🕵️♂️ Book Review: Coyote’s Regret by Rich Curtin
A haunting desert mystery that blends atmospheric suspense, character-driven storytelling, and a slow-burning investigation in the rugged backcountry of Utah.
Book 8 in the Manny Rivera Mystery Series, Coyote’s Regret continues Rich Curtin’s tradition of crafting thoughtful, immersive mysteries set in the American Southwest. With a stellar Goodreads rating of 4.56/5 from over 3,000 readers, this installment is praised for its compelling plot, richly drawn setting, and the quiet integrity of its protagonist, Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera.
🧠 Plot Overview
While on a driving tour of southwestern national parks, Matthew and Wilma Mason, a married couple from San Francisco, are found dead in the remote Utah wilderness. A revolver in Matthew’s hand suggests a murder-suicide—but Manny Rivera isn’t convinced.
The deeper Manny digs, the more questions arise:
- Why did the couple veer off their planned route?
- Why were they dressed like 1960s hippies?
- What drew them to an abandoned grass airstrip in the middle of nowhere?
As Manny investigates, he uncovers layers of secrets, long-buried motives, and a trail that leads far beyond the surface of a tragic roadside scene.
🌵 Why It Resonates
- Atmospheric Setting: Curtin’s vivid descriptions of Utah’s rugged terrain add depth and tension to the mystery.
- Thoughtful Detective Work: Manny Rivera’s methodical, empathetic approach sets him apart from typical genre leads.
- Unpredictable Plot: Readers consistently praise the story’s twists and its ability to keep them guessing until the final pages.
- Emotional Underpinnings: The novel explores themes of regret, identity, and the choices that shape a lifetime.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “A well-crafted plot with no real indication of the outcome until right at the end—just as it should be.” — Amazon Australia reviewer
- “Curtin’s writing is clean and evocative. Manny Rivera is a character you want to follow.”
- “The mystery unfolds slowly but with purpose. A satisfying and intelligent read.”
🏁 Final Verdict
Coyote’s Regret is a standout entry in the Manny Rivera series, offering a mystery that’s as much about human nature as it is about solving a crime. If you enjoy atmospheric, character-driven whodunits with a philosophical edge, this one’s worth the journey.
