Picture a storyteller who turned a life of global adventures and a love for gritty mysteries into a thrilling series that keeps readers up all night—meet Emily Kimelman! A Philadelphia-born author with a knack for crafting fierce heroines and loyal canine companions, Kimelman’s Sydney Rye series blends heart-pounding action with deep dives into morality, all inspired by her unique journey from Moscow streets to a boat-bound life.
The Making of Emily Kimelman
Born in Philadelphia, Emily Kimelman’s early years were anything but ordinary. Her family moved to Texas and then Moscow, where her father worked as a correspondent for the Philadelphia Inquirer. In Soviet Moscow, she wandered the streets blissfully unaware of dangers, even as the KGB dusted her family with radioactive ‘spy dust’ to track them. Diagnosed with severe dyslexia upon returning to Philadelphia at age six, Kimelman faced challenges with reading until age ten, when everything clicked at the Benchmark School. Her parents’ love for mystery giants like Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler fueled her passion for the genre, setting the stage for her future as a writer.
While studying at NYU, Kimelman dove into the history of forensic science and detective novels, all while working as a dog walker in New York City. This quirky job—entering strangers’ homes to care for their pets—sparked the idea for her Sydney Rye series. Her own rescue dog, Nova, inspired the heroic Blue, Sydney’s canine sidekick, blending her real-life experiences with her fictional world.
Emily Kimelman’s Unforgettable Stories
Kimelman’s Sydney Rye series, starting with Unleashed (2011), follows Joy Humbolt, a dog walker turned vigilante named Sydney Rye, who navigates New York’s underbelly with her giant rescue dog, Blue. After a client’s murder pulls her into a web of secrets, Sydney’s quest for justice transforms her life. The series, now spanning over a dozen titles, is known for its hard-boiled mysteries, strong female leads, and themes of morality and vengeance.
Strings of Glass (2013) takes Sydney to India, where she confronts human trafficking and corruption, reflecting Kimelman’s own travels. Insatiable (2012) sees Sydney in London and Mexico, unraveling a missing person case with high stakes. Co-authored with Toby Neal, the Scorch series adds romantic thriller vibes, showcasing Kimelman’s versatility. Her writing is gritty, fast-paced, and unapologetic, with warnings for readers sensitive to violence or language, but it’s a perfect fit for those who love powerful women and heroic dogs.
Why Emily Kimelman Matters
Emily Kimelman’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate with readers craving authentic, flawed heroines. Sydney Rye’s moral dilemmas—blurring the lines between right and wrong—challenge readers to question justice in a complex world. Her self-publishing success, with hundreds of thousands of books sold, highlights her entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring aspiring authors. Kimelman’s dyslexia journey also connects with readers facing similar challenges, proving perseverance can turn dreams into reality.
Living on a boat in Philadelphia with her husband, Sean, and their dog, Kinsey, Kimelman continues to write, drawing from her travels and love for adventure. Her stories don’t just entertain; they invite readers to explore the gray areas of morality alongside Sydney and Blue, making her a standout in contemporary mystery literature.
- Born: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Sydney Rye series, Scorch series
- Fun Fact: Kimelman’s dog-walking days in NYC inspired Sydney Rye’s origin story.
Snag Unleashed and dive into Emily Kimelman’s thrilling world of mystery and justice!