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Death Of Dreams
Until disaster turned his life upside down, Derek Webster was a rugged 40-year-old backcountry adventurer who was known for having explored nearly every canyon and mountain in the Four Corners region, both as a solo hiker and a popular group leader. An out-of-control 18-wheeler on an icy road smashed into his pickup truck at high speed, resulting in both of his feet being amputated. Without the use of his legs, he knows his hiking days are over. After being fitted with prosthetic feet, he moves in with his parents to try to adjust. But it’s no use. He turns to alcohol and begins sliding toward depression.
Then one day, he comes across an article about drones and thinks maybe he can fit one with a video camera and resume exploring the canyons virtually. With technical help, he configures a drone and begins launching it into the canyons almost daily. The video images of the backcountry keep him connected to the wilderness and serve as a substitute for hiking, thereby lifting his spirits and saving his life. That is, until one day in the mountains, he’s fatally shot in the back.
On the surface, it looks like a hunting accident, but Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is assigned the case and suspects it was no accident at all.
Then one day, he comes across an article about drones and thinks maybe he can fit one with a video camera and resume exploring the canyons virtually. With technical help, he configures a drone and begins launching it into the canyons almost daily. The video images of the backcountry keep him connected to the wilderness and serve as a substitute for hiking, thereby lifting his spirits and saving his life. That is, until one day in the mountains, he’s fatally shot in the back.
On the surface, it looks like a hunting accident, but Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is assigned the case and suspects it was no accident at all.
- GenresProceduralMysteryFiction
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2024
102 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 15, 2024
I've eagerly awaited another book in the Manny Rivera series, and this one didn't disappoint. Curtin always weaves a good story by weaving complex threads together. This one kept me guessing the killer's identity to the end.
I also enjoy the author's vivid descriptions of the Utah landscape, it makes me feel like I'm in the rugged but beautiful southwest.
I look forward to another episode in this series.
I also enjoy the author's vivid descriptions of the Utah landscape, it makes me feel like I'm in the rugged but beautiful southwest.
I look forward to another episode in this series.
August 13, 2024
A fantastic story and series!
I have really enjoyed this series, and the stories just keep getting better and better. One of the many things that I love about it is the down to earth vibe of not only the characters, but the series as a whole. With realistic plots, humor, drama, and suspense, each book is a unique experience that will leave you craving for more. It's certainly a must read book and series!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
I have really enjoyed this series, and the stories just keep getting better and better. One of the many things that I love about it is the down to earth vibe of not only the characters, but the series as a whole. With realistic plots, humor, drama, and suspense, each book is a unique experience that will leave you craving for more. It's certainly a must read book and series!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
October 30, 2024
I had just had a week's visit to Moab, Utah and was telling every friend about how exquisite and impressive the stone was with its striated red, brown and white colors and shapes and petroglyphs. One of my friends had an interesting reaction to what I said: She brought me a new unread paperback mystery by Rich Curtin called "Death of Dreams". I am not a mystery fan, but I had loved seeing and being in the Moab area, so I read the book. It seemed to me as typical of mystery stories. What I liked was the references to the Moab area that I could imagine. Beyond that, I liked Curtin's way of always telling his reader about how the characters and the scenes looked as he introduced each one. I could then connect to each of the many characters all the way through the book for I could see them as I read.
December 12, 2024
Another good addition to the series. The protagonist, Manny Rivera, is a likable guy who continues to develop throughout the series. This addition, again, contains great descriptions of the Moab, Utah region. It makes you feel like you are visiting the Southwest.
The story moves along well and there are some interesting descriptions of the use of drones for various tasks. The conclusion was interesting and somewhat of a surprise. My only criticism is that there are some story lines that are introduced, but not followed. It is a short book and the other plot tangents could have been developed more fully.
However, I recommend this book and the rest of the series. I hope a new addition to the series is not far off.
The story moves along well and there are some interesting descriptions of the use of drones for various tasks. The conclusion was interesting and somewhat of a surprise. My only criticism is that there are some story lines that are introduced, but not followed. It is a short book and the other plot tangents could have been developed more fully.
However, I recommend this book and the rest of the series. I hope a new addition to the series is not far off.
January 2, 2025
I have enjoyed reading all the Manny Rivera books by Rich Curtin. This one was a little light on plot and heavy of contemplation of life and the future. But the book was generally good, but we don't need a lot of daydreaming and existential thought from a Moab Sheriff's deputy.
The story begins with what appears to be a hunting accident. A pair of brothers had hired a drone operator to locate trophy elk for them to bow-hunt (which the author says is not legal, but it is a literary license he employed to help the story along). However, the drone operator ends up with a bullet in his back. A hunting accident? Something worse?
Manny approaches the death with the mind of a detective, finding common threads until he does discover the truth. And the truth is the "Death of Dreams."
The story begins with what appears to be a hunting accident. A pair of brothers had hired a drone operator to locate trophy elk for them to bow-hunt (which the author says is not legal, but it is a literary license he employed to help the story along). However, the drone operator ends up with a bullet in his back. A hunting accident? Something worse?
Manny approaches the death with the mind of a detective, finding common threads until he does discover the truth. And the truth is the "Death of Dreams."
May 23, 2025
Derek Webster was a character whom everyone admired. Until he lost the use of his legs, he was an enthusiastic hiker. When he discovered drones, he found another way of exploring the rugged landscape surrounding Moab. He even found ways to parlay his exploration into making some income. Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera wonders if one of these might be connected when Derek is shot in the back. One of his clients had him looking for wolves. An extremist environmental group has released several of these animals into the area. Although the release was illegal, wolves are still protected by the Endangered Species act and local ranchers are not pleased. A somewhat thought-provoking look at environmental balance.
October 5, 2025
I have enjoyed the other novels in this Manny Rivera series, but this one didn't provide me with the same feeling. The story had interest, but the presentation felt clumsy.
A young man becomes handicapped after a freak automobile accident and turns to using drones for a substitute to doing the canyon hiking he had loved. The video images of the backcountry keep him connected to the wilderness and serve as a substitute until one day in the mountains, he's fatally shot. On the surface, it looks like a hunting accident, but Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is assigned the case and suspects it was no accident at all.
The case twists and turns leading Manny to several possibilities before finally solving the case.
A young man becomes handicapped after a freak automobile accident and turns to using drones for a substitute to doing the canyon hiking he had loved. The video images of the backcountry keep him connected to the wilderness and serve as a substitute until one day in the mountains, he's fatally shot. On the surface, it looks like a hunting accident, but Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is assigned the case and suspects it was no accident at all.
The case twists and turns leading Manny to several possibilities before finally solving the case.
September 2, 2024
In this latest Manny Rivera mystery, it seems that Curtin is concentrating on story rather than delving into the personal life of his protagonist. While in one section the story gets quite technical on the subject of drones, there is plenty of mystery otherwise to hold the reader’s interest. But I do miss the personal side of Manny, an always interesting man. Even his wife is removed from the scene as the author has her attending an out-of-town conference until the last couple of pages. Still, I continue to enjoy this series set in and around beautiful Moab.
November 26, 2024
It’s been three years since the last book in this series. The series overall is one of my favorites, but I felt like this book just didn’t quite live up to the quality of the others.
It has in common with the other books the complex, interweaving stories, as well as Rivera’s penchant for not keeping a secret, and the guilty party’s convenient and quick confession. But I felt like the sense of place wasn’t as strong, and the peripheral story of Gloria’s absence was a little too… peripheral.
An entertaining and quick read. I hope we don’t have to wait another three years for book 12.
It has in common with the other books the complex, interweaving stories, as well as Rivera’s penchant for not keeping a secret, and the guilty party’s convenient and quick confession. But I felt like the sense of place wasn’t as strong, and the peripheral story of Gloria’s absence was a little too… peripheral.
An entertaining and quick read. I hope we don’t have to wait another three years for book 12.
August 28, 2024
SO Good To Read Another Manny Rivera Adventure Again!
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in Moab again after what seemed like a long, dry spell!
The story was interesting and kept moving at a very decent clip. It was good to see some of the old characters again as well.
Hopefully, it won't be too awfully long between books next time. I'll be watching for Number 12! This was definitely a very enjoyable read!
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in Moab again after what seemed like a long, dry spell!
The story was interesting and kept moving at a very decent clip. It was good to see some of the old characters again as well.
Hopefully, it won't be too awfully long between books next time. I'll be watching for Number 12! This was definitely a very enjoyable read!
September 8, 2024
Another good one
Rivera's struggle between! the law and fair justice once again forms the backdrop of unravelling a somewhat bazaar and complicated case. Set in the Moab LaSalle mountain area beautifully described by the author, the book is an easy and enjoyable read for anyone familiar with that area. Persistent investigative efforts take the reader on a familiar ride that Curtin always provides.
Rivera's struggle between! the law and fair justice once again forms the backdrop of unravelling a somewhat bazaar and complicated case. Set in the Moab LaSalle mountain area beautifully described by the author, the book is an easy and enjoyable read for anyone familiar with that area. Persistent investigative efforts take the reader on a familiar ride that Curtin always provides.
August 28, 2024
Each book makes you anxious for his next one.
Each Rich Curtain book makes you feel as though you are right by Manny Rivera while he is solving his next crime. He is the only author that I have never been able to figure out who has committed the crime before he tells. I love that.
Each Rich Curtain book makes you feel as though you are right by Manny Rivera while he is solving his next crime. He is the only author that I have never been able to figure out who has committed the crime before he tells. I love that.
September 4, 2024
Another winner
I've read all eleven of Rich Curtin's book and all eleven are five star. Add a thrilling inventive mystery to the Moab outdoor area with a great character like Manny Rivera and you have a winner.
As in the other books, Manny searches through every possible scenario to drill down to the most likely conclusion to a crime. Justice is served in each of the books.
I've read all eleven of Rich Curtin's book and all eleven are five star. Add a thrilling inventive mystery to the Moab outdoor area with a great character like Manny Rivera and you have a winner.
As in the other books, Manny searches through every possible scenario to drill down to the most likely conclusion to a crime. Justice is served in each of the books.
November 25, 2024
Excellent reading
I just finished this last book in the series. Well, I hope it's not THE last one. Again if you've never read a book by Rich Curtin, you are missing out on interesting plots, good character development and a chance to travel to the Four Corners area which he describes with loving care.
I just finished this last book in the series. Well, I hope it's not THE last one. Again if you've never read a book by Rich Curtin, you are missing out on interesting plots, good character development and a chance to travel to the Four Corners area which he describes with loving care.
December 25, 2024
Such beautiful country
Rich brings Moab & the surrounding countryside to life with believable characters. Especially enjoy Manny. He has flaws, but don’t we all. Also enjoy the detective work & how it plays out. The ending was surprising, but I could see something like that happening. A great read.
Rich brings Moab & the surrounding countryside to life with believable characters. Especially enjoy Manny. He has flaws, but don’t we all. Also enjoy the detective work & how it plays out. The ending was surprising, but I could see something like that happening. A great read.
August 20, 2024
Great series!
I am really enjoying this series. This one is another great read! The books don’t necessarily have to be read in order, but doing so really fills the characters’ experiences out.
I am really enjoying this series. This one is another great read! The books don’t necessarily have to be read in order, but doing so really fills the characters’ experiences out.
September 14, 2024
As always a good story
I like getting a peak into the world of American Indians. Of the unique life they lead and how they view relationships. At least from this man's perspective.
I like getting a peak into the world of American Indians. Of the unique life they lead and how they view relationships. At least from this man's perspective.
September 27, 2024
Good choice
This author is one of my favorites, because he uses words to paint such vivid pictures of the southwest. This is also a writer that sweeps you into the book with the first few sentences. Good choice for.men or women wanting a little mystery.
This author is one of my favorites, because he uses words to paint such vivid pictures of the southwest. This is also a writer that sweeps you into the book with the first few sentences. Good choice for.men or women wanting a little mystery.
October 7, 2024
Manny Rivera mystery series
I waited for the 11 th book before writing my review. This was a totally enjoyable series with some constant characters flowing through each book and new and interesting characters and mysteries. My husband and I both enjoyed these books.
I waited for the 11 th book before writing my review. This was a totally enjoyable series with some constant characters flowing through each book and new and interesting characters and mysteries. My husband and I both enjoyed these books.
October 15, 2024
4 Peyote plants
Good book. Fun read. Lacked some of the real mystery of previous Curtin books. But the sheer volume of characters kept you on your toes. I highly recommend the book.
Good book. Fun read. Lacked some of the real mystery of previous Curtin books. But the sheer volume of characters kept you on your toes. I highly recommend the book.
October 23, 2024
Excellent story. A real page turner. Manny Rivera is tasked solving the strange murder of a drone operator. His leads take him into two counties and conversations with many people.
Who is hiding info and why?!
Who is hiding info and why?!
June 16, 2025
Not the usual Manny story. This was just a murder mystery. Usually there is more flora and fauna, more descriptions of the wonderful countryside. Those are the reasons I started reading these books. I hope he returns to that format.
October 21, 2025
Wonderful Series💕
I have thoroughly enjoyed this Manny Rivera mystery series! Please tell me you are going to continue this series for a long time to come. You must you must you must!
I have thoroughly enjoyed this Manny Rivera mystery series! Please tell me you are going to continue this series for a long time to come. You must you must you must!
August 20, 2024
Manny Rivera series
Always enjoy this series. Twist and turns keep you turning the page. Finish this one now waiting for the next book
Always enjoy this series. Twist and turns keep you turning the page. Finish this one now waiting for the next book
September 3, 2024
Love this series
Believable characters.
Plot perfectly developed.
No tricks in solving the mysteries.
As always, looking forward to the next book in the series.
Believable characters.
Plot perfectly developed.
No tricks in solving the mysteries.
As always, looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 15, 2024
Utah mystery
This series is fun to read as it is set in Utah and includes both history and geography of the area. This book has a complex story and is interesting to follow.
This series is fun to read as it is set in Utah and includes both history and geography of the area. This book has a complex story and is interesting to follow.
December 29, 2024
Good stuff! Having lived in that geographic area Mr.Curtain's books have a special charm for me. Plus...they're good yarns. His protagonist Rivera is vey likeable and a smart sleuth.
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January 2, 2025
Peyote Wolves Murder Fraud
All make up the latest Rivera mystery! It is interesting, but just a little slow. I look forward to his next mystery.
All make up the latest Rivera mystery! It is interesting, but just a little slow. I look forward to his next mystery.
January 11, 2025
Dreams or Nightmares.
Never a disappointment with Manny Rivera. Good writing and relevant story line. Hope Rich Curtin continues to provide the Rivera series for his readers.
Never a disappointment with Manny Rivera. Good writing and relevant story line. Hope Rich Curtin continues to provide the Rivera series for his readers.
April 24, 2025
I couldn’t put it down all day long, but it was very sad and it made Manny feel very sad too. With a bit of good news of the end, I will look forward to the next book in the series, however.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews