What do you think?
Manny Rivera #1
Artifacts of Death
Events which took place in 1938 lead to the present-day killing of a ranch hand in the remote canyon country near Moab, Utah, a mecca for outdoor adventure seekers. The only clue besides a 9-mm slug in the victim's head is an ancient-Indian potsherd stuck into his chest.
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is assigned the case and judges that it's likely related to a drug deal gone bad. But he's actually up against an intelligent and cunning adversary driven by greed who's discovered a long-forgotten cave containing a collection of rare museum-quality Indian artifacts. Local politicians and merchants are exerting strong pressure on the sheriff for a quick resolution to the case as the killing is threatening to disrupt the upcoming tourist season, Moab's sole source of economic activity.
After all, who would want to explore the backcountry with a killer on the loose out there?
In pursuit of the villain, Rivera takes the reader on a journey involving an unscrupulous artifact dealer, a fortune in ancient-Indian pots, a university laboratory, a home for the elderly, a ranch with an important secret, and a man who deeply regrets a decision he made. In the end, Rivera faces a moral crisis: Should he enforce the law or serve the cause of justice? And a woman learns the answer to a question that's been haunting her for seventy years. The story provides the reader with a tightly-woven plot, a strong sense of place, and an entertaining cast of characters. For readers already familiar with southeast Utah, vivid landscape descriptions will give them a sense of re-entering the land of high-desert canyons, mesas, mountains, and rivers.
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is assigned the case and judges that it's likely related to a drug deal gone bad. But he's actually up against an intelligent and cunning adversary driven by greed who's discovered a long-forgotten cave containing a collection of rare museum-quality Indian artifacts. Local politicians and merchants are exerting strong pressure on the sheriff for a quick resolution to the case as the killing is threatening to disrupt the upcoming tourist season, Moab's sole source of economic activity.
After all, who would want to explore the backcountry with a killer on the loose out there?
In pursuit of the villain, Rivera takes the reader on a journey involving an unscrupulous artifact dealer, a fortune in ancient-Indian pots, a university laboratory, a home for the elderly, a ranch with an important secret, and a man who deeply regrets a decision he made. In the end, Rivera faces a moral crisis: Should he enforce the law or serve the cause of justice? And a woman learns the answer to a question that's been haunting her for seventy years. The story provides the reader with a tightly-woven plot, a strong sense of place, and an entertaining cast of characters. For readers already familiar with southeast Utah, vivid landscape descriptions will give them a sense of re-entering the land of high-desert canyons, mesas, mountains, and rivers.
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
October 31, 2021
Manny Rivera is a great character and I thoroughly enjoyed following him in his detective work and his introspective thoughts. His love of the natural beauty of the West came through. I love the huge vistas, canyons, mountains, and rocks of the southwest and the author clearly does too. The setting was great, the mystery was well done, the detective work was top notch, but the best part for me was Manny’s grandfather’s wisdom about intent of the law and justice. There were a lot of morals to this story and I appreciated that.
September 19, 2013
I'm thrilled to find this series. I especially enjoyed the setting in Moab, as I am pretty familiar with that area.
A local ranch hand is found dead in a canyon. Deputy Manny Rivera has been assigned the case. He has been told to solve the case fast as tourist season is coming soon, no one wants a killer on the loose in the canyon country. Then he starts to figure out there is a connection to valuable ancient pottery and artifacts. Looks simple and one dimensional, however, another case comes into it having to do with the first and an old unsolved disappearance as well. Would recommend this book. Especially for those of you who enjoy Tony Hillerman or James Doss. Thanks for carrying on a great tradition!
A local ranch hand is found dead in a canyon. Deputy Manny Rivera has been assigned the case. He has been told to solve the case fast as tourist season is coming soon, no one wants a killer on the loose in the canyon country. Then he starts to figure out there is a connection to valuable ancient pottery and artifacts. Looks simple and one dimensional, however, another case comes into it having to do with the first and an old unsolved disappearance as well. Would recommend this book. Especially for those of you who enjoy Tony Hillerman or James Doss. Thanks for carrying on a great tradition!
