A CEMETERY FOR ONE

Manny Rivera #12

by Rich Curtin

Buddy Mills and his eight-year-old son Tommy are exploring the pinyon-juniper woodland on the edge of Fisher Mesa in the LaSal Mountains looking for monarch butterflies to tag and release. Tommy catches one in his net and Buddy teaches him how to tag it. While doing so, he tells Tommy about the Southwest Monarch Study program in which they are participating. After the tagging is completed and the monarch released, they notice that their dog Django is missing.

They search for him and call out his name. They finally find him tugging on a bone protruding from the ground. Can’t blame a dog for stopping for a bone, Buddy thought. Then he noticed the skeletal fingers connected to the bone.

Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera investigates and figures it was either a rogue burial or a murder. He soon learns it was a murder committed some twenty years ago. Before he can begin to determine the motive for the murder and the identity of the killer, his immediate problem is how to identify the victim who was buried with no means of identification. It turns out to be the toughest investigation Rivera has ever undertaken.

Genres: Mystery

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2026

Reviews

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing, Complex, Riveting!

Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is faced with possibly the most complex case he has faced. A skeleton found in a shallow grave that is estimated to have been dead at least 20 years, no identification and seemingly no way to determine who the person was. But through dogged determination and with some help from colleagues and friends who have provided assistance in past cases, he has an ID on the victim. Now he just has to find the person who shot him.

Intriguing, interesting, and complex, piecing together the past remnants of a person's life going back so many years is hard going, but Manny eventually uncovers not only motive but a very gruesome crime perpetrated by a very sick individual. This was an interesting story that held my attention and kept me reading far into the night.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say

This was a bittersweet story. Rivera is now married with a baby and for all intents and purposes he seems to be very happy. Let's hope he stays this way. On the other hand he deals with people who enjoy killing other people for whatever reason. It makes you wonder how someone goes from being a precious baby to being an outright killer. We may never have the complete answer yet that question. As always a good, easy read. I would recommend it for one of those rainy days when you can't find anything else to do, but you can always pick up a good book and read.

[Linda Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read every book in the Manny Rivera series, and I think this one is the best. Manny’s mind goes blank, and he believes he might not be able to solve the latest murder he’s investigating. As the reader, I couldn’t even guess who the killer might be. This kept me turning the pages until the murderer was revealed. I only wish the author would have given a bit more attention to Manny’s wife, Gloria. As the reader, I’ve come to appreciate Manny’s character and would like to see him interact more with his new wife (and baby).

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the body of a man is discovered in a remote area of the La Sal Mountains, it is found to have been in the ground with a gunshot wound in the skull for around twenty years. It seems a hopeless case for Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera to solve or even to identify the victim. However, he is creative and persistent in following the smallest thread of a clue, even from a coven of witches. And when he reaches a dead end, he immerses himself in the Utah backcountry in search of further inspiration.

[Paul L. Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled on Rich Curtin and Deputy Rivera but now I look forward to the next edition!

I don't remember how I stumbled upon Rich Curtin and the investigations of Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera. Now I look forward to each new case Manny investigates! These police proceedurals are great reads. Curtin has a gift that capture a avid reader who through Kindle, reads three books at a time. Curtains fine abilities limits me to one book 😁 they are that delicious. I whole heartedly endorse Rich Curtin and Deputy Manny River's next great read!

[Sandra Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice book, not exactly exciting, but more of a police procedural with a few blips of excitement. I've read a number of Manny Rivera books and they all have a similar formula. Manny is a good, likable guy who keeps plugging away at solving his "mystery" cases. They are clean books, which I appreciate and have an interesting and sometimes a bit convoluted case to solve about a death, usually in the desert.

[Debbie Vignovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am all got up with this series and look for to many more to come. This outing with Manny was very satisfying with a fascinating mystery that Manny finally unraveled piece by piece, very complicated. No spoilers but I figured out the who about half way through although I didn't figure out the why until Manny did. It will be hard to wait for the next one...I hope Gloria gets back to work and becomes more of a character. 

[Jim Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cold case closed

Another suspense crime mystery is resolved by deputy Rivera. Follow his crime solving skills and enjoy the read. You won't be disappointed.

All of Rich Curtin's Manny Rivera Mystery series are great. I love the Moab area and mentally revisiting the area with Manny.

[Bruce Mendelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the Manny Rivera Mystery series. This is the latest addition and it does not disappoint.
It's a fast moving mystery set in the Moab area. There are great descriptions of the area and the story is engaging and entertaining. I would recommend reading the whole series in order since the characters develop throughout the series. Thumbs up from this reviewer!

[janis louthis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Reading

I have enjoyed many of these Manny Rivera mysteries. It’s a nice peaceful setting in beautiful Moab, one of my favorite places. The mysteries are always interesting and Manny is just a simple man doing his job well. I guess a big part of my enjoyment is the good descriptions of the scenery. They’re good light reading.

[Zyffyr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars ✨
Pretty predictable despite multiple topics tackled. Tied up with a bow.

This is my 2nd Manny Rivera Series read # 12, the first was many years ago, #1 in the series, also a 3 Star ✨ rating with an erased review. I own 2 more in the series. The writing is fine, easy to read.
Recommended for a fast, diversional read between novels w more substance.

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Fantastic Manny Rivera Mystery

Well, Rich Curtin has done it again. A Cemetery for One was a truly gripping murder mystery set in the beautiful four corners region of the American Southwest. This police procedural was also a study in human nature and abhorrent evil. Unbelievably great plot. Terrific writing. And Manny Rivera is the absolute best at what he does.

[CWJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much reflection.....

I've read all the series to date and I think I'm done.. Way to much time and words spent on Manny reflecting on things totally unrelated to the solving of the case if I didn't know better I'd think the author was just filling in pages with words.

[David Carlsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manny is relentless

Really enjoyed this book. Lots of.twists and turns, but Manny didn’t give up. Always love the description of the landscape in southern Utah. I envy those who live there— they actually see the stars at night. Thanks for a great read!

[Jerry Nallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

A very well written book that holds your interest from the first page to the end. The murder plot was complex and diabolical. I love Manny and look forward to move books with Manny and his growing family.

[Robert D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t stop reading the whole series

Started reading the Manny Rivera series and got hooked. Finished the last book (#12) today but hope Mr. Curtin has more planned.

Love reading books that reference areas I have spent time in which Moab, UT is one.

[Marilyn Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manny Rivera is a joy to follow: intelligent, brave, interesting and real

The Manny Rivera series is both interesting, exciting, and thought-provoking, as well as descriptive of unusual crimes. Great reads not easy to put down, even for sleeping, so get ready for an all-nighter.

[Patricia MacCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff's Deputy Manny Rivera is called to the scene of a body buried in a shallow grave. There is nothing to identify the victim, this begins an exhausting search for the identity and the person who committed the crime.

[P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful

I was so glad when this book came out. I have enjoyed every one. I knew who the killer was very quickly, but didn't have the motive. Great book!

[Joyce Burk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Manny Rivera Mystery

This is the best Rich Curtin mystery he has ever written. He has a very absorbing style that all should like.

[randy wood · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline, but there is way too much rehash of previous character development.
Dialogue between characters is stilted.

[Steve Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective work at its finest

What a great “who done it” mystery. This is detective work at its most personal level. Great job Rich Curtis!

[Deborah Gaspar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Murder

This series is fun to read and its setting in Moab Utah makes it a blend of the past and present. The story weaves thru lives in several towns.

[Sheila Innis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good job Rich!

I've Loved all your books and this one as well. Looking forward to your next one.
Thank you my friend!!!

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful series, and I have really enjoyed all the books! Actually sad that I've caught up with the author. Hope there will be more of these!

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love theses Manny Rivera books.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly worth the wait

A great new book in the series. With, Lots of twists and turns and odd info. Always a great read.

[Shanu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good breezy whodunnit. Enjoyed reading it although the writing was a bit juvenile.

[Larry Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A winner!!!

Great game of who done it!
Complex story of evil actions and great detective work.
Manny scores again ! Great!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read but such an evil criminal. How do these authors come up with such complicated and evil protagonists? At least Manny has a good hoe life and a beautiful place to live.