Tibetan monk, turned LA cop, turned PI — it’s nothing less than one would expect from a successful relationship expert’s first mystery novel — and it’s a perfect choice to launch Hay House’s new mystery imprint, Visions. Ten is the book’s protagonist (the rules are his). He has a cat named Tank, an ex-girlfriend he calls “she-who-hates-cats”, and he often chooses a cold beer instead of meditation to reduce stress. His spiritual insights run as a sub-theme in his mind, as he chases bad guys and looks for clues. He models himself after Sherlock Holmes (his childhood idol) and has a Dr. Watson style computer-jockey sidekick named Mike.
The action begins when a casual visitor to Ten’s residence turns up dead. Just days after leaving the LAPD, Ten becomes immersed in unraveling the crime and adjusting to being an outsider to his former law-enforcement family. Subtly laced with drugs, sex, and ex-rockers, in addition to a compassionately rendered supporting cast, this one is a page turner with a broad potential audience.
With more books already in the pipeline for the Tenzing Norbu series, customers will want to get to know this new-millennium Magnum/Rockford-style gumshoe as soon as possible. Tell them not to wait for the movie; this is a perfect post-holiday indulgence.
Anna Jedrziewski
New York, NY
New Age Retailer
(soon to be Retailing Insight)
“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