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