May 13, 2019
Artifacts of Death (Manny Rivera #1)
Rich Curtin (Goodreads Author)
This story is set in the area around Moab, Utah, the mountains just to the southeast, and the surrounding open landscapes. Except for Moab, some surrounding ranches, and some outdoor enthusiasts, the area is very lightly populated. Just the sort of place where a cache of artifacts could be hidden forever.
After Josh dies, Liam becomes the only one who knows the location of the cave where the artifacts are stored. Then Liam dies. The only clue to the cave's location is found in a series of letters that Liam wrote to his intended wife. So the trail goes cold for decades until Frank Sorenson comes across the letters.
For me, the strength of this story lies in the descriptions of the land, the weather, the people who have lived and worked there, and their values of honesty, perseverance, and care for others. Of course, not all share those values. Namely Frank Sorenson and a few of his associates. They see easy money and little responsibility.
Deputy Manny Rivera is trying to makeup for a previous blunder while on stakeout. If Manny cannot solve this case, then maybe he's not good detective material.
The inconsistencies of character and action of Frank Sorenson were a negative for me. Maybe others would consider these inconsistencies within some normal degree of variation, but, for me, the variation was too pronounced.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
Rich Curtin (Goodreads Author)
This story is set in the area around Moab, Utah, the mountains just to the southeast, and the surrounding open landscapes. Except for Moab, some surrounding ranches, and some outdoor enthusiasts, the area is very lightly populated. Just the sort of place where a cache of artifacts could be hidden forever.
After Josh dies, Liam becomes the only one who knows the location of the cave where the artifacts are stored. Then Liam dies. The only clue to the cave's location is found in a series of letters that Liam wrote to his intended wife. So the trail goes cold for decades until Frank Sorenson comes across the letters.
For me, the strength of this story lies in the descriptions of the land, the weather, the people who have lived and worked there, and their values of honesty, perseverance, and care for others. Of course, not all share those values. Namely Frank Sorenson and a few of his associates. They see easy money and little responsibility.
Deputy Manny Rivera is trying to makeup for a previous blunder while on stakeout. If Manny cannot solve this case, then maybe he's not good detective material.
The inconsistencies of character and action of Frank Sorenson were a negative for me. Maybe others would consider these inconsistencies within some normal degree of variation, but, for me, the variation was too pronounced.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
September 22, 2017
I really enjoyed the setting and story as well as the information included about Native American art and artifacts smuggling. The author dedicates this book to Tony Hillerman, which makes me want to read his work even more. I loved the descriptions of Utah and the 'desert country'.
My only complaint is that the mystery that has to be solved by a police officer, is actually explained in the first few chapters. The rest of the book is the officer playing catch up. I kept waiting for another plot twist, but that didn't happen. (Reminded me of Murder, She Wrote.)
Still, the author has a easy to read style and writes about topics I enjoy reading about, so I'm sure I'll read more of his work.
My only complaint is that the mystery that has to be solved by a police officer, is actually explained in the first few chapters. The rest of the book is the officer playing catch up. I kept waiting for another plot twist, but that didn't happen. (Reminded me of Murder, She Wrote.)
Still, the author has a easy to read style and writes about topics I enjoy reading about, so I'm sure I'll read more of his work.
September 10, 2021
This is one of the best Southwestern mystery series. Set in and around Moab, Utah, the stories explore the incredibly fascinating landscape, the cultural history of its indigenous peoples, and murderous crimes involving drugs, archaeological looting, minerals, vigilantes, and more. Throughout the series, author Curtin displays his love for and his intimacy with the Four Corners area, a place that is remote, dangerous, and spectacular.
The main character in this series is young deputy Manny Rivera, who left his close-knit, loving Hispanic family in New Mexico to purposefully work in this splendid landscape. His education begins in the small sheriff's department in Moab. He has a great mentor in the current sheriff, who teaches him solid investigative methods while dealing with considerable political pressure in this town that is dependent on tourism. Manny is revealed to have great determination, a thoughtful approach, and an ability to wrestle with unusual ethical dilemmas that emerge from his investigations.
The writing is so evocative that a reader will immediately want to visit the area.
It is certainly on my travel list! The plotting is excellent and always exciting. In this first story, Manny is assigned a puzzling case of a ranch hand murdered by a shot in the head in a remote area and with an archaeological potsherd stuck in his chest. That sliver of an ancient pot is a tantalizing clue that leads into a fascinating tale of looting from decades previously.
Highly recommended. Start with this first one. There are nine in the series.
The main character in this series is young deputy Manny Rivera, who left his close-knit, loving Hispanic family in New Mexico to purposefully work in this splendid landscape. His education begins in the small sheriff's department in Moab. He has a great mentor in the current sheriff, who teaches him solid investigative methods while dealing with considerable political pressure in this town that is dependent on tourism. Manny is revealed to have great determination, a thoughtful approach, and an ability to wrestle with unusual ethical dilemmas that emerge from his investigations.
The writing is so evocative that a reader will immediately want to visit the area.
It is certainly on my travel list! The plotting is excellent and always exciting. In this first story, Manny is assigned a puzzling case of a ranch hand murdered by a shot in the head in a remote area and with an archaeological potsherd stuck in his chest. That sliver of an ancient pot is a tantalizing clue that leads into a fascinating tale of looting from decades previously.
Highly recommended. Start with this first one. There are nine in the series.
June 7, 2020
Very well written police procedural. Deputy Rivera starts his investigation with no clues whatsoever and moves from there to point A and on down the line until he solves several mysteries
A "feel good" ending that was decades in the making makes up the end game on this. And the author's description of the area in and around Moab Utah makes this a real fun read. Those who have read Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn series will appreciate the scenery descriptions.
Definitely will continue this series.
A "feel good" ending that was decades in the making makes up the end game on this. And the author's description of the area in and around Moab Utah makes this a real fun read. Those who have read Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn series will appreciate the scenery descriptions.
Definitely will continue this series.
January 8, 2017
There was neither a mystery here, nor twists. Every facet was completely and blandly predictable. To make matters worse, the dialogue sounds like it was written by Siri. Completely unbelievable--nobody talks the way the author has his characters talking. I could not recommend less.
March 20, 2021
Good characters and interesting plot.
October 11, 2025
This was so good, I read it in one sitting!
February 15, 2023
Good Lord. Why would anyone want a Manny Rivera book #2? It's nothing personal Manny. You are a decent guy but probably the least charismatic lead character I have ever read. And don't get me started on the secondary characters.
The story was OK and the author certainly loves the "four corners" and it's natural beauty but the wooden dialogue and robotic characters progressively got worse. Cringey.
If you ever watched "Joe Pera Talks With You", imagine an entire book (thriller/action) written in that vein, but with out the humor.
The story was OK and the author certainly loves the "four corners" and it's natural beauty but the wooden dialogue and robotic characters progressively got worse. Cringey.
If you ever watched "Joe Pera Talks With You", imagine an entire book (thriller/action) written in that vein, but with out the humor.
April 1, 2016
A very well written little mystery story, even more enjoyable because it was set in areas I know about--Moab, Salt Lake City, and Vernal, Utah. It concerns the illegal sale of Indian artifacts, which has been and continues to be a problem, and the deputy who solves the whole situation/crimes. It was a good read!
August 25, 2016
Good story but an unfortunate amount of "telling" rather than "showing".
June 11, 2021
3.5 stars
When the book opens in 1938, in southeast Utah, a ranch hand named Liam has just discovered a private cave belonging to a fellow named Josh. The cave is located behind Rutherford Ranch, up Burro Canyon.
The cave contains artifacts like Indian pots, bowls, and plates that Liam’s friend Josh has stored there over the years. Josh passed away leaving his artifacts to Liam.
Now Liam contemplates how he’s going to transport the artifacts without being spotted and consequently followed.
While examining more artifacts in the cave Liam gets bitten by a rattlesnake and dies shortly after.
Forward to the present, a man named Frank Sorenson is planning on getting his hands on the same artifacts. Apparently, he’s moved some successfully and made a large profit out of them. This is going to be his sixth trip down the canyon to retrieve more treasure.
Soon after the body of a ranch hand is discovered near the top of Cottonwood Canyon at the Kokopelli Trail crossing by three mountain bikers. Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera of the Grand County Sheriff’s Department is called in to investigate.
Manny’s boss Sheriff Bradshaw has put pressure on Manny to close the case as soon as possible seeing as the news of the murder would harm the tourism industry in Moab, a mining town that has since evolved into a tourist destination.
As Manny digs deeper, he soon discovers that the victim was killed in Burro Canyon and his body moved to the top of Cottonwood Canyon. It doesn’t make any sense to Manny why the victim was killed and his body moved but Manny is determined to get to the bottom of it.
An interesting police story and the first book in the Manny Rivera series. Well written. Definitely recommend.
When the book opens in 1938, in southeast Utah, a ranch hand named Liam has just discovered a private cave belonging to a fellow named Josh. The cave is located behind Rutherford Ranch, up Burro Canyon.
The cave contains artifacts like Indian pots, bowls, and plates that Liam’s friend Josh has stored there over the years. Josh passed away leaving his artifacts to Liam.
Now Liam contemplates how he’s going to transport the artifacts without being spotted and consequently followed.
While examining more artifacts in the cave Liam gets bitten by a rattlesnake and dies shortly after.
Forward to the present, a man named Frank Sorenson is planning on getting his hands on the same artifacts. Apparently, he’s moved some successfully and made a large profit out of them. This is going to be his sixth trip down the canyon to retrieve more treasure.
Soon after the body of a ranch hand is discovered near the top of Cottonwood Canyon at the Kokopelli Trail crossing by three mountain bikers. Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera of the Grand County Sheriff’s Department is called in to investigate.
Manny’s boss Sheriff Bradshaw has put pressure on Manny to close the case as soon as possible seeing as the news of the murder would harm the tourism industry in Moab, a mining town that has since evolved into a tourist destination.
As Manny digs deeper, he soon discovers that the victim was killed in Burro Canyon and his body moved to the top of Cottonwood Canyon. It doesn’t make any sense to Manny why the victim was killed and his body moved but Manny is determined to get to the bottom of it.
An interesting police story and the first book in the Manny Rivera series. Well written. Definitely recommend.
January 28, 2022
I had seen Rich Curtin's Manny Rivera mystery series pop-up on recommendations and finally gave it a try.
This is the first in the series. Manny Rivera is a young Sheriff Deputy of Grand County in Utah, headquartered in Moab, UT. If you have visited Moab, you know how beautiful the area is.
The story starts with a young ranch hand inspecting the contents of a cave left to him by a friend who died of cancer. The cave contains dozens of Native American artifacts which he knows could be sold. The year is 1938 and the young ranch hand yearns for the time when he is stable enough financially to have his love join him from Colorado. Inspecting one of the figurines, however, he is bitten by a rattlesnake, he stumbles, hits his head, and unconscious the venom does its work.
Present day, another ranch hand goes missing and soon discovered by bikers along a trail. He has be shot in the top of his head. Manny Rivera gets the task of solving why the man was killed and by whom. The by whom turns into a long story and leading Manny through twists and turns with little information or evidence until little pieces begin tying together and eventually leading back to the original ranch hand in 1938.
An enjoyable read with a thoughtful investigation and interesting backstory. I think I've found another series.
This is the first in the series. Manny Rivera is a young Sheriff Deputy of Grand County in Utah, headquartered in Moab, UT. If you have visited Moab, you know how beautiful the area is.
The story starts with a young ranch hand inspecting the contents of a cave left to him by a friend who died of cancer. The cave contains dozens of Native American artifacts which he knows could be sold. The year is 1938 and the young ranch hand yearns for the time when he is stable enough financially to have his love join him from Colorado. Inspecting one of the figurines, however, he is bitten by a rattlesnake, he stumbles, hits his head, and unconscious the venom does its work.
Present day, another ranch hand goes missing and soon discovered by bikers along a trail. He has be shot in the top of his head. Manny Rivera gets the task of solving why the man was killed and by whom. The by whom turns into a long story and leading Manny through twists and turns with little information or evidence until little pieces begin tying together and eventually leading back to the original ranch hand in 1938.
An enjoyable read with a thoughtful investigation and interesting backstory. I think I've found another series.
January 19, 2020
Having grown up in Colorado -> I appreciate crime novels set in the rural western states of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, or New Mexico, geography that I am familiar with. I enjoy reading series that develop characters over time. Artifacts of Death is a free Amazon download that introduced me to the Manny Rivera series. Rich Curtin is an able story teller, articulate writer, the plot of this book is entertaining w/ interesting protagonist. I am looking forward to reading the next novels in this series.
July 4, 2021
While visiting Moab, Utah, I wanted to try a crime fiction novel set in the area. I stopped into a local bookstore and grabbed Artifacts of Death by Rich Curtin. This was exactly what I was looking for! Curtin provided a tremendous amount of local flavor while delivering a fantastic mystery. I loved the ending.
I look forward to reading another book by this author.
I look forward to reading another book by this author.
September 16, 2026
4 stelle e mezza, quasi 5 (mi ha solo spiazzato l'uso di molteplici punti di vista)
Sono incappata in questo libro per caso, mentre l'ebook era in offerta, e l'ho comprato perché mi ispirava l'ambientazione nei canyons intorno a Moab: sono stata in alcuni dei parchi naturali lì vicino diversi anni fa e mi sono rimasti nel cuore. La storia è abbastanza intrigata con un finale soddisfacente e un protagonista interessante: leggerò sicuramente anche i libri successivi.
Sono incappata in questo libro per caso, mentre l'ebook era in offerta, e l'ho comprato perché mi ispirava l'ambientazione nei canyons intorno a Moab: sono stata in alcuni dei parchi naturali lì vicino diversi anni fa e mi sono rimasti nel cuore. La storia è abbastanza intrigata con un finale soddisfacente e un protagonista interessante: leggerò sicuramente anche i libri successivi.
May 21, 2020
A wonderful multilayered mystery.
Detective Rivera is faced solving his first big crime with no clues to help him. He starts with The tiniest bit of evidence from a hundreds year old piece of pottery. The process of solving one man's mysterious murder is enhanced with wonderful history of Utah and native treasures and bad guys from a variety of venues. Another excellent work by rich Curtin.
Detective Rivera is faced solving his first big crime with no clues to help him. He starts with The tiniest bit of evidence from a hundreds year old piece of pottery. The process of solving one man's mysterious murder is enhanced with wonderful history of Utah and native treasures and bad guys from a variety of venues. Another excellent work by rich Curtin.
April 7, 2019
Tony Hillerman fans will love this...
A mystery set in Tony Hillerman country, spanning across several generation, with all the twists and turns worthy of Tony Hillerman.
A mystery set in Tony Hillerman country, spanning across several generation, with all the twists and turns worthy of Tony Hillerman.
February 21, 2022
A good read. An interesting police procedural that shows how the investigation proceeds. While some of the clues are sheer luck and seem improbable, I am sure that occurs in some investigations.
April 6, 2023
Quick paced mystery that takes place in the Moab area, Salt Lake City, the U of U, and Vernal. It involves a hidden cave filled with ancient Indian artifacts, several murders and a deputy sheriff who figures out how everything is related.
July 25, 2026
It started out fine, but it didn't really feel like the detective work was the main point. In the end, the pile on of events just felt kind of silly.
February 11, 2020
I enjoyed this mystery and will read more of the series. The book’s setting and descriptions of place and the artifact selling aspect of the story were especially interesting. The mystery aspect was mostly interesting but overall depended on adding together some disjointed coincidences that involved new characters just showing up to close a plot point. It would have been better if the stories of these characters had built up through the book and then converged. Easier to criticize than write, I know, but to me the story and characters weren’t as engaging as they could have been. That said, I am going to continue for another book or two and see if the author develops them more. I loved the setting around Moab, Utah.
May 26, 2017
An intriguing non-grisly plot and descriptive desert-country elements kept me reading until the end. On the one hand I enjoyed armchair traveling through the canyons and cliffs, and rooting for the bad guy, rather hoping for a flash flood to help him out by washing away traces of his crime. On the other hand, when the story shifts to the detective I felt like I was listening to a dull uncle at Thanksgiving tell a plodding story full of boring details. Hope the author loosens up the starchy shirt. He's got a promising series.
September 2, 2019
If you're looking for a mystery that is a quick read, this is a book for you. The plot is straight forward and the characters are realistic. Unfortunately for those of us who like to try to figure out who did what, this book is disappointing. The Kindle edition could also use a little editing.
April 1, 2012
Fabulous mystery! Loved the characters and the setting.
March 27, 2016
Has been compared to Hillerman, but is not quite as good. Lot of description of the four corners country, but a good mystery. Keeps you guessing until the end.
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December 17, 2019TheFussyLibrarian
July 26, 2021
A very well written mystery story with interesting characters. I enjoyed reading about Moab and ancient artifacts.
September 4, 2026
I wanted to like this book. I really did. I blame myself for not paying closer attention to the fact this is yet another self-published book instead of a polished and professionally published work. I was drawn in by the blurb on the back of the book, and simply should have paid closer attention.
First off this is not a mystery - at all. There is no plot twist, no faceless killer, no intrigue whatsoever. Artifacts of Death (after reading the book I am still not sure what the title is in reference to) is at most a police procedural story, but even this would be a stretch.
I think the idea behind the book is sound. However, the execution of the story is simply not very good. The main character, Manny Rivera, has the charisma, depth and personality of unbuttered toast. There is no substance, no personality and worst of all he is completely inept as an investigator and police officer in general. If you have even a basic understanding of investigatory practices and criminal justice, Manny Rivera is kind of a slap in the face.
I will give give the author, Rich Curtin, credit for the formatting of this book. Unlike other self-published works I have seen this book looked like an actual novel. The editing and writing however are subpar.
If I can give Mr. Curtin a piece of advice, the words "that" and "just" are not your friends - stop using them. It makes your writing choppy and is amateurish. The fragment sentences are another issue. It kills the flow for the reader. The dialogue can only be described as phony, and because of this it makes every conversation sound absurd. The way many of the paragraphs were ended sounded like they were written by student in a junior high writing class. There is more I could say especially regarding the weird flashbacks and the complete idiocy of pretty much every character in this book, but it seems kind of pointless to drag this out any longer than I already have.
I do not like writing things like this, but if people are going to spend money on a book like this they need to know what they are getting into. I cannot in good conscious recommend this book. It really is shame because I feel there is a good idea here, but the way it stands now Artifacts of Death should not be on your Want To Read list.
This is sadly a 1-star.
First off this is not a mystery - at all. There is no plot twist, no faceless killer, no intrigue whatsoever. Artifacts of Death (after reading the book I am still not sure what the title is in reference to) is at most a police procedural story, but even this would be a stretch.
I think the idea behind the book is sound. However, the execution of the story is simply not very good. The main character, Manny Rivera, has the charisma, depth and personality of unbuttered toast. There is no substance, no personality and worst of all he is completely inept as an investigator and police officer in general. If you have even a basic understanding of investigatory practices and criminal justice, Manny Rivera is kind of a slap in the face.
I will give give the author, Rich Curtin, credit for the formatting of this book. Unlike other self-published works I have seen this book looked like an actual novel. The editing and writing however are subpar.
If I can give Mr. Curtin a piece of advice, the words "that" and "just" are not your friends - stop using them. It makes your writing choppy and is amateurish. The fragment sentences are another issue. It kills the flow for the reader. The dialogue can only be described as phony, and because of this it makes every conversation sound absurd. The way many of the paragraphs were ended sounded like they were written by student in a junior high writing class. There is more I could say especially regarding the weird flashbacks and the complete idiocy of pretty much every character in this book, but it seems kind of pointless to drag this out any longer than I already have.
I do not like writing things like this, but if people are going to spend money on a book like this they need to know what they are getting into. I cannot in good conscious recommend this book. It really is shame because I feel there is a good idea here, but the way it stands now Artifacts of Death should not be on your Want To Read list.
This is sadly a 1-star.
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