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Sydney Rye Mysteries #4
Strings of Glass
Vigilante crime mystery with a touch of romance, reader's call STRINGS OF GLASS "gripping".
New to Sydney Rye? Read the first book in the series, UNLEASHED, for FREE. Join Emily Kimelman's Readers' Group to receive your free ebook. Copy and paste this web address into your browser. bit.ly/1GSKwXs
Sydney Rye is hanging out in India with her boyfriend, Dan, reading paperbacks and sipping beer. No violence and no reminders of her past. But when she and Blue, are attacked by a pack of wild dogs, Sydney starts to feel that old itch again; to do good by being bad.
Trouble finds Rye when she stops the attempted rape and murder of Anita, a reporter working on a story of corruption and child trafficking. The atrocities Anita describes send Sydney, Blue and Dan on a quest that takes them across India after a dangerous and, up until now, untouchable, figure. Sydney struggles to accept her true nature, fearing that she will lose herself, becoming no better than the monster she fights against. But what can Sydney do when she realizes it is the only way to end decades of abuse and exploitation?
Emily Kimelman's best selling Sydney Rye series feature a strong female protagonist and her canine best friend, Blue. It is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don't mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome mystery with tons of action that will keep you reading late into the night!Catch up with the first three books by buying the "Sydney Rye Box Set Books 1-3" and save 50% off the cover prices. amzn.to/1Hq6vow
The Sydney Rye Series
UNLEASHED (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #1)
DEATH IN THE DARK (A Sydney Rye Novella, #2)
INSATIABLE (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #3)
STRINGS OF GLASS (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #4)
THE DEVIL'S BREATH (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #5)
INVITING FIRE (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #6)SHADOW HARVEST (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #7)
New to Sydney Rye? Read the first book in the series, UNLEASHED, for FREE. Join Emily Kimelman's Readers' Group to receive your free ebook. Copy and paste this web address into your browser. bit.ly/1GSKwXs
Sydney Rye is hanging out in India with her boyfriend, Dan, reading paperbacks and sipping beer. No violence and no reminders of her past. But when she and Blue, are attacked by a pack of wild dogs, Sydney starts to feel that old itch again; to do good by being bad.
Trouble finds Rye when she stops the attempted rape and murder of Anita, a reporter working on a story of corruption and child trafficking. The atrocities Anita describes send Sydney, Blue and Dan on a quest that takes them across India after a dangerous and, up until now, untouchable, figure. Sydney struggles to accept her true nature, fearing that she will lose herself, becoming no better than the monster she fights against. But what can Sydney do when she realizes it is the only way to end decades of abuse and exploitation?
Emily Kimelman's best selling Sydney Rye series feature a strong female protagonist and her canine best friend, Blue. It is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don't mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome mystery with tons of action that will keep you reading late into the night!Catch up with the first three books by buying the "Sydney Rye Box Set Books 1-3" and save 50% off the cover prices. amzn.to/1Hq6vow
The Sydney Rye Series
UNLEASHED (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #1)
DEATH IN THE DARK (A Sydney Rye Novella, #2)
INSATIABLE (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #3)
STRINGS OF GLASS (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #4)
THE DEVIL'S BREATH (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #5)
INVITING FIRE (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #6)SHADOW HARVEST (A Sydney Rye Mystery, #7)
335 pages, ebook
First published July 22, 2013
993 people are currently reading
1475 people want to read
About the author
Emily Kimelman
47 books853 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 159 reviews
June 30, 2017
Okay read.
If you're bothered by profanity and smoking weed, this isn't the book for you. Books I read in this series always deals with evil characters. Rich and powerful man buying young boys and girls, human trafficking. My favorite character is Blue, the dog.
2.5 stars.
If you're bothered by profanity and smoking weed, this isn't the book for you. Books I read in this series always deals with evil characters. Rich and powerful man buying young boys and girls, human trafficking. My favorite character is Blue, the dog.
2.5 stars.
February 19, 2016
I think I got this free on Bookbub. I haven't read any of the other books in the series, and this one spends a lot of time talking about things that happened previously in the series. Very annoying. The opening scene when they are attacked by street dogs has nothing whatsoever to do with the rest of the book. The action is fast-paced, but highly improbable. Definitely don't feel the need to read any others in this series.
July 23, 2022
This book compared to the others felt much more dark, despite the others having depictions of murder. Maybe it was because this book dealt with r*pe, human trafficking, and pedophilia. Those things feel very more real and relatable unfortunately than murder does.
Kimelman, at least to this point with the books, is fatphobic. Not in the literal sense of the word of being afraid of fat people, but just the way she describes fat people.
I was kind of turned off of series because of these things, and then the ending left with a cliffhanger and I want to know what happens.
Because this series is old and still being written, perhaps Kimelman gets more knowledgeable and less problematic.
I also wish Kimelman would write actual blurbage about the book rather than just the first chapter of the book. The first chapter of the book does nothing to explain what the book is about.
What I'm writing next is a spoiler.
What happens between Mulberry and Sydney at the end seems weird. Because we only really see him once at the beginning of the book and he's not mentioned again until the ending, it was weird. It felt as though it was just a tool to tell something going on in future books and not thought out. It didn't make sense.
Kimelman, at least to this point with the books, is fatphobic. Not in the literal sense of the word of being afraid of fat people, but just the way she describes fat people.
I was kind of turned off of series because of these things, and then the ending left with a cliffhanger and I want to know what happens.
Because this series is old and still being written, perhaps Kimelman gets more knowledgeable and less problematic.
I also wish Kimelman would write actual blurbage about the book rather than just the first chapter of the book. The first chapter of the book does nothing to explain what the book is about.
What I'm writing next is a spoiler.
What happens between Mulberry and Sydney at the end seems weird. Because we only really see him once at the beginning of the book and he's not mentioned again until the ending, it was weird. It felt as though it was just a tool to tell something going on in future books and not thought out. It didn't make sense.
November 22, 2022
I think I may be done with Sydney. The violence is just over the top and she seems to enjoy it way too much. And there is too much use of the f-word. It get's old - especially when you are listening to the audio.
July 26, 2013
When is peace a bad thing? Sydney is hanging out in India with her computer geek boyfriend Dan and her faithful companion Blue. Mulberry wants her to work for him but as he is still associated with Bobby Maxim and she has grown fond of breathing she passes. When she and Blue are attacked by a pack of wild dogs Sydney is reminded of the kick of surviving a good fight. So it is inevitable that she and Dan have a disagreement that sends her storming off in a huff. Trouble seems to find Sydney whether she is looking for it or not. This time it comes in the form of a reporter doing a story on a pedophile who is buying and abusing children with impunity. Now this is a fight she can get behind. But does wanting/needing the fight make her just as bad as those she fights?
This is a smart sexy addition to the Sydney Rye Series. It starts out a little slow but with each page the action adventure picks up until you are reaching for the brakes. It could probably be read stand-alone but I think you will get much more out of it if you read the previous books. With each new mystery this series gets better and better. And with the bombshell dropped at the end of this book the next should be explosive.
I received and ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is a smart sexy addition to the Sydney Rye Series. It starts out a little slow but with each page the action adventure picks up until you are reaching for the brakes. It could probably be read stand-alone but I think you will get much more out of it if you read the previous books. With each new mystery this series gets better and better. And with the bombshell dropped at the end of this book the next should be explosive.
I received and ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 6, 2013
Strings of Glass is my new favorite in the Sydney Rye series. Emily Kimelman's writing is getting tighter, her storytelling more intriguing, and her character development stronger with each story. Syd is becoming more than the vengeful, angry young woman formerly known as Joy. I find the maturing Sydney much more interesting and appealing. With her financial future secure, she is questioning her future. While laying low, chilling in Goa after a tough Mexican outing, Sydney is once again called to action by injustices she encounters. Her trusty sidekick, Blue, is along for the adventure, protecting and assisting Sydney while taking a few more blows himself. Dan is along for the ride, with Mulberry putting in an appearance or two as well. As usual, nothing goes quite according to plan, but Sydney accomplishes the heart of the mission. (We knew she would, but we were pulling for her just the same!)
Relationship dynamics on multiple levels add a touch of romance, a touch of friendship, and more than a touch of angst, making this an adventure story plus so much more. The setup for Sydney's next venture has me eager for the fifth installment in the Sydney Rye series.
I received an advance copy for a fair, honest review.
Relationship dynamics on multiple levels add a touch of romance, a touch of friendship, and more than a touch of angst, making this an adventure story plus so much more. The setup for Sydney's next venture has me eager for the fifth installment in the Sydney Rye series.
I received an advance copy for a fair, honest review.
