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)

spellbinding

This was the most compelling "thriller" type of audiobook that I've enjoyed in a long while. I couldn't wait to listen further to find out what happens in the story. The narrator was excellent.

Interesting story

I also have the hardcover version of this book. Sometimes I'd read. Sometimes I'd listen. Sometimes I'd do both. It was a good book to relax with on the deck. Truthfully, I found it the climax a little predictable, however the ride there was anything but. A good story and a terrific debut novel for John. I've suggested the book to others.

Just Excellent!

I found this book by browsing, and the reviews compelled me to make the purchase. There was no disappointment and in fact I am very impressed with the author. From one LEO to another, well done, sir!

Great story with lots of snarky prose.

l listened to this story several times and each time found it wonderfully entertaining. Excellent.

Overall a pretty solid book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I really enjoyed the book but thought the ending could have had a little more of a twist. Overall a great listen, though, and I would definitely recommend it!

Great idea for a story poorly executed.

I really wanted to like this book. But there were way too many times when various characters would ask "What do you mean by that?" of "That can't possibly be" when presented with a perfectly valid explanation. Perhaps Verdon was trying to make sure the audience understood the story so far, but the characters seemed far too stupid to be believable.

And then there's the plot holes. When the bad guy is finally knocked unconscious the two protagonist start to argue about how they subdued the bad guy. But meanwhile, the bad guy is still laying there with a gun in his hand and a house about to explode. There's no sense of urgency to reduce the danger of the situation. "Oh, he's knocked out, we'll be fine." And when they start asking important questions like "why did he escalate so quickly" they just shrug it off with no real answer.

Let's add in the character stereotypes. The brash, foul mouthed detective; the angry lead Sargent who's so abusive that I can't believe he would ever be promoted to that position with that attitude; the gay bed and breakfast owner who has a Wizard of Oz fascination and is more angry about the robbery of his replica ruby slippers than the fact that a murderer may have stayed at his place.

I know this was Verdon's first book and I hope they get better. But there were far too many places where I found myself saying "Really!? That's how you're going to write this?"

When you find the answer to the first "I'm thinking of a number" puzzle you'll think "Really?" And that scam never got anyone's attention? Unbelievable.

It's a great idea and I really wanted it to work. But I don't think I'll spend another of my valuable credits on another Verdon book.

Slow but worth the wait. ..

Somewhat predictable story but captivating nonetheless.... the hints dropped are a bit frustrating because they leave little to guess. Overall, it was still worth the read and an interesting thriller.

Murder, a good mystery, and the past always lives

First, really nice plot line. I wanted to know what happened next. That is always a good sign isn't it?

Lot's of people seemed to dislike Newbern's reading. It gave the feeling of people who carried a cloud with them. You can decide for yourself if that is exactly true - or not. If true, then his reading was fine.

What influences us most in this journey of life? It just might be all that we carry that has gone before. The past always lives... That is as important as the challenge we face today.

Great Mystery. Weak Private Life.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

A unique mystery is set up that really confounded me. I really couldn't predict where it would lead and that's a big thing with detective mysteries. But the relationship between the main character and his wife was annoying and distracted from the business at hand. This is one of those instances where a divorced profiler/agent living alone in his crappy apartment cliche might have helped. I got the feeling the author was working something out there and I just wasn't interested.

Would you recommend Think of a Number to your friends? Why or why not?

The second book in the series is a vast improvement mostly due to Scoot Brick's narration which magically turned some irritating character quirks and situations (i.e. annoying wife) into something more real and grounded. So I'd probably tell friends to try the second book first. You can't' beat Scott Brick for these kinds of books. They should re-record this one with him.

Would you be willing to try another one of George Newbern’s performances?

No I think he dragged the narrative down with a bland performance and didn't love his female voices.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes as long as the agent gets that divorce.

Good story, probably So-So, worth a listen

I enjoyed this book, but it didn't make me seek out more by the author either. It was a little stilted in places: a bit stereo-typical with too many characters, a couple plot points i felt were weak, but i'm overall, not bad. It did have some good mystery too it, so i'm glad i got it.