Close Your Eyes and Count to 10

Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 by Lisa Unger is a very highly recommended locked-room mystery/thriller. Unger is one of my automatically read authors and she delivers an excellent novel again!

Adele Crane and her two teenage children, Violet and Blake, have been struggling since her husband Miller disappeared along with millions of dollars he embezzled from his company five years ago. Now Blake has told her about a streaming reality competition called Extreme Hide and Seek run by adventurer Maverick (Mav) Dillan. The prize is a million dollars, something that would really help Adele and her children. Adele has had some success online as a health influencer, so she applies and makes the team.

Mav and his team are holding the competition show more on the remote Falcão Island, at the site of an abandoned, dilapidated resort that is on the verge of collapsing. Adele's competitors are Malinka, a famous young mountain climber, and Wild Cody, a former kid's show host. Once Adele arrives, she can see there are internal struggles with Maverick's team. Complicating matter further is a huge storm heading for the island and a mysterious old woman, with muscular enforcers accompanying her, is warning them to leave.

This is exactly the well written and plotted mystery I needed. Once the plot is set up in this multifaceted, complex, and engrossing locked-room mystery/thriller, the action takes off at a fast pace. I was engrossed throughout. You think it's going to be a hide and seek game, but it is so much dangerous and becomes a fight for survival. There are so many secrets as the sense of dread rises with each page - and for multiple characters. Everyone is live-streaming leading up to the game increasing the tension as the views matter and determine success.

The narrative unfolds through the point-of-view of several different characters, including Adele, her children, Maverick, his girlfriend Angeline, and more. Adele is a fully realized character and you will be supporting her all the way. All the other characters are also portrayed as realistic, complicated individuals with secrets and shortcomings.

It is so enjoyable to read a well-plotted and executed mystery/thriller that doesn't feel like every other thriller out there. Thanks to Park Row Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
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This novel is a heart-pounding thriller that combines the high-stakes tension of a survival game with the dark underbelly of social media spectacle. Maverick Dillan, a charismatic adventurer, invites contestants to a dangerous game of hide-and-seek on the remote and storm-lashed Falcao Island, promising fame and a million-dollar prize. What begins as an exhilarating social media event quickly spirals into a chilling fight for survival as sinister forces come into play.

At the story’s center is Adele, a resilient single mother desperate to provide a better future for her children after her fugitive husband abandoned them. Balancing her new life as an influencer and her financial struggles, Adele sees Maverick’s game as an opportunity show more she can’t pass up. But once on the cursed island, it becomes clear that survival, not winning, is the ultimate goal.

The novel excels in crafting a suspenseful, immersive atmosphere. The warnings from locals, Maverick’s questionable ethics, and the island’s haunting isolation create an air of dread that grows with each chapter. As contestants start vanishing and the storm intensifies, the story transforms into a relentless, adrenaline-fueled battle. The constant threats—both from the environment and an unseen predator—keep readers on edge.

Adele is the novel’s greatest strength. Her fierce determination to protect her children and her emotional depth make her a compelling and relatable protagonist. Her maternal instincts and resilience shine as the situation becomes increasingly dire. The dynamic between her and her children adds emotional weight to the story, elevating it beyond a typical survival tale.

While the pacing starts slow, with multiple characters and backstories introduced, the narrative picks up rapidly in the second half. The action-packed sequences and psychological tension keep the story engaging, even though some subplots, like Adele’s estranged husband, remain unresolved. The book’s commentary on the exploitation of personal struggles for entertainment and the dangers of social media fame adds a thought-provoking layer.

In conclusion, this novel is a gripping blend of survival horror and social commentary, exploring the lengths a mother will go to protect her family. With a chilling setting, vivid characters, and relentless tension, it’s a must-read for fans of thrillers and survival stories. Despite minor pacing issues, it delivers a satisfying, edge-of-your-seat experience from start to finish. Thank you NetGalley for my ARC. show less

I usually thoroughly enjoy Lisa Unger’s books and most often read her backlist titles. Therefore, I was thrilled to place a hold on Libby when her latest thriller, Close Your Eyes and Count to 10, became available. However, this time, I was underwhelmed.

I had placed the hold in February and didn’t get my turn until September. As I started reading, I noticed comments and reviews from other readers expressing disappointment, often describing the book as “not Unger’s best.” Despite this, I tried to remain optimistic and reminded myself that just because others didn’t enjoy it didn’t mean I wouldn’t. So, with an open mind, I began listening to the audiobook.

The premise of an adult game of hide-and-seek set in an abandoned show more hotel on an island intrigued me. The description promised suspense, a “chilling test of survival,” and “a twisted web of deception and intrigue.” While these elements were present in the story, I struggled to connect with the storyline or care about the characters.

The story heavily focuses on the unhealthy aspects of social media, influencers, and the pursuit of followers. While a couple of characters are into gaming, which is relevant to the story, I’m not a gamer myself. The cast of characters responsible for hosting the hide-and-seek game is composed of selfish and greedy individuals. I can tolerate unlikable characters, but I felt they were meant to be likable. Similarly, the characters who participate in the challenge aren’t particularly likable either. I understand they were intended to be liked, but I couldn’t get invested in them. Lastly, the suspense lacked the tantalizing and exciting quality that I usually enjoy in Unger’s books.

I genuinely wanted to enjoy this book, but I found it to be merely average at best. I regret writing an unfavorable review because I’m certain Lisa invested a significant amount of time and effort into this project. Also, the book did conclude with a positive message regarding social media. I wish I had canceled my hold several weeks ago when I began noticing widespread disappointment about this book and skipped it entirely. Despite my desire to abandon books that don’t captivate me, I didn’t do so with this one. I couldn’t help but wonder why. Perhaps I kept listening because I felt committed as it occupied a spot on my holds list for seven months, I wanted to form my own opinion of the book, and while it was just okay, it wasn’t terrible.

The audiobook is well-narrated by Vivienne Leheny.

I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog show less

Charismatic daredevil and extreme adventurer Maverick Dillan invites you to the ultimate game of hide-and-seek. But as the players gather on Falcao Island, the event quickly spirals into a chilling test of survival.
It started as a game but soon turned into "something else". When first meeting Adele Crane we find that her life is pretty much in tatters. Her husband, Miller, had vanished off the face of the Earth, taking with him millions of dollars he had embezzled from the tech company that he had founded, leaving Adele struggling to make a living and raise their two kids. She’s managed to pretty much rebuild her confidence with the help of marathons and on online, as a health advisor. When a friend suggests that she apply to show more participate in the streaming reality competition for influencers..."Extreme Hide and Seek", it made perfect sense to her.

The game was one where contestants are taken to a "challenging" location, where they hide from the "Extreme" team. The last one that is found, wins one- million dollars. Adele can't turn that down and soon finds herself on rugged, remote Falcao Island, the site of the "Enchantments", a huge, luxury resort built in the 1980s but now long abandoned and on the narrow verge of collapse.

It’s quickly apparent that the "Extreme" team is on the verge of collapse and chaos also. Its founder and star of the show, Maverick Dillan, began his career as a youngster doing skating stunts for viral videos, but now he heads a hugely successful enterprise...or does he? Maverick is close to middle age, and all his past injuries and current pressures are beginning to catch up with him, further complicated by the fact that on the last "Extreme Hide and Seek", a contestant... a young woman, Chloe Miranda, hid and was never found. That is something that the "internet vigilantes" won’t ever let him forget.

Maverick has a girlfriend...the no-nonsense, Angeline. She is actually the one that is holding him as well as the company together. The team’s other three members are his oldest friends, but those friendships are beginning to show fractures. Adele’s competitors...a former kids’ show host known as "Wild Cody" and a famous mountain climber, Malinka Niqui, all have some "problems" of their own. As they assemble on the island for the contest, they’re warned to leave by a mysterious old woman...who...are you ready for this? comes with her paramilitary backup team. As you might also expect being in the middle of the ocean, a huge tropical storm also comes rolling in.

The story weaves together multiple points of views from almost believable characters. From having watched the antics of the contestants on reality TV's "Survivor"...I am more of a "believer" than I used to be, that what could be considered "intelligent people" would actually do something this crazy. The reader is thrown right into the sense of dread, then skillfully given the physical terrors of the challenge while we learn one disturbing secret after another. The dangers of both the real and the virtual worlds come together effectively in this thriller. At times it all becomes a bit "too much" and some major issues didn't really get resolved or explained...but overall, a read worth indulging in. show less

When extreme adventurer and influence Maverick Dillian hosts a hide and seek competition on Falcao island, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. However, the challengers will be faced with more than they can chew with danger lurking around every corner.

When I received the notification that I was selected for an early copy of this book, I was excited. The premise is amazing, but I was disappointed in the execution of the story. It wasn’t what I thought it would be. There were some plot points that I felt fell short or things that weren’t fleshed out as much as they couldn’t been. It was also pretty clear early on what the twist was going to be.

Out of all the characters, I would pick Adele as my favorite because she was the most show more down to Earth. The other ones (especially Maverick) were pretty infuriating with the choices they made.

All in all, this was an interesting read and will hold your attention if you’re a fan of slow-burn books.

**Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the opportunity** show less

Are you ready for an unforgettable game of hide-and-seek on a remote, abandoned island, where the stakes are a whopping one million dollars? "Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten" is an exhilarating thriller that weaves together the crazy world of social media with a locked-room mystery set against the eerie backdrop of an abandoned and crumbling resort on the remote Falcao Island.

Meet Maverick, a daring influencer and extreme adventurer who organized this highly controversial event despite ominous warnings from the local community and a massive storm on the horizon. His thrill-seeking spirit makes for good entertainment, but the real drama unfolds when the players arrive.

Then there's Adele, a single mother drowning in debt after her show more husband walked out. She's willing to leave her kids for a few days with the chance to change her family’s future hanging in the balance. What could go wrong? Adele is fit, ready, and determined to win, but once she steps on the island and the game starts, she starts questioning her decision.

Thanks to Harlequin Audio and Park Row Books, I had the opportunity to dive into the ebook and audiobook versions of this gripping tale. Experiencing the story while listening to it adds a new layer of depth, enhancing the thrill! I've admired the narrator, who brings characters to life with her talent.

Unger is one of my favorite authors, and I try to grab early copies of her books whenever possible. This book might not reach the heights of some of her earlier works, but it still delivers a heart-pounding survival thriller that will keep you engrossed.

#CloseYourEyesandCountto10 #LisaUnger #HarlequinAudio #HTPPublishing #ParkRowBooks #htpbooks #htpinfluencer #thehive #ARC show less

Are you ready for an unforgettable game of hide-and-seek on a remote, abandoned island, where the stakes are a whopping one million dollars? "Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten" is an exhilarating thriller that weaves together the crazy world of social media with a locked-room mystery set against the eerie backdrop of an abandoned and crumbling resort on the remote Falcao Island.

Meet Maverick, a daring influencer and extreme adventurer who organized this highly controversial event despite ominous warnings from the local community and a massive storm on the horizon. His thrill-seeking spirit makes for good entertainment, but the real drama unfolds when the players arrive.

Then there's Adele, a single mother drowning in debt after her show more husband walked out. She's willing to leave her kids for a few days with the chance to change her family’s future hanging in the balance. What could go wrong? Adele is fit, ready, and determined to win, but once she steps on the island and the game starts, she starts questioning her decision.

Thanks to Harlequin Audio and Park Row Books, I had the opportunity to dive into the ebook and audiobook versions of this gripping tale. Experiencing the story while listening to it adds a new layer of depth, enhancing the thrill! I've admired the narrator, who brings characters to life with her talent.

Unger is one of my favorite authors, and I try to grab early copies of her books whenever possible. This book might not reach the heights of some of her earlier works, but it still delivers a heart-pounding survival thriller that will keep you engrossed.

#CloseYourEyesandCountto10 #LisaUnger #HarlequinAudio #HTPPublishing #ParkRowBooks #htpbooks #htpinfluencer #thehive #ARC show less