Richard Guidice is a New York City native, currently residing in Queens. His first novel, Romance is Dead, was a Suspense Finalist in the 2011 National Indie Excellence Awards. He is currently working on a horror story and the next installment in the Napoli series.

 

 

 

 

 

Romance is DEAD : National Indie Excellence Awards Suspense Finalist.

Type of work : Suspense Novel
Published : Febuary, 2011
Setting: Queens, New York.
Description:

• Special Delivery!

  Tom Bains brings packages to people as part of his job. After divorcing his cheating wife, he decides to make other women pay for her mistake. While making deliveries along his route in New York City, Bains starts killing attractive blondes that remind him of his ex-wife.

  Detective John Napoli is assigned to the case. He is also given a new partner, Detective Maria Martinez. As the murders continue, Napoli works the crimes while trying to live a normal life. Napoli enjoys spending time with his family, as well as with his best friend, Tom.

  Can Napoli stop the killer, or will Bains outsmart his friend and claim more victims?

Here is a preview from " Romance is Dead ," featuring Detective John Napoli.

Bains drove along Bell Boulevard as the mid-day sun beat down on his truck. It was his regular run, although he also went elsewhere from time to time. As he stopped at a red light his mind wandered back to a month ago, when he first saw her. He had delivered a package to the beautiful woman, and soon afterwards a plan formed in his mind. When he noticed another package for her today, he could hardly contain himself.  The name on the address label read: Ms. Carol Davis, 20-14 46th Road Apt 4B, Bayside, New York 11361. The small box was marked fragile.
While driving, Bains couldn’t stop thinking about his ex-wife who requested a divorce last year. As he thought about her, a rage grew within him that had to be set free. Bains double-parked his truck and walked to the building. Most people weren’t home at this time of the day. However, he knew this woman would be waiting for him because she missed the first delivery attempt of her package. She had called the UPS office, and asked for another delivery on June twenty-ninth. Bains would have returned anyway because United Parcel Service’s policy is to make three delivery attempts on consecutive days to their customers. The package was then kept at a local depot if no one accepted it after the final try.
 Bains rang the buzzer to apartment 4B.
“Who is it?” a female voice asked pleasantly.
“Hi, Miss Davis. This is UPS; I have a package for you.”
“Good, I’ve been waiting for it.”
Carol rang back, and Bains opened the front door to the building. He noticed the lobby was well kept; the paint looked fresh and an expensive chandelier hung from the ceiling. He saw no security guard or doorman around. Bains got on the elevator and pressed 4. When it reached his destination he got off as an elderly lady with a walker waited to get on. He held the elevator door for her, and she smiled at him in a thankful way.
Bains walked along the hallway until he came to 4B, and rang the bell to the apartment. The door opened a crack, but was held back by a chain.
“Hello. I have your package, Miss.”
“Oh, thank you. Let me take this chain off.” Through her peephole, Carol Davis looked at the man in the brown uniform. She knew it was safe to let him in.
The door opened, and Bains stared at the gorgeous blonde standing in front of him. She had on pink shorts, a white halter-top, and a pair of Reeboks. She looked like she had just come from shooting an ad for an exercise club. One of those places where everybody drank juice, and looked at the other perfect bodies around them without ever breaking a sweat.
“Sorry about the chain, you can never be too careful.”
“Yeah, that’s what I tell everybody.”
Carol looked at Bains, and thought he had an ordinary face. However, there was something about his eyes she found appealing. The way they sparkled gave him an aura of confidence.
“Here’s your package.”
“Thanks. It’s the Hummel that I’ve been expecting.”
“Don’t worry, I handled it carefully,” the UPS driver said.
Buying the hand-made collectibles was a hobby of Carol’s. She had a collection of sixty different pieces scattered throughout her apartment.
Carol walked toward the door, hoping the deliveryman would follow.
Bains understood the unspoken message.
“Sign for the package, and I’ll be on my way.”
“Of course,” Carol replied.
She hurriedly wrote her name in the appropriate box.
“Have a nice day Miss Davis.”
“Thanks, you too.”
Carol opened the door and the UPS man walked out of her apartment. After she closed the door behind him, she opened the package. Inside was a figurine of a poodle standing on its hind-legs, begging for a treat. Carol smiled and thought it looked lovely, just adorable.
Bains walked back to the elevator with the rage alive inside of him. First he remembered his ex-wife’s face when she demanded the divorce last year. Then he saw Carol Davis as she led him out of her apartment. He felt as if he was being mocked by both of them. 4B, he thought to himself, I’ll have a very special delivery for you soon, bitch.

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Everyone's a Suspect

Type of work : Mystery
Published : July, 2011
Setting: New York, New York.
Description:

Who did it?
            The murder of a rich and powerful partner who worked at a securities firm produces a long list of suspects. Who killed Peter Goldstein? Was it his ex-wife, son, or perhaps a disgruntled investor? Detective John Napoli begins the investigation into the high profile crime. His new partner, Detective Terry Franklin, reminds Napoli everyone’s a suspect. As the evidence is collected, the focus of the case turns toward Napoli’s father in-law, Charles Martinez, a partner at the firm. Martinez had a recent altercation with the victim, which was witnessed by his secretary.
            After a second murder is committed, Martinez is arrested for both crimes. Napoli has to face a family crisis with his pregnant wife, who adamantly supports her father. As the trial begins, Napoli isn’t convinced of his father in-law’s guilt. Things don’t look promising for Martinez as damaging testimony is given in the courtroom. Will Detective Napoli exonerate his father in-law of the crimes, or will Martinez face a life in prison?
            Everyone’s a Suspect is a mystery that will keep you guessing until the surprising finish.

 

Here is a preview from "Everyone's a Suspect," the second thriller featuring Detective John Napoli.

New York City is a place where one can expect the unexpected. When the city shows its ugliness it is not a pretty sight, and when New York turns violent it is often brutal.
It was a late March night in the Big Apple. Many New Yorkers were enjoying the unusually mild weather. During the day, the temperature reached seventy-two degrees. It was still in the mid-sixties at a quarter past eight.
Peter Goldstein was working late in his midtown office. A partner in a prestigious securities firm, he made an astonishing living with an annual income over two million dollars. That amount did not include bonuses and other perks.
Peter was in his early fifties, but his boyish features made him look much younger.  Divorced with two grown children, he kept in close contact with his son and daughter. His ex-wife was no longer a part of his life. The couple had an ugly divorce eight years ago. Peter saw Janice only once or twice a year and as far as he was concerned it was too often.
Peter Goldstein walked into his luxurious office after using the men’s room. When he entered the room, Peter became surprised by the figure sitting in his chair. Scowling, he approached the familiar party.
“What are you doing here?” Goldstein asked in a harsh tone.
“I think you know why I’m here, Peter. We have a lot to talk about.” The other person spoke in a relaxed, confident voice.
“We’ve talked about our problem. The issue is settled. Now if you’ll excuse me, I still have some work to do.”
“Don’t ignore me, Peter. You know what I want.”
Goldstein quickly responded, “You already know my answer. So, just get the hell out of here.”
Peter Goldstein’s eyes popped when his uninvited guest pulled out a gun. Before he had a chance to speak, two shots were fired into his chest. He fell to the floor immediately and was dead within thirty seconds.
The killer looked at the body, and walked out of the office. The perpetrator did not rush while exiting the area. There was nobody else around who could have seen the killer leave. A silencer was used so no shots would have been heard.
The murderer got off the elevator and walked out of the deserted building, putting away the gloves that were worn. The security guard who watched the place had vacated his post, too busy kissing and fondling his girlfriend in an empty office. The killer knew about the guard’s secret.
While walking along the Manhattan streets, the killer smiled at several people who passed by. The murder went off as planned, everything would work out now. The killer arrived home twenty minutes later, unaware the getaway had been seen. The witness had plans to make the murder of Peter Goldstein into a blessing for himself.
Peter Goldstein didn’t expect to get killed tonight. He was totally unprepared and paid the ultimate price. New York is a cruel place for people who make mistakes.

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Murder Along the Shore

Type of work : Suspense
Published : August, 2011
Setting: New York, New York.
Description:

The beach is a place where people go to relax and forget about their worries. No one expects to die there.
               Diane Spencer begins targeting unsuspecting men along New York area beaches. After a series of bad relationships, the crazed school teacher seeks revenge on the male population. Her weapon isn’t a gun or knife, but it’s just as lethal to all who come into contact with it.
               Detectives John Napoli and Terry Franklin are assigned to the case. They become part of an undercover operation to apprehend the cunning killer. Detective Napoli also faces a health problem during the investigation, which brings extra anxiety to his life.
               Will Detectives Napoli and Franklin encounter Spencer on the beach and put an end to her murderous ways?
               Murder Along the Shore builds to a heart racing finish as the sexy serial killer plans a new life in a location where she can continue her murders all year long

 

Here is a preview from "Murder Along the Shore," another thriller featuring Detective John Napoli.

 

June twenty-second began as a gorgeous summer day in New York City. The sun blazed in the sky as Robert Lavello woke up at eight o’clock. Rob turned on the television and put on the Weather Channel to check the forecast. A mostly sunny day with the temperature in the low eighties was predicted.
            Perfect, Rob thought, I’m hitting the beach today.
            The twenty-nine-year-old accountant worked for a multimillion dollar firm. Rob was an exemplary employee who rarely took a day off. However, before going to bed last night Rob decided he would call in sick if the weather proved favorable. He knew it wouldn’t matter if he got a tan either. It was Friday, so he could always tell his boss he felt better over the weekend and went outdoors.
            Rob figured a day at the shore would benefit him immensely. He wanted to relax and not think about anything. An interesting book and a little girl watching seemed like the perfect way to spend the day.
Rob had broken up with his longtime girlfriend over a month ago. He was shocked when Susan told him it was over between them. To make it worse, the woman he loved admitted she met another man. After many angry words were exchanged, Rob realized it was for the best. He was better off without Susan because of her infidelity. Besides, Rob was still young and considered a catch by many.
            It was time for him to find someone new, and the beach had always been a great place for him to meet women. If luck was on his side, someone special would await him today.
            After having a tall glass of orange juice and a bagel for breakfast, he called his boss. Rob told him a stomach virus had kept him up all night. The understanding employer told the young man to rest and get better.
Rob hung up the phone and smiled. Yeah Frank, I’ll definitely try to improve my health today.
            By nine-thirty Rob walked out of his Midtown apartment. He wore a Nike T-shirt, Levi’s shorts with a bathing suit underneath, and white sneakers sans socks.
 It was apparent to the building’s doorman that Mr. Lavello wasn’t going to work. He knew most companies had dress down Fridays, but this would be taking things to extremes.
            As Rob walked along Thirty-Fourth Street, a feeling of happiness overcame him. Not a cloud in the sky, he knew the beach would provide an ideal setting on the picture-perfect day. Rob traveled lightly; the only items he brought with him were a beach towel, a paperback novel, suntan lotion, and the sunglasses he wore. The young man considered bringing a radio and CD’s with him, but he didn’t feel like lugging them through the streets. It was the same reason he didn’t bring a cooler. Instead, he decided he would pick up something to eat at a deli near the beach. Heck,he mused, maybe I’ll get lucky and meet a girl with lunch and drinks for two. He smiled. Maybe she’ll even have a radio.
            Rob boarded a Long Island Railroad train at Penn Station, expecting to arrive at Long Beach within an hour. Robert Lavello had pleasant feelings about the day ahead. He believed it might be special, perhaps even a day he would never forget.



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Wrong Impression

Type of work : Romantic Suspense Novel
Published : November, 2011
Setting: Manhattan, New York.
Description:

Trying to meet someone through Internet dating is always a gamble, but Lisa Hallaway is willing to take the risk. The attractive woman seeks a decent man after not finding anyone suitable in her social circle. After meeting a few guys on LoveDreams.com, Lisa begins to doubt her decision.
                              When Lisa meets Sean Robertson she thinks her luck has changed. The handsome man appears to be normal, is a successful professional, and owns a nice condo in the city. Immediately, Lisa and Sean hit it off and begin dating. Their whirlwind romance proceeds smoothly and Lisa is happy to have met a terrific guy.
                              Will Lisa and Sean’s relationship continue to flourish, or will something happen to destroy the love they share?
                              Wrong Impression is a romantic suspense tale that builds to a pounding finish.

 

Here is a preview from "Wrong Impression ," another thriller featuring Detective John Napoli.

 

Lisa Hallaway entered her apartment shortly after seven. Another long day at work made her look forward to returning home. After locking the door, Lisa put down the bag of Chinese take-out on the kitchen table along with the mail. Hurriedly, she walked into the bedroom and stripped off her skirt, blouse, and bra. She grabbed a pair of sweats and a Rutgers T-shirt from the dresser drawer. Already she felt more relaxed and comfortable. Dressing up for work might make you look nice, but Lisa was more of a jeans and sneakers type of girl.
              Before heading back into the kitchen she turned on the stereo. Her musical selection was the latest CD by 3 Doors Down. She wanted something rocking tonight. Lisa’s musical choices ran a wide gamut: Motown, hard rock, classic rock, easy listening, and dance tunes blossomed in her I-pad and CD collection.
              Lisa lowered the volume by half a notch, because her downstairs neighbor recently complained about the noise. When the woman rang her bell one night and told her the music was intolerable, Lisa smiled politely and said no problem. Lisa couldn’t understand the beef. It was still early in the evening; she never made noise past ten. No blaring radio, TV, or out of control parties ever emitted from her apartment. Imagine if she had a bunch of screaming kids or had wild sex all the time, she wanted to tell the middle-aged woman below.
              As Lisa sat down and started eating, she opened the mail. A winning sweepstakes entry, donations to those less fortunate, and a few bills stood before her. I shouldn’t have bought those shoes and new outfit, Lisa chastised herself. Truthfully, she knew she could afford the items. Her salary hovered a little below one-hundred thousand and she had no debt. Lisa’s student loans had been paid off years ago, she rented the apartment instead of owning an expensive condo, and she didn’t have a car and the overbearing expenses that came with it. It seemed ridiculous to drive when you lived in Manhattan. Between the outrageous parking garage fees and horrendous traffic, mass transportation provided a cheaper and easier alternative.
              Lisa drank some water after taking a few bites of the chicken and snow peas. As she did, the pang of loneliness washed over her. Lately, the feeling had been invading her more and more. It had been nearly two years since Lisa enjoyed a relationship with a man. The breakup with David proved hard. Why did he have to leave me for someone else? Lisa often wondered. She gave him everything he wanted and pledged her love to him. After the split Lisa resented all men. Their childish ways and cheating hearts irked her more and more. Whenever she heard one of her friends talk about a wayward boyfriend, she felt like slapping the next guy she saw.
              Still, the romantic part of her missed the touch of a man’s strong hands on her body. Sitting at the table, Lisa felt her face flush. What am I doing? Enough of this bullshit; time to take matters into my own hands.
Quickly, Lisa finished dinner and cleaned up the table. She opened the door and walked down the hallway to the compactor room. The bag of trash flew down the chute, and she returned to her apartment.
              A few minutes later the computer in the den whirred and came to life. Lisa had been toying with the idea for a while. Now she realized the time seemed right. If all went well, things would soon change in her life.



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