Picture an American storyteller who traded corporate boardrooms for the rugged canyons of Moab, Utah—meet Rich Curtin! This retired research executive turned mystery novelist has hooked readers with his thrilling Manny Rivera series, blending high-desert intrigue with vivid landscapes. Known for his Amazon Kindle Top 100 status, Curtin’s tales of crime and justice have made him a standout in the world of desert mysteries.
With a knack for weaving complex plots and a deep love for the Southwest, Curtin invites readers into a world where every canyon hides a secret. Let’s dive into the life, works, and legacy of this captivating author.
The Making of Rich Curtin
Born with a passion for the high desert, Rich Curtin spent his formative years in Moab, Utah, a place that would later become the beating heart of his novels. Growing up, he explored the Four Corners region through hiking, rafting, and camping, soaking in the vast landscapes that fueled his imagination. Before picking up the pen, Curtin carved out a successful career as the Executive Vice-President of Southwest Research Institute, a role that honed his analytical mind—a skill he now channels into crafting intricate mysteries.
After retiring, Curtin swapped spreadsheets for stories, drawing on his Moab roots to create the Manny Rivera series. His transition from researcher to novelist wasn’t just a career shift; it was a return to the landscapes and stories that shaped him, proving that the desert always calls you back.
Rich Curtin’s Unforgettable Stories
At the core of Curtin’s bibliography is the Manny Rivera Mystery series, a collection of 11 novels that follow Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera as he unravels crimes in Moab’s red rock country. The series kicked off in 2011 with Artifacts of Death, where a ranch hand’s murder, marked by a 9-mm bullet and an ancient potsherd, sets Manny on a trail of greed and hidden caves. Fans praise the tightly woven plots and vivid depictions of Utah’s canyons.
Other standouts include February’s Files (2012), where a skeleton sparks a conspiracy investigation, and Death Saint (2016), a finalist for the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards, which takes Manny to a secretive New Mexico village. Curtin’s style blends suspense with rich cultural details, from Ute legends to local superstitions, creating mysteries that feel both timeless and grounded. His annual releases keep readers hooked, with Death of Dreams (2023) marking the series’ latest chapter.
Curtin’s writing shines through his ability to make the desert a character—its vastness both a backdrop and a catalyst for danger. His plots often explore moral dilemmas, forcing Manny to choose between justice and the letter of the law, a theme that resonates with readers who crave depth in their mysteries.
Why Rich Curtin Matters
Rich Curtin’s impact lies in his ability to bring Moab’s untamed beauty to life while spinning stories that keep readers guessing. His Manny Rivera series has not only entertained but also sparked wanderlust, with fans citing his vivid descriptions as inspiration to visit Utah’s canyons. As an Amazon Kindle Top 100 author, Curtin has carved a niche in crime fiction, proving that small-town settings can harbor big secrets.
Beyond his novels, Curtin’s journey from executive to storyteller inspires aspiring writers, showing that it’s never too late to chase a creative dream. His work celebrates the Southwest’s culture and history, making him a beloved voice for desert mystery enthusiasts.
- Key Works: Manny Rivera series (11 books, including Artifacts of Death, February’s Files)
- Awards: Death Saint, Finalist for 2016 New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards
- Hometown: Moab, Utah
- Current Residence: San Antonio, Texas
Ready to get lost in a desert mystery? Snag Artifacts of Death and dive into Rich Curtin’s thrilling world of crime and canyons!