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Cybil Lewis #1
Silenced
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!
211 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2008
16 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Givens Kurtz
72 books189 followersNicole Givens Kurtz is an author, editor, and educator. She's the recipient of the Ladies of Horror Grant (2021), the Horror Writers Association's Diversity Grant (2020) and the two-time Atomacon Palmetto Scribe Award Winner (2021 and 2022). She's also the editor of the groundbreaking anthology, SLAY: Stories of the Vampire Noire. She’s written for White Wolf, The Realm's The Vela: Salvation series, and Baen’s No Game for Knights and Straight Outta Tombstone. Nicole has over numerous short stories published as well as numerous novels and three active speculative mystery series. She enjoys reading scary stories and watching true crime.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 7, 2025
A politically ambitious and powerful woman engages a bitter, edgy investigator to locate her missing daughter. The investigation reveals a tangled web of deception and lies, knotted by treachery and old sins. The truth, when it eventually comes out, is juat another name of pain.
In the hands of Ross Macdonald, this plot would have become a classic. Lyrical prose, interspersed by violence and terse expressions, would have made the moody, flawed characters resonate with reality.
This book, on the contrary, is rubbish.
The writing is incredibly bad, making a travesty of hardboiled style.
Erratic, cartoonish characters, especially the protagonist, behave like angsty teenagers throughout the story.
Half-hearted dystopian world-building, combined with such unbearable characters, in such a witless language, makes the reading experience a chore.
There is hardly any mystery here, apart from two, plaguing me~
1. Why did I buy this series?
2. Considering the traumatic experience of this one, should I proceed to the next one, or simply cut my losses by abandoning the series?
I may read the next volumes. That would be my punishment for buying all these books.
In the hands of Ross Macdonald, this plot would have become a classic. Lyrical prose, interspersed by violence and terse expressions, would have made the moody, flawed characters resonate with reality.
This book, on the contrary, is rubbish.
The writing is incredibly bad, making a travesty of hardboiled style.
Erratic, cartoonish characters, especially the protagonist, behave like angsty teenagers throughout the story.
Half-hearted dystopian world-building, combined with such unbearable characters, in such a witless language, makes the reading experience a chore.
There is hardly any mystery here, apart from two, plaguing me~
1. Why did I buy this series?
2. Considering the traumatic experience of this one, should I proceed to the next one, or simply cut my losses by abandoning the series?
I may read the next volumes. That would be my punishment for buying all these books.
March 28, 2020
I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed the other novels in this series (Cozened, Replicated, Reunited) as well as Collected, a book of stories about Cybil Lewis, my favorite science fiction private eye. Somehow I had missed reading the very first novel in the series, Silenced. Having read it now, I found it to be just as exciting and engaging as the other stories in this series. The Audible narration by Darla Middlebrook is rich and expressive, a perfect fit for this story. Nicole Givens Kurtz combines mystery, science fiction, action, and romance to make the Cybil Lewis series one of the hallmarks of Afrofuturism. Highly recommended!
August 6, 2009
For the past few months or so I've been waiting for this book and a new sci-fi series to sink my teeth into. Silenced certainly delivered. The story revolves around Cybil Lewis, a private investigator in the year 2146 during a time with the United States has broken up into smaller territories. In the running for the governor position is Mayor Annabelle Christensen, a picture perfect poised woman always decked out in designer wear. Mayor Christensen comes to Cybil for help with finding her daughter Amanda who went missing. Cybil eventually takes her up on the offer and soon dives into a conspiracy where everyone wears masks and the truth is hidden between a neatly threaded web of lies.
I really enjoyed Silenced for so many reasons. Cybil for one weaves this tale with such a unique voice as she speaks to the audience throughout the book. There were so many one liners and quips that kept me chuckling to myself at her smart alecky comebacks The real beauty of the book lies within the descriptions. Kurtz has a gift for describing visuals and feelings so much that you can feel the atmosphere of futuristic D.C. and Memphis, taste the food (Cybil has an affinity for the peppered sweetness of jalapeno jelly on toast with her coffee) and see the cool gadgets of the age. I have to admit the gadgets were probably some of my favorite additions to the story. From the hovering automobiles called wautos to the foghog which attaches to the end of cigarettes to inhale second hand smoke to the dangerous drugs of the day from ackback to Zenith, I felt like I had fallen into a different world and I loved meeting the different inhabitants. The variations of culture with the characters make the closeness to reality a special treat because you don't see much diversity in most sci-fi books of today.
Silenced has the feel of a film noir mixed with science fiction; two of my favorite genres mixed together like the awesome and classical Blade Runner. Readers may liken the series to the current popular J.D. Robb's In Death series (the first book I couldn't get into and didn't finish) and although there may be some similarities (Captain Hansen reminded me of Roarke for some reason and I really hope to see him and Cybil start something in the future!) this book was infinitely better.
The story takes it's time to start up while it introduces you to the background of Cybil and her surroundings, but once it gets going you'll have to hold onto your seat. Although the mystery is tied up in the end, including some characters that were introduced really early in the book, there were still a question or two brought up later in the book that still are left unanswered. I imagine with the series we'll learn more about these items as we dive into more mysteries and get more information on the factions that inhabit this world.
The Cybil Lewis series is definitely an auto-buy with Silenced going on my keeper shelf. If you enjoy a futuristic mystery noir series with a fiesty, tough PI heroine you may want to pick it up and give it a read.
I really enjoyed Silenced for so many reasons. Cybil for one weaves this tale with such a unique voice as she speaks to the audience throughout the book. There were so many one liners and quips that kept me chuckling to myself at her smart alecky comebacks The real beauty of the book lies within the descriptions. Kurtz has a gift for describing visuals and feelings so much that you can feel the atmosphere of futuristic D.C. and Memphis, taste the food (Cybil has an affinity for the peppered sweetness of jalapeno jelly on toast with her coffee) and see the cool gadgets of the age. I have to admit the gadgets were probably some of my favorite additions to the story. From the hovering automobiles called wautos to the foghog which attaches to the end of cigarettes to inhale second hand smoke to the dangerous drugs of the day from ackback to Zenith, I felt like I had fallen into a different world and I loved meeting the different inhabitants. The variations of culture with the characters make the closeness to reality a special treat because you don't see much diversity in most sci-fi books of today.
Silenced has the feel of a film noir mixed with science fiction; two of my favorite genres mixed together like the awesome and classical Blade Runner. Readers may liken the series to the current popular J.D. Robb's In Death series (the first book I couldn't get into and didn't finish) and although there may be some similarities (Captain Hansen reminded me of Roarke for some reason and I really hope to see him and Cybil start something in the future!) this book was infinitely better.
The story takes it's time to start up while it introduces you to the background of Cybil and her surroundings, but once it gets going you'll have to hold onto your seat. Although the mystery is tied up in the end, including some characters that were introduced really early in the book, there were still a question or two brought up later in the book that still are left unanswered. I imagine with the series we'll learn more about these items as we dive into more mysteries and get more information on the factions that inhabit this world.
The Cybil Lewis series is definitely an auto-buy with Silenced going on my keeper shelf. If you enjoy a futuristic mystery noir series with a fiesty, tough PI heroine you may want to pick it up and give it a read.
March 22, 2020
A perfect blend of cyberpunk and mystery
I was introduced to Sybil Lewis in a collection of short stories by the author, so I was excited to read this novel. I wasn't disappointed. Great characters, great dialogue and a mystery that I couldn't figure out until the end. Looking forward to more Cybil Lewis stories.
I was introduced to Sybil Lewis in a collection of short stories by the author, so I was excited to read this novel. I wasn't disappointed. Great characters, great dialogue and a mystery that I couldn't figure out until the end. Looking forward to more Cybil Lewis stories.
March 10, 2020
Cybil Lewis knows it's a bad idea to take a personal case. But when her younger protege asks her to find her missing cousin, she agrees. As the case progresses, a man from her own past resurfaces and complicates things even further.
I enjoyed the character--a woman of experience who still can be blindsided. The world was intriguing with just enough detail about the technology and changes to society so far in the future without losing the story or characters in the mix.
