Explosive Revelations: Review of ‘Hidden Pictures’ Delivers
How ‘Hidden Pictures’ and ‘Black Cake’ Deliver Emotional Twists, Jason Rekulak crafts a supernatural thriller that feels both fresh and hauntingly familiar. The story grabs your attention with its relentless propulsiveness, refusing to let you put it down—a sentiment echoed in Stephen King’s glowing quote on the front cover: “I loved it… the surprises really surprise.” Despite flying under the radar of the horror press, this second novel made waves by winning the horror category at the 2022 Goodreads Choice Award, a testament to its undeniable appeal. Backed by mainstream publishers like Sphere, it garnered praise from notable names such as Grady Hendrix and Ransom Riggs, along with major outlets like The Times and The Daily Mail. The mystified reactions of fellow reviewers and authors highlight how this hidden gem quietly built momentum, proving itself to be a breakout hit for 2022 and beyond.
A Clever Page-Turner with a Supernatural Twist
Rekulak delivers an easy-to-read yet deeply engaging thriller that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Told through the first-person narrative of Mallory—a young woman in early recovery from drug addiction—the story balances a potential supernatural riff with her relatable struggles. As Mallory steps into her role as a live-in nanny for four-year-old Teddy, Rekulak masterfully weaves twists, plot shifts, and sneaky misdirection to keep readers guessing. Backed by glowing endorsements from Stephen King himself, this dark thriller lives up to its hype, offering an outstanding time for fans of ambiguity and smart storytelling. Despite its 372 pages, I devoured it over three evenings, finding the journey both clever and deeply satisfying.
A Twisty Thriller with Depth and Heart
In Hidden Pictures, Rekulak crafts a twisty thriller that keeps readers guessing while exploring the complexities of its characters. Mallory, a young woman recovering from drug addiction, takes on the role of live-in nanny for Teddy, the son of a wealthy couple, Caroline and Ted. While Caroline, working in the medical field, gives Mallory a second chance, her husband remains more reluctant. Initially, life seems perfect—Mallory enjoys long runs, meets a nice guy, and begins to confront the skeletons in her closet. However, things take a dark turn when Teddy starts drawing disturbing pictures of an imaginary friend named Anya. These crude yet childlike drawings hint at something sinister, and soon the concerns Mallory raises with Teddy’s parents lead to increasingly complicated and unsettling revelations. Despite some downfalls, like moments where Mallory’s decisions feel silly or overly convenient, Rekulak’s ability to raise stakes and keep the story moving ensures it remains engaging throughout.
A Supernatural Thriller That Keeps You Hooked
Jason Rekulak delivers a terrific blend of suspense and unease, crafting a story that evolves from a traditional thriller into an eerie supernatural experience. The drawings of Teddy, seamlessly woven into the narrative, magnify Mallory’s growing paranoia, leaving readers as unsettled as the characters. The interactions between Mallory, Ted, and Caroline are gripping, with power dynamics shifting as Mallory’s obsession with the drawings takes center stage. Backed by twists that are both smart and creative , the tightly written plot ensures there’s never a dull moment. Having worked with Quirk Books, Rekulak brings a wealth of horror expertise to this excellent novel, making it a standout in the world of supernatural thrillers.
