The First Rule of Ten: A Tenzing Norbu Mystery
Hay House, Inc., 2012
Agent: Sandra Dijkstra
“Don’t ignore intuitive tickles lest they reappear as sledgehammers.”
That’s the first rule of Ten.
Tenzing Norbu (“Ten” for short)—ex-monk and soon-to-be ex-cop—is a protagonist unique to our times. In The First Rule of Ten, the first installment in a three-book detective series, we meet this spiritual warrior who is singularly equipped, if not occasionally ill-equipped, as he takes on his first case as a private investigator in Los Angeles.
Growing up in a Tibetan Monastery, Ten dreamed of becoming a modern-day Sherlock Holmes. So when he was sent to Los Angeles to teach meditation, he joined the LAPD instead. But as the Buddha says, change is inevitable; and ten years later, everything is about to change—big-time—for Ten. One resignation from the police force, two bullet-wounds, three suspicious deaths, and a beautiful woman later, he quickly learns that whenever he breaks his first rule, mayhem follows.
Set in the modern-day streets and canyons of Los Angeles, The First Rule of Ten is at turns humorous, insightful, and riveting—a gripping mystery as well as a reflective, character-driven story with intriguing life-lessons for us all.
Reviews:
“Awareness and adventure go hand-in-hand in this wow of a whodunnit. It’s got plenty of surprising plot twists, but even better, it’s rich with insight into the complexity of human relationships and being alive in this modern-day world. What could be better?”
—Geneen Roth, author of Women, Food and God
“Talk about a ‘perfect Ten!’ Savvy, sharp, and spiritual, Tenzing Norbu is one of the most compelling detectives I’ve encountered on the page. And The First Rule of Ten is a great introduction—a complicated, involving story that combines cults, crime, and Buddhist teachings to great effect.”
— Alison Gaylin, Edgar-nominated author of Hide Your Eyes, Heartless, and You Kill Me
“Now this is a detective for the 21st century! Who could resist a former Buddhist monk who lives by the dharma, drives a vintage yellow Mustang, eats five-star vegan PB&J’s, and enjoys a close relationship with a sentient being named Tank—a blue Persian of a certain size? On the other hand, his relationships with beings of the human persuasion aren’t nearly so smooth. Which is great for a P.I.—no one messes with Ten—but lousy for romance. Tenzing Norbu is wholly original and very, very real—a great addition to detective fiction. The First Rule of Ten has really got me hooked!”
—Julie Smith, author of the Skip Langdon series