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)

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.

Wonderful

This story kept me wanting to keep listening and not stop. Thanks for a great listening experience.

Terrific: Mystery, Characters, Plot!

I don't need 15 words to say, "Yikes!", "Wow!" or "Wheeee!" Here's the deal. This is the first Dave Guerney novel from John Verdon. It is so gooood I'm afraid to buy the next. Did Verdon save up a lifetime of deviously complex ideas and empty his tank into "Think Of A Number"? Should I even get "Shut Your Eyes Tight"? AAARGH! This is what puzzle psychological murder mysteries should be. "Think Of A Number" ought'a be Webster's definition for the genre.

If you and I share any taste in thriller detective mysteries (see my reviews - I'm tough!) then this… THIS IS A MUST READ, or um… HEAR!

Quibbles… George Newbern's not up to the complexity of these characters and has some trouble differentiating their voices. He's good enough. Oh… and it seems to start slowly… Careful, clues… clues… clues.. here to the process. Enjoy the depth…

Excellent Police Procedural novel-new author-GREAT

I think this was an Audible 'deal' book that I paid a few dollars for, in any case, it would be well worth a credit. The protagonist is a retired NYPD detective who finds himself wound into a serial killers plot to destroy a small police department in upstate New York.

I found the story arc to be well constructed and tightly written with wonderful character development and excellent visualization of the area where it takes place. I felt I came to know the people and the surrounding territory as I listened. Since I enjoy books where I get to know the characters, I enjoyed listening very much.

It's a longish book, which makes the need for a good narrator even more important. George Newbern is new to me and I like the way he reads the story..I'm putting him on my list of narrators to check out.

I got the feeling this was the start of a series, but haven't checked..I hope Newbern narrates following books.

If you enjoy police procedural type of novels, this is a good one for you to try

5, good one

Starting with a mystery told by an old college friend, this book gathers itself to a fast pace that has held me twice
A while back I read this thriller non stop.
Listening to it now, I found it just as good

Really Good

What made the experience of listening to Think of a Number the most enjoyable?

The story and great narration.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dave Gurney, he was very interesting.

Which scene was your favorite?

A more than one, hard to say without giving away points of the story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

not really

Interesting plot

This was very interesting, I didn't figure out how the victims were picked until told. Very enjoyable.

One of the best detective stories I've ever listen to

Very intriguing, very cerebral, I was only able to guess a couple of the twists. I will definitely search for other books by this author.

decent

It took quite a while to connect with the main character. The performance was distracting.