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.
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Loved this new author (new to me). Already reading his second book…
Boy this guy can write!! I really love his description of the environment!!! Excellent book!
The canyons and red rocks are calling to me through the words of this book.
Great descriptions of area. The deputy was a good character.
Excellent descriptions! I felt I could see the red rock canyons. The plot was good, the characters likeable.
I liked the historical elements in the story and it had you guessing to the end. Really liked the characters.
Unexpected, twisting tale. Great characters and an amazing story line.
Love books set in National Parks, and interesting areas
I loved this book! The characters were original, and the story was engrossing. Thanks, Rich Curtin!
I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
I am looking forward to another one in the series. It was nice to see a regular person as the hero. He didn’t have to shoot anyone.
Manny Rivera is a deputy sheriff in southeastern Utah, around Moab. This time, Manny has a three year old murder of secretive investigative journalist to solve using very few clues to start with.
Manny is a down to earth, likeable and believable character central to this series. I like the people he deals with and I recognize the traits of suspects and witnesses. I truely enjoy the descriptions of this part of the world as Manny travels around investigating crimes he is destined to solve. I look forward to reading each book in this series.
Loved it!
An excellent series that takes place in the Moab, UT area. Excellent plot, writing style and moves right along.
Enjoyed this a lot and basically read it in two days….
I enjoyed the “mystery” and the outdoor scenes and action sequences.
Good mystery Enough details to make it interesting but not overwhelm you. I liked The location information as well and the development of the plot and the characters.
Enjoy all the Manny Riveral Mystery series books: Enjoyable characters, great locale (Moab UT and surrounding, 4 Corners area of UT AZ CO NM). If you’ve been to those areas, Rich Curtin’s description / atmosphere evoke vivid memories. My reading them all, says it all.
As in the other Rick Curtain mysteries that I’ve read, the reader knows the crime and the perpetrators early on. The way Mr Curtain develops his story is through the detective work of Manny Rivera. Most mysteries leave you hanging as to “who dun it” until the very end. In Rick Curtain’s style, the reader views the mystery like a real police case and you get to follow the leads, real and false, through the detective’s eyes. It is a thoroughly enjoyable way to read a mystery. I can’t wait to continue the Manny Rivera series.
4.75 Stars. This talented author writes such original and clever police procedural dramas. I found this book to be captivating.
This plot was like putting together a thousand piece puzzle. No one is a better puzzle solver than Manny Rivera. His detective skills are second to none.
It is so intriguing to “watch” him work. The way he approaches his murder investigations are pure entertainment and amazing.
Since my favorite genre is romantic suspense, I wish more attention was given to Manny’s personal life. At least now, he has a lady friend. The philosophy from Rivera’s grandfather is always thought-provoking and adds depth to the storyline.
Reading this entire series is now a must for me.