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A Pot Thief Murder Mystery #1
The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras
When a shady character offers him $25,000 to steal a thousand-year-old pot from the Valle del Rio Museum, Hubert Schuze knows he should turn it down. His pot digging may be illegal, but it s a big step from that to robbery. But he figures it can t hurt just to visit the museum and assay his chances. He figured wrong. After deciding the museum is impregnable, he returns to his shop to find a BLM agent who accuses him of stealing the rare pot. Theft charges escalate to murder, and Hubert must solve the crime to clear himself. His powerful deductive skills and weak nerves are put to the test as he creates a hoax to get the pot out of the museum and solves both the first murder and a second one whose victim turns out to be the person Schuze thought was murdered to begin with!
235 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2009
182 people are currently reading
721 people want to read
About the author
J. Michael Orenduff
19 books122 followersMike Orenduff grew up in a house so close to the Rio Grand that he could frisbee a tortilla into Mexico. Despite such antics, he ended up in higher education, teaching at thirteen colleges in eight states and three countries. He was also an academic dean three times, an academic vice-president twice, a president four times, and a statewide chancellor once. His supporters say he welcomes new challenges. His critics say he cant hold a job. Newt Gingrich, in his book, To Renew America, called Orenduff A hero to the American People for his pioneering work in distance education.
After taking early retirement form higher education, Mike embarked on a new career as a fiction writer. His play, The Christmas Visitor, has won numerous awards. His murder mystery series has also received many accolades. The first in the series, The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras, won the Dark Oak Mystery Contest and the Kindle version won the 2010 EPIC Award as the eBook of the Year in the Mystery/Suspense Category. The second book in the series, The Pot Thief Who Studied Ptolemy, was recently selected as the Fiction Book of the Year by the Public Safety Writers Association. Although the Pot Thief books are humorous murder mysteries, they also contain serious treatments of the issue of race and ethnicity.
Mike and Lai, his high school sweetheart, wife of forty-five years and noted art historian, have two grown children. Jay is a dean at Columbia University in New York, and Claire teaches art history at Georgia College and more importantly is the mother of their grandson, Bram.
After taking early retirement form higher education, Mike embarked on a new career as a fiction writer. His play, The Christmas Visitor, has won numerous awards. His murder mystery series has also received many accolades. The first in the series, The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras, won the Dark Oak Mystery Contest and the Kindle version won the 2010 EPIC Award as the eBook of the Year in the Mystery/Suspense Category. The second book in the series, The Pot Thief Who Studied Ptolemy, was recently selected as the Fiction Book of the Year by the Public Safety Writers Association. Although the Pot Thief books are humorous murder mysteries, they also contain serious treatments of the issue of race and ethnicity.
Mike and Lai, his high school sweetheart, wife of forty-five years and noted art historian, have two grown children. Jay is a dean at Columbia University in New York, and Claire teaches art history at Georgia College and more importantly is the mother of their grandson, Bram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
February 9, 2023
Droll tale of murder, mystery and pottery
Reread January 2023
This highly entertaining beginning of a highly entertaining series is written with acumen, astuteness, allure and attitude. Hubert Schuze' somewhat elastic philosophy concerning right, wrong, law and property rights leads to adventure, murder, mystery and dry humor. Dry humor as in this exchange with a federal agent concerning the theft of a Mogollon pot:
“Well?” he asked. I noticed his lips didn’t move when he spoke.
“Well what?” I asked stupidly.
“Do you know anything about it?”
“I know it was still there when I left,” I said with a quaver I couldn’t suppress.
He gave me a quizzical look. At least I thought it was quizzical. With his broad face and frozen countenance, it was hard to judge what sort of look he had.
“When was that?” he asked.
“When was what?” Stupidity seemed to be working, so I decided to stick with it for now.
“When was it that you last saw it?”
“This morning.”
“So you admit it,” he said. “Where is it?”
Admit what? I thought. “It was in the Museum where it’s been ever since I can remember.”
“The Museum?”
“Yes, the Museum.”
“What museum?”
I was tempted to ask “Who’s on first?” but this didn’t seem the time for levity.
This series by J. Michael Orenduff obviously owes a debt to Lawrence Block's THE BURGLAR WHO books. Indeed, Block and his books make appearances in at least the first two books in Mr. Orenduff's series. If you like one series, you'll probably like the other.
Reread January 2023
This highly entertaining beginning of a highly entertaining series is written with acumen, astuteness, allure and attitude. Hubert Schuze' somewhat elastic philosophy concerning right, wrong, law and property rights leads to adventure, murder, mystery and dry humor. Dry humor as in this exchange with a federal agent concerning the theft of a Mogollon pot:
“Well?” he asked. I noticed his lips didn’t move when he spoke.
“Well what?” I asked stupidly.
“Do you know anything about it?”
“I know it was still there when I left,” I said with a quaver I couldn’t suppress.
He gave me a quizzical look. At least I thought it was quizzical. With his broad face and frozen countenance, it was hard to judge what sort of look he had.
“When was that?” he asked.
“When was what?” Stupidity seemed to be working, so I decided to stick with it for now.
“When was it that you last saw it?”
“This morning.”
“So you admit it,” he said. “Where is it?”
Admit what? I thought. “It was in the Museum where it’s been ever since I can remember.”
“The Museum?”
