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Four
Number Four is the story of a man simply known as Number Four. He's known to his employers as Number Four because he operates by four concrete rules at all times. He's known by reputation as Number Four because he's the clean-up man, just like the fourth batter in a baseball lineup.
He is the clean-up man of the contract killing world. If a contract goes awry, a target gets away or somebody is seen, he's the man that's called to control the situation. Ruthless, efficient and believed by some to be little more than a myth, Number Four is the kind of man nobody ever wants to have to use twice.
Ten years before Theo Mavetti, head of an independent crime syndicate in Boston employed Number Four. Trying to save a few dollars Mavetti crossed Number Four and very nearly lost his family for it. Now a new situation has presented itself and as it begins to close in on Mavetti and his way of life, he has no choice but to again make the call.
As high ranking officials and public personas begin turning up the victims of perfect crimes, the Boston Police press harder and harder on the case. Dern Beckett, an intense and rugged man from the mountains of Wyoming, leads the investigation and begins unraveling the connections that reach from offices on Capital Hill to billion dollar industries to the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.
Number Four focuses on the three different sides and the high stakes game of cat-and-mouse each must play.
He is the clean-up man of the contract killing world. If a contract goes awry, a target gets away or somebody is seen, he's the man that's called to control the situation. Ruthless, efficient and believed by some to be little more than a myth, Number Four is the kind of man nobody ever wants to have to use twice.
Ten years before Theo Mavetti, head of an independent crime syndicate in Boston employed Number Four. Trying to save a few dollars Mavetti crossed Number Four and very nearly lost his family for it. Now a new situation has presented itself and as it begins to close in on Mavetti and his way of life, he has no choice but to again make the call.
As high ranking officials and public personas begin turning up the victims of perfect crimes, the Boston Police press harder and harder on the case. Dern Beckett, an intense and rugged man from the mountains of Wyoming, leads the investigation and begins unraveling the connections that reach from offices on Capital Hill to billion dollar industries to the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.
Number Four focuses on the three different sides and the high stakes game of cat-and-mouse each must play.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2010
498 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Stevens
84 books312 followersI originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 23, 2020
Another very good stand alone read from Dustin Stevens. At about 250 pages, it’s also a very fast read. Not a lot of skim over pages.
Two main characters. The assassin and the dogged Boston homicide detective. The assassin’s character is told in the first person. Makes the reader, me anyway, identify with him.
Very nice twist near the end for those who like surprises in their thrillers.
Two main characters. The assassin and the dogged Boston homicide detective. The assassin’s character is told in the first person. Makes the reader, me anyway, identify with him.
Very nice twist near the end for those who like surprises in their thrillers.
May 27, 2020
A hitman finishing off 4 targets using precise methods,with no conscience. Legendary cop assigned to investigate and finds out the real reason, highlight being the unexpected 5th victim . Very good thriller
September 22, 2017
Wow!!!
This was quite a surprise; not what I expected at all. Lots of suspense, great primary & secondary characters, action and an awesome ending.
At one point I laughed aloud; not because it was funny but because the twist and irony in the situation with Beckett caught me off guard. I was just stunned. Four's occasional dialogue with himself was priceless and despite him being the hitman, his character was memorable and (almost) endearing.
Such a great thriller, just loved this book.
This was quite a surprise; not what I expected at all. Lots of suspense, great primary & secondary characters, action and an awesome ending.
At one point I laughed aloud; not because it was funny but because the twist and irony in the situation with Beckett caught me off guard. I was just stunned. Four's occasional dialogue with himself was priceless and despite him being the hitman, his character was memorable and (almost) endearing.
Such a great thriller, just loved this book.
August 5, 2021
Review. Possibly a tiny spoiler alert here.
The last DS novel I read was great, this one, kinda slow going. It didn’t hook me like most of his do, I almost didn’t finish it, but it got a little more interesting towards the end. I wasn’t fond of the way the killer told about himself, probably just the style didn’t appeal to me, it was hard to decide whether I liked him or not. The ending was not what I thought it would be (is that a spoiler alert, sorry). Just not my cuppa tea.
The last DS novel I read was great, this one, kinda slow going. It didn’t hook me like most of his do, I almost didn’t finish it, but it got a little more interesting towards the end. I wasn’t fond of the way the killer told about himself, probably just the style didn’t appeal to me, it was hard to decide whether I liked him or not. The ending was not what I thought it would be (is that a spoiler alert, sorry). Just not my cuppa tea.
March 27, 2019
Four
I enjoy all of Dustin Stevens books but this was something else! Non stop action from start to finish. Stevens always makes me keep reading because every chapter ends with you wondering what is going to happen next. His writing style is perfect, enough description to give you a picture but not so much that you say ‘come on already!” I may be a little slow but I didn’t see that ending coming. Keep em coming please!
I enjoy all of Dustin Stevens books but this was something else! Non stop action from start to finish. Stevens always makes me keep reading because every chapter ends with you wondering what is going to happen next. His writing style is perfect, enough description to give you a picture but not so much that you say ‘come on already!” I may be a little slow but I didn’t see that ending coming. Keep em coming please!
November 21, 2019
Quick And Good
I am a huge fan of Dustin Stevens. This is a standalone novel that he’s written. This book shows his skill as a writer and as a storyteller. So we have someone who is a hitman. He has four rules that he lives by. The story is a telling of the four rules of the very last job that he will pull. Well the story goes by quickly, it is not without moments of tense drama and action. I find myself once again a fan of the author. I highly recommend this book
I am a huge fan of Dustin Stevens. This is a standalone novel that he’s written. This book shows his skill as a writer and as a storyteller. So we have someone who is a hitman. He has four rules that he lives by. The story is a telling of the four rules of the very last job that he will pull. Well the story goes by quickly, it is not without moments of tense drama and action. I find myself once again a fan of the author. I highly recommend this book
August 6, 2019
Unique
A first person point of view from the master mind makes it slightly unique. P!us quite different from the Zoo Crew and Reed and Billie series. The genre may be in the same category but perspectives are very different. A versatile writer for sure. This had an ending I would never had imagined.
A first person point of view from the master mind makes it slightly unique. P!us quite different from the Zoo Crew and Reed and Billie series. The genre may be in the same category but perspectives are very different. A versatile writer for sure. This had an ending I would never had imagined.
September 15, 2023
Four by Dustin Stevens
Interesting fast-paced crime thriller. This is the IRS2Go book of this author that I read. It would be nice to have a better editorial check before release of the book... there are quite a few minor language and spelling errors. Waiting to read his next book.
Interesting fast-paced crime thriller. This is the IRS2Go book of this author that I read. It would be nice to have a better editorial check before release of the book... there are quite a few minor language and spelling errors. Waiting to read his next book.
July 22, 2024
Fascinating murder for hire murder. Mavett wants killer to murder 4 victims and it is done in very unortadox way. Detectives must find the way they are murdered. No guns or knives are used. The puzzle continues to the end which will have the reader's jaw drop! Another great crime story by my favorite author. If you like crime/mysteries don't miss this book!
December 4, 2017
Great read
Just like real life, everything doesn't end up the way you want it to. The good guys don't always win and this book does a great job of explaining just that. Absolutely loved this book!
Just like real life, everything doesn't end up the way you want it to. The good guys don't always win and this book does a great job of explaining just that. Absolutely loved this book!
October 8, 2018
Accident or Murder
I read the Zoo Crew novels first so this novel was quite a different story. A hired killer is leaving little or no evidence that can be used to find him. Well written and full of suspense. I highly recommend this author.
I read the Zoo Crew novels first so this novel was quite a different story. A hired killer is leaving little or no evidence that can be used to find him. Well written and full of suspense. I highly recommend this author.
March 26, 2019
Unique story line.
First story from a criminal viewpoint I've read in recent memory. Well written, told intriguing perspective. I really expected to see a sequel featuring the lead detective. Shows why I'm a reader, not a writer. Good book, Dustin.
