What do you think?
Rate this book
Silentcide #1
Silentcide: The Art of Undetected Killing
“Fast-paced, jet-setting thriller … invites the reader to root for these likable killers’ success.” BookLife
An assassin’s refusal to kill turns deadly.
Chris Davis and his sister are orphaned after murdering their father. For a decade, they’re confined to an Amish farm and trained to become master assassins in the art of undetected killing.
While the siblings complete missions in Rome and Antwerp, a desperate Boston hedge fund manager makes a big bet that a biotech company has a cancer cure. Then the stock drops 73% and keeps falling.
In apparent retaliation, the siblings are assigned to murder a biotech executive. They plan to poison the target during a Caribbean cruise until Chris defies the order and goes rogue. He decides to protect Anna Monteiro at all costs, neutralize the hedge fund manager, blackmail a greedy drug company president, and kill his nemesis of 28 years. The results are catastrophic.
The suspense thriller includes brainwashing, sextortion, extortion, revenge, romance and omnipotent control over a network of assassins.
Intriguing, engaging & complex characters.
Silentcide includes 135 online photos of action scenes in 15 cities in 6 countries.
The sequel – Silentcide 2: Vengeance – will be released on September 24, 2024
An assassin’s refusal to kill turns deadly.
Chris Davis and his sister are orphaned after murdering their father. For a decade, they’re confined to an Amish farm and trained to become master assassins in the art of undetected killing.
While the siblings complete missions in Rome and Antwerp, a desperate Boston hedge fund manager makes a big bet that a biotech company has a cancer cure. Then the stock drops 73% and keeps falling.
In apparent retaliation, the siblings are assigned to murder a biotech executive. They plan to poison the target during a Caribbean cruise until Chris defies the order and goes rogue. He decides to protect Anna Monteiro at all costs, neutralize the hedge fund manager, blackmail a greedy drug company president, and kill his nemesis of 28 years. The results are catastrophic.
The suspense thriller includes brainwashing, sextortion, extortion, revenge, romance and omnipotent control over a network of assassins.
Intriguing, engaging & complex characters.
Silentcide includes 135 online photos of action scenes in 15 cities in 6 countries.
The sequel – Silentcide 2: Vengeance – will be released on September 24, 2024
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
13 people are currently reading
12493 people want to read
About the author
Richard Ebert
3 books83 followersRichard Ebert writes intriguing thrillers. Silentcide: The Art of Undetected Killing and the sequel – Silentcide 2: Vengeance – were released in 2024. The third in the trilogy – Silentcide 3: Freedom Quest – arrives on May 19, 2026
Richard started as a photographer and cinematographer before becoming the president of two advertising agencies and then president of a consulting firm serving Fortune 500 companies.
His three passions – writing, travel and photography – are reflected in his novel’s international settings and online photos showing where plot action takes place.
Visit his author website at RichardEbert.com. Richard also has created free travel guides covering 842 cities with over 11,000 places to see worldwide. Travel the world virtually at EncirclePhotos.com.
Richard Ebert lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota with his wife. He has two adult children plus two grandsons. His fingers are always busy at the keyboard or holding a camera.
Richard started as a photographer and cinematographer before becoming the president of two advertising agencies and then president of a consulting firm serving Fortune 500 companies.
His three passions – writing, travel and photography – are reflected in his novel’s international settings and online photos showing where plot action takes place.
Visit his author website at RichardEbert.com. Richard also has created free travel guides covering 842 cities with over 11,000 places to see worldwide. Travel the world virtually at EncirclePhotos.com.
Richard Ebert lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota with his wife. He has two adult children plus two grandsons. His fingers are always busy at the keyboard or holding a camera.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 16, 2024
A Fun Read!
I enjoyed reading Silentcide. There is depth to the development of the characters and lots of twists and turns to the very end. I appreciate the balance between action and romance.
There are two storylines early in the book. One about a biotech company that's failing and the other about assassin siblings in Europe. Each theme works as they blend well together. The three flashback chapters provide a tragic backstory to the oppressive childhood of the silent killing team.
It was obvious the author did detailed research for the book on subjects like cancer cures, pharmaceuticals, hackers and geographical locations. These details add credibility to the story which I appreciate. The photos that accompany the book are beautiful and interesting yet at times there were too many. I prefer to leave some scenes up to my imagination.
In summary, Silentcide kept my interest, and I was disappointed when it was finished. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advanced copy of this novel from the author but was asked to express my own views on this review.
I enjoyed reading Silentcide. There is depth to the development of the characters and lots of twists and turns to the very end. I appreciate the balance between action and romance.
There are two storylines early in the book. One about a biotech company that's failing and the other about assassin siblings in Europe. Each theme works as they blend well together. The three flashback chapters provide a tragic backstory to the oppressive childhood of the silent killing team.
