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Sydney Rye Mysteries #1-8
Sydney Rye Mysteries Books 1-8 Box Set
The first eight books in the Sydney Rye Mysteries: Unleashed, Death in the Dark, Insatiable, Strings of Glass, The Devil’s Breath, Inviting Fire, Shadow Harvest, and The Girl with the Gun.
My dog once took a bullet that was intended for me.
A bullet that ripped through his chest, narrowly missing his heart, and exited through his shoulder blade, effectively shattering it. This left him unconscious on the floor of my home. Amazingly, this bullet did not kill him.
Ten years ago I adopted Blue as a present to myself after I broke up with my boyfriend one hot, early summer night with the windows open and the neighborhood listening. The next morning I went straight to the pound in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Articles on buying your first dog tell you never to buy a dog on impulse. They want you to be prepared for this new member of your family, to understand the responsibilities and challenges of owning a dog. Going to the pound because you need something in your life that's worth holding onto is rarely, if ever, mentioned.
I asked the man at the pound to show me the biggest dogs they had. He showed me some seven-week-old Rottweiler-German shepherd puppies that he said would grow to be quite large. Then he showed me a six-month-old shepherd that would get pretty big. Then he showed me Blue, the largest dog they had.
The man called him a Collie mix and he was stuffed into the biggest cage they had, but he didn't fit. He was as tall as a Great Dane but much skinnier, with the snout of a collie, the markings of a Siberian husky, the ears and tail of a shepherd and the body of a wolf, with one blue eye and one brown. Crouched in a sitting position, unable to lie down, unable to sit all the way up, he looked at me from between the bars, and I fell in love.
"He's still underweight," the man in the blue scrubs told me as we looked at Blue. "I'll tell you, lady, he's pretty but he's skittish. He sheds, and I mean sheds. I don't think you want this dog." But I knew I wanted him. I knew I had to have him. He was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
Blue cost me $108. I brought him home, and we lived together for years. He was, for most of our relationship, my only companion. But when I first met Blue, a lifetime ago now, I had family and friends. I worked at a crappy coffeehouse. I was young and lost; I was normal.
Back then, at the beginning of this story, before I'd ever seen a corpse, before Blue saved my life, before I felt what it was like to kill someone in cold blood, I was still Joy Humbolt.
I'd never even heard the name Sydney Rye.
P.S. The dog does not die.
**Beware: If you can’t handle a few f-bombs, you can’t handle this series.**
My dog once took a bullet that was intended for me.
A bullet that ripped through his chest, narrowly missing his heart, and exited through his shoulder blade, effectively shattering it. This left him unconscious on the floor of my home. Amazingly, this bullet did not kill him.
Ten years ago I adopted Blue as a present to myself after I broke up with my boyfriend one hot, early summer night with the windows open and the neighborhood listening. The next morning I went straight to the pound in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Articles on buying your first dog tell you never to buy a dog on impulse. They want you to be prepared for this new member of your family, to understand the responsibilities and challenges of owning a dog. Going to the pound because you need something in your life that's worth holding onto is rarely, if ever, mentioned.
I asked the man at the pound to show me the biggest dogs they had. He showed me some seven-week-old Rottweiler-German shepherd puppies that he said would grow to be quite large. Then he showed me a six-month-old shepherd that would get pretty big. Then he showed me Blue, the largest dog they had.
The man called him a Collie mix and he was stuffed into the biggest cage they had, but he didn't fit. He was as tall as a Great Dane but much skinnier, with the snout of a collie, the markings of a Siberian husky, the ears and tail of a shepherd and the body of a wolf, with one blue eye and one brown. Crouched in a sitting position, unable to lie down, unable to sit all the way up, he looked at me from between the bars, and I fell in love.
"He's still underweight," the man in the blue scrubs told me as we looked at Blue. "I'll tell you, lady, he's pretty but he's skittish. He sheds, and I mean sheds. I don't think you want this dog." But I knew I wanted him. I knew I had to have him. He was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
Blue cost me $108. I brought him home, and we lived together for years. He was, for most of our relationship, my only companion. But when I first met Blue, a lifetime ago now, I had family and friends. I worked at a crappy coffeehouse. I was young and lost; I was normal.
Back then, at the beginning of this story, before I'd ever seen a corpse, before Blue saved my life, before I felt what it was like to kill someone in cold blood, I was still Joy Humbolt.
I'd never even heard the name Sydney Rye.
P.S. The dog does not die.
**Beware: If you can’t handle a few f-bombs, you can’t handle this series.**
Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2022
2368 people are currently reading
839 people want to read
About the author
Emily Kimelman
41 books878 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 11, 2019
Some kind soul mentioned that the Sydney Rye who featured in one of Dustin Stevens books was a character in a series by Emily Kimmelman so I checked it out. And found eight books for $10 on Amazon - happy days.
OK they're not high literature and they are, to put it politely, very aspirational (i.e. not very realistic) and I know I just knocked a book by a respected author for the same thing but these books were hugely entertaining. They featured very likeable characters and an awesome dog (big plus) and they were fast paced, dramatic and a whole lot of fun. They're not long or heavy-going so I ripped through them quickly. I wouldn't call them mysteries either they are firmly in the 'action' genre. Sydney Rye and her merry band of compatriots band together to fight injustice across the world pretty much sums it up. If you're even mildly tempted move quickly before the box-set is withdrawn. Having said all that they were no less realistic than, say, any Jack Reacher book or something by Vince Flynn or such like. Fun!
OK they're not high literature and they are, to put it politely, very aspirational (i.e. not very realistic) and I know I just knocked a book by a respected author for the same thing but these books were hugely entertaining. They featured very likeable characters and an awesome dog (big plus) and they were fast paced, dramatic and a whole lot of fun. They're not long or heavy-going so I ripped through them quickly. I wouldn't call them mysteries either they are firmly in the 'action' genre. Sydney Rye and her merry band of compatriots band together to fight injustice across the world pretty much sums it up. If you're even mildly tempted move quickly before the box-set is withdrawn. Having said all that they were no less realistic than, say, any Jack Reacher book or something by Vince Flynn or such like. Fun!
October 30, 2017
This is the first seven books, plus a novella that fills the second book's slot but finishes the first book's arc. As a box set it is one of the best bargains on Amazon. When you finish it - and you will finish - you will certainly go looking for more.
For the most part, Kimelman brings each story to a satisfying conclusion. Some volumes are strikingly good - the first, Unleashed, is outstanding. While none die in cliffhangers, all leave threads that need to be pulled.
Kimelman manages to steer clear of cliche while rendering a frank, reasonably solid character in Sidney Rye as she evolves.
For the most part, Kimelman brings each story to a satisfying conclusion. Some volumes are strikingly good - the first, Unleashed, is outstanding. While none die in cliffhangers, all leave threads that need to be pulled.
Kimelman manages to steer clear of cliche while rendering a frank, reasonably solid character in Sidney Rye as she evolves.
October 20, 2023
Meh…
(as an aside: when one reads an eight box set, does that count as one book or eight books?)
(as an aside: when one reads an eight box set, does that count as one book or eight books?)
January 5, 2022
Gratuitous violence!
I bought this box set after confusing the author with another dog-centered mystery series. No problem, right? I love dogs, I love mysteries, I love serial novels.
Except that this series is much less "mystery" and more "hack and slash horror". Don't get me wrong, I'm used to having people die in the books I read (it's not really a mystery without at least one dead body), and I gravitate towards thrillers and horror movies, but I couldn't stomach these books at all. I read the first one and thought maybe this was the author's first novel, so I overlooked the issues I ran across. I even read the second one thinking that if she had gotten to an 8 part series, the books must have gotten better. I forced myself to finish that one but couldn't go any further in the series. I moved the box set to my "Meh" category in my cloud library. That way if I ever forget the names Emily Kimelman or Sydney Rye, I have the permanent reminder that these books aren't worth reading.
My opinion: The violence and gore are just taken too far...kind of like the difference between a horror movie and a snuff film.
I bought this box set after confusing the author with another dog-centered mystery series. No problem, right? I love dogs, I love mysteries, I love serial novels.
Except that this series is much less "mystery" and more "hack and slash horror". Don't get me wrong, I'm used to having people die in the books I read (it's not really a mystery without at least one dead body), and I gravitate towards thrillers and horror movies, but I couldn't stomach these books at all. I read the first one and thought maybe this was the author's first novel, so I overlooked the issues I ran across. I even read the second one thinking that if she had gotten to an 8 part series, the books must have gotten better. I forced myself to finish that one but couldn't go any further in the series. I moved the box set to my "Meh" category in my cloud library. That way if I ever forget the names Emily Kimelman or Sydney Rye, I have the permanent reminder that these books aren't worth reading.
My opinion: The violence and gore are just taken too far...kind of like the difference between a horror movie and a snuff film.
March 13, 2018
First two books were great, but.....
After all her training with Merl and in London in book 2. I expected Joy/Sydney to be a sort of super-sleuth. No way, only getting out of trouble by accident in book 3, using none of her new-found skills, she might just as well have been back in book 1. I'm going to start reading book 4 now, but if she doesn't straighten up immediately, I'll change my rating to a 2 and it's "Hasta la Vista, Baby!" .
After all her training with Merl and in London in book 2. I expected Joy/Sydney to be a sort of super-sleuth. No way, only getting out of trouble by accident in book 3, using none of her new-found skills, she might just as well have been back in book 1. I'm going to start reading book 4 now, but if she doesn't straighten up immediately, I'll change my rating to a 2 and it's "Hasta la Vista, Baby!" .
August 11, 2020
Well written but sad and violent
I countdown not get through her first book, sweet cat died protecting her brother, brother murdered in front of her, just too much. This might be a good story for people who like that sort of thing, but it is poorly marketed because that is not what I expected.
I countdown not get through her first book, sweet cat died protecting her brother, brother murdered in front of her, just too much. This might be a good story for people who like that sort of thing, but it is poorly marketed because that is not what I expected.
Read
October 21, 2017So worth the money!
Great characters, sizzling adventures and the battle between good and evil, these stories are fun and satisfying. Go for it
Great characters, sizzling adventures and the battle between good and evil, these stories are fun and satisfying. Go for it
July 6, 2020
Wow! Edge of your seat excitement! Riveting adventure and a tough as nails heroine Oh and you got to love the dog!
Sydney Rye is a whole new class of female heroine! Tough as nails and just as deadly! But she didn't start out to be a hero, she simply wanted justice in a broken system that protects the rich and powerful and punishes the victims. She wanted vengeance for her brothers death from a man that thought himself above the law. But even that was denied her. Yet out of the myth of her vigilant justice a whole network is born. And along with her best friend, a dog named Blue and others she meets along the way Sydney ends up dishing out her own special whoop-ass brand of justice around the world. The books are best read in order to get the full flavor of the settings and characters. I highly recommend this series for anyone who likes edge of your chair kind of Adventure!
Sydney Rye is a whole new class of female heroine! Tough as nails and just as deadly! But she didn't start out to be a hero, she simply wanted justice in a broken system that protects the rich and powerful and punishes the victims. She wanted vengeance for her brothers death from a man that thought himself above the law. But even that was denied her. Yet out of the myth of her vigilant justice a whole network is born. And along with her best friend, a dog named Blue and others she meets along the way Sydney ends up dishing out her own special whoop-ass brand of justice around the world. The books are best read in order to get the full flavor of the settings and characters. I highly recommend this series for anyone who likes edge of your chair kind of Adventure!
April 26, 2022
A terrorist with morals?
Sydney Rye is a modern-day hero, full of insecurities and doubts, driven by a past that just won't let go; a present that, despite its many failings, still contains good people, good dogs, the occasional good day, and a steady flow of good deeds; and a future that still holds the promise of a world where the lives of women and children are worth protecting. Sydney (a.k.a. Joy Humboldt) undergoes a fundamental transformation between Book One and Book Eight, becoming a honed and high-powered weapon in a war against powerful men who treat the lives and the bodies of those around them as not only expendable, but existing for no other purpose than to satisfy their own needs for money, power, and control. It is war that we all know is going on, but that very few people even publicly acknowledge, much less put their own lives on the line for the ones who cannot fight for themselves.
Sydney Rye is a modern-day hero, full of insecurities and doubts, driven by a past that just won't let go; a present that, despite its many failings, still contains good people, good dogs, the occasional good day, and a steady flow of good deeds; and a future that still holds the promise of a world where the lives of women and children are worth protecting. Sydney (a.k.a. Joy Humboldt) undergoes a fundamental transformation between Book One and Book Eight, becoming a honed and high-powered weapon in a war against powerful men who treat the lives and the bodies of those around them as not only expendable, but existing for no other purpose than to satisfy their own needs for money, power, and control. It is war that we all know is going on, but that very few people even publicly acknowledge, much less put their own lives on the line for the ones who cannot fight for themselves.
December 4, 2019
a journey from timid barista to bad ass avenger.
