Review of Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
As I dove into Jason Rekulak’s Hidden Pictures, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this story was going to resonate with me in unexpected ways. With a premise that mingles the eerie with the personal, it beautifully balances the journey of recovery and redemption with a haunting mystery. The allure of uncovering dark secrets layered within a seemingly picturesque setting drew me in, and I’m thrilled to share my thoughts with you!
The protagonist, Mallory Quinn, is a character that many of us can empathize with. At just over a year into her sobriety from opioid addiction—an experience that left her grappling with guilt and the repercussions of her past—she embarks on a new chapter as a summer nanny for a family in Spring Brook, New Jersey. What starts as a quest for independence quickly spirals into an exploration of the supernatural when Mallory discovers the eerie talent of her young charge, Teddy, who is drawing unsettling images that hint at a dark history tied to the property.
Rekulak captures the tension between Mallory’s fragile recovery and the creeping suspicion that she’s not alone in her new environment. It’s a fascinating portrayal of trust—both in others and oneself. I found myself questioning Mallory’s perception throughout; is she truly experiencing the supernatural, or is her mind slipping back into the chaos of addiction? This duality adds layers to her character and invites readers to consider how past traumas can shadow present experiences.
The writing style is both straightforward and gripping, making the narrative easy to follow, yet compelling enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. I listened to the audiobook in a single day because I was completely absorbed in the storyline. The pacing is brisk, with an atmosphere that builds slowly but surely, creating an undercurrent of suspense that perfectly complements the narrative’s eerie vibrations.
One of my favorite elements? The vivid illustrations of Teddy’s drawings, which serve as both a lure and a warning. They spark curiosity about the woman who once lived in the house—if she truly is reaching out through the innocent creativity of a child, or if it’s a mere figment of Mallory’s tortured mind. The simplicity of the plot structure allowed me to appreciate the richly developed characters without feeling bogged down by complexity. This made the final twist all the more enjoyable; while I wasn’t necessarily shocked, I was impressed by how Rekulak flipped expectations on their head.
Hidden Pictures isn’t just a tale of ghosts and secrets; it’s a story about healing, the ties that bind us to our past, and the battles we face within ourselves. I believe it will resonate with readers who enjoy gothic mysteries mixed with personal stories of recovery and resilience.
This book also made me reflect on the significance of trust and self-forgiveness, themes I hold close to my heart. If you appreciate a good blend of the eerie with a heartfelt narrative, you’ll find Mallory’s journey both compelling and relatable. Thank you to Flatiron Books and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to experience this wonderful story; I can’t wait to see what Rekulak crafts next!
If you’re ready to explore the depths of human connection, the specter of past mistakes, and a pinch of the supernatural, Hidden Pictures is a reading experience you won’t want to miss.
Happy reading!