An engaging and entertaining story line with interesting characters.
I enjoyed the final, "You're probably wondering why I called you all here" bit. Clever deductions.

I loved these. I know they aren't new, but it didn't feel dated.

Review: THE POT THIEF MYSTERIES Volume 1
By J. Michael Orenduff

I really enjoy this series. There's humor, spirit, mystery, and great ongoing characters. I also learn a lot about New Mexico history, ancient potters and tribes, archaeology and anthropology, academe, and an entertained throughout.

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.

Review: THE POT THIEF WHO STUDIED PTOLEMY

THE POT THIEF Series by J. Michael Orenduff is delightful: warm-hearted, full-characterized, humorous mystery--mystery with heart. Protagonist Hubert Schuze (pronounced "shoes") is The Feckless Hero indeed--but he's a sweet guy with a heart of integrity, and a spiritual nature exemplified in his connection to ancient potters, and to the mysteries of the Universe. I call him feckless because he frequently is victimized by others more cold-hearted. As a graduate student at the University of New Mexico in Anthropology and Archaeology, he bested three professors by uncovering pots outside the prescribed dig, and for his intuition, was expelled. He is considered a "pot thief" because of a Federal law (with which he disagrees) barring digging on public land. Also, he tends to fall into situations where he is framed for murder. Through it all, Hubie remains the proverbial good guy and dedicated friend.

Review: THE POT THIEF WHO STUDIED EINSTEIN

Perennial favorite artisan, shopkeeper, and pottery digger Hubert Schuze of Albuquerque returns. He's expanded his shop space, is hoping to sell his replicas of ancient pots, and is stuck reading a book on Einstein (the science, not the biography). When asked to appraise the pottery collection amassed by a reclusive collector, Hubie is eager, even if it includes being chauffeured blindfolded. What he couldn't have planned for, nor imagined, is finding the collection contains some of his replicas, the fee disappears, and he is framed for not one, but two murders, then targeted for his own death.

One thing I've noticed about mystery series is that at some point publishers will put out collections that contain the first few titles in the series. Up until this point it hasn't worked with me because I had read the series since the beginning.

This time it worked -- perfectly. I'm completely hooked on this series.

The main character Hubie Schuze is a maker of replicas of old New Mexican pottery, a seller of traditional pottery and, as the title indicates, a pot thief. That means he digs up ancient pottery on public lands.

I loved the recurring characters that are Hubie's friends and neighbors. I loved that the mysteries all had a real connection to the pots of Hubie's professions. And I loved that the murders were intriguing but not the exclusive focus of the books.

But what gained my love for these mysteries is the wealth of authentic detail about New Mexico and its unique culture.

I can't wait to read more!

Take one large helping of anthropology, add two generous dashes each of mathematics, New Mexico atmosphere and cuisine and voila! you will have the beginnings of a Pot Thief Mystery. Hubert Schuze and his sidekick Susannah Inchaustigui keep themselves busy with the dark side of academia and Indian ceramics and find themselves skating very close to the edge of both the law and political correctness the whole time. The first three volumes of this series keep me entertained for several days!