The Chameleon Killer: Alma Rossi Book 1

by Rick Mendes

In Hillsford, California, a sadistic killer stalks the streets—his methods brutal, his targets chosen with unnerving precision. Businessmen are strung up as warnings, neighbors beheaded, commuters set ablaze in public spaces. The killer appears to be a chameleon in the way he dresses and performs each kill differently. To the city, he is a monster. To himself, he is a vigilante, cleansing the world of those who prey on the vulnerable. And he’s just getting started.

Detective Alma Rossi has seen plenty of blood in her career, but nothing like this. Devout, disciplined, and sharp-eyed, she knows every detail tells a story—yet the “Chameleon Killer” leaves no pattern, no trace, only horror. Each death pushes him closer, not just to Alma’s investigation, but to Alma herself. When her dog and best friend are taken as leverage, the case stops being professional. It becomes personal.

Twisting motives, fractured loyalties, and a relentless hunt collide in The Chameleon Killer—a taut, propulsive thriller where morality blurs and obsession carries a body count. Justice has a price. The question who will pay it first?

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2026

About the author

Rick Mendes spent thirty five years in the technology sector before retiring early to pursue his passion for writing. His first novel, Growing Future Operators, grew out of his professional experience and interest in how technology and education intersect. The story takes place in a fictional city where public and Catholic schools race to be the first to teach DevOps, drawing on Rick’s expertise in software engineering, systems engineering, and cybersecurity.

His second novel, The Chameleon Killer, marks the beginning of a gripping crime fiction series featuring Detective Alma Rossi of the Hillsford Police Department. Inspired by Rick’s lifelong love of crime novels, TV thrillers, and suspenseful films, this series delves into the complexities of justice, morality, and obsession. Atmosphere Press will publish that book on 1/13/2026.

Rick’s writing journey began late in his career when he crafted a short story to explain the advantages of moving his company’s infrastructure to a container platform. To his surprise, the story was not only effective but enjoyable, sparking enthusiasm from colleagues and even the CEO. That response gave him the confidence to blend technical expertise with storytelling, paving the way for his novels.

Today, Rick writes full time, combining what he knows with what he loves to read. His novels explore themes of innovation, human resilience, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
Connect with Rick: facebook.com/rickjmendes

Reviews

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chameleon Killer is a sharp, fast‑paced thriller that hooks you from the opening chapter and keeps tightening its grip as the layers peel back. It’s one of those stories where you’re constantly second‑guessing every character, every motive, every seemingly innocent detail — and that’s exactly what makes it so addictive.

The premise is irresistible: a killer who blends in so seamlessly that even seasoned investigators struggle to track their movements. The author plays brilliantly with that idea of shifting identities and hidden masks, creating a world where trust is fragile and danger feels just a breath away. Every time you think you’ve found your footing, the ground shifts again.

The lead investigator is a standout — sharp, flawed, and deeply human. Their determination to unmask a killer who can become anyone adds a compelling emotional thread to the chase. The supporting cast is equally intriguing, each carrying secrets that make them feel both suspicious and painfully real.

What really elevates the book is its atmosphere. The tension builds steadily, scene by scene, until even the quiet moments feel charged. The pacing is tight, the twists land cleanly, and the final reveal is both surprising and satisfying — the kind of ending that makes you want to flip back through earlier chapters to catch the clues you missed.

Dark, clever, and thoroughly engaging, The Chameleon Killer is perfect for readers who love psychological thrillers with smart plotting and a constant undercurrent of unease. A gripping read from start to finish.

With thanks to Rick Mendes, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed feelings
There have been 4 murders, each very different to each other, and it’s up to Detective Alma Rossi and the rest of Hillsford Police Department to try and figure out if it’s one person or multiple murderers
I have really mixed feelings about this book, on the one hand, I really enjoyed it and loved the variation and the characters but on the other, Alma had a really annoying habit of saying “wicked” almost as much as possible, even when other adjectives would have been much more appropriate, which drove me nuts. It appeared so much that I’m wondering if the author had a bet about how many times it could be included which kept pulling me out of the story
Some of it seemed strange and the story did jump around a bit which threw me a bit and the killers sections did sometimes read better but I think that may have been coloured by my sheer relief at not having to read the word wicked any more! When I say jump about, I’m not totally sure over how many days and weeks it took for the investigation to happen as there is no real date indicator and when I was reading it, it felt like things were a lot more close than it actually was
I did enjoy the story and the more close look at the detective work, especially in a smaller force, that Alma had to do, it made the story feel more real and drew the reader towards more of the reality of policing and I would look forward to reading more books of this turns into a series
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a detective story with some strong female characters and some unexpected turns
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for granting me access to this book

[Tyler Huor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where a wicked serial killer is more human than you think.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! Arc meaning Advanced Reader Copy

We follow Alma Rossi, a detective that says wicked a lot and Him, the serial killer on the loose in Hillsford, California. It’s a game of cat and mouse, with dead ends, false leads, and more.

My favorite parts were the ‘Him’ chapters, as we can see how he executes such brutal murders and the simple reasonings behind it all. It’s a fast read, interesting plot but failed execution for enjoyment. With that, I can’t recommend this book, read ahead for spoilers.

The dialogue felt robotic and awkward, even if it was mainly straightforward. Felt repetitive at times. They don’t dive deeper for a scene, just they say something or an action but the atmosphere and tension is lacking. The gang violence near the school never gets addressed—moreso shoe-horned in to pad out the book. The conclusion was predictable but not satisfying.

Expected publication date is January 13, 2026.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me, the bad outweighed the good. I really liked the killers (He) chapters. It really brings you into what his thinking and his feelings on why he has to kill. The most interesting aspect is the different ways he kills.
Now for the bad. Alma's POV chapters does not mesh with the killers POV, it's as if another person is writing it. Also Alma's part reads like a journal (don't know if this will make sense to others). For example: I did this, I did that, We went here. Then there is her overuse of 'wicked', it started to get on my nerves.
The book premise is good and catches your attention. Who wouldn't enjoy a book where a killer chooses different ways to kill?

Thanks to NetGalley for the book

[Melissa Hoisington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me by the throat and never let go. The Chameleon Killer isn’t just another serial killer thriller, it’s a moral minefield wrapped in razor-sharp suspense. Rick Mendes does something rare: he makes you uneasy not just because of the violence, but because of how disturbingly logical the killer’s perspective feels. Detective Alma Rossi is a standout protagonist, disciplined, deeply human, and emotionally grounded in a way that makes every decision hurt. The pacing is relentless, the stakes escalate beautifully, and the final act left me breathless. This is the kind of debut that announces a major new voice in crime fiction. I’m all in for the rest of the series.

[Renee Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, intense, and painfully relevant. What struck me most about The Chameleon Killer is how it blurs the line between justice and obsession. The killer isn’t cartoonish evil, he’s terrifying because he believes he’s right. Alma Rossi is written with such care; her faith, discipline, and inner conflict add layers most thrillers skip. The crimes are brutal but purposeful, and each one pushes the story forward instead of existing for shock value. The emotional turn when the case becomes personal is handled masterfully. I finished this book feeling unsettled, impressed, and eager for Book 2. Highly recommended for fans of smart, character-driven thrillers.

[Stefanie Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books you tell yourself you’ll read “one more chapter” of, then suddenly it’s 3 a.m. The concept of a killer who constantly changes his methods is brilliantly executed, and the tension never dips. Alma Rossi is a refreshing lead: competent, principled, and believable. I loved how the investigation felt grounded in detail without bogging the story down. The villain’s POV is chilling and uncomfortable in the best way. Rick Mendes doesn’t spoon-feed answers; he lets the reader wrestle with the ethics at play. A gripping, confident thriller that feels cinematic from start to finish.

[Hallie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a debut. The Chameleon Killer balances pulse-pounding action with thoughtful exploration of morality. I appreciated that the violence, while brutal, is never gratuitous, it serves the story and deepens the psychological tension. Alma Rossi feels real: flawed, driven, and emotionally complex. The moment her personal life collides with the case is devastating and perfectly paced. The writing is crisp, the dialogue sharp, and the atmosphere heavy with dread. This book reminded me why I love crime fiction in the first place. If this is the start of a series, I can’t wait to see how Alma evolves.

[Laurine Gutmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sounds like a dark, high-stakes thriller that doesn’t shy away from moral gray areas. A vigilante killer who constantly changes his methods is a genuinely unsettling concept, and pairing that with a disciplined detective whose investigation becomes deeply personal makes the tension feel immediate. I’m especially intrigued by the psychological angle and the blurred line between justice and obsession. The premise suggests a fast-paced, intense read that will keep me questioning everyone’s motives. Definitely adding this to my want-to-read list.

[Dolores Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel hits all the marks for me: strong protagonist, chilling antagonist, and a story that keeps escalating without losing focus. Alma Rossi is the heart of the book, and her emotional journey is just as gripping as the investigation itself. The killer’s evolving methods keep the suspense fresh, and the psychological angle adds real depth. I found myself questioning my own sense of justice as the story unfolded. Rick Mendes clearly understands the genre and isn’t afraid to push its boundaries. I finished this book feeling unsettled, impressed, and eager for more.

[Linda Cornett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A smart, gritty thriller that respects its readers. The Chameleon Killer is intense without being sloppy and dark without being hollow. I appreciated how Rick Mendes focuses on character as much as plot, especially Alma Rossi, who is complex, principled, and compelling. The villain is genuinely frightening, not because he’s chaotic, but because he’s methodical and convinced of his righteousness. The tension builds steadily, and the payoff is worth it. This is the kind of book that would translate beautifully to film or TV. An impressive and confident debut.
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[Tracey McCown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn’t just thrill, it challenges. The central question of who deserves justice, and at what cost, is woven seamlessly into a fast-paced narrative. The killer’s perspective is chillingly calm, making every chapter more disturbing than the last. Alma Rossi’s faith and discipline add a unique dimension rarely explored in crime fiction, and it makes her reactions feel deeply authentic. The personal turn in the story hit hard and raised the emotional stakes dramatically. I couldn’t put this down, and I immediately looked up whether the next book was available.
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[Ruth Easterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening pages, this novel radiates tension. Hillsford feels alive and vulnerable, and the sense of dread grows with each killing. I loved how each crime was distinct yet connected thematically, reinforcing the killer’s “chameleon” nature. Alma Rossi is a phenomenal protagonist, strong without being invincible, compassionate without being naïve. The emotional stakes are raised in a way that feels organic and heartbreaking. Rick Mendes writes with confidence and precision, especially for a first book. This is a bold, gripping start to what promises to be an outstanding series.

[Sophie Collman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a standard serial killer story and got something far more layered. The Chameleon Killer thrives on psychological depth and moral ambiguity. The antagonist is terrifying not just because of what he does, but because of how convincingly his worldview is portrayed. Alma Rossi’s internal struggle adds emotional weight to every chapter, and her determination feels earned, not forced. The writing is sharp and immersive, and the pacing never lets up. This book left me thinking long after I finished it, which, for me, is the mark of a truly great thriller.

[Teressa Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a standard serial killer story and got something far more layered. The Chameleon Killer thrives on psychological depth and moral ambiguity. The antagonist is terrifying not just because of what he does, but because of how convincingly his worldview is portrayed. Alma Rossi’s internal struggle adds emotional weight to every chapter, and her determination feels earned, not forced. The writing is sharp and immersive, and the pacing never lets up. This book left me thinking long after I finished it, which, for me, is the mark of a truly great thriller.

[Amelia Kowalski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always on the lookout for gritty crime thrillers with strong characters, and this one sounds intense. The killer’s lack of a clear pattern makes the investigation feel unpredictable, which I love. Alma Rossi seems like a compelling protagonist, especially with her discipline and moral code being tested. The escalating danger and personal stakes suggest this will be an emotionally charged read. Adding this to my list for sure.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chameleon Killer is a dark, fast-paced crime thriller that pits a ruthless, shape-shifting vigilante against determined detective Alma Rossi. As brutal, seemingly patternless murders terrorize Hillsford, Alma must unravel the killer’s twisted sense of justice until the case turns painfully personal. Tense, morally complex, and relentlessly driven, this debut delivers sharp suspense with high emotional stakes.

[Zion Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sounds like exactly the kind of dark, morally complex thriller I love. A killer who believes he’s a vigilante always makes for a chilling psychological ride, especially when the detective hunting him has so much at stake personally. I’m really intrigued by the “chameleon” angle and how each crime is different. The tension, brutality, and ethical gray areas mentioned in the synopsis make this feel intense and thought-provoking. Definitely adding this to my want-to-read list.

[James Smithson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sounds like exactly the kind of dark, morally complex thriller I love. A killer who believes he’s a vigilante always makes for a chilling psychological ride, especially when the detective hunting him has so much at stake personally. I’m really intrigued by the “chameleon” angle and how each crime is different. The tension, brutality, and ethical gray areas mentioned in the synopsis make this feel intense and thought-provoking. Definitely adding this to my want-to-read list.