Think of a Number

A Novel

By: John Verdon

Narrated by: George Newbern

Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

The first book in the Dave Gurney series, Think of a Number is a heart-pounding game of cat and mouse that grows relentlessly darker and more frightening as its pace accelerates

Threatening letters arrive in the mail over a period of weeks, ending with a simple declaration: “Think of any number . . . picture it . . . now see how well I know your secrets.” Those who comply find that the letter writer has predicted their random choice exactly. But when oddities that begin as a diverting puzzle quickly ignite into a massive serial murder investigation, police are confronted with a baffling killer, one who is fond of rhymes filled with threats and warnings, whose attention to detail is unprecedented, and who has an uncanny knack for disappearing into thin air.

Brought in as an investigative consultant, Dave Gurney, a recently retired NYPD homicide investigator, soon accomplishes deductive breakthroughs that leave local police in awe. Yet, even as he matches wits with his seemingly clairvoyant opponent, Gurney’s tragedy-marred past rises up to haunt him, his marriage approaches a dangerous precipice, and he wonders if he’s met an adversary who can’t be stopped.

A work that defies easy labels—at once a propulsive masterpiece of suspense and an absorbing immersion in the lives of characters so real we seem to hear their heartbeats—Think of a Number is a novel you’ll not soon forget.

©2005 John Verdon (P)2010 Random House

Critic reviews

“With its edge-of-the-chair suspense, memorable characters that jump off the pages, and elegant and deft writing, John Verdon's THINK OF A NUMBER is a stunning debut.” (Faye Kellerman, New York Times bestseller author of STONE KISS and THE FORGOTTEN)

“THINK OF A NUMBER is truly unputdownable. Rarely have I read a debut novel that has gripped me as this one has from the first page to the last. This book doesn’t just entertain – it engages you and draws you immediately into the lives of the characters, who are as real as real can be. John Verdon has written a flawless novel about flawed people and he’s written it beautifully. I hope we see a lot more of John Verdon and his smart protagonist, Dave Gurney, in years to come.” (Nelson DeMille, New York Times bestseller author of THE LION’S GAME, THE GENERAL’S DAUGHTER and GOLD COAST)

“Verdon's premise is clever and his police work convincing, which right there might be enough; but the real joy of this book is its characters. Each one, no matter how minor, is unique and beautifully observed. THINK OF A NUMBER had me from the opening pages and carried me right along.” (S.J. Rozan, Edgar-winning author of THE SHANGHAI MOON)

Real Potential

Although the second book (Shut Your Eyes Tight) is better than this, the first, the series has real potential. I'd like to see better characterization of the wife and I don't want to hear another dead end foot trail. You'll see what I mean if you read these two books. I think the major difference in ratings between the two books rests in the narration.

Think of a Number review

Thought the number angle was a little far fetched but it did make for a very methodical villain and for an amazing detective to figure it out. Guerney is a complicated individual. Look for to hearing the next one. Narrator a little mona tone for my taste but overall an enjoyable listen.

Rod Rod ruined it for me. Not enough antagonist

Police Chief Rod Rodriguez’s character is meant to get under the reader’s skin and be a roadblock to our protagonist. But when a dash or two of salt was needed, JV twisted off the lid and dumped in every last grain. It went front being the token second guessing cop looking out for his rep over everything to so far over-the-top that it made all the other characters (including his boss the DA) lose credibility. Anyway besides that it was just a decent detective/thriller novel compared some of the gems I’ve found on audible. I wouldn’t suggest anyone to NOT read it. But I wouldn’t tell you to make sure that you did. The premise was intriguing and hooked me in. Only to find that it was kind of a disappointing reveal in the end. Plus I prefer books in this genre that take a deep dive into the killer or antagonist. Where books like The Crow Girl get an 11 out of 10 in that category, this book is maybe a 3 out of 10. A few teases early. But then everything else laid out quickly in flashback convos during the climax. Had no reason to “fear” the killer besides the fact he happened to have a weapon.

Was on it's way to a Five - But it's a good Four!

I like the smart way it was written. I also love the way it was read. I read a bunch of reviews and there are two I don't understand. One is the person claiming it was too much of psychology and not enough thriller. Maybe there is a good horror book out there for them with people running around stabbing people. I like books that make me think, and this one did. The other one was about the narrator. I was really worried until I started listening. I loved him. A lot more then I like Scott Brick. Scott is probably the only reason I hesitate to get the second book on Audio and not read it. George Newbern had a great voice. Maybe his charachters didn't have too much of a different pitch or accent - But I can work that out in my head. It's better then an over dramatic reading any day. His reading was easy to listen to. John Verdon is either super smart or has great researchers. The only complaint I have is about the 658 number. I'm not giving anything away. The explanation was plausible - But I think the average reader woud find it easier to believe if the number was one to a hundred. This is my first Verdon book, and It is the first book in awhile I am glad I got. Hope that's helpful.

Narrator = Awful, Story = AWESOME! Stick with it!

Would you listen to Think of a Number again? Why?

I would only listen to the story again if it had a different narrator. He had a dull, monotonous voice that lulled me to sleep while driving instead of keeping me interested.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

YES! Once I got past the narrator and stuck with the story, I was rewarded with several plot twists and turns and I couldn't drag myself out of the car!

How could the performance have been better?

Please PLEASE get Scott Brick to re-read. What's funny is that while I was thinking of how I'd write this review, I knew I'd say that I'd love to hear Scott Brick perform. Then I was so pleasantly surprised to find that he reads Book 2 of the Series. Can't wait!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I fully admit that for the first time ever, (since listening to Malcom Gladwell read one of his own books) I wanted to ask for my money back. Then I just forced myself to keep listening because others had said the story was very well worth sticking with.

Any additional comments?

The story FINALLY gets moving after Gurney wakes up from his nap on the side of the road. Once you get to that spot, you won't want to stop listening. Great puzzle; little clues along the way had me screaming at my car stereo. :)

#1 of Dave Gurney Series A Must Listen

This is the first book in the Dave Gurney Series. This audiobook is narrated by Scott Brick. Scott also did the second book in this series Shut Your Eyes Tight. 

John Verdon is a once in a lifetime author. He has no law enforcement background but writes like a retired cop, much like his main character Dave Gurney. Dave is A retired NYPD Detective and is asked to look at a case.

This is the first time we meet Dave and his wife and son. His (what I call) Anti-Partner Jack Hargrove and his need to solve puzzles. Dave puts his whole heart into this case and even risks his own life to answer questions and close the case tight.

This is a book of substance but keeps you listening through the very end. This book does not have slow areas as each chapter you learn along with Dave what is happening. This is a great book and series. I am sold and a big fan.

I bought this book for my own pleasure and review purposes.

Finally. An interesting listen.

I enjoy listening to novels. The problem is within the first chapter or two, I've already figured out who the murderer is/who done it/who falls in love....etc. This book kept me guessing till almost the last chapter. It was a good story. Totally plausible. I could see the main character being brought into another storyline and reluctantly struggling with solving another case or not. The performance was well done. A few of the voices sounded the same, but I really didn't think that was to big of a deterrent. I thought the Narrator, George Newbern, did well with his read. Overall, the book get's 5 stars from me as it kept me in the 'guessing game'. I will definitely check out another John Verdon novel.

Very well written - reminds me a bit of P.D. James

So unusual to find a mystery/thriller/police story written with such intelligence and subtlety. The characters are three dimensional - wonderful experience.

Loved It

All I can write is I loved it.A little drawn out but a really good read.

Excellent!

Never saw a story like this coming. Can’t wait to get the next book in this exciting new series I’ve just discovered.