Strange Pictures by Uketsu Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Strange Pictures by Uketsu was an impulsive pick from the library. Because the title was intriguing. And honestly, I haven’t read a book of 200 something pages that fast recently. In four days. If not for adulting errands, I could’ve finished it in one sitting. This book really was that gripping.

It’s an interactive mind-boggling mystery built around eerie, unsettling drawings. One story led to another, and before I knew it, I was flipping pages after pages and connecting the dots.

I was completely engrossed at how the book move forwards. I wasn’t just reading it, but felt like actively participating. It turned out to be my first 5-star read of 2026.

My Rating:

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

An interactive mind-boggling mystery.

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Strange Pictures by Uketsu Summary: What Is the Book About?

The novel is a compilation of four dark stories, with interconnected characters. These stories are about a blogger posting life updates, a child living with his mama, the murder of an art teacher, and a girl with her bird. Each story stands on its own, presenting a distinct scenario and point of view.

All stories have one drawing each that acts as a clue to the mystery within that narrative. They’re separate cases on their own, but story after story, everything starts connecting. The book gradually builds toward a larger picture, revealing how all these seemingly unrelated moments are part of one carefully constructed loop.

What Works?

I loved how interactive Strange Pictures book felt. It pulls you in to play detective, encouraging you to pause, observe and connect the dots yourself. What made it truly fulfilling for me was that by the time the lead character solves the puzzles within the stories, I could solve them too.

Although the writing itself is plain and simple, it works in the book’s favour. It makes the stories easy to follow and keeps the focus exactly where it belongs... on the pictures (and notes). The pacing is a bit slow and the tension builds steadily. The multiple perspectives present all sides of the truth. And by the last story, I was completely absorbed, waiting for the upcoming mystery.

What Falls Short?

There’s little to complain about here, honestly. If anything, the prose can feel a bit too plain at times. It might be due to translation choices, however, it’s fine for a book with picture puzzles, no? Another thing is that the book feels like horror from its online descriptions, but it lean more towards mystery and suspense. Minor issues.

Is Strange Pictures Worth Reading?

Yes, Strange Pictures is worth reading. The book is highly recommended for fans of mystery and detective fiction. Even if you don’t usually reach for thrillers, this one might surprise you. This will particularly be interesting for those who like logical deduction and puzzle solving.

Other FAQs about Strange Pictures by Uketsu

Q. Is Strange Pictures one story or a collection of stories?

It's a novel built from four dark stories. Each has its own scenario and point of view, and each hinges on one drawing that serves as a clue. The stories are linked through interconnected characters, and the full picture only comes together as you read on.

Q. Are the stories in Strange Pictures connected?

Yes. They look like separate mysteries, but they form one carefully constructed loop. So, read them in order because the connections only become clear towards the end. I'm avoiding specifics here to keep the review spoiler-free.

Q. Is Strange Pictures based on a true story?

No, it's a work of fiction. The drawings, the characters and the crimes are all invented. The creepy feel comes from how the puzzles are built, not from real events.

Q. How long is Strange Pictures, and who translated it?

It's roughly 200 pages, so it’s pretty much a one-sitting read. It was first published in Japan in 2022 as Hen na e. Jim Rion translated the English edition, which came out from HarperVia in the US in January 2025 and from Pushkin Vertigo in the UK.

Q. Do you have to read Uketsu's books in order?

No. Each Uketsu book is its own mystery, so you can start anywhere. Strange Pictures is a good place to begin. Strange Houses, the other one most people pick up, has its own plot and its own characters and isn't a sequel. What the two share is the idea of solving a mystery from something visual: drawings in this book, floor plans in Strange Houses.

Final Thoughts

Strange Pictures is a well-executed book I must say. With its eerie sketches, puzzle-like storytelling and interconnected stories, it turns reading into an experience. The book is clever, immersive and deeply satisfying. I almost chuckled at the end, amazed at how beautifully the author closed the loop that started in the first story. And I had to stop reading for a while just to savour the closure.

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