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Manny Rivera #5
Deadly Games
In the quiet library of his luxurious penthouse apartment in Washington, DC, Wallace Lamont, Chairman of a large industrial conglomerate, plots the defeat of Congressman Matthew Monroe in the upcoming primary election. The Congressman, a staunch environmentalist from southern Utah, is blocking a large contract that Lamont’s firm desperately needs. Lamont’s plan is to resurrect the Sagebrush Rebellion of the 1980s, a time when the hard working citizens who lived in the West and used public lands for cattle grazing, timber cutting, and mining, fought against the Bureau of Land Management and its burdensome environmental regulations. By re-igniting the flames of discontent in rural Utah, Lamont hopes to turn the voting public against Monroe. Lamont hires a political operative by the name of Oblonsky who specializes in dirty tricks. Oblonsky arrives in Moab, Utah, and takes steps to stir up trouble. He’s creative and effective, and wastes no time pitting environmentalists against cattlemen who graze their herds on public lands. Things quickly get out of hand, leading to devastating consequences.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 5, 2022
Deadly Games is the fifth book in the Manny Rivera series by Rich Curtin and it was another good read.
The book starts out overhearing two wealthy brothers in Washington DC talking about a business problem caused by the delay of funding approval through Congress. The chairman of the committee is up for reelection in the Southern district of Utah and is the primary obstacle in getting the funding bill passed. What follows in an operative being hired to stir up trouble in the district but primarily Moab which is the largest city in the region. The current legislator is environmental friendly and what they need is the opponent who is mining friendly. What ultimately follows is trouble in Moab and the surrounding wilderness.
When fences are being cut and cattle let loose from grazing lands in the BLM managed lands in the mountains, Manny is assigned to find the person or persons involved. When environmental fliers are found near the fence cutting, tensions seem to quickly rise between the two factions with opposing interests for the BLM land. Unknown to all parties is that the cuttings and retaliations are actions calculated to swing the coming election.
When a BLM agent is killed while pursuing a suspect, tensions rise higher and the FBI arrive. Manny Rivera isn't about to let it go, though, even if told to stand-down for the FBI to take over.
This is another mystery unfolding in the wilderness around Moab. I think a drive up that way may be coming once Covid is soundly resolved.
The book starts out overhearing two wealthy brothers in Washington DC talking about a business problem caused by the delay of funding approval through Congress. The chairman of the committee is up for reelection in the Southern district of Utah and is the primary obstacle in getting the funding bill passed. What follows in an operative being hired to stir up trouble in the district but primarily Moab which is the largest city in the region. The current legislator is environmental friendly and what they need is the opponent who is mining friendly. What ultimately follows is trouble in Moab and the surrounding wilderness.
When fences are being cut and cattle let loose from grazing lands in the BLM managed lands in the mountains, Manny is assigned to find the person or persons involved. When environmental fliers are found near the fence cutting, tensions seem to quickly rise between the two factions with opposing interests for the BLM land. Unknown to all parties is that the cuttings and retaliations are actions calculated to swing the coming election.
When a BLM agent is killed while pursuing a suspect, tensions rise higher and the FBI arrive. Manny Rivera isn't about to let it go, though, even if told to stand-down for the FBI to take over.
This is another mystery unfolding in the wilderness around Moab. I think a drive up that way may be coming once Covid is soundly resolved.
May 7, 2025
Amazing story telling!
Author as always spins a fabulous story, more twist and turns. Always keeping you guessing. Very good job! Can not wait for next.
Author as always spins a fabulous story, more twist and turns. Always keeping you guessing. Very good job! Can not wait for next.
August 25, 2021
Something is missing in this fifth entry of the Manny Rivera mystery series. The mystery is interesting, as usual, and I didn’t even come close to guessing whodunit. But there is a lack of the personal touch, not enough about Manny’s personal life, other than what we already know. His girlfriend only makes a handful of appearances and doesn’t contribute much to the story, though she’s perceptive enough to give him some shrewd advice for solving the case he’s working on. I would like to read more about Manny’s life, because as a Latino police officer in Southern Utah, he’s a unique character in fiction. I still enjoyed the book because of my interest in the beautiful country around Moab, Utah, which I love.
May 13, 2020
I’m still loving this series. I’m giving this a strong four stars, when the previous four books in the series got five stars from me.
Besides a few editing problems (in the Kindle version, at least), I felt like the story wasn’t quite well-constructed enough. I thought Penny’s death was a bit gratuitous, and the political storyline didn’t resolve very satisfactorily. I also wasn’t a fan of the relocation and murder of a bunch of endangered snails for a stupid reason.
Still a page turner, but a bit weaker than the other books so far.
Besides a few editing problems (in the Kindle version, at least), I felt like the story wasn’t quite well-constructed enough. I thought Penny’s death was a bit gratuitous, and the political storyline didn’t resolve very satisfactorily. I also wasn’t a fan of the relocation and murder of a bunch of endangered snails for a stupid reason.
Still a page turner, but a bit weaker than the other books so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2025
This is a 2015 Manny Rivera mystery (I'd already read several that were written after this date), taking place in and around Moab, Utah where Manny is a deputy sheriff. The story begins in Washington D.C. in the realm of politics with a heavy dose of graft. There, we find out quickly that a multi-billion dollar industrialist CEO begins an attempt to sway the upcoming Utah congressional election for his own financial gain. In the midst of the chaos stirred up in Utah by the CEO's flunky, there are serious crimes committed in the desert and hill country. Our hero Manny is a conscientious lawman who can't rest until he figures out who did it and how these crimes transpired. There are a number of interesting characters in this story and the race to discover the truth will hold your attention - and you will probably be surprised by the ending -- I was (:
April 3, 2023
Manny doesn’t enjoy working with the newly elected sheriff. Manny was very active in a multi-agency stake out of public lands leased to private rancher for grazing their cattle. An officer at a nearby location was mortally attacked while chasing a vandal of the grazing land and Manny’s deep knowledge of the area and the attack was shelved when the FBI took over the investigation. Improbably, the location where the attacked officer was found was near a natural seep monitored by a private company for the EPA and the employee who actually collects the water samples went missing while the attacked officer was in the hospital. Manny was assigned the missing persons case and was able to solve several cases located near the wilderness area where the attacked officer fell.
The book is worth re-reading after I forget the details. I enjoy seeing the desert through Manny.
The book is worth re-reading after I forget the details. I enjoy seeing the desert through Manny.
January 10, 2022
Subterfuge in the Desert
Rich Curtin pulls us into the murky world of political subterfuge in Deadly Games , A Manny Rivera Mystery. This one kept me reading well into the early morning hours, not only because of the well-written, tight plot, or the character of Manny Rivera ❤️ or the twists and turns, dead bodies and snails. Or even the beautiful locale that always makes me pine for the breathtaking Southwest. It is the fact that this kind of big scale manipulation takes place. It scares me that we as a nation can no longer recognize the truth. We only see what appears to be happening and how it affects us. The implications are scary.
Rich Curtin pulls us into the murky world of political subterfuge in Deadly Games , A Manny Rivera Mystery. This one kept me reading well into the early morning hours, not only because of the well-written, tight plot, or the character of Manny Rivera ❤️ or the twists and turns, dead bodies and snails. Or even the beautiful locale that always makes me pine for the breathtaking Southwest. It is the fact that this kind of big scale manipulation takes place. It scares me that we as a nation can no longer recognize the truth. We only see what appears to be happening and how it affects us. The implications are scary.
March 25, 2025
A FANTASTIC Mystery again!
Curtin keeps picking up his readers and plunking them down in the middle of a mystery! The plot is complex and the motive so simple. It's a bit bittersweet but very realistic as Rich paints detailed images of impulsive protesters, greedy antagonists, driven and not-so-driven law enforcement, businessmen and politicians.
I've always wanted to see the southwest and Curtin is the expert trail guide as he artistically points out the terrains and its people.
So if you want a very solid, well developed mystery that's free from swears and sex ( yes, great writing exists without them) then this book will not disappoint the reader of any age.
Curtin keeps picking up his readers and plunking them down in the middle of a mystery! The plot is complex and the motive so simple. It's a bit bittersweet but very realistic as Rich paints detailed images of impulsive protesters, greedy antagonists, driven and not-so-driven law enforcement, businessmen and politicians.
I've always wanted to see the southwest and Curtin is the expert trail guide as he artistically points out the terrains and its people.
So if you want a very solid, well developed mystery that's free from swears and sex ( yes, great writing exists without them) then this book will not disappoint the reader of any age.
April 4, 2025
4* Book 5 of the Manny Rivera series.
One man's greed for money brings political sabotage and dirty tricks to Moab, Utah.
A saboteur is damaging fences allowing cattle to escape this in turn renews bad feelings between the environmentalists and the ranchers. Searching for the culprit, Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera, is investigating the murder of a colleague and disappearance of a young man, all while working the particularly unpleasant, newly elected sheriff. Ignoring orders to leave the murder investigation to the FBI, Manny has his doubts about the primary suspect's guilt and continues with his own inquiries.
Other books in the series concentrated on crimes committed in and around Moab, Deadly Games was more political.
Manny should have run for sheriff when the last sheriff retired.
One man's greed for money brings political sabotage and dirty tricks to Moab, Utah.
A saboteur is damaging fences allowing cattle to escape this in turn renews bad feelings between the environmentalists and the ranchers. Searching for the culprit, Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera, is investigating the murder of a colleague and disappearance of a young man, all while working the particularly unpleasant, newly elected sheriff. Ignoring orders to leave the murder investigation to the FBI, Manny has his doubts about the primary suspect's guilt and continues with his own inquiries.
Other books in the series concentrated on crimes committed in and around Moab, Deadly Games was more political.
Manny should have run for sheriff when the last sheriff retired.
June 14, 2020
Deadly Games is the fifth entry in the Manny Rivera series that is set in Moab, Utah. Maybe I have read too many of this series recently because I felt there was too much repetition. Manny's lack of confidence in the sheriff, his relationships with friends, and his decision to leave something out of his final report are all in the earlier books.
This time Manny does not spend as much of the plot in the scenic outskirts of town so the singular beauty of the area is not as defined.
I will read more in this series after a break.
This time Manny does not spend as much of the plot in the scenic outskirts of town so the singular beauty of the area is not as defined.
I will read more in this series after a break.
December 12, 2020
The game goes on
We have been sitting on the front row of the game for the last give years. Money in the political game warps the perspective and outcomes of the electoral process. Donald the Trump on the poor and innocent has been tearing our country apart. Dead and injured people are piled on the wake of the tantrums of his immature ego. As usual the people aiding and abetting the behavior are laughing all the way to the bank Hoping for a change in Georgia to get the second monster Mitch under control.
We have been sitting on the front row of the game for the last give years. Money in the political game warps the perspective and outcomes of the electoral process. Donald the Trump on the poor and innocent has been tearing our country apart. Dead and injured people are piled on the wake of the tantrums of his immature ego. As usual the people aiding and abetting the behavior are laughing all the way to the bank Hoping for a change in Georgia to get the second monster Mitch under control.
August 23, 2021
With this talented author, the plot changes direction and somehow in a roundabout way comes to an unexpected conclusion. Good thing Manny Riveria is such a gifted detective. He uncovers every clue and his thorough police investigation keeps the readers engaged. As with the others book on in this captivating mystery series, Riveria always leaves something out of his official report. In his value system, justice always trumps the letter of the law.
This storyline involves politics, which is not my favorite topic to read about, but the characters of Moab keep my attention. Since I favor the romantic suspense genre, I wish things would heat up some between Manny and Amy.
This storyline involves politics, which is not my favorite topic to read about, but the characters of Moab keep my attention. Since I favor the romantic suspense genre, I wish things would heat up some between Manny and Amy.
December 4, 2021
The story plays on the tension in the western states over the large percentage of land owned by the federal government. It used to be that such land was open for exploitation such as mining and cattle grazing. However, as environmental pressures have grown, the land use has become more and more protected. Manny Rivera and his team are on the lookout for a troublemaker who has been cutting fences when they come find a murdered man. Once again, it is Manny’s intimate knowledge of the canyonlands that leads to solving the case.
March 22, 2025
I was absorbed in this book most of the day--had to know how it ended. It did not end well for many--some of whom made mistakes that unintentionally cost lives--others that took lives for wrong reasons--and justice was not done for everyone in the end. But it was a compelling story with Manny determined to find the killer. And a bit of romance which is always good. I will look for more in the series.
Offered free for my Kindle app today.
Offered free for my Kindle app today.
April 14, 2019
Just finished #5 in the great Manny Rivera mystery series. Each book in the series has been wonderful, complex mysteries, interesting characters. Manny approaches all his cases with determination, patience and a logical sorting through of the evidence. But I also appreciate that he always tempers justice with mercy sometimes overlooking a more minor infraction when solving the major case.
May 13, 2019
Interesting Mystery
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is investigating vandalism, murder, and political picketing. It is all engineered by a power broker in Washington, DC. Manny solves the murder case but I was bothered by the basic concept. It is a well written story but not as good as the others. My problem was my personal feelings.
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is investigating vandalism, murder, and political picketing. It is all engineered by a power broker in Washington, DC. Manny solves the murder case but I was bothered by the basic concept. It is a well written story but not as good as the others. My problem was my personal feelings.
September 27, 2019
I’m Hooked
Beautiful setting with enticing descriptions, realistic people, plot rolled along. What I really liked was that the author restated the characters’ roles often so I could remember who was who. When our lives are complex, it’s often difficult to remember fictional people swarming in details.
Beautiful setting with enticing descriptions, realistic people, plot rolled along. What I really liked was that the author restated the characters’ roles often so I could remember who was who. When our lives are complex, it’s often difficult to remember fictional people swarming in details.
July 12, 2020
Winna few, lose a few
Several related/unrelated tragedies come to a close at the end. Each tragedy is its own mystery butis solved in the end. Even the mastermind of the political sabotage of an encumbent congressman is rewarded. This Manny tale was a little different in nature but still loyal to the local Moab setting.
Several related/unrelated tragedies come to a close at the end. Each tragedy is its own mystery butis solved in the end. Even the mastermind of the political sabotage of an encumbent congressman is rewarded. This Manny tale was a little different in nature but still loyal to the local Moab setting.
August 15, 2020
Another good read from Rich Curtin. The story follows well with twists and turns that leave you trying to determine who is involved in what part of the narrative. The outcome always leaves the reader guessing right up to the unexpected conclusion.
This will be a good book for anyone who enjoys mysteries especially if they have interest in the desert south west.
This will be a good book for anyone who enjoys mysteries especially if they have interest in the desert south west.
March 16, 2021
Seems Curtin was more into product placement than solving the crimes.
Have that been there, read this before feeling once I finished the book. Annoying references to fast food restaurants (McDonalds, Wendy's, and the brand of bottled water Manny was drinking among others) made for the impression that product placement was important to the story-it was not.
Have that been there, read this before feeling once I finished the book. Annoying references to fast food restaurants (McDonalds, Wendy's, and the brand of bottled water Manny was drinking among others) made for the impression that product placement was important to the story-it was not.
May 9, 2021
Still loving this series
I enjoyed the first 4 books in this series more. I am just so burned with politics it was not fun to read about them in fiction. But I still loved the same things, the way Manny puts the puzzle pieces together, gives others credit where it’s due and is a realistic person with challenges like jealousy
I enjoyed the first 4 books in this series more. I am just so burned with politics it was not fun to read about them in fiction. But I still loved the same things, the way Manny puts the puzzle pieces together, gives others credit where it’s due and is a realistic person with challenges like jealousy
August 22, 2021
Deputy Sheriff Rivera investigates 2 murders in Beaver Canyon
Marty gets involved in 2 murders that occur in Beaver Canyon, apparently with political under tones. As he delves further into the cases, he believes that a young man accused of one of the murders is innocent. So the investigation continues..... A good story. Recommended reading.
Marty gets involved in 2 murders that occur in Beaver Canyon, apparently with political under tones. As he delves further into the cases, he believes that a young man accused of one of the murders is innocent. So the investigation continues..... A good story. Recommended reading.
January 24, 2022
Yes to Southwest; But no more politics, please
I, for one, am reading these books to escape the crappy reality being forced on us all daily by politicians, big business and mainstream media. This book, while still mostly enjoyable, had far too much of the nastiness in it that I am trying to ignore. I still love the series, and will continue reading.
I, for one, am reading these books to escape the crappy reality being forced on us all daily by politicians, big business and mainstream media. This book, while still mostly enjoyable, had far too much of the nastiness in it that I am trying to ignore. I still love the series, and will continue reading.
April 27, 2023
4/23. Cattlemen's fences are being cut. Calves and cattle are losing their lives. Who is to blame? Is the Sagebrush Rebellion beginning again? Who killed a BLM agent? Why is a water sampler missing? Are these events related? Manny Rivera is on the cases. What will he determine is going on? Good mystery with twists.
February 15, 2024
Deadly Games (Manny Rivera Mystery Series Book 5)
A great look at how elections can be rigged to benefit one candidate over the other; ultimately to increase big business . Also, the well meaning of some, with deadly results. Wonderful realistic characters and very descriptive scenery. Highly recommend! Looking forward to the next book in this series.
A great look at how elections can be rigged to benefit one candidate over the other; ultimately to increase big business . Also, the well meaning of some, with deadly results. Wonderful realistic characters and very descriptive scenery. Highly recommend! Looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 22, 2025
Whew! There was a lot going on in this book! Manny had a lot to solve and still was uncertain until the end of the book on some of the "who dun it." Some characters didn't even seem to relate to what was going on in the story, so not sure of their importance. I will have to try another of the Manny Rivera books to really judge whether I am a fan or not.
June 3, 2025
Í couldn’t put this one down! I loved the setting of my hometown, Moab. Although it’s set in the present, It brought back so many memories of my old Moab of the Uranium Boom years, including the Sagebrush Rebellion that began in my high school years.
I loved that Moab felt like a character in the story.
I loved that Moab felt like a character in the story.
January 21, 2018
Another good Manny Rivera mystery
The story was a unusual and all too relevant to today's political climate. A political operative comes to town and stirs up trouble with lies and deceit.
The story was a unusual and all too relevant to today's political climate. A political operative comes to town and stirs up trouble with lies and deceit.
April 8, 2019
Mystery
The books are good, the characters interesting. Manny is getting a bit disappointing though, he seems to miss some obvious things and talk too much about cases. And why doesn't he run for sheriff? The killing of Penney was a disappointing choice of plot
The books are good, the characters interesting. Manny is getting a bit disappointing though, he seems to miss some obvious things and talk too much about cases. And why doesn't he run for sheriff? The killing of Penney was a disappointing choice of plot
May 6, 2019
Deadly Games (Manny Rivera Mystery Series Book 5)
Another interesting and convoluted mystery with Manny Rivera, as an unassuming cop investigating a series of crimes, which all end up, somehow, being related to one another!
Another interesting and convoluted mystery with Manny Rivera, as an unassuming cop investigating a series of crimes, which all end up, somehow, being related to one another!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews