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Think of a Number (Dave Gurney, No. 1)
Think of a Number (Dave Gurney, No. 1) | John Verdon
13 posts | 29 read | 14 to read
An extraordinary fiction debut, Think of a Number is an exquisitely plotted novel of suspense that grows relentlessly darker and more frightening as its pace accelerates, forcing its deeply troubled characters to moments of startling self-revelation. Arriving in the mail over a period of weeks are taunting letters that end with a simple declaration, Think of any numberpicture itnow see how well I know your secrets. Amazingly, those who comply find that the letter writer has predicted their random choice exactly. For Dave Gurney, just retired as the NYPDs 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. What police are confronted with is a completely 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. Even more disturbing, the scale of his ambition seems to widen as events unfold. Brought in as an investigative consultant, Dave Gurney soon accomplishes deductive breakthroughs that leave local police in awe. Yet, even as he matches wits with his seemingly clairvoyant opponent, Gurneys tragedy-marred past rises up to haunt him, his marriage approaches a dangerous precipice, and finally, a dark, cold fear builds that hes met an adversary who cant be stopped. In the end, fighting to keep his bearings amid a whirlwind of menace and destruction, Gurney sees the truth of what hes become what we all become when guilty memories fester and how his wife Madeleines clear-eyed advice may be the only answer that makes sense. 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 youll not soon forget. From the Hardcover edition.
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Tove_Reads
Think of a Number | John Verdon
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Another series I‘m surprised I have not heard about. Supposed to be excellent!

EadieB I own two of his books. My library has the whole series. (edited) 3y
TrishB I shall add to the ever expanding series list! 3y
Andrew65 Looks good. 3y
34 likes3 comments
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NikkiKey94
Think of a Number | John Verdon
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Pickpick

I really liked this book! I happened across it in my local library and I‘m so glad I decided to check it out! I love discovering new authors and series! I definitely plan to read the other books in the series because this one kept me wanting more and I love the character of Dave Gurney! 🌟🌟🌟🌟!

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JoScho
Think of a Number | John Verdon
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#flashbackfun to July 2015-reading a library book with my boys 🖤
#dogsoflitsy #millhouse #mork #jazzyjune

Eggs Awww sweet 🤗👏🏻💗 5y
91 likes1 comment
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jeancarranza
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“Trabajaba e iba a lo suyo. Una frase capaz de resumir una vida”

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jeancarranza
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“Mentimos para conseguir que otros confíen en nosotros”

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jeancarranza
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“Darás lo que has quitado
al recibir lo dado.”

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jeancarranza
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“...Lo único que le quedaba claro era que tenía hambre”

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SaraHasClass
Think of a Number | John Verdon
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Panpan

I really didn't like this one. Normally a fan of detective novels, I found the characters in this one unlikable. The emotional wavering of the protagonist irritated rather than endeared me to him and I didn't like that women were either very sexy or very androgynous. The plot was mildly interesting but the ending was too abrupt & certainly way too happy an end for the conflicted & miserable detective.

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DebbieGrillo
Think of a Number | John Verdon
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One of the many bookshelves in the seniors' home where my mother-in-law lives.

[DELETED] 3803335244 They need more books! I see empty space 7y
107 likes1 comment
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Equinm
Think of a Number | John Verdon
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Mehso-so

⭐️⭐️⭐️. The story was *okay*. Annoyingly, the characters were very flat and the author stuck to every last stereotype with law enforcement. Brooding detective with tragic past - ✔️. Detective's wife portrayed as a martyr for rating second to husbands career - ✔️. Less than intelligent, kiss-up police captain who hinders more than helps the investigation - ✔️. Beef-head patrol officers who can do no more than follow orders - ✔️. And on and on 🙄🙄

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wonky
Think of a Number | John Verdon
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My current reading... Its my first book by its Verdon and I'm enjoying it immensely... Think I might check his other book

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ej0728
Think of a Number | John Verdon
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Pickpick

I am a total sucker for a good thriller and this is a great one. Awesome writing and a fun twisty mystery. His characters are full of faults but don't let those define them. Love the whole series.

MrBook Nice! But I am not going to think of the number 3. My brain will NOT be tricked into picking the number 3. Despite everything that flashes before my eyes, I will pick a number, but NOT 3. 8y
[DELETED] 2232195534 Read this when it first came out. Compelling and thrilling. Lots of things to puzzle out. Have also read the second book. Dave Gurney is an interesting character. 8y
ej0728 @MrBook You will now pick nothing but the number 3 for everything. The rule of 3 is real! 😆😆 8y
See All 6 Comments
ej0728 @kaysreadinglife I'm about to start the newest one. I really like the series. Dave Gurney is fascinating in how his mind works. I also find it interesting how he can't let go of who he thinks he is and how what he was defines everything. 8y
[DELETED] 2232195534 @ej0728 Just went and read the synopsis of Wolf Lake. Wow! That book definitely has my name on it. Thanks for the heads up about it! 8y
ej0728 @kaysreadinglife I'm just about to start that one. It's been awhile since the last one and it sounds so creepy. Perhaps only read during the day 🙀 8y
7 likes1 stack add6 comments
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Miznanner
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Thanks to a mystery virus, am forced to make a nest on the couch today. The upside is a day to read & nap...Giving John Verdon a try with The Essex Serpent as backup. Well, that and a large pile of magazines..