Strange events which took place in 1938 lead to the present-day cold-blooded killing of a ranch hand in the remote canyon country near Moab, Utah. The only clue besides a 9-mm bullet in the victim’s head is an ancient-Indian potsherd stuck into his chest.Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is assigned the case and judges it’s related to a drug deal gone bad. But he’s actually up against an intelligent … intelligent and cunning adversary driven by greed who’s discovered a long-forgotten cave containing a collection of rare museum-quality Indian artifacts.
Local politicians and merchants are exerting strong pressure on the sheriff for a quick resolution to the case as the killing is threatening to disrupt the upcoming tourist season, Moab’s sole source of economic activity. After all, who would want to explore the backcountry with a killer on the loose out there?
In the end, Rivera faces an ethical dilemma: Should he enforce the letter of the law or serve the cause of justice? And a woman learns the answer to a question that’s been haunting her for seventy years.
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This is another author I am putting on my favorites list. Reading this was like a vacation in my mind reading about Utah and that part of the country. The mystery had everything and the main character shows empathy and we all need that. I never would have guessed the ending and want to read the next book.
A great read, loved the deputy.
An excellent novel about the theft of ancient Indian artifacts. We know the “whol early in the book but it takes time to find out the how and why. The story also links to a loss from the early 20th century. A good read!
Good murder mystery and prequel to the Manny Rivera series. Twists and turns as in most of M. Curtin’s books. Also insight into Manny’s seeming ADD as he likes everything he sees but generally doesn’t really complete any of them. Also, insight into his trouble with women.
This is a new author for me. I am pleased I took a chance on this book. The vivid descriptions of Moab and surrounding area drew me even more into this entertaining story.
This is a criminal drama with thorough police investigation. The plot is original and the main character is a stand-up individual. Manny Riveria is in law enforcement and he seems to comes from a family with strong values. He approach the investigation like putting a puzzle together. The most thought-provoking line is “The smaller your desire for material things, the larger your happiness”.
I like my dramas with romance. There is none in this book, though the ending hints there may be in future installments. I sure hope so.
While visiting Moab, Utah, I wanted to try a crime fiction novel set in the area. I stopped into a local bookstore and grabbed Artifacts of Death by Rich Curtin. This was exactly what I was looking for! Curtin provided a tremendous amount of local flavor while delivering a fantastic mystery. I loved the ending.
I look forward to reading another book by this author.
This is the second ebook I have read from this series. I have enjoyed notebooks. They are well written and keep my interest. I am looking forward to reading mitt in the series.
I love this Manny Rivera series. It reminds me of the Leaphorn and Chee books written by the late author, Tony Hillerman. Highly recommend!
This is a terrific series, even though I’m reading them in the wrong order, it doesn’t spoil my enjoyment
A beautifully written, well researched mystery! All the makings of a great movie.
I like this series a lot.
Set in the Southwest this series illustrates the beauty of the countryside there. The story is easy to follow, never dull, and I never guess the outcome.
I felt like I was right with the deputy thinking through the case every step of the way. The “way” took many turns and twists but I never saw the ending coming. Wonderful!
I have enjoyed all the Manny Riviera books. And since I have traveled the beautiful canyon lands and the many national parks in the area, these stories come to life in my imagination and the descriptive writing. Even though these are murder mysteries with some shady characters, the author feels no need for vulgarity in the dialogue and I appreciate that.
I love this series. Well written characters, good stories, and great location.
Always have fun reading about Deputy Manny Rivera’s cases that are set in a beautiful state of our country.
Manny Revera is a great character.
The laid back thought processes of Deputy Rivera will appeal to those who enjoyed Longmire.
There wasn’t a sentence in this story that i didn’t like. It has been a while since i was hooked on a story from page 1. I usually read on my commute to and from work but this book took my evening also until i had come to the end. If you are looking for a new author to follow. Let me suggest Rich Curtin this maybe my first book by you but not my last.
I enjoy the development of the lead character, Manny Rivera.