Step into the thrilling world of Sydney Rye Mystery, where a fierce heroine and her loyal dog take on gritty crimes with unrelenting courage! Emily Kimelman’s Sydney Rye Mystery series blends heart-pounding action, complex characters, and a touch of vigilante justice, captivating readers who crave immersive, no-nonsense thrillers. From New York’s gritty streets to international conspiracies, Sydney’s journey is one wild ride you won’t want to miss.
At its core, the series follows Sydney Rye, who starts as Joy Humbolt, a rebellious dog walker with a knack for trouble. After a murder flips her world upside down, she transforms into a private investigator, teaming up with her rescue dog, Blue, to tackle cases that push her limits. With its raw energy and bold themes, this series is perfect for fans of hard-boiled mysteries with a modern edge.
How Sydney Rye Mystery Began
Emily Kimelman, a self-professed book lover with a passion for immersive stories, created the Sydney Rye Mystery series to craft the kind of tales she craved as a reader. Inspired by her love for strong female protagonists and her own experiences as a dog walker in New York, Kimelman launched the series in 2011 with Unleashed. Her goal? To write a heroine who defies convention, paired with a loyal canine companion, Blue, who steals hearts and saves lives. Kimelman’s unique perspective—blending her NYU studies of detective novels with real-world adventures—gave Sydney a vibrant, authentic voice that resonates with readers.
The Heart of Sydney Rye Mystery
The series kicks off with Unleashed, where Joy Humbolt stumbles into a murder case after buying a dog-walking business in Manhattan. As she uncovers secrets among the city’s elite, she becomes Sydney Rye, a fierce detective with a thirst for justice. Death in the Dark, a novella, follows Sydney as she hones her skills in isolation, learning to fight with both mind and body. Insatiable takes her to London and Mexico, unraveling a missing person case tied to dangerous secrets. Strings of Glass sees Sydney in India, battling corruption and human trafficking alongside her boyfriend, Dan, and Blue.
Themes of resilience, transformation, and justice weave through the series, set against vivid backdrops from New York to South America. Sydney’s evolution from a loner to a determined avenger is gritty and real, with Blue as her steadfast partner. Kimelman’s style—packed with action, sharp dialogue, and a dash of adult content—creates a raw, immersive experience. The series doesn’t shy away from violence or moral complexity, making it a bold choice for readers who love their mysteries unfiltered.
Why Sydney Rye Mystery Resonates
Sydney Rye Mystery has carved a niche in the mystery genre, earning praise for its fearless protagonist and gripping plots. Fans on platforms like Goodreads rave about the series’ fast-paced action and Sydney’s unapologetic strength, with Unleashed winning the Awesome Indie of the Year in 2011. Its blend of global intrigue and personal growth appeals to readers seeking more than just a whodunit—it’s a journey of empowerment. The series’ cult following proves that Sydney and Blue’s adventures strike a chord with those who root for underdogs and crave stories of defiance.
- First Book Published: 2011 (Unleashed)
- Number of Books: 18 (as of 2025)
- Award: Awesome Indie of the Year 2011 for Unleashed
Ready to join Sydney and Blue on their pulse-pounding adventures? Grab Unleashed and dive into the Sydney Rye Mystery series’ thrilling world of justice and grit!