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Manny Rivera #4
MoonShadow Murder
A nineteen-year-old girl named Sunshine disappears one evening from the backcountry commune where she lives. She's found the next day about a mile away, dead by strangulation. The other residents of the commune, an unusual collection of dropouts from society, are all potential suspects as Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera tries to make sense of an odd collection of clues. In the end, the deputy's own life is endangered as he gets closer to understanding the motive for Sunshine's murder.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
February 26, 2022
The fourth book in the Manny Rivera series by Rich Curtin is another good read.
Manny Rivera, Deputy Sheriff of Grand County, UT, is now reporting to the new Sheriff (a former patrolman from Detroit) after his respected Sheriff retires following the death of his wife after a long cancer fight. Manny is not happy with the change in Sheriffs but that must be pushed back as he is assigned new cases.
A young woman is found dead in the desert. She was a member of a small commune in the remote desert and was beloved by all as far as Manny is able to determine. When Manny discovers she was earlier threatened by a local rancher, he thinks he might suddenly have a leading suspect. When that rancher turns up missing days later and then dead by gun shot, the case takes a sudden twist. Are the two deaths related? Are they separate crimes?
In now typical fashion, Curtin weaves in the scenic region of Moab, UT into the story as Manny investigates into the remote region of the surround desert, canyons, and mountains of Moab. These are simple reads that are interesting and enjoyable.
Manny Rivera, Deputy Sheriff of Grand County, UT, is now reporting to the new Sheriff (a former patrolman from Detroit) after his respected Sheriff retires following the death of his wife after a long cancer fight. Manny is not happy with the change in Sheriffs but that must be pushed back as he is assigned new cases.
A young woman is found dead in the desert. She was a member of a small commune in the remote desert and was beloved by all as far as Manny is able to determine. When Manny discovers she was earlier threatened by a local rancher, he thinks he might suddenly have a leading suspect. When that rancher turns up missing days later and then dead by gun shot, the case takes a sudden twist. Are the two deaths related? Are they separate crimes?
In now typical fashion, Curtin weaves in the scenic region of Moab, UT into the story as Manny investigates into the remote region of the surround desert, canyons, and mountains of Moab. These are simple reads that are interesting and enjoyable.
December 25, 2025
Decided I should read one more book before the end of the year…a fun murder mystery in the Utah backcountry!
June 7, 2022
This is a fast-reading book for the mystery enthusiast. Free of technical errors—something I always find pleasant. I think I noticed but one misplaced bit of punctuation, and a couple of locations where the manuscript had been edited, but a word that should have been edited out remained.
Our protagonist, Manny, finds himself investigating the murder of a young woman who had resided in a commune. With no apparent enemies, his task becomes one of trying to connect the dots, which is complicated when one of his suspects also falls victim. When I got to determining who was the likely suspect, I couldn't determine the motive. It isn't until the end of the book that the motive and the killer are revealed.
Set in the desert Southwest where I, too, make my home, the rich descriptions of the setting will have you exploring the area with Amy, a botanist doing temporary research in the area, and riding along with Manny as he performs his investigation of the crimes. The book comes to a satisfying ending.
This is the only book of this series that I have read. It's left me wanting to go back and read the first three books, and then move on to the fifth.
Our protagonist, Manny, finds himself investigating the murder of a young woman who had resided in a commune. With no apparent enemies, his task becomes one of trying to connect the dots, which is complicated when one of his suspects also falls victim. When I got to determining who was the likely suspect, I couldn't determine the motive. It isn't until the end of the book that the motive and the killer are revealed.
Set in the desert Southwest where I, too, make my home, the rich descriptions of the setting will have you exploring the area with Amy, a botanist doing temporary research in the area, and riding along with Manny as he performs his investigation of the crimes. The book comes to a satisfying ending.
This is the only book of this series that I have read. It's left me wanting to go back and read the first three books, and then move on to the fifth.
September 30, 2021
Utah Desert
Not Tony Hillerman but good. The main character, Manny Rivera, is a good guy all around. The Utah desert area is well described.
Not Tony Hillerman but good. The main character, Manny Rivera, is a good guy all around. The Utah desert area is well described.
August 25, 2020
If you like Mysteries
You are really going to love this writer.
This is the second Manny Rivera mystery I have read and I am impressed. The writing is smooth and engaging and they mystery is not revealed until very close to the last page.
Manny Rivera is a sheriff deputy in the remote 4 corner area of the southwestern United States. The landscape is beautiful but deadly in more ways than one. If a hiker doesn't understand the natural dangers of the remote desert area, they are likely to become disoriented and or dehydrated and the possibility of death by Mother Nature is extremely likely. And where a better or easier place to hide a murder than in the remote area of the high desert?
As an investigative detective Manny gets drawn into finding the murder of a young, beautiful woman who was kind, sweet and loved by everyone who knew her. But before he has a clue into her murder, another killing happens within a short distance.
To add problems to the solution, Manny's new boss is determined to lay the blame on a compound of quiet, "hippies" who live in a commune in the area near the murders. With no evidence to base his boss's suspicion s on, Manny continues to try to find a reason or motive for the murders, which seem to be related but don't appear to have any connection.
Suddenly Manny finds himself starting at the Harrell of the mother's hun and he has no place to hide, no where to run and very little chance of saving his life.
Don't miss book 4 of the fantastic series by author Rich Curtin.
You are really going to love this writer.
This is the second Manny Rivera mystery I have read and I am impressed. The writing is smooth and engaging and they mystery is not revealed until very close to the last page.
Manny Rivera is a sheriff deputy in the remote 4 corner area of the southwestern United States. The landscape is beautiful but deadly in more ways than one. If a hiker doesn't understand the natural dangers of the remote desert area, they are likely to become disoriented and or dehydrated and the possibility of death by Mother Nature is extremely likely. And where a better or easier place to hide a murder than in the remote area of the high desert?
As an investigative detective Manny gets drawn into finding the murder of a young, beautiful woman who was kind, sweet and loved by everyone who knew her. But before he has a clue into her murder, another killing happens within a short distance.
To add problems to the solution, Manny's new boss is determined to lay the blame on a compound of quiet, "hippies" who live in a commune in the area near the murders. With no evidence to base his boss's suspicion s on, Manny continues to try to find a reason or motive for the murders, which seem to be related but don't appear to have any connection.
Suddenly Manny finds himself starting at the Harrell of the mother's hun and he has no place to hide, no where to run and very little chance of saving his life.
Don't miss book 4 of the fantastic series by author Rich Curtin.
September 29, 2021
MoonShadow Murder is book 4 in the Manny Rivera Mystery series and the first book by Rich Curtin that I’ve ever read. I have to confess that it moved at a much slower pace than most mysteries that I’ve read and enjoyed. MoonShadow Murder moves forward at a steady pace, but it wasn’t a page burner, a book that I couldn’t put down. At least that was the case until I reach the final chapters. The last half dozen chapters moved like a whirling dervish. The ending left me saying to myself, “Wow! I never saw that coming!”
The story begins with Deputy Sherriff Manny Rivera responding to the discovery of a young girl’s murder whose body had been discovered by a couple of hikers. The bodies pile up when a megalomaniac rancher is shot to death on BLM land he has grazing rights to. As Manny tries to find out who committed those murders, his boss, the elected sheriff, wants him to arrest members of MoonShadow, a hippy commune where the girl lived, because he has a personal vendetta against them. Manny feels they aren’t involved and continues to search for the perp elsewhere.
In the end, it looks as if Manny will become the murderer’s fourth victim when... Sorry! Go read MoonShadow Murder to find out what happened. All I’m going to say now is that I will buy and reading all the other books in this series, starting with books 1-3.
The story begins with Deputy Sherriff Manny Rivera responding to the discovery of a young girl’s murder whose body had been discovered by a couple of hikers. The bodies pile up when a megalomaniac rancher is shot to death on BLM land he has grazing rights to. As Manny tries to find out who committed those murders, his boss, the elected sheriff, wants him to arrest members of MoonShadow, a hippy commune where the girl lived, because he has a personal vendetta against them. Manny feels they aren’t involved and continues to search for the perp elsewhere.
In the end, it looks as if Manny will become the murderer’s fourth victim when... Sorry! Go read MoonShadow Murder to find out what happened. All I’m going to say now is that I will buy and reading all the other books in this series, starting with books 1-3.
July 3, 2022
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera has undergone changes in his life. His mentor, Sheriff Bradshaw has retired and moved away from Moab. Manny has issues with his new boss, Denny Campbell to the point where Manny debates leaving Grand County.
When a body is discovered in a remote area near Moab, Manny is assigned the investigation. The victim is a young woman named Sunshine who lives in a small desert commune known as MoonShadow.
Manny’s investigation leads him to the owner of a nearby ranch who claimed Sunshine was trespassing on his property when in fact she was on BLM land. Raymond Stinson has grazing rights on the property, and he resents anyone being there, including a drilling company that is surveying the area for possible minerals.
When Stinson is found murdered by his cousin, who served time in prison, Manny wonders if the two murders were connected. But how and why?
Curtin, as usual, takes us through the scenic backcountry of Utah as he leaves a trail of clues leading to the killer. I was also happy to see Amy Rousseau, a character the author introduced in the third book, make an appearance.
This fourth book in the Manny Rivera series is a fast and easy read, but no less entertaining than the others.
When a body is discovered in a remote area near Moab, Manny is assigned the investigation. The victim is a young woman named Sunshine who lives in a small desert commune known as MoonShadow.
Manny’s investigation leads him to the owner of a nearby ranch who claimed Sunshine was trespassing on his property when in fact she was on BLM land. Raymond Stinson has grazing rights on the property, and he resents anyone being there, including a drilling company that is surveying the area for possible minerals.
When Stinson is found murdered by his cousin, who served time in prison, Manny wonders if the two murders were connected. But how and why?
Curtin, as usual, takes us through the scenic backcountry of Utah as he leaves a trail of clues leading to the killer. I was also happy to see Amy Rousseau, a character the author introduced in the third book, make an appearance.
This fourth book in the Manny Rivera series is a fast and easy read, but no less entertaining than the others.
August 16, 2025
Wow! This was a surprise. What a terrific mystery suspense story from an author new to me!
We follow Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera in Moab, Utah, as he tries to figure out who murdered Sunshine, a resident artist/crafter who lived at a commune in the southern Utah back country. The story has its ends and outs, and it’s fun to try to figure out who the killer is.
The narrative is of full of interesting characters, any and all of whom could be guilty of the crime. Rivera himself is unique, a thoughtful and compassionate cop who is determined to stop the killing. One of his unique characteristics is a willingness to not send in a full report if he thinks harm will come of releasing too much information. At the same time, he’s trying to figure out how to handle his new, very obnoxious boss, what to do about his girlfriend who has cut off communication with him, and...there’s that lovely botanist Amy who he just met. Also very notable is the gorgeous, unforgiving southern Utah desert setting, very well-described by author Curtin.
I’m hooked. I’ll definitely be reading more Manny Rivera mysteries!
We follow Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera in Moab, Utah, as he tries to figure out who murdered Sunshine, a resident artist/crafter who lived at a commune in the southern Utah back country. The story has its ends and outs, and it’s fun to try to figure out who the killer is.
The narrative is of full of interesting characters, any and all of whom could be guilty of the crime. Rivera himself is unique, a thoughtful and compassionate cop who is determined to stop the killing. One of his unique characteristics is a willingness to not send in a full report if he thinks harm will come of releasing too much information. At the same time, he’s trying to figure out how to handle his new, very obnoxious boss, what to do about his girlfriend who has cut off communication with him, and...there’s that lovely botanist Amy who he just met. Also very notable is the gorgeous, unforgiving southern Utah desert setting, very well-described by author Curtin.
I’m hooked. I’ll definitely be reading more Manny Rivera mysteries!
January 19, 2022
Delightful mystery novel
I am a big fan of well-written mysteries. Rich Curtin has become a new favorite author. The two things I enjoyed most about this book were:
The beautiful Four Corners area of the American Southwest are described in such detail that I find myself transported into the story. I can see, feel, smell and hear the high desert country. It is obvious that Mr. Curtin loves and treasures the region. I feel privileged to share his writing, which is disciplined and highly detailed, but so artfully constructed that it occasionally feels like poetry.
I have been educated about several topics of which I, along with Manny Rivera (the detective protagonist), was completely ignorant of before reading this book. Each of the books in this series that I have read has piqued my curiosity on these previously unheard of or little understood subjects and inspired me to pursue further information. My desire to visit this area grows stronger with every page!
These books are a perfect tonic for the craziness surrounding us all these days.
I am a big fan of well-written mysteries. Rich Curtin has become a new favorite author. The two things I enjoyed most about this book were:
The beautiful Four Corners area of the American Southwest are described in such detail that I find myself transported into the story. I can see, feel, smell and hear the high desert country. It is obvious that Mr. Curtin loves and treasures the region. I feel privileged to share his writing, which is disciplined and highly detailed, but so artfully constructed that it occasionally feels like poetry.
I have been educated about several topics of which I, along with Manny Rivera (the detective protagonist), was completely ignorant of before reading this book. Each of the books in this series that I have read has piqued my curiosity on these previously unheard of or little understood subjects and inspired me to pursue further information. My desire to visit this area grows stronger with every page!
These books are a perfect tonic for the craziness surrounding us all these days.
December 18, 2018
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera's boss is focused on a commune as the source of most of Grand County's crimes, including the murder of a young woman. Rivera isn't buying it, but bucking his boss comes with its own troubles. So he sets out to do what he does best--find and follow the clues. With nearly 24-hour zeal, and the involvement of his girlfriend, Rivera drives the back roads of the county, hikes its trail-less red rock boulder fields, and ends up with a surprise.
This mystery is the fourth in the Manny Rivera series by Rich Curtin, and like its predecessors is set in southeastern Utah. The author's descriptions of landscape and local communities are credible because Curtin has spent lots of time in the vicinity and can write from first-hand experience. I think this adds to the appeal of his books and I look forward to the next one.
This mystery is the fourth in the Manny Rivera series by Rich Curtin, and like its predecessors is set in southeastern Utah. The author's descriptions of landscape and local communities are credible because Curtin has spent lots of time in the vicinity and can write from first-hand experience. I think this adds to the appeal of his books and I look forward to the next one.
June 7, 2020
Moonshadow Murder is the fourth mystery in the Manny Rivera series. Once again, the setting around Moab, Utah is exquisite. A young girl who lives in an isolated commune is murdered and Manny is tasked with finding her murderer. But, despite the geographic isolation, one murder quickly turns into more.
Because of changes in leadership on the force, Manny questions his future in Grand County. His isolated investigation while hiking in the desert allows him plenty of time to ponder his future. Although Manny does most of the investigation solo, Curtin manages to bring into the story a variety of experts on everything from petroglyphs to geology. Their interactions with Manny round out his character and allow him and readers to pursue varied threads about Utah's flora and fauna.
This series is just fun to read.
Because of changes in leadership on the force, Manny questions his future in Grand County. His isolated investigation while hiking in the desert allows him plenty of time to ponder his future. Although Manny does most of the investigation solo, Curtin manages to bring into the story a variety of experts on everything from petroglyphs to geology. Their interactions with Manny round out his character and allow him and readers to pursue varied threads about Utah's flora and fauna.
This series is just fun to read.
November 6, 2021
MoonShadow Murder is an entertaining and neatly written mystery set in and around the red rock country of Moab, Utah. Manny Rivera is a deputy sheriff and a sympathetic character, easy to like, even if he is pretty predictable. The killer wasn't that difficult to identify well before the reveal, but the motive and plot contained some interesting twists.
In fact, there's very little here that hasn't been done in other murder mysteries, but Curtin's writing is straightforward and genuine. It's not great literature, folks; it's just a very nice diversion from the stresses of daily life and reminds me, very remotely, of Tony Hillerman. If you like this genre, this series is worth a look. A solid little story that doesn't demand much from the reader, just a few hours of his/her time and a willingness to enjoy some time in the beautiful and remote desert of Utah.
In fact, there's very little here that hasn't been done in other murder mysteries, but Curtin's writing is straightforward and genuine. It's not great literature, folks; it's just a very nice diversion from the stresses of daily life and reminds me, very remotely, of Tony Hillerman. If you like this genre, this series is worth a look. A solid little story that doesn't demand much from the reader, just a few hours of his/her time and a willingness to enjoy some time in the beautiful and remote desert of Utah.
September 15, 2018
Easy reading, very scenic.
The killer wasn't obvious but consistent with the story and that's something I value in a book.
I'm a bit ambivalent about the approach to the letter of the law in this series. Law works if it's applied equally to all. Here it's something to pick which part you like and then ignore or enforce. That's the road to an unequal society when the cops decide when, how and to whom the law applies. Yes, in this book it's always to protect someone from a consequence that is presented as harsh and unjust. But that also means if the cop doesn't like you you feel the full force of the law and if he does he'll turn a blind eye. And that is the road to the full range of personal prejudices standing over the equal idea of justice.
The killer wasn't obvious but consistent with the story and that's something I value in a book.
I'm a bit ambivalent about the approach to the letter of the law in this series. Law works if it's applied equally to all. Here it's something to pick which part you like and then ignore or enforce. That's the road to an unequal society when the cops decide when, how and to whom the law applies. Yes, in this book it's always to protect someone from a consequence that is presented as harsh and unjust. But that also means if the cop doesn't like you you feel the full force of the law and if he does he'll turn a blind eye. And that is the road to the full range of personal prejudices standing over the equal idea of justice.
September 23, 2019
Several good stories hidden in one book.
As a true Southerner, I love a good story. There are several in this book. People of different ages and backgrounds gather at an isolated commune in Southeast Utah to find peace?, quiet?, themselves? A rancher descended from pioneer stock thinks he is still living in the 19th century. A deputy Sheriff plods through meager clues to solve two murders------- which is probably the way it is for most detectives in small towns. This is only the second book that I have read about this sparsely populated area of Utah. The characters, and I assume the authors, love the raw edge of nature in this desolate geography. No James Bond, no car chases, read it.
As a true Southerner, I love a good story. There are several in this book. People of different ages and backgrounds gather at an isolated commune in Southeast Utah to find peace?, quiet?, themselves? A rancher descended from pioneer stock thinks he is still living in the 19th century. A deputy Sheriff plods through meager clues to solve two murders------- which is probably the way it is for most detectives in small towns. This is only the second book that I have read about this sparsely populated area of Utah. The characters, and I assume the authors, love the raw edge of nature in this desolate geography. No James Bond, no car chases, read it.
March 27, 2022
This is my second Manny Rivera book and I find that I really like the guy. He is a deputy in Moab, Utah (an area I really like also). He's a really good guy and he takes his job very seriously, wanting to find justice for the victims of a crime. This particular mystery begins with what seems like a senseless tragic murder of a beautiful young woman who lived a peaceful well-loved life. She was murdered in the desert, with no clues. As usual, the plot thickens along the way and Manny has a lot of gathering evidence and putting pieces together before figuring out what happened and why. It's a good, solid mystery with some twists and turns. The grand desert is basically a character itself in these Rivera books. This is a clean book without profanity, sex or graphic violence.
January 2, 2021
Moon shadow murder
I liked the description of the backcountry around Moab. I liked the kindness and humanity and understanding Rivera exhibited. It is in contrast to the sterile police thinking the sheriff represents. It highlights the quest for mineral exploration and its devastating effect on the landscape. Yet this landscape is drawing people from all over the world; there is more money in tourism ; but there a $$$$ in get rich quick mineral exploitation. This land belongs to all of us , not the R politicians in Salt Lake City. I recall with fondness my stay at the Wind Whistle campground 30 years ago.
I liked the description of the backcountry around Moab. I liked the kindness and humanity and understanding Rivera exhibited. It is in contrast to the sterile police thinking the sheriff represents. It highlights the quest for mineral exploration and its devastating effect on the landscape. Yet this landscape is drawing people from all over the world; there is more money in tourism ; but there a $$$$ in get rich quick mineral exploitation. This land belongs to all of us , not the R politicians in Salt Lake City. I recall with fondness my stay at the Wind Whistle campground 30 years ago.
October 29, 2021
This is the fifth book in the series I've read, all in the wrong order. It doesn't matter because they are all stand-alone investigations, I just have Manny's private life out of sync.
MoonShadow Murder follows Manny's methodical approach in his investigation of the death of a teenage girl. Other murders occur which might, or might not, be connected. Set in and around Moab in Utah, there are clues but none too obvious, making this a mystery Who Done It, until the end. Once again Manny is working his case mostly alone in the back country, this time with serious consequences.
Manny's investigation might seem slow compared to the usual fast car chases and high action portrayed in many crime mysteries, but author Rich Curtin has a style of writing that produces compulsive reading.
An absorbing investigation with fabulous descriptions of the back country around Moab.
MoonShadow Murder follows Manny's methodical approach in his investigation of the death of a teenage girl. Other murders occur which might, or might not, be connected. Set in and around Moab in Utah, there are clues but none too obvious, making this a mystery Who Done It, until the end. Once again Manny is working his case mostly alone in the back country, this time with serious consequences.
Manny's investigation might seem slow compared to the usual fast car chases and high action portrayed in many crime mysteries, but author Rich Curtin has a style of writing that produces compulsive reading.
An absorbing investigation with fabulous descriptions of the back country around Moab.
January 22, 2019
A young woman, residing at a commune, is found murdered. A rancher with property near the commune is then found murdered. He threatened the young woman, could he have killed her? But, the who killed him?
Manny Rivera has a truck bed of trouble; the new Sheriff Chief is a pain in the ..., 2 murders to solve, and then he finds that someone is cleverly stealing petroglyphs & pictographs right off the sandstone walls in a canyon. Is all this related somehow? Guess you need to read installment #4 of the Manny Rivera series to find it out, and you will definitely be surprised!
Manny Rivera has a truck bed of trouble; the new Sheriff Chief is a pain in the ..., 2 murders to solve, and then he finds that someone is cleverly stealing petroglyphs & pictographs right off the sandstone walls in a canyon. Is all this related somehow? Guess you need to read installment #4 of the Manny Rivera series to find it out, and you will definitely be surprised!
February 13, 2019
Very good
I have been to Moab as a tourist more years ago than I care to admit and what I loved was the descriptions of the landscape and area. It is a very special and stunning part of the world. We hiked in Arches and saw what were once called Anasazi ruins and a little of the wonderful landscape described here. Added to the descriptions are enjoyable, well realised characters and a well thought out story. Well worth reading. During a grey winter period it was a joy to be taken back to the high desert in good company.
I have been to Moab as a tourist more years ago than I care to admit and what I loved was the descriptions of the landscape and area. It is a very special and stunning part of the world. We hiked in Arches and saw what were once called Anasazi ruins and a little of the wonderful landscape described here. Added to the descriptions are enjoyable, well realised characters and a well thought out story. Well worth reading. During a grey winter period it was a joy to be taken back to the high desert in good company.
September 6, 2019
Murders in the desert
I enjoyed the story even though I'm reading the series out of order. I still want to read books #2 & #3 to see what happened to two different characters. This one didn't leave me feeling as good as after book one, but it was still a good story. I don't like the current sheriff. So, Manny either needs to leave and work for another police agency, or move and work with his old boss and be closer to family. Besides his own instincts, Manny has turned into a good homicide detective thanks to his old boss, and his grandfather.
I enjoyed the story even though I'm reading the series out of order. I still want to read books #2 & #3 to see what happened to two different characters. This one didn't leave me feeling as good as after book one, but it was still a good story. I don't like the current sheriff. So, Manny either needs to leave and work for another police agency, or move and work with his old boss and be closer to family. Besides his own instincts, Manny has turned into a good homicide detective thanks to his old boss, and his grandfather.
September 7, 2019
A Great Murder Mystery
I truly enjoy Curtin's style of writing. It makes for effortless reading and strong mental images. He makes the country around Moab sound like heaven on earth. This book provides a vicarious visit as Manny solves the series of murders and becomes close to the residents of Moonshadow, a colony living in a giant sandstone rock. The story is fraught with suspense right up to the end, and has an ending that is very satisfying. I put this book on my read again shelf.
I truly enjoy Curtin's style of writing. It makes for effortless reading and strong mental images. He makes the country around Moab sound like heaven on earth. This book provides a vicarious visit as Manny solves the series of murders and becomes close to the residents of Moonshadow, a colony living in a giant sandstone rock. The story is fraught with suspense right up to the end, and has an ending that is very satisfying. I put this book on my read again shelf.
November 29, 2019
Manny Rivera is a hard working deputy sheriff in Moab. He has a new boss, who he has a different idea of how things should be done. A young lady has been murdered and Manny has the case. But he stumbles onto another crime being committed. Precious artifacts are being stolen. Someone is cutting and defacing hieroglyphs in the surrounding area. In Manny’s methodical and detailed style he examines all the clues. I really like this character and love the wonderful description of the area. I highly recommend these books.
January 22, 2020
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera dispatched to investigate a murder of a backcountry commune resident about a mile from the commune. In a few days a rancher living a few miles away is also murdered. Curtin's description of Manny's enjoyment of the backcountry and of his work was a pleasure to read. Plot was well done. Story and characters were enjoyable. While Curtin did a good job showing Manny's dedication to his work and those involved, I think the result is short of the dedication to others that Ellis Peters creates for some of the heroines in the Cadfael mystery series.
October 26, 2020
Picking up a Rich Curtin Manny Rivera mystery novel to read is like treating myself to a bag of potato chips. I realize there’s nothing nutritious/profound about it, but it sure is tasty/entertaining. Manny Rivera is a steady character who solves cases with his brains, using careful detecting methods. This particular novel in the series is appealing because of the many oddly interesting characters and the beautifully depicted landscape. I was only disappointed in some of the repetitious passages. Other than that, it was a real treat.
May 26, 2021
Like previous offerings in this series, this book is an enjoyable read with an interesting plot line. They take place in the high desert country near Moab, Utah and involve the adventures of local Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera. Manny is a stand up guy who cares deeply for his community and desert backcountry he is responsible for. I have found these books to be welcome diversions from some of the more darker, complex, or technical books I have read and have the remainder of the series queued up on my Kindle
Those who have enjoyed Tony Hillerman's will find these books to be similar.
Those who have enjoyed Tony Hillerman's will find these books to be similar.
September 20, 2021
Another Heart-Thumping Page Turner
MoonShadow Murder, A Manny Rivera Mystery, was another heart-thumping page turner from the talented Rich Curtin. A beautiful young woman who lives in a commune is strangled in the high desert. Deputy Manny Rivera investigates the murder, but only comes up with more dead bodies. Three bodies, unrelated in any way. They have to be connected. What is he missing? Good detective work and a bit of luck lead Manny to a satisfying ending. I highly recommend.
MoonShadow Murder, A Manny Rivera Mystery, was another heart-thumping page turner from the talented Rich Curtin. A beautiful young woman who lives in a commune is strangled in the high desert. Deputy Manny Rivera investigates the murder, but only comes up with more dead bodies. Three bodies, unrelated in any way. They have to be connected. What is he missing? Good detective work and a bit of luck lead Manny to a satisfying ending. I highly recommend.
October 2, 2021
A good story, moved nicely, quick read. The characters were decently drawn, as in life, some details were not there. It was easy to envision the the scenes as the story unfolded. The biggest downside to me was that the deputy's final report hinged on a conclusion that any competent cop would instantly dismiss as absurd, but we are supposed to believe that Rivera got away with it as reasonable. No one will ever look at the evidence, the actions taken or wonder why the killer killed? Uh, I don't think so.
April 13, 2019
Oh my, this was a great story. Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera worked his way through the clues and solved three murders plus another crime. Manny's new boss interferes and is obviously incompetent in dealing with small town and rural crime. I wonder how their relationship will work itself out in coming books. I am reading the series all the way through and am especially loving the setting in the area around Moab, Utah.
April 28, 2019
Moonshadow Murder(Manny Rivera Mystery Series Book 4)
I like this character, Manny Rivera! He had a healthy respect for the wilds of the canyons and territories wherein he acts as a Deputy Sheriff, and also a respect for what is right and good, not necessarily telling the whole truth about certain aspects of his investigations, or just eliminating some of the more ethical details!
I like this character, Manny Rivera! He had a healthy respect for the wilds of the canyons and territories wherein he acts as a Deputy Sheriff, and also a respect for what is right and good, not necessarily telling the whole truth about certain aspects of his investigations, or just eliminating some of the more ethical details!
September 7, 2019
Decent story, but if you are not into geology, rock formations, etc. you are going to be bored silly as I was. The writer might consider writing travel brochures as his descriptions are in depth and informative. The story would have been much more enjoyable if so much of it was not spent on very exacting descriptions of the terrain, etc. I know, for one, I will not be reading any more from this writer.
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