I really liked this in the beginning but found the final stages didn't work for me. The story was more creepy than actually scary and i think this had potential to be pushed further than it was. The writing was fine and i didn't think any of the characters were bad but none of them really stayed with me long after i finished the novel.

1.25/5
I think this book got marketed the wrong way. Yes, it’s a Mystery but I think that’s it. It’s not horror at all and I get horrified pretty quickly. The story had it suspenseful moments but I wouldn’t say that they could qualify as horror in particular. So because I expected more horror and less crime/murder mystery, I felt bored and disappointed even tho this book was not bad and really gripping at first. It’s more of a me problem than the books fault.

one of the best psychological thrillers released in this year, no contest. There's so much to be said about this book and none of its bad. i love everything about it.

Chilling murder mystery in four creepy acts
—
The clues are all there for you to see, for you to join the dots and identify the murderer before another body appears. Each case in this novel comes with its own illustrations, clues to the motives and identity of the murder, and a string of interested sleuths do their best to find each murderer, until the twist in the fourth act draws everything together, a brilliant mosaic of lies, revenge and cunning.

Constructed in classic kishotenketsu form, each section is narrated distinct from the rest, but rather than following four different characters, the book takes place in four different time periods, time periods which come into focus as the real murderer or murderers are revealed. Full of twists and unexpected red herrings, this is a delight of the crime genre.

An enjoyable four stars.

I get really excited about weird Japanese novels, so I was highly anticipating this dark mystery. I recently read an interview in The Guardian with Uketsu and I was so intrigued by his enigmatic, surreal vibe. During lockdown, he posted a series of bizarre mystery stories on YouTube and since then has written several novels that have been big hits in Japan. Strange Pictures is the first to be translated into English and I have everything crossed that more of them are soon!

Centred around some childlike illustrations, Strange Pictures tells a dark, chilling story from several angles. The sketches of a pregnant wife, a child’s drawing of his idea of ‘mother’ and a quick etching of a mountain view all add up to a horrific truth that will shake you to the core.

All of the pictures are simple and innocuous and I think it’s that quality that makes the story they tell all the more frightening. There is so much to all of them that you just don’t see until you hear the artist’s story and perhaps that’s exactly what Uketsu is telling us.

The mysteries themselves are complex. My brain was working pretty fast to keep up with all of the calculations and I did have to stop several times to make sure I was following it properly. I can only imagine the kind of mind that figured all this out and chose to present it in the way that this book does. It is such a clever book and I really appreciated the challenge.

It is also genuinely scary. I couldn’t shake the constant creeping, haunting presence that felt like it was right behind me. Even when the smoke lifted and I knew what was going on, I was still scared! Uketsu manages to evoke that feeling of dread fantastically.

The first story tells the tale of two students figuring out why a blog mysteriously stopped being updated. The blog posts felt so genuine and I’m wondering if they actually were. This made it so easy to invest in the mystery and I was so eager to find out what had happened. Having this immediate hook caused me to power through the book and I was delighted when the other stories kept me as gripped as the opening.

Strange Pictures is an incredibly dark dive into a broken mind and the horrors that lurk within it. It’s about the relationship between art and psychology, mothers and children, husbands and wives and friends. It’s also about how one life can deeply affect many others, how trauma can ripple through generations and how the same story can look different depending on who’s telling it. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves complex mysteries with a touch of philosophy and a lot of macabre.

5/5 - such a unique concept and I loved the interconnectedness of the chapters. I didn't manage to solve the relationships between them/the plot of the story.

Ingenious thriller by Uketsu, to start with I assumed they were stand-alone stories that used visual references as an aid, but realised mid-way through that the story was interconnected and intertwined. and ultimately a story about one individual from the eyes of others. It's not a format I've ever read before but I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed it and actually felt as though the crime mystery was more interactive, and have to say that I'll be on the lookout in the future for more novels by Uketsu.

Thank you netgalley & Pushkin Press for the ARC.

Unlike anything else I have read. Although it is unquestionably clever in the way that all the elements connect, I found this to be quite creepy and unsettling, particularly at the start whilst I got used to it. Definitely worth persevering though.

An excellent collection of short stories all based around pictures.

From pitting together different pictures to form a clue of decoding the mind of a child each picture has a completely different view/story.
Extremely original and unique storytelling!

Translated by Jim Rion — Strange Pictures is Uketsu’s second novel but the first to be translated into English. It’s a sinister and original book that straddles the line between crime and horror, drawing readers into a dark, unsettling and deeply immersive world of interconnected stories. With its haunting premise and intricate structure, Strange Pictures melds visual and textual storytelling to offer an experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally affecting.

It all begins with a chilling premise: a drawing by an 11-year-old girl who has been arrested for matricide. A developmental psychologist analyses the drawing – considering the representations of the girl herself, a house and a bird sheltering in a thorny tree – to assess the child’s mental state, setting the stage for a story where the interpretation of images becomes central to unravelling mysteries.

Each chapter features at least one unsettling illustration – an elderly woman at prayer, a young woman in an unnatural pose, a mother and child outside a squat apartment building, a stark Japanese landscape – that anchors the plot of that particular segment of the overall story. These pictures, along with other visual elements, including blogposts and floorplans, invite direct engagement with the practicalities of the story, piecing together the connections between the disparate characters and events.

For instance, a student becomes obsessed with a defunct blog, convinced that its pseudonymous author was hinting at something terrible concerning his young wife. But what, if anything, could have happened to her? And how could the mystery of the blog possibly be linked to a young boy mourning the loss of his father or a cantankerous art teacher who was murdered during a camping trip? What could all these disquieting events be pointing towards?

At its core, Strange Pictures is a series of linked mystery stories set in Japan and spanning over two decades, from 1992 to 2014. Each chapter introduces a new cast of characters and a self-contained puzzle mystery. But as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that these seemingly isolated stories are threads of a larger tapestry of intrigue. The brilliance of Uketsu’s storytelling lies in how these threads gradually come together, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

Another thing that sets Strange Pictures apart from traditional mysteries is the pervasive sense of dread. Uketsu’s writing is highly atmospheric, creating an immersive world where danger and unease lurk just beneath the mundane surface. The childlike yet ominous drawings that anchor each chapter enhance this eerie tone, making the novel as much a work of psychological horror as it is a thriller. Each revelation feels like a step deeper into the darkness, while the cumulative effect is a lingering sense of unease.

Aside from its genre elements, Strange Pictures also offers incisive social commentary. Uketsu’s characters grapple with issues such as the challenges faced by working mothers, the spillover effects of the collapse of Japan’s economic bubble and the stigma surrounding mental health issues. They also face violence, coercive control and sexual abuse. These themes are seamlessly incorporated into the narrative, enriching the novel without overshadowing its central mysteries.

Perhaps most striking in terms of the underside of the everyday is Uketsu’s exploration of motherhood, with the interlocking stories all examining, to some extent at least, the lengths to which women will go to protect their children and the societal pressures that shape their experiences in the role. Uketsu’s genderless public/YouTube persona – combined with the author’s nuanced treatment of these issues – adds another layer of intrigue and uncertainty to the story in this regard.

In keeping with this role ambiguity, Strange Pictures breaks new ground with its use of drawings and diagrams as not merely a gimmick or enhancement but an integral part of the story. Indeed, these visuals do more than illustrate the plot: they challenge readers to interpret them, mirroring the work of the characters. This interactive element renders the reading experience more akin to solving a real-life mystery.

And while the novel’s structure – a series of abrupt shifts between characters and timelines – might be initially somewhat disorientating, it serves to heighten its impact. The lack of a lead detective or focal protagonist places the reader firmly in the role of investigator, tasked with piecing together the links between the stories. This unconventional format and flow is both a challenge and a reward, demanding active participation while delivering a uniquely immersive experience.

Uketsu’s writing, as rendered into English by Jim Rion, is precise and evocative, capturing both the quiet horror of everyday life and the heightened tension of its darkest moments. The novel’s nostalgia for a somewhat different time – a time when the internet was less ubiquitous – adds another layer to the story, highlighting the dangerous and disorientating pull of the past and the peril of seeking things that might never have been real.

Hence, despite the strong sense of nostalgia, Strange Pictures is not a book for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. Its subject matter – including child abuse, murder, sexual violence and trauma – is often deeply disturbing. Yet these elements are handled with sensitivity, serving the story rather than being included for shock value. In fact, the novel’s horror lies not in gratuitous brutality or gore but in the quiet, creeping uncanniness that permeates it.

Ultimately, Strange Pictures is a triumph of storytelling, blending the mystery, horror and social reality of individual stories into a cohesive and compelling whole. Its innovative structure and interactive elements make for a genre-bending story, while its emotional depth ensures it resonates on a human level. Through its puzzles, atmosphere and cultural insights, Uketsu’s novel offers a reading experience like no other – a dark, unsettling and utterly unforgettable journey into the shadowy corners of the human psyche.

I was intrigued by the mystery surrounding this book - a Youtube sensation, a masked author.. sign me up please!

I have to say that I found this a bit of a letdown, and I'm not entirely sure why!

I will say that I have never read anything quite like this - the substance of the plot and the mystery that unfolds felt truly unique to me. The 3 interlinked sections of the box unfold like a puzzle-box, revealing its mysteries.

Uncovering the secrets of the plot depends upon the narrator pinpointing small details in the way that the pictures were (literally) drawn that hold the key. I found this very far-fetched and I felt that the plot suffered: this wasn't about strong characterisation or action but rather the cognitive processes in deciphering the mystery.

I also went into this book expecting a horror (which may well be my mistake!) but didn't this book fit the bill exactly: it's definitely mystery/thriller/whodunnit territory, but I think calling it horror is a bit of a stretch (in my opinion).

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I loved this book. It reminds me so much of Confessions by Kanae Minato in the way the story is told. The different perspectives, existing in both past and present, layer the narrative in a way that deepens its complexity and intrigue. Just like the first set of pictures we encounter in the story, the layers need to be perfectly arranged to truly understand the bigger picture.

As someone who loves thrillers and mysteries, I find there is something particularly special about Japanese horror and thrillers. Creating something so intricate and captivating takes a remarkable level of skill, and Uketsu achieves this masterfully. It’s not just about how he unravels the mystery but also the stories woven in between. The use of imagery and diagrams adds an extra joyfully puzzling and intricate feature to what is essentially a dark and strange story of secrets, lies, trauma, and crime.

This book has also been recommended for fans of Junji Ito’s work (which I enjoy immensely!), and I can absolutely see why. Similar to Ito, Uketsu creates darkly human characters. In Strange Pictures, these characters—whether the doting mother, the mama’s boy, or the relentless reporter—are crafted from common archetypes but pushed to exaggerated extremes that remain purposeful and intentional. The result is a story that feels devastating, hopeful, and impossible to put down.

I read this book with the audiobook alongside the physical copy, and the tone of the narration was spot-on. From Naomi’s wispy, eerie voice to Kurihara’s passionate energy, the audiobook captured the direct prose and the hauntingly self-aware characters beautifully. The meta exploration of society’s relationship to true crime—mirroring how we, as readers, become engrossed in the case alongside Kurihara and Sasaki—was another standout feature. I found myself eagerly trying to solve the mysteries in the pictures, feeling as if I were part of the investigation.

From solving an art teacher’s murder, confronting a stalker, uncovering secrets of the dead, and exploring deeply traumatic pasts, this book packs an emotional and intellectual punch within its 240 pages. It’s a tale of trauma, justice, motherhood, selfishness, desire, and, of course, mystery. Japanese thrillers once again come out on top.

Thank you Netgalley & Pushkin Vertigo for the egalley for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Pushkin Press for this eCopy to review

I recently finished reading Strange Pictures by Uketsu, and I have to say, it was an absolutely chilling experience. The book is structured around nine childlike drawings, each one more disturbing than the last, and they all tie into a larger, spine-tingling mystery.

The plot kicks off with a pregnant woman's sketches on a blog, which at first seem innocent but soon reveal a chilling warning. As the story progresses, a child's drawing of his home uncovers a dark secret, and a sketch made by a murder victim in his final moments leads an amateur sleuth into a web of horrifying discoveries.

What I loved most about Strange Pictures was its unique blend of horror and mystery. The illustrations are not just there for decoration; they drive the plot forward and add a layer of intrigue that kept me hooked from start to finish. The interconnected stories and the overarching mystery are delightfully macabre and fiendishly clever.

Overall, I would Strange Pictures is a fresh take on horror that kept me on the edge of my seat, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good scare.

I hadn't heard of Uketsu so this book has opened a new interest for me. I found myself feeling creeped out and intrigued often at the same time!

4.5*

This is a sketchbook of a novel from anonymous cult Youtube personality 'Uketsu'. Four interconnected stories tied together by eerie and unsettling sketches that gives us a mysterious, intriguing, twisty and utterly absorbing read.

Some of the marketing leads with this being horror but I feel that this is a classic mystery thriller with a horrific concept behind it.

Don't be put off by the abrupt end to a couple of the stories, the pay off at the end tying everything together is fantastic giving us as readers a highly satisfying close for what is an overall gripping reading experience.

New readers to translated Japanese mysteries will like enjoy this more contemporary, and what I felt, highly accessible, introduction to the genre. Go along with the more odd short story style and you'll be richly rewarded.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pushkin Press | Pushkin Vertigo for a digital review copy of "Strange Pictures" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

I don't really know what to say about this book. I'd read a lot about it before realising it was available on Netgalley so was keen to give it a go, without really knowing what to expect. Having just finished reading it, I'm not sure what to make of it. It reads more like the explanation of a story more than the story itself, like if someone was giving a very detailed description of a crime thriller they'd read. It was strangely compelling though and once started, I found it hard to put down.

4.5! I had so much fun reading this! Strange Pictures is a very unique read, I’ve honestly never read anything like it before. Imagine a mystery murder but also gruesome as well as being psychologically disturbing. I went through a whole range of feelings; confused, convinced I knew what was going on, confused again, convinced there was no way this story was going to make sense and then finally, absolutely amazed when it did, and how everything fitted together and linked.

There are many twists and turns that unravel when deciphering what the images in the book mean and I was fascinated that a whole story was told based on nine different images, so clever!!

The only tiny issue I had was that it got a little confusing towards the end remembering who everyone was but apart from that, a very fun read (I raced through it in two sittings), totally different and unexpectedly delves into darker issues and complex relationships! 👏🏼 definitely recommend this one!

What an original mystery book through the analysis of drawings and images!

I was surprised by the interconnectedness of the stories and how it all comes full circle perfectly, with even a happy ending, not before lots of killing though!

I never imagined I could be so captivated and amazed by not only how to interpret images, but also how many clues they could hide!

I thought some things were a little forced, but the whole puzzle was very intriguing and I managed to have a good time regardless!

Have you ever thought how drawings or images could be used to solve mysteries or to analyse someone’s character? You can have a taste by reading this book!

Thanks to the author, Pushkin Press and NetGalley for a copy and this is my honest opinion.

Now this was different! And that’s not a bad thing as I really enjoyed it but I don’t think a book has ever made me think as much as this one did. Lol
I was utterly perplexed and spent a long time trying to work out the secret to the pictures and then, trying to work out how each story connected.
It definitely got in my head, to the point that I even had very strange dreams.

It’s brilliant, clever and incredibly intricate and I loved how it all connected at the end.
I would say it’s start of very creepy with an almost eerie horror element to it but as the story unfolds it’s more murder mystery but still very bizarre and sinister.

Can’t wait for release day, January 14th, because this is one book I’ll be adding and definitely rereading. I think I might enjoy it more via a physical copy.

Thank you, Pushkin Press & Uketsu, for the eArc.

"...for all of life's pain, there is just as much fun and joy to be found."


Uketsu's novel is a dark mystery waiting to be solved. Structured around nine childlike drawings, each holding a disturbing clue, Uketsu invites readers to piece together the mystery behind each and the over-arching backstory that connects them all.


The idea of this book alone had me desperate to read it. The stories span several chapters, each one featuring these drawings as clues to the bigger unsolved mystery. You can't help but approach this as a puzzle to decipher the clues.


I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The unique way in which the story is told was a huge part of that. At every hint and examination of the pictures, I was left to wonder where things were headed. As always I kept changing my mind on what the mystery was.


This was a fun and entertaining novel I would definitely recommend.