Richard Ebert's Blog

To renew interest in my Silentcide thriller series, I’m sponsoring three Goodreads Giveaways.

The first starts Saturday, February 28 and runs through March 29 for Silentcide: The Art of Undetected Killing. The Giveaway for the sequel, Silentcide 2: Vengeance, happens from March 28 through April 26.

On April 18, I’ll start promoting my newest novel, Silentcide 3: Freedom Quest. The relentless action takes place in 20 cities and 8 countries, including at a Russian superyacht in Montenegro, a drug-infested street in Philadelphia, a famous casino in Monte Carlo, a battle in Afghanistan, a presidential palace in Ecuador and in the squalor of Havana, Cuba. The publication date is May 19.

Don’t miss this chance to receive your free signed paperback of one of these novels.

Richard Ebert
Goodreads Author
Author Silentcide series
www.RichardEbert.com

I had an epiphany over the weekend: book readers are the best people! How did I reach this conclusion? A quick backstory first.

During my career, I was a chronic entrepreneur and rarely had time to read for pleasure. When I needed a business book, I ran into a bookstore, made the purchase, and ran out. I also never visited my local library for fear they’d discover I still had an overdue book from 1969 (yes, I still have it, so please don’t tell them).

Saturday marked my fiftieth author event, primarily at Barnes & Noble stores, since my debut novel - Silentcide: The Art of Undetected Killing – was published in May 2024. During those events, I’ve talked to over two thousand people. They represented a cross section of ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Only one person was cranky. Everyone else was smart, interesting, smiling, inquisitive and maintained eye contact while engaging in great conversations.

Did they all buy my books? Nope. But they were all fun to talk to. And when they didn’t prefer suspense thrillers, I often helped them find a book they’d enjoy.

Why is my discovery important? Because there is an excessive amount of drama in the world. The daily news is filled with discouraging stories. And we all encounter and try to tolerate rude, self-centered people on the road, in stores, at work, and sometimes within our families. That’s why it was so refreshing to uncover this unique breed of people.

Thanks to the bookstores who have hosted my events. And I’m especially thankful to the people I’ve met there. You’ve restored my faith in humanity. I look forward to meeting thousands more after the third book in the Silentcide trilogy – Silentcide 3: Freedom Quest – is published in the spring of 2026.

Richard Ebert
Goodreads Author
Author Silentcide series
www.RichardEbert.com

On December 4, 2022, I wrote this opening line for Silentcide 2: Vengeance, “Death was imminent. Watching would be divine.” Late last night - 660 days later (but who’s counting) - my wife and I watched and listened in anxious anticipation. Each passing minute was slower. A palpable aura of excitement and trepidation consumed our silence. The wait was nerve-racking.

The appointed time finally came … and went. Nothing! What’s wrong? While my brain flooded with possible problems, my wife offered well-intended assurances. This toxic mix escalated for four agonizing minutes until we heard a ding. I grabbed my cell phone and opened Kindle. There it was. Amazon had downloaded the e-book. Silentcide 2: Vengeance was officially born, the youngest of about two million books published this year.

We opened a bottle of champagne, had a celebratory toast, and went to bed. I fell asleep with a smile of contentment.

I want to thank my editors (Alyssa Matesic, Megan McKeever, Lisa Gilliam, Sarah Liu), cover designer (Rafael Andres), distribution specialist (Victoria Griffin), website manager (Kraig Larson), subject-matter experts, beta readers, and especially my wife for your invaluable help in making publication day possible. You are an incredible team!

Richard Ebert
Goodreads Author
www.RichardEbert.com

As a self-published author, most days are hard work, many are frustrating, and very few are exhilarating. One of the rare great days was August 3. I had just sold 40 paperbacks of my first Silentcide novel at a Barnes & Noble author event. I was elated but exhausted. During a sip of a well-deserved beer, I opened my email and saw a recognizable name. “What a thrill ride!” wrote William Kent Kruger. “Bravo!” Kent went on to provide an amazing cover quote for Silentcide 2: Vengeance, which releases September 24. I really admire Kent’s 25-year career as the New York Times bestselling author of the Cork O'Connor series and standalones like This Tender Land. He is also selfless in helping emerging authors. Thank you, Kent! I highly recommend his newest novel, Spirit Crossing.

P.S. Silentcide 2 Goodreads Giveaway ends September 23.

Richard Ebert
Goodreads Author
www.RichardEbert.com
Silentcide 2: Vengeance

Thank you to the ten thousand plus Goodreads readers who entered my recent giveaway for Silentcide: The Art of Undetected Killing. The lucky 25 winners will receive their signed books soon. If you did not win, please order the novel from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Also enter my new 30-day giveaway that starts Saturday, August 24, for Silentcide 2: Vengeance. Both thrillers immerse you in the struggles of likable sibling assassins who try saving innocent targets while seeing vengeance against their 72-year-nemisis, Irene Shaw … the essence of evil. The sequel will be released September 24.

Richard Ebert
Goodreads Author
www.RichardEbert.com

IngramSpark, the largest international self-publishing company, has just listed my debut novel Silentcide: The Art of Undetected Killing, as one of their top 30 summer suspense picks! They’re also making the paperback available at a discount price on BookShop.org. Follow this link to order your copy now: https://bookshop.org/lists/suspense-s...
Or, if you feel lucky, enter the Goodreads giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Silentcide. The giveaway ends on Sunday, August 18.
Either way, enjoy reading about atypical sibling assassins’ rebellion against their 72-year-old female nemesis. BookLife called Silentcide: “Fast-paced, jet-setting thriller … invites the reader to root for these likeable killer’s success.”
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