Think of a Number

Think of a Number follows Dave Gurney, a retired NYPD homicide detective living in upstate New York. When an old college acquaintance receives threatening letters containing impossible predictions, Gurney is pulled into a complex investigation that tests his legendary skills. The case centers on a killer who seems to possess supernatural abilities to read minds and predict his victims' actions. Gurney must untangle a web of riddles and psychological manipulation while navigating the tensions in his personal life and marriage. The novel operates as both a police procedural and a psychological thriller, with Gurney methodically pursuing leads while facing an adversary who appears to stay perpetually one step ahead. The rural New York setting provides a stark contrast to the urban darkness that follows Gurney from his previous life. At its core, the book explores themes of rationality versus intuition, and whether pure logic can triumph over seemingly inexplicable phenomena. The story raises questions about the price of obsession and the struggle between professional duty and personal peace.

Readers frequently compare Think of a Number to classic detective novels, noting its intricate puzzle-box mystery and methodical detective work. Many reviews mention being unable to guess the solution despite the fair-play clues provided. Readers appreciated: - Complex mathematical elements woven into the plot - Developed relationship between Dave Gurney and his wife - Detailed police procedural aspects - Mind-game elements between detective and killer Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Some found the ending rushed - Secondary characters lack depth - Technical explanations can be dense Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (38,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Like watching a chess match between two masters" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much focus on the protagonist's marriage problems" - Amazon review "The math puzzles add a unique twist to standard police work" - Barnes & Noble review

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🔍 "Think of a Number" marked John Verdon's debut as a novelist at age 66, launching his successful writing career after retiring from advertising. 📚 The book spent three weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into more than 20 languages worldwide. 🏆 The protagonist Dave Gurney's character was partially inspired by real NYPD detectives who solved high-profile cases in the 1990s. 🌳 The novel's setting in upstate New York's Delaware County reflects the author's own life, as Verdon moved there from New York City after his retirement. 🎭 The central puzzle involving predicted numbers draws from classic mentalist acts and stage magic techniques, which Verdon extensively researched for authenticity.