The Strange House, Vol. 5

変な家 Manga #5

by Uketsu, Kyo Ayano (Illustrator)

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?

Genres: Manga, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Comics Manga

194 pages, Paperback

First published March 14, 2025

About the author

Associated Names:
* Uketsu
* 雨穴
* อุเก็ตสึ (Thai Profile)

Reviews

[Urbon Adamsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[daph pink ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Maja · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Priyank Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[SabiAnnika · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Cecilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Helena Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely baffled by this decision. I can't speak to the ending because I'm not sure if the happy ever after was actually true (or, as implied, a fakeout), but wow! What a let down! I did think the Touya reveal was very sweet, I like him a lot. But otherwise yeah, this series went downhill fast. No tension! No buildup! Just reveal after reveal. A real shame, honestly.

[yam · Rating 5 out of 5]

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????

[Adhara Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[⋆｡˚꒰ঌ worm ໒꒱˚｡⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Ro☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Natalie S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished, yet not.. interesting. Looking forward to seeing how this series continues and perhaps reading the novel it is based on.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good conclusion with very cute character art.

[moonreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

RISULTATO RIBALTATO
Seguire i nomi e la storia è difficile ma sul finale tutto quadra, da rancori antichi ad una generazione che cercan di porre fine a sacrifici e omicidi dettati da linee di sangue. Un viaggio immenso a partire da due planimetrie di case strane, perfetto per chi ama i gialli di Sherlock Holmes. Bravo Keita che per colpe non sue ha finito per perdersi. Non solo nei capitoli precedenti si è illustrato il bisogno di lasciar giocare i bambini anche con le bambole per svilluppare empatia e aggregazione ma in questo volume, l'aver scelto la cosa giusta nonostante le problematiche 'di famiglia' ha permesso a Toya una normale e felice crescita, la possibilità di esprimere se stesso attraverso i disegni, il gioco e il voler prendersi cura del fratellino acquisito per il quale lasciava la sua stanza in segreto. Una stanza invisibile per rinchiudere una paura inesistente e misfatti non del tutto compiuti.
Queste storie sono dannatamente profonde.

[vee ⋆˚꩜｡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

note: ive finished the entire series, just keeping my review to this volume only!

the average of my score for each volume is three stars, would rate everything closer to a 2.5 ,, i think the changes they made in adapting this story, whilst mostly fine (or even welcomed!) until volume four and five, just really ruined the best part of the book's ending :( (spoilers ahead!) by confirming that keita is DEFINITELY alive, the manga ruins the openendedness and final mystery regarding ayano's innocence n whether he's still alive. removing the open ending and definitely confirming keita's role as a murderer also misses the entire point of the original book, where kurihara and the author's theories about their investigations is meant to be wild speculation and occultish theories. i dunno :c just kinda disappointing asksk :cc

[Shiritaku · Rating 5 out of 5]

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! ❤️‍🔥

[Arianah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read these all in one day. I realized halfway through it was a book. I could have finished the book quicker but I digress.

Books 3 and 4 are the best out of the bunch. Book 5 could have been a part of book 4. Books 1 and 2 could have been one book together.

I enjoyed the mystery and got some things right in the beginning before the characters. I got the cult right too but for the wrong reasons. I also predicted the secret antagonist as well. With that being said, I do think because I was able to deduce some things, it was a more enjoyable read than strange pictures.

A solid 3.5 series that could work on pacing. There is supposed to be a sixth volume, but that is based on Strange Buildings which is already released.

[黑茶 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Estibaliz · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un buon epilogo ma mi ha lasciato l'amaro in bocca. Non accetto come Keita Katabuchi abbia deciso di addossarsi tutte le colpe di una famiglia di fatto a lui estranea (Ayano a parte) e di cui non doveva rendere conto di niente.
Inoltre, continuo a credere che la suocera fosse implicata, come congetturato da Kurihara. Peccato che resteranno ipotesi senza risposta...

Sono stupita che l'opera non finisca con la risoluzione del caso, ma che anzi si apra a un nuovo arco narrativo con protagonista sempre il nostro giornalista freelance.

[Eire Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Aergiaaaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the previous volume, the explanation and history part kinda not into my liking. I'm afraid it will be like the other one (strange picture? I forget the title. It's good story but the ending part when we follow the murderer from the beginning to the end, kindaaa meh) I hope this one not. And thankfully I like the conclusion of this one! Nice story.

And poor Keita.

[Sara O. · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Kai Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Aniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

explained a lot from where I left off in the book

[Karn Moonsri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Personally, I don't think it's very fun.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I really liked this one! I wasn't prepared for the revelations (shockingly good!). Excited for Vol. 6!!

[Nein · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's mystery around keita , I'm glad it's somehow given a structure here

[Lee Shain · Rating 4 out of 5]

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