I started of 2020 with signing up for #ReadingwithMuffy Challenge – Read all about my Reading Challenge here.

Here’s my book selection and review for Promp 1/ January 2020.
Linking up to Kohledeyed.me – Check out all the other selections & reviews – those are turning out to be some good fun reading too 🙂

1. January 2020
Book Prompt: Has a Dog as a Protagonist (Yes – Afterall, its about a girl and her dog, who deliver justice with a vengeance)/ On the Cover (Yes)/ title of the book (A very dog-themed title 😉 )

My Book Selection: Unleashed – A Sydnew Rye Mystery
Author: Emily Kimelman

This book was my 2nd read for 2020 – It was for the first prompt of the #ReadingwithMuffy Reading Challenge – and since the book has TWO covers and both have a dog on them – double brownie points – don’t you agree?! hehe!

About the book:
The Sydney Rye series of mysteries features a strong female protagonist and her rescue dog, Blue. This series is recommended for those who enjoy an awesome, rollicking good mystery!
When the series begins Sydney Rye is named Joy Humbolt. She does not like people telling her what to do, so it comes as no surprise that she was just fired from her last job. When she buys Charlene Miller’s dog-walking business on Manhattan’s exclusive upper east side, it seems like the perfect fit: Quiet environment, minimal contact with people.
But then one of her clients turns up dead, and Charlene disappears. Rumors say Charlene was having an affair with the victim–and of course, everyone assumes Joy must know where she is. Joy begins to look into the crime, first out of curiosity then out of anger when there is another murder and threats start to come her way.
When police detective Mulberry is assigned to the case, Joy finds a kindred spirit–cynical and none-too-fond of the human race. As they dig deep into the secrets of Manhattan’s elite, they not only get closer to the killer but also to a point of no return. One last murder sends Joy Humbolt hurtling over the edge. Her only chance of survival is to become Sydney Rye.

UNLEASHED is the first book in Emily Kimelman’s best selling Sydney Rye series of dark murder mysteries. DEATH IN THE DARK (A Sydney Rye Novella, #2) and INSATIABLE (A Sydney Rye Novel, #3) are both available in the Kindle Store

My View:
I began reading this book as I was absolutely taken in by the premise of a strong female character and the DOG as a protagonist!

The writing is alright, as is the plot and the premise.
The Mystery had its twists and turns as any decent mystery MUST! This was a quick and easy read! Perfect for lazy afternoon.

My disappointment in the book stemmed from my expectations from the story basis the book blurb and expecting the DOG to play a VERY prominent role in the story – while he was contained to being a sidekick!
My Rating: 3/5
I hope that the next in the series will build up more on both the characters – Sydney and Blue!

Until next time – Happy Reading!