Review: Think of a Number

Title: Think of a Number
Author: John Verdon
Publisher: Crown Publishers (2010)
Pages: 432
Book Source: ARC from Publisher

Think of a Number opens with the arrival of an intriguing poem which claims to know all the secrets of the recipient - including the ability to read his mind. This first letter is followed up by other poems that increase the level of threat and develop the suspenseful plot of the novel. The protagonist Dave Gurney has recently retired from the NYPD where he had quite a reputation for his investigative successes. Dave follows the trail of clues as multiple murders occur and tensions build. Between the cryptic poems and the very unusual murder scenes Dave and the local police have there work cut out for them.

I really enjoyed this novel. It was paced very evenly and the protagonist was developed in enough detail to come through as a complex human being - not just defined by his role as the investigator of the murders. The plot is quite complex and suspenseful without being overwhelmingly so. I was able to follow along and I enjoyed the resolution. I was not bothered by too many loose ends left unresolved. I liked the psychological detail of the murderer as well as the detective Dave Gurney. I don't often read thrillers and was impressed by this one. This is John Verdon's first novel and is satisfyingly well written. I would certainly read more of his work if he continues to write.