February 20, 2021
In Emily Kimelman's Strings of Glass, the 4th installment in the Sydney Rye mystery series, this gripping story will suck you in and leave you intrigued. For Sydney Rye, she lives in India with her boyfriend Dan and dog named Blue. It all started when Sydney and Blue rescued Anita, an investigative reporter, who vowed to bring down a serial molester and child trafficker. But it would take a lot of work and a couple of dangerous risks to pull it off. While Sydney deals with this new predicament, her feelings waffles between Dan and a close friend named Mulberry to make this awkward situation more into a complicated love triangle. Sydney listened to her story and came up with a plan to bring this man down, dead or alive. But it would take a lot of work and a couple of dangerous risks to pull it off with a powerful climax.
January 11, 2022
A good read. A Sydney Rye Mystery #4, Sydney and her boyfriend Dan are in India along with Blue the dog and star of this series. Kimelman doesn't write for those who wear rose colored glasses and love the Hallmark channel. Rye walks into trouble when she stops the attempted rape of a woman who turns out to be a reporter writing about the sex trafficking of children. Kimelman, is an independent writer who has many followers and critics. enjoy.
March 8, 2025
A real page turner. These books are very entertaining, quick reads.
June 26, 2017
Strings of Glass
The author is gradually coming into her own writing style and definitely sharpening her writing as the series continues. This is another good story in the series. Kind of one of those just give her a break moments.
The author is gradually coming into her own writing style and definitely sharpening her writing as the series continues. This is another good story in the series. Kind of one of those just give her a break moments.
August 26, 2020
Goa, SW coast of India, Konkan region. Some wild dogs decided to attack Blue (mutt).
Dilip (driver) drove Sydney Rye (aka Joy Humbolt, Joyful Justice vigilante network founder), Dan (Sydney’s lover, computer genius, Joyful Justice vigilante network co-founder) & Blue to the vet.
Lakshmi (Eastern Indian, f) fixed Blue (dog) up.
1-day Detective Mulberry (35+, NYPD Homicide, 67th. St. precinct) & (m, FGI partner) showed up to see Sydney.
Dan (Sydney’s lover) just happened to be watching when Detective Mulberry said goodbye.
Sydney had saved Anita’s (investigative reporter French magazine Something) life from Kalpesh Shah (child trafficker).
Sydney introduced her to Dan.
Anita was working on a story of corruption & child trafficking.
Better Indian Children's Fund office. Chloe Denison (American, Peace Corps, founder) introduced Sydney & Dan to Father Agapito (Catholic, homeless/abused children home).
The day before the Kite Festival Kalpesh Shah introduced himself to Anita.
He invited her/guests to his party.
Sydney (Joy Humbolt) & Dan went also.
The International Kite Festival was a fabulous sight to everyone.
Paris, France. Later, what news did Sydney have for Dan?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (minor verbally, psychologically, emotionally physically & sexual abuse, pornography, kidnapping/prostitution of a human trafficking (slavery) for sexual exploitation) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written human trafficking thriller book. It was extremely 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 description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great human trafficking thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Dilip (driver) drove Sydney Rye (aka Joy Humbolt, Joyful Justice vigilante network founder), Dan (Sydney’s lover, computer genius, Joyful Justice vigilante network co-founder) & Blue to the vet.
Lakshmi (Eastern Indian, f) fixed Blue (dog) up.
1-day Detective Mulberry (35+, NYPD Homicide, 67th. St. precinct) & (m, FGI partner) showed up to see Sydney.
Dan (Sydney’s lover) just happened to be watching when Detective Mulberry said goodbye.
Sydney had saved Anita’s (investigative reporter French magazine Something) life from Kalpesh Shah (child trafficker).
Sydney introduced her to Dan.
Anita was working on a story of corruption & child trafficking.
Better Indian Children's Fund office. Chloe Denison (American, Peace Corps, founder) introduced Sydney & Dan to Father Agapito (Catholic, homeless/abused children home).
The day before the Kite Festival Kalpesh Shah introduced himself to Anita.
He invited her/guests to his party.
Sydney (Joy Humbolt) & Dan went also.
The International Kite Festival was a fabulous sight to everyone.
Paris, France. Later, what news did Sydney have for Dan?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (minor verbally, psychologically, emotionally physically & sexual abuse, pornography, kidnapping/prostitution of a human trafficking (slavery) for sexual exploitation) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written human trafficking thriller book. It was extremely 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 description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great human trafficking thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 1, 2017
Sydney Rye doesn't seem like the type of person I would like to know. But I would definitely want her on my side, or at least not be on her bad side.
Granted, she's been through some stuff that could make anybody hard. The better view might be that she's not as hard as she could be with what she has experienced. And that shows in her handling of and her intense desire to rescue .
