When he was the NYPD’s top homicide investigator, Dave Gurney was never comfortable with the label the press gave him: super detective. read full description
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May 30, 2011
Randy
rated it: 
John Verdon has constructed a clever little puzzler here, a blending of two genres, thriller and police procedural.
here's the set-up. Spoiled rich girl marries celebrity psychiatrist twice her age. Shortly before the celebratory toast, she's found in the gardener's cottage sitting in a chair, decapitated, head sitting on a table facing the body. The Mexican gardener is missing, along with the neighbor's wife. The bloodhounds followed a trail behind the cottage leading back into the More...
here's the set-up. Spoiled rich girl marries celebrity psychiatrist twice her age. Shortly before the celebratory toast, she's found in the gardener's cottage sitting in a chair, decapitated, head sitting on a table facing the body. The Mexican gardener is missing, along with the neighbor's wife. The bloodhounds followed a trail behind the cottage leading back into the More...
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Nov 17, 2011
Gloria
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In his second appearance, retired NYPD detective David Gurney faces an ever-shifting set of “facts” in his effort to solve a bizarre murder case. A bride is found decapitated within moments of her marriage ceremony, and there is absolutely no forensic evidence available. As only a “consultant,” retained by the mother of the bride to find the murderer, Gurney not only faces the challenge of an ingenious adversary, but also the official police investigators who have failed in four months to make
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Nov 04, 2011
Tony
rated it: 
SHUT YOUR EYES TIGHT. (2011). John Verdon. ***.
With an over the top plot and a sufficient number of misdirections to choke a horse, Mr. Verdon offers his second thriller/mystery. Verdon is an excellent writer. He knows how to pace his story, slowly spinning out his clues which his protagonist, Dave Gurney, an ex-detective on the NY police force (and also the hero of Verdon’s first novel, “Think of a Number”), enters into his calculating mind in order to put them into the right place. More...
With an over the top plot and a sufficient number of misdirections to choke a horse, Mr. Verdon offers his second thriller/mystery. Verdon is an excellent writer. He knows how to pace his story, slowly spinning out his clues which his protagonist, Dave Gurney, an ex-detective on the NY police force (and also the hero of Verdon’s first novel, “Think of a Number”), enters into his calculating mind in order to put them into the right place. More...
Sep 15, 2011
Mo
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From ReadingWithMo: http://www.readingwithmo.com/2011/07/rev...
When Dave Gurney put his retirement on hold to assist in solving the Mellery case, he thought it would be the last time. But when his old friend, Jack Hardwick, asks him to meet with the mother of a recent murder victim, Dave finds his curiosity hard to deny. He soon finds himself investigating not one murder, but the murders of several young girls who had been treated for sexual deviances.
I will warn you now, thi More...
When Dave Gurney put his retirement on hold to assist in solving the Mellery case, he thought it would be the last time. But when his old friend, Jack Hardwick, asks him to meet with the mother of a recent murder victim, Dave finds his curiosity hard to deny. He soon finds himself investigating not one murder, but the murders of several young girls who had been treated for sexual deviances.
I will warn you now, thi More...
Aug 08, 2011
Lynne
rated it: 
Dave Guerney's second outing follows the same lines as his debut, Think of a Number. Guerney, a celebrated homicide detective whose wife wants him to stay retired, is tantalized by a seemingly impossible crime scene. In this case, a bridegroom enters a tiny cottage at his wedding ceremony to discover his new bride has been decapitated. It's all on videotape, yet the person who the victim went to see is never seen leaving the cottage.
Verdon's formula continues with Guerney promising his More...
Verdon's formula continues with Guerney promising his More...
Aug 06, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
Book Overview
Detective Dave Gurney, who readers first met in Think Of A Number, is back with another case—despite promising his wife Madeline that he really was retired after the events of the Mellery case. However, the reality is that Gurney is not cut out for retirement and a quiet life in the country. He needs a challenge and a puzzle to keep life interesting. So when an old colleague requests his help on a case, Gurney is easily drawn back into the fray.
Although the case More...
Detective Dave Gurney, who readers first met in Think Of A Number, is back with another case—despite promising his wife Madeline that he really was retired after the events of the Mellery case. However, the reality is that Gurney is not cut out for retirement and a quiet life in the country. He needs a challenge and a puzzle to keep life interesting. So when an old colleague requests his help on a case, Gurney is easily drawn back into the fray.
Although the case More...
Jul 30, 2011
Kimmel
rated it:
This book was fascinating. I loved the idea of a murder that appeared to be perfect, with no trace evidence and contradicting facts. Detective Gurney was an interesting character. It was easy to see how serious he takes his job. It is obviously difficult for him to live a normal life without a puzzle to solve.
The relationship with Gurney and his wife, Madeleine was also amazing. Verdon does a great job at building the tension between them. I could really feel for her. She didn’t want to ch More...
The relationship with Gurney and his wife, Madeleine was also amazing. Verdon does a great job at building the tension between them. I could really feel for her. She didn’t want to ch More...
Jul 24, 2011
Ronald
rated it:
John Verdon has done it again. In this his second book featuring retired NYPD detective Dave Gurney, Verdon has once again fashioned a suspenseful, tale full of twists and a clever plot that will have you rushing through the pages trying to keep up with Gurney and get one step ahead of the killer. Getting one step ahead is going to be hard as the victims have all been found with their heads cut off. The first victim, was a young woman whom her mother described as a self centered, uncaring, sexua
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Jul 13, 2011
Luanne
rated it:
Verdon is back with his second book, Shut Your Eyes Tight, featuring retired NYPD detective Dave Gurney. But retired may be a misnomer for Dave. He and wife Madeleine moved to the country, settling in on an idyllic piece of property. Madeleine is happy, but Dave is restless. In the first year, Dave was asked to 'consult' on a case. He agreed, but working again took it's toll on both Dave and the marriage.
When old friend Detective Jack Hartwick stops by to 'visit' and just happens t More...
When old friend Detective Jack Hartwick stops by to 'visit' and just happens t More...
Aug 15, 2011
Denise
rated it:
3.0 out of 5 stars "Don't we...place ourselves in the positions in which we find ourselves?"
Not long after I had read and reviewed the debut novel in this new series, Think of a Number (Dave Gurney, No.1) (A Dave Gurney Novel), I had the opportunity to obtain this one as an ARC through the amazon vine program. The premise of the new book was really compelling: a bride, newly wed to a famous psychiatrist, is beheaded shortly after the ceremony! Ostensibly retired NYPB detect More...
Not long after I had read and reviewed the debut novel in this new series, Think of a Number (Dave Gurney, No.1) (A Dave Gurney Novel), I had the opportunity to obtain this one as an ARC through the amazon vine program. The premise of the new book was really compelling: a bride, newly wed to a famous psychiatrist, is beheaded shortly after the ceremony! Ostensibly retired NYPB detect More...
Nov 16, 2011
Sharon
rated it:
3.75 stars
At the end of Think of a Number (Dave Gurney #1) things ended on an upswing for our reluctantly famous detective. The case was solved and there was hope that Gurney's mental health and personal relationship troubles were behind him. Alas, that positive vibe didn't last long. Thank goodness. Book two finds Gurney back to his old obsessions- risking health, sanity and his marriage on another twisted battle of wills with a sociopath. Yay!
All the fun of the first novel is p More...
At the end of Think of a Number (Dave Gurney #1) things ended on an upswing for our reluctantly famous detective. The case was solved and there was hope that Gurney's mental health and personal relationship troubles were behind him. Alas, that positive vibe didn't last long. Thank goodness. Book two finds Gurney back to his old obsessions- risking health, sanity and his marriage on another twisted battle of wills with a sociopath. Yay!
All the fun of the first novel is p More...
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Oct 08, 2011
Matt
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This book is an exceptional mystery thriller, perhaps one of the best I have read in a long time. Verdon not only brings the characters to life, but also makes the reader feel each and every turn of the plot and storyline. Main character David Guerney is taken along an amazingly cluttered path in the hopes of helping to solve a truly grisly murder of a bride decapitated on her wedding day.
What seems like a simply open and shut case leads us down many paths the reader may not want to e More...
What seems like a simply open and shut case leads us down many paths the reader may not want to e More...
Jul 23, 2011
Linda Branham
rated it:
I really like John Verdon's books. The two I have read are intelligent and peppered with interesting psychological insights...even describing personality styles (which is always a good point for me )
Dave Gurney is a "retired" NYPD Homicide detective - who made quite a name for himself as detective. But Dave and his wife Madeline decide to retire to the country - Dave is 48 - for a quieter life.
Madeline loves the new life of country life... but Dave needs to be able to so More...
Dave Gurney is a "retired" NYPD Homicide detective - who made quite a name for himself as detective. But Dave and his wife Madeline decide to retire to the country - Dave is 48 - for a quieter life.
Madeline loves the new life of country life... but Dave needs to be able to so More...
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Jun 14, 2011
Katy
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In this sequel to "Think of a Number (Dave Gurney, No.1)," Verdon outdoes himself - his first book was very good - this one is AMAZING!!
Dave Gurney, retired homicide detective with the NYPD, is approached by Jack Hardwick from NYBCI (NY Bureau of Criminal Investigation) with a request. Four months prior, a young woman (Jillian Perry) was murdered on her wedding day - her head cut off with a machete - and while Hardwick originally was running the investigation, a disagreement More...
Dave Gurney, retired homicide detective with the NYPD, is approached by Jack Hardwick from NYBCI (NY Bureau of Criminal Investigation) with a request. Four months prior, a young woman (Jillian Perry) was murdered on her wedding day - her head cut off with a machete - and while Hardwick originally was running the investigation, a disagreement More...
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Aug 23, 2011
Banner
rated it:
Well he did it again! I wasn't for sure if John Verdon was going to be a one hit wonder or not. I enjoyed his first book (Pick a Number# and I was wondering how he was going to suprize me again, but he did. He is able to accomplish a complex mystery that can keep you guessing, but also when all is revealed you don't feel that he tricked you,the details were there for you to have figured it out. BTW, you don't need to read the first one to understand this one, but I think you would enjoy the cha
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Jul 26, 2011
Dorie
rated it:
What I enjoy most about this author’s books is that his protagonist’s thought process always seems to be one step ahead of the reader’s. His books would appeal to those looking for crime fiction of a more cerebral type.
The mystery involved Dave Gurney being hired by the mother of a bride who was found decapitated on her wedding day. It’s assumed that the gardener who occupied the cottage where the body was found was the killer, because he fled the area and no one has been able to l More...
The mystery involved Dave Gurney being hired by the mother of a bride who was found decapitated on her wedding day. It’s assumed that the gardener who occupied the cottage where the body was found was the killer, because he fled the area and no one has been able to l More...
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Sep 22, 2011
J.
rated it:
Tras la decepción que para mi supuso el último libro me fui directo a algo que sabía que me iba a gustar. No había leído el anterior libro de John Verdon (queda apuntado como futura lectura) y casi que lo he echado de menos por las continuas referencias al mismo en este libro, dicho lo cual me gustaría aclarar que no es necesario haberse leído esa primera aventura del detective Gurney para seguir este libro pues son totalmente independientes.
El libro consigue enganchar desde el princi More...
El libro consigue enganchar desde el princi More...
Jul 17, 2011
Linda
rated it:
Book number two of a series from John Verdon, book number one in the series being his first novel. Another psychological thriller. A much more of a sensationalist novel than the first with more gruesome murders. An interesting story, even if highly improbable. The ending is a little over the top, well, more than a little. Even so, I was glued to the book and could not stop reading until I finished it. I can say the same thing about this book as I said about his first book, it's a good read i
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Jun 19, 2011
Jackie
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This is Verdon's second book featuring retired detective Dave Gurney and another powerful and fast paced murder mystery. He gets the call 4 month into a stalled investigation over a bride murdered at her own wedding reception--not from the police but from her mother. Gurney agrees to work on the case for two weeks (much to the dismay of his frustrated wife). and quickly discovers that the picture is far bigger than anyone had yet imagined. It seems there is a serial killer with a bit of a lit
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Dec 27, 2011
Gerald
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It must be depressing for an author to work long and hard in producing 500 pages and then see it condemned out of hand in 50 words. I dislike doing that but I have to be honest and say that I found Shut Your Eyes Tight to be virtually unreadable.
After the highly improbable murder is set out there follow two whole chapters, irrelevant to the plot, in which the ex-cop delivers a lecture. Then we return to his fractious relationship with his wife, which does nothing for narrative thrust o More...
After the highly improbable murder is set out there follow two whole chapters, irrelevant to the plot, in which the ex-cop delivers a lecture. Then we return to his fractious relationship with his wife, which does nothing for narrative thrust o More...
Oct 17, 2011
Mark
rated it:
John Verdon is a very promising writer,and this novel reflects this. However, his first novel, Think Of A Number, seemed to shadow this story in style and plot development. I kept feeling that I have read this before in a slightly different format. Still, the story was very engaging.
Personally, I was taken back by the amount of profanity through the story. I know this author is a gifted writer, and does not need to resort to this to create realism in his scenes. Lastly, I struggled to More...
Personally, I was taken back by the amount of profanity through the story. I know this author is a gifted writer, and does not need to resort to this to create realism in his scenes. Lastly, I struggled to More...
Jan 17, 2012
Sarah
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This is an interesting mystery and I did enjoy working out how the murder was committed. The story isn't as fast paced as some others in this genre and there are lots of references to the previous book in the series, which I haven't yet read, but it does move along and you want to know what happens next. Dave is a likeable character, dedicated to solving the murder and the ideal detective to work on a baffling case. There is quite a lot in the book about his relationship with his wife, which doe
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Aug 15, 2011
Richard
rated it:
This is a little long for a novel at 509 pages, but the language is so eloquent you won't care. Unfortunately, the subject matter that serves as the basis of the mystery retired cop Dave Gurney has to solve is really awful.
It's hard to think of little girls as sexual predators, but an entire school of them is truly creepy.
The various theories that the task force tries to solve the murders are interesting, but you should figure out early on they were duped from the start. Neve More...
It's hard to think of little girls as sexual predators, but an entire school of them is truly creepy.
The various theories that the task force tries to solve the murders are interesting, but you should figure out early on they were duped from the start. Neve More...
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Aug 20, 2011
Carolyn
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I thought Verdon's previous book presented a very clever puzzle, and was slightly disappointed with this one.The story seemed far-fetched, and forced in both the detection and solution .There are echos of his first book here. Part way down a short trail leading from the murder scene a bloody machete is found. Here any trace of the culprit disappears, an the killer seems to have vanished into thin air. Tracking dogs have lost all scent. Sounds familiar? The same mystery occurred in Think of a Nu
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Oct 27, 2011
Mickey Hoffman
rated it:
This book is a real page-turner and in spite of my personal reservations, I know most mystery/thriller readers will love it. As with his first novel, I enjoyed some of the more puzzling aspects. I liked the gore a lot less. What keeps me from giving a higher rating to this book is the continuing characterization of the MC, David Gurney and his wife. Gurney is a very flawed and unlikeable character I can't really like or completely respect for all his crime fighting goodness. His wife just doesn'
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Sep 20, 2011
Dan
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Retired detective Dave Gurney is asked to look into a murder case that has become cold which has the police stymied. A new bride was beheaded at her wedding reception, in a closed room with no clues or suspects. Originally thought a missing Mexican gardener committed the murder but after 4 months, this guy cannot be found. Dave Gurney’s investigation leads him into a dangerous world of sexual deviation.
The novel is complex and somewhat long, that at times I was lost. Gurney’s charact More...
The novel is complex and somewhat long, that at times I was lost. Gurney’s charact More...
Sep 14, 2011
Chris
rated it:
Picked up this riveting mystery at my job at the library and immediately was taken by the intelligent writing. Definitely not your average whodunit. The author weaves a fascinating plot and creates a likable hero in the guise of David Gurney, ex-cop extraordinaire, who, against his better instincts and definitely against his wife's wishes, finds himself drawn into the bizarre murder of a young female sociopath. The novel kept me guessing pretty much til the very end. One quibble - Gurney's rela
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Dec 23, 2011
Marie
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In Shut Your Eyes Tight, a bride is beheaded at her wedding reception just after she was wed to a prominent psychiatrist. Dave Gurney, a retired homicide investigator can't resist looking into this one. His wife is opposed to the idea and just wants him to enjoy their move out to the country. Once Gurney learns the details, he finds that it's so bizarre and horrific that soon he can't think of anything else. Through his digging he finds evil very close to the surface. However, as he contin
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Nov 21, 2011
Christine
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Retired homicide detective Dave Gurney once again, despite his best intentions, gets involved in a murder investigation. A bride killed on her wedding day is left in a gruesome pose with no clues as to who may have been her killer. The victim’s mother, with unlimited funds at her disposal, will spare no expense to find out what happened to her daughter. Detective Gurney (retired), puts both his life and his marriage on the line, agreeing to a “time limited” investigation.
This seco More...
This seco More...
Feb 14, 2012
Jessica
rated it:
Well, I'll start off by saying this book suffered terribly by being the first book I read after Remember Ben Clayton. It would have had to have been absolutely fantastic to win the comparison race, and it just...wasn't. I've enjoyed icky psycho murderer thrillers in the past, but my desire for them has dimmed considerably, so that's one strike. Strike two, the writing was overblown and strained my credulity on numerous occasions. Little details began to rankle, like naming a character Sir George
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