What do you think?
Rate this book
Manny Rivera #8
Coyote's Regret
MATTHEW AND WILMA Mason, a married couple from San Francisco on a driving tour of southwest national parks, are found shot to death in the remote and rugged backcountry of southeast Utah. A revolver clutched in Matthew’s hand suggests a murder-suicide, but Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera thinks otherwise. In his mind, there are too many unanswered questions. Why had the Masons, at age 68, detoured from the planned vacation route shown on their map? Why had they left the comfort of paved roads for rough, gravel back roads that led to nowhere in particular? Why had they driven to the place where they were found, next to an abandoned grass airstrip? And most peculiar of all, why were they dressed like hippies from the 1960s?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2019
1220 people are currently reading
1143 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
September 30, 2020
Another well written police procedural from Rich Curtn. Manny follows the leads from point A to point B and on down the line without making any assumptions until he gets close to the solution.
Curtin usually will take on a side issue. This novel he touches on the plight of the Navajo tribe and their hardscrabble land, all the while the government benefits from the oil wells on the tribal reservation.
Spoiler alert: Those following this series will finally see an end to Manny's unlucky love life.
Kindle Unlimited.
Curtin usually will take on a side issue. This novel he touches on the plight of the Navajo tribe and their hardscrabble land, all the while the government benefits from the oil wells on the tribal reservation.
Spoiler alert: Those following this series will finally see an end to Manny's unlucky love life.
Kindle Unlimited.
October 25, 2020
Excellent
Great story, good ending. Hoping to find more stories by this author. Lovely descriptions of that area of high desert and country.
Great story, good ending. Hoping to find more stories by this author. Lovely descriptions of that area of high desert and country.
September 25, 2019
When I finished #7 in this remarkable and memorable mystery series, I was afraid it was the end. To my delight another Goodreads reader told me there was a #8, Coyote's Regret. Such a pleasure to get back into the life of Manny Rivera!
This book takes place in the back country of San Juan County, Utah. The SJC Sheriff has requested assistance from the Grand County (Moab), Utah, Sheriff, in an investigation because his lead investigator was hospitalized. Even though Manny was starting a vacation during which he planned to ask Gloria to marry him, he answers the call.
The deaths of a couple (both 68 years old) dressed in hippie attire look like a murder-suicide. But Manny sees many inconsistencies in that theory. The victims have been on a sightseeing trip to visit National Parks yet there is no camera in their possessions and they did have souvenir mugs from various of the Parks. Then their daughter is convinced they had no reason to carry out such a pact, they have been happily married for many years. Manny becomes certain the deaths were homicides even though a young deputy assigned to work with him is convinced of the original murder-suicide theory.
As usual in this series the setting plays a big part in the story. This part of San Juan County is just north of The Rez (the Navajo Reservation) on BLM land not far from the Four Corners area, another beautiful part of Utah. As in all his books, the author paints a picture in the reader's mind that allows one to feel like she is actually there.
Manny painstakingly sifts through the clues including the couple's 1967 road trip from Maryland to San Fransisco to celebrate the "Summer of Love." Manny researches the decade of the 1960s (I remember it well and even had a VW "bus" ...not a minivan as the author calls it....like the one described in the story with daisy decals on the sides .... I believe I just had a flashback!).
Manny learns this was a tumultuous period in American history:
"Cuban missile crisis, Bay of Pigs invasion, Standoff with U.S.S.R. fleet. Assassination of President John Kennedy. Fear of “the bomb,” ban the bomb. President Johnson expanding the war in Vietnam. Women’s rights, the pill, equal pay for equal work. Equal rights, Freedom marches. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I have a dream’ speech. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Cities are burned across U.S., Black Power Movement, Riots. Attempts at school integration, Governor George Wallace obstructs. Vietnam, Tet Offensive, napalm, body bags, burning of draft cards. Old white men sending young soldiers off to die. Rebellion and protests by the young. Hippie dress, long hair, piercings, bohemian lifestyle. Distrust of “the Man” and other authority figures. Takeover of Universities by students, sit-ins. Rock and roll, Woodstock, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin. Robert F. Kennedy, presidential candidate, assassinated. Riots at 1968 Democratic Convention, Chicago Police club demonstrators. Rivera sat back and stared at the list he’d composed. He took a deep breath and let it out. He was surprised and a bit overwhelmed at all that had happened during the intense and tumultuous decade of the sixties. The country seemed to be on the verge of coming apart. Impressionable young minds were bombarded with distressing news stories on an almost daily basis. And tucked away somewhere in the fear, anger, and chaos of the time was the Summer of Love, a beacon of hope and a break from the horrors of the world. No wonder the young had been attracted to it." (I remember it well!) In thinking about the victims Manny philosophizes: "everyone was faced with a series of choices during his or her time on earth, choices that often seem unimportant at the time, so they give them little or no critical thought. But taken in the aggregate, they can shift the direction of one’s life in dramatic ways. Tune in to those decisions, his grandfather had counseled—recognize the forks in the road and try to make your choices only after conscious deliberation." We all could have used that advice at various times in our lives.
I love how Manny keeps gathering and going over the evidence until he reaches a conclusion. "H]is mentor, former Grand County Sheriff Leroy Bradshaw, had taught him that an inferential or factual error early in an investigation starts the investigator down the wrong logical path, taking him farther and farther from the path that leads to the correct conclusion. Just gather all the facts available, Bradshaw would say, and only then postulate a sequence of events. Get the chronology right and then consider the motives of all the players."
The conclusion of this story was perfectly obvious once Manny made all the connections! Now I'm fervently hoping for another book in the series.
This book takes place in the back country of San Juan County, Utah. The SJC Sheriff has requested assistance from the Grand County (Moab), Utah, Sheriff, in an investigation because his lead investigator was hospitalized. Even though Manny was starting a vacation during which he planned to ask Gloria to marry him, he answers the call.
The deaths of a couple (both 68 years old) dressed in hippie attire look like a murder-suicide. But Manny sees many inconsistencies in that theory. The victims have been on a sightseeing trip to visit National Parks yet there is no camera in their possessions and they did have souvenir mugs from various of the Parks. Then their daughter is convinced they had no reason to carry out such a pact, they have been happily married for many years. Manny becomes certain the deaths were homicides even though a young deputy assigned to work with him is convinced of the original murder-suicide theory.
As usual in this series the setting plays a big part in the story. This part of San Juan County is just north of The Rez (the Navajo Reservation) on BLM land not far from the Four Corners area, another beautiful part of Utah. As in all his books, the author paints a picture in the reader's mind that allows one to feel like she is actually there.
Manny painstakingly sifts through the clues including the couple's 1967 road trip from Maryland to San Fransisco to celebrate the "Summer of Love." Manny researches the decade of the 1960s (I remember it well and even had a VW "bus" ...not a minivan as the author calls it....like the one described in the story with daisy decals on the sides .... I believe I just had a flashback!).
Manny learns this was a tumultuous period in American history:
"Cuban missile crisis, Bay of Pigs invasion, Standoff with U.S.S.R. fleet. Assassination of President John Kennedy. Fear of “the bomb,” ban the bomb. President Johnson expanding the war in Vietnam. Women’s rights, the pill, equal pay for equal work. Equal rights, Freedom marches. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I have a dream’ speech. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Cities are burned across U.S., Black Power Movement, Riots. Attempts at school integration, Governor George Wallace obstructs. Vietnam, Tet Offensive, napalm, body bags, burning of draft cards. Old white men sending young soldiers off to die. Rebellion and protests by the young. Hippie dress, long hair, piercings, bohemian lifestyle. Distrust of “the Man” and other authority figures. Takeover of Universities by students, sit-ins. Rock and roll, Woodstock, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin. Robert F. Kennedy, presidential candidate, assassinated. Riots at 1968 Democratic Convention, Chicago Police club demonstrators. Rivera sat back and stared at the list he’d composed. He took a deep breath and let it out. He was surprised and a bit overwhelmed at all that had happened during the intense and tumultuous decade of the sixties. The country seemed to be on the verge of coming apart. Impressionable young minds were bombarded with distressing news stories on an almost daily basis. And tucked away somewhere in the fear, anger, and chaos of the time was the Summer of Love, a beacon of hope and a break from the horrors of the world. No wonder the young had been attracted to it." (I remember it well!) In thinking about the victims Manny philosophizes: "everyone was faced with a series of choices during his or her time on earth, choices that often seem unimportant at the time, so they give them little or no critical thought. But taken in the aggregate, they can shift the direction of one’s life in dramatic ways. Tune in to those decisions, his grandfather had counseled—recognize the forks in the road and try to make your choices only after conscious deliberation." We all could have used that advice at various times in our lives.
I love how Manny keeps gathering and going over the evidence until he reaches a conclusion. "H]is mentor, former Grand County Sheriff Leroy Bradshaw, had taught him that an inferential or factual error early in an investigation starts the investigator down the wrong logical path, taking him farther and farther from the path that leads to the correct conclusion. Just gather all the facts available, Bradshaw would say, and only then postulate a sequence of events. Get the chronology right and then consider the motives of all the players."
The conclusion of this story was perfectly obvious once Manny made all the connections! Now I'm fervently hoping for another book in the series.
June 1, 2019
Excellent!
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is loaned to the adjacent county to investigate a double murder--- or is it? Many conflicting opinions, a young hotheaded deputy acting as Manny's assistant, and few clues make a very interesting, unusual murder investigation. Manny just keeps investigating until he has enough evidence to reach a very unusual, unexpected conclusion --- past events from 50 years earlier coming back to effect the present. Enjoy!
