The Recommended Reading Order for the Manny Rivera Mysteries
For the best experience, readers should follow the Manny Rivera Mystery series in its publication order. Because author Rich Curtin wrote these books in a linear timeline, the publication order matches the internal chronological order of Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera's life and career. Starting from the beginning allows you to appreciate the gradual development of Manny's relationships, his standing in the Moab community, and recurring local characters.
Here is the recommended reading path to follow Manny Rivera's investigations from the very start:
- Artifacts of Death (2011)
- February's Files (2012)
- Trails of Deception (2013)
- Moonshadow Murder (2014)
- Deadly Games (2015)
- Death Saint (2016)
- The Shaman's Secret (2017)
- Coyote's Regret (2019)
- Final Arrangements (2020)
- Cast A Cold Eye (2021)
- Death of Dreams (2024)
- A Cemetery for One (2026)
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Moab's red rock canyons, it is helpful to understand the unique flavor of these books. Rich Curtin, a retired research executive and avid hiker who formerly lived in Moab, infuses each story with his deep personal knowledge of the Four Corners region's geology, Native American history, and local dynamics. The series is particularly noted for its focus on anthropology, archaeological preservation, and the delicate balance between the tourism economy and cultural heritage.
Unlike many gritty modern thrillers, the Manny Rivera mysteries feature clean prose, minimal graphic violence, and a strong emphasis on logical deduction, local history, and moral dilemmas. If you are a fan of Tony Hillerman's Navajo Mysteries or Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire series, you will feel right at home with Curtin's atmospheric, desert-driven storytelling.
Can the Manny Rivera Books Be Read as Standalones?
Yes. Each novel in the series covers a self-contained investigation that is fully resolved by the final page. Rich Curtin provides enough context about Manny's role as a Grand County deputy sheriff in each installment that new readers can pick up any book—such as the award-finalist Death Saint—without feeling lost. However, reading the books in order ensures that you won't encounter minor spoilers regarding Manny's personal life or past cases.
A Closer Look at Key Installments
The series begins with Artifacts of Death, where Manny investigates the murder of a ranch hand linked to a rare Native American potsherd and a secret dating back to 1938. This book sets the stage for the rest of the series, establishing Manny's meticulous investigative style and his deep respect for indigenous cultures.
In The Shaman's Secret, Curtin explores Ute history, weaving cultural traditions and modern militia activity into a complex homicide case. The twelfth novel, A Cemetery for One, presents Manny with one of his most challenging cold cases yet: a skeleton uncovered by a dog near Fisher Mesa that belongs to a victim murdered two decades prior, buried without any identification.