Silentcide 3: Freedom Quest

by Richard Ebert

“Nonstop action, complex characters and a slow-burn romance … in this high-octane thriller.” BookLife


Freedom is Elusive. The Quest is Perilous.

Three high-profile murders in one day should have ended 28 years of oppression for atypical silent assassins Chris Davis and Michelle Barton. Wrong. Dead wrong! Their plight worsens.

The underdog siblings are hounded by a ruthless FBI agent, coerced into black ops missions by a manipulative operative, and hunted by the vindictive successor of an assassin network. They also struggle to unravel a global conspiracy. Each explosive ordeal threatens their emotional bond, moral compass and lives.

Relentless danger happens 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 cinematic, propulsive and character-driven thriller includes deceit, romance, compassion, whiplashing twists and a soul-crushing quest for freedom ... or die trying.

QR codes link to 140 online photos of action scenes in 20 cities in 8 countries.

Genres: Middle East

354 pages, Paperback

Published May 22, 2026

About the author

Richard 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 – arrived 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.

Reviews

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silentcide 3: Freedom Quest is just as good as Silentcide 2: Vengeance. Although they can be read as standalones, I would suggest reading all three books. Silentcide 3 has everything--action, relationships, family, turmoil, betrayal, and more. Siblings Chris and Michelle were raised to be assassins and did what was told of them. Fortunately, they realize they do not want to continue this lifestyle and actually try to prevent deaths. Unfortunately, to get immunity from past crimes, they agree to work with an FBI agent on a dangerous mission. Along the way, they have to stay clear of the evil man who now heads the assassin group after the original leader was killed. There are so many twists and turns, they kept me guessing how it would all end. Another interesting thing about this book is the QR codes throughout the book to discover more about the actual places that this globe trotting story occurs. I was lucky enough to be given an advanced copy of this book by the author Richard Ebert and Encircle Books. I am leaving this review voluntarily because I really liked the book and my views are my own.

[Mary Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having previously read the first two books in the Silentcide trilogy, I was excited to be given an Advance Readers Copy of Silentcide 3: Freedom Quest by the publisher, Encircle Books. This review is my own personal opinion.
Silentcide 3: Freedom Quest continues the story of Chris and Michelle, two siblings traumatically orphaned in early adolescence and subsequently absorbed into a heinous world of forced obedience and clandestine killing. This is a unique and chilling read. After years of silentcide assinations, one last assignment puts their ultimate freedom finally within reach…or so they think.
The story offers unexpected twists, well developed characters and a storyline that spans the globe. In this finale, Chris and Michelle have matured and are now feeling the moral weight of what they have been forced to do as well as what ultimately defines them as being human. Richard Ebert brings this saga to a riveting conclusion. Bravo - Well done!
Additionally, I urge you to check out, via the QR codes, the many fascinating photos linking the story to real places. Great armchair traveling! 🙂

[John C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another thoroughly entertaining read in the Silentcide series. It’s an enjoyable action-thriller with plenty of plot twists that held my interest from beginning to end. The primary characters are the most likeable assassins I could ever hope to find. The basic plot and the characters remain consistent with the first two books, plus new bad guys and new threats. The art of undetected killing makes for an interesting focal point.

The travel aspect of the story and the accompanying series of pictures are excellent. The pictures complement the story nicely and make me want to travel. I’m hoping we get to see Silentcide 4 someday.

Please note that I received a preliminary copy of the book from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Glenna Turney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silentcide3 was absolutely amazing. The story of Chris and Michelle, brother and sister assassins that really want out of the game. Chris' former girlfriend Anna is being hunted and Chris is trying to protect her.
Brother and sister are being used as weapons by powers above, while holding immunity over their heads.
The bonds that are built between all the people involved were surprising. Chris and Michelle have had a rough life and not easy to trust.
This book can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading books 1 and 2.
The Author, Richard Ebert has put so much time in sharing photos of the locations events took place.
Amazing addition to an already amazing book.

*I received this ARC Book from Encircle Books and Richard Ebert. Thank You!

[Joan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Ebert delivers another action-packed thriller with Silentcide 3: Freedom Quest. In this third installment, siblings Chris and Michelle—both highly trained assassins—set out to uncover the truth behind a global conspiracy. Along the way, they’re not only pursued by the FBI but also forced into separate, high-stakes missions that keep the tension high from start to finish.

This was my favorite book in the series so far. The pacing is fast and relentless, filled with unexpected twists, constant suspense, and a powerful finale that truly stands out. It’s the kind of book that keeps you turning pages late into the night.

If you enjoy nonstop action and edge-of-your-seat storytelling, this is definitely a must-read. I’m already looking forward to Mr. Ebert’s next release!

[Betsy Podbelski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling adventure with Chris and Michelle as we travel around the world with them as they try to evade extermination. It keeps you on the edge of your seat as they are hunted again and again and we never know who is chasing them and if they will survive. All of the beautiful locations are brought to life through the embedded photo links, bringing the story to life. This was a book where you can't wait to find out what happens but also don't want the story to end!! Great third installment of the story!

[Joan Hilger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this page turner!!! The author did a beautiful job of of intertwining a review people and past events of the other two Silentcide books 1 and 2 without diluting the continuing story. The characters felt like returning friends giving the reader new adventures throughout the book. The whole series works beautifully together. If you want intrigue, a geography lesson and a fast paced storyline, this is the book to read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not believe how easy it was to once again slide back into the lives of these agents. This novel reads fast making it hard to stop all the way to the very end! I received this book from the author and was so excited as soon as I started reading. I love how the QR codes put you visually on location along with added character background bringing everything to life. If you have read the other books, don’t wait to read this one.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent end to the Silentcide trilogy. The characters are so well-developed, complex, interesting and consistent through all 3 books. This book is so well researched down to the tiny details. The QR codes with the pictures of many of the locations are beautiful and add depth to the book. The plot moves quickly and is very satisfying. Highly recommend this book. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, but this is my own opinion.

[Shirley Gallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in Richard’s series is my favorite. Chris and Michelle have lived a life of danger and deceit and now look to leave that life. The photos of the places travelled bring the story to life. Richard has a unique way of capturing your attention and leaving wanting more.

[Francie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. Richard does it again. I couldn’t put this book down. The vivid details-‘s ability to picture the specific places they are at is so unique. Start this series asap if you like a good thriller.