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Manny Rivera #9
Final Arrangements
Iggy Webb, a Moab rockhound who makes his living finding beautiful rocks in the Utah backcountry and selling them to tourists, is found shot to death in the modest motorhome where he lives. Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera is assigned the case. The only immediate clue is a crumpled piece of notepaper in Iggy’s wastebasket which has some figures written on it. Finding a motive for the killing at first seems impossible, but as Rivera peels back the layers of the case, he discovers a shocking conspiracy unlike anything he's encountered in his professional career. His investigation uncovers tentacles leading to the most unlikely places and motives driven by the darkest of man's imperfections.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2020
537 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
April 2, 2021
Final
Trust Rich Curtin to write an intelligent, interesting mystery. Always clean, with a story that combines background and place. I'll keep reading his books.
Trust Rich Curtin to write an intelligent, interesting mystery. Always clean, with a story that combines background and place. I'll keep reading his books.
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September 20, 2021As ever, I love these mysteries!!
November 3, 2023
A great mystery once again. Won't give away any details, but Manny Rivera has his head and hands full with this one. I love Curtin's series, especially the descriptiveness of Rivera's thoughts as he pieces together his cases and tries to find inner peace in his beautiful southern Utah surroundings.
July 20, 2020
Two murders, about a week apart, and Manny Rivera sees a slight connection; the 2 victims were in the same rockhounding club. Coincidence? Coincidence might be a long word, but its meaning and intent can fool even the smartest of people. To figure out who killed victim #2, Manny will have to reopen the case of victim #1. However, the Sheriff has a cut and dry case against a real estate developer, or does she?
So, I have to also wonder if I know the author, Rich Curtin. I write articles for the San Juan Record, the local newspaper of San Juan County. Yes, the same San Juan County that sits right next to Grand County, and Moab. In this current novel, writer Chris Carey is working on an article about Basque Sheepherders. Surprise, surprise; I had just written about them in 2019; the year that author, Rich Curtin, began writing this current Manny Rivera novel. There have been other instances, in other novels, where something I've written about suddenly shows up in one of Mr. Curtin's newest novels. So, Mr. Curtin, are you reading my articles, getting inspiration, but don't know how to give credits in your books; not even to a lowly newspaper columnist like myself??? Inquiring minds want to know.
So, I have to also wonder if I know the author, Rich Curtin. I write articles for the San Juan Record, the local newspaper of San Juan County. Yes, the same San Juan County that sits right next to Grand County, and Moab. In this current novel, writer Chris Carey is working on an article about Basque Sheepherders. Surprise, surprise; I had just written about them in 2019; the year that author, Rich Curtin, began writing this current Manny Rivera novel. There have been other instances, in other novels, where something I've written about suddenly shows up in one of Mr. Curtin's newest novels. So, Mr. Curtin, are you reading my articles, getting inspiration, but don't know how to give credits in your books; not even to a lowly newspaper columnist like myself??? Inquiring minds want to know.
August 11, 2020
Final Arrangements is the ninth book in the Manny Rivera series, and it is a little disappointing. This time around Manny is assigned to investigate the murder of a man in his Winnebago. Iggy was a quiet man with few friends but he had a passion for rockhunting. It doesn't take Manny long to connect the death of Iggy to another murder that had occurred in Moab just a week earlier. That murder had been investigated by the new sheriff and she had arrested a prominent, wealthy real estate developer for the crime. Local politicians, anxious for the business this developer brought to town, were convinced of his innocence. The connection between the two murders is at first tenuous and it is only Manny's doubt about coincidences that keeps the investigation moving. The motive behind these crimes is "wrath," one of the seven deadly sins. Curtin does an effective job describing the emotional wear on his characters.
Once again Curtin introduces some new information about the Moab area - this time about rockhunting, geodes, minerals, etc. He presents Manny as a curious man who is always seeking new pursuits and interests so readers always get a more complete image of desert life. A good read but not my favorite in the series.
Once again Curtin introduces some new information about the Moab area - this time about rockhunting, geodes, minerals, etc. He presents Manny as a curious man who is always seeking new pursuits and interests so readers always get a more complete image of desert life. A good read but not my favorite in the series.
July 24, 2022
Manny Rivera has just returned to Moab after visiting New Mexico to meet his fiancé’s parents and introduce her to his family. He’s a little miffed that while he was gone, Sheriff Louise Anderson solved a murder case where a well-known member of the community was arrested.
Not long after he arrives home, another murder takes place. The victim’s name is Iggy Webb, a rockhound that came to Moab a few years earlier and had a somewhat shaded past. However, Iggy decided to put that behind him and build a new life. He was a loner, and his only friends were fellow rock collectors. Who wanted him dead?
Manny’s investigation leads him to believe the two murders were connected. Did Anderson arrest the wrong person? Manny’s tenaciousness leads him into the world of rockhounding. In his usual fashion, Curtin paints vivid descriptions of the Utah landscape and teaches readers a bit more about the area.
This book had an interesting twist, and although I won’t give away any spoilers, the title holds a clue. Another fascinating read!
Not long after he arrives home, another murder takes place. The victim’s name is Iggy Webb, a rockhound that came to Moab a few years earlier and had a somewhat shaded past. However, Iggy decided to put that behind him and build a new life. He was a loner, and his only friends were fellow rock collectors. Who wanted him dead?
Manny’s investigation leads him to believe the two murders were connected. Did Anderson arrest the wrong person? Manny’s tenaciousness leads him into the world of rockhounding. In his usual fashion, Curtin paints vivid descriptions of the Utah landscape and teaches readers a bit more about the area.
This book had an interesting twist, and although I won’t give away any spoilers, the title holds a clue. Another fascinating read!
October 15, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up.
Rich Curtin delivers yet another good story with Manny Rivera as Deputy Sheriff of Grand County, Utah. I have thoroughly enjoyed these detective/mystery stories set in the beautiful backdrop of the mountain and canyon region of Moab, Utah. Curtin has developed Manny Rivera into a solid character and effective detective in a rural county.
In this story, Manny just returned from a week of vacation when he proposed to Gloria, his long-distance girlfriend located in New Mexico. The glow of his time with Gloria and her acceptance of his proposal was quickly damped by immediately being thrown into a murder case involving a relatively lonesome rockhound living in a mobile-home. While on vacation, the sheriff had quickly solved a separate murder case. Things get complicated when Manny finds circumstantial evidence leading him to think the two cases may be tied and, if so, the suspect charged in the first murder may be innocent.
This is an intriguing case tying in several people and complex relationships. Very enjoyable.
Rich Curtin delivers yet another good story with Manny Rivera as Deputy Sheriff of Grand County, Utah. I have thoroughly enjoyed these detective/mystery stories set in the beautiful backdrop of the mountain and canyon region of Moab, Utah. Curtin has developed Manny Rivera into a solid character and effective detective in a rural county.
In this story, Manny just returned from a week of vacation when he proposed to Gloria, his long-distance girlfriend located in New Mexico. The glow of his time with Gloria and her acceptance of his proposal was quickly damped by immediately being thrown into a murder case involving a relatively lonesome rockhound living in a mobile-home. While on vacation, the sheriff had quickly solved a separate murder case. Things get complicated when Manny finds circumstantial evidence leading him to think the two cases may be tied and, if so, the suspect charged in the first murder may be innocent.
This is an intriguing case tying in several people and complex relationships. Very enjoyable.
May 24, 2020
Another excellent read in the series, with many of the same traits as the previous eight books.
The mystery was interesting and complex. Sure, a few things fell into place a little too conveniently, but let's just chalk that up to investigative luck.
The sense of place, so strong in other books in the series, wasn't quite as strong here--I wished Rivera had gone rockhounding at least once to explain what that's like, while also giving Curtin a chance to creatively describe the landscape.
Perhaps the most intriguing thing about this book is that it grows beyond just being an interesting investigative mystery to become a story about wrath, mental health, and the choices one makes in life. This part of the story line lightly pervades each chapter until we get to the end and it is the elephant in the room. As I hope for a #10 in the series, I also hope that Mr. Curtin continues to explore ideas like this.
The mystery was interesting and complex. Sure, a few things fell into place a little too conveniently, but let's just chalk that up to investigative luck.
The sense of place, so strong in other books in the series, wasn't quite as strong here--I wished Rivera had gone rockhounding at least once to explain what that's like, while also giving Curtin a chance to creatively describe the landscape.
Perhaps the most intriguing thing about this book is that it grows beyond just being an interesting investigative mystery to become a story about wrath, mental health, and the choices one makes in life. This part of the story line lightly pervades each chapter until we get to the end and it is the elephant in the room. As I hope for a #10 in the series, I also hope that Mr. Curtin continues to explore ideas like this.
August 25, 2021
3.25 Stars. As I have come to expect with this talented author, this book has an original plot and a twist. Like all Manny Riveria’s cases, he provides outstanding procedural investigation work. The man leaves no “Rock” unturned. The rockhounding is a new thing for me.
Manny’s spark is missing in this story, which is weird as his career and love life are both going well for him.
I also don’t understand why the next sheriff election is coming up so soon. It bugged me to the point, I looked it up, and the sheriff’s term in Utah is four years. So, it appears the timing is off on this book. An oversight like this, doesn’t seem right for an author of Curtin’s caliber. It is getting old to keep making the FBI look so dysfunctional. If a retired journalist has no problem finding the former high school cheer leader, the FBI should have located her.
Nevertheless, I really hope this isn’t the last book in this captivating series.
Manny’s spark is missing in this story, which is weird as his career and love life are both going well for him.
I also don’t understand why the next sheriff election is coming up so soon. It bugged me to the point, I looked it up, and the sheriff’s term in Utah is four years. So, it appears the timing is off on this book. An oversight like this, doesn’t seem right for an author of Curtin’s caliber. It is getting old to keep making the FBI look so dysfunctional. If a retired journalist has no problem finding the former high school cheer leader, the FBI should have located her.
Nevertheless, I really hope this isn’t the last book in this captivating series.
August 20, 2020
Hatred is pure evil
An outstanding story on how a life consumed in hatred can be so debilitating. Pure evil is probably a better description of hatred. To me, this was an exceptional mystery with a well defined message or two. A rare case of instruction while writing a focused mystery tale. Again, to me, this us one of the best in the Manny Reveria series. This is the last of the published series but I personally hope to see more. I'll miss reading Manny and now especially with his upcoming marriage to Gloria. Manny "and " Gloria would make an exceptional series of justice. So long for now.
An outstanding story on how a life consumed in hatred can be so debilitating. Pure evil is probably a better description of hatred. To me, this was an exceptional mystery with a well defined message or two. A rare case of instruction while writing a focused mystery tale. Again, to me, this us one of the best in the Manny Reveria series. This is the last of the published series but I personally hope to see more. I'll miss reading Manny and now especially with his upcoming marriage to Gloria. Manny "and " Gloria would make an exceptional series of justice. So long for now.
September 14, 2020
Reading this series is a treat
I've loved this series! Each book has had a unique mystery to solve and the plus of something new to learn more about.
This last book provides intesting information about rock hounds and the rocks they love. The characters in the stories are vividly brought to life as are the landscapes. The mysteries are wonderful puzzles and the methodical and logical solving of them is a treat to follow. I've enjoyed every minute of reading every book and am sorry to have the series end. You know a book is good when you feel the main characters are people you would gladly be friends with if only they could step out of the books.
I've loved this series! Each book has had a unique mystery to solve and the plus of something new to learn more about.
This last book provides intesting information about rock hounds and the rocks they love. The characters in the stories are vividly brought to life as are the landscapes. The mysteries are wonderful puzzles and the methodical and logical solving of them is a treat to follow. I've enjoyed every minute of reading every book and am sorry to have the series end. You know a book is good when you feel the main characters are people you would gladly be friends with if only they could step out of the books.
September 29, 2020
The Manny Rivera binge is over, for now
I think I read all nine in as many days give or take a day. One of the better series I’ve read. The character of Manny Rivera was the main draw. There are some things I would probably have a friendly discussion of differences while partaking in the sharing a couple of bottles of Porcupine Rim.
I missed Emmitt in this book. I still prefer Sheriff Leroy Bradshaw over the two that have followed. The rest of the cast is enjoyable as well. My biggest disappointment is being all caught up I’ll have to wait sometime before the next book in the Manny Rivera series.
I think I read all nine in as many days give or take a day. One of the better series I’ve read. The character of Manny Rivera was the main draw. There are some things I would probably have a friendly discussion of differences while partaking in the sharing a couple of bottles of Porcupine Rim.
I missed Emmitt in this book. I still prefer Sheriff Leroy Bradshaw over the two that have followed. The rest of the cast is enjoyable as well. My biggest disappointment is being all caught up I’ll have to wait sometime before the next book in the Manny Rivera series.
September 4, 2020
Another Fascinating & Intricate Puzzle
I've now read nine Manny Rivera mysteries, and each one stands alone as a difficult and intricate puzzle to solve. The characters are all interesting and well developed with the main characters enjoyable and real. In each mystery, one has an opportunity to learn fascinating information about the land around Moab. In each, I was unable to figure out the murderer until the same time that Manny did. While each book can stand alone,reading the series from the beginning will add depth and understanding of some of the references.
I've now read nine Manny Rivera mysteries, and each one stands alone as a difficult and intricate puzzle to solve. The characters are all interesting and well developed with the main characters enjoyable and real. In each mystery, one has an opportunity to learn fascinating information about the land around Moab. In each, I was unable to figure out the murderer until the same time that Manny did. While each book can stand alone,reading the series from the beginning will add depth and understanding of some of the references.
March 12, 2021
Reminds me of my time in Moab
Very interesting, enjoyed the description of Moab, as for 25 years, spent time on and off in Moab, and area. ( lived in Grand Junction) Good story line, and detective work, however it kept me from giving it a five, as (to me anyway) I was several steps or clues ahead of the plot. Surprised when going back after reading the book and checking out the series, that it was the ninth book of the series, would have thought it was the towards the beginning, like book one or two..
Very interesting, enjoyed the description of Moab, as for 25 years, spent time on and off in Moab, and area. ( lived in Grand Junction) Good story line, and detective work, however it kept me from giving it a five, as (to me anyway) I was several steps or clues ahead of the plot. Surprised when going back after reading the book and checking out the series, that it was the ninth book of the series, would have thought it was the towards the beginning, like book one or two..
March 20, 2021
This was an interesting book and I liked it, except there was just too much detail about every Tom, Dick and Harry the main character came into contact with. Other than that, I would have given it 5 stars. It was still good with a real twisty plot that kept me guessing until just a little way before the end. I like the main character, Deputy Manny Rivera. He's a really good guy, and of course, the town of Moab (as a co-star in the story) is very beautiful. I've been there before and really liked it.
November 23, 2022
I was a little disappointed with this volume of the Manny Rivera mystery series, which I always enjoy. I still enjoyed it, but it was missing something. An exciting climactic scene? A complicated and interesting villain? Yes, those elements were missing. But Manny was there, of course, and I like his character more than enough to continue reading this series. There is currently only one volume left in the series, which I have not read. I’ll put off reading that one so as to have something to look forward to.
June 1, 2020
Manny Rivera mysteries always satisfy
It had been a while since I read the mystery that came before this one, and this one reminded me of why I really like this series. The combination of the heady, cool central character, great descriptions of the Moab area scenery, and a complex plot make this mystery work, along with a thoughtful study of the psychology of the protagonists. Highly recommended! Please write more!
It had been a while since I read the mystery that came before this one, and this one reminded me of why I really like this series. The combination of the heady, cool central character, great descriptions of the Moab area scenery, and a complex plot make this mystery work, along with a thoughtful study of the psychology of the protagonists. Highly recommended! Please write more!
June 24, 2020
Binge read the entire 9 book series. Loved it!
With every book I enjoyed this series more. I love the Moab area and so enjoyed the descriptions of all the areas around there. Also Manny Rivera is such a humble likable natural puzzle solver that it was fun to spend so much time with him on his murder investigations! Nice job and kudos to Author Rich Curtin! Thank you for sharing your story telling gifts!
With every book I enjoyed this series more. I love the Moab area and so enjoyed the descriptions of all the areas around there. Also Manny Rivera is such a humble likable natural puzzle solver that it was fun to spend so much time with him on his murder investigations! Nice job and kudos to Author Rich Curtin! Thank you for sharing your story telling gifts!
September 17, 2020
No Depth
This is such a superficial, sophomoric effort. Could be YA, but those readers would be bored too. Repetitive, could easily have been a short story. The writer forces the "moral of the story" down the readers' throats to the point of gag reflex - as if this is some lofty philosophical deduction??? What a waste of time. Nothing here for anyone of even average intelligence.
This is such a superficial, sophomoric effort. Could be YA, but those readers would be bored too. Repetitive, could easily have been a short story. The writer forces the "moral of the story" down the readers' throats to the point of gag reflex - as if this is some lofty philosophical deduction??? What a waste of time. Nothing here for anyone of even average intelligence.
March 12, 2021
Good book, except there is a major error. One character's "malignant melanoma" (skin cancer) morphs into brain cancer. Both are deadly, but they are not the same and while one can lead to the other, our hero says "he discovered his brain cancer". Change to "he discovered the cancer" and it would be less confusing. That sudden change in diagnosis left me double checking what I had read, what I know about melanoma and wondering what I had missed. Just distracted from the overall read.
March 20, 2021
Number 9 in Rich Curtin's Manny Rivera series, "Final Arrangements" tells the story of Moab Sherriff
Deputy Manny Rivera investigating the murder of an itinerate rock collector in connection with a previous homicide of a local environmentalist. This is a good story that takes the reader through a guessing game of sorting out clues and evidence to come up with a logical suspect, all with the usual surprise ending.
Deputy Manny Rivera investigating the murder of an itinerate rock collector in connection with a previous homicide of a local environmentalist. This is a good story that takes the reader through a guessing game of sorting out clues and evidence to come up with a logical suspect, all with the usual surprise ending.
June 3, 2021
ANOTHER SERIES HOOKED ME!
This is a very readable southwestern mystery. Manny Rivera's inner thoughts build his character and make him seem real. If you have been to the Moab area or to New Mexico, you will enjoy this book. If you haven't been to the Southwest, you will want to go there when you finish your read. If you like easy-reading who-done-its, this book is for you. Try the other Manny Rivera books by Rich Curtin.
This is a very readable southwestern mystery. Manny Rivera's inner thoughts build his character and make him seem real. If you have been to the Moab area or to New Mexico, you will enjoy this book. If you haven't been to the Southwest, you will want to go there when you finish your read. If you like easy-reading who-done-its, this book is for you. Try the other Manny Rivera books by Rich Curtin.
August 1, 2021
Wonderful Series!
The Manny Riviera murder mystery books are deeply entertaining and satisfying. Having recently been on a visit to the Moab region, I can relate to the allure of the geography that has such a hold on detective Riviera. He’s a wonderful character; someone you’d like to have as a friend. Great plot lines, great characters, and compelling murder mysteries. I binge read all books to date and look forward to the next in the series.
The Manny Riviera murder mystery books are deeply entertaining and satisfying. Having recently been on a visit to the Moab region, I can relate to the allure of the geography that has such a hold on detective Riviera. He’s a wonderful character; someone you’d like to have as a friend. Great plot lines, great characters, and compelling murder mysteries. I binge read all books to date and look forward to the next in the series.
December 15, 2023
Still Loving This Series
The characters are well defined and interesting. The back stories are not mind bending or over the top. As usual, I feel a strong connection to the are and plan to make the trip. As for the story, it’s certainly as convoluted and interesting as ever and I don’t think you are going anywhere until the mystery is solved. I’m pretty confident you will not be able to see it coming, either! Another marvelous story...
The characters are well defined and interesting. The back stories are not mind bending or over the top. As usual, I feel a strong connection to the are and plan to make the trip. As for the story, it’s certainly as convoluted and interesting as ever and I don’t think you are going anywhere until the mystery is solved. I’m pretty confident you will not be able to see it coming, either! Another marvelous story...
March 23, 2024
Final Arrangements (Manny Rivera Mystery Series Book 9)
A brain teaser for Manny. While he is on his honeymoon, one man is killed; when he gets back to work, another murder occurs. Finding if the two are related and solving the murders is top priority. Wonderful characters and very descriptive scenery ( the reader will want to take a trip to the four corners of the United States. Highly recommend! Looking forward to the next book in this series.
A brain teaser for Manny. While he is on his honeymoon, one man is killed; when he gets back to work, another murder occurs. Finding if the two are related and solving the murders is top priority. Wonderful characters and very descriptive scenery ( the reader will want to take a trip to the four corners of the United States. Highly recommend! Looking forward to the next book in this series.
June 18, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera has just returned home to Moab from visiting his fiancée Gloria in New Mexico. He is immediately confronted with the murder of a man who is a member of a local rockhound club. So, in addition to the gorgeous Canyonlands scenes, the book also offers vivid descriptions of Utah’s beautiful rocks and minerals. This is an author who works hard to restore bits of harmony to those whose world is disjointed by two murders.
May 8, 2025
I have enjoyed each of the Manny Rivera series books. I have been to most of the places and the author captures the visuals, personalities, culture, and even smells and tastes of the region. The mystery part is less interesting to me, but the stories always contain at least one unexpected twist ("What? the suspect died? And the book isn't completed???"!) It's simple pleasure for me to read his books.
September 9, 2020
Excellent
You have one life to live on earth.
Why waste it consumed by wrath?
This exciting tale by an out standing author succeeded to demonstrate why we should think about our anger, wrath with others.
Another fabulous tale of Manny Rivera's life as a deputy sheriff in the southwest.
You have one life to live on earth.
Why waste it consumed by wrath?
This exciting tale by an out standing author succeeded to demonstrate why we should think about our anger, wrath with others.
Another fabulous tale of Manny Rivera's life as a deputy sheriff in the southwest.
September 15, 2020
This book hit some highlights with me and my husband, besides Moab, Utah, which we visited in our RV in 2018. The other highlights are living/traveling in RVs and rocks (my husband has a degree in geology). But one thing I couldn't believe is that after the FBI couldn't find Dorothy, a journalist did! As usual, the author has a great plot with twists and wonderful character development.
January 28, 2021
Another excellent mystery
This was the fourth book in this series and I couldn't wait to find out who did it. But just as interesting were the excellent descriptions of the terrain and weather that make me want to go to Moab again. I have hiked there only two times and look forward to going again. I hope there are more books to come.
This was the fourth book in this series and I couldn't wait to find out who did it. But just as interesting were the excellent descriptions of the terrain and weather that make me want to go to Moab again. I have hiked there only two times and look forward to going again. I hope there are more books to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews