DEATH SAINT was selected as a Finalist for Best Mystery in the 2016 New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards. New clues in an old, unsolved murder case lead Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera from Moab, Utah, to a small, remote village in the mountains of northern New Mexico. With reluctant and sometimes non-existent assistance from the local sheriff, he enters a community of people unwilling to open up with him … up with him because of a centuries-old distrust of outsiders–outsiders were the ones who stole their land grant.
He slowly penetrates their hardened attitude toward strangers and learns about a series of bizarre events which took place there fifteen years ago. As layers of the case are peeled away, he begins to understand the complexities behind a number of mysterious deaths. Local cultural beliefs–superstitions, witches, evil spells, owl power, a secret religious organization, and a strange saint–stymie his progress, complicate his investigation, and threaten his life.
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Another decent Manny Rivera story. Good plot but last few chapters could kind of seeing it coming. I think Manny might have Attention Deficit Disorder the way he hops from one interest to another in all his books but never delves deep into any of them.
4.25 Stars. This is another captivating story in this engaging crime drama series. Manny Riveria approaches his investigation work like solving a 5000 piece puzzle. Each mystery takes a turn I don’t expect.
This time the story’s setting isn’t Moab, as it takes place in Northern New Mexico. The vivid description of the scenery makes one feel like they are in “The Land of Enchantment”. The thorough account of the culture, religion, beliefs, loyalty, history, and work ethics of the people of Rio Arriba County makes Manny question his own future. Manny’s social life is more prevalent in this book, though much to my disappointment, there is still no real romance for this dashing detective.
It’s a pet peeve when an author doesn’t keep track of his own story. In this book, a death of one of characters was referred numerous times as an accidental hunting incident, but in Chapter 18, Manny tells his former Sheriff, the death was declared a suicide. Mr. Curtin is too talented of an author to have such an over-sight.
It’s always a treat to hear more thoughts from Grandpa Riveria. Manny characterizes his grandfather as a man with the wisdom of a philosopher and the mind of a renaissance man. That’s quite a compliment.
I look forward to what case Manny will have next to solve. I am hooked on this outstanding series.
Love this series!
Good read
I have enjoyed the entire series. These books keep me interested, and I read them quickly.
This series starring Manny Rivera as a Utah sheriff’s deputy is wonderful. Very realistic and the description of the Utah mountains paints a great picture in your mind. Highly recommend!
A good read
Well written crime novel.
This was a really wonderful book,
I love Rich Curtin’s Manny Rivera mysteries! Can’t wait for the next one. Very well written books, and descriptive, beautiful setting.
had jsut taken a class on new mexico culture and this filled in lots of info. and great story
Clean. Very good story. I am in process of reading all of the Manny Rivera series.
Great detail on New Mexico. Good twisting mystery. The main character is admirable.
I really enjoy the Many Ramirez series. Curtin paints with beautiful pictures of the 4-Corner area of the southwest
Good mystery writing.
Love these books about Manny and his life out west. They are always action packed and he is on top of solving what’s happened. Pulling for his love life in next book LOL
Really enjoy reading books by this author.
Enjoy all these Manny Rivera novels, having read them all so far. Great stories, and a very realistic and enjoyable description of the Moab / 4 Corners area of Southeastern Utah. Always look forward for the next installment in the series.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was realistic in its depiction of the relationship between Manny and Amy. As the mystery gradually unfolded, the plot twists were exciting. I can see that work went into the geography, flora and fauna of the different regions, without feeling like an excerpt from a science textbook. I definitely recommend this book.
This is a great series! Feel like I’m right in Utah with the main characters. Have read all nine books and waiting anxiously for the next segment!