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)

Kept my interest

This book had some interesting twists and turns and I looked forward to getting back to it. What more can you ask for?

A bit predictable

This book was good. I enjoyed the narrator. The story, while compelling, lacked something I can’t put my finger on. Maybe the lack of development of what was mysterious and intriguing...or the lack of interaction with the killer as the plot developed. Maybe the predictability.

Mystery without direction

Good performance and interesting premise. I enjoyed the character descriptions but felt a lack of conclusion. Third person narrative took advantage of keeping info from readers while fully describing all the main character's thoughts... which didn't always mix well. Lots of detail (which allowed listeners to form own hypotheses) but some parts were slow without a cause.

Captivating

Hooks you from the beginning to figure out the mystery and a riveting ending.

Lags a little in the middle

Really strong start, definitely captured my attention. Then it waned a bit in the middle. Ending was good though.

FASCINATING

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

Yes, It kept me up all night once I reached Chapter 12.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Think of a Number?

When the security officer appeared to be in distress.

Have you listened to any of George Newbern’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, But I really enjoyed his narration.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I'm not big on turning books into movies. If I truly enjoyed the book; I'm often disappointed with the movie.

Loved it!

I always like a good murder mystery - especially one I can't figure out until the very end. This did not disappoint!

Fresh and Frightening!

If you like Connelly and Coben, you'll love John Verdon. This book is intelligently written, and excitement builds and builds to a very frightening ending! The main character and his relationships develop beautifully over the course of the book. I have been looking for a new author in this genre since my old favorite authors just can't keep up with my audio book habit! It is also my understanding that Mr. Verdon is planning more books with retired NYPD detective David Gurney as the main character. I do not recommend the abridged version... unless you regularly prefer abridged novels.

Where would mysteries be without retired cops?

I downloaded this book after I'd already read it, so I can't comment on the narration.

This is an excellent mystery/police procedural/thriller/whodunit. A little of each, in just the right proportions. Clever plot twists, revolving selection of whodunit options - I was way off base pretty much along the way. Worth the time.

Think Of A Number, Any Number, Between 1 and 1000!

This is an excellent murder mystery/thriller with clever plot twists. It is well written and well constructed with great character development.

The story takes off when Mark Mallory receives a letter along with a telephone call, from a man he doesn't know, asking him to think of a number, any number, between 1 and 1000.... Mark chooses a number at random without any meaning to him.... In the letter, the sender had enclosed a smaller envelope with a slip of paper in it that had that specific number written on it. Mark is shocked! Is the caller/sender of the letter preparing to blackmail Mark? Mark has secrets that he doesn't want to come to light.

Mark is scared and doesn't understand how the sender of the letter knows so much about him that he knew Mark would choose that specific number. Mark goes to his old school friend, Dave Gurney, a retired police detective, and begs for his help.

Gurney can't help but take up the challenge after Mark is found murdered. Is it blackmail? or something more sinister. The killer continues to use the mail, number tricks and poems to strike fear in the victims before they are murdered....Gurney and the police are always several steps behind trying to make sense of the clues until Gurney's deductive skills and plain perseverance catches a break.

I won't say any more because it would definitely be a plot spoiler. The killer is very clever but he's no match for Gurney. George Newbern is a great narrator but he had trouble differentiating voices. However, the story is well written so his narration is good enough.