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The First Rule of Ten  By  cover art

The First Rule of Ten

By: Gay Hendricks, Tinker Lindsay
Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur
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Publisher's summary

"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 10 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.

©2012 Gay Hendricks (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about The First Rule of Ten

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    5 out of 5 stars

great detective story, great characters

if you like Sherlock Homes and are at least willing to listen to Buddhist philosophy, then I predict you will enjoy this book. Voice performance is excellent.

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Great story!

I wasn't sure if I would like this book and was pleasantly surprised. The characters were likeable and interesting and the narration was very good. Over all a great combination.

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Stellar wordsmith

There were so many phrases that I rewound to re-hear. Some were profound, some funny, some just plain clever as hell.
It kept my attention and I cared deeply about the character… and his cat.
Can't wait to listen to them all. Highly recommend and would love to see this as a series on TV!

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8 people found this helpful

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Great Series

I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series, "The Broken Rules of Ten" and "The First Rule of Ten". The interweaving of Eastern and Western thought, the New Age and traditional elements, along with interesting characters and a great plot, makes for very entertaining listening. The narrator was also excellent. I look forward to the next books in the series.

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4 people found this helpful

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A monk, a cop & a PI walk into a bar...

A Buddhist, a cop, a cult, a bada**! on the premise these things seem impossible to combine into a cohesive story. Then I stumbled across 'The First Rule of Ten' by Gay Hendricks, and I am in bliss! So well done!

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4 people found this helpful

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erge

mystery, mysticism, crime-thriller, ex-cop, Buddhism, detective, spirituality, suspense, surveillance, surprises, dishonest-business-practices, multigenerational, multiple-murder, investigations, first-in-series, California, local-law-enforcement, friends, friendship, frustration, riveting, situational-humor, verbal-humor*****

Tenzing Norbu has been a Tibetan monk and an LAPD detective but is now a detective in the private sector considering becoming a licensed PI. He is still fast friends with his LAPD partner/wife/baby twins, but few others. Then a former songstress shows at is door by mistake but is murdered shortly after. Thus, he starts on an investigation with his nerd friend (computer whiz) and finds a whole lot of trouble and dishonesty as well as a new friend (septuagenarian).
The characters are all realistic and engaging, the investigation riveting, the world building very effective, and the plot twists somewhat aggravating. In other words, I loved it.
Jeremy Arthur is an amazing voice actor who really rocks this role as narrator!

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  • BP
  • 07-04-21

good story, alow start

The start was very slow and I kind of went away from it. I finished another book and when I didn't have anything to listen to I came back and then I really enjoyed it. The author really builds deep characters and narrator really brings to life. I'd recommend, just be patient at start and let him build speed.

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Unique story line with excellent dictation.

Held my interest through-out. Narration excellent with a great story. The references to early teachings as a monk were terrific.

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Very enjoyable mystery with Buddhist undertones

An excellent performance of an interesting mystery. Ten is a very human character with a Buddhist upbringing. The mystery is real and different yet based on one of the two common motivations for evil. Just when you think it is over, there is still more to come. Highly recommend for any one interested in mysteries and an open mind to other belief systems. Thank you for the good listen!

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4 people found this helpful

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Imaginative with Flow

I'm partial and adore Gay Hendricks. Lindsey the co auther is new to me, between them both these created an imaginative story line. Hell a Monk that becomes a cop and then a detective is interesting enough. I love how easy of a read and so consciously human. I also say to Jeremy what a perfect performance on characters which I'll be hearing the rest of this day. Gratitude for all your genius minds and collaboration.

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1 person found this helpful