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Sydney Rye Mysteries #9
In Sheep's Clothing
Softness is the first thing eaten.
Animals had gotten to the corpse, tearing the flesh off the skeleton and exposing the bone. The man standing over the body, his green-blue gaze the same shade as Caribbean waters if they ever froze, stared into the empty eye sockets of his former employee. Bloody, torn flesh, ribboned by some bird, hung down the dead man's cheeks.
A breeze stirred the pine trees, their needles tapping against each other, whispering in a private conversation. Robert Maxim scanned the ground again, his gaze tracing the fight.
Blood was splattered in the dirt. A lot of it. Phillip had died slowly. He'd tried to pull the knife free, but the black, blood crusted handle still protruded from the dead man's throat. Philip's left forearm appeared particularly ravaged, probably from Sydney Rye's dog, Blue.
The sharpshooter's weapons were gone, unless you counted that knife in his neck.
Next to Philip, a depression in the dirt—the outline of a medium-sized woman punctuated with pools of blood—kept pulling Robert's attention.
Sydney Rye plunged the knife home and then fell over, succumbing to her own wounds. Which, judging by the amount of blood on the ground, were grave.
Robert turned slowly, observing every rock, stick, scuff and depression in the dirt.
Deep scratches marked where Blue leapt, his nails digging into the dirt as his back legs propelled him into the air. There were other dog prints, too. Not as large as Blue's, but far bigger than the common dogs found in this area, the contested territory along the Syrian-Iraqi border.
A tuft of white fur fluttered on a low branch. Bobby approached it slowly, carefully placing his booted feet where no clues lay. The fur was softer than Sydney's mutt's rough, wolf-like coat. Bobby pulled the white fluff off the branch and slipped it into his pocket.
Footsteps approached, soft thuds cushioned by pine needles. "Stay back." The intensity of Robert's emotions roughened his voice into a dangerous growl.
"That's our man there. Gotta pack him up, get him out of here. Animals are already getting to him," Conner said. Another sharpshooter who'd worked with Philip for years, Conner's bald head and scarred face made him look dangerous. And he was. Had Conner known that Philip took money to try to kill Sydney Rye?
"I need more time." Conner disappeared, silent and patient.
Robert crouched down and looked at the dirt. Goats. Goats had come through here after the fight.
Sydney Rye didn't get up and walk away. Someone carried her, and they managed not to leave a trail of blood. The bald tread of a homemade boot wound through the forest, the goat hooves obscuring all but the smallest trace.
Either a small man or tall woman, traveling with a dog and a herd of goats, had carried Sydney Rye away. Why?
Herders passed through here on their way from one village to another. The person must be under Daesh protection…or desperate. Why take a bleeding woman? That injured, she'd be useless, the amount of work to patch her up hardly worth the price. Unless, of course, this herder knew who Sydney Rye was.
And Robert Maxim would pay any price to get her back.
P.S. The dog does not die.
**Beware: If you can’t handle a few f-bombs, you can’t handle this series.**
Animals had gotten to the corpse, tearing the flesh off the skeleton and exposing the bone. The man standing over the body, his green-blue gaze the same shade as Caribbean waters if they ever froze, stared into the empty eye sockets of his former employee. Bloody, torn flesh, ribboned by some bird, hung down the dead man's cheeks.
A breeze stirred the pine trees, their needles tapping against each other, whispering in a private conversation. Robert Maxim scanned the ground again, his gaze tracing the fight.
Blood was splattered in the dirt. A lot of it. Phillip had died slowly. He'd tried to pull the knife free, but the black, blood crusted handle still protruded from the dead man's throat. Philip's left forearm appeared particularly ravaged, probably from Sydney Rye's dog, Blue.
The sharpshooter's weapons were gone, unless you counted that knife in his neck.
Next to Philip, a depression in the dirt—the outline of a medium-sized woman punctuated with pools of blood—kept pulling Robert's attention.
Sydney Rye plunged the knife home and then fell over, succumbing to her own wounds. Which, judging by the amount of blood on the ground, were grave.
Robert turned slowly, observing every rock, stick, scuff and depression in the dirt.
Deep scratches marked where Blue leapt, his nails digging into the dirt as his back legs propelled him into the air. There were other dog prints, too. Not as large as Blue's, but far bigger than the common dogs found in this area, the contested territory along the Syrian-Iraqi border.
A tuft of white fur fluttered on a low branch. Bobby approached it slowly, carefully placing his booted feet where no clues lay. The fur was softer than Sydney's mutt's rough, wolf-like coat. Bobby pulled the white fluff off the branch and slipped it into his pocket.
Footsteps approached, soft thuds cushioned by pine needles. "Stay back." The intensity of Robert's emotions roughened his voice into a dangerous growl.
"That's our man there. Gotta pack him up, get him out of here. Animals are already getting to him," Conner said. Another sharpshooter who'd worked with Philip for years, Conner's bald head and scarred face made him look dangerous. And he was. Had Conner known that Philip took money to try to kill Sydney Rye?
"I need more time." Conner disappeared, silent and patient.
Robert crouched down and looked at the dirt. Goats. Goats had come through here after the fight.
Sydney Rye didn't get up and walk away. Someone carried her, and they managed not to leave a trail of blood. The bald tread of a homemade boot wound through the forest, the goat hooves obscuring all but the smallest trace.
Either a small man or tall woman, traveling with a dog and a herd of goats, had carried Sydney Rye away. Why?
Herders passed through here on their way from one village to another. The person must be under Daesh protection…or desperate. Why take a bleeding woman? That injured, she'd be useless, the amount of work to patch her up hardly worth the price. Unless, of course, this herder knew who Sydney Rye was.
And Robert Maxim would pay any price to get her back.
P.S. The dog does not die.
**Beware: If you can’t handle a few f-bombs, you can’t handle this series.**
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2022
1364 people are currently reading
850 people want to read
About the author
Emily Kimelman
41 books886 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 139 reviews
August 1, 2018
Will explain this rating...
Have been reading this series for a long time, yes every book in this series, but this is the last one.
Started with plot I really care about, that hooked me in, but confusing name changes, impossible acts and actions, unnecessary cussing, detailed graphics sex. Like these were not enough bad editing continued from the beginning. Like in this one, how could any writer or grown educated person doesn't know how to spell country COLOMBIA, it's not Columbia. Shame on you.
Have been reading this series for a long time, yes every book in this series, but this is the last one.
Started with plot I really care about, that hooked me in, but confusing name changes, impossible acts and actions, unnecessary cussing, detailed graphics sex. Like these were not enough bad editing continued from the beginning. Like in this one, how could any writer or grown educated person doesn't know how to spell country COLOMBIA, it's not Columbia. Shame on you.
September 21, 2017
Holy moley! I'm just exhausted from reading such a powerful and adrenaline filled book. Sydney's adventure continues as she survived the fight of her life but there was a price for her survival. Robert and Mulberry have gone to great lengths to find her. Told from multiple views we hear from several women living as sex slaves, fighting the religious war and becoming powerful women in a male dominant society. We only hear from Sydney a handful of times. So, we finally know where Sydney went but we're not done. Kimelman likes to toy with us and left the future of many people hanging in a cliffhanger. If you are just starting this series you must read from the first, the series reads as a continuous storyline. After spending the day reading my advanced copy I wrote this review voluntarily, hoping to convey the wonderfulness of this book.
September 27, 2017
Wow - intriguing, fast paced, and edgy - like all the Sydney Rye series, it is impossible to put down. A great story told from multiple points of view. I would highly recommend reading the entire series to enjoy this book to it's fullest... Emily Kimelman is an amazing author AND her first eight books in this series are currently available on Amazon for the price of one - treat yourself to a series you will read and then re-read time and again.
September 21, 2017
A Sydney Rye in which Syd only appears at the end, quite strange.
Following on from the previous book, Syd has been shot, and is missing.
We follow Robert, Mulberry and Syd's mother in this book, which is all set in the Middle East, who are all looking for Syd.
A good fast read, with plenty of action and as is usual for Emily's book it makes you think.
Following on from the previous book, Syd has been shot, and is missing.
We follow Robert, Mulberry and Syd's mother in this book, which is all set in the Middle East, who are all looking for Syd.
A good fast read, with plenty of action and as is usual for Emily's book it makes you think.
September 21, 2017
WOW!!! Amazing! I was hooked from the beginning! Intriguing, suspenseful, everything you would want in a book. I couldn't put it down. Emily truly out did herself. I am sitting impatiently waiting for the next in the series. I would highly recommend this book!
September 23, 2017
We’ve waited a year to receive some closure from the end of “The Girl With the Gun“ where Sydney is mortally wounded, shot by someone who was supposed to be on her side. We left her lying on the ground, bleeding out, Blue standing over her, helpless, as a robed figure appeared with a dazzling white dog. The suspense continues through most of the book: Did she survive? Is she the same Sydney? Is she ‘Her’? We are again taken into the world of Human Trafficking, that disgusting underworld of men/beasts that Sydney has spent most of her adult life meting out justice to the perpetrators… And – is Robert friend, lover, or foe? And – what about Mulberry? We also get to meet Sydney’s mother, April, the meek wife of a minister, who is transformed in this book (You’ll have to find out how when you read it). There is a wolf in all of us, or, in April’s case, a dragon. Intense, bloody, inspiring – what a great read! Sydney Rye fans will not be disappointed. Oh,yeah! Blue, you DAWG, you!!!
September 21, 2017
Talk about an action packed adventure and I know it's what we all want as Sydney Rye fans and In Sheep's Clothing did not disappoint.
After Sydney's last adventure I was so worried she would not survive and that ending had me going lol was it really the end on Sydney Rye....... Thankfully it was not Yay.
But In Sheep's Clothing was about more, much, much more than Sydney Rye there were many stories to be told, Robert Maxim and his love for Sydney I'm still not sure he is a good guy, Mulberry and his love for Sydney which is true on Mulberry's part I'm not sure Sydney feels it the same way, April Sydney's Mom a woman I have never liked but her part in this story may have me changing my mind..... maybe. The brave women who grow up in a world where they are not valued but they are slowly striking back, they make me grateful for where and how I was raised you really don't full appreciate your freedom until it's taken from you but for those who have never truly known freedom I hope they find it.
In Sheep's Clothing was a completely gripping story from beginning to end and I truly loved every word.
After Sydney's last adventure I was so worried she would not survive and that ending had me going lol was it really the end on Sydney Rye....... Thankfully it was not Yay.
But In Sheep's Clothing was about more, much, much more than Sydney Rye there were many stories to be told, Robert Maxim and his love for Sydney I'm still not sure he is a good guy, Mulberry and his love for Sydney which is true on Mulberry's part I'm not sure Sydney feels it the same way, April Sydney's Mom a woman I have never liked but her part in this story may have me changing my mind..... maybe. The brave women who grow up in a world where they are not valued but they are slowly striking back, they make me grateful for where and how I was raised you really don't full appreciate your freedom until it's taken from you but for those who have never truly known freedom I hope they find it.
In Sheep's Clothing was a completely gripping story from beginning to end and I truly loved every word.
September 22, 2017
Where is Sydney? That is the question that has everyone who cares about her are asking as they begin their search. All they know is that a dead man has been found, lots of blood, small tracks and dog tracks leading away from the scene, but no sign of Sydney. Robert, Mulberry, and even April, Sydney's mother are on the ground looking to find Sydney.
Their search is complicated by a movement among the Muslim women who are beginning to follow a new prophet with the message that they do not have to be subservient to the men, that they are equal to them. What is the story behind this prophet? Is it Sydney? Where exactly are Sydney and Blue? Will the mountainous region ever give up its secrets?
Emily Kimelman has delivered a book that is wide in scope and involves a societal or cultural problem that face the women of the Muslim world. It has its action parts but also looks at the weaknesses that some of the characters face and how they learn to overcome those weakenesses. An excellent read and story.
Their search is complicated by a movement among the Muslim women who are beginning to follow a new prophet with the message that they do not have to be subservient to the men, that they are equal to them. What is the story behind this prophet? Is it Sydney? Where exactly are Sydney and Blue? Will the mountainous region ever give up its secrets?
Emily Kimelman has delivered a book that is wide in scope and involves a societal or cultural problem that face the women of the Muslim world. It has its action parts but also looks at the weaknesses that some of the characters face and how they learn to overcome those weakenesses. An excellent read and story.
September 21, 2017
After finishing A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by Emily Kimmelman I had to pause and reflect on what I had just read. Another Sydney Rye page turner that I could not put down. It makes me want to go back and reread the series until the next one (#10) comes out. I laughed and cried and went back in time to her and her friends previous adventures and what brought her to this episode in her and her cohorts life (or death) no spoilers - you're just going to have to read and find out for yourself. Ms. Kimmelman please keep them coming!
September 22, 2017
I was given an ARC of this book. The review is totally my own opinion.
Sydney Rye, how I missed you!! As usual Emily has written an action packed story & I loved it!!
This story line is very appropriate in today's world...sometimes almost too real. I felt like I was right there & needed to seek cover!
Interesting to have Sydney's mom in this story. I loved her growth & I'd like to read about her in the next book too...see if there can be a relationship between her & Sydney.
The end...ah the end...you just have to read it to believe it!
Sydney Rye, how I missed you!! As usual Emily has written an action packed story & I loved it!!
This story line is very appropriate in today's world...sometimes almost too real. I felt like I was right there & needed to seek cover!
Interesting to have Sydney's mom in this story. I loved her growth & I'd like to read about her in the next book too...see if there can be a relationship between her & Sydney.
The end...ah the end...you just have to read it to believe it!
September 27, 2017
I was totally engrossed in this book in a matter of minutes. I had a hard time putting it down! Sydney Rye's story once again takes you through a range of emotions that keep you engrossed through the last Chapter, Page and word of the book. If you like suspense, action and a bit of romance you will love this book! Emily has written another winner!
April 23, 2019
Caribbean. Animals had already gotten to Philip (assassin) corpse.
Sydney Rye (Fortress Global Investigations security firm founder) was missing.
Robert Maxim (21) was not happy about that.
Deacon’s (pilot) chopper made a sweep of the area.
Daesh had kidnapped Sydney.
April, Nadia, Farridah, Jihane, Berfin, Shayma, & Soughayla all were hidden by their burkas.
7 Daesh soldiers were eyeballing them. 4 of them had been/shot/killed.
Farridah had been gunned down.
Silver Beard had taken Nadia captive.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written adventure book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; LisaatManybooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Sydney Rye (Fortress Global Investigations security firm founder) was missing.
Robert Maxim (21) was not happy about that.
Deacon’s (pilot) chopper made a sweep of the area.
Daesh had kidnapped Sydney.
April, Nadia, Farridah, Jihane, Berfin, Shayma, & Soughayla all were hidden by their burkas.
7 Daesh soldiers were eyeballing them. 4 of them had been/shot/killed.
Farridah had been gunned down.
Silver Beard had taken Nadia captive.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written adventure book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; LisaatManybooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
October 17, 2017
This was not a substantive story. There was very little of Sydney Rye in it. She's a bad ass fighter, but this book lacked that excitement. Good bye for now, Sydney.
August 15, 2018
5 Stars for Emily Kimelman’s writing style, that kept my interest in this book. Sydney Rye was not in the book, but there’s a lot of action and suspense in her search by not just one but two men, both in love with her.
She seems to be quite a phenomenon, I’ll have to read the series to find out why. Also, to get closure for this book. Best is I’ve found a new author to add to my favs.
She seems to be quite a phenomenon, I’ll have to read the series to find out why. Also, to get closure for this book. Best is I’ve found a new author to add to my favs.
March 25, 2023
Ok, I liked this book, which had almost no Sydney Rye in it. It's full of middle eastern women coming into their own power and fighting back against the men who enslave and abuse them, and the society that allows this to happen. They adopt Sydney and Blue as a symbol of their own power - They carry the news of a new prophet - a woman who brought Sydney (they don't know it's Sydney, although Mulberry and that devil, Bobby Maxim, recognize her in the symbols right away) back form the dead. This prophet tells them that they can establish their own value and no one can take it from them, and her message encourages them to fight for change. To fight, for their lives, their families and their land. All this is great - including the unveiling of Bobby Maxim as the bad guy Sydney always suspected he was at heart. HOWEVER . . . I am disgusted by Emily's once again forcing Sydney into the victim role, once again using the crutch of brainwashing to explain away Sydney's very un Sydney-like behavior. In fact the only aspect of Sydney's (very very limited) part in this story that pleased me was the Blue found a mate, and perhaps Sydney and her team of avengers can rescue those pups.
Going to have to wait for book 10 to find out if Emily can make everything I find flawed about this book 9 al right again.
Going to have to wait for book 10 to find out if Emily can make everything I find flawed about this book 9 al right again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2017
Amazing series and outstanding book- I want more!!
I love how this book brings back all the characters from Sydney's life that are such an important part of making her who she is. I also love that each character has descriptions from their point of view in this novel, instead of everything just being written from Sydney's perspective. This book, as well as the others, are definitely for adults only but are completely engrossing and exciting to read. I love Sydney Rye and admire so much about her character, I am dying to read another book about her, I am left wanting another book I can't put down. I love reading about this amazing woman whom started off as a single girl working dead end jobs in NY City and has transformed herself into a fighter and an inspiration. I feel like there's some part of me that would love to transform into a person like her. I admire and wish for her resilience, strength and how she discovered such a amazing purpose to fulfill the void in her life, truly transforming into a new person- even changing her identity. Please continue the series!! I am addicted to it!!
I love how this book brings back all the characters from Sydney's life that are such an important part of making her who she is. I also love that each character has descriptions from their point of view in this novel, instead of everything just being written from Sydney's perspective. This book, as well as the others, are definitely for adults only but are completely engrossing and exciting to read. I love Sydney Rye and admire so much about her character, I am dying to read another book about her, I am left wanting another book I can't put down. I love reading about this amazing woman whom started off as a single girl working dead end jobs in NY City and has transformed herself into a fighter and an inspiration. I feel like there's some part of me that would love to transform into a person like her. I admire and wish for her resilience, strength and how she discovered such a amazing purpose to fulfill the void in her life, truly transforming into a new person- even changing her identity. Please continue the series!! I am addicted to it!!
October 7, 2025
intense
This is book 9 in this series and you really should read them in order because each builds in the previous. That said this is easily the most intense of the series so far. Sydney is a major character but in this book she is only on page for 1-2 chapters. The remainder in about the search for Sydney and what was happening in Iraq during this time period. Sydney is a catalyst for a women’s movement of them talking back power. There are many parts that are difficult to read but are true to what has been happening in Iraq since the US pulled out. The “I am HER”movement is a product of the author.
I found myself in tears at the end but at the same time laughing with relief. I’m sure that relief won’t last very far into the next book. But for at least a bit things are as close to normal as Sydney ever is. For those who wonder about her mother and if she was just there as a foil for following her brothers wishes in this book we learn where Sydney got her willpower and stubbornness. This book leaves a great many unanswered questions but Sydney and Blue are still alive and together.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series so I wish you happy reading.
This is book 9 in this series and you really should read them in order because each builds in the previous. That said this is easily the most intense of the series so far. Sydney is a major character but in this book she is only on page for 1-2 chapters. The remainder in about the search for Sydney and what was happening in Iraq during this time period. Sydney is a catalyst for a women’s movement of them talking back power. There are many parts that are difficult to read but are true to what has been happening in Iraq since the US pulled out. The “I am HER”movement is a product of the author.
I found myself in tears at the end but at the same time laughing with relief. I’m sure that relief won’t last very far into the next book. But for at least a bit things are as close to normal as Sydney ever is. For those who wonder about her mother and if she was just there as a foil for following her brothers wishes in this book we learn where Sydney got her willpower and stubbornness. This book leaves a great many unanswered questions but Sydney and Blue are still alive and together.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series so I wish you happy reading.
September 30, 2017
There are few series like the Sydney Rye series. It keeps you going from page one until the very end. This one is no different except we get a little bit of a different glimpse as we open with Sydney Rye seriously injured and alone in the desert with just Blue, her faithful dog. This is not a stand alone as you will need the back story to understand just how much is at stake and the emotions all of the players in her life have as they all make the perilous journey to get to her and save her. This book also serves to highlight some of the key issues with religion and how it can take over and re-shape the people and the lands they are on. Wonderfully written, with keen insights into the human mind and gritty descriptions of what it is like, this is another book by Emily Kimelman you just can NOT put down until it is done. Find a quiet spot, put your feet up, have snacks and drinks handy and dive in!
February 6, 2018
In Emily Kimelman's latest entry into the world of her character Sydney Rye, we view Sydney through the lenses of other characters perceptions. Sydney lives in a shadow world as she fights for justice, the oppressed and abused, which so often are female. In Sheep's Clothing continues with Sydney injured and hidden away in a Middle Eastern country in the midst of a religious war.
People that love Sydney search for her, become aware of her presence being used to further fight oppression, and all come in for large doses of violence, self-realization, and awareness. This book kept me reading almost straight through to the end, to see how all the characters viewpoints come together in their individual quests, with Sydney as their own personal shadow. I'm looking forward to seeing how Sydney's story continues in book 10.
People that love Sydney search for her, become aware of her presence being used to further fight oppression, and all come in for large doses of violence, self-realization, and awareness. This book kept me reading almost straight through to the end, to see how all the characters viewpoints come together in their individual quests, with Sydney as their own personal shadow. I'm looking forward to seeing how Sydney's story continues in book 10.
August 15, 2018
This is the second Sydney Rye Mysterythat I've read, and like the first, it's a must read for anyone that loves fast paced, action pack thrillers.
In Sheep's Clothing
book #9 in the Sydney Rye Mystery Seriesis another hands down winner for Emily Kimelman. Once again, Emily provides just enough of a backstory so the reader can understand Sydney and what motivates her even if they've never read any of the books in the series. Even so, I need to go back to the beginning, to where Sydney was still Joy the vigilante because I'm dying to find out how she met her wolf/dog "Blue." Each of these books are better than the last and you need to read them for yourself. Personally I don't feel that a five star rating doe these books and this author justice--a nine or ten would be more likely.
July 6, 2020
Sydney Takes on Sex Slavers
Sydney is in the middle east, working with the Kurds to fight ISIS, now known as the Daesh. The Daesh are taking over disputed territory, and forcing women to switch to Islam or be taken to the slave trade market. In this book, a girl as young as 12 is sold as a sex slave. Another, only 14, becomes a hero as she escaped her captors and frees other women from her village. Sydney actually only has a small part in this book, as she is recovering from a near fatal shooting. But her mythos, her reputation, her ability to influence women from afar to fight the good fight are amplified in this book. The ending is a huge surprise. The tension and suspense start from the first chapter and do not end. Books 10-12 are in a Box set and I am getting it. Sydney's story is not yet done. Not yet.
Sydney is in the middle east, working with the Kurds to fight ISIS, now known as the Daesh. The Daesh are taking over disputed territory, and forcing women to switch to Islam or be taken to the slave trade market. In this book, a girl as young as 12 is sold as a sex slave. Another, only 14, becomes a hero as she escaped her captors and frees other women from her village. Sydney actually only has a small part in this book, as she is recovering from a near fatal shooting. But her mythos, her reputation, her ability to influence women from afar to fight the good fight are amplified in this book. The ending is a huge surprise. The tension and suspense start from the first chapter and do not end. Books 10-12 are in a Box set and I am getting it. Sydney's story is not yet done. Not yet.
September 27, 2017
Another Excellent story in the Sydney Rye series! Ms. Kimelman sure can weave a story that hooks you and keeps you dancing on the line. Such a serious subject but, wow, the way she weaves the intricate details is amazing. Love the artist and other new characters. Bobby is back, as is Mulberry, and of course Blue. Blue has some pretty awesome friends that have joined him and Sydney. Was quite surprised at the role that April, Sydney's mother, played in this book and was happy for her role. This is the perfect sequel to The Girl With The Gun, #8, which deals with ISIS and degradation of women as slaves. Handled very well for that type of subject and is definitely worth the read. Waiting for the next in this series with bated breath.
October 5, 2017
Whew...that would be me releasing that breath I’ve been holding while finishing up this book! Good golly, that was intense. I tried to read it slow but the fast paced action just didn’t allow for that. I could feel my own adrenaline pumping getting caught up in this story. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was happening next. It’s insane the way Emily can submerse you into the story and make you feel the characters emotions. I loved, I laughed, I cried, I cursed with clenched fists. Seriously, I had to put it down and walk away for a moment because the emotions were overwhelming. This book will leave you feeling all kinds of ways. It’s definitely worth the read.
#Towanda ✊🏼 #RighterOfWrongs
#IAmHer #KnowYourValue
#Towanda ✊🏼 #RighterOfWrongs
#IAmHer #KnowYourValue
February 15, 2018
Very different from previous books
I enjoyed the book, but it is very different from the others. There are a lot of New people to follow along with the others. Everyone is trying to find Sydney or control her. She doesn't make a real appearance until the final chapters. The book went off on a women's rights and issues in the middle east tangent. It was action packed and also left a huge cliff hanger. I am NOT a fan of those and will usually stop reading a series. All of these books have fully resolved issues, then foreshadows what is in the next book with a teaser in last chapter. That is not a cliff hanger as long as everything in book is resolved. The life and death issue with Mulberry is unacceptable. I dropped a star due to it.
I enjoyed the book, but it is very different from the others. There are a lot of New people to follow along with the others. Everyone is trying to find Sydney or control her. She doesn't make a real appearance until the final chapters. The book went off on a women's rights and issues in the middle east tangent. It was action packed and also left a huge cliff hanger. I am NOT a fan of those and will usually stop reading a series. All of these books have fully resolved issues, then foreshadows what is in the next book with a teaser in last chapter. That is not a cliff hanger as long as everything in book is resolved. The life and death issue with Mulberry is unacceptable. I dropped a star due to it.
December 21, 2018
Sydney in the desert...
If I could give this 3.5 stars I would. We are introduced to a lot of new characters in this book and the religious war and political war rage on. If you are reading these in order you know Sydney’s death was ordered by Martha, acting on behalf of the CIA and this book leaves you wondering “Does she make it?” Then Emily is nice enough to give you the first few chapters of the next book Flock of Wolves #10. I like this series but she is getting further from the intent of Joyful Justice and more into the minutia of Islamic religions. Seems there are many splinter groups but most believe in the subjugation of women. Hope the next one moves away from this or just wraps up the saga.
If I could give this 3.5 stars I would. We are introduced to a lot of new characters in this book and the religious war and political war rage on. If you are reading these in order you know Sydney’s death was ordered by Martha, acting on behalf of the CIA and this book leaves you wondering “Does she make it?” Then Emily is nice enough to give you the first few chapters of the next book Flock of Wolves #10. I like this series but she is getting further from the intent of Joyful Justice and more into the minutia of Islamic religions. Seems there are many splinter groups but most believe in the subjugation of women. Hope the next one moves away from this or just wraps up the saga.
July 7, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this book. Part of me wants to give 4stars because it was so action packed, I read it in one day!!! However, part of me wants to give it 3stars because it was pretty much about everyone else except my beloved Syd and Blue!!! So, I guess it's a 3.5stars.
While I did like some of the back stories of the other characters, I would have loved to have known more about Syd and Blue and everything that was going on with them, which was apparently ALOT!!! With Syd on drugs again and Blue becoming a pops, why would the author keep us die hard fans in the dark like that. That makes no sense and, frankly, kind of irritating. She better have a good reason for that to be revealed later.
While I did like some of the back stories of the other characters, I would have loved to have known more about Syd and Blue and everything that was going on with them, which was apparently ALOT!!! With Syd on drugs again and Blue becoming a pops, why would the author keep us die hard fans in the dark like that. That makes no sense and, frankly, kind of irritating. She better have a good reason for that to be revealed later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2021
The story is surreal! Sydney Rye is both amazing and mysterious. She is both worshipped and feared. She's left for dead and yet lives on. In the meantime there are stories of many other people who interact with her life. Each one is both compelling and sometimes heart-breaking.
The situation in the middle east is tragic. Religion and hatred fills the air. Cruelty reigns. Women are treated like animals. No, worse than animals. They have no value until Sydney comes into their lives. She is larger than life. She quickly becomes a beacon of hope, but many women die while they wait for her actual coming.
This entire book kept me on the edge of my seat. Never knowing what might happen next. Feeling the anguish of the characters. Their hope and their despair. Two men and a woman looking for Sydney, traveling great distances and enduring many hardships to find her. What an amazing story!
The situation in the middle east is tragic. Religion and hatred fills the air. Cruelty reigns. Women are treated like animals. No, worse than animals. They have no value until Sydney comes into their lives. She is larger than life. She quickly becomes a beacon of hope, but many women die while they wait for her actual coming.
This entire book kept me on the edge of my seat. Never knowing what might happen next. Feeling the anguish of the characters. Their hope and their despair. Two men and a woman looking for Sydney, traveling great distances and enduring many hardships to find her. What an amazing story!
June 6, 2023
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible)
Sydney had disappeared after her last mission. The body of the soldier that had turned on her was located, and Robert could read in the dust what had occurred. It appeared that she and Blue had been spirited away by another person, another dog, and some goats.
So, the hunt started to find her, whilst in the background a new prophet was being tauted amongst the locals. A woman who had saved a woman and a wolf.
A new religion that had a woman as it core and talking of reverting back to the original beliefs of ancient times. Times when women were held as goddesses. That they had status in the society, the same or more than men.
Sydney had disappeared after her last mission. The body of the soldier that had turned on her was located, and Robert could read in the dust what had occurred. It appeared that she and Blue had been spirited away by another person, another dog, and some goats.
So, the hunt started to find her, whilst in the background a new prophet was being tauted amongst the locals. A woman who had saved a woman and a wolf.
A new religion that had a woman as it core and talking of reverting back to the original beliefs of ancient times. Times when women were held as goddesses. That they had status in the society, the same or more than men.
September 24, 2017
Received ARC I love the Sydney Rye series because of the excellent adventures Emily gives us. She has done it again. In the previous book
Sydney was left to die. In this one Robert, Mulberry and Sydney's Mom are all searching for her. Has she died from her wounds or been captured? The other story is how some women live as sex slaves, fight in the religious war, and how they fight for their lives just to survive. Emily has given us an intriguing, fast paced and amazing look at something we have never had to live thru. Makes us appreciate our family, friends and neighbors so much more.
Excellent book.
Sydney was left to die. In this one Robert, Mulberry and Sydney's Mom are all searching for her. Has she died from her wounds or been captured? The other story is how some women live as sex slaves, fight in the religious war, and how they fight for their lives just to survive. Emily has given us an intriguing, fast paced and amazing look at something we have never had to live thru. Makes us appreciate our family, friends and neighbors so much more.
Excellent book.
October 10, 2017
This series can't be put down! Definitely a PG-13 as this book starts and ends with war. Zealots too cruel are finally receiving punishment. But the punishment is so in line with their own propaganda. So many stories within this book. The series is great but you really need to read in order. There is a lot of back story by this time that you really need have read the previous books to completely understand all the action, beliefs, changes, and love from both old and new characters. Warning! Do not start any of the books unless you have a large block of uninterrupted time to read as you will be unable to put the book down to sleep at night. Enjoy!
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