Silenced: A Cybil Lewis Novel [Paperback]

Nicole Givens Kurtz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2008

In the year 2146, the United States has completely collapsed, leaving the country in ruins. In this turmoil, Cybil Lewis and her inspector-in-training, Jane, fill a need. When begged by Jane to look into the disappearance of Jane's cousin, Cybil is catapulted into a world far removed from anything she has experienced so far-a world of lies and deceit. As they investigate, they move far into the reaches of the divided states and deep into the upper crest of political turmoil. Reluctantly caught up in a world of betrayal and corruption, Cybil and Jane unearth long buried secrets and survive attempts on their lives. As they move closer to the truth, they discover that the people, who are entrusted with the safety of the territories, will do anything to keep their secrets, including murder. Especially murder. Cybil and Jane will do what they must to get to the truth. They will never be SILENCED!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nicole Givens Kurtz writes science fiction, fantasty, romance, and urban fantasy. She lives in North Carolina and was a former teacher at the University of New Mexico, Gallup. Her science fiction novels have been named as finalist in the 2006 Fresh Voices in Science Fiction (Zephyr Unfolding), EPPIE Finalist in Science Fiction (Browne Candidate) and DREAM REALM Finalist in Science Fiction (Browne Candidate). Her short stories have appeared in such noted publications as Anotherealm, Tales of the Talisman, Orpheus Romance and Wild Child Press. In addition to fiction, her nonfiction articles have appeared in AFRIQUE Newsmagazine as well as Moondance, and ePregnancy. Nicole is a member of the Carl Brandon Society and a member of the National Association of Women Writers. Please visit Ms. Kurtz at www nicolegivenskurtz.com

Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: Parker Publishing, LLC (June 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600430376
• ISBN-13: 978-1600430374
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,302,168 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Telling The Truth Is Never Easy, June 2, 2008

By 

M. P. McKinney (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Silenced: A Cybil Lewis Novel (Paperback)

Nicole Givens Kurtz presents a futuristic murder mystery in her latest book, Silenced. In the year 2146, private inspector, Cybil Lewis, hesitantly takes on a new case at the request of her inspector-in- training, Jane. Despite Cybil's dislike of the victim's mother, Mayor Annabelle Christensen, she and Jane investigate Amanda's mysterious death. Amanda appears to be the ideal daughter of a high-profile politician. Unfortunately, her image slowly crumbles and threatens her mother's chances of being elected Governor. It seems that no matter where the investigation leads them, Cybil and Jane's progress is halted by lies and half-truths.

Givens Kurtz paints an interesting picture of the future: robotic waiters, eternal sleep as a form of imprisonment, and hi-tech medical treatment. Some of these technologies may not seem advanced for some science fiction fans. The story's tempo slows a bit in some places. Cybil's character will win fans with her feisty attitude; however, the supporting cast of characters leave something to be desired. Silenced is an interesting change of pace for readers in need of something new and different.

Reviewed by M. P. McKinney
APOOO BookClub

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another good read, July 29, 2008

By 

constantread "constantread" (NM) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Silenced: A Cybil Lewis Novel (Paperback)

I had read Kurtz' previous Science fiction novels and enjoyed all of them, so I expected to enjoy this one. I was not disappointed. It is quite different from her previous novels. What they have in common is a radically changed world (in this novel fairly soon, 2146), in this one not quite as desolate as in The Browne Candidate. I would like a little more information as to how the US wound up divided into quadrants and what that means, perhaps that will come in future episodes. [The others reviewers have done plot summaries so I will not do that.]
But on to what we do have. A fascinating lead character, Cybil Lewis, a private inspector (read investigaator), and a supporting cast who each have interesting backgrounds. This includes Trey,a gorgeous male --created not born and Jane, a lesbian/bi-sexual inspector-in-training and Jane's aunt the mayor of Memphis. The plot is a little strained in spots, but pulls together nicely toward the end of the book. Cybil is able to push through red tape, obfuscation and danger to herself to find out what happened to Jane's cousin.
Kurtz has a way of creating characters that whet both the imagination and the curiousity of the reader. I am looking forward to learning more about Cybil, Jane and Trey and their world as the series progresses. Word is that the second volume will be out next year. I await its publication eagerly.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I don't give five-star reviews, June 12, 2008

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Silenced: A Cybil Lewis Novel (Paperback)

But 4-1/2 isn't available on Amazon, so what the heck?

I'm a long-time Kurtz fan, but she's really turned up the juice here. She's created a near-future that's realistic enough to be a bit uncomfortable, as well as fun, and peopled it with three-dimensional characters in a very entertaining mystery. That juxtaposition, and the Cybil Lewis attitude, makes for one heck of a fine book. It's so much fun that you just might not realize until later how thought-provoking it is.

I anxiously await some more of those Cybil Lewis novels. Please, Ms Kurtz, tell us there are more!

Sue Grafton, you've just been displaced...