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.

©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)

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.

Great Book!

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

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.

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.

not predictable

Where does Think of a Number rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the better audiobooks I've listened to. Kept me interested and looking for activities to continue listening

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

the plot was not completely predictable, had several theories throughout the story, all thankfully failed. I don't like to figure out the killer until the author intends. Good book

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

found myself nodding to several of the psychological revelations throughout the story

Fast moving cat and mouse

Narrator was great- lively with a great voice- intonation, modulations, etc. Great psychological profiling explanations.

If you love puzzles--this one is a head scratcher

From almost the beginning, this book hooked me.

When you need a book to keep you involved, like on a long car trip for instance, this could be it. I was not able to stop listening--had to know how the "tricks" were done. A recently retired detective is trying to help out a friend who has received threatening letters which contain poems for clues. The first "mind reading" clue is one I thought about for hours--never solving it, of course. I had to wait until it was revealed, and even then I wondered if it could be done--can't say more so as not to give any spoilers.

Bottom line on this one is--not great literature--but fun for what it is supposed to be.

Recommended for mystery fans, or anyone who likes a good puzzle.

Great psychological thriller

I read Verdon's second book, liked it so much that I read his first. They both had a depth that other authors only touch on, that of the psyche of the protagonist and the perpetrator. So much is made of clues, but only Verdon uses all his senses, and then some, to reason out the meaning behind the crime. More than who did it; but why it was done. I really think he has created a unique genre in crime novels. The macho aspect is minimalized, and the cerebral is maximized. My only minor problem is that, in both novels, I easily guessed the identity of the criminal before the detective. I think the only fair type of cerebral mystery is one that gives all clues and allows the reader to try to solve it on his or her own. However; Verdon seems to go a bit above and beyond the required disclosure of all clues, and occasionally is a bit heavy handed with those revelations, so the reader may get it before the protagonist. Nevertheless, it is a great read, and I'm looking forward to more of his books.

Great Story

It took me longer than usual to engage with this one. It is a terrific mystery, I was really impressed with the creativity of author and will definitely download another one of his books.
The narration got in the way of giving it 5 stars. I found it rather amateurish and too bland for the story, which deserved better. Still and all, it's too good a book to ignore so go for it!