. Now if you want to read serial group of books, this may be for you, just not me.
November 30, 2018
This series seems outlandish, but the in-story of Kurdish women freedom fighters and the insights into the ongoing war in the Middle East,Europe, and Africa and the mistreatment of peoples- especially women and children- really make this book special. I learned some about the freedom fighters, not that I really like or approve of the multiple deaths noted in the story- but realize there are no simple fixes for people who are different and have years, even centuries of mistrust, and some disregard for all females. And, finally, I just really like her terrifically loyal and obedient dog.
July 21, 2019
Continuing Saga of Sydney Rye and Joyful Justice
The drama of Sydney Rye’s internal emotional struggles winds on as she undertakes physically perilous missions into hostile political and physical environments.
Emotional and external conflicts culminate in a battle leaving her severely injured and near death.
Onward to installment 9!
Can’t quite call these episodes “books” in and of themselves, although each is longer than a novella. Not sorry I’ve finished all 11, I purchased the unread installments as a package or I wouldn’t have read the rest at all.
The drama of Sydney Rye’s internal emotional struggles winds on as she undertakes physically perilous missions into hostile political and physical environments.
Emotional and external conflicts culminate in a battle leaving her severely injured and near death.
Onward to installment 9!
Can’t quite call these episodes “books” in and of themselves, although each is longer than a novella. Not sorry I’ve finished all 11, I purchased the unread installments as a package or I wouldn’t have read the rest at all.
November 17, 2017
I downloaded The Girl with a Gun as a free book from Amazon. This was book 8 of a series, but this was the only one I've read by this author. I'm happy to say, the author refers back to prior incidents enough to let the reader know background information without a total rehash. I totally loved the read and added book 9 to my reading list-- do I plan to read backwards? probably not, as I'm not much for going backwards in a series, but I will check out anything else the author writes.
April 5, 2018
Again I loved this book and the entire series so far. The characters are rich in depth as one gets to know them through out the series. I truly find the action to be something I could see my lady friends as doing! While the books are not massive they entertain me for the time it takes to read one. I will then lean back and sort out what happened with the book! Keep writing Emily. I am a wild fan here! Hugs from the old wolf to everyone🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤔😘.
August 22, 2018
Wow just wow
This story was so compelling and strong. Will Sydney survive this trap that first Homeland Security put her in. She made friends with strong women who were fighting for justice and a better future for all of there people of the region. Why do some people get caught up in climbing the ladder for power stepping on anything in their path even people who looked out for everyone.
Look forward to book #9
This story was so compelling and strong. Will Sydney survive this trap that first Homeland Security put her in. She made friends with strong women who were fighting for justice and a better future for all of there people of the region. Why do some people get caught up in climbing the ladder for power stepping on anything in their path even people who looked out for everyone.
Look forward to book #9
July 4, 2019
Interesting new direction the author is taking Sydney on. I like it! I wonder what this does to JJ and how it will change her relationship to JJ. I am sooo NOT a fan of Bobby's and hope the author hasn't focused the next book onto his growing obsession with sexual conquering Syd. EEEWWWEEE!!! Where the hell is Mulberry? I hope the next book sees Syd and Zerzen partnering back up. Like her and would love to read more about Muslim women fighting for women's rights.
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