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.

LOVE LIZ CARLYLE. - Fraternitas Aureae Crucis #1

Very funny, Very witty.

Love the plot, Love the setting, Love the writing style. LOVE LOVE LOVE "Raju" / Adrian :) Jip, you guessed it, I'm a sucker for the mysterious bad boys.

Truely enjoyed this book. My Fav quote in this book is from Milo the parakeet "Skwwwaak British Prisoner, Help Help Help Skwwwaaaak" haha! Also love Nish's character. She comes across as cheeky and playful and teasing. Love the Devil may care attitude Adrian has. Life would be so much easier if i could be like that too. He is one of my favourite boys :)

Cant wait for book 2!!

PS.  - Fraternitas Aureae Crucis (FAC)

The Ancient and Mystical Order Rosæ Crucis, also called the Rosicrucian Order (AMORC), is a worldwide philosophical and humanistic fraternal organization devoted to "the study of the elusive mysteries of life and the universe."^[1] The organization is non-sectarian and it is open to both men and women of legal adult age (18 years old in most countries) regardless of their various religious persuasions. The current open cycle of AMORC was activated by Harvey Spencer Lewis in 1915.^[2]Lewis received authority to do so from the Supreme Council of the Rosicrucian Order after being tried, tested and finally initiated into the Order in 1909, Toulouse, France. AMORC is said to be the modern day manifestation of the ancient Rose-Croix Order which has its origin in theAncient Egyptian mystery schools.

AMORC's teachings draw upon ideas of the major philosophers, particularly Pythagoras, Thales, Solon, Heraclitus, Democritus, traditional healing techniques, health, intuition and the psychic consciousness, material and spiritual alchemy, sacred architecture, mystical sounds, breathing techniques, meditation, natural, mystical, and artificial symbolism, the great religious movements, the psychic body, karma and reincarnation. ^{(Thank you Wikipedia)}