Brutal Mercy

Sydney Rye Mysteries, Book 18

By: Emily Kimelman

Narrated by: Sonja Field

The dog’s howls echo the mechanical whine of the sirens blaring from the speakers. The sounds undulate, rising and falling like the jungle-draped topography around us.

The airfield we stand on is a swath of ochre in a sea of riotous green—the sky above a cerulean dome hazed in tremulous clouds. Sunlight beats through them, baking the dirt, mixing with the moisture of the jungle and wrapping itself around us in a heavy, sweaty embrace. My arms tighten around my son.

Frank presses his snout to James’s foot, a low whine escaping as he looks up at me. Nila joins with Blue circling us as though forming a defensive line. They know we are in danger but don’t know from what.

The dogs in the jungle, trained to protect the compound’s perimeter, continue to howl even as the sirens wind down.

Blue leads us to the jungle path. Darkness closes in around us, the air stifling and humidity thick. Over the cascading insect orchestra, a resonating hum grows louder. James looks up at the canopy above us. “Vroom?” He asks.

“Vroom,” I agree, keeping my focus on the winding path. Roots criss-cross the dirt. Big wet leaves and spidery vines encroach, tugging at my clothing as if to stop me from entering. Sweat slides down my spine under my shirt.

Nila jogs ahead, taking the lead, her nose to the ground while Blue stays by my side and Frank behind us—a train of people and dogs. A pack moving through the jungle. A formidable force.

A bird squawks loudly, jerking James’s attention. He pulls his arms from around my neck to clap.

The drone’s mechanical hum grows louder.

Nila stops, turning her head to the sky, nostrils flaring, trying to find its scent. I crane my neck. Through the thick foliage the sky is just a few flashes of blue. Three shadows darken the diamonds of light cascading to the jungle floor, and flashes of white glint above us. No bombs drop. No bullets rain.Yet.

©2024 Emily Kimelman (P)2024 Emily Kimelman

Watch me

Sydney Rye is like no other protagonist. This entire series is a must read for lovers of spy action.

need the next one!!!!

addicting story line. superbly detailed in her writings.please keep the same narrator for future books!

WHAT?! It is over too quickly!

WHAT?! It is over too quickly!

Since this book just came out, I am guessing I am going to have to wait awhile for the next one/s. Mystery, adventure, 'thriller' action all woven together with great character development and humor throughout.
[As the author says, don't read if you are offended by use of swears, sexual scenes and/or people with varying perspectives/ different from your own.]

Syndey

I've just finished listening to the whole series. I love the series. It is really nice to see a strong female lead character. Blue and the other dogs are great also. I'm really looking forward to the next book.

The progression of the character

Love this series!!! Can not wait til the next book comes out. Have been hooked since the very beginning of this series