First story from a criminal viewpoint I've read in recent memory. Well written, told intriguing perspective. I really expected to see a sequel featuring the lead detective. Shows why I'm a reader, not a writer. Good book, Dustin.
July 22, 2019
I am a big fan of Dustin Stevens, but this one was a big disappointment. It was so unlike his usually well thought out plots that I found it hard to believe he really wrote it. Don't waste your time.
December 8, 2019
Needs a final editor
For a supposed first book, way too many errors and mistakes. I have them highlighted in my Goodreads page there should be a link here through my name or somewhere.
Incredulous as the book wise, it was pretty good. Except for the mistakes, of course
For a supposed first book, way too many errors and mistakes. I have them highlighted in my Goodreads page there should be a link here through my name or somewhere.
Incredulous as the book wise, it was pretty good. Except for the mistakes, of course
March 11, 2020
Fantastic rea
So good I had diffi ulty putting it down to eat . Even to sleep I was ha ing trouble keeping my dyes open. It was like keeping up with a newspaper article without a conclusion. So sorry that the Detective had to bite the bullet.
So good I had diffi ulty putting it down to eat . Even to sleep I was ha ing trouble keeping my dyes open. It was like keeping up with a newspaper article without a conclusion. So sorry that the Detective had to bite the bullet.
May 31, 2017
Stunk!
Stunk so bad I couldn't even finish it! My cat can write better books than this author!!!!! Spare me any more of his writings!
Stunk so bad I couldn't even finish it! My cat can write better books than this author!!!!! Spare me any more of his writings!
August 19, 2017
.
Liked the way it was written would like a sequel about this character. Did not mind bad guys getting killed but not Beckett !
Liked the way it was written would like a sequel about this character. Did not mind bad guys getting killed but not Beckett !
February 17, 2018
Excellent first novel
Very interesting story line with a lot of twists and turns and a surprise revelation at the end. Keeps the reader enthralled throughout the book.
Very interesting story line with a lot of twists and turns and a surprise revelation at the end. Keeps the reader enthralled throughout the book.
April 17, 2018
No surprise
This author is so good I double dog dare you to put this book down before you are finished reading it.
This author is so good I double dog dare you to put this book down before you are finished reading it.
July 30, 2018
Four
Once again Mr Stevens has produced a great read. The story involved plenty of suspense, background and even a surprising end
Once again Mr Stevens has produced a great read. The story involved plenty of suspense, background and even a surprising end
September 27, 2018
You don't kill the hero!
Not a terrible read,but the last few chapters were tedious and the ending dreadful. I usually like DS books, but not this one.
Not a terrible read,but the last few chapters were tedious and the ending dreadful. I usually like DS books, but not this one.
February 13, 2019
Excellent
Excellent, fast moving book, was really hard to put down and go to bed for the night. Just another reason I have enjoyed everyone of his books thus far.
Excellent, fast moving book, was really hard to put down and go to bed for the night. Just another reason I have enjoyed everyone of his books thus far.
August 20, 2019
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better.
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better.
December 4, 2019
Great book. Hard to put down..What a different view point this book takes. Fun!
September 27, 2020
Enjoyed
Surprise I didn't figure it out sooner. Like the author and the way he writes leaves you wondering what is next
Surprise I didn't figure it out sooner. Like the author and the way he writes leaves you wondering what is next
January 24, 2021
Really interesting read
You have to finish the book! It’s fascinating and thought provoking. It’s also scary and dark. But the end will blow you away!
You have to finish the book! It’s fascinating and thought provoking. It’s also scary and dark. But the end will blow you away!
August 23, 2021
Yah
Going in all different directions, some surprises. Must have a very hard head to get hit behind the ear and come out swinging.
Going in all different directions, some surprises. Must have a very hard head to get hit behind the ear and come out swinging.
January 4, 2023
Stand-alone by Dustin Stevens. I really enjoyed it but some might find it disturbing.
June 15, 2025
I rate this one 4 stars.
June 28, 2025
Surprised Ending
Good read but one of the main characters was killed off before the end of the final chapter and I didn't like that
Good read but one of the main characters was killed off before the end of the final chapter and I didn't like that
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews