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Manny Rivera #3
Trails of Deception
Protesters in downtown Moab are demonstrating against pothunters who defile ancient-Indian graves in search of valuable artifacts. A manifesto threatening stronger action in retaliation for the pothunting is received by the local newspaper. Soon thereafter, a San Francisco artifact collector is found murdered in a remote part of the LaSal Mountains. In his backpack is a freshly-dug ancient-Indian pot. Subsequent acts of lawless defiance emphasize the serious nature of the protest.
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is assigned the job of tracking down the cold-blooded killer. His investigation takes him to a scientific research center, the home of a curandera, a charitable hospice, and a remote part of Utah called the Big Triangle. The series of crimes threatens to derail Moab's tourist economy, so Rivera is under pressure to solve the case quickly. But clues are sparse and Rivera's well-honed sense of logic is severely tested.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
January 13, 2019
A #murder in the La Sal Mountains, a supposed hunting accident leaves a victim in a coma, demonstrators protesting the digging up of ancient Indian grave sites, Manny's girlfriend has taken time off to revisit family in Taos and doesn't want any communication, Deputy Chief Bradshaw wants to retire and there's a major dumb@ss running unopposed for his position. Manny Rivera has a plate of problems and it keeps piling up as he keeps investigating the murder. More crimes are being committed, primarily digging up a "white man" grave site and the break in of a rich white man's home and the theft of his ancient pottery collection. How is it all related, or is it???
This novel also covers two major issues, is it moral to be digging up ancient grave sites, taking out the artifacts in the name of science and the history of mankind? Is it wrong for Utah not to allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes to help ease the pain of critically ill and/or dying patients?
Rich Curtin gives a breakdown of the FBI invasion of the town of Blanding in 2009; 200 agents in a town of approximately 3000 for a grave site robbing sting operation. Many are arrested, several commit suicide and the town's residents are not happy that the local law enforcement helped the FBI, even though they had no choice. In the same token, just because it has been done since the white pioneers first came to San Juan County and made loads of money digging up and selling the artifacts; are they "entitled" to keep doing it? What is the difference of digging up a 1000 year old Indian grave as opposed to a 50 year old white person grave, taking valuable contents and selling them for profit???
In 2018, the use of medical marijuana is voted in favor for by the residents of the state of Utah. The legislature decides to veto the vote because the Mormon Church tells them to do it. My question is, "Why bother to vote if politicians will change the voting outcome to suit themselves, or to please a religion that not everyone in the state believes in or is a part of???" Sorry Utah, I still believe in the separation of church and state just like our forefathers wanted it to be.
Enough of my opinions, read the book, get a gander at what living in Utah is akin to, and enjoy another Manny Rivera mystery!
This novel also covers two major issues, is it moral to be digging up ancient grave sites, taking out the artifacts in the name of science and the history of mankind? Is it wrong for Utah not to allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes to help ease the pain of critically ill and/or dying patients?
Rich Curtin gives a breakdown of the FBI invasion of the town of Blanding in 2009; 200 agents in a town of approximately 3000 for a grave site robbing sting operation. Many are arrested, several commit suicide and the town's residents are not happy that the local law enforcement helped the FBI, even though they had no choice. In the same token, just because it has been done since the white pioneers first came to San Juan County and made loads of money digging up and selling the artifacts; are they "entitled" to keep doing it? What is the difference of digging up a 1000 year old Indian grave as opposed to a 50 year old white person grave, taking valuable contents and selling them for profit???
In 2018, the use of medical marijuana is voted in favor for by the residents of the state of Utah. The legislature decides to veto the vote because the Mormon Church tells them to do it. My question is, "Why bother to vote if politicians will change the voting outcome to suit themselves, or to please a religion that not everyone in the state believes in or is a part of???" Sorry Utah, I still believe in the separation of church and state just like our forefathers wanted it to be.
Enough of my opinions, read the book, get a gander at what living in Utah is akin to, and enjoy another Manny Rivera mystery!
February 19, 2022
The third book in the Manny Rivera series.
When a body is discovered by hikers in the mountains and turns out to be someone who searches for ancient burial sites to find buried artifacts (in the grave with a body), Manny is assigned to investigate. When another body is found and then Manny investigates a shooting occurring a month earlier with the victim in a coma, the question Manny must consider is if all these could somehow be related to a protest occurring in Moab, UT, which is protesting the desecration of ancient graves sites in the search for artifacts.
This story again is set in the wilderness surrounding Moab, UT. These are relatively short books but very interesting in both the investigation and description of the locale. Very enjoyable.
When a body is discovered by hikers in the mountains and turns out to be someone who searches for ancient burial sites to find buried artifacts (in the grave with a body), Manny is assigned to investigate. When another body is found and then Manny investigates a shooting occurring a month earlier with the victim in a coma, the question Manny must consider is if all these could somehow be related to a protest occurring in Moab, UT, which is protesting the desecration of ancient graves sites in the search for artifacts.
This story again is set in the wilderness surrounding Moab, UT. These are relatively short books but very interesting in both the investigation and description of the locale. Very enjoyable.
March 16, 2021
Good story
Curtin weaves a good story around well drawn characters with an interesting plot and important subplots. Both sides of the pot hunter subplot are presented well with Manny Rivera coming down on the side of respect and reverence. This is a great series.
Curtin weaves a good story around well drawn characters with an interesting plot and important subplots. Both sides of the pot hunter subplot are presented well with Manny Rivera coming down on the side of respect and reverence. This is a great series.
March 17, 2016
Another good read in the Manny Rivera series. I enjoy the storylines and the characters. Nothing too deep, but fun to read! I love the setting of Moab and the interesting details about Utah.
November 4, 2017
Grand County deputy Manny Rivera watches a demonstration at the main intersection of Moab, Utah. The protest is against pot hunting, the illegal collection of prehistoric pottery. No long afterwards, Manny is called to investigate the murder of a California fellow who came to the La Sal Mountains to dig up pots. Then another murder victim is found and within a few days yet another person meets a violent end. The crimes seems to center around illegal artifact collecting but Manny can't get the pieces to fit very convincingly.
Trails of Deception is the third in Rich Curtin's detective novels featuring Rivera and set in southeastern Utah. It was an enjoyable, quick read. I like envisioning where the scenes play out and find the characters interesting. You don't have to read these books in sequence but if you do then you gain insight to Manny's personal life, which is woven into the stories as an underlying theme. I have no doubt I'll pick up the next one in the series.
Trails of Deception is the third in Rich Curtin's detective novels featuring Rivera and set in southeastern Utah. It was an enjoyable, quick read. I like envisioning where the scenes play out and find the characters interesting. You don't have to read these books in sequence but if you do then you gain insight to Manny's personal life, which is woven into the stories as an underlying theme. I have no doubt I'll pick up the next one in the series.
June 18, 2020
Well, this book pushed all my buttons, in a good way. I grew up in New Mexico and still have relatives there in Albuquerque and Las Cruces. My children live in Utah and Colorado. I am a graduate of the University of New Mexico. My husband and I enjoy hiking and visiting the national parks and forests in our RV, including those near Moab. It seemed this series was written just for me! I appreciate the character of Manny who is diligent and persevering. He is faced with moral dilemmas and tries to do the right thing, even if it skirts the law. The little bit of romance thrown into the plot shows that he is not just a workaholic, but a human being who can get lonely sometimes. The plot wasn't overly complicated and the ending had a nice twist. I look forward to reading more books about Manny in the near future. Thank you to Kindle Unlimited for making this book available. If it wasn't for KU, I wouldn't have known about this series.
July 2, 2022
Trails of Deception is the third book in the Manny Rivera series, and I found it equally enjoyable as the others.
A man is found murdered in the LaSal Mountains while searching for ancient Indian burial artifacts. At the same time, a group shows up in Moab protesting the desecration of graves. Manny is called to investigate, and it seems the two events are connected.
A series of other crimes has Manny looking for one of the protesters who made threats but has disappeared. But is the murder related to the protests? While searching for clues, Manny discovers something that leads him to believe he was looking in the wrong direction.
In each book, readers get to know a little more about Manny. >Trails of Deception ends with a solution to the crime, but it also leaves on a note about the possibilities of Manny’s future. I look forward to the next book of the series.
A man is found murdered in the LaSal Mountains while searching for ancient Indian burial artifacts. At the same time, a group shows up in Moab protesting the desecration of graves. Manny is called to investigate, and it seems the two events are connected.
A series of other crimes has Manny looking for one of the protesters who made threats but has disappeared. But is the murder related to the protests? While searching for clues, Manny discovers something that leads him to believe he was looking in the wrong direction.
In each book, readers get to know a little more about Manny. >Trails of Deception ends with a solution to the crime, but it also leaves on a note about the possibilities of Manny’s future. I look forward to the next book of the series.
January 20, 2023
Another Wonderful Southwestern Mystery
I love the Manny Rivera mystery series by Rich Curtin. Each one is like spending time catching up with a dear, old friend who lives far away. There's a sadness when I finish one, not unlike watching the car pull out of the driveway when your dear, old friend goes back home. That said, Trails of Deception by Rich Curtin is another wonderful southwestern mystery with my book boyfriend, Manny Rivera, a great detective and a good man.
This time Manny is plate is full with a dead body, a protest movement, a marijuana plot in the mountains, a comatose man in the hospital, and trouble in the lovelife department. Characters I thought were bad guys and good guys flipped around a bit in my mind, all leading to a surprising but satisfying ending.
I love the Manny Rivera mystery series by Rich Curtin. Each one is like spending time catching up with a dear, old friend who lives far away. There's a sadness when I finish one, not unlike watching the car pull out of the driveway when your dear, old friend goes back home. That said, Trails of Deception by Rich Curtin is another wonderful southwestern mystery with my book boyfriend, Manny Rivera, a great detective and a good man.
This time Manny is plate is full with a dead body, a protest movement, a marijuana plot in the mountains, a comatose man in the hospital, and trouble in the lovelife department. Characters I thought were bad guys and good guys flipped around a bit in my mind, all leading to a surprising but satisfying ending.
September 24, 2020
Good, but...
I’m enjoying the Manny Rivera series for the most part, getting somewhat predictable. One of the more predictable is Rivera’s turning the eye the other way on criminal offenses, two being felonies. Hard to fully respect the character if he is violating the law he’s sworn to uphold.
Sure there are ‘reasons of sympathy’ but the law is the law. Yes, the author gets somewhat political. I sense he doesn’t like the Federal government, he’s entitled to as he is to voice it in his books, but doing so takes away from the entertainment of reading. He’s not over the top like some but still I want to be entertained not have to deal with politics. I get way more than enough it seems everywhere else.
I’m enjoying the Manny Rivera series for the most part, getting somewhat predictable. One of the more predictable is Rivera’s turning the eye the other way on criminal offenses, two being felonies. Hard to fully respect the character if he is violating the law he’s sworn to uphold.
Sure there are ‘reasons of sympathy’ but the law is the law. Yes, the author gets somewhat political. I sense he doesn’t like the Federal government, he’s entitled to as he is to voice it in his books, but doing so takes away from the entertainment of reading. He’s not over the top like some but still I want to be entertained not have to deal with politics. I get way more than enough it seems everywhere else.
March 19, 2021
The traffic in downtown Moab is tied up by demonstrations instigated by the Heritage Protection Society. The demonstrators are not agitating against pothunting as such, but against the desecration of graves to reach the artifacts. When a man’s body is spotted from an airplane flying over a remote site in the Utah mountains, Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera hikes in to find not only the body, but also a disturbed grave and a stolen vessel in the man’s backpack. The obvious motive is revenge for the grave robbing and the obvious suspects are the more radical members of the Heritage Protection Society. Manny Rivera is an engaging character and the finely crafted mystery plot relies on his the acumen, persistence, and ethical sensibility.
July 30, 2018
There is not much more I can say about this series of books after having read and reviewed the previous two. These are enjoyable reads set in a beautiful location with interesting story lines and likeable characters. All three have had me looking forward to sitting down and reading them each evening. I have already purchased the next book in the series.
While this one is a great story, it also touches on several issues of importance such as Native American rights, drug trafficking, and the difference between "justice" and the law.
Some interesting things occur in Manny's life during this story that set the stage for future books in the series. I am anxious to see what happens next.
While this one is a great story, it also touches on several issues of importance such as Native American rights, drug trafficking, and the difference between "justice" and the law.
Some interesting things occur in Manny's life during this story that set the stage for future books in the series. I am anxious to see what happens next.
May 19, 2020
Another fun read in the Manny Rivera series. Set in the area around Moab, Utah, Deputy Rivera investigates a murder victim who has ties to artifact hunting. Curtin's descriptions of the scenery and the culture are very well done; he manages to have his intrepid detective, who frequently works solo in the middle of nowhere, take time to appreciate the grandeur of the setting and the history of the indigenous peoples. Although the books in this series that I have read all involve murder in an isolated setting, Manny's hikes through the desert and secluded canyons read like an invitation to get outside and enjoy nature.
A fun read.
A fun read.
September 1, 2020
Well crafted and interesting! At first, I thought I didn't like it, but as I got into it and saw the interleaving aspects and how individual characters and their stories interacted, I got totally pulled into it!
I liked the fact the book didn't just end after the climax, but it took time to tie up loose ends and indicate that there was a future. And the particular introduce characters each had a well defined and described purpose and was necessary for the book. No smoking guns were left unaddressed, and it created a full and complete story, although it was not totally tied up with no possible continuations. I totally enjoyed the ride.
I liked the fact the book didn't just end after the climax, but it took time to tie up loose ends and indicate that there was a future. And the particular introduce characters each had a well defined and described purpose and was necessary for the book. No smoking guns were left unaddressed, and it created a full and complete story, although it was not totally tied up with no possible continuations. I totally enjoyed the ride.
May 30, 2021
Manny Rivera was searching for more info on the deaths found on the land and in the caves. They come to find some marijuana fields planted in the canyons. So he goes searching for more clues for the who and when and where of the story of the marijuana fields. After he got some good leads on it. The FBI & DEA decided they will take the case over. But they werent there yet. Things were going down and lives were at stake. Manny said we're going for it on our own . They cant wait for them. Almost got them all that night but the main man. But later on they found him decapitated with a note attached. Now they also know what happened to the man named Scotty.
November 25, 2019
Manny Rivera has another murder to solve. Vivian his lady friend has taken a vacation from her job at the hospital. There are protesters pouring into town, the man running for sheriff is a bully. Manny starts at the scene of the crime but comes up empty.
This book is really good, lots of twists and turns. The first half of the book is investigating the crimes and the second half is making sense of all the pieces. It is slow moving at first but hang in and you won’t be disappointed. I enjoy Manny and his character. I’m continuing with the series.
This book is really good, lots of twists and turns. The first half of the book is investigating the crimes and the second half is making sense of all the pieces. It is slow moving at first but hang in and you won’t be disappointed. I enjoy Manny and his character. I’m continuing with the series.
June 27, 2020
Another very well written police procedural from Rich Curtin. This one follows Manny's investigation of a murder which leads to pot stealing which then morphs into pot growing. Fun story, fast read. Very little wasted verbiage.
Once again, the description of the scenery in and around Moab and the LaSal mountains of Utah is what makes this novel special.
Other than a couple of relationships between characters there is nothing to stop a reader from treating this as a stand alone thriller.
Once again, the description of the scenery in and around Moab and the LaSal mountains of Utah is what makes this novel special.
Other than a couple of relationships between characters there is nothing to stop a reader from treating this as a stand alone thriller.
July 6, 2020
I enjoy this series for the scenic description as much as the plot line.
This story had a few surprises although the ending of manny relationship with Vivian was not one of them.
While it seems like there is an awful lot of hiking in very rugged terrain no one gets tired.
The proposed new relationship with Amy possibility being set up in this book to replace the lost love interest was apparent. Will have to see if it follows through as well as how the new sheriff will play out.
All in all I enjoyed the book. Fast , entertaining read.
This story had a few surprises although the ending of manny relationship with Vivian was not one of them.
While it seems like there is an awful lot of hiking in very rugged terrain no one gets tired.
The proposed new relationship with Amy possibility being set up in this book to replace the lost love interest was apparent. Will have to see if it follows through as well as how the new sheriff will play out.
All in all I enjoyed the book. Fast , entertaining read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2020
I like the Manny Rivera mystery series. This is the third one I’ve read and my favorite so far. The story is engaging, though I wish it didn’t deal with the Mexican drug cartel, kind of a tired subject, in my opinion. But Curtin approaches it in an interesting way and gives it a good spin.
I wish that the author would concentrate more on Manny’s personal life, because he is an intriguing character. Instead, he doesn’t even detail an important scene between Manny and his girlfriend, telling rather than showing us. Maybe the next book will reveal more about Manny’s life. I can hope.
I wish that the author would concentrate more on Manny’s personal life, because he is an intriguing character. Instead, he doesn’t even detail an important scene between Manny and his girlfriend, telling rather than showing us. Maybe the next book will reveal more about Manny’s life. I can hope.
August 17, 2021
This is the 3rd book in the series. I have read all three. I have liked all 3 and feel the books are improving as the series progresses. The author shows a very thorough knowledge of the region around Moab, Utah. The characters are well developed, but not over-done. I also enjoy reading about the history of the Indian artifacts and the flora and fauna of the region. The mysteries are engaging and not ridiculously complicated, like some other books. Overall, a very enjoyable read. I will read the next book in the series soon.
January 8, 2022
Another pleasant reading experience
This is the third book in the Manny Rivera mystery series. Once again, the beautiful "Four Corners" area of the Southwest is the setting, and a major focus of the plot. I really appreciate the author's ability to educate us about the customs and beliefs of the characters without becoming too "preachy". It is so much more effective than the ham-fisted, authoritarian, biased rants which are so often presented of late as enlightened, unimpeachable fact. I'm looking forward to enjoying the next book.
This is the third book in the Manny Rivera mystery series. Once again, the beautiful "Four Corners" area of the Southwest is the setting, and a major focus of the plot. I really appreciate the author's ability to educate us about the customs and beliefs of the characters without becoming too "preachy". It is so much more effective than the ham-fisted, authoritarian, biased rants which are so often presented of late as enlightened, unimpeachable fact. I'm looking forward to enjoying the next book.
April 6, 2019
Mystery
Third in a series, enjoyed the story. A bit puzzled why a smart detective would not see anything suspicious in a woman refusing to discuss anything about her family or previous home when they were getting serious and why he didn't do a background check. In the review of book one I forgot to mention that a big plot point was left unresolved, the murdered ranch hand had a fake identity and no one looked for his real one.
Third in a series, enjoyed the story. A bit puzzled why a smart detective would not see anything suspicious in a woman refusing to discuss anything about her family or previous home when they were getting serious and why he didn't do a background check. In the review of book one I forgot to mention that a big plot point was left unresolved, the murdered ranch hand had a fake identity and no one looked for his real one.
February 22, 2020
this is the 3rd book in the Manny Rivera series. Rich Curtin gives us an enjoyable story set in rural Utah. Curtin writes in a manner that allows the high desert mountain setting to be an integral component of the plot. Through his descriptions of the scenery -> the reader can feel “..the remoteness and the silence of the high desert’s vast landscape [which] somehow allowed him to find his sense of place in the universe” and understand more completely the protagonist.
June 30, 2024
This was an easy to read mystery, good, not exceptional. The characters are nicely developed, and the settings are clean and clear. It's well written and flows smoothly with new discoveries on a regular basis to keep interest. The romantic elements were fairly typical and not overwhelming. I read it as a stand-alone book, and I'm glad to see it worked well as such, with a clear, catchy beginning, nice threads, and a clean conclusion with threads tied up. That's rare in series these days.
August 6, 2019
Another good read
Nice read, not too taxing. Characters still need to be developed more. The reader needs to get to know them to be able to care about them and what they do. Story line reminiscent of first 2 books. A little too easy to see the twists and turns coming. Romance a little juvenile. Light read, story won't stay with you after it is done.
Nice read, not too taxing. Characters still need to be developed more. The reader needs to get to know them to be able to care about them and what they do. Story line reminiscent of first 2 books. A little too easy to see the twists and turns coming. Romance a little juvenile. Light read, story won't stay with you after it is done.
August 24, 2019
Gripping story
If you enjoy tales of honest good guys. The twists and turns of life. Thrown in some awesome scenery & hiking country then these books are for you.
The author spins a good take that carries you along. Acquaintance rd you with the 4Corners area & people's in a manner that almost makes you feel you know them all.
If you enjoy tales of honest good guys. The twists and turns of life. Thrown in some awesome scenery & hiking country then these books are for you.
The author spins a good take that carries you along. Acquaintance rd you with the 4Corners area & people's in a manner that almost makes you feel you know them all.
June 18, 2020
Binge reading this awesome series
This third book in the nine book series is even better then the first two that got me hooked! I’m really loving these murder mysteries set in the amazing mountains and canyonlands around Moab. Looks like there will be no sleep in my near future!!!
This third book in the nine book series is even better then the first two that got me hooked! I’m really loving these murder mysteries set in the amazing mountains and canyonlands around Moab. Looks like there will be no sleep in my near future!!!
June 28, 2020
Murder unveils something much deepe.
In the red hills of Utah one murder after another challenge Deputy Manny's detective skills to uncover a much bigger truth. The clues lead him to something much bigger and more devastating than he and his fellow officers could imagine in their quiet backcountry counties.
In the red hills of Utah one murder after another challenge Deputy Manny's detective skills to uncover a much bigger truth. The clues lead him to something much bigger and more devastating than he and his fellow officers could imagine in their quiet backcountry counties.
July 9, 2020
Another great one
This story line followed the others, great and mysterious. Poor Manny is (almost) left with no romance in his life. Almost. I hate to see Bradshaw leaving as Sharriff but Manny is still on the job. Each novel is a stand alone adventure and each adventure is creative. I can hardly wait to start on 'Deadly Games.'
This story line followed the others, great and mysterious. Poor Manny is (almost) left with no romance in his life. Almost. I hate to see Bradshaw leaving as Sharriff but Manny is still on the job. Each novel is a stand alone adventure and each adventure is creative. I can hardly wait to start on 'Deadly Games.'
August 8, 2020
Worth the read
Although I had a pretty good idea who the bad guy was long before Manny did, it was still an enjoyable read to see him figure it out. Manny is a guy interested in not just following and enforcing the law, but doing what is actually the right thing to do and that makes him a good character to read about.
Although I had a pretty good idea who the bad guy was long before Manny did, it was still an enjoyable read to see him figure it out. Manny is a guy interested in not just following and enforcing the law, but doing what is actually the right thing to do and that makes him a good character to read about.
August 16, 2020
It is a folklore story, regular tourist people, famous tourist town, folks of the town down to the earth. The story woven through town people's daily life. Young people protect native american treasure, greedy children blackmail parent, drug dealer grow poppies in national park ... ... Wish the story has more excitement
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews