Let me just preface this by saying I don’t usually fall victim to TikTok or Facebook ads... well, except when I do. And Unleashed was one of those times. Some targeted marketing wizard tossed this book into my scrolling doom spiral, and somehow I ended up one-clicking my way into a new crime fiction series. Absolutely no regrets.
This is the first book in the Sydney Rye series, even though Sydney Rye doesn’t actually show up until the last chapter. You spend the whole book with Joy Humbolt: Dog lover, accidental crime-solver, and future vigilante PI. I spent at least half the book wondering if this was a prequel, but no, it’s all just the setup for Joy’s transformation into Sydney. And honestly, it worked. The character development was solid, and I stayed invested even when I wasn’t entirely sure why the title was talking about someone who hadn't appeared yet. I did feel good about the whole justice outside the system vibe, though.
The pacing had its moments. There were times when I caught myself wondering who we were going to kill off next just to keep things moving. But Emily Kimelman always pulled it back in before I got too antsy. If this was her debut novel (and it kind of reads like it might be?), then I’m calling it now: She could be the next Evanovich. But with fewer car explosions and more “let’s take down corrupt politicians with our dog.”
Ah yes, the dog. Blue. He didn’t quite steal the show yet, but I’m keeping an eye on him. He’s smart, loyal, and has an excellent sense of character judgment. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kimelman gives him a full-on Lassie saves the day moment later in the series. He already growled at all the right people in this one, so we know he’s got good instincts.
We definitely had a touch of powerful people doing terrible things in this book. After all, the mayor was a murderer. And don’t even get me started on Joy’s mother. She was the kind of sanctimonious, judgmental nightmare that makes you want to throw a hymnal across the room and then burn the church. If any character ever deserved a fictional 2x4 to the head, it was her.
I really appreciated the moral ambiguity here. Joy isn’t a whiner, and she doesn’t wait around for someone else to take care of things. She’s the handle it yourself type, which I personally find refreshing. If you like your justice a little vigilante-flavored with a splash of snark, this might be your jam.
The ending left me more curious than satisfied. I want to see what happens next, especially now that we’ve officially met Sydney Rye. I’m off to hunt down a list of the books in order, because clearly, I’m in.
If you like crime fiction with solid character development, a few dark twists, and a side of dry humor, Unleashed is worth a look. Especially if you’re tired of whiny main characters and prefer someone who just gets things done—with or without a badge.