I really liked the dog, Blue. And I wish he had played more of a part (but I don't know how that could have been accomplished in the context of this story).
The book is very violent, and Sydney's use of violence is challenged at one point. The story isn't bad, but violence and harsh language abound. I finished the book wondering if I knew much about Sydney Rye. Maybe (probably), I'm not in the primary target audience.
Granted, she's been through some stuff that could make anybody hard. The better view might be that she's not as hard as she could be with what she has experienced. And that shows in her handling of and her intense desire to rescue .
I really liked the dog, Blue. And I wish he had played more of a part (but I don't know how that could have been accomplished in the context of this story).
The book is very violent, and Sydney's use of violence is challenged at one point. The story isn't bad, but violence and harsh language abound. I finished the book wondering if I knew much about Sydney Rye. Maybe (probably), I'm not in the primary target audience.
November 29, 2024
Great tale, until
Until it hung itself up on the next in the series.
I HATE CLIFFHANGERS.
I just won't read them.
I think if someone has such vibrant material to work we, the garbage cliff I is a lazy way to keep readers attention.
It's not that the continuity might be cloudy, it's just a cheap gimmick to effect some low cost sales and push market values up before spinning out and leaving readers wondering what happened.
I'll never know how this story reaches conclusion because, even though I thought it was an excellent example of intense story craft, I refuse, on principle, to read something shoved down my throat by deception.
Really cheap gimmick.
Until it hung itself up on the next in the series.
I HATE CLIFFHANGERS.
I just won't read them.
I think if someone has such vibrant material to work we, the garbage cliff I is a lazy way to keep readers attention.
It's not that the continuity might be cloudy, it's just a cheap gimmick to effect some low cost sales and push market values up before spinning out and leaving readers wondering what happened.
I'll never know how this story reaches conclusion because, even though I thought it was an excellent example of intense story craft, I refuse, on principle, to read something shoved down my throat by deception.
Really cheap gimmick.
August 21, 2017
Strings of Glass (A Sydney Rye Novel, #4)
by Emily Kimelman
Once again, Kimelman delivers a strong storyline that showcases the seedier issues of the day. In this case, Sydney and Dan are residing in India, and have established a stable, if unexciting, routine. The crux of the story arises when Sydney, frustrated from days of non-activity brought on by Blue's injuries suffered fighting off a wild dog pack, picks a fight with Dan and storms away on his scooter. She comes across a lone woman being sexually attacked by a group of men. She wades in to save the day, and inadvertently deposits herself, and Dan, right in the middle of a child sex slavery ring.
The book features many sidelights into Sydney's psyche -- her overriding guilt about the death of her brother, her dislike of the church based on her mother's abandonment of her brother on the basis of his sexual orientation, and on her mother's husband, a self-righteous millionaire media preacher, her worry that she does what she does not because she needs to do the right thing, but because she desires the conflict and violence, and, not least, her inability to commit to a long-term relationship. The writing is crisp and clear, the pacing and flow are good, the central issue engages the reader and keeps the pages turning. Editing and proofing are excellent. I noticed one word that I would have thought should be plural, but that could just be my preference rather than an actual proofing error.
This series reminds me, to a point, of another I have followed, the Jack Daniels series written by J.A. Konrath. As in that series, the subject matters addressed are seldom pleasant, but always relevant. Both feature a strong female lead, although I think Sydney has Jack beaten in the angst department.
The author starts the book with two quotes. Although the novel was published in 2013, I believe, both are just as relevant today:
At his bes, man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice he is the worst. - Aristotle
and
The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it. - Albert Einstein.
by Emily Kimelman
Once again, Kimelman delivers a strong storyline that showcases the seedier issues of the day. In this case, Sydney and Dan are residing in India, and have established a stable, if unexciting, routine. The crux of the story arises when Sydney, frustrated from days of non-activity brought on by Blue's injuries suffered fighting off a wild dog pack, picks a fight with Dan and storms away on his scooter. She comes across a lone woman being sexually attacked by a group of men. She wades in to save the day, and inadvertently deposits herself, and Dan, right in the middle of a child sex slavery ring.
The book features many sidelights into Sydney's psyche -- her overriding guilt about the death of her brother, her dislike of the church based on her mother's abandonment of her brother on the basis of his sexual orientation, and on her mother's husband, a self-righteous millionaire media preacher, her worry that she does what she does not because she needs to do the right thing, but because she desires the conflict and violence, and, not least, her inability to commit to a long-term relationship. The writing is crisp and clear, the pacing and flow are good, the central issue engages the reader and keeps the pages turning. Editing and proofing are excellent. I noticed one word that I would have thought should be plural, but that could just be my preference rather than an actual proofing error.
