Strange Pictures by Uketsu
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Uketsu
29.02.2024
Pushkin Vertigo
A Japanese Translated Fiction
Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Horror Fiction
Content Warning: detailed, but not especially grotesquely graphic, description of murder.
Disclaimer: these thoughts are entirely my own, based on my reading experience, and is no reflection of whether or not this title should be read. Thus, I try to keep my writing fair and constructive, and reveal my personal rating at the end. I always enjoy reading the varying thoughts of other readers because we all experience books differently - which is just so wonderful! So please feel free to leave a comment at the end.
Please be aware that this review may contain spoilers.
✨ BOOK SYNOPSIS 📖
Uketsu’s Strange Pictures is a thrilling mystery horror fiction revolving around a collection of drawings that come together to form a deeper meaning, one that is there for the reader to play detective with as the overarching story unfolds.
Thus we are presented with:
A child’s drawing made following their arrest for murder.
A series of drawings made by a young woman before her death.
A child’s disturbing picture of his home.
A desperate sketch made by a murder victim in their final moments.
Each drawing possesses a chilling warning and a terrible secret hidden in plain sight.
Uketsu cleverly uses the art of illustrated pictures to create a whodunit experience, one that the reader can solve whilst following the story. The question is, can you find the hidden clues in these strange pictures and uncover the sinister truths that connect them all?
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✨ MY REVIEW 🤔
As I write this review it has been two weeks since I completed Strange Pictures, and it has been an experience that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about.
Uketsu’s Strange Pictures was the first time that I have experienced a book of this nature, not only a horror fiction but also one that uses imagery to help drive a thrilling mystery story forward. I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book, but it exceeded all things that I imagined it might be and became the most impactful read of the 14 books I have thus far in 2025.
So, what did I particularly like about Strange Pictures?
To start: the fact that the truth is in plain sight all along, if you pay close attention to the deeper meaning of the illustrations presented. The implications are damning and encourage a chill up the spine, even more so when I suspected the truth but desperately sought another in the hope that it wasn't. Because the truth was too hard to bear when I stopped to consider that it could have been prevented and innocent lives saved, if it wasn't for one persons wrong conclusion.
The depth of the world and the characters were well written and presented, and it all weaved together to paint a larger and connected picture. I was invested in every detail and aspect. It felt real, and that only added to the haunting elements of the overarching story.
Then there are the illustrations themselves. When I first picked up this book I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy this format of book. However, I must admit - with much glee - that trying to decipher the true meaning of them was a delight as I titled and rotated the book in an effort garner a different perspective that would reveal all. For when the pieces slotted together in the mind, it made for a chilling discovery that truly made me feel a sense of dread and horror. Revealing just how far someone will go to protect the world that they have built in an 'act of love' - although, in truth, it is for themselves more so.
Strange Pictures is a stroke of genius, successfully combining illustration and fiction to achieve a gripping psychological thriller, mystery, and horror work of fiction. One that you are encouraged to participate in solving as you read - if you so wish to.
At this time I honestly can't bring forth any cons to consider, only: I wish that there was more of Uketsu's work available to read, and I very much look forward to the July publication date of Strange Houses.
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I’d like to wrap up this entry by thanking you for taking the time to read my review of Strange Pictures. If you have read this title I would love to share in your own experience in the comments below.
Strange Pictures is not a reading experience that I will forget any time soon, and I can’t wait for Uketsu’s next publication: Strange Houses. Which is due to release in the UK on July 3rd, 2025.
✨ RATING 📣
5/5
✨ COMPLETION DATE 🗓️
19.02.2025
