An Albuquerque pottery dealer looking for artifacts finds murder and intrigue in this “smartly funny” series (Anne Hillerman, author of Spider Woman’s Daughter). A dealer in ancient Native American pottery, Hubert Schuze has spent years searching the public lands of New Mexico for artwork that would otherwise remain buried. According to the US government, he’s a thief, but Hubie knows the real … thief, but Hubie knows the real crime would be to allow age-old traditions to die. He honors prehistoric craftspeople by resurrecting their handiwork, and nothing–not even foul play–will stop him in these three installments of the Lefty Award-winning mystery series.
The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras: Hubie accepts a $25,000 offer to lift a rare pot from a local museum but changes his mind when he discovers how tightly the exhibit is being guarded. When the pot goes missing anyway, Hubie’s sent on the hunt for the real thief–and on the run from a killer.
The Pot Thief Who Studied Ptolemy: Hubie goes on a mission to recover stolen relics from a high-rise apartment building. Unfortunately, his perfect plan falls apart when he’s arrested for murder. That’s what happens when you get caught with blood on your hands and a dead body in the room. Now, Hubie must stay one step ahead of the law as he pursues a beautiful mystery woman in this fast-paced thriller that “hook[s] the reader from the get-go” (Albuquerque Journal).
The Pot Thief Who Studied Einstein: After Hubie appraises a collection of Anasazi pots for an eccentric, reclusive collector, his $2,500 payment disappears. He suspects the man ripped him off, but soon stumbles into a bigger crime when the collector is murdered. Determined not to end up in handcuffs, Hubie sets out to solve the mystery–and finds himself pulled deeper and deeper into the dead man’s shadowy, dangerous life.
more
Loved the characters and the attention to detail of the ancient potters
Very enjoyable. The main character is quite a character. The scrapes he gets himself into as a pot seller are well developed and lots of fun
I went back and bought the rest of the series. completely different type protagonist.
So much fun to read with good characters that I have now read 3 by the same author.. highly recommend as a cozy but not syrup book
My first Book Bub purchase and it was worth it. Even purchased a couple more at regular price. Love the recurring characters and the situations the main character finds himself embroiled in. Highly recommend.
Kind of a fun mystery series taking place in Albuquerque, NM. Our pot-thief protagonist is gradually joining the rest of us, only adopting modern technology as the need arises to maintain security in his business. He’s intelligent and can’t resist a good opportunity for sleuthing, especially when he’s being accused of murder.
The Pot Thief Mysteries are a fun series with well developed characters. The art, Native American and mathematical information makes these an interesting read.
These were a fun read
I love this series as I was fortunate to live in Albuquerque for several years. The descriptions of the state are wonderful. As are the characters.
As a museum professional, it was very hard for me to agree or sympathize with the lead character’s repeated protestations of why it’s noble to be a pot hunter.
I like both the setting (New Mexico) and the characters: a potter/archeologist and his female friend who is NOT a romantic interest. Let’s hope they can keep it that way. The plots are fairly convoluted by not impossible, and the other stuff – history, philosophy, anthropology – is interesting. I’d read more of these.
Hubie is just honest and dishonest enough to be liked. Puts me in mind of an old fashioned mystery. Enjoyable read.
Good New Mexico mysteries
This is a wonderful series. I have read therm all and am hoping for more. I sent the first book to my sister, and she loved it, ordered the rest and has now lent them to at least five others.
So many wonderful characters, laugh out loud word play, and an anti hero who is on the shady side of the artifact business. Captures the atmosphere of the New Mexico art scene. And some of the wildest food ever,including bizarre casseroles created by a neighbor out of prepackaged ingredients.
As a former potter and dessert rat, I found these books really good. The information value was tucked in nicely and I love the characters. Margaritas at five, anyone?
Though I never lived in Albuquerque, I had a roommate from there, and my children went to summer camp for years near Santa Fe. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been there–and loved every minute. So I was already hooked, but Hubert and friends delight me and have me wanting to go back. I was unfamiliar with Gruet wines. Now, I’m a snob about them. However, I have to confess to having served nearly every one of Miss Gladys’ casseroles. As Hubert says, they’re actually not too bad. I love all the messes our pot thief gets himself into–totally his own fault–but who can blame him. And I never worry that he will rot in jail, but I delight in the clever ways he is exonerated. New Mexico is the “Land of Enchantment,” and I am enchanted!
The author has put 3 different experiences/stories involving the potter who loved the native ancient of the Anasazi. When talking about the ancient pottery that he sells, the pots made by a contemporary craftsman who isn’t interested in fame or riches, or the copies he makes of original, ancient pots, the author’s passion and intimate knowledge of his craft and it’s history he draws you into his world.
Alsi, when he and best friend meet for their standing meeting of tortilla chips and margaritas make me want to join them in New Mexico.
The pot thief – our detective- is so wryly funny in his comments that I enjoy his “personality” as much as the mystery he has to solve. Are there more? I’ll be checking for more of these cozy mysteries.