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Manny Rivera #2
February's Files
A skeleton buried in a makeshift stone grave is discovered on a remote bluff overlooking Labyrinth Canyon in southeast Utah. Cause of death: a bullet to the back of the head.
The victim turns out to be a controversial investigative journalist from New York City who moved to Moab a few years earlier for some peace and quiet. That's what he found, but only for a little while. He couldn't shut off his investigative instincts and that eventually cost him his life. Even small towns have secrets worth killing for.
Manny Rivera, a Grand County deputy sheriff, is assigned the case. In pursuit of the murderer, he takes the reader on a journey involving a tragic fifty-year-old bus accident, the inner workings of a local Health Department, a talented computer hacker, and an abandoned cemetery with an elderly caretaker.
Time is of the essence, as an unsolved murder in the backcountry will inevitably inhibit tourism, Moab's sole economic driver. To solve the case, Rivera must unravel a series of four puzzling questions. In the end, he is challenged by a moral diemma, testing his committment to the letter of the law.
February's Files contains story twists which will challenge even the most avid mystery reader. It's a fast-moving story with a fascinating cast of characters. Like "Artifacts of Death," Curtin's vivid landscape descriptions provide the reader with a strong sense of place.
This is the second story in the Manny Rivera Mystery series.
The victim turns out to be a controversial investigative journalist from New York City who moved to Moab a few years earlier for some peace and quiet. That's what he found, but only for a little while. He couldn't shut off his investigative instincts and that eventually cost him his life. Even small towns have secrets worth killing for.
Manny Rivera, a Grand County deputy sheriff, is assigned the case. In pursuit of the murderer, he takes the reader on a journey involving a tragic fifty-year-old bus accident, the inner workings of a local Health Department, a talented computer hacker, and an abandoned cemetery with an elderly caretaker.
Time is of the essence, as an unsolved murder in the backcountry will inevitably inhibit tourism, Moab's sole economic driver. To solve the case, Rivera must unravel a series of four puzzling questions. In the end, he is challenged by a moral diemma, testing his committment to the letter of the law.
February's Files contains story twists which will challenge even the most avid mystery reader. It's a fast-moving story with a fascinating cast of characters. Like "Artifacts of Death," Curtin's vivid landscape descriptions provide the reader with a strong sense of place.
This is the second story in the Manny Rivera Mystery series.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
February 13, 2024
The second instalment of the year and month two with a February book title.
RTC
My quest so far:
Thousand Doors of January
February Files
RTC
My quest so far:
Thousand Doors of January
February Files
November 4, 2024
I really like Manny Rivera. He is an introspective and methodical detective that has a real knack for getting to the heart of things. The setting doesn’t hurt the series any either. I look forward to Manny’s next adventure.
July 17, 2012
Murder mystery in Utah;s canyonlands. A fun read when it took place in Moab , the same place I was staying. I could understand the people and the plot as I was hiking and experiencing the same backcountry and landscape as the characters in the book. Manny Rivera, is the Grand County deputy sheriff who is assigned the case of the murder of an investigative reporter. He has to solve four questions which take him to scenic areas of southeast Utah.
many of the places in the book are real places. I ate at Manny's favorite diner.
many of the places in the book are real places. I ate at Manny's favorite diner.
February 8, 2022
The second in the Manny Rivera Mystery series.
The series is set in the Moab, Utah region in Grand County. Manny, a Grand County Deputy Sheriff, is assigned the case when a corpse is found by hikers under a pile of heavy rocks. The body is believed to be 3 years old and is identified as February Flanagan, a retired investigative report from New York. The body shows he was shot in the head, then covered by rocks in a remote canyon.
What could lead someone to kill a retired reporter who had moved to the scenic and quiet Moab area? Manny has to answer that and find the person responsible. During his initial investigation, Manny finds a file containing folders of dissimilar subjects including the tragic deaths of orphanage kids in a bus accident, the Moab region office of records, and a wedding photograph and article.
