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Close Your Eyes and Count to 10
An extreme game of hide-and-seek turns deadly in this riveting new thriller from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger
When the real game begins, who will make it to the count of 10?
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. A storm rages as a deadly threat stalks the contestants, turning the challenge into something far more sinister than the social media stunt it was intended to be.
Enter Adele, a single mother with a fierce determination to protect her children at all costs. When she begins the game, she unwittingly enters a twisted web of deception and intrigue. Can she maneuver through the treacherous storm and the relentless competition and get home to her family? In a ruthless battle for survival where the stakes are higher than ever, the blurry line between the virtual and the real proves that the only person we can trust is ourselves.
When the real game begins, who will make it to the count of 10?
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. A storm rages as a deadly threat stalks the contestants, turning the challenge into something far more sinister than the social media stunt it was intended to be.
Enter Adele, a single mother with a fierce determination to protect her children at all costs. When she begins the game, she unwittingly enters a twisted web of deception and intrigue. Can she maneuver through the treacherous storm and the relentless competition and get home to her family? In a ruthless battle for survival where the stakes are higher than ever, the blurry line between the virtual and the real proves that the only person we can trust is ourselves.
380 pages, Hardcover
First published February 25, 2025
1797 people are currently reading
66167 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Unger
48 books10.4k followersLisa Unger is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of twenty-three novels, including her upcoming release SERVED HIM RIGHT (March, 2026). With books published in thirty-three languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is regarded as a master of suspense.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,333 reviews
January 30, 2025
It’s disappointing that not everyone died in this story. They were all insufferable.
July 3, 2024
I’m thrilled to announce my new novel CLOSE YOUR EYES AND COUNT TO 10, coming February 18, 2025! It is about single mom Adele who travels to a remote island in the Atlantic to participate in an extreme game of hide-and-seek hosted by Maverick Dillan, a daredevil social media star and his company Extreme Games and Insane Challenges. Adele has traveled to Falcao Island, leaving her teenagers alone for the first time, to try to win the million dollar prize. After all, these things are just stunts, right? All for the cameras? There’s no real danger. But as a storm bears down and a very real threat looms, the situation quickly turns from game to race for survival.
One of the big inspirations for this story came when my family and I traveled to the Azores, a chain of islands in the Atlantic. I'll share more later, as we get closer to the release date.
One of the big inspirations for this story came when my family and I traveled to the Azores, a chain of islands in the Atlantic. I'll share more later, as we get closer to the release date.
March 12, 2025
Hmmmmmmm🤔 I had to take a moment to process my feelings on this one. Ultimately, I’ve decided that I enjoyed it… enough.
I’m no expert in writing, but hey, I’ve read my fair share of thrillers! And I think one of the secrets to a really good one—aside from unpredictable twists and reveals—is actually caring about the story. Like, genuinely finding it interesting to the point where the twists and reveals actually hit. And that’s where this book fell short for me. It was engaging enough that I wanted to see how everything played out, but I wasn’t invested in the characters or fully immersed in the story.
The book starts off somewhat strong—you can immediately tell that something has happened to shake up Adele and her family’s lives. I was ready to learn more about them, to invest in their journey. But then I realized… this wasn’t just about them. It was about a lot of people. Now that I’ve finished the book, I’m not even sure which characters the story was ultimately for. Maybe that shouldn’t matter too much in a thriller, but it made it hard to fully connect with any of them—especially when some had pretty unlikable personalities. That said, all I did get to know about each character was interesting since they all had distinct lives.
Then there’s the whole game show element, which—oof—I just couldn’t care less about. It was meant to create a spooky, ominous atmosphere, and at first, it kind of did. There were plenty of warnings from the characters, plenty of buildup… but it just didn’t sustain that tension for very long.
That being said, most books have something good in them, and I’ll admit this one kept me intrigued. As painfully predictable as it was, roughly 20% actually managed to surprise me. And honestly? I kind of enjoyed the overall drama. I think a lot of people would find the characters relatable in their own ways.
So not bad, just not the greatest! Still looking forward to reading more of Unger’s works.
I’m no expert in writing, but hey, I’ve read my fair share of thrillers! And I think one of the secrets to a really good one—aside from unpredictable twists and reveals—is actually caring about the story. Like, genuinely finding it interesting to the point where the twists and reveals actually hit. And that’s where this book fell short for me. It was engaging enough that I wanted to see how everything played out, but I wasn’t invested in the characters or fully immersed in the story.
The book starts off somewhat strong—you can immediately tell that something has happened to shake up Adele and her family’s lives. I was ready to learn more about them, to invest in their journey. But then I realized… this wasn’t just about them. It was about a lot of people. Now that I’ve finished the book, I’m not even sure which characters the story was ultimately for. Maybe that shouldn’t matter too much in a thriller, but it made it hard to fully connect with any of them—especially when some had pretty unlikable personalities. That said, all I did get to know about each character was interesting since they all had distinct lives.
Then there’s the whole game show element, which—oof—I just couldn’t care less about. It was meant to create a spooky, ominous atmosphere, and at first, it kind of did. There were plenty of warnings from the characters, plenty of buildup… but it just didn’t sustain that tension for very long.
That being said, most books have something good in them, and I’ll admit this one kept me intrigued. As painfully predictable as it was, roughly 20% actually managed to surprise me. And honestly? I kind of enjoyed the overall drama. I think a lot of people would find the characters relatable in their own ways.
So not bad, just not the greatest! Still looking forward to reading more of Unger’s works.
April 17, 2025
When charismatic adventurer Maverick Dillan invites contestants to a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek on the remote Falcao Island, it promises to be a thrilling adventure. However, what starts as a social media stunt quickly devolves into a chilling battle for survival as a deadly threat emerges amidst a raging storm.
Enter Adele, a resilient single mother determined to provide a better life for her children after being abandoned by her fugitive husband. Juggling her new career as an influencer and the challenges of raising her son Blake and daughter Violet, Adele’s life takes a dramatic turn when she decides to join Maverick’s extreme game. The lure of the million-dollar prize is too tempting to pass up, especially with her financial struggles and the hope of a fresh start for her family.
From the moment Adele sets foot on Falcao Island, the atmosphere is charged with tension. The locals’ warnings about the island’s curse, coupled with the questionable ethics of Maverick and his team, set the stage for an ominous game. As contestants vanish and sinister occurrences mount, Adele’s focus shifts from winning to sheer survival.
The novel excels in its portrayal of Adele’s character. Her determination to protect her children and her fierce spirit are inspiring.
As the storm intensifies and the danger escalates, the plot becomes a relentless, adrenaline-fueled race. The contestants’ fears and suspicions mirror the reader's growing unease. Maverick’s obsession with fame and the ominous backdrop of the island contribute to a sense of impending doom. The mysterious disappearances and the constant threat of the storm create a palpable tension that keeps the reader on edge.
While the novel starts with a slow burn, introducing a myriad of characters and backstories, it quickly picks up pace in the second half. The action-packed chapters and high-stakes scenarios keep the reader engaged. However, some subplots, like Adele’s absent husband, feel slightly unresolved, leaving a few loose ends.
The story’s strength lies in its vivid characterization and the chilling atmosphere of Falcao Island. The blend of reality show dynamics with survival horror elements creates a unique and captivating narrative. The author’s commentary on social media’s impact and the exploitation of personal struggles for entertainment adds a thought-provoking layer to the story.
In conclusion, this novel is a gripping, heart-pounding thriller that explores the lengths a mother will go to protect her children. It’s a compelling tale of survival, resilience, and the blurred lines between reality and spectacle. Despite some minor pacing issues, it delivers a satisfying and thrilling read that will keep you hooked until the very end. Perfect for fans of suspenseful survival stories and those intrigued by the darker side of reality TV.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for providing me this action packed locked room mystery's digital reviewer copy in exchange of my honest thoughts.
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Enter Adele, a resilient single mother determined to provide a better life for her children after being abandoned by her fugitive husband. Juggling her new career as an influencer and the challenges of raising her son Blake and daughter Violet, Adele’s life takes a dramatic turn when she decides to join Maverick’s extreme game. The lure of the million-dollar prize is too tempting to pass up, especially with her financial struggles and the hope of a fresh start for her family.
From the moment Adele sets foot on Falcao Island, the atmosphere is charged with tension. The locals’ warnings about the island’s curse, coupled with the questionable ethics of Maverick and his team, set the stage for an ominous game. As contestants vanish and sinister occurrences mount, Adele’s focus shifts from winning to sheer survival.
The novel excels in its portrayal of Adele’s character. Her determination to protect her children and her fierce spirit are inspiring.
As the storm intensifies and the danger escalates, the plot becomes a relentless, adrenaline-fueled race. The contestants’ fears and suspicions mirror the reader's growing unease. Maverick’s obsession with fame and the ominous backdrop of the island contribute to a sense of impending doom. The mysterious disappearances and the constant threat of the storm create a palpable tension that keeps the reader on edge.
While the novel starts with a slow burn, introducing a myriad of characters and backstories, it quickly picks up pace in the second half. The action-packed chapters and high-stakes scenarios keep the reader engaged. However, some subplots, like Adele’s absent husband, feel slightly unresolved, leaving a few loose ends.
The story’s strength lies in its vivid characterization and the chilling atmosphere of Falcao Island. The blend of reality show dynamics with survival horror elements creates a unique and captivating narrative. The author’s commentary on social media’s impact and the exploitation of personal struggles for entertainment adds a thought-provoking layer to the story.
In conclusion, this novel is a gripping, heart-pounding thriller that explores the lengths a mother will go to protect her children. It’s a compelling tale of survival, resilience, and the blurred lines between reality and spectacle. Despite some minor pacing issues, it delivers a satisfying and thrilling read that will keep you hooked until the very end. Perfect for fans of suspenseful survival stories and those intrigued by the darker side of reality TV.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for providing me this action packed locked room mystery's digital reviewer copy in exchange of my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
March 11, 2025
Due to the fact that it was written by one of my favorite authors, I had exceedingly high expectations for Lisa Unger’s newest locked room mystery/thriller, Close Your Eyes and Count to 10. After all, thanks to an atmospheric setting, strong female protagonist, and reality-TV-show premise, it seemed like it just couldn’t go wrong. Does that mean it was utter perfection? No, not exactly. You see, with a slow burn pace and a multitude of alternating POVs, it wasn’t the rollicking ride of unbridled thrills that I had been expecting. Just the same, nothing could stop this book from being one heck of a rollercoaster ride of suspense as this motley crew of characters were trapped by a storm in this atmospheric and eerie locale.
The biggest win in this psychological thriller, however, was most definitely the thought-provoking message underneath the popcorn thriller core. Critiquing social media and how it can exploit the struggles of those posting for the sake of mere entertainment, it was an eye-opening view of what we all tend to take for granted as we spend time online. Making this point even stronger were the realistic, vividly painted characters—with Adele front and center. A mother first and foremost, she and her children were the few individuals who I felt I could relate to amidst a cast of personas that felt decidedly extreme. All together, however, I nevertheless got swept up in a plot that kept me invested from beginning to end.
All said and done, with long-buried secrets, dark lies, and plenty of underhanded deceptions, this drama-fueled plot kept my eyes firmly glued to the pages. Could it have used some editing to keep the middle as riveting as the rest of the novel? Well…yes. But considering those last 100 pages delivered in spades, I’ll give a little leeway to one of my favorite authors. After all, there was a definite ebb and flow to the unease until the explosive climax led to the one heck of a surprising reveal. So if you like slow burns that feature plenty of secrets, this book is for you. Intricately plotted around a reality TV show gone wrong, I enjoyed this one even if I didn’t love it as much as I would’ve expected. Rating of 3.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
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. A storm rages as a deadly threat stalks the contestants, turning the challenge into something far more sinister than the social media stunt it was intended to be.
Enter Adele, a single mother with a fierce determination to protect her children at all costs. When she begins the game, she unwittingly enters a twisted web of deception and intrigue. Can she maneuver through the treacherous storm and the relentless competition and get home to her family? In a ruthless battle for survival where the stakes are higher than ever, the blurry line between the virtual and the real proves that the only person we can trust is ourselves.
Thank you to Lisa Unger, Park Row Books, abs NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 25, 2025
Content warning: missing person, murder, stalking, kidnapping, mention of: financial crimes
The biggest win in this psychological thriller, however, was most definitely the thought-provoking message underneath the popcorn thriller core. Critiquing social media and how it can exploit the struggles of those posting for the sake of mere entertainment, it was an eye-opening view of what we all tend to take for granted as we spend time online. Making this point even stronger were the realistic, vividly painted characters—with Adele front and center. A mother first and foremost, she and her children were the few individuals who I felt I could relate to amidst a cast of personas that felt decidedly extreme. All together, however, I nevertheless got swept up in a plot that kept me invested from beginning to end.
All said and done, with long-buried secrets, dark lies, and plenty of underhanded deceptions, this drama-fueled plot kept my eyes firmly glued to the pages. Could it have used some editing to keep the middle as riveting as the rest of the novel? Well…yes. But considering those last 100 pages delivered in spades, I’ll give a little leeway to one of my favorite authors. After all, there was a definite ebb and flow to the unease until the explosive climax led to the one heck of a surprising reveal. So if you like slow burns that feature plenty of secrets, this book is for you. Intricately plotted around a reality TV show gone wrong, I enjoyed this one even if I didn’t love it as much as I would’ve expected. Rating of 3.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
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. A storm rages as a deadly threat stalks the contestants, turning the challenge into something far more sinister than the social media stunt it was intended to be.
Enter Adele, a single mother with a fierce determination to protect her children at all costs. When she begins the game, she unwittingly enters a twisted web of deception and intrigue. Can she maneuver through the treacherous storm and the relentless competition and get home to her family? In a ruthless battle for survival where the stakes are higher than ever, the blurry line between the virtual and the real proves that the only person we can trust is ourselves.
Thank you to Lisa Unger, Park Row Books, abs NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 25, 2025
Content warning: missing person, murder, stalking, kidnapping, mention of: financial crimes
March 10, 2025
I don’t really have much to say about this book. It was just okay. The premise was decent enough, but there wasn’t much suspense or mystery. Not to mention this book was quite lengthy, with super long chapters (a pet peeve of mine that ruins almost any book that I read).
In this story we have a famous social media influencer/daredevil who sets up a game of hide and seek at the old Esperanca hotel, on Falcao Island. This influencer, Maverick, and his team were warned not to set up his game there- but he did not listen.
We then have Adele, a single (struggling) mother of two, who decides to participate in Maverick’s game of hide and seek in order to win the million dollar prize offered. Adele was encouraged to go by her son, Blake, who is a big gamer.
As with all of Lisa Unger’s books, I once again enjoyed her writing. I feel like I can emotionally connect and understand her characters. However, with this book- I didn’t like quite a few of the characters, and the storyline just didn’t thrill me. This unfortunately was another book that took me too long to read, and I can’t say that it is one that I would recommend or find memorable. I was hoping for something with a bit more suspense and spookiness considering how atmospheric the location was for the game of “hide and seek”. With that being said, I will still be reading Unger’s next book as I have been a fan of hers!
In this story we have a famous social media influencer/daredevil who sets up a game of hide and seek at the old Esperanca hotel, on Falcao Island. This influencer, Maverick, and his team were warned not to set up his game there- but he did not listen.
We then have Adele, a single (struggling) mother of two, who decides to participate in Maverick’s game of hide and seek in order to win the million dollar prize offered. Adele was encouraged to go by her son, Blake, who is a big gamer.
As with all of Lisa Unger’s books, I once again enjoyed her writing. I feel like I can emotionally connect and understand her characters. However, with this book- I didn’t like quite a few of the characters, and the storyline just didn’t thrill me. This unfortunately was another book that took me too long to read, and I can’t say that it is one that I would recommend or find memorable. I was hoping for something with a bit more suspense and spookiness considering how atmospheric the location was for the game of “hide and seek”. With that being said, I will still be reading Unger’s next book as I have been a fan of hers!
January 16, 2025
3.5🌟
The ultimate game of hide and seek. Are you ready?
Here’s the backdrop:
An eccentric online adventure-seeker known to take stunts to the extreme.
A girl missing from the last online event.
A remote island
A crumbling, condemned building
And a huge storm approaching.
I mean seriously, what could go wrong?💁🏼♀️
This was a quick read from one of my go-to authors. Though the premise isn’t all together original, with influencers doing anything for followers. Ultimately leading to the old adage, who's to blame?
Those seeking the attention...or the viewers desperate to see how far things will go? Maybe both?
At any rate, Lisa Unger still delivered a captivating read that I quickly breezed through over the weekend. Lots of characters and side-stories, but still very easy to follow along.
I’ve been reading books from Lisa Unger for years. And this latest may not be one of my top favorites but it is a good solid thriller and I look forward to her next.
Thank you to NatGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing
The ultimate game of hide and seek. Are you ready?
Here’s the backdrop:
An eccentric online adventure-seeker known to take stunts to the extreme.
A girl missing from the last online event.
A remote island
A crumbling, condemned building
And a huge storm approaching.
I mean seriously, what could go wrong?💁🏼♀️
This was a quick read from one of my go-to authors. Though the premise isn’t all together original, with influencers doing anything for followers. Ultimately leading to the old adage, who's to blame?
Those seeking the attention...or the viewers desperate to see how far things will go? Maybe both?
At any rate, Lisa Unger still delivered a captivating read that I quickly breezed through over the weekend. Lots of characters and side-stories, but still very easy to follow along.
I’ve been reading books from Lisa Unger for years. And this latest may not be one of my top favorites but it is a good solid thriller and I look forward to her next.
Thank you to NatGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing
Read
April 28, 2025DNF AT 60%
Oh gosh I am sorry I just can’t go any further with this book!
I really tried my best with this book and even tried listening to the audio to help speed up the process but it was an absolute chore and so frustrating for me.
So many characters I couldn’t care less about and the whole aspect of the game was non existent. Just mindless dialogue and gobble over what? I couldn’t tell you….
It’s such a shame but I think I have to accept that I just don’t gel with this authors work and her taste is not to my suiting.
As I didn’t complete the book I won’t give it a star rating.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
pre read
Ok ready to give this author one last chance!
The blurb sounds promising and intriguing!
I really hope it delivers!
💙💚💙
Oh gosh I am sorry I just can’t go any further with this book!
I really tried my best with this book and even tried listening to the audio to help speed up the process but it was an absolute chore and so frustrating for me.
So many characters I couldn’t care less about and the whole aspect of the game was non existent. Just mindless dialogue and gobble over what? I couldn’t tell you….
It’s such a shame but I think I have to accept that I just don’t gel with this authors work and her taste is not to my suiting.
As I didn’t complete the book I won’t give it a star rating.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
pre read
Ok ready to give this author one last chance!
The blurb sounds promising and intriguing!
I really hope it delivers!
💙💚💙
February 25, 2025
How come a novel about a high risk reality game show and survival becomes such a boring, lackluster story? How a game which is suppossedly a hide and seek becomes a gam where every body interacts with everybody and nothing about "close your eyes and count to 10"? Where is the suspense? Where are the high stakes? Is this really a reality game show?
I'm sorry. This book is a big mess. Everything is in chaos, the structure is so wrong. Multiple POVs lead to disorientation in the plot, resulting in lack of focus in the real game and real suspense. Why do I have to care about Adele's runaway criminal husband? Why do I have to care about the perspectives of Adele's kids? Are they related to the game anyway? Why do I want to read about the livestream and the podcast? What is the point of the POV of the FBI agent? It seems to me that the author has so many potential ideas and tries to jam all in one book without actually alighning them into a sensible story. Besides the game, we also explore the relationship between the member crew of the show and how corrupted they are. Excuse me, why? I don't need to read about their greed and ambition. All I want is the suspense in this high risk game, not people keep talking to each other. This book never delivers what it promises in the premise.
All the characters are flat and they are all noisy to me. Mav, the host, is the most annoying person.
There is no twist, to be honest. By the time I reached the part which you might call a twist, I didn't care any more. The book was beyond redemption.
I'm sorry. This book is a big mess. Everything is in chaos, the structure is so wrong. Multiple POVs lead to disorientation in the plot, resulting in lack of focus in the real game and real suspense. Why do I have to care about Adele's runaway criminal husband? Why do I have to care about the perspectives of Adele's kids? Are they related to the game anyway? Why do I want to read about the livestream and the podcast? What is the point of the POV of the FBI agent? It seems to me that the author has so many potential ideas and tries to jam all in one book without actually alighning them into a sensible story. Besides the game, we also explore the relationship between the member crew of the show and how corrupted they are. Excuse me, why? I don't need to read about their greed and ambition. All I want is the suspense in this high risk game, not people keep talking to each other. This book never delivers what it promises in the premise.
All the characters are flat and they are all noisy to me. Mav, the host, is the most annoying person.
There is no twist, to be honest. By the time I reached the part which you might call a twist, I didn't care any more. The book was beyond redemption.
May 10, 2025
Welcome to Falcao Island: tropical paradise by day, twisted death trap by night. Social media sensation and all-around adrenaline junkie Maverick Dillan (yes, that’s his actual name) invites thrill-seekers to the “ultimate game” — an epic hide-and-seek event that promises fame, fortune, and probably a killer TikTok montage. But things go off the rails real quick when the influencers become the influenced... by fear, that is.
Enter Adele: single mom, unlikely contestant, and woman with zero patience for nonsense. She didn’t sign up for murder tag in a monsoon, but here she is, dodging danger while trying to get back to her kids. If you like rooting for reluctant heroes and mothers with grit, she’s got that vibe. Unfortunately, despite being pitched as our main character, she’s often shoved out of the spotlight by a cast of supporting players who really want their fifteen minutes of fame—even if it means dying for it.
The plot comes with a storm (literally), masked figures, hidden agendas, and more betrayal than a season finale of The Bachelor. It’s tense. It’s atmospheric. But... it’s also kinda slow. Like, "we’re halfway through and still talking about everyone's backstory" slow. The real action doesn’t hit until later, and by then, you may already be mentally packing your bags.
As for the twist? It tiptoes in like it forgot it was supposed to make an entrance. The ending felt more like a “Wait, that’s it?” than a mic drop.
Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 has a solid premise and strong writing, but it plays hide-and-seek a little too long with the good stuff. It's not Lisa Unger’s strongest, but if you're in the mood for a popcorn thriller with stormy vibes and influencer drama, it might just scratch that itch.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC.
Enter Adele: single mom, unlikely contestant, and woman with zero patience for nonsense. She didn’t sign up for murder tag in a monsoon, but here she is, dodging danger while trying to get back to her kids. If you like rooting for reluctant heroes and mothers with grit, she’s got that vibe. Unfortunately, despite being pitched as our main character, she’s often shoved out of the spotlight by a cast of supporting players who really want their fifteen minutes of fame—even if it means dying for it.
The plot comes with a storm (literally), masked figures, hidden agendas, and more betrayal than a season finale of The Bachelor. It’s tense. It’s atmospheric. But... it’s also kinda slow. Like, "we’re halfway through and still talking about everyone's backstory" slow. The real action doesn’t hit until later, and by then, you may already be mentally packing your bags.
As for the twist? It tiptoes in like it forgot it was supposed to make an entrance. The ending felt more like a “Wait, that’s it?” than a mic drop.
Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 has a solid premise and strong writing, but it plays hide-and-seek a little too long with the good stuff. It's not Lisa Unger’s strongest, but if you're in the mood for a popcorn thriller with stormy vibes and influencer drama, it might just scratch that itch.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC.
February 26, 2025
3 Stars! 🌟 Huge thanks to Harlequin Audio & NetGalley for the ALC! 💌🎧
Okay, first off, this thriller had me intrigued from the jump! A secluded island + an extreme game of hide-and-seek? 🤩 Count me in! Add in a storm, dangerous secrets, and a group of influencers, and you've got a recipe for suspense! But... I can't lie, it didn’t totally blow me away.
🌪️ Survival Thriller
🕵️♀️ Psychological Deception
🌪️ Reality vs. Virtual Personas
🕵️♀️ Isolation
🌪️ Unreliable Narratives
🕵️♀️ Motherhood and Protection
💭 Thoughts: The premise is so fun—reality TV meets a locked-room mystery with a twist. And the setting? HELLO, it’s a remote island during a storm—such a perfect thriller backdrop! 🏝️ But while it was entertaining, the slow burn pace didn’t keep the excitement constant. I expected more edge-of-your-seat thrills, but it kind of dragged in the middle. ⏳
💡 Biggest win: The social media commentary was on point! 👏 It totally made me reflect on how much we all get caught up in the virtual world. Watching these influencers trying to survive while also playing for a million bucks felt like a total commentary on how far people will go for fame, views, and money. 💸 And Adele was chef's kiss—a mother willing to do anything for her kids. ❤️ That grit really kept me hooked!
🚨 What could’ve been better: The plot could’ve had a bit more oomph, especially with the creepy island vibes and the potential cult stuff that felt underutilized. Like, COME ON, that had so much potential for some extra thrills. 😩 And the whole multiple POVs thing? Yeah, it was a bit much. I had to focus hard to keep track of everyone’s storyline! 🙄
But the last 100 pages?? Now that’s where the book finally picked up! The twists were chef’s kiss 🫣 and the ending was solid, even if the journey there was a tad slow for me.
📍 Perfect for fans of:
✧ Reality TV Thrillers 📺
✧ Isolated Settings 🌧️
✧ High Stakes Games 💰
✧ Slow Burn Mysteries 🔥
✧ Social Media Drama 📱
✨ In conclusion: If you’re into a slow burn with some secrets, twists, and a great backdrop, you’ll probably enjoy this one. Just be ready for the pacing to mess with your suspense level a bit!
Okay, first off, this thriller had me intrigued from the jump! A secluded island + an extreme game of hide-and-seek? 🤩 Count me in! Add in a storm, dangerous secrets, and a group of influencers, and you've got a recipe for suspense! But... I can't lie, it didn’t totally blow me away.
🌪️ Survival Thriller
🕵️♀️ Psychological Deception
🌪️ Reality vs. Virtual Personas
🕵️♀️ Isolation
🌪️ Unreliable Narratives
🕵️♀️ Motherhood and Protection
💭 Thoughts: The premise is so fun—reality TV meets a locked-room mystery with a twist. And the setting? HELLO, it’s a remote island during a storm—such a perfect thriller backdrop! 🏝️ But while it was entertaining, the slow burn pace didn’t keep the excitement constant. I expected more edge-of-your-seat thrills, but it kind of dragged in the middle. ⏳
💡 Biggest win: The social media commentary was on point! 👏 It totally made me reflect on how much we all get caught up in the virtual world. Watching these influencers trying to survive while also playing for a million bucks felt like a total commentary on how far people will go for fame, views, and money. 💸 And Adele was chef's kiss—a mother willing to do anything for her kids. ❤️ That grit really kept me hooked!
🚨 What could’ve been better: The plot could’ve had a bit more oomph, especially with the creepy island vibes and the potential cult stuff that felt underutilized. Like, COME ON, that had so much potential for some extra thrills. 😩 And the whole multiple POVs thing? Yeah, it was a bit much. I had to focus hard to keep track of everyone’s storyline! 🙄
But the last 100 pages?? Now that’s where the book finally picked up! The twists were chef’s kiss 🫣 and the ending was solid, even if the journey there was a tad slow for me.
📍 Perfect for fans of:
✧ Reality TV Thrillers 📺
✧ Isolated Settings 🌧️
✧ High Stakes Games 💰
✧ Slow Burn Mysteries 🔥
✧ Social Media Drama 📱
✨ In conclusion: If you’re into a slow burn with some secrets, twists, and a great backdrop, you’ll probably enjoy this one. Just be ready for the pacing to mess with your suspense level a bit!
March 16, 2025
Hmmm, feel like I've read this one before...maybe cuz I did:
Everyone Here is Watching (2024)
Heather Gudenkauf
The Last One (2023)
Will Dean
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
March 26, 2025
An adult game of Hide and Seek sounds like a lot of fun, doesn't it? Maverick Dillan, a known daredevil has invited a group of players to Falcao Island, for the ultimate game of hide and seek for a social media challenge, but things don't go quite as planned. Adele, a single mother, joins the game hoping to improve her finances and make a better life for her children.
The game on a remote island has that trapped feeling which when paired with the competition with social media influencers and drive to win no matter what creates a mounting sense of tension. Add in a storm and things become dire and dangerous fast as the game spirals out of control.
I thought that I would love this book going into it. It sounded right up my alley, but I found it initially hard to get into there were many times where I found myself rolling my eyes. One does need to suspend some disbelief while reading and sometimes I find that easy to do while other times, I struggle with it. This was one of those times. I would put this at a solid three. Although slow to start, I enjoyed it but didn't love it. What worked for me was the tension, the atmosphere, and the element of danger. This won't stop me from reading more books by Lisa Unger in the future. We can't love them all and this was the case with this book.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
The game on a remote island has that trapped feeling which when paired with the competition with social media influencers and drive to win no matter what creates a mounting sense of tension. Add in a storm and things become dire and dangerous fast as the game spirals out of control.
I thought that I would love this book going into it. It sounded right up my alley, but I found it initially hard to get into there were many times where I found myself rolling my eyes. One does need to suspend some disbelief while reading and sometimes I find that easy to do while other times, I struggle with it. This was one of those times. I would put this at a solid three. Although slow to start, I enjoyed it but didn't love it. What worked for me was the tension, the atmosphere, and the element of danger. This won't stop me from reading more books by Lisa Unger in the future. We can't love them all and this was the case with this book.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
February 26, 2025
After 3 or 4 books from her I think it’s time to finally conclude that Unger just isn’t the author for me. I continue to be interested in her books because the premises always sound so good but the execution just never gives me what I’m looking for; I feel like her books reel you in with the premise to start but once you get into the story it starts going in a completely different direction (this is her 3rd book in a row i’ve read that this has been the case). The survival game show setting was SO promising but it just wasn’t that interesting ultimately.
March 1, 2025
Close Your Eyes And Count To 10 by Lisa Unger
Thank you to Harlequin Audio for the gifted audiobook and HTP Books/ Park Row for the e-ARC. I alternated between both.
Let me preface this by saying that I am newer to audiobooks that are fiction. So please know that it takes me some time to get used to. I usually do audio memoirs.
The synopsis alone says this is an extreme game of hide-and-seek. However, I felt the excitement didn’t hit the mark for me until the last 25% of the book. We have many POV. Everyone is struggling with something. I usually can follow a big cast but I seemed to struggle with keeping up.
One thing that bothered me was how Adele was an influencer who wanted to make it big. Stream with your followers that you’re on an isolated island in a high stakes game? 😳 All the chat and emoji references were a bit too much for me. That’s just me.
A highly anticipated slow burn thriller. If you’re a Lisa Unger fan and enjoy slow burns, you just might like this one. Please read other reviews, as many have loved it.
Pub date 2/25/2025
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Harlequin Audio for the gifted audiobook and HTP Books/ Park Row for the e-ARC. I alternated between both.
Let me preface this by saying that I am newer to audiobooks that are fiction. So please know that it takes me some time to get used to. I usually do audio memoirs.
The synopsis alone says this is an extreme game of hide-and-seek. However, I felt the excitement didn’t hit the mark for me until the last 25% of the book. We have many POV. Everyone is struggling with something. I usually can follow a big cast but I seemed to struggle with keeping up.
One thing that bothered me was how Adele was an influencer who wanted to make it big. Stream with your followers that you’re on an isolated island in a high stakes game? 😳 All the chat and emoji references were a bit too much for me. That’s just me.
A highly anticipated slow burn thriller. If you’re a Lisa Unger fan and enjoy slow burns, you just might like this one. Please read other reviews, as many have loved it.
Pub date 2/25/2025
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 22, 2025
**3.5-stars**
Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 features a extreme version of Hide-n-Seek, played by various daring Adults, and streamed online to countless fans.
Maverick Dillan is a wildly-popular creator and influencer in the Adventure space. This game is his baby, and even though it has been played before with disastrous consequences that still haunt him, he's up to host another round.
This round of the game is set to be played on the remote Falcao Island. In addition to Maverick and his people, we follow single-Mom, Adele, whose children get her to sign up for the game.
After her husband left them, Adele has had to wear a lot of different hats in their family, including resident badass. When her kids show how enthusiastic they are for the game, and how much they believe in her, she would be hard pressed to say no.
Plus, the $1,000,000 prize could change everything for them.
This story is very social media based, so it's not surprising we get snippets in a mixed media format to introduce the Reader to the game and the players.
While I loved the set-up and the premise behind the game, as well as all the players involved, the social media aspects did feel a bit over-exaggerated. It felt a little, and this is just my opinion, that maybe the author was perhaps pandering a bit to the BookTok crowd.
That's a very minor point though. I thought the set-up and basic premise of this story were both very well developed. I love how pulled into Adele's life I felt, and how much I was rooting for her as a contestant.
The game itself did remind of Hide by Kiersten White, but honestly, I feel like it was executed better here. No offense to anyone who loves Hide. I get it, but that one definitely fell flat for me with the gaming element.
This one gave me more of the fast-paced energy and drama that I wanted. I would recommend it to Readers who enjoy books with a gaming trope. It's worth the read.
This does give a lot of insight into Maverick and his partners in their dealings behind the scenes of the show. That was a good element to add, although personally, I did feel like that took over a bit.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed my time with Close Your Eyes and Count to 10. I loved the idea of the game having a bit of a survival element, and the setting on a remote island was great. Also, Unger added in inclement weather, which I always appreciate.
Unfortunately, the further it went along, the more it started to lose me. I wanted more time with the contestants and what they were going through, and instead I felt that aspect was sort of overshadowed by the drama going on amongst the game's hosts, as mentioned above.
It was still an entertaining read, however, even with these minor complaints. I just wish I could have felt as connected and intrigued with it at the end, as I did at the beginning.
I would recommend the audiobook format. It was engaging and kept me flying through. I found the narrator very believable, particularly in Adele's perspective.
Thank you to the publisher, Harlequin Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I haven't read a lot from this author, but I do want to pick up more of her work.
Even though this wasn't perfect for me, you cannot deny the fluidity and captivating nature of her writing.
Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 features a extreme version of Hide-n-Seek, played by various daring Adults, and streamed online to countless fans.
Maverick Dillan is a wildly-popular creator and influencer in the Adventure space. This game is his baby, and even though it has been played before with disastrous consequences that still haunt him, he's up to host another round.
This round of the game is set to be played on the remote Falcao Island. In addition to Maverick and his people, we follow single-Mom, Adele, whose children get her to sign up for the game.
After her husband left them, Adele has had to wear a lot of different hats in their family, including resident badass. When her kids show how enthusiastic they are for the game, and how much they believe in her, she would be hard pressed to say no.
Plus, the $1,000,000 prize could change everything for them.
This story is very social media based, so it's not surprising we get snippets in a mixed media format to introduce the Reader to the game and the players.
While I loved the set-up and the premise behind the game, as well as all the players involved, the social media aspects did feel a bit over-exaggerated. It felt a little, and this is just my opinion, that maybe the author was perhaps pandering a bit to the BookTok crowd.
That's a very minor point though. I thought the set-up and basic premise of this story were both very well developed. I love how pulled into Adele's life I felt, and how much I was rooting for her as a contestant.
The game itself did remind of Hide by Kiersten White, but honestly, I feel like it was executed better here. No offense to anyone who loves Hide. I get it, but that one definitely fell flat for me with the gaming element.
This one gave me more of the fast-paced energy and drama that I wanted. I would recommend it to Readers who enjoy books with a gaming trope. It's worth the read.
This does give a lot of insight into Maverick and his partners in their dealings behind the scenes of the show. That was a good element to add, although personally, I did feel like that took over a bit.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed my time with Close Your Eyes and Count to 10. I loved the idea of the game having a bit of a survival element, and the setting on a remote island was great. Also, Unger added in inclement weather, which I always appreciate.
Unfortunately, the further it went along, the more it started to lose me. I wanted more time with the contestants and what they were going through, and instead I felt that aspect was sort of overshadowed by the drama going on amongst the game's hosts, as mentioned above.
It was still an entertaining read, however, even with these minor complaints. I just wish I could have felt as connected and intrigued with it at the end, as I did at the beginning.
I would recommend the audiobook format. It was engaging and kept me flying through. I found the narrator very believable, particularly in Adele's perspective.
Thank you to the publisher, Harlequin Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I haven't read a lot from this author, but I do want to pick up more of her work.
Even though this wasn't perfect for me, you cannot deny the fluidity and captivating nature of her writing.
January 21, 2025
Another good edition from Lisa Unger, tho I was worried about the plot from the beginning. Why would a mother risk so much, and how could she let her children follow someone with so many skeptical doubters? That aside, classic whodunit in a bit of a locked room mystery. Mysterious isolated island. Only a few people invited. Storm. Dangerous building collapsing near the ocean. The drama was high, but it didn't go the path I thought it would. Was expecting each contestant in the game to die, one by one. Instead, there were less contestants and more corporate workers running the game. Always enjoy Unger's writing style tho!
May 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ A Deadly Game of Hide-and-Seek
Lisa Unger’s latest thriller takes an extreme game and twists it into a fight for survival. It didn’t completely blow me away, but I found it engaging, fast-paced, and easy to get lost in for a few hours.
The setup is what grabbed me first: a secluded island, a storm closing in, and a game of hide-and-seek that quickly turns deadly. The eerie setting pulled me in right away—an isolated island with a crumbling old hotel, the kind of place that already feels haunted even before things take a dangerous turn. It created the perfect backdrop for the tension that slowly built as the game became something far more sinister. I liked following Adele, a single mother caught in the chaos, and her determination added emotional weight to the story. The stakes felt high, the danger was real, and I enjoyed the unsettling atmosphere woven throughout.
While it didn’t leave a lasting impact, it was an entertaining thriller with a compelling setup and an eerie sense of unease. A solid, gripping read for when I wanted something immersive but not too heavy.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss+ and also bought a physical copy for myself. I love the convenience of reading on my Kindle at night, but there’s nothing like holding a book in my hands during the day.
Lisa Unger’s latest thriller takes an extreme game and twists it into a fight for survival. It didn’t completely blow me away, but I found it engaging, fast-paced, and easy to get lost in for a few hours.
The setup is what grabbed me first: a secluded island, a storm closing in, and a game of hide-and-seek that quickly turns deadly. The eerie setting pulled me in right away—an isolated island with a crumbling old hotel, the kind of place that already feels haunted even before things take a dangerous turn. It created the perfect backdrop for the tension that slowly built as the game became something far more sinister. I liked following Adele, a single mother caught in the chaos, and her determination added emotional weight to the story. The stakes felt high, the danger was real, and I enjoyed the unsettling atmosphere woven throughout.
While it didn’t leave a lasting impact, it was an entertaining thriller with a compelling setup and an eerie sense of unease. A solid, gripping read for when I wanted something immersive but not too heavy.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss+ and also bought a physical copy for myself. I love the convenience of reading on my Kindle at night, but there’s nothing like holding a book in my hands during the day.
May 30, 2025
2.5⭐
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Setting ~ Falcao Island, fictional in the Atlantic
Publication date ~ February 25, 2025
Est Page Count ~ 373 (50 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 34 minutes
Narrator ~ Vivienne Leheny
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ 4 parts, remote location, long chapters
A single mom needs money because her embezzling husband is missing, so she signs up to play hide and seek.
Nothing special went on here. I actually think I read a similar plot recently. And why is there always a storm on the islands? Makes me not want to visit one. However, though, I probably wouldn't want to have read it if there wasn't the excitement of the storm to get the adrenaline pumping. Also, do people really do these types of extreme games for a crazy amount of money?
Anyway, didn't love it or hate it. I'll probably read her next book.
Narration notes:
The narrator sounded fine, but since there are sooo many POV’s I really wish there was at least a male one so I could keep these peeps straight. I'd recommend reading over listening.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Setting ~ Falcao Island, fictional in the Atlantic
Publication date ~ February 25, 2025
Est Page Count ~ 373 (50 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 34 minutes
Narrator ~ Vivienne Leheny
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ 4 parts, remote location, long chapters
A single mom needs money because her embezzling husband is missing, so she signs up to play hide and seek.
Nothing special went on here. I actually think I read a similar plot recently. And why is there always a storm on the islands? Makes me not want to visit one. However, though, I probably wouldn't want to have read it if there wasn't the excitement of the storm to get the adrenaline pumping. Also, do people really do these types of extreme games for a crazy amount of money?
Anyway, didn't love it or hate it. I'll probably read her next book.
Narration notes:
The narrator sounded fine, but since there are sooo many POV’s I really wish there was at least a male one so I could keep these peeps straight. I'd recommend reading over listening.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
February 20, 2025
This will easily be the worst book I will read in 2025. I have no idea how I even finished this to be honest, but I was so curious how much worse it could get.
There were so many plot lines and because of that, so many holes. Kind of like the island this "hide and seek" challenge was on. Between a husband who laundered money and went into hiding, a kid being bullied, a whole fictional video game world, other influencers with back stories, a stalker girl gone missing, and an extreme challenge brand that was full of secrets.
There were so many plot lines and because of that, so many holes. Kind of like the island this "hide and seek" challenge was on. Between a husband who laundered money and went into hiding, a kid being bullied, a whole fictional video game world, other influencers with back stories, a stalker girl gone missing, and an extreme challenge brand that was full of secrets.
February 23, 2025
Maverick Dillan, a larger-than-life extreme adventure influencer (think Mr. Beast x Bear Grylls) has just announced his next challenge. Extreme hide-and-seek at the ruins of a crumbling tropical resort—and the winner gets a million dollars. It’s a bold move, not least because his last hide-and-seek challenge ended with a girl’s disappearance. Adele, a struggling single mom with a small following as a fitness influencer, is up for the challenge. This could be her family’s path back to stability, and she’ll stop at nothing to win. Along the way, the contestants will face a natural disaster, an armed militia and mysterious threatening messages…and not everyone will make it out alive.
The premise of this book is incredibly creative. I think we were overdue for a YouTube challenge-inspired thriller. I thought the characters were well-written and fun to follow, and I feel like even the side characters had well-developed backstories. That said, this book wasn’t perfect. It felt like there were a few too many narrative threads, and the pacing in the middle of the book wasn’t as tight as I’d like it to be. But if you’re a thriller reader looking to scratch the itch for a good plot twist, this one is unlikely to disappoint.
The premise of this book is incredibly creative. I think we were overdue for a YouTube challenge-inspired thriller. I thought the characters were well-written and fun to follow, and I feel like even the side characters had well-developed backstories. That said, this book wasn’t perfect. It felt like there were a few too many narrative threads, and the pacing in the middle of the book wasn’t as tight as I’d like it to be. But if you’re a thriller reader looking to scratch the itch for a good plot twist, this one is unlikely to disappoint.
February 28, 2025
I do enjoy Lisa Unger thrillers and was thrilled to be approved for the audiobook of Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten. It was a fantastic escape from the world read, very much out there and wild but it was fun to listen to.
Extreme hide and seek, who can resist that! A single mum and fitness influencer who has been going through a rough time signs up for the challenge. The prize, $1 million is hard to pass up. An isolated island full of people who all want the money, and a dodgy crew of staff that are hiding plenty of secrets from each other. Add to that a storm brewing and it becomes a game of survival.
I did enjoy the narration from. Vivienne Leheny, but I do think that a book with this many characters would benefit from multiple narrators to help keep track of which point of view is being told. There is a lot to follow.
Thanks so much to Harlequin Audio for my copy of this book to listen to.
Extreme hide and seek, who can resist that! A single mum and fitness influencer who has been going through a rough time signs up for the challenge. The prize, $1 million is hard to pass up. An isolated island full of people who all want the money, and a dodgy crew of staff that are hiding plenty of secrets from each other. Add to that a storm brewing and it becomes a game of survival.
I did enjoy the narration from. Vivienne Leheny, but I do think that a book with this many characters would benefit from multiple narrators to help keep track of which point of view is being told. There is a lot to follow.
Thanks so much to Harlequin Audio for my copy of this book to listen to.
December 31, 2024
Thank you to Lisa Unger and Park Row Books for this book! It was such a fun story about influencers invited to an island to play the ultimate game of hide-and-seek for a cash prize. Hosted by extreme adventurer Maverick, the players gather and a fun game quickly turns to a game of survival. While the hiders arrive, a storm is brewing. And not just a tropical storm, but a social media storm of angry viewers. Because at the last hide-and-seek game a girl disappeared and was never found. Winning is just the beginning, but survival may be the real prize.
Thoughts: This was such a fun story! It was a survival story about influencers with a big social media component. It was a reality show gone wrong with lots of POV and tons of secrets. I liked the way it felt like a locked room mystery and how there were a lot of things going on with each character.
I thought there were so many good ideas but they weren’t necessarily fleshed out. There could have been so much done with the creepy and spiritual island and cult leader/shaman. I thought there were so many possible ways the story could have gone, but it just went the one way that was obvious. There were breadcrumbs that something interesting might happen, but then it was just straightforward which was disappointing to me. 3-stars for this one.
Thoughts: This was such a fun story! It was a survival story about influencers with a big social media component. It was a reality show gone wrong with lots of POV and tons of secrets. I liked the way it felt like a locked room mystery and how there were a lot of things going on with each character.
I thought there were so many good ideas but they weren’t necessarily fleshed out. There could have been so much done with the creepy and spiritual island and cult leader/shaman. I thought there were so many possible ways the story could have gone, but it just went the one way that was obvious. There were breadcrumbs that something interesting might happen, but then it was just straightforward which was disappointing to me. 3-stars for this one.
March 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -NetGalley ARC
Description:
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. A storm rages as a deadly threat stalks the contestants, turning the challenge into something far more sinister than the social media stunt it was intended to be.
Enter Adele, a single mother with a fierce determination to protect her children at all costs. When she begins the game, she unwittingly enters a twisted web of deception and intrigue. Can she maneuver through the treacherous storm and the relentless competition and get home to her family? In a ruthless battle for survival where the stakes are higher than ever, the blurry line between the virtual and the real proves that the only person we can trust is ourselves.
Review:
Bear Grylls meets Survivor in this new tale from Lisa Unger.
Four strangers meet on Falcao Island, at an abandoned hotel set for demolition, to take part in an extreme game of Hide and Seek. The winner will win One Million Dollars. The question is, will anyone be left alive to collect it? This atmospheric thriller had me guessing until the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Published: 02/25/2025
Description:
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. A storm rages as a deadly threat stalks the contestants, turning the challenge into something far more sinister than the social media stunt it was intended to be.
Enter Adele, a single mother with a fierce determination to protect her children at all costs. When she begins the game, she unwittingly enters a twisted web of deception and intrigue. Can she maneuver through the treacherous storm and the relentless competition and get home to her family? In a ruthless battle for survival where the stakes are higher than ever, the blurry line between the virtual and the real proves that the only person we can trust is ourselves.
Review:
Bear Grylls meets Survivor in this new tale from Lisa Unger.
Four strangers meet on Falcao Island, at an abandoned hotel set for demolition, to take part in an extreme game of Hide and Seek. The winner will win One Million Dollars. The question is, will anyone be left alive to collect it? This atmospheric thriller had me guessing until the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Published: 02/25/2025
September 11, 2024
The premise is so intriguing, but I found the book itself to drag. I wasn’t really invested in any of the characters either, they seemed to blend together and it was difficult to differentiate. Overall, not a thriller I would include in my recommendations.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
June 28, 2025
Dnf at 53%
This is just awful I’m sorry.
1st-the game element doesn’t actually play a major part in the story and it’s much more centred around fraud which is fine but don’t advertise your book as a high stakes game when I’m halfway through and it hasn’t even started yet!
2nd-there are waaaaaay too many povs that consist of unnecessary dialogue that just isn’t needed. Why am I reading about the MC’s son being bullied??? lol I could care less I fear.
3rd-50% in and the word “slay” has been used at least 4 times 😬
Overall just so incredibly boring, I wouldn’t recommend to anyone unfortunately which is a shame cause this author seems like a lovely person but I can’t get behind her books
This is just awful I’m sorry.
1st-the game element doesn’t actually play a major part in the story and it’s much more centred around fraud which is fine but don’t advertise your book as a high stakes game when I’m halfway through and it hasn’t even started yet!
2nd-there are waaaaaay too many povs that consist of unnecessary dialogue that just isn’t needed. Why am I reading about the MC’s son being bullied??? lol I could care less I fear.
3rd-50% in and the word “slay” has been used at least 4 times 😬
Overall just so incredibly boring, I wouldn’t recommend to anyone unfortunately which is a shame cause this author seems like a lovely person but I can’t get behind her books
Read
May 16, 2025As the story was not holding my interest I decided to quit at 25% and I will not rate this book because I think it would be unfair to the author.
I may give it another try in the future.
I may give it another try in the future.
March 1, 2025
More like count to 10 different story plots.
February 23, 2025
Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 is Lisa Unger’s latest thrilling release. I really enjoyed the high stakes tension that this one brought and the fact that she wrote this book around a game of hide-and-seek was such a fun concept. Who hasn’t played that game at some point in their life? I also loved the idea that this was a social media competition. I love competition shows in general so reading something similar in a book is always a good time. However, keeping everyone’s storylines together was difficult for me. There’s just too much going on with each character that I had a hard time keeping track. If I don’t know who I’m reading about right away it takes away my enjoyment because I feel like I need to take notes and that’s just not something I want to do when reading. Aside from that, this is a really quick and easy read. Fun for those who like an isolated setting where characters are stranded and there’s something strange going on.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙��𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Reality TV thrillers
❥ Isolated Settings
❥ High Stakes
❥ Mysteries
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙��𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Reality TV thrillers
❥ Isolated Settings
❥ High Stakes
❥ Mysteries
September 17, 2024
ARC for review. To be published February 15, 2025.
I’m a sucker for book titles with numbers in them and I have a sneaking suspicion I’m not the only one. They seem to stand out from other titles. And the numeral “10” versus the spelled out “ten,” is far preferable, even though it is grammatically incorrect. Don’t look at me, I don’t make the rules.
Basically this is some serviceable suspense as long as you are willing to suspend your disbelief at the door. Or dock.
Maverick Dillan (Lord, help us) is an extreme adventurer (what was he going to be with that name? Accountant?) with a humongous presence on YouTube, enough to make it a business with employees and such and invited a select number of players to Falcao Island (what makes me think there will be a really big storm that prevents anyone from leaving?) for a game of hide and go seek with a big prize - a million dollars.
One of the players is Adele, a single mother, whose husband, Miller is believed to have embezzled most of his company’s funds and is now on the run. She needs the money to give her kids and her some sort of financial security. However, someone disappeared from Maverick’s last hide and seek challenge so I’m wondering, a. how did he get any sponsors for this one? and, b. why was a single mother foolish enough to sign up?
AND THEN THE STORM SETS IN! Plus you’ve got unhappy, spooky locals, tons of weird stuff, a shoestring operation…it all sounds bad.
The book was too long at nearly 400 pages. There’s no actual game, and though the book is well-written the parts involving the contestants are all rather dull, while the sections about Maverick and his staff are better. Some people will like it, I found it just O.K.
I’m a sucker for book titles with numbers in them and I have a sneaking suspicion I’m not the only one. They seem to stand out from other titles. And the numeral “10” versus the spelled out “ten,” is far preferable, even though it is grammatically incorrect. Don’t look at me, I don’t make the rules.
Basically this is some serviceable suspense as long as you are willing to suspend your disbelief at the door. Or dock.
Maverick Dillan (Lord, help us) is an extreme adventurer (what was he going to be with that name? Accountant?) with a humongous presence on YouTube, enough to make it a business with employees and such and invited a select number of players to Falcao Island (what makes me think there will be a really big storm that prevents anyone from leaving?) for a game of hide and go seek with a big prize - a million dollars.
One of the players is Adele, a single mother, whose husband, Miller is believed to have embezzled most of his company’s funds and is now on the run. She needs the money to give her kids and her some sort of financial security. However, someone disappeared from Maverick’s last hide and seek challenge so I’m wondering, a. how did he get any sponsors for this one? and, b. why was a single mother foolish enough to sign up?
AND THEN THE STORM SETS IN! Plus you’ve got unhappy, spooky locals, tons of weird stuff, a shoestring operation…it all sounds bad.
The book was too long at nearly 400 pages. There’s no actual game, and though the book is well-written the parts involving the contestants are all rather dull, while the sections about Maverick and his staff are better. Some people will like it, I found it just O.K.
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