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is loaned to the adjacent county to investigate a double murder--- or is it? Many conflicting opinions, a young hotheaded deputy acting as Manny's assistant, and few clues make a very interesting, unusual murder investigation. Manny just keeps investigating until he has enough evidence to reach a very unusual, unexpected conclusion --- past events from 50 years earlier coming back to effect the present. Enjoy!
September 29, 2022
4 stars
Another solid investigation in the Manny Rivera series by Rich Curtin. Manny Rivera is a Sheriff's detective in Grand County, Utah. His location in Moab, Utah provides stunning backdrops for the investigations which are richly described by Curtin.
In this novel, Manny is about to finally propose to his girlfriend, Gloria, a Sheriff's Deputy in New Mexico. Before he can reach her, however, he is called back, his vacation cancelled. He is requested by the Sheriff in the bordering county, San Juan County. An older couple is found dead in a remote part of the county and their own detective, Manny friend, has been injured in traffic accident.
Arriving at the crime scene, Manny a confusing scene. The young deputy at the scene wants to end the investigation before it gets started, convinced by the image of a murder/suicide. Manny quickly finds images and inconclusive signs that makes him feel that murder/suicide might be too convenient. The couple from San Francisco are in their upper 60's, they are carrying significant cash, several joints, and are dressed as hippies reminiscent of the 1960's. How does that fit with being in one of the remotest parts of the sparsely populated county?
Manny Rivera has developed into a deliberate and effective detective who leaves no question unanswered and that style plays out in this investigation as his search for answers goes back 50 years to follow five young students from the University of Maryland taking a cross country trip to San Francisco to experience The Summer of Love. What happened along the way changed lives and becomes the heart of this investigation.
Another solid investigation in the Manny Rivera series by Rich Curtin. Manny Rivera is a Sheriff's detective in Grand County, Utah. His location in Moab, Utah provides stunning backdrops for the investigations which are richly described by Curtin.
In this novel, Manny is about to finally propose to his girlfriend, Gloria, a Sheriff's Deputy in New Mexico. Before he can reach her, however, he is called back, his vacation cancelled. He is requested by the Sheriff in the bordering county, San Juan County. An older couple is found dead in a remote part of the county and their own detective, Manny friend, has been injured in traffic accident.
Arriving at the crime scene, Manny a confusing scene. The young deputy at the scene wants to end the investigation before it gets started, convinced by the image of a murder/suicide. Manny quickly finds images and inconclusive signs that makes him feel that murder/suicide might be too convenient. The couple from San Francisco are in their upper 60's, they are carrying significant cash, several joints, and are dressed as hippies reminiscent of the 1960's. How does that fit with being in one of the remotest parts of the sparsely populated county?
Manny Rivera has developed into a deliberate and effective detective who leaves no question unanswered and that style plays out in this investigation as his search for answers goes back 50 years to follow five young students from the University of Maryland taking a cross country trip to San Francisco to experience The Summer of Love. What happened along the way changed lives and becomes the heart of this investigation.
November 3, 2020
Deputy Sherriff Manny Rivera from Grand County, Utah has taken a week's leave and is on his way to New Mexico to propose to his girlfriend Gloria Valdez—a deputy sheriff of Rio Arriba County in New Mexico—when he gets a call from his boss, Sherriff Anderson’s dispatcher Millie Ives informing him that he’s been asked to assist Sheriff Zilic with an investigation in San Juan County.
Sherriff Emmett Mitchell who normally investigates Crimes in the County was involved in an accident and needs some time off to recuperate.
A truck driver discovered the bodies of an elderly couple in the backcountry near an old airstrip on a grazing lease belonging to two locals near Blanding. It appears to be a murder-suicide because a gun was found in the dead man's hand. Also, they found six marijuana joints in the woman’s purse. The couple were out of towners from San Francisco and dressed like hippies. So how did they wind up in the backroads?
Sherriff Zilic has also assigned one of his deputies, Nick Lathrop, to work with Sherrif Rivera. Nick happens to be the sheriff’s nephew and Sheriff Zilic sees Nick working with Rivera as a good opportunity for Nick to learn a thing or two from Rivera.
Then three days later a Navajo sheepherder is found dead at the spring where he waters his flock of sheep. Rivera finds this odd and tries to find a link between the victims and the motive behind the killings.
Solid police procedural interspersed with an in-depth history of the place. Well-paced and a satisfying ending. I highly recommend
Sherriff Emmett Mitchell who normally investigates Crimes in the County was involved in an accident and needs some time off to recuperate.
A truck driver discovered the bodies of an elderly couple in the backcountry near an old airstrip on a grazing lease belonging to two locals near Blanding. It appears to be a murder-suicide because a gun was found in the dead man's hand. Also, they found six marijuana joints in the woman’s purse. The couple were out of towners from San Francisco and dressed like hippies. So how did they wind up in the backroads?
