Mysterious Letters and Old Friends

Retired detective Dave Gurney is pulled back into the world of crime-solving when he receives a plea for help from Mark Mellery, an old college acquaintance. Mellery, now a successful author and spiritual leader, is being tormented by mysterious cryptic letters that eerily predict numbers he thinks of and demand money. Despite Gurney's advice to involve the police, Mellery hesitates, fearing the impact on his reputation. Intrigued by the psychological puzzle, Gurney agrees to meet Mellery, setting off a series of events that will test his detective skills and personal boundaries.

A Disturbing Prediction Unfolds

The situation escalates when Mellery receives a phone call from the letter writer, who again predicts a number Mellery thinks of, further unsettling him. The caller's voice is distorted, adding to the enigma. Gurney listens in, noting the precision and control of the caller, who seems to be playing a calculated game. Another letter confirms the predicted number, intensifying Mellery's fear and paranoia. Gurney realizes the stakes are higher than he initially thought, as the psychological manipulation pushes Mellery to the brink.

The Murder Scene's Puzzling Clues

Gurney is called to the scene of Mellery's murder, where he finds a bizarre array of clues. Mellery's throat has been slashed with a broken whiskey bottle, and a poem is left on his body. The crime scene is meticulously arranged, with footprints leading to nowhere and a lawn chair inexplicably placed behind a barn. The killer's precision and the absence of typical evidence suggest a highly organized mind at work. Gurney is drawn into the investigation, tasked with deciphering the killer's intentions and the meaning behind the cryptic messages.

A Killer's Taunting Game

As Gurney delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a pattern of taunting behavior from the killer, who seems to relish outsmarting the police. The investigation reveals that the killer left behind a series of misleading clues, including a second pair of boots and hidden messages in the letters. The killer's actions suggest a personal vendetta against Mellery, possibly rooted in a past grievance. Gurney must navigate the psychological labyrinth set by the killer, who is as cunning as he is dangerous, to prevent further tragedy.

The DA's Offer and Dilemmas

District Attorney Sheridan Kline approaches Gurney with an offer to officially join the investigation as a consultant. Kline is impressed by Gurney's reputation and believes his expertise could be crucial in solving the case. Gurney is torn between the allure of the challenge and the impact it might have on his personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Madeleine. As he weighs the decision, Gurney reflects on his past and the sacrifices he's made for his career, realizing that the case might be more than just a professional challenge—it could be a path to redemption.

Unraveling the Perfectionist's Plan

Gurney begins to piece together the killer's plan, recognizing the hallmarks of a perfectionist driven by a deep-seated need for control and revenge. The killer's actions are not random but part of a calculated strategy to manipulate and terrorize. Gurney's investigation leads him to explore the psychological profile of the killer, who is likely someone with a personal connection to Mellery. As Gurney closes in on the truth, he must confront his own demons and the possibility that the killer's game is far from over.

The Unraveling of Secrets

As Gurney delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a chilling connection between the current murders and a violent incident from the past. The house where Gregory Dermott resides was once the scene of a brutal attack involving a police officer named Jimmy Spinks, who assaulted his wife, Felicity. This revelation suggests a personal vendetta, linking the past trauma to the present killings. Gurney realizes that Dermott, who is actually the Spinks' son, is reenacting his childhood trauma, targeting those he associates with his father's violence. This discovery sets the stage for a tense confrontation as Gurney races against time to prevent further bloodshed.

A Killer's Psychological Game

Gregory Dermott, driven by a need for control and revenge, orchestrates a series of murders that mirror his traumatic past. His methodical approach involves psychological manipulation, leaving cryptic messages and taunting the police. Gurney recognizes that Dermott's actions are not just about killing but about proving his superiority over his victims and the authorities. The killer's meticulous planning and execution reveal a deeply disturbed mind, obsessed with rewriting history and punishing those he blames for his mother's suffering. Gurney must navigate this psychological labyrinth to outsmart Dermott and bring him to justice.

The Past's Haunting Echoes

The investigation reveals that Dermott's murderous spree is rooted in a traumatic event from his childhood. As a boy, he witnessed his father, Jimmy Spinks, violently attack his mother, Felicity, leaving her with permanent injuries. This event left an indelible mark on Dermott, fueling his hatred for alcoholics and authority figures. Gurney realizes that Dermott's killings are an attempt to exorcise his demons by targeting those who remind him of his father. The past and present collide as Gurney pieces together the psychological puzzle, understanding that Dermott's need for control is a desperate attempt to reclaim the power he lost as a child.

A Deadly Confrontation Unfolds

The investigation reaches a climax as Gurney confronts Dermott in a tense showdown. Dermott, armed and dangerous, holds Gurney and Lieutenant Nardo at gunpoint, reenacting the traumatic scene from his childhood. Gurney uses his understanding of Dermott's psyche to disrupt his control, creating doubt and confusion in the killer's mind. The confrontation is a battle of wits, with Gurney exploiting Dermott's need for dominance to gain the upper hand. In a dramatic turn of events, Nardo seizes an opportunity to incapacitate Dermott, ending the killer's reign of terror and saving their lives.

The Final Puzzle Piece

With Dermott subdued, Gurney pieces together the final elements of the case. He uncovers Dermott's methodical approach to selecting victims, using a list of individuals with alcohol-related issues to identify those vulnerable to his psychological manipulation. The killer's elaborate scheme involved sending cryptic messages and demanding payments to instill fear and control. Gurney's insight into Dermott's mind reveals the depth of his obsession with rewriting his past and punishing those he deemed responsible for his mother's suffering. The case concludes with a sense of closure as Gurney reflects on the psychological complexities that drove Dermott to murder.

Redemption and Reflection

In the aftermath of the case, Gurney reflects on the personal and professional challenges he faced. The investigation forced him to confront his own demons, including the unresolved grief over his son's death and the impact of his career on his personal life. Through his confrontation with Dermott, Gurney gains a deeper understanding of the human psyche and the destructive power of unresolved trauma. As he returns home to his wife, Madeleine, he finds solace in the knowledge that he has brought justice to the victims and gained a renewed sense of purpose. The case serves as a catalyst for personal growth and redemption, allowing Gurney to move forward with a clearer perspective on life and his role as a detective.

Characters

Dave Gurney

Dave Gurney is a former NYPD detective known for his analytical mind and ability to solve complex cases. Despite his retirement, he is drawn into the investigation of Mark Mellery's murder due to their past connection and the intriguing nature of the case. Gurney is methodical and logical, often seeing patterns others miss. His dedication to solving the case is driven by a sense of duty and a desire to protect those he cares about, even as it strains his relationship with his wife, Madeleine.

Mark Mellery

Mark Mellery is a successful author and spiritual guru who becomes the target of a mysterious stalker. His past, marked by alcoholism and personal failures, haunts him as he receives threatening letters predicting his thoughts. Mellery's reluctance to involve the police stems from a fear of public scandal and a desire to protect his institute. His murder is brutal and meticulously planned, suggesting a personal vendetta against him.

Sheridan Kline

Sheridan Kline is the district attorney overseeing the investigation into Mellery's murder. He is politically savvy and sees the case as an opportunity to enhance his reputation. Kline is impressed by Gurney's skills and seeks to leverage his expertise to solve the case. He is pragmatic and willing to bend the rules to achieve his goals, often using charm and persuasion to get what he wants.

Jack Hardwick

Jack Hardwick is a senior investigator with the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation. He is known for his abrasive personality and no-nonsense approach to solving cases. Hardwick respects Gurney's abilities and values his insights, despite their differing styles. He is determined to solve the case but is frustrated by the lack of clear evidence and the killer's taunting behavior.

Madeleine Gurney

Madeleine Gurney is Dave's wife, who struggles with his continued involvement in police work despite his retirement. She is supportive but worried about the impact the case has on their relationship. Madeleine is perceptive and often provides Dave with valuable insights, even as she wishes he would focus more on their life together.

Gregory Dermott

Gregory Dermott, born Gregory Spinks, is the mastermind behind the murders. His childhood trauma, witnessing his father's violent attack on his mother, fuels his need for control and revenge. Dermott's intelligence and meticulous planning make him a formidable adversary. He targets individuals with alcohol-related issues, projecting his hatred for his father onto his victims. Dermott's psychological manipulation and cryptic messages reveal a deeply disturbed mind, obsessed with rewriting his past and punishing those he blames for his mother's suffering.

Lieutenant John Nardo

Lieutenant John Nardo is a veteran officer in the Wycherly police department. He is deeply affected by the murder of his colleague, Officer Sissek, and is determined to bring the killer to justice. Nardo's personal connection to the case, having been on the force during the original Spinks incident, adds a layer of complexity to his involvement. His confrontation with Dermott forces him to confront his own emotions and ultimately aids in the resolution of the case.

Felicity Spinks

Felicity Spinks, Dermott's mother, is a central figure in the killer's psychological landscape. Her traumatic past, being attacked by her husband, leaves her with permanent injuries and a diminished mental state. Felicity's presence in the story serves as a haunting reminder of the past and the catalyst for Dermott's murderous spree. Her relationship with her son is complex, marked by a shared history of violence and trauma.

Plot Devices

Cryptic Letters

The letters sent to Mark Mellery are a central plot device, driving the narrative and creating tension. Written in elegant red ink, they predict numbers Mellery thinks of and demand money, suggesting a personal connection between the killer and the victim. The letters' precision and the psychological torment they inflict on Mellery highlight the killer's cunning and control.

The Murder Scene

The murder scene is filled with perplexing clues, including footprints leading to nowhere, a lawn chair inexplicably placed, and a poem left on the body. These elements suggest a highly organized mind at work, challenging the investigators to decipher the killer's intentions and the meaning behind the cryptic messages.

Psychological Manipulation

Dermott's use of psychological manipulation is a key plot device in the story. He employs cryptic messages, taunting the police and instilling fear in his victims. This manipulation is rooted in his need for control and revenge, as he seeks to rewrite his past and punish those he blames for his mother's suffering. The psychological games create tension and drive the narrative, as Gurney must navigate this complex web to outsmart the killer.

Childhood Trauma

The theme of childhood trauma is central to the story, influencing Dermott's actions and motivations. His traumatic past, witnessing his father's violence, shapes his need for control and revenge. This trauma is mirrored in the present, as Dermott reenacts the events of his childhood through his murders. The exploration of trauma adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the long-lasting impact of past events on the human psyche.

Analysis

"Think of a Number" by John Verdon is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of the human mind and the impact of unresolved trauma. The narrative explores themes of control, revenge, and redemption, as characters grapple with their pasts and the consequences of their actions. The book highlights the destructive power of childhood trauma and the lengths individuals will go to reclaim control over their lives. Through the character of Dave Gurney, the story examines the balance between professional duty and personal life, offering a nuanced portrayal of a detective seeking justice while confronting his own demons. The novel's intricate plot and psychological depth provide a compelling exploration of the human psyche, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in the darker aspects of human nature.

Last updated: March 6, 2025