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Thomas Prescott #0.5
The Numbers: The Thomas Prescott Series
The electrifying prequel and perfect introduction to the bestselling and fan-favorite Thomas Prescott series, with over 1.3 million downloads and 10,000+ five-star ratings on Amazon and Goodreads!
After getting canned from the Seattle PD, brilliant, wisecracking Thomas Prescott follows his sister Lacy to Philadelphia, where she swims on the Drexel University team. While Thomas’s slapstick antics mask a keen analytic mind, it’s his nose for trouble that leads him again and again into dicey situations. The ex–homicide detective is not long in Philly before getting caught up in two high-powered criminal cases.
Thomas stumbles into a crime scene amid the Occupy Philadelphia protests. Activist Brooke Wexley has been strangled within sight of city hall. While demonstrating against economic inequality, the college student hid her own family’s wealthy background. The über-rich Wexleys have many dark secrets—one of which may have led to Brooke’s violent death.
Thomas is also called to join an emergency multiagency task force on the trail of a prolific serial killer who leaves gruesome calling a three-digit number carved on each of his many victims. It’s when Thomas realizes the murders are linked to the Numbers—the old illegal street lottery—that his investigation shifts into high gear. The trail jumps back to the past before rushing back to the present like a tsunami of fire, bent on revenge.
Amid all this, Lacy has a health scare, and Thomas’s priorities shift. Encountering gambling church ladies, felonious businessmen, and murderous mobsters—with an investigation hampered by a competitive colleague and Lacy’s narcoleptic pug—Thomas must summon all his considerable powers to root out the guilty and dangerous while caring for his adored sister.
Reader’s This book takes place when Thomas Prescott is thirty years old (three years before the events of Unforeseen). If you are new to the Thomas Prescott series, this is the perfect place to start!
After getting canned from the Seattle PD, brilliant, wisecracking Thomas Prescott follows his sister Lacy to Philadelphia, where she swims on the Drexel University team. While Thomas’s slapstick antics mask a keen analytic mind, it’s his nose for trouble that leads him again and again into dicey situations. The ex–homicide detective is not long in Philly before getting caught up in two high-powered criminal cases.
Thomas stumbles into a crime scene amid the Occupy Philadelphia protests. Activist Brooke Wexley has been strangled within sight of city hall. While demonstrating against economic inequality, the college student hid her own family’s wealthy background. The über-rich Wexleys have many dark secrets—one of which may have led to Brooke’s violent death.
Thomas is also called to join an emergency multiagency task force on the trail of a prolific serial killer who leaves gruesome calling a three-digit number carved on each of his many victims. It’s when Thomas realizes the murders are linked to the Numbers—the old illegal street lottery—that his investigation shifts into high gear. The trail jumps back to the past before rushing back to the present like a tsunami of fire, bent on revenge.
Amid all this, Lacy has a health scare, and Thomas’s priorities shift. Encountering gambling church ladies, felonious businessmen, and murderous mobsters—with an investigation hampered by a competitive colleague and Lacy’s narcoleptic pug—Thomas must summon all his considerable powers to root out the guilty and dangerous while caring for his adored sister.
Reader’s This book takes place when Thomas Prescott is thirty years old (three years before the events of Unforeseen). If you are new to the Thomas Prescott series, this is the perfect place to start!
10 pages, Audible Audio
Published February 28, 2023
94 people are currently reading
3528 people want to read
About the author
Nick Pirog
40 books1,268 followersNick Pirog is the bestselling author of the Thomas Prescott series, the 3:00 a.m. series, and The Speed of Souls. He lives in South Lake Tahoe with his other half, Stephy, and their pup, Potter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
November 7, 2022
4.25 Stars 🌟
This is actually a hard review to write. Why you ask? Well, I went back and read my review from the first book in this series and remember that it took a little while to get used to Mr. Pirog's writing style. Especially in his very first book. (it was not one of my favorites) With that being said, I got to see a DRAMATIC elevation in the writing style and content as the series progressed and I think if I remember it right, I went through several books in the series one after the other. and...I really begin to enjoy the craziness. So, at the end of that, I was "used" to the wise cracking antics of the male MC Thomas Prescott. Then, it was a fairly long while between books - not to mention that this is a "prequel" to the entire series, so it took me a while to get back in the right headspace. I know, I know....I'm not sure that makes sense - I just know that was what was going on in my head as I was reading this.