As the title says this set includes the first 8, of currently 12, books about Sydney Rye. The series starts out with Sydney getting fired/quitting her job as a barista and becoming a dog walker. Then she stumbles across a dead body while walking one of her charges. Being a curious person she decides to try to solve the murder, no this is definitely NOT a cozy. What follows is more murder, secret tunnels, a bit of sex and hidden treasure and that is just book one. The rest of series chronicles Sydney's transformation and her exploits.
One warning this series is not for the squeamish it has a lot of violence that is at times graphic. If that does not bother you and you like strong but at times flawed women you will probably like the series. I know I did and in fact binge read the set.
As the title says this set includes the first 8, of currently 12, books about Sydney Rye. The series starts out with Sydney getting fired/quitting her job as a barista and becoming a dog walker. Then she stumbles across a dead body while walking one of her charges. Being a curious person she decides to try to solve the murder, no this is definitely NOT a cozy. What follows is more murder, secret tunnels, a bit of sex and hidden treasure and that is just book one. The rest of series chronicles Sydney's transformation and her exploits.
One warning this series is not for the squeamish it has a lot of violence that is at times graphic. If that does not bother you and you like strong but at times flawed women you will probably like the series. I know I did and in fact binge read the set.
July 6, 2020
Vigilante or Hero? Both!
Great series. Sydney is a woman who takes action when she sees anyone, but especially women and children, being abused. She was born with the name Joy. But when she saw her brotherly ruthlessly murdered because of action she took against a murderer, Joy changed. She went after her brother's killer. Then she became a different person, a vigilante, Sydney Rye. A woman who takes on even the scariest bad guys so she can protect the innocent. This 8 book series evolves, from just Sydney taking on the big bad, to a group of people taking up her call to arms. The missions get more and more complex, with international repercussions. Sydney is becoming a heroine for female empowerment. Men follow her too. Men of action. People who stand up for the weak and abused.
Great series. Sydney is a woman who takes action when she sees anyone, but especially women and children, being abused. She was born with the name Joy. But when she saw her brotherly ruthlessly murdered because of action she took against a murderer, Joy changed. She went after her brother's killer. Then she became a different person, a vigilante, Sydney Rye. A woman who takes on even the scariest bad guys so she can protect the innocent. This 8 book series evolves, from just Sydney taking on the big bad, to a group of people taking up her call to arms. The missions get more and more complex, with international repercussions. Sydney is becoming a heroine for female empowerment. Men follow her too. Men of action. People who stand up for the weak and abused.
June 30, 2024
I think I'm in love with Sydney Rye.
Even though I'm pretty sure she wouldn't like me very much.
I like the fact that she's feels like a real person, and has some very basic issues that she tries her best to keep hidden from everyone, including herself.
She inspires loyalty, and, when it's been earned, is fiercely loyal to her friends.
She is violent, but almost never voluntarily gives in to the temptation.
She has a strong sense of justice, but is bound only by her own moral code, and not necessarily the law. But that's okay, because 'law' and 'justice' are not synonymous.
And her dog, Blue, is also a force of nature, himself.
As long as Emily Kimelman keeps on writing stories about Sydney and Blue, I'll keep reading them...I wouldn't mind seeing some backstory on some of the other characters, but there's no rush.
Even though I'm pretty sure she wouldn't like me very much.
I like the fact that she's feels like a real person, and has some very basic issues that she tries her best to keep hidden from everyone, including herself.
She inspires loyalty, and, when it's been earned, is fiercely loyal to her friends.
She is violent, but almost never voluntarily gives in to the temptation.
She has a strong sense of justice, but is bound only by her own moral code, and not necessarily the law. But that's okay, because 'law' and 'justice' are not synonymous.
And her dog, Blue, is also a force of nature, himself.
As long as Emily Kimelman keeps on writing stories about Sydney and Blue, I'll keep reading them...I wouldn't mind seeing some backstory on some of the other characters, but there's no rush.
July 24, 2020
Such a great series that is a full on, adrenaline pumping, action packed, page turner that has you glued to the edge of your seat!
One would never know feisty Joy Humbolt would ever be capable of the dangerous life she leads. Good thing too because her alter ego Sydney Rye is a badass. Plain and simple. She has an itch for a fight and a need to right a wrong. But she also has that charisma that just makes people admire her and follow her lead. Working for the greater good by seeking justice where the system has failed makes enemies but fear doesn't stop her. If anything, it pushes her forward. Sydney seeks to save as many as she can even if it means leaving a few bodies behind.
#Towanda ✊🏼 #AndTequila 🥃
One would never know feisty Joy Humbolt would ever be capable of the dangerous life she leads. Good thing too because her alter ego Sydney Rye is a badass. Plain and simple. She has an itch for a fight and a need to right a wrong. But she also has that charisma that just makes people admire her and follow her lead. Working for the greater good by seeking justice where the system has failed makes enemies but fear doesn't stop her. If anything, it pushes her forward. Sydney seeks to save as many as she can even if it means leaving a few bodies behind.
#Towanda ✊🏼 #AndTequila 🥃
April 10, 2019
Books 1-8 fun, great reading, Sydney is Amazing
I enjoyed this series. Sydney is no ones fool. Brutally honest yet compassionate. She is sexual yet learning to be comfortable in her abilities as a woman thrown into the real world. What a journey in book one. I am glad I decided to read this series. I am getting pleasure out of her ability to stand up for herself and also stand up for those who are in bad situations. Blue her dog has saved her many times. This series is one that as you read you can visualize what the story the author is telling. You will lose track of time. Off to book 9 - I go!
I enjoyed this series. Sydney is no ones fool. Brutally honest yet compassionate. She is sexual yet learning to be comfortable in her abilities as a woman thrown into the real world. What a journey in book one. I am glad I decided to read this series. I am getting pleasure out of her ability to stand up for herself and also stand up for those who are in bad situations. Blue her dog has saved her many times. This series is one that as you read you can visualize what the story the author is telling. You will lose track of time. Off to book 9 - I go!
August 20, 2023
Reading the Sydney Rye series is far from a guilty pleasure, they’re just a pleasure! My other read is the Story of Art Without Men, by Katy Hessel, another feminist author I’ll review soon. The author, Kimelman positions her literature are feminist in content and the dog doesn’t die but the bad guys do. The stories’ protagonist Sydney Rye is a cerebral and strong woman. Flawed in all the right was, having witnessed her brother’s murder she is haunted by guilt. This one experience underlines much of Sydney’s narrative. There’s plenty of visceral descriptions and a good many bad guys indeed, die. This is fiction, with references to human trafficking and ISIS giving a palpably current feel.
March 10, 2024
Read these about a year ago. Loved the series. The first one I couldn't tell what direction the MFC was going in. But I kept reading because... well the dog. The next couple I was very frustrated with the MFC. But really enjoyed her fighting spirit and character arc... and of course the dog.
The stories continue to escalate in tension and action and becomes very addictive. I've read all of the series and I'm waiting on the next installment.
Happy reading, make sure you have plenty of time or you're going to miss out on some sleep. 😉
The stories continue to escalate in tension and action and becomes very addictive. I've read all of the series and I'm waiting on the next installment.
Happy reading, make sure you have plenty of time or you're going to miss out on some sleep. 😉
October 29, 2024
This book is nothing special at all. Characters are poor and it feels like a copy of another novel we've all heard of that involves S&M! Really cringy at times. A man chooses a dress, corset, stockings etc for the main female character, who agrees to let him do it, and they all fit perfectly?! He then gets a hairbrush and bobby pins and arranges her hair???? Surprised that it's written by a woman. Impossible to take this book even remotely seriously. Not sure I'll be able to finish it. Can't understand the good reviews.
August 12, 2021
Sorry...
Sorry... that I bought this series. Been a really long time a since I had to give up the ghost on a book. Couldn't even get through the 1st book in the series. This is an obvious attempt at replicating Janet Evonavich's early success, but, completely missed the target. The way the main character, Joy, stumbles upon clues... well, ridiculous. The clue scenarios seem to come out of nowhere. Really wish I would've read the reviews and save self some time & $.
Sorry... that I bought this series. Been a really long time a since I had to give up the ghost on a book. Couldn't even get through the 1st book in the series. This is an obvious attempt at replicating Janet Evonavich's early success, but, completely missed the target. The way the main character, Joy, stumbles upon clues... well, ridiculous. The clue scenarios seem to come out of nowhere. Really wish I would've read the reviews and save self some time & $.
September 3, 2022
I am on book 2 and am loving it. Her protagonist is created perfectly. I love the characters that support her and the good versus evil.
She includes plenty of mystery and nothing too horrific. I needed to know the dog lived so thank you for Emily stating so in her "about the books"!
I typically slow in reading a series, i.e. Jean Auel, J.K. Rowling...I'll see how this goes but so far I am LOVING the plot twists and background stories.
She includes plenty of mystery and nothing too horrific. I needed to know the dog lived so thank you for Emily stating so in her "about the books"!
I typically slow in reading a series, i.e. Jean Auel, J.K. Rowling...I'll see how this goes but so far I am LOVING the plot twists and background stories.
November 28, 2022
This series certainly has its merits - strong female characters, the dog is her partner, lots of action, love interests; but I do think it could've really benefitted from a team of editors. Each book is a new case/adventure for Sydney Rye and reads like a chaotic episode of Alias. It's a fun ride, but sometimes it's too fast/far-fetched to make the reader care about the mission. I wanted more from the main character's relationships.
January 5, 2018
Sydney Rye Book 1
Sydney brings Justice in book 1 for those who have been killed over a treasure and to avenge her brother's death. She must deal with the religious bias of their mother so James can be cremated and service as his will says. Sydney, then Joy Humboldt, blackmails her mother & stepfather...She goes to kill but does not get revenge because ......
Sydney brings Justice in book 1 for those who have been killed over a treasure and to avenge her brother's death. She must deal with the religious bias of their mother so James can be cremated and service as his will says. Sydney, then Joy Humboldt, blackmails her mother & stepfather...She goes to kill but does not get revenge because ......
July 7, 2018
Very well written book that keeps your interest
These books don't have to be read in order to enjoy them. I started with the last two in the series and was curious as to the beginnings so I went back and read the entire series.
Lots of adventure and women in the starring role fighting injustice.
These books don't have to be read in order to enjoy them. I started with the last two in the series and was curious as to the beginnings so I went back and read the entire series.
Lots of adventure and women in the starring role fighting injustice.
June 6, 2019
Loved the first 3...next couple were ok. 6,7, 8 ...hmm. The mission to save the world by uniting and arming womankind on apparently unlimited funds and against all odds began to feel a little ridiculous and very samey. I stopped rooting for Sydney Rye and found myself reading to get to the end of the box set rather than to see what happened. Which is just as well because I got to the end to find out there's a book 9, 10 and 11. I won't be reading them.
October 11, 2019
I had been hoarding a bunch of the Sidney Rye novels and I decided that was foolish. I am binge reading the rest of the series and loving them. A strong female lead, fighting for right as she navigates her own life. Much stays the same, but much also changes and evolves, keeping these stories interesting instead of repetitive. I don't put them down until done, unless my eyes cease to focus.
March 9, 2022
I bought this box set of books 1-8 because the description intrigued me, and the price was good. I flew through the first 8 books enjoying every one of them. The main character and her dog, Blue, are a great team. Action packed, never a dull moment. The evolution of the character development kept my interest.
January 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this boxed set! I got the audio version from her website. I loved the way BookFunnel transioned so smoothly from one to the next!
Each bookwas uniquely its' own story and I was totally hooked on "what's going to happen nect"! How's she going to get out of THIS predicament. The stories don't disappoint!!! Highly recommend them!
Each bookwas uniquely its' own story and I was totally hooked on "what's going to happen nect"! How's she going to get out of THIS predicament. The stories don't disappoint!!! Highly recommend them!
July 11, 2024
Anyone listen to the audiobook and wonder about the author’s choices on her chapter endings? So strange. Not awful. Not wonderful either. I’m on book 5 and find the same thing happening on the majority of chapter endings. I realize some may say that it is a cliffhanger element. For some chapters, sure. For others? It feels like incomplete writing.
July 30, 2024
My admiration for the author grows. Sydney remains strong through exceptional physical and emotional challenges. She continues to choose strong women to serve within her team as well as men who understand the difference between equity and equality.
The stories are strong and real page turners. I found myself putting things aside just to spend time in this world.
The stories are strong and real page turners. I found myself putting things aside just to spend time in this world.
August 18, 2024
Loved being able to buy the first 8 books in one set and getting to know these characters. I struggled through the editing issues because the books are well written, the characters infuriatingly engaging, and the stories interesting. Besides for editing/grammar issues my biggest dislike is the cliffhanger in book 8.
October 11, 2024
They’re fine. Easy to read when you don’t have anything else. The two stars isn’t because of the violence or “slutty” main character (which I found funny because I definitely do not see her as slutty in the last) - it’s because after getting more than 700 pages into the 1-8 box set I’m just indifferent on whether I finish them or not.
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