Quite a quick and enjoyable read, neither light fluff nor heavy drudgery, but a nice middle ground that entertains while making you think. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Darla Middlebrook and enjoyed the voice she brought to the pages.
I enjoyed the character--a woman of experience who still can be blindsided. The world was intriguing with just enough detail about the technology and changes to society so far in the future without losing the story or characters in the mix.
Quite a quick and enjoyable read, neither light fluff nor heavy drudgery, but a nice middle ground that entertains while making you think. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Darla Middlebrook and enjoyed the voice she brought to the pages.
February 20, 2020
It's nice to know that even in the near future, the world still has old-school PIs solving cases. Cybil Lewis and her partner Jane were hired to find a missing teenager. There are plenty of roadblocks among the way, one being a psychotic killer has his eyes set on Cybil. But things aren't what they seem to be.
I don't want to say much more because it's a mystery and I don't want to spoil the story for anyone. Silenced was entertaining and had me wondering what was going to happen next throughout.
Looking forward to reading more Cybil Lewis novels.
I don't want to say much more because it's a mystery and I don't want to spoil the story for anyone. Silenced was entertaining and had me wondering what was going to happen next throughout.
Looking forward to reading more Cybil Lewis novels.
August 21, 2019
The worldbuilding is really interesting. There are little mentions of things that fill out the picture, like cheese being incredibly rare due to cattle mutations. Some restaurants use robot servers. Most phone calls include video. It all adds up to give that futuristic vibe. It reminds me a little of the near-future world of J.D. Robb’s “In Death” books, but with less glamour and more constant grit.
Unfortunately, the writing is rough. The pacing is bumpy. The writing is often awkward (the book starts off with nearly two pages just about how it’s cold out and Cybil has to keep her jacket open so she can get to her gun). The side characters often seem to mug for the camera, with even polished, politically savvy characters prone to stuttering and similar issues when emotions get high. This book also seriously needs another edit. There are a lot of words that just aren’t used right, and some clear errors that got missed.
There’s some off-screen sex. It was hard for me to find lines like “I was panting like a mutt in heat” sexy, though. (Ugh.) Content note: sexual assault and mention of rape. I was also rather surprised at how casually statutory rape is treated. Cybil interviews Mandy’s 23-year-old boyfriend (Mandy was 16) and even comments on his “wholesomeness”. Ick! Okay, I just realized that they never actually give the age of consent, but I still wouldn’t see a 23-year-old going after a 16-year-old as run-of-the-mill. It deserved at least a little bit of comment.
Cybil sometimes seems to miss obvious possibilities or jump to weird conclusions. I can’t go into most of them because it would give plot details away. Other than that, the plotting is interesting and sufficiently convoluted without going too far.
I’m ambivalent about this book. On the positive side, it has strong women of color in it, which is wonderful. And like I said, the worldbuilding is great. I just wish the writing was up to snuff. Luckily, this is the sort of thing a writer can improve over time, so it’s probably worth giving later books a read.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/08/r...
Unfortunately, the writing is rough. The pacing is bumpy. The writing is often awkward (the book starts off with nearly two pages just about how it’s cold out and Cybil has to keep her jacket open so she can get to her gun). The side characters often seem to mug for the camera, with even polished, politically savvy characters prone to stuttering and similar issues when emotions get high. This book also seriously needs another edit. There are a lot of words that just aren’t used right, and some clear errors that got missed.
There’s some off-screen sex. It was hard for me to find lines like “I was panting like a mutt in heat” sexy, though. (Ugh.) Content note: sexual assault and mention of rape. I was also rather surprised at how casually statutory rape is treated. Cybil interviews Mandy’s 23-year-old boyfriend (Mandy was 16) and even comments on his “wholesomeness”. Ick! Okay, I just realized that they never actually give the age of consent, but I still wouldn’t see a 23-year-old going after a 16-year-old as run-of-the-mill. It deserved at least a little bit of comment.
Cybil sometimes seems to miss obvious possibilities or jump to weird conclusions. I can’t go into most of them because it would give plot details away. Other than that, the plotting is interesting and sufficiently convoluted without going too far.
I’m ambivalent about this book. On the positive side, it has strong women of color in it, which is wonderful. And like I said, the worldbuilding is great. I just wish the writing was up to snuff. Luckily, this is the sort of thing a writer can improve over time, so it’s probably worth giving later books a read.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/08/r...
February 12, 2018
this was a dollar tree $1 book find.. and that's good, because $1 is about all it's worth. poor quality writing, poor grammar, poor editing, poor world-building, and at times an incomprehensible, haphazard storyline, even for being set in a nebulous post-apocalyptic fictional future. if logan's run, blade runner and escape from new york had a menage-a-trash bastard baby, this would be the story. it smacks of self-published indulgence, making me wary of any other tomes she's written. i gave it 2 out of 5 stars, only because i did actually finish it, instead of throwing it out the window (that would have earned it 1 star). final note, bought it for $1 but sold it on ebay for $4 plus shipping. a sucker born every minute.
July 2, 2017
Silenced is the first piece I've read by this author and I HIGHLY enjoyed it. I was drawn to the book by the incredible cover and the promise of a no nonsense leading lady.
Cybil Lewis, PI did not disappoint!
Ms. Lewis takes the high profile missing persons case, that sometimes hits a little too close to home and stops at nothing to solve it.
Full of mystery, intrigue, gumption and copious amounts of coffee, Silenced will have you simultaneously turning the page and cheering Cybil on as she defies even the most prestigious (seemingly) of contacts to get to the truth.
If you are looking for a thrilling, quick and satisfying read, this is it!
Cybil Lewis, PI did not disappoint!
Ms. Lewis takes the high profile missing persons case, that sometimes hits a little too close to home and stops at nothing to solve it.
Full of mystery, intrigue, gumption and copious amounts of coffee, Silenced will have you simultaneously turning the page and cheering Cybil on as she defies even the most prestigious (seemingly) of contacts to get to the truth.
If you are looking for a thrilling, quick and satisfying read, this is it!
September 14, 2017
I really disliked this book. It was a chore to read and to finish. I found myself frustrated with the characters and the plot. Not to mention there are numerous grammar and spelling errors throughout this book. I really did not find anything to enjoy about it. The characters would say and do things that made no sense and would over react to other things in the extreme. One minute the main character would make a decision only to do a complete 180 on that decision in the next chapter. There was not a signal character I found to be likable. I cannot recommend this book to any one. There is much better out there and this is not worth anyone's time.
February 24, 2020
I enjoyed reading this futuristic detective story with the character Cybil Lewis as the focus. She is a strong African American (if American is the correct term in this society) woman that knows her business well and is all in when she takes on a case. This case involves family to her assistant in training Jane which makes for a lot of sticky situations. The clues are suggested through the story but the conclusion is exciting and surprising. I particularly appreciated the character Cybil for being real, In the sense that she doesn’t censor her own thoughts or comments to other characters. I look forward to more cases for Cybil and Jane in future stories.
October 31, 2020
I can't write at all, so good on the author for putting this out there, but...it really needed an editing pass. There's little things, like Cybil getting a credit chip as payment and then putting a sack in the safe, and there's bigger issues with the apocalypse as a whole. It just seems really arbitrary which things stuck around and which didn't - plenty of fancy tech including flying cars, but clothes are scarce and expensive, and while cows are mutated to the point where they're not safe to eat we never hear of the same happening to crops or humans.
June 17, 2020
Cybil is a fleshed out, mean, and powerful woman. And, I can't get enough of her.
Very sci fi noir, this futuristic universe opens so many possibilities, without getting bogged down in description.
I recommend it to fans of Altered Carbon, Jessica Jones, and Defragmenting Daniel.
Very sci fi noir, this futuristic universe opens so many possibilities, without getting bogged down in description.
I recommend it to fans of Altered Carbon, Jessica Jones, and Defragmenting Daniel.
June 15, 2021
Entertaining sci-fi mystery from a cool author I met at ConCarolinas.
July 2, 2022
It is really more of a 3.5, but I bumped it up because it has potential. I'm interested to see how the other 2 stories wrap it up.
September 24, 2016
This is a fast paced, sexy and engaging sci-fi read with a mystery subplot. Cybil Lewis, the main character is complicated, intense, and violent, just like the challenging near future world she lives in. She is a private inspector and against her better judgement takes a case involving her friend and inspector-in-training, Jane. Jane's young cousin has disappeared and some very powerful people want to find out where she is. You fall easily into this world due to Kurtz's skill at creating a believable divided US landscape that is bleak and dangerous. There's sex, drugs, betrayal, intense family politics and corruption all at play in this novel. You'll cheer for Cybil and Jane as they seek out the truth which threatens to tear their friendship apart.
May 30, 2019
This is a woman P I mystery, but set 150 years in the future. It follows Cybil Lewis and her assistant Jane looking into the disappearance of Jane's niece. The future has the right mix of modern technology and familiar things. The more realistic way we currently add technology but much stays the same.
In this story the United States is broken up into territories. And isnt the USA anymore. The mystery is very good. The revelation of the solution held back till the very end although clues were there all along. Thre are some very suspenseful moments. If you like J D Robb you will love this series. I'm ready for the next one
In this story the United States is broken up into territories. And isnt the USA anymore. The mystery is very good. The revelation of the solution held back till the very end although clues were there all along. Thre are some very suspenseful moments. If you like J D Robb you will love this series. I'm ready for the next one
December 9, 2015
While there are some technical errors, I loved this book. I love strong female characters. Cybil Lewis is definitely a character I'd follow into other adventures/stories.
Cybil Lewis reminds me of the female robot character (Sergeant Calhoun played by actress Jane Lynch) in the Wreck It Ralph children’s movie. This character is tough as nails.
In Silenced, the eeriness makes the story very thrilling. Creepy sentences like this keep the reader hooked: “Immediately I realized I didn’t feel right. With a hurried leap, I reached one of the two living room lamps and flicked it on to reveal an uninvited guest.”
Silenced has a Lawrence Block mystery book feel to it complete with blockbuster movie scenes. The world Author Kurtz has created is so realistic. The reader is transported to her futuristic world effortlessly. Every event is followed by a new, more exciting event which makes the intensity increase and increase. Kurtz does this by creating intriguing descriptions. “The Mississippi River, dark, dirty and draining, licked at the embankment like a lover with patience and gentleness.” Also, “…overhead clouds rippled as if a giant finger poked the sky creating a mass of crinkles. Fate was like that too. A huge finger that jerked everybody’s chain.” This is science fiction/fantasy writing at its best!
As a reader who really enjoys science fiction/fantasy books, I need to have solid characters in a very convincing fantasy world conquering real life battles. Kurtz has done this with Silenced. The Cybil Lewis series is definitely a series not to be missed.
Cybil Lewis reminds me of the female robot character (Sergeant Calhoun played by actress Jane Lynch) in the Wreck It Ralph children’s movie. This character is tough as nails.
In Silenced, the eeriness makes the story very thrilling. Creepy sentences like this keep the reader hooked: “Immediately I realized I didn’t feel right. With a hurried leap, I reached one of the two living room lamps and flicked it on to reveal an uninvited guest.”
Silenced has a Lawrence Block mystery book feel to it complete with blockbuster movie scenes. The world Author Kurtz has created is so realistic. The reader is transported to her futuristic world effortlessly. Every event is followed by a new, more exciting event which makes the intensity increase and increase. Kurtz does this by creating intriguing descriptions. “The Mississippi River, dark, dirty and draining, licked at the embankment like a lover with patience and gentleness.” Also, “…overhead clouds rippled as if a giant finger poked the sky creating a mass of crinkles. Fate was like that too. A huge finger that jerked everybody’s chain.” This is science fiction/fantasy writing at its best!
As a reader who really enjoys science fiction/fantasy books, I need to have solid characters in a very convincing fantasy world conquering real life battles. Kurtz has done this with Silenced. The Cybil Lewis series is definitely a series not to be missed.
May 10, 2016
Such an amazing book I flipping loved it love the plot the writing everything was awesome, absolutely could not put it down just loved it. Definitely a favorite of mine and a book I never get tired of picking up and reading over and over again
October 8, 2015
Great book with great world building. Video review coming soon!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews