Hidden Pictures

Hidden Pictures

  • Downloads:2690
  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2022-06-24 06:51:43
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Jason Rekulak
  • ISBN:1250819342
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

From Jason Rekulak, Edgar-nominated author of The Impossible Fortress, comes a wildly inventive spin on the classic horror story in Hidden Pictures, a creepy and warm-hearted mystery about a woman working as a nanny for a young boy with strange and disturbing secrets。

Fresh out of rehab, Mallory Quinn takes a job in the affluent suburb of Spring Brook, New Jersey as a babysitter for Ted and Caroline Maxwell。 She is to look after their five-year-old son, Teddy。

Mallory immediately loves this new job。 She lives in the Maxwell’s pool house, goes out for nightly runs, and has the stability she craves。 And she sincerely bonds with Teddy, a sweet, shy boy who is never without his sketchbook and pencil。 His drawings are the usual fare: trees, rabbits, balloons。 But one day, he draws something different: a man in a forest, dragging a woman’s lifeless body。

As the days pass, Teddy’s artwork becomes more and more sinister, and his stick figures steadily evolve into more detailed, complex, and lifelike sketches well beyond the ability of any five-year-old。 Mallory begins to suspect these are glimpses of an unsolved murder from long ago, perhaps relayed by a supernatural force lingering in the forest behind the Maxwell’s house。

With help from a handsome landscaper and an eccentric neighbor, Mallory sets out to decipher the images and save Teddy—while coming to terms with a tragedy in her own past—before it’s too late。

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Reviews

Karen Makeham

Mallory is delighted to get a new job caring for young Teddy, through her NA sponsor。 She loves the family, but is concerned when Teddy draws pictures of his imaginary friend Anya being killed。 Mallory investigates and finds there was a death on the property 80 years ago。Is Teddy channelling Anya? Do the pictures form a puzzle?Amazing book, loved it! The drawings really brought it to life。 So many twists! Fantastic imagination, with a wow ending。

Savanna Funkhouser

I usually don’t really like paranormal but this was so good!

Sarah Sale

🤯 I love this book so much。 As I was going through it I started to think that the ending was going to be very predictable, but it took a turn and was nothing like what I had expected。 Nobody is ever going to be able to guess the ending and if they say they did, they’re lying。 So good!!

Evan Ludwig

3。75/5。 I’m learning now after reading more thrillers that I definitely appreciate more literary, character-focused novels。 The plot in this kept me going of course, but like most thrillers, the main character was frustratingly naive and annoying。 The insidiousness of the plot and the fact the author name drops a lot of places from my childhood were the best parts of this。 I would’ve rated it a bit higher had I not guessed most of the plot twists。 Still a solid read, though!

Erin Moore

Wow- I have not read a book like this in a very long time。 I never would have guessed the outcome in a million years。 A very well done horror/thriller piece with complex characters and relationships。 I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and was able to finish it very quickly as I felt the need to just read one more chapter (or five) before bed。 Rekulak sets the scene so well and introduces the characters in a calming way。 There were so many twists that left my with my mouth opened in shock。 The end Wow- I have not read a book like this in a very long time。 I never would have guessed the outcome in a million years。 A very well done horror/thriller piece with complex characters and relationships。 I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and was able to finish it very quickly as I felt the need to just read one more chapter (or five) before bed。 Rekulak sets the scene so well and introduces the characters in a calming way。 There were so many twists that left my with my mouth opened in shock。 The ending was very well thought out and satisfies the reader- I may or may not have teared up a little (I definitely did)。 。。。more

Jordan

Wow wow。 This is incredible。 Rekulak has a subtle way of tying up every loose end all throughout the book so it makes perfect sense by the end。 The twist was fantastic。 I’ve never read 368 pages so damn fast。 I certainly hope Rekulak writes another book in a similar genre。

Cassandra Corrigan

Oh。 My。 GOD。 I won't spoil it, but when I got to the plot twist of this book, I canceled plans so I could stay home and see what happened。 Oh。 My。 GOD。 I won't spoil it, but when I got to the plot twist of this book, I canceled plans so I could stay home and see what happened。 。。。more

Ashley

Creepy ghost story, and then the ending absolutely came out of left field。 There were some weird parts I could have done without, like the neighbor’s super racist comments about the landscapers。

Surta Dave

2 stars only because the beginning was so good。ending was a shit show

Victoria

The ghost story mystery potential was ruined with weirdly unnecessary political innuendo。 I enjoyed the story and wanted to know the resolution so it deserves a couple stars

alexahasread

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5• 😱😱😱• captivating writing style• supernatural vibesThis book is going to stick with me for a long time。 I really had no idea where it was going。 Unique plot, fascinating characters, really scary moments, and fast paced tension! I got so creeped out by the illustrations! Even though they're well-described, having them within the pages really adds something special。 As I'm sure you've already seen, be sure to read the physical version of this book。 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5• 😱😱😱• captivating writing style• supernatural vibesThis book is going to stick with me for a long time。 I really had no idea where it was going。 Unique plot, fascinating characters, really scary moments, and fast paced tension! I got so creeped out by the illustrations! Even though they're well-described, having them within the pages really adds something special。 As I'm sure you've already seen, be sure to read the physical version of this book。 。。。more

Dana (pagestoreadfl)

I really enjoyed this book。 I found the story to be fast, I liked the plot and the ending was satisfying! Can’t ask for much more than that!

Megan C。

SO CREEPY。 I loved this one! I’m super picky on anything labeled as a thriller, but this one was truly enjoyable – I think it will end up being a satisfying read for those who are regular readers of the thriller/suspense genre, and also for those who don’t normally gravitate toward it。 Those pictures though…。DO NOT READ OR LOOK AHEAD。 But, dang。 Seriously spooky stuff。

Brynn

It's a hot mess。 It's a hot mess。 。。。more

Nicole

Wow! This book just blew me away。 It is one that I know will stick with me for a really long time, one that I can recommend wholeheartedly to my friends and fellow book fiends, knowing they’ll love it。 It is described as a “… creepy and warm-hearted mystery” and I think that sums it up quite perfectly。 Cause it IS creepy as all get out, but it certainly has some really sweet moments too。 Mallory is a fantastic main character, she’s very real and the strides she is making towards her recovery fro Wow! This book just blew me away。 It is one that I know will stick with me for a really long time, one that I can recommend wholeheartedly to my friends and fellow book fiends, knowing they’ll love it。 It is described as a “… creepy and warm-hearted mystery” and I think that sums it up quite perfectly。 Cause it IS creepy as all get out, but it certainly has some really sweet moments too。 Mallory is a fantastic main character, she’s very real and the strides she is making towards her recovery from substance abuse feels very authentic。 The drawings really add an extra dimension to this book。 I am a very visual person and while I am pretty good at picturing things in my head, I loved being able to see it as the author saw it themselves during their writing process。 This is definitely one of the best books I have read so far this year, without a doubt。 Perfect for fans of horror, psychological or domestic thrillers and dark mysteries。 You will not be disappointed with “Hidden Pictures。” I really wish I could give it more than 5 stars。 。。。more

Lisa T。

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it, click here。 I liked it。 Small spoiler alert。 I did not see the twist coming but I felt a little misled that the one plot line was just a total distraction ploy。

Ruthie

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it, click here。 Absolutely loved reading this book。 I loved the story of an addict turning her life around and this couple giving her chance to do that by babysitting ‘their’ child and suddenly it all changes。 I even love the character of Mitzi, because it felt as if that’s how a neighbour would react。 I liked that the author included actual illustrations of the drawings and it wasn’t left up to me to wonder what these things looked like。 Most importantly, I think something that is a hidden message in this book Absolutely loved reading this book。 I loved the story of an addict turning her life around and this couple giving her chance to do that by babysitting ‘their’ child and suddenly it all changes。 I even love the character of Mitzi, because it felt as if that’s how a neighbour would react。 I liked that the author included actual illustrations of the drawings and it wasn’t left up to me to wonder what these things looked like。 Most importantly, I think something that is a hidden message in this book is how people in the upper class view people below them。 Maxwell’s were okay with stealing an immigrants child because they felt as if they were more worthy and deserving of that。 They were okay with hiring a low income addict, because she’s supposed to be dumb and can’t put things together。 We even see it with Mitzi’s treatment of Adrian, he’s an okay and attractive person when he’s in the pool and doesn’t have anything tracing back to being Mexican, but when he’s doing his job, it’s “watch out for the Mexicans, you know what their kind is like。” I think even more importantly, the story of Annie Barrett shows not only class division but racial division。 People know the legend or the myth isn’t real and that she moved away instead of having this gruesome death but they refused to believe that a white woman would run away to be with and have child with a black man。 Overall, loved this book and would definitely recommend。 。。。more

Megan

4。5/5I never saw the ending acting out the way it did。 This book kept my attention and made want to do nothing but read。 I am looking forward to reading whatever he writes next。

Courtney Niederer

I absolutely loved Hidden Pictures。 It is the story of a young woman, an athlete in high school who becomes a drug addict her senior year。 In her recovery, she becomes a nanny for a family with one child, a little boy named Teddy。 During Teddy’s Quiet Time each day, Mallory notices some drawings made during that time and how those drawings tell a story。 This book is one wild ride and I loved every twist that I never saw coming! 5 stars!

Ceecee

Whoops。 Forgot to post this! Published U。K。 today! At the age of 19 Mallory Quinn takes part in a strange experiment, she’s not in a good place and tries to recall the incident correctly but can she trust her drug addled memories? She is now in recovery, she’s done the 12 steps and it is a teachers aid and has been clean for 18 months。 Her sponsor gets her an interview for a nanny position for the summer at the lovely home of Caroline and Ted Maxwell, looking after five year old Teddy。 Teddy lik Whoops。 Forgot to post this! Published U。K。 today! At the age of 19 Mallory Quinn takes part in a strange experiment, she’s not in a good place and tries to recall the incident correctly but can she trust her drug addled memories? She is now in recovery, she’s done the 12 steps and it is a teachers aid and has been clean for 18 months。 Her sponsor gets her an interview for a nanny position for the summer at the lovely home of Caroline and Ted Maxwell, looking after five year old Teddy。 Teddy likes to draw, some are acutely childish and enchanting but one is odd and out of context。 He says it’s his special friend Anya who sleeps under the bed。 So let’s sketch out and paint an illustration for the five star rating。First of all, Teddy。 What a lovely, imaginative and curious child who magically takes a place in your heart。 I love Mallory too, she’s clawed her way out of her issues, she’s so patient and kind to Teddy and she’s intuitive, sensitive and full of pluck。 I love the imaginary games they play, it’s heartwarming and delightful。 I enjoy the changing perspectives on Caroline and Ted with Mitzi next door adding an initially bonkers but latterly a very interesting part in the storytelling。The setting is fantastic, the house, the grounds, the forest especially after dark and the little Guesthouse Mallory sleeps in are used cleverly to heighten the tension and I’m on high alert! Add in urban legends of boogeymen or women and then a devil house and we have us a mystery。The super creepiness builds, in fact it’s sort of sidles up on you and the hidden pictures element almost raises the hair off my scalp。 It’s extremely powerful and disturbing with the author using all the senses to try to convey meaning and it almost freaks me out! There are parts that are breathtaking and I am agog unable to put the put down and it’s a one session read。 The suspense! The jigsaw puzzle pictorial mystery! The tension! All by the truckload。The reveal when it comes is one I do not see coming and all the surreal aspects start clicking firmly into place。 It’s dramatic because you have no idea how it will play out。 The actual ending feels right I’m very authentic and truthful。Overall, this has a very refreshing and welcome originality to it and I have no hesitation in awarding five stars。Highly recommended。With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Little Brown Book Group /Sphere for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review。 。。。more

Savitri (IG: bookishcatsavant)

RTC - Definitely among my top 3 fav books of 2022 so far 🤩

Nick Silverstein

This is the best book I have read in 2022, and probably my favorite book I have ever read。 EVER。"Hidden Pictures" is so cleverly written。 A fascinating mystery that combines creepy pictures, a babysitters tragic past, and an "imaginary friend" who spends time with a 5 year old boy。 Everything pieces together so nicely, and there is a twist that I PROMISE you will not see coming! I highly HIGHLY recommend this book! This is the best book I have read in 2022, and probably my favorite book I have ever read。 EVER。"Hidden Pictures" is so cleverly written。 A fascinating mystery that combines creepy pictures, a babysitters tragic past, and an "imaginary friend" who spends time with a 5 year old boy。 Everything pieces together so nicely, and there is a twist that I PROMISE you will not see coming! I highly HIGHLY recommend this book! 。。。more

Kevin

Creepy storyline, but really loved the illustrations that were included。

Holly Wells

The ending was unexpected。

Maryolet

I am not the biggest fan of the supernatural by any means。 I somewhat enjoyed this book。 However it was very overhyped & I think I expected more。

Debleigh Carpenter

Thank you Macmillan Audio, Jason Rekulak, and Netgalley for this audio in exchange for an honest review。 I loved the narration! This to me is more of a psychological thriller with super natural elements。 Loved the story line and yes, definitely a worthy read/listen。 🌟🌟🌟🌟1/2 solid stars。

Shahna Seal

I LOVED the first 90% of the book。 The ending for me just wasn’t it。 It felt like i was no longer reading the same book。 It didn’t fit with anything that had been read prior and the author jumped off the paranormal ship a bit。 This was going to be a five star for me until then。 It completely crushed it for me。 I’d say more of a 3。5 star but honestly the majority of the book was addicting。

Jenny

4-4。5。 Awww noooo I didn’t know there were actual pictures in this book!! Only just found out by reading others’ reviews。 I listened to the audiobook which was narrated very well。 And the child voice wasn’t annoying either。 Easy to follow, pretty interesting premise。 Main character is a young woman pretty fresh out of rehab。 Connections get her an interview with a wealthy family with a nice psychiatrist mom and a sweet son。 But right away, we’re disturbed to learn that he is drawing creepy, inap 4-4。5。 Awww noooo I didn’t know there were actual pictures in this book!! Only just found out by reading others’ reviews。 I listened to the audiobook which was narrated very well。 And the child voice wasn’t annoying either。 Easy to follow, pretty interesting premise。 Main character is a young woman pretty fresh out of rehab。 Connections get her an interview with a wealthy family with a nice psychiatrist mom and a sweet son。 But right away, we’re disturbed to learn that he is drawing creepy, inappropriate scenes that he claims not to have drawn。 Dun dun dun。 Well, idk how goodreads summarizes it cause what I just wrote doesn’t sound that interesting, but it really does pack a punch。 It’s the whole “can the readers and other characters trust the flawed narrator” type of deal as we delve deeper into shocking revelations。 Hmmm what makes it not a 5… lingers too long building things up? A lil creepy but not scary (maybe that could’ve changed with seeing the photos!), and like a crazy long explanation towards the end that only kind of feels satisfying。 I’d say… maybe good for young adults who want suspense but don’t want to get into the real and weird territory of horror。 Audiobook really was good though to have on in the background。 I didn’t worry about missing things from getting bored。 Good! 。。。more

Molly

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it, click here。 This is a chunky book。 And sure, it has lots of (horribly creepy) drawings but it's still lengthy。 And I plowed through it in a day, essentially。 I knew it had to go back to my library soon so I started last night。 And read over 200 pages before finally sleeping。 It was GREAT。 It creeped the hell out of me - we're talking almost sleeping with the lights on。 And the twist really shocked me! Annie not being murdered but having essentially been run out of town for loving a Black man? Living a full, This is a chunky book。 And sure, it has lots of (horribly creepy) drawings but it's still lengthy。 And I plowed through it in a day, essentially。 I knew it had to go back to my library soon so I started last night。 And read over 200 pages before finally sleeping。 It was GREAT。 It creeped the hell out of me - we're talking almost sleeping with the lights on。 And the twist really shocked me! Annie not being murdered but having essentially been run out of town for loving a Black man? Living a full, long life while her jerk cousin staged a murder scene? Wow。 Teddy actually being a girl (the transgender angle had me worried for a moment, just because it's not an easy topic to do well and appropriately)? Caroline and Ted having taken her and killed her mommy ("anya" in Hungarian)? SHOCKING。I was worried the religious angle would become more of a thing and make the book too preachy but nope。 It was great and I loved it。 Super fun。 Hell, I'll round that 4。5 up。 。。。more

Vanessa

This book absolutely devoured my soul。 I couldn't put it down。 It's been YEARS since I've been able to read a book in one sitting。 This pulled me right out of my slump。 This book absolutely devoured my soul。 I couldn't put it down。 It's been YEARS since I've been able to read a book in one sitting。 This pulled me right out of my slump。 。。。more