Think of a Number: A Mystery

John Verdon

Jul 2010 · A Dave Gurney Novel Book 1 · Sold by Crown

About this ebook

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.

Ratings and reviews

The mystery held my attention and the characters were simply and evenly drawn. I have finished very few books in the last year-this was a surprising page turner. Looking forward to July when the next book is available.Loved the title!

This book took me longer to read than most books. The reason? I kept trying to figure out the clues. I am obviously not very good at that. Dave Gurney is a retired detectivce. He has retired and is now spending time with his wife. Unfortunately after suggesting he take an art class with her, his wife is not happy with the path that class has taken. First of all her husband is creating art out of the mug shots of serial killers he put away. Second of all she can tell that the instructor has the hots for her husband. There is obvious problems and tension over unresolved issues in their marriage. Enter old college classmate turned spiritual guru, Mellery. He has been receiving a series of letters written in poetic form. They asked him to pick a number and then without knowing who the person was or anything else the writer of the letter picked the number. Each letter alludes to Mellery's past and something he should remember connected to the date. But how does the letter writer do this. Meller calls on Gurney to help him figure this out. He refuses to take Gurney's advice to contact the police and ends of dead. When all else fails, Gurney is called upon to assist in the case, putting himself and his wife in danger. This was everything I could want in a thriller. This one kept throwing clues at me but there were enough twists and turns in it that I had not figured it out until very near the end. Awesome read and one I will definitely recommend.

Excellent light reading in the Ellery Queen style. Highly recommend for a beach read.

About the author

John Verdon is a former Manhattan advertising executive who lives with his wife in the mountains of upstate New York.  His first three Dave Gurney novels, Think of a Number, Shut Your Eyes Tight, and Let the Devil Sleep, are all international bestsellers.