It was obvious the author did detailed research for the book on subjects like cancer cures, pharmaceuticals, hackers and geographical locations. These details add credibility to the story which I appreciate. The photos that accompany the book are beautiful and interesting yet at times there were too many. I prefer to leave some scenes up to my imagination.
In summary, Silentcide kept my interest, and I was disappointed when it was finished. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advanced copy of this novel from the author but was asked to express my own views on this review.
August 7, 2024
This book had me hooked within the first few pages. I loved the storyline, geographical accuracy, and the QR codes were a great addition to the book. The cast of characters are unique because they’re assassins the reader is pulling for while they do violent work. I can’t wait to find out the next part of the story in Silentcide 2!!!
Joan H.
Joan H.
April 22, 2024
I absolutely loved reading Silentcide! While the beginning was a tad challenging for my brain to follow with the stories flipping back and forth, I absolutely love how the two stories seamlessly come together about 1/3 of the way through the book. Once that happened, I was completely captivated and left wanting more.
Some of the highlight moments for me:
+ Chris’s life becomes extremely complicated with a complex romance-target combo. The cruise ship happenings between Anna and Jessica, the drama with Michelle, and the aftermath of Jessica.
Then the murder of Henniker and the police chase that followed. Wow! That’s a lot for one guy to try to manage.
+ The intertwining relationship with Ansel. A trusted friend/family member who seems to blow Chris’s and Michelle’s chance of survival. Many times I told myself while reading, ‘be careful who you trust,’ only to say ‘of course you can trust family no matter how long it has been – roots run deep.’ But is he trustworthy?
+ When Chris is hunted by the shadow he knew not to trust. But he was so wrapped up in attempts to complete his own personal mission, a mission based solely on assumptions to save his love. Trust your instincts, Chris! … the assassin ones, not the hormone ones.
+ Getting hints of Chris’s and Michelle’s past as they recall events from triggering experiences.
+ Then there is Irene Shaw, the evil antagonist who strategically has eyes, ears, and assassins everywhere.
Silentcide is filled with intense action and the plot is really exciting. The story blends both business and suspense, and threads them together seamlessly. And while the ending is brilliant, it left me with a total cliffhanger! Thank you for including the sequel’s first chapter. I can’t wait to buy Silentcide 2 when it is released in September.
Disclosure: I received an advance copy of Silentcide from the author, however this review reflects my honest opinion.
Some of the highlight moments for me:
+ Chris’s life becomes extremely complicated with a complex romance-target combo. The cruise ship happenings between Anna and Jessica, the drama with Michelle, and the aftermath of Jessica.
Then the murder of Henniker and the police chase that followed. Wow! That’s a lot for one guy to try to manage.
+ The intertwining relationship with Ansel. A trusted friend/family member who seems to blow Chris’s and Michelle’s chance of survival. Many times I told myself while reading, ‘be careful who you trust,’ only to say ‘of course you can trust family no matter how long it has been – roots run deep.’ But is he trustworthy?
+ When Chris is hunted by the shadow he knew not to trust. But he was so wrapped up in attempts to complete his own personal mission, a mission based solely on assumptions to save his love. Trust your instincts, Chris! … the assassin ones, not the hormone ones.
+ Getting hints of Chris’s and Michelle’s past as they recall events from triggering experiences.
+ Then there is Irene Shaw, the evil antagonist who strategically has eyes, ears, and assassins everywhere.
Silentcide is filled with intense action and the plot is really exciting. The story blends both business and suspense, and threads them together seamlessly. And while the ending is brilliant, it left me with a total cliffhanger! Thank you for including the sequel’s first chapter. I can’t wait to buy Silentcide 2 when it is released in September.
Disclosure: I received an advance copy of Silentcide from the author, however this review reflects my honest opinion.
May 19, 2024
This book is alright. I think in the grand scheme of the plot there were some areas that could’ve been edited out in my opinion. I felt as though the description of the book is misleading a tad just because the book doesn’t go into detail On some items in the description that would’ve made the book more interesting.
You’re saying they have been trapped for 10 years on a farm and there was barely any mention of anything about it. Then there were a lot of missions that did not have much to do with the plot rather than creating a storyline that could extend the suspense of the plot.
I would also consider the back of book description a bit too much. It literally tells you the whole story of what’s going to happen other than a few details. That’s something to look out for.
I did enjoy the characters and the concept. The author has made lovable characters no doubt. I had no problem deciphering through all of the disguises and such. The overall story made sense and was enjoyable.
For a debut Novel. I think this is a decent start into a series for Silentcide. I do think there’s room to grow, but overall an enjoyable read.
You’re saying they have been trapped for 10 years on a farm and there was barely any mention of anything about it. Then there were a lot of missions that did not have much to do with the plot rather than creating a storyline that could extend the suspense of the plot.
I would also consider the back of book description a bit too much. It literally tells you the whole story of what’s going to happen other than a few details. That’s something to look out for.
I did enjoy the characters and the concept. The author has made lovable characters no doubt. I had no problem deciphering through all of the disguises and such. The overall story made sense and was enjoyable.
For a debut Novel. I think this is a decent start into a series for Silentcide. I do think there’s room to grow, but overall an enjoyable read.
May 24, 2024
SILENTCIDE is a marvelous read. From the beginning, I fell in love with Chris and his sister Michelle. It's not hard to imagine a character like Irene Shaw who could adopt orphans to train them to become assassins. It makes you wonder about the real world. You never know.
I loved that Chris would research his victims to see why they were worthy to be killed. He did the world a favor by killing them off. However, when he was ordered to assassin Anna, he found her to be an outstanding, lovable person. He just could not kill her and rebels against Irene. That is when the real trouble starts. Now his own life and his sister are in Jeopardy of being killed. And when I thought Michelle had been killed, I was devastated. I need happy endings. The cliffhanger at the end was insane. So glad you included the first chapters of the second novel. It was redeeming!
The online photos are a nice touch. I have seen a lot of the United States but not much abroad. They made everything more relevant.
SILENTCIDE is a great action thriller with plenty of twists. Loved it from the start
Thank-you Goodreads for the great giveaway. Looking forward to your next novel.
I loved that Chris would research his victims to see why they were worthy to be killed. He did the world a favor by killing them off. However, when he was ordered to assassin Anna, he found her to be an outstanding, lovable person. He just could not kill her and rebels against Irene. That is when the real trouble starts. Now his own life and his sister are in Jeopardy of being killed. And when I thought Michelle had been killed, I was devastated. I need happy endings. The cliffhanger at the end was insane. So glad you included the first chapters of the second novel. It was redeeming!
The online photos are a nice touch. I have seen a lot of the United States but not much abroad. They made everything more relevant.
SILENTCIDE is a great action thriller with plenty of twists. Loved it from the start
Thank-you Goodreads for the great giveaway. Looking forward to your next novel.
July 17, 2024
Intriguing and Captivating
Richard Ebert is the husband of a childhood friend of mine and so I was very interested in reading his book. I found Silentcide to be intriguing and captivating and thrillers aren’t normally my genre of choice.
Richard has excellent writing skills; his use vivid language along with the embedded photo links allowed me to really connect with the locations in the story.
There were many unexpected twists and turns making it suspenseful and kept me guessing until the end.
My only disappointment was that the end left me up in the air. Now I can’t wait for the sequel!
Richard Ebert is the husband of a childhood friend of mine and so I was very interested in reading his book. I found Silentcide to be intriguing and captivating and thrillers aren’t normally my genre of choice.
Richard has excellent writing skills; his use vivid language along with the embedded photo links allowed me to really connect with the locations in the story.
There were many unexpected twists and turns making it suspenseful and kept me guessing until the end.
My only disappointment was that the end left me up in the air. Now I can’t wait for the sequel!
January 30, 2025
Normally I enjoy the second half of a book more than the first half. In this case, the first half felt more organized and cohesive and the second half had too many unnecessary moving parts. While the images corresponding with the story was a neat idea in theory, I think it missed the mark, and became a story trying to incorporate the images by forcing locations and descriptions that disrupted the flow of the book. I did enjoy many aspects of this book, including the character relationships, and the concept of “silentcide”.
July 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I had the pleasure of meeting the author, Richard Ebert, on one of my Barnes & Noble book runs. He was kind and gracious and after twisting my arm (not that it was hard) to pick up his book, he offered to sign it for me.
I enjoyed the integration of landmark photos in the story. It’s a unique idea and a great way to build the scene. I moved through the book pretty quickly, but I surprisingly liked the first half more than the second. Chris really devolved into a lovestruck idiot boy during the later parts.
I had the pleasure of meeting the author, Richard Ebert, on one of my Barnes & Noble book runs. He was kind and gracious and after twisting my arm (not that it was hard) to pick up his book, he offered to sign it for me.
I enjoyed the integration of landmark photos in the story. It’s a unique idea and a great way to build the scene. I moved through the book pretty quickly, but I surprisingly liked the first half more than the second. Chris really devolved into a lovestruck idiot boy during the later parts.
August 28, 2025
Good luck putting this one down. I am a picky reader. When I met Richard in Barnes and Noble I was cautiously optimistic. I loved the plot of the book but I wasn’t sure I would like the writing. This one blew me away! It was well written like some of my favorites (Lisa Jewell, Lisa Scottoline to name a few). It kept you guessing, but in a linear way. I didn’t get any crazy surprises BUT the story line didn’t need it. If you like thrillers, please pick up this hidden gem!! Plus, you are supporting a super nice local (MN) author.
April 16, 2024
Silentcide: The Art of Undetected Killing was delicious! As a librarian, I can say this is such a good book. The writing is easy to read, the story is put together well, there were no slow parts, and the characters are relatable.
I especially liked the portrayal of how the brother and sister grew up in total isolation while learning to be silent assassins and now work together. Their assassination scenes in Rome and Antwerp are terrific.
The parallel storyline is about a failing biotech that strains a friendship among co-executives. There is also a reunion with a former best friend that becomes equally strained. These female relationships are very realistic. But then I hated what a desperate hedge fund manager did to these women that sets the rest of the plot in motion.
Chris, the main character, is a great assassin, but also supportive of people he cares about. He’s mentally strong, a thinker who plans everything out. I also like his rebellion against Irene Shaw, the elderly antagonist. She’s a fascinating character but such a bully. Totally despicable!
I really loved the photos showing where the scenes take place across so many cities and countries. I’ve never seen online photos with fiction before.
This action thriller has plenty of twists reminiscent of authors like David Baldacci, Michael Connelly, and early books by James Patterson.
Full Disclosure: The author gave me an advance copy of Silentcide but this is my honest opinion of the novel.
I especially liked the portrayal of how the brother and sister grew up in total isolation while learning to be silent assassins and now work together. Their assassination scenes in Rome and Antwerp are terrific.
The parallel storyline is about a failing biotech that strains a friendship among co-executives. There is also a reunion with a former best friend that becomes equally strained. These female relationships are very realistic. But then I hated what a desperate hedge fund manager did to these women that sets the rest of the plot in motion.
Chris, the main character, is a great assassin, but also supportive of people he cares about. He’s mentally strong, a thinker who plans everything out. I also like his rebellion against Irene Shaw, the elderly antagonist. She’s a fascinating character but such a bully. Totally despicable!
I really loved the photos showing where the scenes take place across so many cities and countries. I’ve never seen online photos with fiction before.
This action thriller has plenty of twists reminiscent of authors like David Baldacci, Michael Connelly, and early books by James Patterson.
Full Disclosure: The author gave me an advance copy of Silentcide but this is my honest opinion of the novel.
Want to read
May 2, 2024Okay, where to start.
This book was definitely a 5 star read. While the beginning was a little hard to follow, I loved how it ended up coming together! This book is filled with so much action and has an amazing plot to go with it! Even though the ending ends on a cliffhanger (ughhh) I’m super excited to read the next one once it finally comes out in September!
This book was definitely a 5 star read. While the beginning was a little hard to follow, I loved how it ended up coming together! This book is filled with so much action and has an amazing plot to go with it! Even though the ending ends on a cliffhanger (ughhh) I’m super excited to read the next one once it finally comes out in September!
August 27, 2024
I loved the writing style and characters. Richard captivates you from the beginning by introducing you to the main characters and drawing you in with the heartbreaking deaths of their parents. These two orphans are then put into foster care and suddenly are swept into a diabolical world. Once you start reading, you won’t want to put it down!
June 22, 2025
It was OK. The premise of a sibling pair of assassins who kill without detection sounded intriguing and the codes at the end of chapters you could scan and see the places the action occurred added to the unique elements of the book. But, I've never been a fan of assassins so I had trouble identifying with the characters and it seemed to drag in places.
April 15, 2024
*Received advance copy*
1. Briskly paced with enthralling twists and turns.
2. Character development quickly brings you into the multi-layered plot.
3. Book comes with access to engaging photos of the places in the book.
1. Briskly paced with enthralling twists and turns.
2. Character development quickly brings you into the multi-layered plot.
3. Book comes with access to engaging photos of the places in the book.
October 6, 2025
Loved this book! Excellent thriller. Interesting characters that are well developed and believable. I really enjoyed the dynamics between sibling main characters. The plot is unique with interesting twists. The action scenes are sudden and quick.
Read
December 15, 2025My partner and I met the author in a Barnes and Noble and decided to purchase his book. Although I am not usually a suspense-thriller type of reader, the story captured my attention! I think it could make for an interesting tv series/movie!
October 13, 2024
*very well-written
*strong character development and plot
*it's a page turner - in fact, I'm still thinking about it!
*highly recommend
*strong character development and plot
*it's a page turner - in fact, I'm still thinking about it!
*highly recommend
August 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! It was a little slow to get into, but then I was hooked! I became invested in the characters and it kept me wondering exactly how things would turn out. I loved the integrated photography and information on the different landmarks. It was such a unique reading experience. It was clear that the author thoroughly researched the cities and it helped me immerse myself into the story. I’m familiar with most of the locations so I loved looking at the photos and imagining where the characters were in the city.
This was a wonderful debut novel and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
This was a wonderful debut novel and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews