Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak is a spine-chilling supernatural thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The story follows Mallory Quinn, a woman fresh out of rehab who lands a job as a nanny for the Maxwell family. She’s tasked with looking after their five-year-old son, Teddy, a shy, sweet boy with an unusual talent for drawing. At first, the drawings are innocent enough—trees, rabbits, balloons—but soon they take a dark turn. Teddy’s artwork becomes increasingly sinister, depicting disturbing scenes that seem to hint at a long-unsolved murder.

What makes Hidden Pictures truly terrifying is the eerie inclusion of actual drawings throughout the book, which only amplify the unsettling atmosphere. Mallory, struggling with her own demons, is an incredibly relatable protagonist, and her journey of self-discovery and redemption gives the story an emotional depth that makes the chilling supernatural elements even more gripping. As someone who comes from a family riddled with addiction, I appreciated how Rekulak portrays Mallory’s struggles with recovery in such an authentic way.

The ghost story trope—where a spirit uses a living person to solve her own murder—is always a great foundation for a chilling tale, and Rekulak spins this classic idea into something unique and haunting. Teddy’s innocence surrounding the ghostly occurrences adds a layer of complexity to the story; as he unwittingly draws the ghost’s tragic past, you can’t help but feel for him. The sinister atmosphere builds with each new drawing, making you question what’s real and what’s imagined.

This book is perfect for a weekend read, though if you’re easily frightened, I recommend reading it during the day. The visual of the drawings included throughout the book can easily give you nightmares. The creeping tension in the story is amplified by Rekulak’s sharp writing, and the local history woven into the plot adds a cool layer of depth. The twist regarding the ghost’s true identity is an unexpected shock that left me thinking long after the book was over.If you’re a fan of ghost stories, supernatural thrillers, or just love a good, creepy tale, Hidden Pictures is a must-read. It’s one of those books that will stay with you—just be sure to keep the lights on if you read it at night!