Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 (by Lisa Unger)
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 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.
Below are my other reviews for books written by Lisa Unger.
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