Sherriff Zilic has also assigned one of his deputies, Nick Lathrop, to work with Sherrif Rivera. Nick happens to be the sheriff’s nephew and Sheriff Zilic sees Nick working with Rivera as a good opportunity for Nick to learn a thing or two from Rivera.
Then three days later a Navajo sheepherder is found dead at the spring where he waters his flock of sheep. Rivera finds this odd and tries to find a link between the victims and the motive behind the killings.
Solid police procedural interspersed with an in-depth history of the place. Well-paced and a satisfying ending. I highly recommend
January 17, 2021
I wanted to read a “light” mystery and Manny Rivera delivered. I jumped the line and went for #8 mistakenly but it didn’t matter much, except for a spoiler re Manny’s love life. This is what happens when you look for a Kindle book during mid-night insomnia.
The is an excellent series to read as a companion for any eastern Utah travel. Reading books set in regions I’m exploring (or in this case dreaming about getting back to) is one of my favorite past times.
This series has a cast of characters that are interesting, nice people. It’s not an edgy mystery. In this volume Manny explores murders related to a 1967 “summer of love” adventure. Curtin goes into some historic detail that made me feel old indeed. Apparently authors now need to describe the ‘60s counter revolution for readers with no live memories of the event. Sigh. I was a kid in 1967, but I do remember the era from first and second hand stores.
I did look up one factoid that bothered me. A VW bus (which the author kept calling a minivan, even though that term wasn’t even invented until the ‘90’s) in the novel has an 8-track player. I had to look it up, as I think of 8-tracks as a ‘70s thing. But the author was correct. They started to appear in vehicles during 1966 and I found reports of VWs in 1967 having them. I do find it a bit of a stretch that students too poor to stay in hotels would have a brand new 8-track equipped van but I’ll give Curtin a pass. 😉
If you like light police procedurals set in the SW then you’ll probably enjoy this series. I’ll keep reading it.
The is an excellent series to read as a companion for any eastern Utah travel. Reading books set in regions I’m exploring (or in this case dreaming about getting back to) is one of my favorite past times.
This series has a cast of characters that are interesting, nice people. It’s not an edgy mystery. In this volume Manny explores murders related to a 1967 “summer of love” adventure. Curtin goes into some historic detail that made me feel old indeed. Apparently authors now need to describe the ‘60s counter revolution for readers with no live memories of the event. Sigh. I was a kid in 1967, but I do remember the era from first and second hand stores.
I did look up one factoid that bothered me. A VW bus (which the author kept calling a minivan, even though that term wasn’t even invented until the ‘90’s) in the novel has an 8-track player. I had to look it up, as I think of 8-tracks as a ‘70s thing. But the author was correct. They started to appear in vehicles during 1966 and I found reports of VWs in 1967 having them. I do find it a bit of a stretch that students too poor to stay in hotels would have a brand new 8-track equipped van but I’ll give Curtin a pass. 😉
If you like light police procedurals set in the SW then you’ll probably enjoy this series. I’ll keep reading it.
January 2, 2021
A married couple from San Francisco, celebrating their retirement with a road trip to visit the southwest National Parks, is found shot dead next to an abandoned grass airstrip next to a back road in San Juan County, Utah. They are dressed like hippies from the 1960s, and at first glance, their deaths appear to be a murder-suicide. Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera, on loan from an adjacent county, investigates and sees too many inconsistencies in that theory—with questions like where’s the camera for recording memories, and why have they been collecting souvenir mugs to remember the trip? His mentor had taught him to investigate methodically, that “an inferential or factual error early in an investigation starts the investigator down the wrong logical path…farther from…the correct conclusion.”
This is a police procedural as Rivera tries to avoid making assumptions, searches for the puzzle’s missing pieces, keeps his reports updated. The author also described the reality of the Navajo tribe, living impoverished on overgrazed land and having to stand aside as the government gets the royalties from oil wells on the tribal reservation, while neighboring wealthy landowners live in luxury, and this was also important to the story.
Enjoyed the book, easy to read, would read more from this series by Rich Curtin.
This is a police procedural as Rivera tries to avoid making assumptions, searches for the puzzle’s missing pieces, keeps his reports updated. The author also described the reality of the Navajo tribe, living impoverished on overgrazed land and having to stand aside as the government gets the royalties from oil wells on the tribal reservation, while neighboring wealthy landowners live in luxury, and this was also important to the story.
Enjoyed the book, easy to read, would read more from this series by Rich Curtin.
October 24, 2021
An enjoyable, albeit somewhat corny, story that contains a reasonably good mystery. This was my first encounter with this author who, apparently, has written quite a few of these Manny Rivera stories. Rivera is a deputy sheriff in southern Utah, working to help solve a murder despite being out of his usual jurisdiction, at the behest of another sheriff.
The use of setting (desert country of the four corners region of the American Southwest) and native Americans (mostly Navajo), is somewhat reminiscent of Tony Hillerman's famous works. Though this is nowhere near that league of novel, there is a pleasant vibe if you enjoy this genre of mystery. Rivera is a pleasant central character, thoughtful and thorough as an investigator.
Overall, the story is decent, though hampered slightly by some obvious tells and an saccharine-sweet ending that was a bit too shlocky for my taste. Nevertheless, the book was a decent diversion for several hours and if you enjoy the setting of such stories, probably worth a spin. Just keep your expectations in check-- it ain't Hillerman-- but it's a pleasant enough story and I might dip my toe in for another one just to see if the author has anything more to offer with this character.
The use of setting (desert country of the four corners region of the American Southwest) and native Americans (mostly Navajo), is somewhat reminiscent of Tony Hillerman's famous works. Though this is nowhere near that league of novel, there is a pleasant vibe if you enjoy this genre of mystery. Rivera is a pleasant central character, thoughtful and thorough as an investigator.
Overall, the story is decent, though hampered slightly by some obvious tells and an saccharine-sweet ending that was a bit too shlocky for my taste. Nevertheless, the book was a decent diversion for several hours and if you enjoy the setting of such stories, probably worth a spin. Just keep your expectations in check-- it ain't Hillerman-- but it's a pleasant enough story and I might dip my toe in for another one just to see if the author has anything more to offer with this character.
August 24, 2021
It was a special ad for this book that led me to this engaging series. The synopsis for “Coyote’s Regret’ sounded so intriguing, I knew I had to read it. When I realized it was #8 in the Manny Rivera Mystery series, I decided to start with the first book. I made the correct decision, as all the books have earned 4 or 5 Stars from me.
This story was the most emotional to me. The plot is original and took an unexpected turn. For most of it, I had no idea what direction the author was taking me. Though, I did figure out the conclusion before Manny did, which doesn’t happen often. The characters are so well developed and seem real to me. It’s like I am shadowing Manny Rivera at work, watching him uncover clues in the beautiful lands of southeastern Utah. I often consult my road atlas, so I know exactly where this author has taken me.
Since my favorite genre is Romantic Suspense, I am always wanting more access into Manny’s personal life. This time I got a little more, but still would like a touch of “spice”.
I especially enjoyed the references to the 1960’s. That was quite a decade in America history. Though, it bugged me Manny kept calling the “VW bus” a minivan.
This story was the most emotional to me. The plot is original and took an unexpected turn. For most of it, I had no idea what direction the author was taking me. Though, I did figure out the conclusion before Manny did, which doesn’t happen often. The characters are so well developed and seem real to me. It’s like I am shadowing Manny Rivera at work, watching him uncover clues in the beautiful lands of southeastern Utah. I often consult my road atlas, so I know exactly where this author has taken me.
Since my favorite genre is Romantic Suspense, I am always wanting more access into Manny’s personal life. This time I got a little more, but still would like a touch of “spice”.
I especially enjoyed the references to the 1960’s. That was quite a decade in America history. Though, it bugged me Manny kept calling the “VW bus” a minivan.
September 28, 2019
A retired couple are found dead at Bug Point, was it murder-suicide or murder? This is what Deputy Sheriff, Manny Rivera, has to determine while on loan to the San Juan County Sheriff's Dept. This spontaneous assignment means Manny's vacation has been cancelled, and he was on his way to New Mexico to ask Gloria to marry him! Not enough clues, too many open ended questions, and he has to mentor the sheriff's nephew, who is a know-it-all pompous ass....Welcome to Monticello, Utah!
I was telling my hubby about this book and his response was, "Has the author been reading your blog?" Rich Curtin doesn't really give any credits in his book for references, nor sources; but you never know. In case any reader is curious, here's the link to my article on Bug Point, the scene of the murder in this book, Coyote's Regret: http://www.southwestbrowneyes.com/201...
Enjoy the book, and enjoy my travel blog!
I was telling my hubby about this book and his response was, "Has the author been reading your blog?" Rich Curtin doesn't really give any credits in his book for references, nor sources; but you never know. In case any reader is curious, here's the link to my article on Bug Point, the scene of the murder in this book, Coyote's Regret: http://www.southwestbrowneyes.com/201...
Enjoy the book, and enjoy my travel blog!
February 15, 2020
Addictive
Having just read all 8 books in this series over the last 5 days I can say that the storys, characters and settings really grabbed my attention.
To start I, too, love Moab UT and the 4 corners area of the desert southwest of the U.S. My husband and I try to get there every other year to enjoy the hiking, horseback riding and other delights of the beautiful area.
These characters are well developed and you come to care about what happens to them. The descriptions of the natural elements, as well as the locations of the actions feel very authentic and well researched.
In this column there is a tiny thing that repeatedly irritated me as the term was used often. Being of the same era as the Masons and participating in many of the historic events of the times VW did not call their vehicle a mini van but a micro bus.
Sad to have come to the end of this series but will look for other tales by this prolific author
Having just read all 8 books in this series over the last 5 days I can say that the storys, characters and settings really grabbed my attention.
To start I, too, love Moab UT and the 4 corners area of the desert southwest of the U.S. My husband and I try to get there every other year to enjoy the hiking, horseback riding and other delights of the beautiful area.
These characters are well developed and you come to care about what happens to them. The descriptions of the natural elements, as well as the locations of the actions feel very authentic and well researched.
In this column there is a tiny thing that repeatedly irritated me as the term was used often. Being of the same era as the Masons and participating in many of the historic events of the times VW did not call their vehicle a mini van but a micro bus.
Sad to have come to the end of this series but will look for other tales by this prolific author
February 6, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera has bought the ring and is on his way to propose to Gloria when he is asked by the sheriff of a neighboring county for urgent help with an investigation. Although the crime has been staged to look like a murder-suicide, the investigators suspect that it has something to do with the abandoned airstrip near the scene that has a history of involvement in drug trafficking. Manny has an excellent track record with solving cases but this one is tough because there are almost no clues. Yet, he follows every possible lead, no matter how remotely connected, to build up a picture of the murdered couple that takes him back 50 years. He also spends a lot of time getting familiar with the rugged territory where the crime took place, even visiting an elderly Navajo sheepherder on the reservation who might have been in the vicinity. An excellent procedural, but will Manny ever get the chance to ask Gloria the question?
August 1, 2022
Manny Rivera is Sheriff's Deputy in Moab, Utah and an investigator in "all things criminal." I love this series of books about Manny's cases. The books are short (+/- 300 pages) and tightly written. Very clean as well ("PG" rated I guess).
In Coyote's Regret, Manny is investigating a reported murder-suicide in an adjoining county. However, as the evidence emerges, it becomes evident as that it is a double homicide.
Manny is a true detective. He follows the evidence and lets the evidence solve the crime. In this book, we don't know to the very end who the killer is, but the detective work uncovers the truth.
The Manny Rivera series can be found on Amazon. I got a free 90 days of Unlimited when I bought my Kindle and have been burning through a number of books.
Regardless, give Rich Curtin some love ... his a great story teller.
In Coyote's Regret, Manny is investigating a reported murder-suicide in an adjoining county. However, as the evidence emerges, it becomes evident as that it is a double homicide.
Manny is a true detective. He follows the evidence and lets the evidence solve the crime. In this book, we don't know to the very end who the killer is, but the detective work uncovers the truth.
The Manny Rivera series can be found on Amazon. I got a free 90 days of Unlimited when I bought my Kindle and have been burning through a number of books.
Regardless, give Rich Curtin some love ... his a great story teller.
September 15, 2020
This was another good installment in the series with a good twist in the plot and good character development. However, I noticed the author made a mistake, sometimes using Latham instead of Lathrop. Strangely, it seemed Manny was doing the forensics work, instead of the actual forensics team. He was the one who found the extra bullets. Why didn't the forensics team look for them? I appreciate how the author highlighted the hardscrabble life of the Navajos. It is very sad that in a wealthy country like the US, there are citizens who live in third-world conditions. I have traveled in the reservation areas of Utah and New Mexico and can attest to the impoverished living conditions of the Native Americans.
October 26, 2020
When an elderly couple are found dead, Manny is called in to help the investigation. This is a different county, but he knows the Sheriff and that makes it ok. He is assigned a young deputy, who believes it is an open and shut case of murder/suicide. Manny has too many unanswered question, like why were there 4 bullets missing from the gun, and one of the ranch hands he interviewed said he heard 4 shots. The couple was found near a deserted runway, that was used for drug smuggling. He is at a loss, until he finds that the couple were reliving a trip they took 50 years earlier with some friends. None of these friends believe the couple would have killed themselves. When a sheepherder is killed, Manny starts to put the case together. I enjoyed this book.
July 28, 2021
An exciting murder mystery set in the beautiful backcountry of Utah. Filled with fabulous descriptions of the region and a variety of colorful characters and some interesting insights into the lives of the Navajo people. The story starts with Manny on his way to propose to the woman he loves. Unfortunately a murder case interrupts his journey easing his nervousness. What seems like a clear cut case of murder/suicide develops in unexpected ways. Manny is saddled with the cocky Lathrop who thinks it is just what it seems. Manny, however is an experienced investigator who knows to look beyond the obvious. His attention to detail pays off after a lot of hard work trying to get a lead on the case. A very engaging story and a satisfying finish. Thanks Rich for a pleasurable read.
November 24, 2020
A police procedure novel with none of the blood and guts usually contained in this type of book.
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera doesn't jump to conclusions in his investigation of the deaths of two tourists. He's methodical and takes his time to collect all the facts until what is left can only be the truth.
Some readers who prefer their 'cops and robbers' books to be filled with sirens and gun battles might consider this slow. The author offers plenty of clues but I only guessed the identity of the murderer at 80%.
I found this utterly absorbing and entertaining, recommended.
This is book 8, now I feel compelled to start at the beginning of the series.
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera doesn't jump to conclusions in his investigation of the deaths of two tourists. He's methodical and takes his time to collect all the facts until what is left can only be the truth.
Some readers who prefer their 'cops and robbers' books to be filled with sirens and gun battles might consider this slow. The author offers plenty of clues but I only guessed the identity of the murderer at 80%.
I found this utterly absorbing and entertaining, recommended.
This is book 8, now I feel compelled to start at the beginning of the series.
August 10, 2021
A man and his wife were getting older so they decided to do a 50 year ago bunch of fun times together. Back to the peace times and the Viet Nam war to hippie times. In their travels to a place where 6 of them spent some of their days all them years ago, but they ended up dead . Manny a cop who was sent there to solve this case. It was really a hard case with not many leads to go on. Then a sheep herder was found dead near the same spot. This story has a completely different surrounding to it. Manny had to go back 50 years ago happenings to help solve these murders. Who would have thought the murderer was who it was . Lies and falsehood for many years.
August 28, 2023
This is a good, solid book. It's a bit of a police procedural which means it follows the main character Manny Rivera, a policeman in Moab, Utah, as he follows clues to solve the deaths of an older couple. I've read a couple other books with Manny as the lead and I like him -- he's a really good guy and also a good policeman. We get a nice southwest vibe from book. The location descriptions are colorful without being too overly-done. Following the clues can sometimes be a bit tedious, but Manny eventually puts it all together (as we knew he would!). It's a clean book with likeable characters and a good plot. I liked it.
March 26, 2025
All of the Manny Rivera books are entertaining, they tell a good story. Having lived in the four corners states for most of my life (I am including Clark County of Nevada as well), I can see in my mind's eye all of the locations, even the fictional ones. You don't have to be a 'homer' to enjoy the books, but details are well-researched. The author clearly knows and loves the cultures involved in the stories. This one had less alternative culprits and didn't hold my attention as much as some of the others, but that could be affected by other things going on distracting me.
I have almost finished the series, but highly recommend these books!
I have almost finished the series, but highly recommend these books!
September 4, 2025
This is a new author for me. He describes the beautiful terrain, the poverty of the Navajo nation deriving none of the benefit from the oil found on their land (the government keeps all of it), and there is a mystery. The police procedural details are very different from those in a big city, but the officer ( Manny) gets the job done.
I would call it a cozy mystery. This is book eight in the series but it worked for me as a standalone. I enjoyed Manny’s research about young people in the 60’s. A lot happened back then. The author also provides many interesting details about the Navajo.
It is not Hillerman, but it is an enjoyable book.
I would call it a cozy mystery. This is book eight in the series but it worked for me as a standalone. I enjoyed Manny’s research about young people in the 60’s. A lot happened back then. The author also provides many interesting details about the Navajo.
It is not Hillerman, but it is an enjoyable book.
May 18, 2019
In “Coyote’s Regret,” eighth book in Rich Curtin’s Manny Rivera Mystery series, the deputy sheriff investigates the apparent murder/suicide of an elderly couple found dressed like flower children near an abandoned airstrip in Utah’s backcountry.
Like all of Curtin’s books, this one is a page-turner. But its ingenious plot—which takes readers back to the summer of love—is easy to follow thanks to Deputy Rivera, a shrewd and sensitive investigator.
The resolution of the mystery may have a few holes, but this is just a darn good read.
Like all of Curtin’s books, this one is a page-turner. But its ingenious plot—which takes readers back to the summer of love—is easy to follow thanks to Deputy Rivera, a shrewd and sensitive investigator.
The resolution of the mystery may have a few holes, but this is just a darn good read.
May 21, 2020
4.x stars rounded up to 5.
Again, the sense of place is well represented here. Certain characters are still underdeveloped—but these are short mysteries, not epic novels a thousand pages long.
I wonder how the Diné feel about their representation in this book. I’m glad for their appearance here, because they are part of this land. Yet, their story is underdeveloped here, too.
I’m enjoying this series for what it is... intriguing mysteries and investigations set in the southwestern states, written well enough to keep turning the pages.
Again, the sense of place is well represented here. Certain characters are still underdeveloped—but these are short mysteries, not epic novels a thousand pages long.
I wonder how the Diné feel about their representation in this book. I’m glad for their appearance here, because they are part of this land. Yet, their story is underdeveloped here, too.
I’m enjoying this series for what it is... intriguing mysteries and investigations set in the southwestern states, written well enough to keep turning the pages.
August 27, 2020
Good read
If you love wonderful descriptions of the high desert and beautiful mountains, plus a good mystery, you’ll enjoy this book as well as others in the series. Manny Rivera is a Deputy Sheriff in Utah’s Moab area. He has a sharp mind that leads him into following clues until he can assemble them into an understanding of the how and why of a case. Plus he has a moral code that leads him to adjust small matters of unfairness in his duties. He’s someone you would like to know. These are easy reading to help you get through these pandemic days.
If you love wonderful descriptions of the high desert and beautiful mountains, plus a good mystery, you’ll enjoy this book as well as others in the series. Manny Rivera is a Deputy Sheriff in Utah’s Moab area. He has a sharp mind that leads him into following clues until he can assemble them into an understanding of the how and why of a case. Plus he has a moral code that leads him to adjust small matters of unfairness in his duties. He’s someone you would like to know. These are easy reading to help you get through these pandemic days.
February 11, 2021
Good mystery
I loved the dessert area surrounded by mountains. It adds so much to the original crime scene. A man and his wife, late sixties, are found dead in a remote area in San Juan County Utah. Is it a murde -suicide or two murders by gunshot staged to look like suicide. And what are these two tourists who are touring the National Parks doing so far off the beaten path and nowhere near a Park. How is Manny Rivera ever going to unravel the clues and get back on the road to propose to Gloria, the love of his life?
I loved the dessert area surrounded by mountains. It adds so much to the original crime scene. A man and his wife, late sixties, are found dead in a remote area in San Juan County Utah. Is it a murde -suicide or two murders by gunshot staged to look like suicide. And what are these two tourists who are touring the National Parks doing so far off the beaten path and nowhere near a Park. How is Manny Rivera ever going to unravel the clues and get back on the road to propose to Gloria, the love of his life?
April 22, 2021
Forest vs Trees
I've enjoyed all 8 of Manny Rivera Mystery Series that I've read. I enjoy Manny's contemplative musings on the raison d'etra of human existence (the forest) as well as his well-crafted stories that involve an intricate plot and the logic he applies to an accumulation of facts (the trees). I applaud this author, and as a human of 70 plus years, I agree with his opinion that we should see the beauty of life's existence and embrace it to protect us from the times we encounter life's ugly situations.
I've enjoyed all 8 of Manny Rivera Mystery Series that I've read. I enjoy Manny's contemplative musings on the raison d'etra of human existence (the forest) as well as his well-crafted stories that involve an intricate plot and the logic he applies to an accumulation of facts (the trees). I applaud this author, and as a human of 70 plus years, I agree with his opinion that we should see the beauty of life's existence and embrace it to protect us from the times we encounter life's ugly situations.
December 27, 2024
Nice read
I like this Manny Rivera series. All interesting mysteries that keep you reading. Manny is called to another district to help solve a murder.
I was able to figure this one out just a few pages before Manny did. It went together like a puzzle as Manny always says.
I usually say very little about the contents so as not to ruin it for other readers. This is in the beginning, so it will not. Two people are found dead off a back country road in the dessert . No clues of any kind.
I like this Manny Rivera series. All interesting mysteries that keep you reading. Manny is called to another district to help solve a murder.
I was able to figure this one out just a few pages before Manny did. It went together like a puzzle as Manny always says.
I usually say very little about the contents so as not to ruin it for other readers. This is in the beginning, so it will not. Two people are found dead off a back country road in the dessert . No clues of any kind.
August 15, 2019
Good story
Better story but, surprisingly, I was able to figure it out. Well done though. Characters remain undefined, which is unfortunate. Again, this detracts from the story. I can't waste my time focusing on missing punctuation or grammatical errors. These are not the author's fault. Fully fleshed out characters are the author's responsibility. Would recommend this series with that caveat.
Better story but, surprisingly, I was able to figure it out. Well done though. Characters remain undefined, which is unfortunate. Again, this detracts from the story. I can't waste my time focusing on missing punctuation or grammatical errors. These are not the author's fault. Fully fleshed out characters are the author's responsibility. Would recommend this series with that caveat.
February 22, 2020
Coyotes Regret
The first books I read about the four corners area were by Tony Hillerman. I felt I knew Jim Chee and all about the Reservation life and the traditions of the Navajo. I was at a loss when that series ended.
Now I have read all of Rich Curtains books. His description of the Moab area and the character of Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera have been a great diversion for me and I wish Rich would keep writing more stories! Thanks Rich!
The first books I read about the four corners area were by Tony Hillerman. I felt I knew Jim Chee and all about the Reservation life and the traditions of the Navajo. I was at a loss when that series ended.
Now I have read all of Rich Curtains books. His description of the Moab area and the character of Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera have been a great diversion for me and I wish Rich would keep writing more stories! Thanks Rich!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews