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Manny Rivera #6
Death Saint
New clues in an old, unsolved murder case lead Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera from Moab, Utah, to a small, remote village in the mountains of northern New Mexico. With reluctant and sometimes non-existent assistance from the local sheriff, he enters a community of people unwilling to open up with him because of a centuries-old distrust of outsiders—outsiders were the ones who stole their land grant.
He slowly penetrates their hardened attitude toward strangers and learns about a series of bizarre events which took place there fifteen years ago. As layers of the case are peeled away, he begins to understand the complexities behind a number of mysterious deaths. Local cultural beliefs—superstitions, witches, evil spells, owl power, a secret religious organization, and a strange saint—stymie his progress, complicate his investigation, and threaten his life.
He slowly penetrates their hardened attitude toward strangers and learns about a series of bizarre events which took place there fifteen years ago. As layers of the case are peeled away, he begins to understand the complexities behind a number of mysterious deaths. Local cultural beliefs—superstitions, witches, evil spells, owl power, a secret religious organization, and a strange saint—stymie his progress, complicate his investigation, and threaten his life.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
August 19, 2020
More interesting than some of the other Rivera mysteries. Moves out of Moab and into the high country of northern New Mexico. Trying to solve a 15 year old murder gets him involved with another murder and a whole host of suspects.
And, as always, Curtin throws in a goodly amount of history. Never a bad thing to learn something when reading for pleasure.
And, as always, Curtin throws in a goodly amount of history. Never a bad thing to learn something when reading for pleasure.
October 24, 2021
I’ve read six of the Manny Rivera mystery series, and this latest is my favorite so far. I loved the New Mexico setting, the details about the family traditions, and the cultural traditions within the tight knit community of a fictional northern New Mexico village. The author says that he modeled the town after those that exist in the area in real life. He seems to have done quite a bit of research to bring this village to life. Aside from all that, the mystery is compelling and kept me guessing.
January 17, 2021
Set against The Jeep Safari held in Moab —an event where Jeep owners from all over the country converge on southeast Utah to test their backcountry driving skills and the durability of their four-wheel-drive vehicles, Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera gets a call from a nurse at the Moab Regional Hospital, who immediately puts him on the phone with a patient, an elderly widow named Faye Foster. Mrs. Foster tells him she needs to see him immediately because she has to get something off her chest before she dies.
When he arrives at the hospital Faye tells him about a young man who was shot in the chest fifteen years ago up in the LaSal Mountains🏔
Faye’s husband who was hiking in the woods at the time discovered the body. Rather than call the authorities, he stole the young man’s backpack. As a result, his body was never identified so the case was not solved.
Though Faye’s husband later made an anonymous phone call to the Sheriff’s Office from a payphone and reported the location of the body.
According to Faye, her husband dumped the contents of the backpack into one of the drawers in the barn on their property. Rivera promises to fulfill the dying woman’s wish to help find the man’s family and tell them what happened to him.
Meanwhile, Rivera has been dating Amy Rousseau for about eight months. A Ph.D. biologist, Amy sometimes helps Rivera with his cases providing him with fresh ideas that help him view his case from a different perspective. Regarding this case, he’s given her copies of drawings from the man’s journal. He hopes Amy and her team would glean any information about the man’s background.
When he arrives at the hospital Faye tells him about a young man who was shot in the chest fifteen years ago up in the LaSal Mountains🏔
Faye’s husband who was hiking in the woods at the time discovered the body. Rather than call the authorities, he stole the young man’s backpack. As a result, his body was never identified so the case was not solved.
Though Faye’s husband later made an anonymous phone call to the Sheriff’s Office from a payphone and reported the location of the body.
According to Faye, her husband dumped the contents of the backpack into one of the drawers in the barn on their property. Rivera promises to fulfill the dying woman’s wish to help find the man’s family and tell them what happened to him.
Meanwhile, Rivera has been dating Amy Rousseau for about eight months. A Ph.D. biologist, Amy sometimes helps Rivera with his cases providing him with fresh ideas that help him view his case from a different perspective. Regarding this case, he’s given her copies of drawings from the man’s journal. He hopes Amy and her team would glean any information about the man’s background.
August 23, 2021
4.25 Stars. This is another captivating story in this engaging crime drama series. Manny Riveria approaches his investigation work like solving a 5000 piece puzzle. Each mystery takes a turn I don’t expect.
This time the story’s setting isn’t Moab, as it takes place in Northern New Mexico. The vivid description of the scenery makes one feel like they are in “The Land of Enchantment”. The thorough account of the culture, religion, beliefs, loyalty, history and work ethics of the people of Rio Arriba County makes Manny question his own future. Manny’s social life is more prevalent in this book, though much to my disappointment, there is still no real romance for this dashing detective.
It’s a pet peeve when an author doesn’t keep track of his own story. In this book, a death of one of characters was referred numerous times as an accidental hunting incident, but in Chapter 18, Manny tells his former Sheriff, the death was declared a suicide. Mr. Curtin is too talented of an author to have such an over-sight.
It’s always a treat to hear more thoughts from Grandpa Riveria. Manny characterizes his grandfather as a man with the wisdom of a philosopher and the mind of a renaissance man. That’s quite a compliment.
I look forward to what case Manny will have next to solve. I am hooked on this outstanding series.
This time the story’s setting isn’t Moab, as it takes place in Northern New Mexico. The vivid description of the scenery makes one feel like they are in “The Land of Enchantment”. The thorough account of the culture, religion, beliefs, loyalty, history and work ethics of the people of Rio Arriba County makes Manny question his own future. Manny’s social life is more prevalent in this book, though much to my disappointment, there is still no real romance for this dashing detective.
It’s a pet peeve when an author doesn’t keep track of his own story. In this book, a death of one of characters was referred numerous times as an accidental hunting incident, but in Chapter 18, Manny tells his former Sheriff, the death was declared a suicide. Mr. Curtin is too talented of an author to have such an over-sight.
It’s always a treat to hear more thoughts from Grandpa Riveria. Manny characterizes his grandfather as a man with the wisdom of a philosopher and the mind of a renaissance man. That’s quite a compliment.
I look forward to what case Manny will have next to solve. I am hooked on this outstanding series.
March 15, 2022
Another in the series of Manny Rivera, Deputy Sheriff of Grand County, UT. And, another good one.
It has been 15 years since a young man was found killed in the mountains outside of Moab and the only case former Sheriff Bradshaw hadn't been able to solve. Manny is called to the hospital where an elderly woman is dying and has a confession is wants off her chest before she does die. It is about that unsolved case. The woman's confession divulges her dead husband had found the body, left it where it was, and took the dead man's backpack which should still be in a dark corner of the barn.
Manny searches the contents of the backpack, discovers a hiking journal, and discovers the man's name and other information leading him to a small village in northern New Mexico to notify the man's family. That of course leads to questions Manny needs to resolve: why was he shot 15 years ag and by whom. Manny stays in the region after promising to solve the case and wondering if his promise was wise.
Manny finds himself in a village and county of New Mexico very different from what he is used to. It is a region where the people are highly skeptical of outsiders and who hold strong beliefs that seem strange to him. The case takes many turns (of course) but that is the fun in reading these books.
It has been 15 years since a young man was found killed in the mountains outside of Moab and the only case former Sheriff Bradshaw hadn't been able to solve. Manny is called to the hospital where an elderly woman is dying and has a confession is wants off her chest before she does die. It is about that unsolved case. The woman's confession divulges her dead husband had found the body, left it where it was, and took the dead man's backpack which should still be in a dark corner of the barn.
Manny searches the contents of the backpack, discovers a hiking journal, and discovers the man's name and other information leading him to a small village in northern New Mexico to notify the man's family. That of course leads to questions Manny needs to resolve: why was he shot 15 years ag and by whom. Manny stays in the region after promising to solve the case and wondering if his promise was wise.
Manny finds himself in a village and county of New Mexico very different from what he is used to. It is a region where the people are highly skeptical of outsiders and who hold strong beliefs that seem strange to him. The case takes many turns (of course) but that is the fun in reading these books.
February 11, 2019
This book of the series leaves southeastern Utah when a 15 year old cold case needs to be solved. The victim's identity is finally found & Manny Rivera heads off to Rio Arriba County, New Mexico to tell the family, and try to find out why the young man was murdered. While Manny is outside his jurisdiction, the reader learns about living in the small villages of northern New Mexico.
The author gives details of the land grants given to New Mexico residents once Mexico sold the area to the United States. Some of the details are fictional, some historical and the author explains this at the back of the book.
The Catholic religion is seen through the eyes and cultures of these Mexico descendants, including the strong belief in witchcraft. Manny isn't feeling well during his investigation, did the local bruja (witch) place a curse on him?
Another good story in the series, read them all!
The author gives details of the land grants given to New Mexico residents once Mexico sold the area to the United States. Some of the details are fictional, some historical and the author explains this at the back of the book.
The Catholic religion is seen through the eyes and cultures of these Mexico descendants, including the strong belief in witchcraft. Manny isn't feeling well during his investigation, did the local bruja (witch) place a curse on him?
Another good story in the series, read them all!
July 10, 2020
Another satisfying entry in the Manny Rivera detective series. Death Saint has Manny investigating a cold case - a murder that occurred fifteen years previously. New information from an elderly woman on her deathbed allows Manny to identify the victim and leads him to his New Mexican home. Here Manny works with a new system of justice that is more akin to 18th century where the local and powerful Dom has a voice in police matters. This mystery shows Manny's deductive skills at work.
Manny's personal life is a mess since his girlfriend, Amy, has a great job offer that would require her to leave the Moab area. As Manny investigates this cold case he ponders his romantic future as well as his professional one. Unhappy with the current sheriff's leadership, Manny explores other options. Move with Amy? Run for sheriff? Work for his old boss in Santa Fe? Or maybe, something entirely different.
A fun read.
Manny's personal life is a mess since his girlfriend, Amy, has a great job offer that would require her to leave the Moab area. As Manny investigates this cold case he ponders his romantic future as well as his professional one. Unhappy with the current sheriff's leadership, Manny explores other options. Move with Amy? Run for sheriff? Work for his old boss in Santa Fe? Or maybe, something entirely different.
A fun read.
May 16, 2020
One of the things I like about this series is how the author captures the sense of place of the setting for the stories—in this case, northern New Mexico. It was really well constructed here.
I was a little disappointed in how the story resolved itself at the end. I would have liked to have seen a second visit to the Don to sort things out with him before going to higher authorities. It would have fit the story better, in my view.
I also struggle with the fact that Rivera was away from work for several days without checking in with the disgruntled boss. I assume Rivera will get fired upon his return, to help push him out of Moab. Loose ends in this story that might get resolved later, but don’t really help us out here.
So, still loving the writing and the series. It’s not perfect, but very enjoyable.
I was a little disappointed in how the story resolved itself at the end. I would have liked to have seen a second visit to the Don to sort things out with him before going to higher authorities. It would have fit the story better, in my view.
I also struggle with the fact that Rivera was away from work for several days without checking in with the disgruntled boss. I assume Rivera will get fired upon his return, to help push him out of Moab. Loose ends in this story that might get resolved later, but don’t really help us out here.
So, still loving the writing and the series. It’s not perfect, but very enjoyable.
October 31, 2020
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera listens to a dying woman’s story about a 15-year old murder. For the Grand County, Utah sheriff’s office it is an unsolved case. Rivera investigates and finds evidence he believes will identify the killer but he has to go to a small New Mexican village called Santa Elena to find the connections. What he discovers while there connect in ways that he couldn’t possibly foresee. He also finds out something about himself.
Death Saint is another in author Rich Curtin’s series featuring Manny Rivera, a likeable law enforcement officer with a dog, guppies, and a penchant for digging deeply into criminal cases. I found the story interesting and the characters appealing. The author did a nice job setting the stage for Manny’s investigations and his thoughtful trip back to Moab. I like the book.
Death Saint is another in author Rich Curtin’s series featuring Manny Rivera, a likeable law enforcement officer with a dog, guppies, and a penchant for digging deeply into criminal cases. I found the story interesting and the characters appealing. The author did a nice job setting the stage for Manny’s investigations and his thoughtful trip back to Moab. I like the book.
January 22, 2021
I don't usually rate my frequent mystery books five stars. But I really enjoyed this one--for its setting in the southwest, for its Deputy Rivera, for its romance (not a lot--but there were musings about relationships), for its questions about morality. There was a puzzle about loyalty that was conflicted and interesting and very relevant to the story. Curtin in an afterword suggest more books (non-fiction) to read about the background of this book--but most are out of print and very expensive. And it is always a good sign when I want to read more about a place or an era after reading a compelling mystery.
April 1, 2022
Another delightful Manny Rivera book
As with every Rich Curtin book I have read, this story is set in the American Southwest. However, the previous stories were centered near the Moab, Utah area, and this one is set in the sparsely inhabited mountains of northern New Mexico. It is a beautiful region which I only passed through once as a child, but have always remembered. Mr. Curtin once again has used his skill as a writer to educate me about topics of some interest to me: curanderas, penetentes, Catholic/Hispanic cultural practices, ...This is a book series I will certainly complete, and I already know I will be rereading it in my future.
As with every Rich Curtin book I have read, this story is set in the American Southwest. However, the previous stories were centered near the Moab, Utah area, and this one is set in the sparsely inhabited mountains of northern New Mexico. It is a beautiful region which I only passed through once as a child, but have always remembered. Mr. Curtin once again has used his skill as a writer to educate me about topics of some interest to me: curanderas, penetentes, Catholic/Hispanic cultural practices, ...This is a book series I will certainly complete, and I already know I will be rereading it in my future.
April 25, 2022
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera moved from Las Cruces, New Mexico to Moab, Utah because he fell in love with the canyonlands. Now, new clues in an old murder case take him to a village in the mountains of northeast New Mexico. Most of the families in the village have descended from old land grant families that precede the annexation of the territory by the U.S. An engaging mystery, though I was not enchanted with the setting. The story notes several times that Manny comes to be quite fond of the village – though why seems inexplicable other than that the author maybe needs a fresh setting for future plots.
August 5, 2020
Real justice for honest folks
This is a wonderful story based on a cold case mystery. An underlying principal is that money does not always bring happinest and in poverty you could appreciate the little things in life like family. The entire story is a feel good narrative and a relaxing, refreshing tale. The novel demonstrates that sex, violance and foul language are not necessary for a great story. Ihope you enjoy the story and tge Manny Reveria Mystery Series as much as I. They are all unique and grest reads
This is a wonderful story based on a cold case mystery. An underlying principal is that money does not always bring happinest and in poverty you could appreciate the little things in life like family. The entire story is a feel good narrative and a relaxing, refreshing tale. The novel demonstrates that sex, violance and foul language are not necessary for a great story. Ihope you enjoy the story and tge Manny Reveria Mystery Series as much as I. They are all unique and grest reads
January 18, 2021
Another Terrific Mystery from Rich Curtin
Death Saint is another terrific Manny Rivera Mystery by the talented Rich Curtin. Set in the breathtaking New Mexico/Colorado area, the story begins with a confession leading to a cold case, and opens up the hidden world of tiny Hispanic village’s cultural and religious ways. I love New Mexico and felt as if I were back there again just reading the descriptions. I love Manny Rivera. This is the second book in the series I’ve read, it won’t be the last.
Death Saint is another terrific Manny Rivera Mystery by the talented Rich Curtin. Set in the breathtaking New Mexico/Colorado area, the story begins with a confession leading to a cold case, and opens up the hidden world of tiny Hispanic village’s cultural and religious ways. I love New Mexico and felt as if I were back there again just reading the descriptions. I love Manny Rivera. This is the second book in the series I’ve read, it won’t be the last.
January 26, 2021
After talking to a dying woman, Manny discovers the identity of a man killed years ago. He then goes to northern New Mexico, where the young man was from to notify the family. While there, he finds out one of his friends was killed a couple of day later and the other friend goes missing. Manny is working with the local law enforcement and finds things different than what he is used to. He makes a new friend who helps him with the people who live in the tiny towns in this area. This is an interesting book.
February 18, 2021
Book number 6 in the series, "Death Saint" tells the story of deputy sheriff Manny Rivera traveling from Moab Utah to an isolated mountain town in northern New Mexico to investigate the 15 year old murder of a young local naturalist. Dealing with suspicious townspeople reluctant to share their towns history, deputy Rivera uses his dogged persistence and intuition to slowly uncover a years old crime that involved some of the least likely suspects. An interesting story set in one of the most picturesque locations in the southwest.
May 31, 2021
Manny went to find out about a 15 year old murder that was never solved. Turns out he found 3 cases that all were involved in this one murder. Three men - two were dead. Did the 3rd one kill them two? A young girl was left as "a suicide" but never investigated by the police. He went to another area of New Mexico to do some digging into the cases. Each book tells a descripti0n about the land , colors of it and the sunsets. Also give some knowledge of the people and how they lived years ago. Is Manny going to find his best job and a girlfriend finally?
June 10, 2023
6//30. Manny is asked to go to Saint Elena, New Mexico, to investigate a cold case involving a man found dead on a trail. Could the death be linked to the death of another young man just days after the first. Manny comes to love the area, near Tierra Amarilla (been there) and the people who seem generally happy even though they live in poverty. Can he solve the case? Are the two deaths related? And what about the suicide of a pregnant teenager around the same time? What does Manny learn about loyalty and happiness? Interesting read.
April 16, 2019
This mystery series keeps getting better and better. Deputy Sheriff Manny Ramirez sets out in his inimitable way to methodically work through the evidence to solve a cold case, a murder of a young man in the LaSal Mountains 15 years before. Manny's quest takes him to Santa Elena, a small town in the mountains of New Mexico filled with tradition and superstition. It was a fascinating look at a culture dating back to Spanish land grants when New Mexico was still part of Mexico.
May 14, 2019
Excellent!
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is dealing with a murder 15 years old but body has just been identified. He travels to northern New Mexico, a remote , tiny village of descendants of early Mexican settlers. It is intense, exciting,well written, and very different from the previous books. Old secrets are exposed but old questions are also answered. A very enjoyable adventure!
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is dealing with a murder 15 years old but body has just been identified. He travels to northern New Mexico, a remote , tiny village of descendants of early Mexican settlers. It is intense, exciting,well written, and very different from the previous books. Old secrets are exposed but old questions are also answered. A very enjoyable adventure!
August 10, 2020
Great read
As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Curtin's book. I have become hooked on this series and am hoping to visit the Moab area in the future. I would like to point out to the author that there is a slight error in the middle of the book. One of the two deaths being investigated at that time had been deemed a hunting accident by the then-sheriff, but on that particular page, it states that it was ruled a suicide.
As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Curtin's book. I have become hooked on this series and am hoping to visit the Moab area in the future. I would like to point out to the author that there is a slight error in the middle of the book. One of the two deaths being investigated at that time had been deemed a hunting accident by the then-sheriff, but on that particular page, it states that it was ruled a suicide.
November 26, 2020
Curtains Rivera does it again
Manny Rivera always has tough cases to solve, but his thorough investigation uncovers the most hidden clues by insight, reason and the help of sheriff Bradshaw's training. This had lots of twists and turns until he discovers all the clues by trying to make the pieces fit together logically. And that one last surprise that solved the case, was totally unexpected. I'm a big fan of Manny.
Manny Rivera always has tough cases to solve, but his thorough investigation uncovers the most hidden clues by insight, reason and the help of sheriff Bradshaw's training. This had lots of twists and turns until he discovers all the clues by trying to make the pieces fit together logically. And that one last surprise that solved the case, was totally unexpected. I'm a big fan of Manny.
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December 10, 2020I like hanging out with Manny Rivera, the book’s main character. I’m about to start book 7 which means my time with him is limited — oh no!
The scenery is beautiful, the characters are interesting. And the main character is a decent, believable, and good human being trying his best to make the best decisions a man of conscience should make. I wish I knew him personally.
Come to Moab and enjoy the visit as much as I do.
The scenery is beautiful, the characters are interesting. And the main character is a decent, believable, and good human being trying his best to make the best decisions a man of conscience should make. I wish I knew him personally.
Come to Moab and enjoy the visit as much as I do.
January 18, 2021
A trip to the mountains of the Southwest
This is a very gentle story for a murders mystery. The richness off details reminds me of Tony Hillerman and Rhys Bowen. The descriptions are so vivid that I long to see these places and experience the calm and peace Manny feels in he high country.
Manny Rivera is a well rounded character. Rich Curtin brings the landscape and people to life. You end up rooting for Manny to find his happy family life.
This is a very gentle story for a murders mystery. The richness off details reminds me of Tony Hillerman and Rhys Bowen. The descriptions are so vivid that I long to see these places and experience the calm and peace Manny feels in he high country.
Manny Rivera is a well rounded character. Rich Curtin brings the landscape and people to life. You end up rooting for Manny to find his happy family life.
August 3, 2021
Another good Manny Rivera book, this one looks at a 15-year-old unsolved murder. The victim hasn’t been identified before now, so Rivera begins a search for the killer long after the death.
Manny goes to Santa Elena, NM, where the young man was from to bring news of the death to the boy’s family and begin his search. It’s a step back in time, entering this tiny rural Hispanic community of 300 residents.
Manny goes to Santa Elena, NM, where the young man was from to bring news of the death to the boy’s family and begin his search. It’s a step back in time, entering this tiny rural Hispanic community of 300 residents.
August 16, 2021
Stepping. In to destiny
A spellbinding look into the life in a place caught in time. The culture of southwestern reg ion was a traditional portrait of the past. In a well crafted progression, facts fall into place through understanding the lives of the people of this place. The thorough portrait through the eyes of Manny Rivera allows the reader to grasp the uniqueness of this region.
A spellbinding look into the life in a place caught in time. The culture of southwestern reg ion was a traditional portrait of the past. In a well crafted progression, facts fall into place through understanding the lives of the people of this place. The thorough portrait through the eyes of Manny Rivera allows the reader to grasp the uniqueness of this region.
January 24, 2022
I like this author
Rich Curtin writes in a style that is both accurate and straightforward. This is the sixth book of the series that I have read and look forward to reading the remaining four. Each of the books have been well thought out and realistic as far as police practices go and involve many faceted parts that come together perfectly in conclusion. I recommend this series.
Rich Curtin writes in a style that is both accurate and straightforward. This is the sixth book of the series that I have read and look forward to reading the remaining four. Each of the books have been well thought out and realistic as far as police practices go and involve many faceted parts that come together perfectly in conclusion. I recommend this series.
September 19, 2017
GREAT AREA TO RETIRE AND LIVE IN GOD'S WAITING ROOM
This good story was located in Southern Colorado and New Mexico.
After I went into full retirement at age 62
I bought a small HORSE ranch in New Mexico, operated it for 12 years till
I got tired of shoveling horse manure.
My wife titled me a " Manure Connoisseur "
This good story was located in Southern Colorado and New Mexico.
After I went into full retirement at age 62
I bought a small HORSE ranch in New Mexico, operated it for 12 years till
I got tired of shoveling horse manure.
My wife titled me a " Manure Connoisseur "
November 27, 2019
ANOTHER WINING READ
As in the case of the earlier novels in this series, I like each one better than its predecessors. The mystery plot is excellent and the development of characters interesting. Better than all that is the opportunity to revisit, even in my mind, the Four Corners Area! I can no longer do so physically, so thank you, Rich!
As in the case of the earlier novels in this series, I like each one better than its predecessors. The mystery plot is excellent and the development of characters interesting. Better than all that is the opportunity to revisit, even in my mind, the Four Corners Area! I can no longer do so physically, so thank you, Rich!
June 21, 2020
Not the strongest in the series
Good storyline, but Manny has become a despondent and comes across as preachy. We all come to crossroads in our lives, but Manny seems to have a wealth of very positive choices. Makes you want to shake him and say "buck up princess". Maybe his grandfather can sort him out.
Good storyline, but Manny has become a despondent and comes across as preachy. We all come to crossroads in our lives, but Manny seems to have a wealth of very positive choices. Makes you want to shake him and say "buck up princess". Maybe his grandfather can sort him out.
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