“Yes, the Museum.”
“What museum?”
I was tempted to ask “Who’s on first?” but this didn’t seem the time for levity.
This series by J. Michael Orenduff obviously owes a debt to Lawrence Block's THE BURGLAR WHO books. Indeed, Block and his books make appearances in at least the first two books in Mr. Orenduff's series. If you like one series, you'll probably like the other.
January 1, 2020
I had read a lot about this series both in terms of topic, location and humor and so I decided to dive into the first book of the series. Less than 24 hours later I was finished!! Really enjoyed this mystery book by J. Michael Orenduff who, refreshingly, started writing this series after he had retired from a long and distinguished career in higher education. I say this because not all writers have the time, effort and energy to write while still pursuing their chosen career path and it is super to see a writer who has some life experience writing a series such as this. We deal with our main character, Hubert Schuze (pronounced Shoes), who is both a craftsman as well as a pottery dealer and within the first few pages is approached by an individual who wants to have him steal a piece of pottery from a local museum, as well as an FBI agent who believe he has really stolen the pottery and is keeping close lookout on him. Along the way we meet a lot of really good characters such as his friend Susannah who is both a waitress and student and who meets with him nightly for conversation, philosophy and Margarita’s! No romance between the two. We also have his nephew, Tristan, who is the electronics and gadget guy and who tries to bring Hubert into a closer appreciation of high tech. There are others but these two are there throughout the book, along with a neighbor lady who keeps bringing casseroles for Hubert. Pythagoras does figure into the plots solution and in addition to getting a cracklingly good read, you learn a lot in this book. We have stolen pots from a museum and Bandelier National Monuments, some unfriendly Native Americans, two murders and a host of other developments that keep you from wanting to put this book down. Really great first effort, so much so that I will overlook some little flaws in the book to give this a 5*****. There are 7 more books in this series and I have decided that they are all going to work their way into my reading list.
March 11, 2011
The title of this book, "The Pot Thief: Who Studied Pythagoras" by J. Michael Orenduff caught my attention because of the cover picture of an ancient ceramic pot. Then my curiosity was aroused by why would a thief of any type want, or did he/she, need to study Pythagoras? Finally, was Pythagoras the Mathematician or perhaps a character? Then, I turned over the book and saw the review of Fmr. Governor Bill Richardson (New Mexico)and found the location was Albuquerque which is one of my favorite cities...well, I had to read this book.
From the amusing biography of the Author, to the clever Treasure Hunter, or Pot Thief sleuth, this book not only sends you on a fascinating murder trail to the solution, it also feeds the mind with interesting facts and even poetry from Pythagoras etc. I also learned about Dos Hermanas with joy! Subtle humor abounds throughout the chase and keeps the pace.
Give yourself a treat for your mind and spirit and read the first in this series. I will shortly be enjoying the second in the series, "The Pot Thief: Who studied Ptolemy."
From the amusing biography of the Author, to the clever Treasure Hunter, or Pot Thief sleuth, this book not only sends you on a fascinating murder trail to the solution, it also feeds the mind with interesting facts and even poetry from Pythagoras etc. I also learned about Dos Hermanas with joy! Subtle humor abounds throughout the chase and keeps the pace.
Give yourself a treat for your mind and spirit and read the first in this series. I will shortly be enjoying the second in the series, "The Pot Thief: Who studied Ptolemy."
October 2, 2020
I am not a libertarian. The PoV in this novel is *relentlessly* and in my opinion pointlessly libertarian.
Juvenile "philosophy" like this is disagreeable to me. Celebrating selfishness and self-aggrandizing behaviors ("I know better than you do, librull Deep State bureaucrat!" is just about said more than once in here) isn't pleasant. It's foolish and, when enough people do it, damaging to public institutions. Like the CDC, as we've seen this behavior's results undermine science's lessons to the fatal detriment of over 200,000 Americans.
So read away if you're a 45er. If you're not, I don't recommend it.
Juvenile "philosophy" like this is disagreeable to me. Celebrating selfishness and self-aggrandizing behaviors ("I know better than you do, librull Deep State bureaucrat!" is just about said more than once in here) isn't pleasant. It's foolish and, when enough people do it, damaging to public institutions. Like the CDC, as we've seen this behavior's results undermine science's lessons to the fatal detriment of over 200,000 Americans.
So read away if you're a 45er. If you're not, I don't recommend it.
June 18, 2015
There is no sub-genre within the mystery genre that could classify this book, and I mean that as a compliment. Pot thief and pottery shop owner Hubie Schuze is so unlike any other protagonist in a mystery series, I can’t compare this to other books and say “it’s like X.” It’s not.
So what is it like? Albuquerque.
Hubie would probably cringe at the phrase “Keep Albu quirky,” but it’s not a bad way to introduce him and his way of looking at the world and loving his city. Orenduff has a knack for describing people with a few clear images that pick out their defining peculiarities, positive or just plain odd, and this seems to be integral to Hubie’s point of view. He sees people as they are—and sees himself as he is, too, with humor and humility despite some strong opinions. His delightful digressions are as essential to the flavor of the book as seasonings are to a good meal. One of his rambles is on the benefits and pleasures of walking in the city compared to driving, and it fit with the way I felt while reading. I had such fun being in the moment with Hubie and his friends that I forgot to try to figure out whodunit.
Hubie figures it out, of course, and the end is surprising—I wouldn’t have seen that coming even if I had been trying to solve the crime. Don’t let my drifting with the Tao of Hubie make you think this book is unstructured. It isn’t. Multiple intriguing subplots—adventures sometimes humorous and sometimes just human—are interwoven with the mystery plot.
Hubie’s capacity for friendship and generosity is on equal footing with his inclination to break a few laws. It’s this combination of rogue and good guy that makes him so engaging. The acts of kindness and minor crimes Hubie commits while solving the big ones kept me looking at the scenery, walking, appreciating every step of the way.
So what is it like? Albuquerque.
Hubie would probably cringe at the phrase “Keep Albu quirky,” but it’s not a bad way to introduce him and his way of looking at the world and loving his city. Orenduff has a knack for describing people with a few clear images that pick out their defining peculiarities, positive or just plain odd, and this seems to be integral to Hubie’s point of view. He sees people as they are—and sees himself as he is, too, with humor and humility despite some strong opinions. His delightful digressions are as essential to the flavor of the book as seasonings are to a good meal. One of his rambles is on the benefits and pleasures of walking in the city compared to driving, and it fit with the way I felt while reading. I had such fun being in the moment with Hubie and his friends that I forgot to try to figure out whodunit.
Hubie figures it out, of course, and the end is surprising—I wouldn’t have seen that coming even if I had been trying to solve the crime. Don’t let my drifting with the Tao of Hubie make you think this book is unstructured. It isn’t. Multiple intriguing subplots—adventures sometimes humorous and sometimes just human—are interwoven with the mystery plot.
Hubie’s capacity for friendship and generosity is on equal footing with his inclination to break a few laws. It’s this combination of rogue and good guy that makes him so engaging. The acts of kindness and minor crimes Hubie commits while solving the big ones kept me looking at the scenery, walking, appreciating every step of the way.
July 2, 2017
I liked the Albuquerque setting but I just couldn't get on board with the main character, Herbert Schouze. I can't buy into the premise that stealing artifacts from federal lands as well as from museums is okay because they don't belong to anyone so it's just a case of whoever has possession owns it. I lost all sympathy at the end when Herbert frames a man so that he'll go to prison just because he was a jerk to his best friend. Just no.
December 28, 2019
Fun to read about Albuquerque and New Mexico places and landmarks, good pacing and plot, but kind of racist, and totally dismissive of the Native people whose pots the main character is thieving. It makes me sad that I don't want to read any more of this series.
May 5, 2025
A treasure hunter is sounded out about stealing a priceless pot. He actually goes to the museum to case the joint, and then, to no one's surprise, the pot is actually stolen and the guy has to clear his name.
Should be more Rockford-esque.
Should be more Rockford-esque.
August 8, 2009
The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat
'The two best things about being a shopkeeper are that your income isn't limited to some corporation's idea of what a salary should be, and you get to set your own hours. The two worse things are that you don't have a salary to depend on ever month, and... well, it doesn't really matter what the other worst thing is if there's no money coming in.'
Hubert Schuze owns a Native American pottery shop in Albuquerque's Old Town. Hubert's close friends and his not so close friends call him a 'pot thief.' In 1980 Congress passed the Archaeological Resources Protection Act which prohibits the removal of buried pots on public lands, thus putting a supposed halt to Hubert's treasurer hunting and a crimp on his income.
When Carl Wilkes of New World Antiquities walked into Hubert's store, he came with an offer that was hard to turn down. He wanted Hubert to "acquire" one of only two intact Mogollon water jugs ever reported found. This particular jug Wilkes wanted Hubert to acquire was on display at the Valle Del Rio Museum at the University of New Mexico. And when Wilkes offers $25,000 for the acquisition, Hubert decides to give it some thought. That is until he's visit by Agent Guvelly from the Bureau of Land Management. Guvelly proceeds to accuse Hubert of taking not the jug that is in the University museum but the other jug that was on display in Bandelier.
I've never been to Albuquerque, much less it's Old Town, but through my reading of The Pot Thief I feel that I've just gotten back. The history of the area's Native Americans, the pottery and Pythagoras himself, made this a very educational book. The story it's self is filled with murder and tension, but it also has humor which makes it a light hearted book to read. And the conversations carried on by Hubert and his best friend Susannah, as they discuss how to solve the mysteries of who stole the jug from Bandelier, who murdered the man in room 1119 and who placed a dead man in Hubert's store, are such "practical" conversations that you can't help but laugh.
The Pot Thief was an extremely entertaining book and I highly recommend that you read it for yourself. And the ending.... I can only call it "creative, poetic justice."
'The two best things about being a shopkeeper are that your income isn't limited to some corporation's idea of what a salary should be, and you get to set your own hours. The two worse things are that you don't have a salary to depend on ever month, and... well, it doesn't really matter what the other worst thing is if there's no money coming in.'
Hubert Schuze owns a Native American pottery shop in Albuquerque's Old Town. Hubert's close friends and his not so close friends call him a 'pot thief.' In 1980 Congress passed the Archaeological Resources Protection Act which prohibits the removal of buried pots on public lands, thus putting a supposed halt to Hubert's treasurer hunting and a crimp on his income.
When Carl Wilkes of New World Antiquities walked into Hubert's store, he came with an offer that was hard to turn down. He wanted Hubert to "acquire" one of only two intact Mogollon water jugs ever reported found. This particular jug Wilkes wanted Hubert to acquire was on display at the Valle Del Rio Museum at the University of New Mexico. And when Wilkes offers $25,000 for the acquisition, Hubert decides to give it some thought. That is until he's visit by Agent Guvelly from the Bureau of Land Management. Guvelly proceeds to accuse Hubert of taking not the jug that is in the University museum but the other jug that was on display in Bandelier.
I've never been to Albuquerque, much less it's Old Town, but through my reading of The Pot Thief I feel that I've just gotten back. The history of the area's Native Americans, the pottery and Pythagoras himself, made this a very educational book. The story it's self is filled with murder and tension, but it also has humor which makes it a light hearted book to read. And the conversations carried on by Hubert and his best friend Susannah, as they discuss how to solve the mysteries of who stole the jug from Bandelier, who murdered the man in room 1119 and who placed a dead man in Hubert's store, are such "practical" conversations that you can't help but laugh.
The Pot Thief was an extremely entertaining book and I highly recommend that you read it for yourself. And the ending.... I can only call it "creative, poetic justice."
June 18, 2014
Title: The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras
Author: J Michael Orenduff
Publisher: Open Roads Media Mystery & Thriller
Published: 1-28-2014
ISBN: 9781480458529
E-Book: B00HO12CTK
Pages: 268
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Tags: Antiquity
Sensual Level: Mild
Overall Rating: Very Good
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Reviewer: DelAnne
Hubie Schuze is a dealer in antiquities. Once he went and dug them up for himself and when the government made it illegal for individual amateurs to dig up and sell artifacts to the public. Since Hubie hated to part with his treasures he was in constant need of funds to keep his business afloat. When he was offered $25,000.00 for a no questions asked deal for customer who wants a rare pot from a local museum, he considers it then decides against it. The turns up stolen anyway and the detective assigned to the case is fixated on Hubie as the culprit. Then the deaths start and all fingers are pointed toward Hubie. Since no one believes he did not steal the pot or commit the murder it is up to Hubie to find the real thief and murderer.
Filled with drama and suspense The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras has many subplots that keeps you guessing at what will happen in Hubie's life. Hubie is more complex than he seems at first. Where once he seems shallow and self-centered he soon shows himself to have multiple layers including compassion. His knowledge could make him equal to most archeological professors. It did not take me long to grow to like him very much. The story kept my interest from the very beginning to the very intriguing end.
Author: J Michael Orenduff
Publisher: Open Roads Media Mystery & Thriller
Published: 1-28-2014
ISBN: 9781480458529
E-Book: B00HO12CTK
Pages: 268
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Tags: Antiquity
Sensual Level: Mild
Overall Rating: Very Good
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Reviewer: DelAnne
Hubie Schuze is a dealer in antiquities. Once he went and dug them up for himself and when the government made it illegal for individual amateurs to dig up and sell artifacts to the public. Since Hubie hated to part with his treasures he was in constant need of funds to keep his business afloat. When he was offered $25,000.00 for a no questions asked deal for customer who wants a rare pot from a local museum, he considers it then decides against it. The turns up stolen anyway and the detective assigned to the case is fixated on Hubie as the culprit. Then the deaths start and all fingers are pointed toward Hubie. Since no one believes he did not steal the pot or commit the murder it is up to Hubie to find the real thief and murderer.
Filled with drama and suspense The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras has many subplots that keeps you guessing at what will happen in Hubie's life. Hubie is more complex than he seems at first. Where once he seems shallow and self-centered he soon shows himself to have multiple layers including compassion. His knowledge could make him equal to most archeological professors. It did not take me long to grow to like him very much. The story kept my interest from the very beginning to the very intriguing end.
May 8, 2021
Abandoned this one not even halfway through, even though parts of it were enjoyable. Another reviewer here says that it's "relentlessly, pointlessly, libertarian," which I thought was spot on. It's also (related to the last point) pretty callous towards native american culture and history, especially considering how closely intertwined that culture and history is with the book's setting and plot. The author frequently uses the narrator/main character to complain about things that are totally irrelevant to the plot, like how there are too many sponsors on NPR or how new-fangled technology is hard. For these reasons, I felt like I was reading something by my dad. There is a stubborn old white guy vibe going on, no offense.
It's a shame though because there were some things I really liked about it. I originally landed on this book because I was looking for something set in Albuquerque, which would give me a good sense of the city and of life in NM generally. I think this book does a great job of that. It really evokes this place and this region, and you can tell the author loves where he's from. In fact, I think the relentlessly libertarian aspect to the book kind of fits in with that. Albuquerque is a pretty isolated city, way out in the desert, and I get a feeling that there's a strong streak of independence/live and let live/don't tread on me embedded in the local culture. I don't think that's a bad thing, except when it translates into a lack of responsibility for other people, or for the community, which it sometimes does in this book, esp in regards to the local native american community. And as another reviewer said, the current pandemic is a good example of when this outlook can turn very deadly.
The writing was also pretty engaging. The mystery unfolds pretty slowly and casually, and I found it very readable until the main character got too annoying.
It's a shame though because there were some things I really liked about it. I originally landed on this book because I was looking for something set in Albuquerque, which would give me a good sense of the city and of life in NM generally. I think this book does a great job of that. It really evokes this place and this region, and you can tell the author loves where he's from. In fact, I think the relentlessly libertarian aspect to the book kind of fits in with that. Albuquerque is a pretty isolated city, way out in the desert, and I get a feeling that there's a strong streak of independence/live and let live/don't tread on me embedded in the local culture. I don't think that's a bad thing, except when it translates into a lack of responsibility for other people, or for the community, which it sometimes does in this book, esp in regards to the local native american community. And as another reviewer said, the current pandemic is a good example of when this outlook can turn very deadly.
The writing was also pretty engaging. The mystery unfolds pretty slowly and casually, and I found it very readable until the main character got too annoying.
March 10, 2014
Follow the full review at: http://mysterysequels.com/the-pot-thi...
The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras is the first book in the A Pot Thief Murder Mystery series by J. Michael Orenduff. I’ve picked it up at Netgalley since the subject intrigued me. A thief who is supposed to solve crimes and knows a bit about Pythagoras (the bane of my early school existence)! I’ve never heard of this author before and I really didn’t know what to expect. For sure not a fun, full of humor and attention grabbing book!
Hubert Schuze is a pot thief and an expert in Native American pots. So he is not overly surprised when he gets a request for stealing a pot.
The problem arises, however, when he is soon visited by the local police accusing him of stealing the pot (he hasn’t stolen it yet) and when a body is discovered in a hotel that he visited that very night. Now Hubert has to not only steal the pot, but also solve the murder, lest he wants to end up in jail for something he didn’t do.
Overall the story is a fun one to follow. It is a cozy mystery that is easy to read, with a few chuckling moments that I truly enjoyed.
The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras is the first book in the A Pot Thief Murder Mystery series by J. Michael Orenduff. I’ve picked it up at Netgalley since the subject intrigued me. A thief who is supposed to solve crimes and knows a bit about Pythagoras (the bane of my early school existence)! I’ve never heard of this author before and I really didn’t know what to expect. For sure not a fun, full of humor and attention grabbing book!
Hubert Schuze is a pot thief and an expert in Native American pots. So he is not overly surprised when he gets a request for stealing a pot.
The problem arises, however, when he is soon visited by the local police accusing him of stealing the pot (he hasn’t stolen it yet) and when a body is discovered in a hotel that he visited that very night. Now Hubert has to not only steal the pot, but also solve the murder, lest he wants to end up in jail for something he didn’t do.
Overall the story is a fun one to follow. It is a cozy mystery that is easy to read, with a few chuckling moments that I truly enjoyed.
September 13, 2016
I cannot think about pots and pot thieves without thinking about the amazing books of Tony Hillerman. Additionally, as a wannabe archaeologist, I enjoy reading about native American pottery and the ends with which people will go to acquire it. Orenduff's Pot Thief series of books combines archaeology with a dash of philosophy and mystery thrown in for good measure.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very well written. The story was interesting. Professor Orenduff obviously is very well educated in the areas of archaeology and philosophy and brings his first hand knowledge to the story.
This book is the first in a series by J. Michael Orenduff involving his pot thief, Hubert Schuze. The story had plenty of twists and turns. I loved the ending. I'm looking forward to reading the other volumes in the series.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very well written. The story was interesting. Professor Orenduff obviously is very well educated in the areas of archaeology and philosophy and brings his first hand knowledge to the story.
This book is the first in a series by J. Michael Orenduff involving his pot thief, Hubert Schuze. The story had plenty of twists and turns. I loved the ending. I'm looking forward to reading the other volumes in the series.
dnf-dont-try-again
January 2, 2019Didn't make it very far in this, in spite of a recommendation from a fellow book-lover. I don't know why I didn't much like the start, although I have to admit I have fairly strong feelings about illegal digging for archaeological items. And stealing them. (e.g., Jason Felch's *Chasing Aphrodite* [for some reason the link/insert isn't working as I type this] https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9...)
December 31, 2010
I read this book this past August and neglected to put anything up on it. I have the second and will be turning the pages of that one soon. I love the unlikely hero in Hubie and his flawed logic that may or may not be legal depending on your interpretation but the logic works in the end to solve the mystery and make sure the bad guy gets his just desserts. Highly recommended.
March 19, 2011
A unique new series about Hubert Schuze, a one-time thief/rare pot collector. You may learn a lot about New Mexico's interesting history, too.
The characters are quirky and enjoyable. I really like this series.
The characters are quirky and enjoyable. I really like this series.
March 23, 2018
I enjoy mysteries of all kinds: cozies, hard-boiled, intellectual, Sherlock Holmes and his imitators, etc. I especially love some themed mysteries (cats, dogs, herbs, holidays, and regions, to name a few). This book overlaps several of these. New Mexico, the study of antiquities related to Native Americans, a philosophizing protagonist, and although murder is involved, some humor as well. This series was recommended to me by a dear friend who loves New Mexico and things associated with it. I've never been there myself but it is on my bucket list. I still have 26 states to visit, and reading this may have pushed New Mexico higher on the list. I lent this book to my mother who also loves mysteries, and she really enjoyed it as well. If you like trying to solve the crime on your own, I highly recommend that you try out this one. I was only partially successful. I'm looking forward to the next volume in this series.
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January 3, 2022
The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras is the first book in the Pot Thief Mysteries. I found it to be easy to read and somewhat amusing. (Not particularly funny as others have reviewed.) Having enjoyed the first in the series, I'm going to keep reading for a couple of more books.
First book completed in 2022. This was a library loan via Freading and I read it on my computer. I really need to get things set up to push the book onto an eReader.
March 21, 2023
Convoluted mystery with plenty of interesting details regarding the Southwest history and culture. Excellent writing and intriguing characters. I was a little overwhelmed by the number of characters and some of the “read between the lines”.
July 27, 2022
I really liked Orenduff's writing style, his humor and the characters he's produced. I'm, of course, especially fond of this book since it takes place in my hometown and home state. I really enjoyed the familiar places. I'm anxious to read the next one in the series.
June 27, 2017
Set inc. the 1st 3 books of the Pot Thief Mysteries.
I have read some of the Pot Thief mysteries in the past but never this one, #1. It was great getting in on the beginning and learning more about Hubie and Susanna. Even better was seeing that the author's knack for injecting humor (and intelligence) into his murder mysteries started at the beginning!
Hubie is a brilliant man who was kicked out of the University of New Mexico when he strayed from an archeology dig and found some artifacts on his own. He previously had earned a degree in business and became an accountant which he hated which is why he returned to school for a master's degree in anthropology and archeology. He eventually learned everything he could about Native American pottery, both ancient and modern. By the time the story begins he owns a pottery shop in Old Town, Albuquerque, where he sells pots by day and digs them up "by the light of the moon." He sells the pottery, including some classic pieces he has reproduced, to discriminating collectors as well as tourists. At 5:00 pm he meets his good friend Susanna for margaritas and intelligent conversation. That is all back story that one needs to appreciate this series.
The heist and eventual recovery of the two remaining water jugs from the ancient Mogollon people is the basis for the story. Along the way Hubie reads Pythagoras and uses the famous theorem as a starting point to work out the mystery(ies) in the story. Along the way we meet some of the fascinating characters in Hubie's life who pepper later books in the series. I adore Hubie's brilliance, irreverence and single-minded search for truth as he solves the mystery puzzles. I'm going to read #2 & #3 next as all three are in a single volume. Keep up the good work Hubie!
I have read some of the Pot Thief mysteries in the past but never this one, #1. It was great getting in on the beginning and learning more about Hubie and Susanna. Even better was seeing that the author's knack for injecting humor (and intelligence) into his murder mysteries started at the beginning!
Hubie is a brilliant man who was kicked out of the University of New Mexico when he strayed from an archeology dig and found some artifacts on his own. He previously had earned a degree in business and became an accountant which he hated which is why he returned to school for a master's degree in anthropology and archeology. He eventually learned everything he could about Native American pottery, both ancient and modern. By the time the story begins he owns a pottery shop in Old Town, Albuquerque, where he sells pots by day and digs them up "by the light of the moon." He sells the pottery, including some classic pieces he has reproduced, to discriminating collectors as well as tourists. At 5:00 pm he meets his good friend Susanna for margaritas and intelligent conversation. That is all back story that one needs to appreciate this series.
The heist and eventual recovery of the two remaining water jugs from the ancient Mogollon people is the basis for the story. Along the way Hubie reads Pythagoras and uses the famous theorem as a starting point to work out the mystery(ies) in the story. Along the way we meet some of the fascinating characters in Hubie's life who pepper later books in the series. I adore Hubie's brilliance, irreverence and single-minded search for truth as he solves the mystery puzzles. I'm going to read #2 & #3 next as all three are in a single volume. Keep up the good work Hubie!
November 21, 2016
Hubert Schuze runs a shop in Albuquerque's Old Town where he sells antique pots, most of them he's dug up from archeological sites, but never from reservations.
One day a man comes into the shop and offers to buy a pot-the only problem is Hubert does not own the pot; it is part of the collection of a local museum. Hubert tells the man no. Soon after a pot of the same style is stolen from Bandelier, a national monument, Hubert becomes the main suspect and is visited by a federal agent...and when the agent turns up dead, he becomes the main suspect in the murder.
It is up to Hubert to figure out what happened, and clear his name of murder, even if he does take a pot or two that doesn't belong to him.
This series has been on my t0-be-read list for quite some time, and I am sorry it took me so long to get to it. I love New Mexico, and the fact that I've visited Albuquerque and Bandelier many times might had added to my enjoyment of the tale. It is fun to read about places you've visited, and see the author's take on the scenery and the local events and people.
Despite his less than totally honest activities, I found I liked Hubert. He was eager to clear his name and find the real culprit in the murder. And his reasons for taking pots brought up some interesting issues that made me think about artifacts and where they should be housed.
I am looking forward to the other books in this series where I can visit Albuquerque again and see what Hubert is up to next.
One day a man comes into the shop and offers to buy a pot-the only problem is Hubert does not own the pot; it is part of the collection of a local museum. Hubert tells the man no. Soon after a pot of the same style is stolen from Bandelier, a national monument, Hubert becomes the main suspect and is visited by a federal agent...and when the agent turns up dead, he becomes the main suspect in the murder.
It is up to Hubert to figure out what happened, and clear his name of murder, even if he does take a pot or two that doesn't belong to him.
This series has been on my t0-be-read list for quite some time, and I am sorry it took me so long to get to it. I love New Mexico, and the fact that I've visited Albuquerque and Bandelier many times might had added to my enjoyment of the tale. It is fun to read about places you've visited, and see the author's take on the scenery and the local events and people.
Despite his less than totally honest activities, I found I liked Hubert. He was eager to clear his name and find the real culprit in the murder. And his reasons for taking pots brought up some interesting issues that made me think about artifacts and where they should be housed.
I am looking forward to the other books in this series where I can visit Albuquerque again and see what Hubert is up to next.
October 18, 2016
The author was kind enough to send me a copy of this book several years ago. I saved it because I knew I would need a book set in New Mexico by a new-to-me author for my A Mystery for Every State Project, and finally got there. But I couldn't find the paper copy (books move around in my house a lot) so I bought a Kindle version.
Hubert Schuze, the protagonist, is a very likable character even though his moral code might not be exactly the same as mine. He reminds me a bit of The Saint, Leslie Charteris's character in some of the first mysteries I read. I enjoyed the other quirky characters too -- Susannah, Hubert's younger woman friend, especially. The plot kept me guessing and I enjoyed the setting. Most of the New Mexico books I've read have been set in the Four Corners or other more rural settings; I was glad to find one set in Albuquerque and get a feel for this more urban area. Now, I've got a lot of catching up to do, as Mr. Orenduff has gone on to write several more books in the series. Recommended.
Hubert Schuze, the protagonist, is a very likable character even though his moral code might not be exactly the same as mine. He reminds me a bit of The Saint, Leslie Charteris's character in some of the first mysteries I read. I enjoyed the other quirky characters too -- Susannah, Hubert's younger woman friend, especially. The plot kept me guessing and I enjoyed the setting. Most of the New Mexico books I've read have been set in the Four Corners or other more rural settings; I was glad to find one set in Albuquerque and get a feel for this more urban area. Now, I've got a lot of catching up to do, as Mr. Orenduff has gone on to write several more books in the series. Recommended.
January 2, 2012
Hubie Schuze is firmly in the top five of my favorite protags. He's charming, intelligent, dry, and above all he is interesting. This book delighted me from the start in spite of the slightly off-kilter premise of a "pot thief" being the good guy. Hubie truly is a good guy who not only does the right thing, but thinks his actions through in a very satisfying manner. The Albuquerque setting is a vivid enough to make the desire to visit a strong one and the only downside that appeared was the constant desire to indulge in a marquerita or a bottle of Grue. There is just something endearing about a man who will voluntarily read articles about Pythagoras while dodging nubile females and handling ancient pots. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like a brisk, entertaining, well-written, and engaging story.
July 4, 2017
Review: THE POT THIEF WHO STUDIED PYTHAGORAS
Forty-something Hubert Schuze is a finder and purveyor of pots. Some consider him a "pot thief" for his ability to locate and excavate ancient pots on public lands (usually National Parks, in his home state, New Mexico). Hubert own an adobe building in Albuquerque' s historic Old Town, which includes his shop, workshop, and living quarters. In this first of the series, he becomes inextricably entangled with murder and conspiracy to museum theft. Together with best friend Susannah, a twenty-eight year old permanent university student and waitress, he cleverly moves events to an unexpected and enlightening denouement. Along the way are intrigue, suspense, excitement, and a strong exposure to classical Greek philosopher-maybe
Forty-something Hubert Schuze is a finder and purveyor of pots. Some consider him a "pot thief" for his ability to locate and excavate ancient pots on public lands (usually National Parks, in his home state, New Mexico). Hubert own an adobe building in Albuquerque' s historic Old Town, which includes his shop, workshop, and living quarters. In this first of the series, he becomes inextricably entangled with murder and conspiracy to museum theft. Together with best friend Susannah, a twenty-eight year old permanent university student and waitress, he cleverly moves events to an unexpected and enlightening denouement. Along the way are intrigue, suspense, excitement, and a strong exposure to classical Greek philosopher-maybe
March 31, 2010
This funny, atmospheric mystery set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, not only has a well-plotted story, centering around two murders and the thefts of two ancient Indian pots, it also features wonderful characters portrayed with humor. Mr. Orenduff has a gift for dialogue; I especially enjoyed the conversations between Hubert Schuze, the "pot thief" of the title, and his ingenuous friend, Susannah. If you'd like to read a good mystery with lots of laughs, a little romance, some philosophical musing, and plenty of New Mexico ambiance, you can't go wrong with The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras.
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May 12, 2021I picked up this book because of the New Mexico setting and emphasis on Native American pottery. But it didn’t take long for me to not be able to stomach the protagonist’s rationalizations about his thieving-for-profit from public lands and his inability to see that he’s robbing not only federal lands but also tribal peoples of their history.
November 3, 2018
Have you ever read Lawrence Block? This author has. All I wanted to do was re-read The Burglar Who Painted Like Mondrian, the obvious source of this story.
Unless this author is Lawrence Block under another name I can't believe he has done this.
Unless this author is Lawrence Block under another name I can't believe he has done this.
February 8, 2011
The best aspect of this book, for me, was the local flavor... And it alerted me to Gruet. There was some awkward phrasing, especially in the first half, that was a bit distracting.
July 29, 2023
If I ever meet J. Michael Orenduff, I'll call him "Dr. Orenduff," since he's earned that honorific, and anyway my parents taught me to be respectful to others, including my elders (and while Dr. Orenduff is just three years older than my wife, he is my elder). But I have a sneaking suspicion that his friends call him Mike, not the diminutive of whatever the J stands for - and I think that not just because he reduces the first name to a mere initial but includes the full middle name, but because if this book even remotely reflects Dr. Orenduff's character, he is the exact opposite of the stereotypical stuffy academic.
And that brings us to the book. If I didn't know a little about Dr. Orenduff's history (I nearly said illustrious, but my notions of illustriousness are probably not congruent with everyone else's), I would never guess that he has an earned doctorate and has served in several administrative positions in academia. I would be more likely to accuse him of being a high school graduate and an autodidact (which is what I am), because there isn't a single trace, not even a hint, of stuffiness here.
The premise is pretty simple: Hubert Schuze got himself kicked out of the University of New Mexico for having the temerity to find ancient pots where the guy running the dig said there weren't any. (Is that an accurate reflection of academic politics? I'm afraid that if some of the things I've read here and there are true, then it is an accurate reflection, perhaps with a tad bit of hyperbole for effect.) He used the proceeds he got from selling the pots to buy part of a 300 year old adobe building in Albuquerque's Old Town, and begin selling pots. The thing is that he digs the pots up on public land - something that wasn't a crime when he began, but is now, thanks to Congress' penchant for restricting every liberty it can find. Therefore Hubie is a pot thief, though no one's doing anything about it. He digs up pots illegally and sells them for thousands of dollars to people to whom an ancient pot is worth thousands of dollars.
The problem, here, is that he finds himself committed to stealing a pot from a UNM museum...and then things really get complicated. He's a suspect in a murder, and there are a couple of intimidating Indians who don't seem to like him much, and... But read the book. It is a murder mystery (though Sherlock Holmes solved plenty of mysteries that didn't include a single corpse, lesser detectives seem never to handle any case which doesn't feature a body; I do wonder, sometimes, why it is that everyone seems to think Arthur Conan Doyle had it all wrong when he had Holmes dealing with blackmail and stolen jewels, instead of wading in blood every day), but it's very lighthearted.
And unlike a lot of "regional" writing, it's not mediocre or worse. Dr. Orenduff handles everything wonderfully well. He knows Albuqeruque, and not only that, but he makes it fun to walk (Hubie doesn't drive much) around the place, and to listen to his conversation, and to follow his narration. Hubert Schuze has a sense of humor that appeals to me (which might mean that it won't appeal to you - I long ago gave up trying to be just like everyone else), and even if I did read mysteries for the puzzle - I don't; it just frustrates me if I try to figure it out ahead of the author - I would give a little room to the fun of this book. Indeed - here's a spoiler, maybe - I've read the whole series except, I think, for the most recent installment, most of them more than once, and the whole series is just plain fun. I read for entertainment, and this book delivers that by the truckload.
And that brings us to the book. If I didn't know a little about Dr. Orenduff's history (I nearly said illustrious, but my notions of illustriousness are probably not congruent with everyone else's), I would never guess that he has an earned doctorate and has served in several administrative positions in academia. I would be more likely to accuse him of being a high school graduate and an autodidact (which is what I am), because there isn't a single trace, not even a hint, of stuffiness here.
The premise is pretty simple: Hubert Schuze got himself kicked out of the University of New Mexico for having the temerity to find ancient pots where the guy running the dig said there weren't any. (Is that an accurate reflection of academic politics? I'm afraid that if some of the things I've read here and there are true, then it is an accurate reflection, perhaps with a tad bit of hyperbole for effect.) He used the proceeds he got from selling the pots to buy part of a 300 year old adobe building in Albuquerque's Old Town, and begin selling pots. The thing is that he digs the pots up on public land - something that wasn't a crime when he began, but is now, thanks to Congress' penchant for restricting every liberty it can find. Therefore Hubie is a pot thief, though no one's doing anything about it. He digs up pots illegally and sells them for thousands of dollars to people to whom an ancient pot is worth thousands of dollars.
The problem, here, is that he finds himself committed to stealing a pot from a UNM museum...and then things really get complicated. He's a suspect in a murder, and there are a couple of intimidating Indians who don't seem to like him much, and... But read the book. It is a murder mystery (though Sherlock Holmes solved plenty of mysteries that didn't include a single corpse, lesser detectives seem never to handle any case which doesn't feature a body; I do wonder, sometimes, why it is that everyone seems to think Arthur Conan Doyle had it all wrong when he had Holmes dealing with blackmail and stolen jewels, instead of wading in blood every day), but it's very lighthearted.
And unlike a lot of "regional" writing, it's not mediocre or worse. Dr. Orenduff handles everything wonderfully well. He knows Albuqeruque, and not only that, but he makes it fun to walk (Hubie doesn't drive much) around the place, and to listen to his conversation, and to follow his narration. Hubert Schuze has a sense of humor that appeals to me (which might mean that it won't appeal to you - I long ago gave up trying to be just like everyone else), and even if I did read mysteries for the puzzle - I don't; it just frustrates me if I try to figure it out ahead of the author - I would give a little room to the fun of this book. Indeed - here's a spoiler, maybe - I've read the whole series except, I think, for the most recent installment, most of them more than once, and the whole series is just plain fun. I read for entertainment, and this book delivers that by the truckload.
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