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The Konrath Dark Thriller Collective #12
Close Your Eyes
DON'T READ THIS BOOK! IT'S TOO MUCH!
There are more than 10,000,000,000,000,000,000 insects on the planet, comprised of more than one hundred thousand species.
New species are being discovered every day.
Some of them are harmful to people.
Duncan VanCamp and his friends are about to find out how harmful…
CLOSE YOUR EYES is a quick, fast-paced novel that will have you reaching for the bug spray. Just when you thought it was safe to go outside...
CLOSE YOUR EYES by J.A. Konrath
What's bugging you?
If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, this handy scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book.
CLOSE YOUR EYES
Bad Language - 6
Scary - 7
Violent - 10
Funny - 4
Sexy - 0
Crossovers - Includes characters from the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, and ties-in to the Jack Daniels thriller series, the Codename: Chandler series, and the Timecaster series.
There are more than 10,000,000,000,000,000,000 insects on the planet, comprised of more than one hundred thousand species.
New species are being discovered every day.
Some of them are harmful to people.
Duncan VanCamp and his friends are about to find out how harmful…
CLOSE YOUR EYES is a quick, fast-paced novel that will have you reaching for the bug spray. Just when you thought it was safe to go outside...
CLOSE YOUR EYES by J.A. Konrath
What's bugging you?
If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, this handy scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book.
CLOSE YOUR EYES
Bad Language - 6
Scary - 7
Violent - 10
Funny - 4
Sexy - 0
Crossovers - Includes characters from the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, and ties-in to the Jack Daniels thriller series, the Codename: Chandler series, and the Timecaster series.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2024
130 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Konrath
198 books3,017 followersJoe Konrath has written over twenty novels in the Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thriller series. They do not have to be read chronologically to be enjoyed, but the order is: Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, Rusty Nail, Dirty Martini, Shot of Tequila, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb, Dead On My Feet, Serial Killers Uncut (with Blake Crouch), Shaken, Stirred (with Blake Crouch), Dying Breath, Everybody Dies, Rum Runner, Last Call, White Russian, Shot Girl, Chaser, Old Fashioned, Bite Force, and Witch Brew. More coming soon.
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 29, 2024
BUGS!!!
Small backstory:
Duncan VanCamp along with his buddies Stu and Chuck want to go fishing out on the lake where Duncan had been when he was a kid. By the time they get out there Duncan sees a small clearing out in the marshy area that looks like a good spot so he takes the boat in through the reeds.
One thing after another starts happening that involves bugs of all kinds and when the bugs start attacking the friends is when everything goes to hell in a handbasket quick as the bugs are wanting more than blood from the friends they are wanting to literally eat them alive!
That is about all I can hand out on a small backstory so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This was a wild ride into the horror recesses of Konrath's mind! I wasn't quite prepared for some icky and gross stuff that happens in this novel even though the author gives a warning in the first part of the book about what is coming but yet I thought to myself "how bad can it be as this is Konrath" - well I was in for a rude awakening! lol This book goes deep into body horror with all the graphic details that I was itching and scratching through most of this book!
I won't be looking at bugs quite the same way now after reading this book and I think I probably should have kept some bug spray on hand while reading as maybe I could have sprayed away the images in my head after reading this story! Giving this book five "Bug Horror Invasion" stars!
Small backstory:
Duncan VanCamp along with his buddies Stu and Chuck want to go fishing out on the lake where Duncan had been when he was a kid. By the time they get out there Duncan sees a small clearing out in the marshy area that looks like a good spot so he takes the boat in through the reeds.
One thing after another starts happening that involves bugs of all kinds and when the bugs start attacking the friends is when everything goes to hell in a handbasket quick as the bugs are wanting more than blood from the friends they are wanting to literally eat them alive!
That is about all I can hand out on a small backstory so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This was a wild ride into the horror recesses of Konrath's mind! I wasn't quite prepared for some icky and gross stuff that happens in this novel even though the author gives a warning in the first part of the book about what is coming but yet I thought to myself "how bad can it be as this is Konrath" - well I was in for a rude awakening! lol This book goes deep into body horror with all the graphic details that I was itching and scratching through most of this book!
I won't be looking at bugs quite the same way now after reading this book and I think I probably should have kept some bug spray on hand while reading as maybe I could have sprayed away the images in my head after reading this story! Giving this book five "Bug Horror Invasion" stars!
March 31, 2024
The Canadians started the fire….
Boy, was this fun! The story takes place in the same universe as his other stories and he brought back all our favorite characters, plus added a few new ones. Harry McGlade does not make an appearance, but Joe just can’t help himself with the dad jokes, which included these gems:
“Duncan hunted down the insects with a June 2012 copy of Playboy. In deference to the pretty brunette on the front cover, he rolled the magazine reverse-side out, smacking the insects with the Justin Timberlake Givenchy ad on the back. Bye bye bye!”
“Sun rubbed her chin, then nodded. “I’ll take Mr. Drummond and Mrs. Garrett.” Well. Different strokes.”
LOL!!!!!
There is no other author, that I have found, that gives me Richard Laymon vibes as JA Konrath does. I enjoy all his books and jump at the chance to read his latest output. (Would love if Joe could find a way to bring back Lucy and Donald. What a pair they are! ). I can’t wait for Bub and Mu to face off.
Boy, was this fun! The story takes place in the same universe as his other stories and he brought back all our favorite characters, plus added a few new ones. Harry McGlade does not make an appearance, but Joe just can’t help himself with the dad jokes, which included these gems:
“Duncan hunted down the insects with a June 2012 copy of Playboy. In deference to the pretty brunette on the front cover, he rolled the magazine reverse-side out, smacking the insects with the Justin Timberlake Givenchy ad on the back. Bye bye bye!”
“Sun rubbed her chin, then nodded. “I’ll take Mr. Drummond and Mrs. Garrett.” Well. Different strokes.”
LOL!!!!!
There is no other author, that I have found, that gives me Richard Laymon vibes as JA Konrath does. I enjoy all his books and jump at the chance to read his latest output. (Would love if Joe could find a way to bring back Lucy and Donald. What a pair they are! ). I can’t wait for Bub and Mu to face off.
October 10, 2024
More of a 3.5+ than a 3, I really enjoyed the detailing of the body horror in this. The book starts off strong and climatic, like in all the other Konrath books I've read. The characters are fun although I've noticed that they start to blend together in personality once there are more than three of them together in a scene. If you're planning on reading this, it would probably be beneficial to have read the previous books as there are a lot of reoccurring characters.
I understand he's a big part of a series but I do wish the mutated bugs were just that, instead of franken-bugs being controlled by Bub. Because they were the spotlight of the book, it didn't quite feel satisfying to have all the antagonists die off at the same time and all within five pages at the end.
(The dogs live, btw, thank you J.A Konrath.)
I understand he's a big part of a series but I do wish the mutated bugs were just that, instead of franken-bugs being controlled by Bub. Because they were the spotlight of the book, it didn't quite feel satisfying to have all the antagonists die off at the same time and all within five pages at the end.
(The dogs live, btw, thank you J.A Konrath.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
The first 2/3s were excellent: informative, creative, funny. But that last 1/3 got repetitive and then silly with the introduction of the lake creature.
June 3, 2024
Proof that human beings shouldn't be the dominant species on the planet. Over 10 quintillion insects - that's eighteen zeroes - inhabit the earth, far outnumbering man. I'm generally not afraid of bugs but now we all should be.
It was great to revisit Sun and Andy and several other characters from previous books. I love that Konrath intertwines his books with a multiverse of characters. The body horror was as disgusting as I've come to expect from this author but I learned quite a bit of insect information I just didn't need to know or was relevant to the story. Read it alone for the horror at thirty thousand feet.
It was great to revisit Sun and Andy and several other characters from previous books. I love that Konrath intertwines his books with a multiverse of characters. The body horror was as disgusting as I've come to expect from this author but I learned quite a bit of insect information I just didn't need to know or was relevant to the story. Read it alone for the horror at thirty thousand feet.
December 12, 2025
Love this whole series; loved the continuing saga with Duncan but LORD this was GROSS. Had to take breaks in between reading so I didn't yak.
Recommend for anyone that has read the Dark Thriller Collective though. Almost like a novella or sidequest rather than part of the main series. Others might disagree but that was the vibe I got.
Recommend for anyone that has read the Dark Thriller Collective though. Almost like a novella or sidequest rather than part of the main series. Others might disagree but that was the vibe I got.
June 17, 2023
What is going on with close your eyes on Amazon kindle? One day it was there and now I can't find the book anywhere I have been waiting 2 years to read this book and I'm so confused on why Amazon keeps taking certain konrath books down
March 15, 2024
Hope you like bugs
Please pay attention to all the warnings. Seriously. I learned enough about bugs to make me want to wear a hazmat suit every time I step outside. If this book doesn't gross you out then there is seriously a problem. I now have Terminal on speed-dial.
Please pay attention to all the warnings. Seriously. I learned enough about bugs to make me want to wear a hazmat suit every time I step outside. If this book doesn't gross you out then there is seriously a problem. I now have Terminal on speed-dial.
June 19, 2024
Solid. Writer managed to temper his dad jokes to just a few. Duncan couldn’t tie his shoes correctly at the beginning of the book…everything he does goes bad. The near the end he does everything right. Heck he even can pick a lock in seconds. Typical nonsense you get used to when reading konrath.
October 2, 2024
This is not the worst book I’ve ever read
But it’s got to be one of them. No hook to the deeper whatsoever. I like the Jack Daniels series. This book just had nothing to keep me reading. I read this on Kindle Unlimited. Thank god. Sorry JA, but this is unreadable.
But it’s got to be one of them. No hook to the deeper whatsoever. I like the Jack Daniels series. This book just had nothing to keep me reading. I read this on Kindle Unlimited. Thank god. Sorry JA, but this is unreadable.
April 6, 2024
Joe really outdid himself with the gore and body horror in this one. I stinking loved it!
April 21, 2024
LOTS of Bugs!
April 22, 2024
Creeptastic
Wow, you know it's going to be a banger of a book when there is an Easter egg on the first page...a quick read and so very creepy
Wow, you know it's going to be a banger of a book when there is an Easter egg on the first page...a quick read and so very creepy
May 6, 2024
OMG Konrath does it everytime. Never disappointed! Loved it. How long will I have to wait for the next book??
May 18, 2024
omg... I'm not sure I want to step a foot outside this summer. Not without a giant can of Raid and an air-raid siren. I'll never look at an insect in the same way again.
May 21, 2024
NASTY!
August 24, 2024
Always a hoot
I’ve never been disappointed reading Konrath. Didn’t think he could write something t hat made me go ick, but this one did it. Not sure I’ll ever kiss anyone again.
I’ve never been disappointed reading Konrath. Didn’t think he could write something t hat made me go ick, but this one did it. Not sure I’ll ever kiss anyone again.
September 16, 2024
Meh. Cheesey story, unlikeable characters that somehow escape whatever the hell mess they were in
A big miss for me
Bug Lord too lol
A big miss for me
Bug Lord too lol
November 10, 2024
Something is amiss with the bug population causing chaos on the lake. Duncan and his buds are trapped by oversize hornets, leeches, & fire ants. Meanwhile, his girlfriend in on her way with Leo who has gone through some major changes since last seen. Sun & Andy are back in the kill zone trying to put an end to Bub. A showdown of epic proportions ending with a visit from an old foe. A fast read with gore, humor, no Harry McGlade, cameos, and as with any Konrath book, death! Can't wait to read the next in series
December 3, 2025
J.A. Konrath is one of my all time favorites and I have read his books two or three times; that is how capitivated I get. To say I am obsessed would be an understatement!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews