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Think of a Number
by John Verdon

Release Date: 5th Aug 2010
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 978 0 1410 4870 3
RRP: £6.99

Average Customer Rating: 
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When is mind-reading not mind-reading?... When you've been had.

Good serial killers are hard to find these days, with many being relegated to the banal realms of moderate or extreme insanity that only serves to make them inaccessible as characters. Think of a Number attempts to create an intellectual killer intent of dishing up revenge utilising quirky poems, red ink and an uncharacteristically complex modus operandi.

Retired Detective, Dave Gurney (try not to smirk every time you read his name – it’s not easy), has moved into rural life. Far from settling into retirement, Gurney perpetuates his homicidal career by creating digitally enhanced photo fits of convicted murderers as art. Not just any old killers though; just the one’s he was personally involved in bringing to justice. Not our idea of art either. When an acquaintance from his college days gets in touch anxious about some bizarre notes he’s been receiving, Gurney is more than happy to wade back into the fray as though retirement never happened.

Unusually, none of the “victims” turn out to be all that nice and sympathy for their unfortunate demise is fleeting at best. Our serial killer is portrayed as unconventional and capable of ingenious creativity and one finds it difficult not to admire his tenacity, meticulous preparation and the seemingly casual injection of randomness into his abhorrent acts of violence. Gurney is an odd mix of palpable discontent, disconnection with the key people in his life and a jumble of sorrow, pain, regret, anger and denial. His long-suffering second wife is perceptive and astute to the point of either disbelief or extreme jealousy.

There are many things to like about Think of a number: it’s unorthodox serial killer, a perverse insight into the nature of happiness and an observation that life can get in the way of living. Verdon even manages to execute the thrill factor with a certain delicacy. But there are nuances that pique rather than intrigue: Gurney’s generalised discontent is almost irritating, the use of poetry may be intended to add ‘creepiness’ but we suspect the author’s penchant for repeating various couplets stems from a smugness at his own cleverness rather than drawing out the chills; although in keeping with the killers love for theatrics.

Think of a Number is a peculiar, original take of the serial killer theme; whilst remaining mired in the traditional portrayal of the tormented detective. The plot expands and improves as it goes along and it certainly offers a few hours respite from reality.

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