Hidden Pictures: A Novel Hardcover – May 10, 2022

In reality I would rate this book 4.5 stars. It was a fun, easy read that I couldn't put down. I finished this book within 24 hours which I've never done before. I loved that they included the illustrations. It enhanced the reading experience tremendously. I read this on my kindle so I experienced a few jump scares which was fun. I do wish that the author introduced the creepy pictures more gradually. I was kind of disappointed that it happened so soon. I loved the twist and genuinely didn't see it coming, but I noticed certain integral characters develop major personality changes after the fact. Everything that transpired after the twist happened in the last few chapters which made the story feel rushed. This book had a satisfying ending and I did feel that the story was complete. Overall this book was entertaining, engaging, and hard to put down. There were some minor pacing issues but I'm only being critical because I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I thought this was a pretty exciting thriller/supernatural horror novel in that the author manages to keep the reader guessing and keeps them on their heels for a good portion of the plot.I suppose with this style of genre at points a reader’s likeability for the novel (or lack thereof) rests on their willingness to suspend a certain amount of disbelief, and that is certainly the case here with Hidden Pictures. I overlooked a few of these “jump the shark” moments because in the grand scheme of things this was a mostly effectively done mystery with some intense and creepy moments.One of the things that works, in my opinion, is how it is told from Mallory’s point of view. Mallory definitely comes across as a sympathetic character, however, given her past troubles and history, there is a level of indefiniteness in what she is telling us: Are we to be completely trusting her judgement? Or is there a level of cloudiness or murkiness that skews what is real? It is that gray area, that doubt cast, which keeps us guessing as to what is reality and what is illusion. Had this been told via third person, I don’t think the book would have had the same effect.But obviously, the pictures that Teddy presents to Mallory are simply one of the most effective elements contained within, and add an entirely new dimension to this genre. The illustrations go from innocent to cryptic to quite disturbing and alarming. Alongside Mallory’s story she tells us, these illustrations give way to another disturbing story that presents itself, one that lingers in the background but comes into focus. The pictures take on a life of their own in some respects, and lead to a frantic and chaotic finish.Overall, Hidden Pictures is one of those hyped-up thrillers that mostly lives up to the billing in my opinion. It has a unique quality in being an “illustrated mystery” and it was definitely a page turner with a dark and unsettling atmosphere.This would be one definitely to pick up during Halloween season.

Loved the book. So many twists that I did not see coming! The child's drawings throughout the book made it so much more creepy and intriguing.The main character is a recovering addict, clean for over a year. Her sponsor finds her a great paying job as a nanny for a wealthy family. The family consists of a mom, a dad, and one child; Teddy. Teddy is an excellent child who loves to draw and seems to have a very active imagination. Teddy even has an imaginary friend named Anya, who he draws pictures of. The MC feels like she's hit the jackpot when she lands the nanny position. She gets to move into the guest house (which she has all to herself), the pay is incredible, Teddy and her really bond, she gets along great with Teddy's parents and they make her feel like almost a part of the family, she gets to swim in their pool, and goes for runs around the ritzy neighborhood, and even meets the handsome guy who mows the family's yard and they seem to hit it off great!However, things take a sinister turn when Teddy's drawings get creepier and creepier and each one put together with the next seem to tell a dark and ominous story. Children Teddy's age should not be drawing pictures like these! Then she meets the odd woman who lives next door. The strange neighbor tells her about the ghostly legend of the previous tenant of the guesthouse she's now living in. A beautiful young foreigner, named Anne, who comes to live with her distant family and moves into the very guest house she's now living in. The young woman is beautiful and catches the eye of suitors, but to the disappointment of her family, she's uninterested in following the rules of the social norms, and keeps to herself and her drawings. She enjoyed exploring the wooded area behind the property and drawing beautiful pictures. Until one day it seems she goes missing and is never heard from again.What happened to Anne?Could Anne have any relation to Teddy's drawings and imaginary friend Anya?