Even small towns have secrets worth killing for… A skeleton in a makeshift stone grave is discovered on a remote bluff overlooking Labyrinth Canyon in southeast Utah. Cause of death: a bullet to the back of the head. The victim turns out to be a controversial investigative journalist from New York City who moved to Moab a few years earlier for some peace and quiet. That’s what he found, but … what he found, but only for a little while. He couldn’t shut off his investigative instincts and began probing into a dangerous situation about which the town folk were totally unaware. He got too close to a well-kept secret and that eventually cost him his life.
Manny Rivera, a Grand County deputy sheriff, is assigned the case. Time is of the essence, as an unsolved murder in the backcountry will inevitably inhibit tourism, Moab’s sole economic driver. To solve the case, he must unravel a series of four puzzling questions. In the end, he is torn by a moral dilemma, testing his commitment to the letter of the law.
more
Best Manny Rivera book yet. Not many side interests to distract Manny from the investigation. A lot of subtle foreshadowing hints left throughout the book which become important later.
I really enjoy reading this authors books,I would like to see more, but so far haven’t .Do you know if anymore are written
Like the author and the series
This was another great read following the Moab Deputy as he follows the clues to solve seemly unsolvable murders in the remote area he protects. Each book has been a convoluted trail to solve the mystery. I love the descriptions of the area that Manny has to traverse and the characters he meets along the way to getting his man.
Love the Moab and Arches NP area.
Like his work, Moab area brings back memories of time in Utah.
I love every book Rich Curtin has written about Manny Rivera — and I hope he continues the series. The characters are very real and interesting. I love the descriptions of the territory. I never leave a book without learning something about history and culture.
If you want to get a beautiful vision of the South West Rich Curtin does a brilliant job through the exploits of Deputy Manny Rivera. February’s Files was another fun mystery through the beautiful desert.
Manny Rivera is a wonderful charater, and the Moab/Arches/Red Rock setting is great. Good mystery, good secondary/supporting characters. These are all enjoyable books.
Enjoyed this book and have read one other in this series. If you enjoy Tony Hillerman you will enjoy this series. Characters are real and interesting and enjoy the descriptions of the country.
Beautiful location, that was well described with action and adventure happening in remote locations. The descriptions of the High Desert landscape of Utah were spot on from my recollections. The story has enough breadth and depth to keep you interested and turning the page. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you love the 4 Corners area of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.
Both of the Manny Rivera books I’ve read were very good. A refreshing protagonist and the scenic Moab, UT make for an entertaining read!
Binge read every book in the series.
Wonderful scenic description as background to an original mystery.
Very unpredictable. Logical conclusion. Great series.
A well-researched book. I’m so glad that I have visited this beautiful part of the world so that I can follow along with this great deputy sheriff as he solves the crimes in his part of the world. Despite the grandstanding by the FBI.
A nice addition to this series. Good characters and traditional justice with just the right touch of humor. Recommended for an entertaining read.
Especially good descriptions of the countryside.
A great mystery set in times past with quirky and interesting characters and some unanticipated twists.
Well written. The characters were interesting. The setting was well described.