This series reminds me, to a point, of another I have followed, the Jack Daniels series written by J.A. Konrath. As in that series, the subject matters addressed are seldom pleasant, but always relevant. Both feature a strong female lead, although I think Sydney has Jack beaten in the angst department.
The author starts the book with two quotes. Although the novel was published in 2013, I believe, both are just as relevant today:
At his bes, man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice he is the worst. - Aristotle
and
The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it. - Albert Einstein.
July 5, 2023
Likeable
A likeable but troubled main character in Sydney Rye, that’s an assumed name as she’s wanted for murder. However, she didn’t do it and doesn’t seem minded to clear her name.
She is very troubled by the murder of her brother and the disrespect of her parents who cut off her brother because he was gay. She finds it difficult to allow herself to be happy and won’t even admit she is in a relationship with her boyfriend Dan let alone make any commitment, which is quite fortunate for her as he is laid back and accepted her for what she is and just lives for the moment.
Sydney and Dan start a new life in Goa, living for the day but Sydney feels guilty about taking Dan away from it all and questions whether this is the life for her or should she get back to sorting out the baddies with her good friend Mulberry who has tracked her down and is trying to persuade her to take up a job. However, as much as she likes Mulberry she absolutely detests his associate Maxim.
Whilst out one night after the first fight she had with Dan she heard a woman screaming and upon investigation she sees the woman, Anita, is being abused by a group of men. Sydney reverts to her old life and dashes in to save Anita and do some damage to some of the men in the group. Turns out Anita is a journalist who is trying to get dirt on Shah who she says kidnaps children abuses them and then discards them when he’s had enough of them replacing them with a new influx of children.
Dan gets involved in helping to try to trap Shah and the three of them move to another town where Shah has his palace. Shah is very rich and runs the town. There is a church and a charity that give shelter to some of the child victims and reluctantly they agree to help Sydney, Dan and Anita.
Needless to say there is a lot of unpleasantness for the child victims and the group formulate a plan to rescue them and capture Shah and take him to France to face justice. The story is fast paced and gripping but I won’t spoil it by telling you anything else. Just read it.
A likeable but troubled main character in Sydney Rye, that’s an assumed name as she’s wanted for murder. However, she didn’t do it and doesn’t seem minded to clear her name.
She is very troubled by the murder of her brother and the disrespect of her parents who cut off her brother because he was gay. She finds it difficult to allow herself to be happy and won’t even admit she is in a relationship with her boyfriend Dan let alone make any commitment, which is quite fortunate for her as he is laid back and accepted her for what she is and just lives for the moment.
Sydney and Dan start a new life in Goa, living for the day but Sydney feels guilty about taking Dan away from it all and questions whether this is the life for her or should she get back to sorting out the baddies with her good friend Mulberry who has tracked her down and is trying to persuade her to take up a job. However, as much as she likes Mulberry she absolutely detests his associate Maxim.
Whilst out one night after the first fight she had with Dan she heard a woman screaming and upon investigation she sees the woman, Anita, is being abused by a group of men. Sydney reverts to her old life and dashes in to save Anita and do some damage to some of the men in the group. Turns out Anita is a journalist who is trying to get dirt on Shah who she says kidnaps children abuses them and then discards them when he’s had enough of them replacing them with a new influx of children.
Dan gets involved in helping to try to trap Shah and the three of them move to another town where Shah has his palace. Shah is very rich and runs the town. There is a church and a charity that give shelter to some of the child victims and reluctantly they agree to help Sydney, Dan and Anita.
Needless to say there is a lot of unpleasantness for the child victims and the group formulate a plan to rescue them and capture Shah and take him to France to face justice. The story is fast paced and gripping but I won’t spoil it by telling you anything else. Just read it.
July 13, 2017
Strings of Glass (A Sydney Rye Mystery #4) — Emily Kimelman (24 chapters) July 10-,2017
Note: Proceed with caution if violence, sex, mature themes, and F-bombs ain’t your thing. This book is intended for readers 18+. There is some very troubling themes in this particular book pertaining to pedophile and sex slaves. Nothing overly graphic, but the intent is very clear.
I’m not going to get into nitty-gritty review of this story. If you have read the earlier books in this series and are still with it, you’re going to read this book no matter what. And even though there is no cliffhanger at the end of this book, it definitely sets up the next book with a overlap.
In this story, I get the feeling that Sydney is still struggling to figure out how she wants to handle her talent. She knows she has something, but her story hasn’t quite gelled for her. She’s constantly in motion, and has nothing that really moors her. She has her boyfriend, but she’s not comfortable yet with her identity. She is moving in the right direction, and is getting closer at the end of the book.
This book reminds me of all thing things I like about Ms. Kimelman’s style and writing. Here is a strong female protagonist that hasn’t bonded with one man, doesn’t take crap, maybe is a scootch too hard on herself, and whether she admits it (she vehemently denies it,) has a very clear moral compass. She does not like to see defenseless and seemly other strong women get hurt.
This is why I love reading Ms. Kimelman’s books. These are not love-dovey cozy mysteries. They are great escapisms, when you just want to read a book where the female kicks some a$$ and you feel good about her doing it. I live vicariously through her characters. She writes honest and deeply fleshed out characters. This was again another tightly written plot. I only saw one typo (suite instead of suit.)
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Four stars.
Note: Proceed with caution if violence, sex, mature themes, and F-bombs ain’t your thing. This book is intended for readers 18+. There is some very troubling themes in this particular book pertaining to pedophile and sex slaves. Nothing overly graphic, but the intent is very clear.
I’m not going to get into nitty-gritty review of this story. If you have read the earlier books in this series and are still with it, you’re going to read this book no matter what. And even though there is no cliffhanger at the end of this book, it definitely sets up the next book with a overlap.
In this story, I get the feeling that Sydney is still struggling to figure out how she wants to handle her talent. She knows she has something, but her story hasn’t quite gelled for her. She’s constantly in motion, and has nothing that really moors her. She has her boyfriend, but she’s not comfortable yet with her identity. She is moving in the right direction, and is getting closer at the end of the book.
This book reminds me of all thing things I like about Ms. Kimelman’s style and writing. Here is a strong female protagonist that hasn’t bonded with one man, doesn’t take crap, maybe is a scootch too hard on herself, and whether she admits it (she vehemently denies it,) has a very clear moral compass. She does not like to see defenseless and seemly other strong women get hurt.
This is why I love reading Ms. Kimelman’s books. These are not love-dovey cozy mysteries. They are great escapisms, when you just want to read a book where the female kicks some a$$ and you feel good about her doing it. I live vicariously through her characters. She writes honest and deeply fleshed out characters. This was again another tightly written plot. I only saw one typo (suite instead of suit.)
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Four stars.
January 12, 2019
Strings of Glass - a review by Rosemary Kenny
While backpacking in Goa, Sydney and her dog Blue have a battle on their hands, when they encounter a pack of feral dogs who try to kill Blue when he refuses to leave Sydney.
Sydney insists that the badly injured Blue is taken to a vet for urgent treatment before she agrees to let boyfriend Dan help her to patch herself up.
I found the rescue of Anita, an abused woman, very exciting and the following 'intervention' staged by Sydney and Anita on the head of the vice slave-ring, (Kalpesh Shah) was brilliantly written by Emily Kimelman, in this 6th episode in the Sydney Rye novel series.
Although you need to read all the books in order to make sense of Sydney's genesis from Joy Humbolt, (inspiration for Joyful Justice, a vigilante agency inspired by the murder of her brother James that brought about her identity change, to throw off pursuers of her as a wanted killer herself) to Sydney Rye, they're well worth the cost and time involved.
Why not try all of them and decide for yourself as Sydney Rye - the wolf-girl with the gun - becomes an inspiration for feisty women with integrity and determination everywhere?
While backpacking in Goa, Sydney and her dog Blue have a battle on their hands, when they encounter a pack of feral dogs who try to kill Blue when he refuses to leave Sydney.
Sydney insists that the badly injured Blue is taken to a vet for urgent treatment before she agrees to let boyfriend Dan help her to patch herself up.
I found the rescue of Anita, an abused woman, very exciting and the following 'intervention' staged by Sydney and Anita on the head of the vice slave-ring, (Kalpesh Shah) was brilliantly written by Emily Kimelman, in this 6th episode in the Sydney Rye novel series.
Although you need to read all the books in order to make sense of Sydney's genesis from Joy Humbolt, (inspiration for Joyful Justice, a vigilante agency inspired by the murder of her brother James that brought about her identity change, to throw off pursuers of her as a wanted killer herself) to Sydney Rye, they're well worth the cost and time involved.
Why not try all of them and decide for yourself as Sydney Rye - the wolf-girl with the gun - becomes an inspiration for feisty women with integrity and determination everywhere?
October 15, 2024
Location : Goa, India
Position: Enjoying the chill life
Status: In a Relationship
Sydney is taking it easy hiding out in India. She’s brought along her computer whiz boyfriend, Dan, and of course, Blue. The story starts with Sydney on her daily morning run with Blue, when the local dog pack decides to attack them. They come out on top, but not without injury, and questions about their current life. Dan wants to proceed with a justice for hire website with Sydney and her specialties, but she’s not sure. When an acquaintance reaches out with a problem, she can’t help herself and jumps into the fray.
This story really hooked me. I’m all in on the series, but this book, had me worried about Sydney’s mental health, and well being. I’m loving this world that Emily Kimelman has designed, it’s female forward, it’s strong feminism, and it is no holds barred when it comes to her character Sydney and the strength that this woman projects and has.
CW/TW: Alcohol, Drugs, Death, Gun Violence, Kidnapping, Adult/Minor relationship, Cursing, Slavery, Blood, Murder
Position: Enjoying the chill life
Status: In a Relationship
Sydney is taking it easy hiding out in India. She’s brought along her computer whiz boyfriend, Dan, and of course, Blue. The story starts with Sydney on her daily morning run with Blue, when the local dog pack decides to attack them. They come out on top, but not without injury, and questions about their current life. Dan wants to proceed with a justice for hire website with Sydney and her specialties, but she’s not sure. When an acquaintance reaches out with a problem, she can’t help herself and jumps into the fray.
This story really hooked me. I’m all in on the series, but this book, had me worried about Sydney’s mental health, and well being. I’m loving this world that Emily Kimelman has designed, it’s female forward, it’s strong feminism, and it is no holds barred when it comes to her character Sydney and the strength that this woman projects and has.
CW/TW: Alcohol, Drugs, Death, Gun Violence, Kidnapping, Adult/Minor relationship, Cursing, Slavery, Blood, Murder
September 29, 2017
Sydney maybe laying low in India but she has an itch for a fight. A need to right a wrong. Still trying to find a purpose to fulfill, her friend suggests maybe working for the greater good by seeking justice where the system has failed. This book deals with a harsh reality that goes unspoken. Heads turn the other way and mouths stay closed. No one wants to get involved and those that want to don't know how. But fear doesn't stop Sydney. If anything, it pushes her forward. Jumping in feet first, Sydney seeks to save as many as she can even if it means leaving a few bodies behind.
Action packed, gripping, gritty, and adrenaline pumping are just a few words to describe this book. They just keep getting better!
Action packed, gripping, gritty, and adrenaline pumping are just a few words to describe this book. They just keep getting better!
April 5, 2025
I have the 10 book "boxed" set on Kindle. I realized after I bought it, I had already read 1-3. The Strings of Glass adventure takes place in India where Sydney, Blue, and Dan are enjoying a laid back life until they run across a child smuggling operation run by the local thug. Some tense ops and there is death, but not Blue. Consistent with the series so far and we see a softer side to Sydney, but she does get restless. I think, while these are stand-alone adventures and the origin/backstory is explained, I look forward to reading them one after the other. On to book 5!
August 10, 2024
Another fabulous book in this series! I found the plot took a darker turn, making this less suitable for younger teenage readers, but I absolutely loved it! Kimelman writes her characters so well, each with their own distinct way of thinking, speaking and being…not many authors achieve this, particularly with the number of recurring characters in this series…it is impressive and it means I really feel I am understanding each distinct character and their motives on a deeper level.
Thank you for these books…Now onto the next one!
Trigger Warning: This book contains descriptions of and references to rape, child abuse and torture.
Thank you for these books…Now onto the next one!
Trigger Warning: This book contains descriptions of and references to rape, child abuse and torture.
July 4, 2017
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. There is action, adventure and Sydney doing what she does best, which is helping someone even when she doesn't always go about it using her head instead of her heart. Emily crafts a kick-ass female lead who is full of flaws, but her heart is in the right place.
My only real complaint is that the books can be really wordy, over-descriptive, and can take a while to get started into the actual story. But once the story gets going, it is fast paced and full of adventure.
My only real complaint is that the books can be really wordy, over-descriptive, and can take a while to get started into the actual story. But once the story gets going, it is fast paced and full of adventure.
July 20, 2019
Sydney Has A Heart And Is A Winner Cold Killer
While so much of this series is about a somewhat perverted sense of justice there seems to be too much killing. gratuitous killing. I'm totally involved in the story, the plots and subplots and the characters. I appreciate the book(s) and the stories they tell. But even an abduction ends up needlessly (for the sake of the story) with a main character dying. I still think the books earned there 5 stars. I hope I'll see a shift in the stories yet to come.
While so much of this series is about a somewhat perverted sense of justice there seems to be too much killing. gratuitous killing. I'm totally involved in the story, the plots and subplots and the characters. I appreciate the book(s) and the stories they tell. But even an abduction ends up needlessly (for the sake of the story) with a main character dying. I still think the books earned there 5 stars. I hope I'll see a shift in the stories yet to come.
May 19, 2020
Definitely worth the read
Sydney seems to find trouble no matter where she is, or should I say trouble finds her. Overall this was definitely a good read it definitely kept my interest piqued and there was a lot of Adventure going on here and also a lot of blood shed. I got this is a free read and I'm glad I read it my only problem is now I'll have to read the next book in the series but I'm not sure if I will buy it or not. All in all I would definitely recommend this book for anyone that's looking for action-packed adventure story.
Sydney seems to find trouble no matter where she is, or should I say trouble finds her. Overall this was definitely a good read it definitely kept my interest piqued and there was a lot of Adventure going on here and also a lot of blood shed. I got this is a free read and I'm glad I read it my only problem is now I'll have to read the next book in the series but I'm not sure if I will buy it or not. All in all I would definitely recommend this book for anyone that's looking for action-packed adventure story.
June 3, 2023
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title (Audible)
Another case where innocents need to see justice but whether the backdrop of an Indian harvest festival is the correct venue is had to tell.
It seems our girl Sydney is a magnet for the scenario of a victim needing saving, and the monster wrecking havoc on innocent people being brought to justice, but ends up dead, before ever seeing the inside of a court room.
Great drama, no matter what country it is being played out in.
Another case where innocents need to see justice but whether the backdrop of an Indian harvest festival is the correct venue is had to tell.
It seems our girl Sydney is a magnet for the scenario of a victim needing saving, and the monster wrecking havoc on innocent people being brought to justice, but ends up dead, before ever seeing the inside of a court room.
Great drama, no matter what country it is being played out in.
August 18, 2024
So, this novel pissed me off right away! Sydney goes running with Blue in a noted dangerous area, and a pack of nasty dogs attacks and severely injures him. Since I much prefer Blue to Sydney/Joy, I am massively annoyed that she puts him at risk without second thoughts.
The positive: Sydney gets involved with saving children from a sadistic pervert that is (naturally) incredibly wealthy and powerful. She saves a female reporter who is about to be raped. Dan assists her.
That doesn’t come out balanced for me with her getting Blue injured.
The positive: Sydney gets involved with saving children from a sadistic pervert that is (naturally) incredibly wealthy and powerful. She saves a female reporter who is about to be raped. Dan assists her.
That doesn’t come out balanced for me with her getting Blue injured.
August 23, 2025
3.5 a total trash read that's quick and full of action and keeps the pages turning and you really have to focus on keeping them turning because the writing is sloppy, so sloppy. This is a short book and I wrote down at least 10 inconsistencies and disconnects that make no sense. All of which would normally drive me nuts. It's like a really train wreck - you have to watch and get caught up in the shock factor so forget the next nonsense. This series is really great for quick escapes and Sydney is a pretty cool character and every book gives her more depth.
May 7, 2017
Great Action, Great Story!
Kimelman clearly demonstrates her gifted ability to tell a good story in this action-packed, heart-warming and wild tale that takes place in India! Going up against a slave monger with her trusted dog Blue, an admirer and several strangers, Sydney Rye pulls off the improbable. A bit twisted in the end . . . but so is Sydney! Definitely an enjoyable read!
Kimelman clearly demonstrates her gifted ability to tell a good story in this action-packed, heart-warming and wild tale that takes place in India! Going up against a slave monger with her trusted dog Blue, an admirer and several strangers, Sydney Rye pulls off the improbable. A bit twisted in the end . . . but so is Sydney! Definitely an enjoyable read!
July 4, 2017
Loved it! Emily keeps the suspense High throughout all her books! It makes you definitely want to read the next in the series. Never a dull moment! I also like how the books are linked to each other. You get to know the characters, so when a new book is introduced, you don't lose the flow. You can pick up right where you left off. I also love how fearless Sydney is. She will take on anything. I would highly recommend this series!
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