What Makes Jason Rekulak's 'Hidden Pictures' a Must-Read Thriller -

I know I’m a little late to the game with this one, but I just finished Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak. If you’re looking for a book that feels a little like babysitting meets an episode of The Twilight Zone, then grab a flashlight, lock your doors, and dive into Jason Rekulak’s ‘Hidden Pictures’. This supernatural thriller brings the creeps, the feels, and enough WTF moments to make you question whether you should be glancing at your kid’s drawings a little more closely.

The story follows Mallory Quinn, a recovering addict looking to rebuild her life, who lands a job as a nanny for a cute five-year-old named Teddy. Sounds innocent enough, right? Wrong. Because this isn’t your average nanny gig. Teddy has a penchant for cranking out unsettling crayon masterpieces that go from “aww, adorable” to “oh, no, that’s kinda murder-y” real quick.

Teddy’s drawings depict disturbing scenes that seem to grow a little more detailed—and a lot more horrifying—each day. At first, Mallory tries to rationalize it (kids and their wild imaginations). But soon, she starts thinking maybe it is a little bit more than that and before she knows it, she’s piecing together a decades-old murder mystery that may or may not involve a ghost who’s been moonlighting as Teddy’s personal art coach.

Why You Should Read ‘Hidden Pictures’ (And Maybe Hide the Crayons!)

I really liked the way that I was sucked into this book right from the start. Jason Rekulak does a fantastic job of blending psychological thrills with outright horror. The book keeps you guessing: Is Mallory’s troubled past clouding her judgment, or is Teddy’s crayon-wielding ghost friend the real deal? And speaking of Teddy—this kid could use some Play-Doh therapy or maybe a new hobby that doesn’t involve creepy masterpieces.

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What makes this book a standout is its mix of visual and textual storytelling. Yes, there are actual pictures in this book! Rekulak weaves these illustrations into the narrative seamlessly, giving the chills an extra punch. I’d be willing to bet you won’t look at your fridge’s art gallery the same way again.

Mallory’s voice is authentic and relatable, with her snarky inner monologue making even the tensest scenes a little lighter. She’s not your stereotypical damaged heroine—she’s flawed, determined, and utterly likable. You’ll be rooting for her to solve the mystery (and maybe find some peace) as you race through these pages trying to be the Watson to her Sherlock.

‘Hidden Pictures’ is part ghost story, part murder mystery, and 100% binge-worthy. It’s perfect for fans of The Haunting of Hill House and The Turn of the Key, with just a pinch of Poltergeist thrown in.If you enjoy creepy kids, haunted secrets, and the occasional snort-worthy moment of dark humor, you’re in for a treat. Just maybe don’t read it before bed—or around crayons.

Weather you’re in a ginormous Book Club. Or even if it is just a book club of one (that just means more snacks for us, right?) we won’t judge. Here are ten book club worthy questions to get your brain firing on all cylinders while you work your way through this book.

If you still need to grab your copy of this great title, you can get it here on Amazon. Or get it for free when you sign up for a free trial from Audible.

Until next time, keep it brash, keep it bookish, and keep it true to you. Also… after reading this, you might want to keep a bottle of holy water handy!

10 Book Club Questions to Deep Dive Into the Creeps

1. Teddy’s Drawings: The illustrations in ‘Hidden Pictures’ play a pivotal role in the story. How did these visuals impact your reading experience? Did they make the story more immersive or just extra creepy?

2. Mallory’s Character: Mallory’s past struggles with addiction are central to her character development. How do you think her background influenced her perspective on Teddy’s behavior and the events she encountered?

3. Reality vs. Supernatural: Throughout the book, there’s a tension between the supernatural and psychological explanations for what’s happening. Did you find yourself questioning what was real? Did you fully believe in the supernatural aspect? If so, at what point?

4. The Role of the Maxwell Family: What did you think about the Maxwell family and their response to Teddy’s drawings? Were they in denial, overly trusting, or something else entirely?

5. Ethical Dilemmas: Mallory takes some questionable actions to protect Teddy and uncover the truth. Do you agree with her decisions? Were there moments where you thought she crossed the line? What lines do you feel she may have crossed?

6. The Interview: Did you find it odd the way that the husband and wife acted at Mallory’s interview for the Nanny position? Did that lead you to think the story would go in one way or another?

7. Themes of Redemption: Mallory is on a journey of redemption and self-discovery. How do you think her experiences as Teddy’s nanny helped her grow as a person?

8. Plot Twists: Rekulak sprinkles in several twists and turns throughout the story. Which one shocked you the most? Were there clues you picked up on before the big reveals?

9. The Ending: Without giving away spoilers, how did you feel about the resolution of the story? Were all your questions answered, or do you think some threads were left intentionally unresolved?

10. Fear Factor: On a scale of “mildly unsettling” to “checking under the bed for ghosts,” how scary did you find this book? What elements of the story were the most chilling or suspenseful for you?