First of all, I was trying to remember what exactly happened in the first book of the series. I remembered Thomas and Lacy, but I was having trouble remembering the specifics and I was thinking - wasn't there some past situation in Maine? Why are they in Philadelphia? Anyway, that's all on me. This book got to show us more on the beginnings of the relationship between brother and sister (and why they were so close) and it also cemented the fact that Thomas Prescott is NOT a rule follower and tends to get in trouble as easy as breathing. I'm actually surprised he didn't find himself in jail.....
The case was interesting - well, actually there were two cases. The easiness with which he figured out some of the clues in the beginning did stretch the limits of believability and there was way too much of an info dump on the history of the whole Numbers betting system. But, to be fair, I had no clue at all what that entailed when I started the book, so it was an interesting history lesson. In the end, I was invested and ended up just deciding to go along for the ride. It did not disappoint.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
This is actually a hard review to write. Why you ask? Well, I went back and read my review from the first book in this series and remember that it took a little while to get used to Mr. Pirog's writing style. Especially in his very first book. (it was not one of my favorites) With that being said, I got to see a DRAMATIC elevation in the writing style and content as the series progressed and I think if I remember it right, I went through several books in the series one after the other. and...I really begin to enjoy the craziness. So, at the end of that, I was "used" to the wise cracking antics of the male MC Thomas Prescott. Then, it was a fairly long while between books - not to mention that this is a "prequel" to the entire series, so it took me a while to get back in the right headspace. I know, I know....I'm not sure that makes sense - I just know that was what was going on in my head as I was reading this.
First of all, I was trying to remember what exactly happened in the first book of the series. I remembered Thomas and Lacy, but I was having trouble remembering the specifics and I was thinking - wasn't there some past situation in Maine? Why are they in Philadelphia? Anyway, that's all on me. This book got to show us more on the beginnings of the relationship between brother and sister (and why they were so close) and it also cemented the fact that Thomas Prescott is NOT a rule follower and tends to get in trouble as easy as breathing. I'm actually surprised he didn't find himself in jail.....
The case was interesting - well, actually there were two cases. The easiness with which he figured out some of the clues in the beginning did stretch the limits of believability and there was way too much of an info dump on the history of the whole Numbers betting system. But, to be fair, I had no clue at all what that entailed when I started the book, so it was an interesting history lesson. In the end, I was invested and ended up just deciding to go along for the ride. It did not disappoint.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
February 18, 2023
The book summary lays out the premise of the two storylines: the death of an activist (Brooke Wexley), who was hiding her wealthy and privileged upbringing and the investigation of a serial killer who was carving numbers in the victims based on some lottery system back in the 50’s and 60’s that was popular with low-income black communities. The MC, Thomas, is a bit of a wise@$$ and certainly has an issue with authority, so it’s no surprise he got kicked off one police force and denied entrance to another as well as an FBI task force (temporarily). This doesn’t stop him though; he just investigates the cases by himself. Lol😊 Yeah, I like Thomas, plus he’s a great big brother to his sister Lacy, especially after his parents died years earlier and Lacy was still in high school.
Not having any legal authority, initially, to investigate the case, Thomas starts digging into the numbers killer and the clues and leads he leaves with each victim. However, when Thomas gets caught digging up a grave (the numbers from the previous victims led him to the grave), the local Boston FBI gets involved and Thomas and a Boston agent, Wade Gleason, begin to investigate the leads for the next potential victim(s) from the numbers they found in the grave site along with additional leads they get from each of the victims in the grave. Shortly thereafter, he finally gets added to the FBI task force. None of this is a spoiler since this all happened early the story.
As the story progresses, Thomas, along with Wade, find themselves on the other side of a couple of warnings from their superiors because of Thomas’s rebellious pranks and shenanigans. Their prank on Hufflepuff, the ruckus at the nursing home they caused (that went viral), as well as the frat party dressed like a kangaroo had me laughing hysterically. I like it when a writer can inject some humor in an otherwise serious story. I think it’s a sign of a good writer and storyteller that can instill those kinds of emotions and reactions out of a reader. While some readers may not like Thomas’s wise@$$ attitude and demeanor or Pirog’s sense of humor, I happen to like it and I find it entertaining😊
The second half of the story has Thomas and Wade investigating the numbers case and leads that they get from every new victims. Thomas also continues to work with a contact on the Philadelphia PD with the leads that Thomas and his contact collect on the Wexley case. As to be expected, Thomas eventually gets kicked off the task force because of one of his shenanigans. The ending for the primary storylines were basically a couple of Thomas’s stunts (one was a really good one with his psycho-ex) and made for a very satisfying ending.
This prequel was published nearly 15yrs after installment #1 of the series, Unforseen. Not sure why a writer would wait so long to put out a prequel, I strongly suspect it was the publishers idea. Additionally, Unforseen, published back in June 2008, appears to take place after The Numbers prequel, that takes place in the fall of 2011 and winter of 2012. It has me wondering if the Unforseen story takes place in the fall of 2012, especially since the last sentence references the Unforseen book.
“There was only one thing I knew for certain. Our future was unforeseen.”
Thomas was making a reference to his and Lacy's futures. I wonder if there was a lot of feedback by readers about background history on Thomas and Lacy. That would have been the time to do a prequel. This seems like stuff a good editor/publisher would have cleaned up. What do I know though? I’m neither a writer, editor nor a publisher; I’m just an avid reader. Whatever the reason is, it doesn’t affect my decision to continue with the series😊
I want to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
@NetGalley @BlackstonePublishing @TheNumbers
Not having any legal authority, initially, to investigate the case, Thomas starts digging into the numbers killer and the clues and leads he leaves with each victim. However, when Thomas gets caught digging up a grave (the numbers from the previous victims led him to the grave), the local Boston FBI gets involved and Thomas and a Boston agent, Wade Gleason, begin to investigate the leads for the next potential victim(s) from the numbers they found in the grave site along with additional leads they get from each of the victims in the grave. Shortly thereafter, he finally gets added to the FBI task force. None of this is a spoiler since this all happened early the story.
As the story progresses, Thomas, along with Wade, find themselves on the other side of a couple of warnings from their superiors because of Thomas’s rebellious pranks and shenanigans. Their prank on Hufflepuff, the ruckus at the nursing home they caused (that went viral), as well as the frat party dressed like a kangaroo had me laughing hysterically. I like it when a writer can inject some humor in an otherwise serious story. I think it’s a sign of a good writer and storyteller that can instill those kinds of emotions and reactions out of a reader. While some readers may not like Thomas’s wise@$$ attitude and demeanor or Pirog’s sense of humor, I happen to like it and I find it entertaining😊
The second half of the story has Thomas and Wade investigating the numbers case and leads that they get from every new victims. Thomas also continues to work with a contact on the Philadelphia PD with the leads that Thomas and his contact collect on the Wexley case. As to be expected, Thomas eventually gets kicked off the task force because of one of his shenanigans. The ending for the primary storylines were basically a couple of Thomas’s stunts (one was a really good one with his psycho-ex) and made for a very satisfying ending.
This prequel was published nearly 15yrs after installment #1 of the series, Unforseen. Not sure why a writer would wait so long to put out a prequel, I strongly suspect it was the publishers idea. Additionally, Unforseen, published back in June 2008, appears to take place after The Numbers prequel, that takes place in the fall of 2011 and winter of 2012. It has me wondering if the Unforseen story takes place in the fall of 2012, especially since the last sentence references the Unforseen book.
“There was only one thing I knew for certain. Our future was unforeseen.”
Thomas was making a reference to his and Lacy's futures. I wonder if there was a lot of feedback by readers about background history on Thomas and Lacy. That would have been the time to do a prequel. This seems like stuff a good editor/publisher would have cleaned up. What do I know though? I’m neither a writer, editor nor a publisher; I’m just an avid reader. Whatever the reason is, it doesn’t affect my decision to continue with the series😊
I want to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
@NetGalley @BlackstonePublishing @TheNumbers
December 25, 2022
Set in Philadelphia in 2011, this is the prequel to a series that I've GOT to read!
At the beginning of the OCCUPY protests, there are two separate murder investigations going on. One is the daughter of a zillionaire and one becomes a diabolical case of serial murder. And then there's whatever is happening to Prescott's ambitious younger sister. Plus a bat-guano-crazy ex-girlfriend who is a world class hacker making his life even more complicated. Essential to the serial case is a history of Numbers Running and Lotteries worldwide. There are antics, humor, both good and not so good policing, insane plot twists, and glow in the dark red herrings. Great unputdownable read!
I requested and received an EARC from Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
At the beginning of the OCCUPY protests, there are two separate murder investigations going on. One is the daughter of a zillionaire and one becomes a diabolical case of serial murder. And then there's whatever is happening to Prescott's ambitious younger sister. Plus a bat-guano-crazy ex-girlfriend who is a world class hacker making his life even more complicated. Essential to the serial case is a history of Numbers Running and Lotteries worldwide. There are antics, humor, both good and not so good policing, insane plot twists, and glow in the dark red herrings. Great unputdownable read!
I requested and received an EARC from Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
March 4, 2023
Always delivers
February 27, 2023
I was hooked by the blurb (I won’t repeat the blurb, I assume you read it before checking out reviews); the actual book was so much more complex and utterly absorbing. So many plotlines, and character intricacies and secrets, than I could possibly have expected. I barely started it the first evening, and read the rest of it straight through on day 2.
The writing was straightforward but not stark nor staccato. The characters were well drawn and well characterized, so I had no trouble keeping them straight even while the cast continued to grow. Everyone’s actions were consistent and, as ultimately revealed, their motives true to character and circumstance.
I don’t know what else to say, except this was exceptional and I recommend it to everyone.
The writing was straightforward but not stark nor staccato. The characters were well drawn and well characterized, so I had no trouble keeping them straight even while the cast continued to grow. Everyone’s actions were consistent and, as ultimately revealed, their motives true to character and circumstance.
I don’t know what else to say, except this was exceptional and I recommend it to everyone.
September 27, 2022
Excellent story with murders from the past and present linked by numbers. An additional murder is also key to the plot development as wise-cracking former Seattle Detective Prescott applies his unique gifts to “help” Philadelphia’s best and the FBI solve the murders. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
October 26, 2022
Super book! Fun to read with great humor, good character depth and several intriguing mysteries.. Thomas Prescott solves the various murders with logic, common sense and luck. Additional storylines about his sister and his romantic (?) affairs lend more intrigue and interest.
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read this super book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read this super book.
May 26, 2023
Enjoyed a different series by this author, so thought I'd start another one. Thomas Prescott is a rogue ex-police detective, "gainfully unemployed" after being fired from the Seattle PD. He's now in Philly because his younger sister goes to college there. He and the sis are wealthy in the wake of their parents' death, so Prescott can afford to dabble in solving cases as a consultant to the city police. They despair of him because of his off-beat and sometimes illegal methods, but he's also able to solve things they can't, so it's a trade-off. There are two different cases being followed here: the strangulation of a young woman who was the daughter of the most powerful man in Philly, and a series of murders where the murderer carves numbers in the victims' foreheads. Prescott works both cases. There are interesting characters and humor throughout, so I'll look for more in the series.
February 28, 2023
Fantastic book by Nick Pirog! I really laughed at different parts of the book- his sarcasm really shines through, even in a book that has two different cases to solve. I really loved that we got to have a peek at Thomas's early life (right after he was fired from detective job, when he and his sister Lacy move to Philly) and see what Lacy was like before the diagnosis and right after. This book is before the Unforseen book, but written after. It makes me want to read the whole series again! I love all the books by this author and can't wait to read more.
March 17, 2023
Nick Pirog’s books always make me laugh. His protagonist doesn’t follow the rules, is brash, and is coarse. However, he loves his sister Lacey. Numbers had 2 plot lines and introduced me to a form of the lottery I was unfamiliar with. The way Pirog wove murders into this was fascinating.
Pirog’s writing just gets better. I look forward to whatever he does next.
Incidentally, I enjoyed this prologue to his series which explained Lacey’s background and health.
Pirog’s writing just gets better. I look forward to whatever he does next.
Incidentally, I enjoyed this prologue to his series which explained Lacey’s background and health.
July 16, 2023
A great prequel to the series and I’m glad I read it first before starting book 1! Thomas Prescott is funny, unpredictable, dedicated to his sister and Justice. With his unconventional methods it means he keeps getting fired from jobs 🤦🏾♀️ because his cases keep being dismissed. However, there are killers on the loose and he is determined to be on the task force assembled to find the killer who seems to have been killing for decades.
April 10, 2023
I listened to this on Audiobook. The narrator for Thomas is SPOT ON. I have loved every book/audiobook in this series, even though I read them all out of order! Thomas makes me laugh and I loved the mystery. I had no idea what was going on. Can’t wait for the next Thomas Prescott adventure!!
May 30, 2024
Another completely enjoyable Thomas Prescott adventure with death and mayhem and orneriness.
February 22, 2023
While I enjoyed the personality of the wisecracking, rule breaking ex homicide detective who insinuates himself into two FBI investigations, I found his antics a bit over the top and it made the storyline too unbelievable for me to get invested in it. It wasn't a bad read but I wasn't on the edge of my seat either. Recommended
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advanced reader copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advanced reader copy.
December 1, 2022
A twisty, interwoven plot with plenty of bad guys. Prescott is a hard-edged, driven Fletch, who would surely be in jail in the real world. But hey, if you're willing to suspend your disbelief about his ability to make hay from obscure clues and get away with everything (including murder), it's a fun, fast read. Read the ARC, forthcoming 2/23
October 20, 2025
4.75 stars
This was a really good book.
I got hooked instantly on Thomas and his quirks - but also the "internal banter" of the book itself. The author has a witty, cocky tone through out that is also the voice of Thomas Prescott. It works really, really well and I soaked it up, feeling right at home.
However, there's one thing that bothers me just a smidge about this prequel.
It is a good gateway to the Thomas Prescott books, yes. However, after having listened to all the other books, this one still stands out as the best one, to me.
Because, in many ways, this book is somehow sharper, more streamlined, more lived-in by the author - clearly on top of his game, here. All of that makes perfect sense, since Thomas, as a character, has already lived through the other books when this one was written.
In hindsight, I think this book might be the pinnacle of the series - which makes it a rather lousy place to start, actually, if you ask me. 😆
I'm not saying the other books are bad. Not at all. Just that I liked this one so much more and I had a small tinge in my heart while listening to the others, wanting them to be just as good as this one. And when they weren't, I was a smidge disappointed.
This was a really good book.
I got hooked instantly on Thomas and his quirks - but also the "internal banter" of the book itself. The author has a witty, cocky tone through out that is also the voice of Thomas Prescott. It works really, really well and I soaked it up, feeling right at home.
However, there's one thing that bothers me just a smidge about this prequel.
It is a good gateway to the Thomas Prescott books, yes. However, after having listened to all the other books, this one still stands out as the best one, to me.
Because, in many ways, this book is somehow sharper, more streamlined, more lived-in by the author - clearly on top of his game, here. All of that makes perfect sense, since Thomas, as a character, has already lived through the other books when this one was written.
In hindsight, I think this book might be the pinnacle of the series - which makes it a rather lousy place to start, actually, if you ask me. 😆
I'm not saying the other books are bad. Not at all. Just that I liked this one so much more and I had a small tinge in my heart while listening to the others, wanting them to be just as good as this one. And when they weren't, I was a smidge disappointed.
February 16, 2023
This is a Prequel to the Thomas Prescott series. I have not read any of the series so this was a new experience for me. Thomas is in Philadelphia visiting his sister Lacey who swims on her college’s swim team.
It is not long until Thomas stumbles upon a murder at the occupy Philadelphia site. He joins the task force to try and solve the murder.
The main character is very sarcastic, and it took a while to get into the book because of this. I did enjoy the story. He helped with the murders. He also showed his humane side by helping his sister through a health scare.
This book gives back story to the series. Those who have read the series will enjoy it and those who have not will get a good foundation on the Main character. I recommend the book.
It is not long until Thomas stumbles upon a murder at the occupy Philadelphia site. He joins the task force to try and solve the murder.
The main character is very sarcastic, and it took a while to get into the book because of this. I did enjoy the story. He helped with the murders. He also showed his humane side by helping his sister through a health scare.
This book gives back story to the series. Those who have read the series will enjoy it and those who have not will get a good foundation on the Main character. I recommend the book.
February 17, 2023
This was a thoroughly engaging mystery with two heavy duty cases under investigation. — one involving the murder of the college student daughter of a billionaire financier, the other a serial killer with bodies dating back to the ‘70’s.
This is a prequel to the popular Thomas Prescott series, which I have not read, but after being introduced to the former police detective, now acting as a consultant, I will definitely want to read more. He is smart, fearless, irreverent and loyal to a fault, and making the story even better is the self-deprecating humor woven throughout. Some aspects of the trail Prescott followed were a little too tidy to be believed, but if you are looking for suspense and entertainment, you can’t go wrong.
This is a prequel to the popular Thomas Prescott series, which I have not read, but after being introduced to the former police detective, now acting as a consultant, I will definitely want to read more. He is smart, fearless, irreverent and loyal to a fault, and making the story even better is the self-deprecating humor woven throughout. Some aspects of the trail Prescott followed were a little too tidy to be believed, but if you are looking for suspense and entertainment, you can’t go wrong.
March 3, 2023
Wish I could binge read!
After binge reading all of his earlier books back in 2019 [wow....June pre-pandemic, guessing that is why it seems so long ago that I read them], I stumbled upon info re this book coming out soon. A slow starting book led to to buying e-and audio-books the evening it came out. Definitely a good read. [Hmmmm, maybe I will end up re-reading the old ones. But I typically don't with mysteries.] Am a bit curious if my memory is accurate [particularly for Lacy].....so, maybe!
Definitely recommend this series for anyone into detective mysteries, as well as wanting good character development.
An important note: it is a prequel. But it also has extensive mysteries all their own.
After binge reading all of his earlier books back in 2019 [wow....June pre-pandemic, guessing that is why it seems so long ago that I read them], I stumbled upon info re this book coming out soon. A slow starting book led to to buying e-and audio-books the evening it came out. Definitely a good read. [Hmmmm, maybe I will end up re-reading the old ones. But I typically don't with mysteries.] Am a bit curious if my memory is accurate [particularly for Lacy].....so, maybe!
Definitely recommend this series for anyone into detective mysteries, as well as wanting good character development.
An important note: it is a prequel. But it also has extensive mysteries all their own.
March 23, 2023
Gambling by playing the numbers helped people realize their dreams and ruined lives. Another excellent book by Nick Pirog. I'm always in for learning something new and from this book I discovered gambling by the numbers. I'd never heard of it! Thomas Prescott, who is fortunately wealthy since he can't hold a job, is a sometimes consultant for the FBI. A brilliant detective, he single-handedly solves a couple crimes even after he's let go from the task team. I love reading these books, the humor, the intelligence to solve the crime both make these books an excellent read. However, I felt Thomas Prescott's independence, his inability to do what he's told, was getting a little stale. The Numbers did push his assholeness a little far. Still good though.
September 10, 2023
A bit better than a 3 poss 3.25 rating. Thomas Prescott, former Seattle Detective now living in Philly since his sis is attending Drexel college and he lost his job for "not always coloring in the lines" but always solving the case.
He's a bit (alot) of a smart aleck-mouthy but likeable and does his own thing. He's helped Philly PD on a previous case as a consultant and they call him in to help with killings that have numbers carved into their forehead. He takes off a lot on his own to follow clues, has a "partner" from the FBI and a couple at the PD but somehow, I always felt there was something off in the PD.
Thomas gets involved in two cases and solves them both. This is marketed as a prequel to the series (storyline in 2011) so I imagine the older books are from a later date.
He's a bit (alot) of a smart aleck-mouthy but likeable and does his own thing. He's helped Philly PD on a previous case as a consultant and they call him in to help with killings that have numbers carved into their forehead. He takes off a lot on his own to follow clues, has a "partner" from the FBI and a couple at the PD but somehow, I always felt there was something off in the PD.
Thomas gets involved in two cases and solves them both. This is marketed as a prequel to the series (storyline in 2011) so I imagine the older books are from a later date.
October 25, 2023
A wise-cracking, rule-breaking, independently wealthy, former cop helps the authorities solve the murder of a college student and some old murders of people involved in illegal betting. There were definitely funny parts and lots of twists, but it was a bit hard to believe that someone as clever as Thomas was at solving crimes could also get himself in so many utterly ridiculous situations. For example, he has an ex-girlfriend who is an accomplished hacker who reeks havoc on his life after he breaks up with her. He also gives his sister a dog with narcolepsy, and he keeps getting stuck wearing a kangaroo costume and breaking into people's houses. I liked his sarcasm even while facing death, but the novel was a bit too slapstick for me.
March 29, 2024
I know this is a “prequel“ novel set before the main series of Thomas Prescott books but I’ve never read them so it seems like this would be just as good a place to start as any. I found the book very quirky and fun as well as intriguing. I’ll admit that took me a little bit to get into the book because I got a little lost at the beginning, but I was able to catch up quickly. The difficulty getting into it is pretty much the only reason it’s not a five star book. I found Tom‘s relationship with his sister to be adorable. I hope you get to see more of her and of course more of Baxter because who doesn’t love a narcoleptic pug… Oops, spoiler alert… Well, it’s not that big of a plot point, but it is adorable.
April 3, 2023
Always a treat!
At first I was very confused as to why I had waited so long for another book about Thomas Prescott, etal, but it began in 2011! Then I realized this was meant to be a prequel. I enjoyed getting some back story on all my favorite characters. I truly love the way this author writes - the pages just fly. This one had two mysterious to solve so it made it that much more interesting. I love how smart Thomas is and how he investigates - especially his sense of humor and how he doesn't always get it right on the first try! I am truly a Nick Perog fan and have enjoyed every one of his books.
At first I was very confused as to why I had waited so long for another book about Thomas Prescott, etal, but it began in 2011! Then I realized this was meant to be a prequel. I enjoyed getting some back story on all my favorite characters. I truly love the way this author writes - the pages just fly. This one had two mysterious to solve so it made it that much more interesting. I love how smart Thomas is and how he investigates - especially his sense of humor and how he doesn't always get it right on the first try! I am truly a Nick Perog fan and have enjoyed every one of his books.
March 10, 2023
I love the entire Thomas Prescott series!
Good plots. Very personable. I feel like I know the characters and would welcome Thomas and his friends as my friends. Thomas' antics frequently have me laughing out loud and my husband had banned me from reading in bed while he is asleep! I have also read all of Nick Pilot's other novels. He isn't new favorite author. (I am also a huge fan of Nelson Denville; especially the John Corey novels, which is probably why I enjoy Nick Pilot's books so much).
Good plots. Very personable. I feel like I know the characters and would welcome Thomas and his friends as my friends. Thomas' antics frequently have me laughing out loud and my husband had banned me from reading in bed while he is asleep! I have also read all of Nick Pilot's other novels. He isn't new favorite author. (I am also a huge fan of Nelson Denville; especially the John Corey novels, which is probably why I enjoy Nick Pilot's books so much).
March 14, 2025
It is interesting that after I started to read this book, I looked at the author’s bio on Goodreads. He mentioned that he has come a long way from when he wrote his first book at the age of 22. Well, I thought he was a new author for me with The Numbers and came to find out I attempted to read his first book in 2017 and did not finish it! Yes, he has come a long way as an author! The Numbers was a prequel to his Prescott series although it is not book 1. I plan now to read this entire series. It has mystery, outstanding characters and I love the humor he throws in.
February 10, 2023
This was my first Thomas Prescott book, and it certainly was different! Thomas is absolutely the most irreverent character I have ever come across, but very good at what he does. The story twisted and turned and I certainly didn't figure the mystery out. There was a really diverse cast of characters and I loved Baxter! 4 Stars.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the Publisher, which in no way affected my honest opinion.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the Publisher, which in no way affected my honest opinion.
March 11, 2023
If you haven’t read the rest of the Prescott series, you should want to after reading this. I’ve also had the pleasure of listening to the entire series and they were able to get the same narrator for The Numbers. I found that incredibly helpful in keeping the continuity for Prescott’s voice. There is a discrepancy between the rest of the series and this prequel, but it is minor and doesn’t affect the plot at all.
July 12, 2023
WOW, Nick, just WOW. The characters are fab. The plot is intriguing. The twists are thrilling.
The writing is crystal clear, the plot is NOT. (In a good way).
The story is like the superhighways we used to see in comic books, that eventually became real! Full of twists and turns and crossovers. I could hardly put it down.
Readers from teens to elders, there is something everyone can relate to.
You will be clamoring for MORE books by Nick Pirog!!
The writing is crystal clear, the plot is NOT. (In a good way).
The story is like the superhighways we used to see in comic books, that eventually became real! Full of twists and turns and crossovers. I could hardly put it down.
Readers from teens to elders, there is something everyone can relate to.
You will be clamoring for MORE books by Nick Pirog!!
August 8, 2025
Thomas used to be a cop but now he just wants to live his life and periodically solve a case or two. He is asked to consult on these cases with numbers on the victims.
I really like this book because it incorporates current fiction books while you are trying to solve what is going on.
The humor cracks me up, but at times, it can be dark. This was a good ready. I am curious about the rest of the series.
I really like this book because it incorporates current fiction books while you are trying to solve what is going on.
The humor cracks me up, but at times, it can be dark. This was a good ready. I am curious about the rest of the series.
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