If you like creepy stories with big twists, Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak might be the next book to add to your list. This isn’t your average mystery—it mixes spooky drawings with a chilling story that keeps you guessing. The main character, Mallory, is trying to turn her life around.
She takes a job as a nanny for a sweet little boy named Teddy. But soon, his innocent sketches start to look… disturbing. Something isn’t right, and Mallory is the only one who seems to notice. As the mystery moves forward, the drawings become darker—and so does the truth.
In this post, I’ll give you a quick overview of the plot, share my thoughts (don’t worry, I’ll warn you before any spoilers!), and let you know what other readers think. I’ll also suggest similar books if you enjoy this kind of story.
Plot Summary
The story of Hidden Pictures follows Mallory, a young woman who’s trying to rebuild her life after struggling with addiction. She gets a job as a live-in nanny for a five-year-old boy named Teddy. His parents, Caroline and Ted, seem friendly and welcoming.
At first, everything seems perfect—Mallory loves the quiet neighborhood, the guesthouse where she’s staying, and especially Teddy, who’s smart and sweet.
But soon, things start to feel off. Teddy begins drawing strange sketches—dark, detailed images that don’t look like something a kid his age should be creating. Mallory worries that something scary might be going on in the house or that maybe something from the past is coming back.
The story builds slowly, with creepy moments and small clues that something isn’t right. As Mallory looks further, the mystery slowly comes to light. The ending has a big twist and might catch you by surprise.
My Review
Reading Hidden Pictures was a wild ride. It pulled me in right from the start and kept me flipping pages. The mix of words and sketches made it feel different from other thrillers I’ve read.
The drawings were creepy in the best way and really helped tell the story. I thought the writing was fast-paced and easy to follow, which made it great for a weekend read.
I liked how strong and relatable Mallory was as the main character. You really root for her. The sketches added a spooky touch and made things feel more real. The story moved quickly, which kept me interested the whole time.
There were a few parts that felt rushed, especially near the end. Some of the side characters could’ve been a bit more built up, too. But overall, it didn’t take away too much from the experience.
Spoiler Warning
Don’t read past this if you haven’t finished the book!
The twist at the end totally surprised me. I didn’t see it coming, and it made me want to go back and reread earlier parts to see the clues I missed.
The final reveal was dark and emotional, and it left me thinking about the story long after I finished. There were a few parts that felt a little too much, but the twist was clever and made sense once everything clicked.
Ratings and Reviews from Readers
“We don’t know how much our bodies can endure until we make cruel demands of them.”
― Jason Rekulak, Hidden Pictures
Goodreads Rating
On Goodreads, the book holds an average rating of 4.16 out of 5, based on over 455,000 ratings and 47,000 reviews.
Goodreads Reviews
Readers have shared varied opinions:
One reviewer mentioned, “The integration of illustrations into the narrative added a unique and immersive layer to the storytelling.”
Another reader noted, “While the premise was intriguing, certain plot developments felt predictable.”
Amazon Reviews
On Amazon, Hidden Pictures has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 57,000 reviews.
Reviewers have highlighted:
“The illustrations are haunting and perfectly complement the suspenseful plot.”
“An engaging read, though some characters could have been more fleshed out.”
How Does Hidden Pictures Set Itself Apart?
What makes Hidden Pictures unique is its combination of psychological suspense and supernatural elements, enhanced by the inclusion of unsettling illustrations that draw readers deeper into the mystery.
What Authors Have to Say About Hidden Pictures
Stephen King: “I loved it.”
Ransom Riggs (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children):
“Whip-smart, creepy as hell, and masterfully plotted… Destined to be a classic of the genre.”
Joe Hill: “One of the best and most inventive ghost stories I’ve read in years.”
Grady Hendrix: “A perfect summer thriller complete with vengeful spirits, class warfare, and it even has pictures.”
Is Reading Hidden Pictures Worth It?
“When you eliminate the impossible, all that remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”
― Jason Rekulak, Hidden Pictures
There’s a lot to enjoy here. The book moves fast, which makes it easy to get into. The sketches are a big part of the story and add a spooky twist you don’t usually see in thrillers. And when you think you know what’s going on—boom, a surprise twist hits you.
That said, the book does have a few weak spots. Some of the side characters could’ve been written with more depth. Also, a few parts near the end felt a little rushed or too much.
Still, if you like psychological thrillers, supernatural mysteries, or fast-paced stories with a twist, this book is definitely worth reading.
Similar Books If You Enjoyed Hidden Pictures
- The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
- The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
- Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
- The Whisper Man by Alex North
- Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Conclusion
Hidden Pictures is a creepy, fast-paced mystery that feels different from most thrillers. The mix of writing and sketches intensifies the story and adds a cool, spooky vibe. Mallory is a strong main character, and it’s easy to root for her as she tries to find the truth.
There are a few flaws—some characters could’ve been more developed, and the ending felt a bit rushed—but overall, it’s a fun and chilling read. If you like ghost stories, dark secrets, and books that keep you guessing, you’ll probably enjoy this one.
It’s a great choice if you want something quick, gripping, and a little eerie. If you’re new to thrillers or read them all the time, Hidden Pictures is worth checking out. Just don’t read it alone at night, especially when the sketches start getting weird.
