Step into the sun-baked canyons of the Manny Rivera Mystery series, where Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera unravels crimes amidst the rugged beauty of Moab, Utah! Penned by Rich Curtin, this captivating mystery series blends suspense, Southwestern charm, and a deep respect for the land’s history, drawing readers into a world where every clue is as striking as the red rock landscapes.
With its mix of intricate detective work and vivid desert settings, the series follows Manny, a soft-spoken yet sharp lawman, as he tackles murders that threaten Moab’s tourism-driven economy. Perfect for fans of Tony Hillerman or Craig Johnson, these novels offer a fresh take on the mystery genre with a distinctly Southwestern flavor.
How Manny Rivera Mystery Began
Rich Curtin, a retired executive who spent years hiking and camping in Utah’s Four Corners region, crafted the Manny Rivera series from his love for the high desert. Having lived in Moab, Curtin drew inspiration from its canyons, ancient artifacts, and small-town dynamics. Launched in 2011 with Artifacts of Death, the series reflects his intimate knowledge of the terrain and its cultural tapestry, making each story feel like a journey through the Southwest.
The Heart of Manny Rivera Mystery
The series kicks off with Artifacts of Death, where Manny investigates a ranch hand’s murder linked to a 1938 secret and a rare Native American potsherd. In February’s Files, a journalist’s skeleton sparks a probe into Moab’s hidden conspiracies. Trails of Deception sees Manny tackling artifact looting amid protests, while The Shaman’s Secret weaves Ute history into a militia-related killing. Each book delivers tight, investigative plots with minimal violence, focusing on Manny’s logic and moral dilemmas.
Themes of justice versus law, cultural preservation, and the clash between past and present run deep. Moab’s canyons, mesas, and archaeological sites aren’t just backdrops—they’re characters, vividly described to immerse readers in the Southwest’s allure. Curtin’s clean prose, free of excessive grit, appeals to those craving thoughtful mysteries with heart.
Why Manny Rivera Mystery Resonates
The Manny Rivera series has carved a niche among mystery lovers for its authentic portrayal of the Southwest and Manny’s relatable, principled character. Fans praise Curtin’s ability to blend anthropology, history, and small-town life, creating stories that feel both timeless and grounded. As an Amazon Kindle Top-100 author, Curtin has built a loyal following, with readers cherishing the series’ educational tidbits and evocative settings.
Its impact lies in offering a quieter, more reflective take on the genre, proving mysteries don’t need urban sprawl to thrill. For those enchanted by the desert’s mystique, Manny Rivera’s adventures are a literary escape that lingers.
- First book published: 2011 (Artifacts of Death)
- Number of books: 11 (as of 2024)
- Setting: Moab, Utah
- Award: Death Saint was a finalist for Best Mystery in the 2016 New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards
Grab Artifacts of Death and dive into the Manny Rivera Mystery series’ world of desert intrigue and clever sleuthing!