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The Pot Thief Who Studied Ptolemy (The Pot Thief Mysteries Book 2) Kindle Edition

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 199 ratings

A Southwestern sleuth tries to retrieve some relics—and solve a murder—in a novel by an author who “knows how to hook the reader from the get-go” (Albuquerque Journal).
  Pot thief Hubie Schuze is back, and this time his larceny is for a good cause. He wants to recover sacred relics lifted from San Roque, a mysterious pueblo that is closed to outsiders. Usually Hubie finds his pottery a few feet underground—but these artifacts are one hundred fifty feet above the New Mexico soil, on the top floor of the Rio Grande Lofts.
Hubie will need all his deductive skills to craft the perfect plan—which is thwarted when he encounters the beautiful Stella. And then he is arrested for murder. That tends to happen when you are in the room with the body, with blood on your hands. Follow Hubie as he stays one step ahead of security toughs, one step behind Stella, and never too far from a long fall.

The Pot Thief Who Studied Ptolemy is the 2nd book in the Pot Thief Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order. 

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Orenduff is a master of his craft. He pulls you in by a thread and masterfully winds the story around his characters. Prepare for a sleepless night. I couldn’t put it down.”—Marie Romero Cash, author of Tortilla Chronicles on The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras

“May fill Hillerman’s shoes.” —
The Gallup Herald

“J. Michael Orenduff knows how to hook the reader from the get-go.” —
Albuquerque Journal

“Immensely enjoyable. A fabulous read from page one on to the end.” —Grace Galloway, owner of Read It Again Bookstore in Houston, Texas

About the Author

J. Michael Orenduff grew up in a house so close to the Rio Grande that he could Frisbee a tortilla into Mexico from his backyard. While studying for an MA at the University of New Mexico, he worked during the summer as a volunteer teacher at one of the nearby pueblos. After receiving a PhD from Tulane University, he became a professor. He went on to serve as president of New Mexico State University.

Orenduff took early retirement from higher education to write his award-winning Pot Thief murder mysteries, which combine archaeology and philosophy with humor and mystery. Among the author’s many accolades are the Lefty Award for best humorous mystery, the Epic Award for best mystery or suspense ebook, and the New Mexico Book Award for best mystery or suspense fiction. His books have been described by the
Baltimore Sun as “funny at a very high intellectual level” and “deliciously delightful,” and by the El Paso Times as “the perfect fusion of murder, mayhem and margaritas.”

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00HO12CSQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Open Road Media Mystery & Thriller (January 28, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 28, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4896 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 292 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 199 ratings

About the author

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J. Michael Orenduff
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The 8th book in J. Michael Orenduff's award-winning "Pot Thief" murder mystery series - The Pot Thief Who Studied Edward Abbey - was released in May after receiving a starred review in Publishers Weekly and is already setting sales records.

The first book in the series, The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras, won the national Dark Oak Mystery Contest, and the Kindle version won the EPIC eBook Mystery of the Year for 2009. It was also named New Mexico Book of the Year.

The second book in the series,The Pot Thief Who Studied Ptolemy, won the Best Fiction Book of the Year for 2010 from the Public Safety Writers Association, and the Kindle version won the EPIC eBook Mystery of the Year for 2009. This was the first time that two books in the same series had won back to back "Eppies."

The most impressive award is the Lefty, awarded to The Pot Thief Who Studied Einstein at the Left Coast Crime Conference in Santa Fe for the best humorous mystery of the year.

Mike received his M.A. from the University of New Mexico and his doctorate from Tulane University. He taught at universities in seven states and three countries including serving as president of New Mexico State University before starting a writing career after taking early retirement (or, as his friends describe it, a midlife crisis).

One of Mike's stage plays, The Christmas Visitor, had its world premier in December, 2013 at The Pasadena Little Theater to full houses for all ten performances. The play won the 2009 Jewel Box Playwriting Contest, and has also received recognition from the Solano Repertory Playwriting Contest in California, the McClaren Comedy Contest in Texas and was selected as one of the "Top 100" by Writers Digest.

Mike loves to hear from readers and theater patrons: ThePotThief@gmail.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
199 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book humorous and entertaining with puns throughout. They describe the plot as well-developed and interesting, with believable characters. The book is described as an easy read with great writing. Readers appreciate the author's insights into New Mexico and native cultures. They also mention that the book replicates many pot designs well. Overall, customers recommend this book for its humor, plot development, and well-written style.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

19 customers mention "Humor"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it entertaining, with likeable characters and easy to read. The book contains puns throughout, making it enjoyable to read. Readers also mention that the series is interesting, well-paced, and set in Albuquerque, NM, one of their favorite cities.

"...But it is still a fun read, with a lot of humor and puns throughout...." Read more

"I have enjoyed several of these books and want to read more. The humor, the unusual information given, and strong characters are very enjoyabe." Read more

"Fairly entertaining little mystery. Good for casual summer reading. I would read another in the series if the price was right." Read more

"I am a huge fan of Orenduff’s Pot Thief series. They are laugh out loud funny, and this one, the 2nd in the series, is no different...." Read more

12 customers mention "Plot"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed plot and believable characters in the series. They find the series interesting and fun, with interesting tidbits about theories. Readers describe the books as delightful, relaxing, and easy to read.

"...Michael Orenduff seems to be having a great time weaving a story and at the same time imparting wonderful bits of information about New Mexico,..." Read more

"...While the plot is good, it is a bit simplistic in its solution and some of the ways that Hubert is able to get in and out of a highly secured high..." Read more

"...The humor, the unusual information given, and strong characters are very enjoyabe." Read more

"...Right? This is one of the zanier plots in the series, and I loved every minute of it. Happy Reader" Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters interesting and believable. They describe the book as well-written with an unusual hero and good plot. The author is described as talented, humorous, and an excellent potter.

"A well written book with an unusual hero and a good plot is something rare...." Read more

"...The humor, the unusual information given, and strong characters are very enjoyabe." Read more

"...waitress at a restaurant on the Plaza, and a cast of interesting and hilarious side characters who each show up again and again in each installment,..." Read more

"...Fully developed characters and humorous dialog." Read more

10 customers mention "Readability"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it well-written with an unusual hero and a good plot. The book is easy to understand and a pleasant series to follow.

"A well written book with an unusual hero and a good plot is something rare...." Read more

"Fairly entertaining little mystery. Good for casual summer reading. I would read another in the series if the price was right." Read more

"Now this is great writing. Wonderful insights into New Mexico and Indian culture of pots. Fully developed characters and humorous dialog." Read more

"...But it was entertaining, with likeable characters and easy to read." Read more

4 customers mention "Knowledge of new mexico"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's knowledge of New Mexico and Indian culture. They enjoy his love for native cultures, champagne, and Mexican cuisine.

"...time weaving a story and at the same time imparting wonderful bits of information about New Mexico, ancient Indian pots and other general trivia...." Read more

"Now this is great writing. Wonderful insights into New Mexico and Indian culture of pots. Fully developed characters and humorous dialog." Read more

"I've read three in the series. Learn about American Southwest, archaeology, pottery making, etc. engaging, well paced" Read more

"...The dialog is witty and very funny. His love of New Mexico, native cultures, domestic champagne, and Mexican cooking comes through loud and clear." Read more

3 customers mention "Design"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's design engaging. They appreciate the author's unique characters and pot designs. The book is described as an easy read with clever dialogue.

"...In addition, he is an excellent potter who replicates many of the pot designs, selling the replicas well labeled, along with the original ancient..." Read more

"The Pot Thief mysteries are great. The author has developed some unique and interesting characters. The dialog is witty and very funny...." Read more

"Learn new things while having margaritas. Clever repartee and an easy read. I would recommend this book to everyone...." Read more

Zany Laugh-Out-Loud Mystery!
5 out of 5 stars
Zany Laugh-Out-Loud Mystery!
I am a huge fan of Orenduff’s Pot Thief series. They are laugh out loud funny, and this one, the 2nd in the series, is no different. I have read them out of order with no problem, so I don’t think you have to start at the series’ beginning.Meet Hubie Schuze. He owns a little shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he sells genuine ancient Pueblo pots and his expert recreations. And doesn’t always remember to tell the customer which is which.But his heart is in the right place. Sort of. Right now he’s having pangs, hunger pangs. For the choice pots rather illegally obtained by Ognan Gerstner, retired archeology professor. There, in the loft of the Rio Grande apartments, the pots are calling to Hubie. Since Gerstner doesn’t hold them legally, he can hardly complain if someone took them. Right?This is one of the zanier plots in the series, and I loved every minute of it.Happy Reader
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2014
    A well written book with an unusual hero and a good plot is something rare. Michael Orenduff seems to be having a great time weaving a story and at the same time imparting wonderful bits of information about New Mexico, ancient Indian pots and other general trivia. I went out and bought the wonderful New Mexican Champagne he describes ( yes, really New Mexican) and have bored my friends endlessly with other minutia I picked up. I hate it when one of his books end and will probably shed a tear when I finish the last one.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2020
    Book 2 in this series and it is not quite as good as #1. Still good, but at times it drags a bit during the plot. We see less of nephew Tristen, but we do get comic relief in neighbor Mrs. Gladys Claibourn who is a hoot and who always comes around at the most inopportune time with casseroles and desserts. Despite being made with few fresh ingredients her flavors and cooking always is a pleasant part of the book. Once again we have stolen pots, and eventually a murder. Despite being a prime suspect our hero, Hubert Schuze, rarely needs the service of his lawyer Lawton Kent, who also looks like he will appear in all these books. While the plot is good, it is a bit simplistic in its solution and some of the ways that Hubert is able to get in and out of a highly secured high rise complex seems to stretch credibility. But it is still a fun read, with a lot of humor and puns throughout. I felt it was about a 3.5, but I like this series and author and so will round it up to a 4**** (
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2019
    I have enjoyed several of these books and want to read more. The humor, the unusual information given, and strong characters are very enjoyabe.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2014
    Fairly entertaining little mystery. Good for casual summer reading. I would read another in the series if the price was right.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2019
    I am a huge fan of Orenduff’s Pot Thief series. They are laugh out loud funny, and this one, the 2nd in the series, is no different. I have read them out of order with no problem, so I don’t think you have to start at the series’ beginning.

    Meet Hubie Schuze. He owns a little shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he sells genuine ancient Pueblo pots and his expert recreations. And doesn’t always remember to tell the customer which is which.

    But his heart is in the right place. Sort of. Right now he’s having pangs, hunger pangs. For the choice pots rather illegally obtained by Ognan Gerstner, retired archeology professor. There, in the loft of the Rio Grande apartments, the pots are calling to Hubie. Since Gerstner doesn’t hold them legally, he can hardly complain if someone took them. Right?

    This is one of the zanier plots in the series, and I loved every minute of it.

    Happy Reader
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Zany Laugh-Out-Loud Mystery!

    Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2019
    I am a huge fan of Orenduff’s Pot Thief series. They are laugh out loud funny, and this one, the 2nd in the series, is no different. I have read them out of order with no problem, so I don’t think you have to start at the series’ beginning.

    Meet Hubie Schuze. He owns a little shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he sells genuine ancient Pueblo pots and his expert recreations. And doesn’t always remember to tell the customer which is which.

    But his heart is in the right place. Sort of. Right now he’s having pangs, hunger pangs. For the choice pots rather illegally obtained by Ognan Gerstner, retired archeology professor. There, in the loft of the Rio Grande apartments, the pots are calling to Hubie. Since Gerstner doesn’t hold them legally, he can hardly complain if someone took them. Right?

    This is one of the zanier plots in the series, and I loved every minute of it.

    Happy Reader
    Images in this review
    Customer image
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2018
    This is one of his better written "Pot Thief" books. He deftly brought in Ptolemy into his story many times, unlike some of his books where the person featured in the title of the book in barely mentioned. This is one of his more exciting "Pot Thief" books.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2016
    Each installment of the Pot Thief mystery series is both as tense and comedic treasure, and a romp through The Land of Enchantment (New Mexico) centered out of the modest Albuquerque shop just off the Old Town Plaza, owned by 5’6”, late 40s Hubie Schuze (pronounced “shoes”), purveyor and sometime excavator of Indian pots and expert maker of replicas. His side-kick Susannah, a waitress at a restaurant on the Plaza, and a cast of interesting and hilarious side characters who each show up again and again in each installment, make this a fun series to read. My only quibble is that each book contains a handful of misspellings and / or grammatical errors, but by book 3 I’d learned to make a game out of spotting them. Slightly tighter editing was in order on each of these. There are also the occasional factual errors. For instance, the author seems not to have known that the “home for wayward priests” in Jemez Springs permanently closed 1995. A fun and interesting series for readers who know New Mexico and inspiration for other readers to pack a bag and go.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2016
    Now this is great writing. Wonderful insights into New Mexico and Indian culture of pots. Fully developed characters and humorous dialog.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Ahacanada
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
    Reviewed in Canada on March 23, 2019
    Really enjoyed it

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