What do you think?
Rate this book
変な家 Manga #5
The Strange House, Vol. 5
Based on the popular novel comes a chilling mystery about a house designed for murder—now a live-action movie!
I’ve always had a fascination with the occult; you might even call it my specialty. I’ve been brought in as a consultant on many supernatural and strange mysteries. But nothing could have prepared me for this house. It seemed so ordinary at first, except for that one room. It had no doors, no windows, and was tucked away, leaving anyone to think it was just a wall. I knew that there was something more to it. It shouldn’t be there, it shouldn’t exist, and yet…
Just what is this house, and what dark secrets does it hold?
I’ve always had a fascination with the occult; you might even call it my specialty. I’ve been brought in as a consultant on many supernatural and strange mysteries. But nothing could have prepared me for this house. It seemed so ordinary at first, except for that one room. It had no doors, no windows, and was tucked away, leaving anyone to think it was just a wall. I knew that there was something more to it. It shouldn’t be there, it shouldn’t exist, and yet…
Just what is this house, and what dark secrets does it hold?
194 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 14, 2026
EN I had been enjoying this series, but I found this volume quite boring.
The most interesting element for me was the mystery behind the architecture of the houses. In this volume, all of that is explained, and the focus is almost entirely on that explanation. On one hand, it helps wrap up the story and clarify the whole sequence of events that led to this point; on the other hand, I feel that we already understood the essential idea, and I’m not sure we needed so many details. It ended up feeling a bit tedious.
Additionally, although the story is presented as a conclusion, there is a final chapter that creates a bridge to what comes next. However, it wasn’t clear to me whether this will lead to new, independent stories or if it will still be connected to this one. Whatever comes next, I hope it’s interesting. Personally, I think the series could have ended with this volume.
--
PT Estava a gostar desta série, mas achei este volume bastante aborrecido.
O elemento mais interessante para mim era o mistério por trás da arquitetura das casas. Neste volume, tudo isso é explicado e o foco recai quase exclusivamente nessa explicação. Por um lado, isso serve para fechar a história e esclarecer toda a sequência de acontecimentos que nos trouxe até aqui; por outro, sinto que o essencial já tinha sido percebido e não sei se era necessário entrar em tantos detalhes. Acabou por se tornar um pouco massador.
Além disso, apesar de a narrativa ser apresentada como uma conclusão, há um último capítulo que cria uma ponte para o que vem a seguir. No entanto, não ficou claro se serão novas histórias independentes ou se ainda estarão ligadas a esta. Seja como for, espero que o que vier a seguir seja interessante — por mim, a série teria terminado neste volume.
The most interesting element for me was the mystery behind the architecture of the houses. In this volume, all of that is explained, and the focus is almost entirely on that explanation. On one hand, it helps wrap up the story and clarify the whole sequence of events that led to this point; on the other hand, I feel that we already understood the essential idea, and I’m not sure we needed so many details. It ended up feeling a bit tedious.
Additionally, although the story is presented as a conclusion, there is a final chapter that creates a bridge to what comes next. However, it wasn’t clear to me whether this will lead to new, independent stories or if it will still be connected to this one. Whatever comes next, I hope it’s interesting. Personally, I think the series could have ended with this volume.
--
PT Estava a gostar desta série, mas achei este volume bastante aborrecido.
O elemento mais interessante para mim era o mistério por trás da arquitetura das casas. Neste volume, tudo isso é explicado e o foco recai quase exclusivamente nessa explicação. Por um lado, isso serve para fechar a história e esclarecer toda a sequência de acontecimentos que nos trouxe até aqui; por outro, sinto que o essencial já tinha sido percebido e não sei se era necessário entrar em tantos detalhes. Acabou por se tornar um pouco massador.
Além disso, apesar de a narrativa ser apresentada como uma conclusão, há um último capítulo que cria uma ponte para o que vem a seguir. No entanto, não ficou claro se serão novas histórias independentes ou se ainda estarão ligadas a esta. Seja como for, espero que o que vier a seguir seja interessante — por mim, a série teria terminado neste volume.
December 2, 2025
A beautifully eerie, oddly addictive ride into haunted architecture
Strange Houses by Uketsu is one of those manga that sneaks up on you — you pick it up thinking it’s just another horror anthology, and suddenly you’re knee-deep in cursed floor plans, uncanny tenants, and houses that feel way too alive for comfort.
Uketsu’s strength lies in atmosphere. Every chapter introduces a new “strange house,” and each one has its own twisted logic, eerie aesthetics, and unsettling rules. The art style is crisp and expressive: shadows feel heavy, faces look just a bit “off,” and rooms have this uncanny tension that makes you want to both stare and look away. The stories are short, punchy, and perfect for binge-reading at night (or regretting it immediately after).
What really stands out is how every house feels like a character. Even when the human protagonists fade into the background, the architecture speaks — sometimes literally. Uketsu manages to blend psychological horror with surreal, almost dreamlike puzzles. It’s horror, but with a quiet elegance.
It’s not a perfect manga — a few stories resolve too quickly, and sometimes you want just a little more emotional depth from the characters. But as a concept-driven horror anthology, it delivers a consistent mix of creepiness and creativity.
Verdict:
An imaginative, eerie, and visually striking horror anthology that keeps you turning pages with equal parts dread and fascination. Perfect for fans of Junji Ito–style “short horror hits” who want something fresh and architectural.
Strange Houses by Uketsu is one of those manga that sneaks up on you — you pick it up thinking it’s just another horror anthology, and suddenly you’re knee-deep in cursed floor plans, uncanny tenants, and houses that feel way too alive for comfort.
Uketsu’s strength lies in atmosphere. Every chapter introduces a new “strange house,” and each one has its own twisted logic, eerie aesthetics, and unsettling rules. The art style is crisp and expressive: shadows feel heavy, faces look just a bit “off,” and rooms have this uncanny tension that makes you want to both stare and look away. The stories are short, punchy, and perfect for binge-reading at night (or regretting it immediately after).
What really stands out is how every house feels like a character. Even when the human protagonists fade into the background, the architecture speaks — sometimes literally. Uketsu manages to blend psychological horror with surreal, almost dreamlike puzzles. It’s horror, but with a quiet elegance.
It’s not a perfect manga — a few stories resolve too quickly, and sometimes you want just a little more emotional depth from the characters. But as a concept-driven horror anthology, it delivers a consistent mix of creepiness and creativity.
Verdict:
An imaginative, eerie, and visually striking horror anthology that keeps you turning pages with equal parts dread and fascination. Perfect for fans of Junji Ito–style “short horror hits” who want something fresh and architectural.
March 5, 2026
Sa petim brojem mange konačno je završena adaptacija Čudnih kuća. Posle Strange Pictures radovala sam se finalu svoje pustolovine sa bizarnim, zapetljanim svetom japanskog detektiva. A onda, na poslednjim stranama — bam! Priča se nastavlja adaptacijom narednog romana iz istog univerzuma, Strange Buildings. Jao… zašto baš ovo ne želim da ostane nedovršeno?
Ukratko, kraj Čudne kuće nije toliko bizaran kao kod Čudnih slika, ali klasično prevrtanje očiju i buljenje u zid dok pokušavaš da sva otkrovenja povežeš u smislenu celinu — i dalje je neizostavno.
Ukratko, kraj Čudne kuće nije toliko bizaran kao kod Čudnih slika, ali klasično prevrtanje očiju i buljenje u zid dok pokušavaš da sva otkrovenja povežeš u smislenu celinu — i dalje je neizostavno.
February 28, 2026
Great ending.
Once again, we were TOLD what happened rather than seeing it for ourselves. This does dilute the action quotient a bit. But nevertheless, the mystery wraps up nicely. One man with gusto rises up to break the generational curse. It was a good mystery, nice pace, and understandable language.
Also, i don't understand why other reviews are saying its incomplete. It ended well for me
Will recommend
Once again, we were TOLD what happened rather than seeing it for ourselves. This does dilute the action quotient a bit. But nevertheless, the mystery wraps up nicely. One man with gusto rises up to break the generational curse. It was a good mystery, nice pace, and understandable language.
Also, i don't understand why other reviews are saying its incomplete. It ended well for me
Will recommend
Review of advance copy received from Sonstiges
We finally dive deep into the explanation what happened with the family and the house. Apart from that, the author announces he will talk about 11 other houses in future books.
January 18, 2026
Un finale interessante, oserei dire degno, di questa saga strana.
E ho avuto un infarto quando ho visto la parola Continua... ma a quanto pare inizierà un nuovo arco narrativo.
E ho avuto un infarto quando ho visto la parola Continua... ma a quanto pare inizierà un nuovo arco narrativo.
April 18, 2026
Good conclusion with very cute character art.
February 18, 2026
Just when I thought everyone had their conclusion and “happy ending” (except for Keita)…. I WAS NOT EXPECTING YOSHIE TO BE A PART OF THIS WHOLE RUNDOWN????
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars for ‘The Strange House Vol 5’ by Uketsu.
The mystery behind the Katabuchi’s family has all been revealed. Was fully engaged with the plot. Initially, I thought that Ayano and Keita was behind the continuous evil plans but turns out, they were simply protecting Taoya and living together as a family. It was saddening to see Keita being so morally dilemma and being stuck with the Katabuchi’s absurd practices all because he loved Ayano and the kids. I hope Keita’s trials and sentence can be reduced. After all, he only stole the corpses and cut their left hand to protect his family from the Katabuchi’s. He and Ayano deserved so much more. Also, might I add how Kurihara-San’s predictions are a little too logical? Like how Yoshie (Ayano’s mother) might be behind the cousin’s and husband’s death as well as Keita’s rebellion? Maybe she’s the one who is the informer to her branch family because it does makes sense (she is the only one from the branch family that is being married to the main family).
The things people will do to protect their family! I really loved this series so much. Will definitely read the final volume and continue with the Strange Pictures and Strange Buildings.
The mystery behind the Katabuchi’s family has all been revealed. Was fully engaged with the plot. Initially, I thought that Ayano and Keita was behind the continuous evil plans but turns out, they were simply protecting Taoya and living together as a family. It was saddening to see Keita being so morally dilemma and being stuck with the Katabuchi’s absurd practices all because he loved Ayano and the kids. I hope Keita’s trials and sentence can be reduced. After all, he only stole the corpses and cut their left hand to protect his family from the Katabuchi’s. He and Ayano deserved so much more. Also, might I add how Kurihara-San’s predictions are a little too logical? Like how Yoshie (Ayano’s mother) might be behind the cousin’s and husband’s death as well as Keita’s rebellion? Maybe she’s the one who is the informer to her branch family because it does makes sense (she is the only one from the branch family that is being married to the main family).
The things people will do to protect their family! I really loved this series so much. Will definitely read the final volume and continue with the Strange Pictures and Strange Buildings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2026
Wieder verdammt spannend!! 🔥
Die Wahrheit über die Morde, das Ritual und die Grundrisse kommt nach und nach ans Licht. Außerdem bekommt man sehr interessante Einblicke und Sichtweisen von anderen Personen. Auch was mit den einzelnen Charakteren passiert ist, wird soweit aufgeklärt.. und doch bleiben ein paar Fragen zum Schluss offen. Doch das macht das ganze wiederum sehr interessant und man grübelt noch lange darüber nach. Sowas muss man definitiv auch erstmal schaffen! ❤️🔥
Die Hauptstory ist mit dem Band beendet und funktioniert auch gut als Schluss - doch es wird direkt angeteasert, dass es noch weitere, sehr faszinierende Grundrisse geben wird. Da bin ich schon Feuer und Flamme und hoffe, dass die Reihe das Feeling weiterhin aufrechterhalten kann! ❤️🔥
Die Wahrheit über die Morde, das Ritual und die Grundrisse kommt nach und nach ans Licht. Außerdem bekommt man sehr interessante Einblicke und Sichtweisen von anderen Personen. Auch was mit den einzelnen Charakteren passiert ist, wird soweit aufgeklärt.. und doch bleiben ein paar Fragen zum Schluss offen. Doch das macht das ganze wiederum sehr interessant und man grübelt noch lange darüber nach. Sowas muss man definitiv auch erstmal schaffen! ❤️🔥
Die Hauptstory ist mit dem Band beendet und funktioniert auch gut als Schluss - doch es wird direkt angeteasert, dass es noch weitere, sehr faszinierende Grundrisse geben wird. Da bin ich schon Feuer und Flamme und hoffe, dass die Reihe das Feeling weiterhin aufrechterhalten kann! ❤️🔥
April 8, 2026
This volume wraps up the story behind Strange Houses pretty well, and even leaves a scene where the 'author' visits the house; although the mystery behind Yoshie remains unsolved, the manga leaves some closure for the readers behind a 'It's fine if that part is unsolved, now that everything is okay'. While the book ends on a end of mystery that's somewhat dreadful, the manga goes for a more feel-good feeling where the protagonist manages to solve and help the family.
I think it's a good experience to read the book, and then read the manga — though the content remains roughly the same, the change in approach of narrative is interesting!
I think it's a good experience to read the book, and then read the manga — though the content remains roughly the same, the change in approach of narrative is interesting!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2026
Looks like volume 5 closes the mystery, and 6 will be the start of a new case based on a new strange floorplan.
Or, at least, I certainly hope that is the case, because this was quite a satisfactory conclusion for the whole thing, especially when things were starting to feel a little bit too convoluted.
I think I could have done without the final twist about the traitor's identity, but still a good explanation to the whole thing. Though I can see some people don't necessarily loving the not so horrific conclusion.
Good manga series over all.
Or, at least, I certainly hope that is the case, because this was quite a satisfactory conclusion for the whole thing, especially when things were starting to feel a little bit too convoluted.
I think I could have done without the final twist about the traitor's identity, but still a good explanation to the whole thing. Though I can see some people don't necessarily loving the not so horrific conclusion.
Good manga series over all.
January 25, 2026
A gentle conclusion to the twisting and turning first arc of this series. I’m enjoying the reluctant detective author and their dynamic with the steadfast sister trying to dig through her family’s sordid past.
I loved that the ending of this series put the blame squarely on the adults responsible and extended so much compassion to the children victimized in this family power struggle and religious psychosis. The care put into that made this a bittersweet and genuinely moving ending.
I loved that the ending of this series put the blame squarely on the adults responsible and extended so much compassion to the children victimized in this family power struggle and religious psychosis. The care put into that made this a bittersweet and genuinely moving ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2026
this volume wraps the first strange house story. in the next there will be a new one.. this one however, turned out to be a disappointment. I think author wanted to much to have a happy ending and that's why it became silly. instead of creepy horror story we got a weird tale that ends up with all nice and cozy...
on the bright side I love the art so I probably will pick up the next volume just for this reason.
on the bright side I love the art so I probably will pick up the next volume just for this reason.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2026
Honestly I was a little disappointed with this volume. It followed the novel pretty much exactly the same- and the ending is pretty lack luster. That being said, they are continuing after the point in the novel in what looks like an 11 story strange house series, which I am very excited for to see new exciting stories!
January 22, 2026
I definitely didn't like this volume, but it's hard to make a non spoiler review. I still hope for the next one.
—
Non mi è affatto piaciuto questo volume, ma è difficile fare una recensione senza spoiler. Spero nel prossimo volume.
—
Non mi è affatto piaciuto questo volume, ma è difficile fare una recensione senza spoiler. Spero nel prossimo volume.
February 15, 2026
4.5/5. The suspense of the previous volumes is dropped in favor of a text-heavy explanation of the reasoning behind the house's floor plans and what actually caused them to be. I really appreciated the author being willing to dive deep into family struggles and how it can affect others.
February 18, 2026
I am hyped for volume 6, this was a fun ending to the main story. ill eventually read the actual novels themselves from uketsu but these Manga versions are fantastic. what a ride!
CW: blood, violence, death, child abuse/neglect
CW: blood, violence, death, child abuse/neglect
April 6, 2026
i was worried it was going to keep snowballing from there, but nope, we got a conclusion to the first story arc! overall, i was pretty intrigued the entire time, but i don't think i'll continue on with volume 6 (at least for now). however! i do plan to read the books!
August 31, 2025
explained a lot from where I left off in the book
September 15, 2025
Personally, I don't think it's very fun.
September 20, 2025
Well, I really liked this one! I wasn't prepared for the revelations (shockingly good!). Excited for Vol. 6!!
November 25, 2025
There's mystery around keita , I'm glad it's somehow given a structure here
December 1, 2025
Even thought I already knew the end of the story, it never stop to amazed me.
I hope we get some thing of the theories presented on the book epilogue
I hope we get some thing of the theories presented on the book epilogue
January 21, 2026
Stupendo, anche se speravo chiudesse così, con questo volume.
January 27, 2026
Lowkey feel like I should re read the other volumes because I was very much lost in this one but I think it gave answers and wrapped up things… I just forgot most of them.
January 29, 2026
52 Book Club Reading Challenge Sidequest- Prompt 7: Characters are siblings
Well that was (unexpectedly) heartwarming? Kind of? Who knows.
Well that was (unexpectedly) heartwarming? Kind of? Who knows.
February 15, 2026
Finished, yet not.. interesting. Looking forward to seeing how this series continues and perhaps reading the novel it is based on.
February 23, 2026
The plot thickens and there's a vol. 6 that I'll have to get.
February 28, 2026
3.25⭐️ I have actually really enjoyed this series so far and will happily continue with the rest of these mangas, only thing is I didn’t enjoy this one as much as some of the others
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews