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.
more
Rich Curtain and his Manny Rivera series continue to be my go-to books when I OD on “amateur sleuths” without surnames who spend the bulk of their time either reacting or overreacting to things that have already happened, or repeatedly asking themselves same questions regarding the often “horrific” crime that they must solve almost inevitably to save themselves from the brutal/demented/evil, etc. villain.
Manny is a professional. He’s methodical and every event, scene, person, or other element in the book–no matter how seemingly insignificant– is there because it matters. Unlike other mystery writers who claim that “nothing is what it seems”, Rivera’s plots have intelligent twists and plots that challenge the reader. Of all the Rivera books I’ve read, this one is the best. But then, I feel that way about all of these books.
Love these books about Manny Rivera and the amazing Utah countryside. Always a good mystery too.
The series won’t change your life, but the stories are interesting. The characters are realistic and, as in real life, there’s some you like, some you don’t, some you wish you could meet. The plots are straightforward. I usually figure out parts but not all before the reveal – and not so fast that it stifles my desire to finish. And you can learn about parts of the western USA and its sparse population that you might not have been familiar with. Time pleasantly spent.
All books written with Manny as the main character are wonderful. We all want to meet a guy like him. Great story keep them coming!
I love the author’s Books with Manny in it. Unassuming and genuine. The descriptions of the territory makes me want to go there
The Manny Rivera books are all enjoyable books. A very likable protagonist and an engaging description of the beauty of the southwest!
Manny Rivera is a great character!! The descriptive scenes put you right there in the mountains!!
What is great about this series is a strong story is accompanied by a travelogue. Word pictures may take you to places you have never been nor will ever go.
Original
Manny Rivera is a great character and this book is excellent as are the others in the series.
Another great tale from this author with some interesting history thrown in.
Death Saint is another terrific Manny Rivera Mystery by the talented Rich Curtin. Set in the breathtaking New Mexico/Colorado area, the story begins with a confession leading to a cold case, and opens up the hidden world of tiny Hispanic village’s cultural and religious ways. I love New Mexico and felt as if I were back there again just reading the descriptions. I love Manny Rivera. This is the second book in the series I’ve read, it won’t be the last.
Love book’s about the Southwest.
Again Manny Rivera uses his superior investigative skills to solve an intriguing mystery against the backdrop of the beautiful scenery of the SW. Author Rick Curtain is rapidly filling the footsteps of the late, great Mary Higgins Clarke.
I love New Mexican mysteries. This Author is terrific, I have read all of his books!
Another great Manny Rivera mystery; always set in the magical Southwest
I enjoy this series, and this is one of the best. The plot moves from clue to clue, and while the original incident is a bit unlikely, the train of events as the protagonist unravels the mystery is very well done. Plus, very little bad language, no overly gruesome crimes, and no gratuitous sex allows the reader to focus on and enjoy the mystery. I hope he continues to write books in this series.
I like the setting and the cuktural background for the story which weaves into the plot.
This book is about a deputy who solves an old cold case. An old woman makes a deathbed confession about her husband keeping a wallet belonging to a dead man. The deputy finds the wallet and discovers the dead man lived in a very small town in New Mexico and should have been reported missing years ago. He discovers the town is part of an old Mexican land grant and the biggest owner still lives on the property. The sheriff is beholden to this landowner and his investigation stirs up trouble.
An enjoyable book to read particularly if you have been in New Mexico and its little towns.