Title: Think of a Number
Author: John Verdon
Publisher: Crown
Publication Date: July 6, 2010
Hardcover: 432 pages
ISBN: 978-0307588920
Genre: Fiction, Thriller

About the book:

Arriving in the mail one day is a taunting letter that ends with a simple declaration “See how well I know your secrets-just think of a number.” Eerily, those who comply find that the letter writer has predicted their random choice exactly.

For Dave Gurney, just retired as the NYPD’s top homicide investigator and forging a new life with his wife, Madeleine, in upstate New York, the letters are oddities that begin as a diverting puzzle but quickly ignite a massive serial-murder investigation.

Brought in as an investigative “consultant,” Gurney soon accomplishes deductive breakthroughs that have local police in awe. Yet, with each taunting move by his seemingly clairvoyant opponent, Gurney feels his tragedy-marred past rising up to haunt him, his marriage approaching a dangerous precipice, and, finally, a dark, cold fear building that he’s met an adversary who can’t be stopped.

My Review:

In his debut novel, Think Of A Number, John Verdon offers the reader a gripping intellectual thriller that quickly absorbs the reader into the story, trying to unravel the clues until the very end. Upon Dave Gurney’s retiring from the NY Homicide Department, he and his wife Madeleine moved to upstate New York for some peace and quiet. In their mid-40s, Madeleine is outgoing and endeavours to get her husband to enjoy life more. Her last attempt failed miserably for her, yet it delighted him. They took an art class and soon Dave was under Sonya’s spell and making Mug Shot Art, compositions out of killer’s mug shots, much to his enjoyment and Madeleine’s dismay.
Their lives are about to change yet again with the visit from Mark Mellery, an old college acquaintance of Dave’s, bringing with him two mysterious letters he has received in the hopes the greatest mind of the NYPD can solve them. The only problem is Dave is retired and his wife would prefer him to stay that way. When Dave learns of the third letter he realizes he cannot stop trying to unravel the puzzles with the letters and Madeleine is there to offer her opinion and advice. Madeleine reminds me of a younger and modern Miss Marple, her intelligence, love of life and people make her an exceptionally charming character. Dave is the opposite of his wife. He is methodical, almost to obsession, and prefers seclusion, and yet Dave works his way into the reader’s heart.
Think Of A Number is not only an intelligent thriller but in many ways brings forth a new form of thriller, by which I mean it is not of the cookie-cutter variety, rather Verdon offers up a deeply psychological suspense thriller, murder, intrigue and plenty of puzzles and red herrings to keep the reader clearly involved. Verdon has cleverly crafted not only an exceptional thriller but also displays beautiful literary characteristics in his use of vivid descriptions and details of the characters, their lives, and their surroundings. Think Of A Number was a book I was dreadfully sorry to see end and fervently hope this is just the beginning of John Verdon’s Dave Gurney novels. Without reservation I recommend Think Of A Number to anyone looking for an exceptionally thought out thriller.

About the Author:

JOHN VERDON has held several executive positions with Manhattan advertising firms, but like his protagonist, he recently relocated with his wife to rural upstate New York.

For further information:

• Starting on 7/12 and running through 7/25, THINK OF A NUMBER is being offered as an e-book for the special price of $5.99!

• Play the creepy/cool Think of a Number game here.

• For more reviews of the book, please follow the book tour.

I received a complimentary copy of Think Of A Number by John Verdon from TLC Book Tours to be a part of this tour and offer my honest review of the book. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned book.