I've said it before and I'll say it again- Lisa Unger knows how to write a book! This is probably my favorite out of the last 15-20 books I've read. Yes, I was able to figure out a good chunk of the mystery myself, but it's almost like she wrote it purposely to lead the reader to the correct conclusion. It didn't subtract from the story at all. I felt like this was more than just a really great, well-written story, as it had very valid points about living life online and actually living life. The characters were all really fleshed out and I had compassion for them all- even ones like Mav and Tavo and Chloe, who aren't necessarily the most sympathetic characters. I literally, at this point, will read a shopping list if it's written by Lisa Unger, period. Definitely will be recommending the heck out of this one!

This book was another hit from the author. Another book filled with mystery and suspense. Twists along the way keeps the reader interested. This is a book which I would recommend to all who enjoy a good mystery.

loved this hide and seek with the different point of views of those working in the extreme sport and those that are coming to hide and their reasons behind it. Loved the mystery and slight romance and loved seeing the kids point of view and their reactions to their father and what happens to them at school. loved that not everyone was honest and everyone had a secret. loved it.

Lisa Unger's latest novel Close Your Eyes And Count to 10 taps into our society's fascination with influencers and suspenseful stories. While the plot was slow-moving at times, I enjoyed the story overall. Despite the overdone reality show and influencer theme in the past few years, I appreciated Unger's unique take. The novel revolves around influencers competing in a high-stakes game of hide and seek to boost their views and win money. As the influencers believe the game is rigged, they are determined to survive. The subplot involving the absent father was a nice addition, although I felt it was left a little unresolved at the end. If you are looking for a gripping suspense novel that makes you question whether competing for money is worth all the trouble, go grab this book!


Thank you to NetGalley and to Harlequin Trade Publishing for giving me a copy

You can count on Lisa Unger to write a good thriller and CLOSE YOUR EYES AND COUNT TO 10 fits the bill. Players meet on an island to compete in a game of hide-and-seek for a huge cash prize. The problem is, there's a tropical storm and a sinister presence stalking them. I loved the suspense and the POVs from different characters. This reminded me of "Everyone Is Watching" by Heather Gudenkauf. Recommended reading for suspense lovers, and Lisa Unger fans. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC.
#CloseYourEyesandCountto10
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It’s Lisa Unger’s turn to put her spin on the reality-game-on-a-deserted-island-gone-wrong story (Ruth Ware’s terrific “One Perfect Couple” is part of this locked room mystery sub-genre). This time it’s “Extreme Hide and Seek” on an island with a shuttered, derelict luxury hotel. Our primary contestant is likable Adele, a forty-something whose millionaire businessman/con man/husband has been on the run from the FBI for five years, leaving her nothing but mounting debts and two teenagers: video game obsessed and bullied Blake and volatile Violet. Blake convinces Adele to apply for the million dollar prize — her self-care therapy for the past few years has been being an influencer on a streaming channel, chronicling her physical and mental comeback from the betrayal of a fugitive CEO spouse. The perfect resume for a survival show.

Once we meet the event organizers of Extreme, Inc, you get immediate Fyre Festival calamity vibes, except that disasters have already apparently happened (including a previous contestant who hid and was never found). The showrunner is Maverick/Mav, a manboy who really needs family therapy, surrounded by co-workers/lackeys who worry a lot but do not question enough.

The other contestants are “Wild Cody,” an older and previously disgraced outdoorsman; and Malinka, a Russian model/uber-influencer who has conquered the Seven Summits — just three “hiders” (which, narrative-wise, makes the plot easier to follow). Each of them seems to believe in advance that the show is rigged and each is being subtly pressured — a planned game trick or a malevolent other?

There are more outside factors to complicate the game — the contestants and producers are actually connected to the multiverse — doing live feeds, commenting on the status of other players and hosts, being “stalked” and “tracked” by all sorts of unseen eyes via social channels. And, of course there’s a ghastly storm heading their way and since it’s a volcanic island (what’s that constant rumbling sound?), what are the chances that lava will be spewing?

If you loved Ruth Ware’s “One Perfect Couple,” you’ll be experiencing a different reality game thriller. In this one, the creators (Mav, Angeline, Gustavo, etc) have as big a part as the game contestants. And “Close Your Eyes” is actually all about how many “views” the streaming feeds are getting instead of the sense of isolation of trying to survive on an inhospitable island. Both books are great stories of reality shows gone wild.

The plot is entertaining, suspenseful and twisty, but it does meander a bit with the missing dad sub-plot. But “Close your Eyes and Count to 10” will definitely keep you turning pages all night long and telling yourself that you would never want to be a reality contestant, even if there’s really a million dollar prize. 5 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Petra, the town elder, the hot Stepford mom robots in the Death Knell game, and Angeline (“smoky green hazel”) all have green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Falcão Island (a fictional place) is “famous” for its wild hydrangeas.

Thank you to Park Row/ Harlequin Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

This book is about a social media company’s attempt to host an Hide and Seek game at a deserted hotel. Danger quickly follows and the characters have to make decisions about their lives. It was a good book and I enjoyed reading it.

This books feels very familiar - I can’t put my finger on it though. I enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Written by a talented author, this book is intriguing. Realistic characters keep the story moving quickly. Red herrings and secrets kept me guessing. Do not try to guess the ending too soon. Thanks Netgalley.