Think of a Number

A Novel

By: John Verdon

Narrated by: George Newbern

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.

Intriguing story, overwritten and slow

Good original story, but the unabridged version has periods of slow pontification that just drag. Narration is more of a read than a performance. Still, the story makes it a worthwhile listen, but you might want the abridged version if available.

A mixed blessing

The plot of this story was intriguing. I stuck with it because I really wanted to know how and why it happened. The author was big on adjectives but quite slow on getting to the point. My biggest complaint was the pace of the narration. Sometimes seemed to really drag.

Great Book!

This book truly kept me on the edge of my seat! The story is fascinating and original! I highly suggest this book!

WHOA!!!!!!!!!!!!

So many things happened in this book i was NOT expecting!!!!!!!!!!!! X. Aribdys or however you spell it had me guessing what he/she was going to do next!!! Very gripping and unexpected!!

I don't want to go into to much detail for those that don't like spoilers, but this book had me on the edge of my seat during the ENTIRE book and let me say....OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

one of my new favorite books since after listening to it, i went on amazon and bought the print copy!!!!!!!!!

George Newbern is one of my favorite readers! he's easy to listen to and keeps a good pace when reading!

Surprising

I am usually very good at guessing "whodunit" but this one threw me for a loop. Awesome book, amazing writer, good performance.