Manny has to piece together a puzzle that doesn't seem to have pieces that fit together but the more he searches, the more puzzling question he asks, and the more he widens the possibilities away from a single line of thought, the more this "old" case begins to look like merely the start of something ongoing and very current and reaching far beyond the little Moab, Utah.
Another very enjoyable tale set in a very stunning environment.
The series is set in the Moab, Utah region in Grand County. Manny, a Grand County Deputy Sheriff, is assigned the case when a corpse is found by hikers under a pile of heavy rocks. The body is believed to be 3 years old and is identified as February Flanagan, a retired investigative report from New York. The body shows he was shot in the head, then covered by rocks in a remote canyon.
What could lead someone to kill a retired reporter who had moved to the scenic and quiet Moab area? Manny has to answer that and find the person responsible. During his initial investigation, Manny finds a file containing folders of dissimilar subjects including the tragic deaths of orphanage kids in a bus accident, the Moab region office of records, and a wedding photograph and article.
Manny has to piece together a puzzle that doesn't seem to have pieces that fit together but the more he searches, the more puzzling question he asks, and the more he widens the possibilities away from a single line of thought, the more this "old" case begins to look like merely the start of something ongoing and very current and reaching far beyond the little Moab, Utah.
Another very enjoyable tale set in a very stunning environment.
January 6, 2019
February Flanagan's skeletal remains are found, by ATVers exploring Labyrinth Canyon, hidden in a rocky recess; it's been 3 years since anyone has seen old Feb. A bullet to the back of the skull tells of an execution style murder. February was an ex-New Yorker who did investigative journalism for the New York Times; even after retiring to Moab, he couldn't stop nosing around. What was he working on that might have gotten him killed?
Manny Rivera is given the case, at first feeling useless, since the murder is clueless. As he delves deeper into Feb's life, more and more details become apparent. Good thing he listens to his boss, Sheriff Bradshaw, and decides that "take a larger view" might just be how this mystery, and others to follow, will be solved.
So, my question to the author is, "Is the Moab Tavern actually The Rio in Moab?" Anyway, again, this is a great read and it helps so much living in the area. Places mentioned can easily be pictured, especially traveling up and down those switchbacks. Funny, I'm an ex-New Yorker, I write for the local paper in San Juan County; I drive the City Council crazy with questions and comments at monthly meetings...did I meet Rich Curtin, cause it sure sounds like he knows me.
After you read the first book, you won't be able not to buy the entire series, and it's up to book #7 which I just ordered.
Manny Rivera is given the case, at first feeling useless, since the murder is clueless. As he delves deeper into Feb's life, more and more details become apparent. Good thing he listens to his boss, Sheriff Bradshaw, and decides that "take a larger view" might just be how this mystery, and others to follow, will be solved.
So, my question to the author is, "Is the Moab Tavern actually The Rio in Moab?" Anyway, again, this is a great read and it helps so much living in the area. Places mentioned can easily be pictured, especially traveling up and down those switchbacks. Funny, I'm an ex-New Yorker, I write for the local paper in San Juan County; I drive the City Council crazy with questions and comments at monthly meetings...did I meet Rich Curtin, cause it sure sounds like he knows me.
After you read the first book, you won't be able not to buy the entire series, and it's up to book #7 which I just ordered.
January 24, 2020
I really enjoy reading the books in this series. the protagonist Manny Rivera is genuine -> reminiscent of C.J. Box’s character Joe Pickett. the author Rich Curtin is a good story teller and his description of the eastern Utah scenery makes me inspired to plan a road-trip to Moab.
May 2, 2016
A fun, easy whodunnit. This book caught my eye because it's set in the Utah canyon country which we visit almost every year.
June 5, 2022
I became interested in Rich Curtin’s Manny Rivera books earlier this year. February’s Files is the second book of the series.
When ATV riders discover a skeleton in a remote area near Labyrinth Canyon in Southeastern Utah, Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is called to investigate. The body belonged to Moab resident February Flannigan who had disappeared three years earlier. Most believed he had left town, but someone had a reason to murder him.
Flannagan was a former New York investigative journalist who had an interest in local politics and business dealings. Rivera’s investigation leads him to discover some files Flanigan had hidden away in the trunk of his car. Were the subjects—Insurance Fraud, Wedding Article, Bus Accident 1968, Utah Department of Health Moab Office, and Illegal Immigration related? If so, how? It’s up to Manny to find out.
This book is written largely from Manny’s point of view. There is a lot of narrative as he thinks through his investigation.
Curtin paints a vivid description of the Southeastern Utah area, something that appeals to me. When an author puts readers in the setting, that’s a plus for me.
I also like the character of Manny. He’s young but hard-working and eager to learn. He also has a strong sense of the importance of family.
While the plot is not complicated, I thought the book was an enjoyable read and will be reading other books in the series.
3.5 stars rounded up to four for review purposes.
When ATV riders discover a skeleton in a remote area near Labyrinth Canyon in Southeastern Utah, Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is called to investigate. The body belonged to Moab resident February Flannigan who had disappeared three years earlier. Most believed he had left town, but someone had a reason to murder him.
Flannagan was a former New York investigative journalist who had an interest in local politics and business dealings. Rivera’s investigation leads him to discover some files Flanigan had hidden away in the trunk of his car. Were the subjects—Insurance Fraud, Wedding Article, Bus Accident 1968, Utah Department of Health Moab Office, and Illegal Immigration related? If so, how? It’s up to Manny to find out.
This book is written largely from Manny’s point of view. There is a lot of narrative as he thinks through his investigation.
Curtin paints a vivid description of the Southeastern Utah area, something that appeals to me. When an author puts readers in the setting, that’s a plus for me.
I also like the character of Manny. He’s young but hard-working and eager to learn. He also has a strong sense of the importance of family.
While the plot is not complicated, I thought the book was an enjoyable read and will be reading other books in the series.
3.5 stars rounded up to four for review purposes.
June 2, 2021
How refreshing! After reading so many books lately light on plot and heavy on “background” and “development” and ever widening gyres of characters, this book is all about plot and action. Even better, it’s straightforward plot action, not the sort of bombastic CGI style action with lurid sketching of revolting behaviors, just straight ahead storyline.
2nd in this series and the 1st I’ve read, it tells about the discovery of a body (skeleton, really) left in Labyrinth Canyon in the Moab, Utah area. It turns out to be that of February Flanagan, a retired investigative reporter from New York City, who’d come to Utah for peace and quiet. Apparently, his reporter’s instincts couldn’t be quelled and he began looking into things that he thought curious...and which others seriously didn’t want him to look into. February disappeared, and most folks thought he’d moved on and was no longer in the area, until three years later his corpus is uncovered. It falls to Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera to investigiate the obvious murder - a bullet hole in the back of his skull and the .25 caliber projectile still inside the cavity.
It’s Manny’s detective work that powers the story on, and power on it does, getting more interesting with each page turned. I turned them all in two days, and was disappointed only to be finished so quickly. Happily there are at least 10 more in the series. If you’re a mystery fan, you can’t go wrong with this tale.
2nd in this series and the 1st I’ve read, it tells about the discovery of a body (skeleton, really) left in Labyrinth Canyon in the Moab, Utah area. It turns out to be that of February Flanagan, a retired investigative reporter from New York City, who’d come to Utah for peace and quiet. Apparently, his reporter’s instincts couldn’t be quelled and he began looking into things that he thought curious...and which others seriously didn’t want him to look into. February disappeared, and most folks thought he’d moved on and was no longer in the area, until three years later his corpus is uncovered. It falls to Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera to investigiate the obvious murder - a bullet hole in the back of his skull and the .25 caliber projectile still inside the cavity.
It’s Manny’s detective work that powers the story on, and power on it does, getting more interesting with each page turned. I turned them all in two days, and was disappointed only to be finished so quickly. Happily there are at least 10 more in the series. If you’re a mystery fan, you can’t go wrong with this tale.
May 24, 2021
Okay! Now a favorite series!
Manny is becoming my hero! I may just move to Moab! I love the southern Utah area so why not? Guess I'd better read the next one to see if I really want to... But I'm packing a few things...
Manny is becoming my hero! I may just move to Moab! I love the southern Utah area so why not? Guess I'd better read the next one to see if I really want to... But I'm packing a few things...
June 16, 2020
I enjoyed Artifacts of Death, the first in the Manny Rivera series, where we meet Manny for the first time. He’s a hardworking police officer who solves crimes in and around Moab, Utah. This second in the series, though, is disappointing. It focuses on the crime solving but leaves out the interesting character study that the first book provided. I really didn’t care to read pages of details on stealing a dead person’s identity. Also, the whole dialogue scene between the Russian Mafia “boss” and his underling is unrealistic. Why would the boss go into so much unnecessary background detail with the underling just for the benefit of the reader? Another weakness is the lack of important female characters. The females are only in minor roles. But I’m not ready to give up on this series. Manny is a likable guy, and the Utah setting is always interesting.
June 17, 2021
I've been reading quite a bit of history lately and I was ready for a change. Rich Curtin's February's Files was just the ticket. It is the second in his series featuring Manny Rivera, a deputy sheriff in Moab, Utah. The story has interesting characters and is set along the Green and Colorado Rivers not far from Moab. Rivera investigates a murdered reporter and follows the leads right to the doors of some locals who are nearly his neighbors. It is fast paced, easy to read, and left me smiling.
June 12, 2019
This is really more of a 2.5 stars for me, while the first in the series was a 3.5. Both this book and the first involve some clumsy writing (characters say each other’s names far too often, the balance of show vs. tell is often off, with exposition often replacing dialogue but unimportant sequences of movements fully choreographed), but the first in the series had enough going for it to overlook those things. Though this book wasn’t bad, it also wasn’t good enough for me to not mind its faults.
September 12, 2019
A body is discovered in the desert and was found to have been killed 3 years earlier. Manny is assigned the case. When a reporter friend of the dead man starts to ask questions around town, he is also killed. Manny starts digging into the reasons as to why these 2 men are killed. He discovers that identies are being sold on the black market and believes this is the reason these 2 men were killed. It is a good story and keeps the reader guessing.
October 4, 2017
This is the 2nd in his series. I liked the first but then forgot about them until just the other day. They are set in our own Utah red rock country, in Moab and environs. It is fun to picture in your mind all the places mentioned, and to have a mystery featuring a sheriff who doesn't use profane language! An interesting read.
March 5, 2018
I purchased this book because I thoroughly enjoyed book #1 in the series. This offering was also an enjoyable read with interesting characters and plot line dealing with cyber crime and the Russian mafia. The story takes place in the area around Moab, Utah and Arches National Park. I plan to continue reading the books in the series.
May 7, 2020
February's Files is the second book in the Manny Rivera series and it is a solid mystery. What is most attractive about this series for me is the setting - the area surrounding Moab, Utah. Curtin does a great job describing the desolation and the beauty of the desert and the people who choose this landscape for their lives.
The body of February Flanagan is discovered in a very remote area some three years after his disappearance. Beaten and shot, February had lived in the Moab area for a few years after retiring from his job as an investigative journalist in New York City. Deputy Rivera is tasked with the cold case with few initial clues. His persistence gradually reveals clues with ties to NYC as well as the deaths of children in a bus accident years before.
Since I had read book one in this series just a few days ago, the slight repetition of character facts and history was a little boring; if months had gone by between reading, then the repetition would have been essential.
All-in-all, an enjoyable read.
The body of February Flanagan is discovered in a very remote area some three years after his disappearance. Beaten and shot, February had lived in the Moab area for a few years after retiring from his job as an investigative journalist in New York City. Deputy Rivera is tasked with the cold case with few initial clues. His persistence gradually reveals clues with ties to NYC as well as the deaths of children in a bus accident years before.
Since I had read book one in this series just a few days ago, the slight repetition of character facts and history was a little boring; if months had gone by between reading, then the repetition would have been essential.
All-in-all, an enjoyable read.
May 8, 2020
Another great one
I don't know how many of the Manny Rivers Mysteries I have had the privilege of reading but each has been an exceptional read. My wife enjoyed them as well.
Having lived in Utah for over seven years, and visiting the Moab area as often as we can, I really appreciate the detailed descriptions of the topography and geography the author uses. The details are right on. I am a rock hound, amateur prospector and an enthusiastic history buff. These stories are written especially for me. I love every one of them.
The characters become your friends and their personalities are very appealing. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate the stories, their mystery and well written relaxed word flow. I especially applaud the author in not using foul language, no sexual content, no brutality and characters who don't take advantage of others.
Again well done Rich Curtin. I only wish I could give a higher rating. Thanks again and again.
I don't know how many of the Manny Rivers Mysteries I have had the privilege of reading but each has been an exceptional read. My wife enjoyed them as well.
Having lived in Utah for over seven years, and visiting the Moab area as often as we can, I really appreciate the detailed descriptions of the topography and geography the author uses. The details are right on. I am a rock hound, amateur prospector and an enthusiastic history buff. These stories are written especially for me. I love every one of them.
The characters become your friends and their personalities are very appealing. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate the stories, their mystery and well written relaxed word flow. I especially applaud the author in not using foul language, no sexual content, no brutality and characters who don't take advantage of others.
Again well done Rich Curtin. I only wish I could give a higher rating. Thanks again and again.
February 23, 2022
This is #2 in the Manny Rivera mystery series, but you don't need to read #1 to enjoy this book. The action takes place primarily in Moab, Utah, which is a beautiful red rock setting. Manny is a young policeman with a good heart and a good work ethic. He's very likable and even bends the rules just a bit at the end in a way that I applauded. Several other characters in the book are well-developed also, to the point that I felt sympathy for two of the men who had broken the law. The story is told in a straight-forward manner, without a lot of superfluous description and inner dialogue - just enough to keep it interesting. It's also a "clean" book with no sex, profanity or unnecessary gore, which I appreciated. I wanted to give it 4-1/2 starts, but it's not available, so sorry it's 4-stars. It just missed 5-stars because I figured some things out early on and there was just a tad too much repetition for me. Altogether though, I really liked the book.
August 18, 2021
4.75 Stars. This talented author writes such original and clever police procedural dramas. I found this book to be captivating.
This plot was like putting together a thousand piece puzzle. No one is a better puzzle solver than Manny Rivera. His detective skills are second to none.
It is so intriguing to “watch” him work. The way he approaches his murder investigations are pure entertainment and amazing.
Since my favorite genre is romantic suspense, I wish more attention was given to Manny’s personal life. At least now, he has a lady friend. The philosophy from Rivera’s grandfather is always thought-provoking and adds depth to the storyline.
Reading this entire series is now a must for me.
This plot was like putting together a thousand piece puzzle. No one is a better puzzle solver than Manny Rivera. His detective skills are second to none.
It is so intriguing to “watch” him work. The way he approaches his murder investigations are pure entertainment and amazing.
Since my favorite genre is romantic suspense, I wish more attention was given to Manny’s personal life. At least now, he has a lady friend. The philosophy from Rivera’s grandfather is always thought-provoking and adds depth to the storyline.
Reading this entire series is now a must for me.
February 14, 2022
Meh— this is the second book of this series that I’ve read and was disappointed. Perhaps because I’d just finished a terrific novel and, by comparison, this felt flat and predictable. The plot was transparent, characters two dimensional and, aside from the lovely setting in Utah, nothing about the story was compelling.
I sound harsh, but don’t wish to be. For some, this is a perfectly enjoyable read. There’s nothing offensive nor controversial and Deputy Manny Rivera is a human version of a golden retriever— everyone likes Manny.
Alas, for me, it was just too plain and held little in the way of suspense. I doubt I’ll be reading any more of this series, at least not in the near future. 2.5 stars, rounded up.
I sound harsh, but don’t wish to be. For some, this is a perfectly enjoyable read. There’s nothing offensive nor controversial and Deputy Manny Rivera is a human version of a golden retriever— everyone likes Manny.
Alas, for me, it was just too plain and held little in the way of suspense. I doubt I’ll be reading any more of this series, at least not in the near future. 2.5 stars, rounded up.
June 15, 2020
The author's descriptions of the area in and around Moab, Utah is what makes this stand out. The end game centers around the Green River canyon and kayaking and rafting. I loved this portion, as I did a raft trip on the Green back in the late 70's.
This is a stand alone novel. Some references are made to previous relationships, but not having read book one is not going to take anything away from this. Fans of Tony Hillerman or Michael McGarrity, and the way they describe the landscape in their mysteries, will enjoy the scenery narrative.
Thanks, Robin, for turning me on to this series. Much appreciated.
This is a stand alone novel. Some references are made to previous relationships, but not having read book one is not going to take anything away from this. Fans of Tony Hillerman or Michael McGarrity, and the way they describe the landscape in their mysteries, will enjoy the scenery narrative.
Thanks, Robin, for turning me on to this series. Much appreciated.
March 21, 2021
Desert Country
This book not only kept me reading, it held my attention even when I was not reading. Even though there were a few times when I was dissatisfied with the direction in which the story was heading, I still not tempted to skip pages. The beautiful descriptions of a landscape totally alien to me were sufficiently detailed to enable me to see the area in my minds eye. Manny's use of dogged step by step investigation and exploration of the available information served to help the reader to reach the same conclusions he did.
A story to hold the interest of lovers of police procedural mysteries from beginning to end.
This book not only kept me reading, it held my attention even when I was not reading. Even though there were a few times when I was dissatisfied with the direction in which the story was heading, I still not tempted to skip pages. The beautiful descriptions of a landscape totally alien to me were sufficiently detailed to enable me to see the area in my minds eye. Manny's use of dogged step by step investigation and exploration of the available information served to help the reader to reach the same conclusions he did.
A story to hold the interest of lovers of police procedural mysteries from beginning to end.
December 12, 2021
Manny Rivera is a First-Rate Detective
I did not want February’s Files by Rich Curtin to end. I love Manny Rivera. He is a first-rate detective and a good man. This mystery had twists and turns galore, plus a whole boatload full of bad guys. The descriptions of the Four Corners area are spot on and make me miss the gorgeous American Southwest. I did not figure out who the killer was ahead of time. I particularly like the easy, comfortable way of weaving action, description, and police procedural into a suspenseful tapestry of writing that is author Rich Curtin’s personal style. Once again, I highly recommend this and all the Manny Rivera mysteries.
I did not want February’s Files by Rich Curtin to end. I love Manny Rivera. He is a first-rate detective and a good man. This mystery had twists and turns galore, plus a whole boatload full of bad guys. The descriptions of the Four Corners area are spot on and make me miss the gorgeous American Southwest. I did not figure out who the killer was ahead of time. I particularly like the easy, comfortable way of weaving action, description, and police procedural into a suspenseful tapestry of writing that is author Rich Curtin’s personal style. Once again, I highly recommend this and all the Manny Rivera mysteries.
March 19, 2023
Disclaimer: Have not read book 1, however in my experience with books of this ilk, there is a lot of repetition of context, even when deeply unnecessary.
Not too bad really, moves well. Unnecessary relationship with Manny and a woman that just seems to be here to bolster up the idea of what a good guy he is that he can gets such a gorgeous woman. The writing is competent, not overly flowery and not too many adjectives for the occasion. Not very curious about who Manny is by the end. Kind of wishing for a prequel about February more than looking forward to the other book in this series that I have.
Not too bad really, moves well. Unnecessary relationship with Manny and a woman that just seems to be here to bolster up the idea of what a good guy he is that he can gets such a gorgeous woman. The writing is competent, not overly flowery and not too many adjectives for the occasion. Not very curious about who Manny is by the end. Kind of wishing for a prequel about February more than looking forward to the other book in this series that I have.
August 18, 2019
Another enjoyable Manny Rivera mystery!
This is the second book in this series that I've read. I've enjoyed the next one more than the last and I will continue to read Mr Curtin's books. I really hope I continue liking each more than the last. I love the Utah canyon country and it's fun to read these books taking place there. So far I've recognized most of the areas. His characters are very likeable and are beginning to seem like friends, almost. I certainly recommend this book, as well the series!
This is the second book in this series that I've read. I've enjoyed the next one more than the last and I will continue to read Mr Curtin's books. I really hope I continue liking each more than the last. I love the Utah canyon country and it's fun to read these books taking place there. So far I've recognized most of the areas. His characters are very likeable and are beginning to seem like friends, almost. I certainly recommend this book, as well the series!
June 2, 2020
Loved this Southwest mystery
This book really kept me interested right to the end. I especially loved the details relating to the locations in and around Moab, Utah. It was fun being able to visualize all of them based on having been there. The character of Deputy Manny Rivera is very likable, and sympathetic, and he is a good, if somewhat inexperienced detective. The character development was a bit thin at times, but the writing and plot were good enough to keep me interested. A nice, quick read.
This book really kept me interested right to the end. I especially loved the details relating to the locations in and around Moab, Utah. It was fun being able to visualize all of them based on having been there. The character of Deputy Manny Rivera is very likable, and sympathetic, and he is a good, if somewhat inexperienced detective. The character development was a bit thin at times, but the writing and plot were good enough to keep me interested. A nice, quick read.
August 3, 2020
A small town in the canyon area of the southwest becomes the focus of a murder mystery when a skeleton is found buried beneath some stones in the wall of red rocks. It turns out he was a investigative journalist and whatever he was investigating caused his death. So who, in a small town, would have reason to murder this journalist? More murders follow as the detectives work the case.
This was a pretty good book. A bit unbelievable, perhaps and not terribly memorable, but not a waste of time, either. Perhaps a good summer read.
This was a pretty good book. A bit unbelievable, perhaps and not terribly memorable, but not a waste of time, either. Perhaps a good summer read.
August 8, 2021
They keep getting better!
This is the second book in the Manny Rivera series set in Moab, Utah. I was intrigued by the location the author chose because that part of Utah is relatively quiet& unknown except by off-road enthusiasts & the beauty of the Canyon country. The storylines of each book so far have been well-written with just enough description of the surroundings to enhance the story. Characters are getting better developed with each book, & I'm looking forward to the next one!
This is the second book in the Manny Rivera series set in Moab, Utah. I was intrigued by the location the author chose because that part of Utah is relatively quiet& unknown except by off-road enthusiasts & the beauty of the Canyon country. The storylines of each book so far have been well-written with just enough description of the surroundings to enhance the story. Characters are getting better developed with each book, & I'm looking forward to the next one!
August 19, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed reading about Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera’s work solving the mystery of February Flanagan’s remains found 3 years after a bullet entered the back of his head. A bus accident that killed 11 orphans 50 years ago, a geeky Health Department worker who excels at computer hacking, a bit of international intrigue, the beauty of the canyons around Moab all contribute to an excellent read. And, as in the first book in this series, at a certain point Manny understands that the letter of the law does not always humanely apply.
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