Ever stumbled across a book that feels like it grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go until the very last page? That’s exactly what Lisa Unger’s “Close Your Eyes and Count to 10” does. Imagine an extreme game of hide-and-seek (not the kind you played as a kid) unfolding on a remote island and you’ve got the pulse-pounding premise of this psychological thriller.
Here’s the kicker: this isn’t just about running around trying not to get caught—it’s a deeper commentary on human desperation, social media’s influence, and some seriously murky ethical dilemmas. Buckle up, folks. This one’s a ride.
Table of Contents
The Premise: A Deadly Game on Falcao Island
Picture this. Maverick Dillan, a charming social media influencer, is running a life-changing (or life-ending?) game of hide-and-seek on a desolate island known as Falcao. The prize? Enough money to erase your financial woes forever. The risk? Well, let’s say the game might take a slightly “final” turn if you get caught.
The players in this live-streamed event aren’t just thrill-seekers but regular people grappling with real, gut-wrenching problems. Bills piling up? Check. Family mouths to feed? Oh, you bet. Unger paints a picture of characters diving headfirst into this nightmarish game because what else can they do? Each of their motivations makes perfect sense, and yet, you can’t help wondering, “What would push me to get on that plane to the island?”
For a full synopsis of the book, you might enjoy reading more about it on Goodreads.
Maverick Dillan: The Charismatic Influencer
Let’s talk about Maverick Dillan for a second. This guy is like if a TikTok star and your worst nightmare had a baby. He’s got charm for days, enough to convince a bunch of desperate people to literally risk their lives for cash. But don’t let the smooth-talking fool you. There’s something darker lurking under the surface. Unger drops subtle hints about Maverick’s motivations, and wow, are they shady. Is he just a showman chasing likes and retweets, or is something more sinister driving him? I couldn’t decide whether to hate him or begrudgingly respect him.
Adele’s Journey: A Mother’s Fight for Survival
And then there’s Adele. A single mom, drowning in debt, trying to scrape together some sort—any sort—of future for her kid. Her reasons for joining this sinister game cut me right in the feels. The stakes are sky-high for her (I’m talking edge-of-your-seat levels of tension every time the narrative shifts to her).
Adele isn’t some passive, woe-is-me character either. She’s scrappy, resourceful, and isn’t afraid to make the tough calls. Unger really nailed it with crafting a lead who’s both inspiring and relatable. You feel her struggles and root for her every step of the way.
The Setting: A Desolate Hotel on a Remote Island
Ah, Falcao Island. If creepy, crumbling hotels sitting in the middle of nowhere are your thing, you’re going to eat this up. Unger brilliantly uses this setting to ramp up the tension. The isolation is suffocating, the hotel’s decrepitude mirrors the unraveling sanity of the contestants, and every creak and groan of the place makes you suspect something—or someone—is right around the corner.
Themes Explored in the Novel
What sets this book apart from being just any other thriller is how it tackles some pretty big themes. Let’s break these down.
Social Media and the Cult of Celebrity
The entire premise of the game hinges on social media’s ability to exploit people. Maverick Dillan doesn’t just host this deadly game; he live-streams it. Millions of people tune in, their comments flowing like a grotesque peanut gallery. It’s a biting commentary on how far we’ve let influencers (and the promise of fleeting fame) dictate not just what we buy but what we’re willing to risk. This made me think about the weird, voyeuristic relationship we have with shows like “Survivor” or even “Black Mirror”-esque futuristic concepts.
Human Resilience and Desperation
One of my favorite things about this book is how Unger explores how far people will go when they’ve got nothing left to lose. Every single contestant has their breaking point, and watching them teeter closer to it is both heartbreaking and captivating. Adele’s grit is particularly memorable, but even the secondary characters bring layers of complexity to what might otherwise have been a straight-up cat-and-mouse game.
Moral Ambiguities and Survival
This is where it gets juicy. Imagine being in a situation where surviving means someone else doesn’t. How far would you go? Could you cross that line? Unger forces her characters—and readers—to think about these questions in ways that are uncomfortable but fascinating.
Multiple Perspectives: Strengths and Challenges
Lisa Unger loves spinning her story through multiple viewpoints, and honestly, it works for the most part. You get so many layers of the game (and its players).
Insights Through Contestants’ Eyes
Each chapter lets you peek into a different character’s head, giving you insight into their motivations and fears. It’s like getting to watch a reality show confession room, but without all the editing. It works to flesh out the story in a way that keeps you hooked.
Critiques of Narrative Complexity
That said, hopping between perspectives can sometimes slow the pacing. There were moments where I was itching to get back to Adele or Maverick, but the narrative had to check in with someone else. Don’t get me wrong—it adds depth, but it might be a little overwhelming for some readers.
Lisa Unger’s Signature Style and Reception
Let me say this loud and clear: Lisa Unger’s storytelling is top-tier. The balance she strikes between psychological tension and full-on action is downright impressive.
Mastery of Suspense
Unger has this uncanny knack for keeping your blood pressure at unhealthy levels. Every time you think you’ve got a grip on what’s happening, BAM—she hits you with a twist. If plot twists were an art form, Lisa Unger would be Picasso.
What Critics Are Saying
Early reviews are buzzing, with readers praising the pacing and character depth. Some critiques point at the complexity of multiple character arcs, but hey, ambitious storytelling isn’t always smooth sailing. Interested to dive deeper into reviews? Check out the Barnes & Noble page for more opinions.
Conclusion
In “Close Your Eyes and Count to 10,” Lisa Unger delivers a thriller that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. It’s perfect for anyone who loves psychological tension, high-stakes plots, and a hint of reality TV-style drama. Whether you’re a die-hard thriller fan or just someone looking for a story that’ll keep you flipping pages into the wee hours, this one’s a must-read.
Ready to dive into the madness? Grab your copy on Amazon or head over to HarperCollins for more details. Just don’t forget to breathe while reading!