Lucy Kincaid is keeping busy as she anticipates the realization of her next and biggest professional goal... becoming an FBI agent. While waiting to enroll at the FBI Academy she's working as an analyst for the FBI alongside her training agent, Noah Armstrong. They are called in to investigate the murder of D.C. lobbyist. Normally, homicides are left to the Metro Police but this case is special. The victim, Wendy James, is the former mistress of a sitting congressman (their relationship was the center of a major scandal) who was recently interviewed by the FBI for possible influence peddling. The fact that Ms. James was killed before she could give her second interview raises some serious suspicions. A number of agents have an interest in this case and aren't thrilled with Lucy's involvement.

When Lucy and Noah are called to assist Metro PD with the murder of a prostitute at a seedy hotel, Lucy's concern for the victim causes her to overstep her role. Not surprisingly, she finds herself off the James case and assigned to support the local police. Lucy's investigation will uncover a web of secrets, lies, and betrayal. It also stirs the memories of her own rape and abduction. Boyfriend Seth Rogan, the man who helps Lucy stay grounded and remember to have fun, finds himself unexpectedly pulled into the case by familiar forces.

SILENCED is an excellent addition to the Lucy Kincaid series. Lucy and Seth continue to develop as complex, imperfect characters with a passion for justice. Lucy's mistakes as she attempts to balance the limitations of her role as an analyst (and ultimately agent-in-training) against her powerful empathy with the victims give her an appealing depth and realism. The relationship between Lucy and Seth is definitely secondary but given enough attention to see how it continues to deepen and evolve. The suspense was can't-put-it-down exciting.