Close Your Eyes and Count To 10 : A Novel

Lisa Unger’s Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 plunges readers into a heart-pounding game of hide-and-seek that spirals into a fight for survival. When charismatic daredevil Maverick Dillan invites contestants to a high-stakes competition on the remote Falcao Island, the promise of fame and fortune quickly turns deadly. A violent storm traps the players, and what begins as a social media stunt becomes a chilling battle against unseen threats.

Adele, a determined single mother, joins the game to secure a better future for her children—but soon realizes the stakes are far higher than she imagined. As contestants vanish and secrets unravel, the line between reality and the virtual world blurs. Unger masterfully weaves tension, exploring themes of trust, desperation, and the dark side of human nature.

The novel’s atmospheric setting—a storm-lashed island with a haunting history—adds to the dread. Unger’s sharp character development shines, particularly in Adele’s resilience and the moral complexities of her choices. The story critiques modern society’s obsession with fame while delivering relentless suspense.

Twists and turns keep readers guessing until the final pages, with Unger’s signature psychological depth elevating the thriller genre. The book questions how far people will go for survival and whether technology protects us or makes us vulnerable. A gripping, thought-provoking read for fans of Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley.