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Look What the Cat Dragged In
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26From the New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Pictures and The Last One at the Wedding comes a new supernatural thriller about a young woman pet-sitting a cat with a mysterious secret, featuring more than sixty pages of illustrations.
Meet Penny Padgett, a twenty-seven-year-old cartoonist in Philadelphia who agrees to pet-sit a very peculiar cat named Godfrey. At first, he’s a warm and affectionate companion. Godfrey follows Penny all around the house and insists on sleeping by her side every night. But soon strange things are happening. Penny is haunted by disturbing and violent nightmares. There’s a terrible insect infestation in her basement. Her cute cartoon illustrations turn dark and surreal, as if influenced by some invisible hand. And her health starts failing, as if her mind and body are under attack by a sinister, malevolent force.
Penny may be a cat person, but she’s starting to think Godfrey is no ordinary cat . . .
Fully illustrated with sixty pages of original artwork, Jason Rekulak’s new novel is intensely plotted, wonderfully frightening, and wildly clever. He more than lives up to his reputation as having “a freakishly fertile imagination” (The New York Times).
Meet Penny Padgett, a twenty-seven-year-old cartoonist in Philadelphia who agrees to pet-sit a very peculiar cat named Godfrey. At first, he’s a warm and affectionate companion. Godfrey follows Penny all around the house and insists on sleeping by her side every night. But soon strange things are happening. Penny is haunted by disturbing and violent nightmares. There’s a terrible insect infestation in her basement. Her cute cartoon illustrations turn dark and surreal, as if influenced by some invisible hand. And her health starts failing, as if her mind and body are under attack by a sinister, malevolent force.
Penny may be a cat person, but she’s starting to think Godfrey is no ordinary cat . . .
Fully illustrated with sixty pages of original artwork, Jason Rekulak’s new novel is intensely plotted, wonderfully frightening, and wildly clever. He more than lives up to his reputation as having “a freakishly fertile imagination” (The New York Times).
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Jason Rekulak
17 books9,581 followersI'm the author of three novels: HIDDEN PICTURES, THE IMPOSSIBLE FORTRESS, and (coming in October 2024!) THE LAST ONE AT THE WEDDING. For many years I was Publisher of Quirk Books, an indie press headquartered in Philadelphia, where I ghost-wrote many odd books that may or may not surface on this page, depending on the metadata. I live in West Philly with my wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 21, 2026
Wow, this was scary. The slow-burn, the horror build-up, the cat, the suspense.
If you think this is just a typical story about an illustrator and her cat, then you are sadly mistaken. Everything felt normal at first. The cat was clingy, following her around and lying on her belly for hours on end. Then strange things started happening. Unlocked doors, missing books, a repulsive smell, and a black beetle infestation. Now Penny is plagued by nightmares, blackouts, and hallucinations.
The first few chapters were so steadily slow I almost fell asleep. It also felt repetitive at times, which got a bit annoying. However, the pace picked up during the third quarter and everything completely blew over. Scary shit. One funny thing though was the Pokémon reference. Lol.
Pagan rituals, satanic cults, and witchcraft. I suggest not reading this beside your cat. Lol. Your cat might morph into something feral and evil.
Overall, this was unsettling and genuinely creepy, but it didn’t quite capture the same magic Jason was able to pull off with Hidden Pictures.
If you think this is just a typical story about an illustrator and her cat, then you are sadly mistaken. Everything felt normal at first. The cat was clingy, following her around and lying on her belly for hours on end. Then strange things started happening. Unlocked doors, missing books, a repulsive smell, and a black beetle infestation. Now Penny is plagued by nightmares, blackouts, and hallucinations.
The first few chapters were so steadily slow I almost fell asleep. It also felt repetitive at times, which got a bit annoying. However, the pace picked up during the third quarter and everything completely blew over. Scary shit. One funny thing though was the Pokémon reference. Lol.
Pagan rituals, satanic cults, and witchcraft. I suggest not reading this beside your cat. Lol. Your cat might morph into something feral and evil.
Overall, this was unsettling and genuinely creepy, but it didn’t quite capture the same magic Jason was able to pull off with Hidden Pictures.
Want to Read
February 11, 2026i'm ready to be let down :)
Want to Read
February 14, 2026I can't wait for this one. I don't give many 5 star ratings. Those are usually reserved for Stephen King books but Hidden Pictures got 5 stars from me. Can't wait to read this one.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC and I adored this book! It’s so unexpected. Without giving away too much, it starts with the mystery of Penny’s missing cat Popcorn. Not only is it upsetting to her as her beloved pet, she also makes a career of writing graphic novels about their relationship. After taking in a new cat temporarily, strange things begin happening. The book takes a dramatic turn from solving the mystery of Popcorn’s disappearance to solving why Penny seems to be unraveling. I couldn’t put this book down and loved the cast of supporting characters. Some parts feel far fetched, but that’s what made it the most fun. I also loved that the book explored the important relationship between people and pets in a more dynamic way than most stories. A must read!
June 9, 2026
There are comic strips and sh*t gets weird. Very readable and I appreciate that the author puts in something a little extra in the novel. ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
July 7, 2026
After giving Hidden Pictures five stars, I was incredibly excited to read Jason Rekulak's latest novel. Unfortunately, this one was a disappointment for me.
The premise immediately drew me in. It felt like Pet Sematary meets Rosemary's Baby, and I was completely on board for that combination. The atmosphere was unsettling, the concept was intriguing, and I genuinely wanted to see where the story would go.
Unfortunately, the execution didn't live up to the premise. The writing often felt very YA in style, despite this being decidedly not a YA novel when it came to the horror elements. The pacing leaned heavily into a slow burn, but the payoff never quite delivered. There weren't many surprises, and by the end I found myself wishing for more.
I also struggled with the tone. At times I couldn't tell if certain moments were intended to be satirical or if the writing was simply awkward, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story.
Overall, I enjoyed the idea behind the novel much more than the novel itself. There are readers who may appreciate its creeping sense of dread and gradual build, but after Hidden Pictures, my expectations were much higher. This one just didn't quite come together for me.
The premise immediately drew me in. It felt like Pet Sematary meets Rosemary's Baby, and I was completely on board for that combination. The atmosphere was unsettling, the concept was intriguing, and I genuinely wanted to see where the story would go.
Unfortunately, the execution didn't live up to the premise. The writing often felt very YA in style, despite this being decidedly not a YA novel when it came to the horror elements. The pacing leaned heavily into a slow burn, but the payoff never quite delivered. There weren't many surprises, and by the end I found myself wishing for more.
I also struggled with the tone. At times I couldn't tell if certain moments were intended to be satirical or if the writing was simply awkward, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story.
Overall, I enjoyed the idea behind the novel much more than the novel itself. There are readers who may appreciate its creeping sense of dread and gradual build, but after Hidden Pictures, my expectations were much higher. This one just didn't quite come together for me.
July 29, 2026
This book was wonderful. Told in a mixed media format between chapters and comic strips weaves a tale of horror that stems from a lost cat and a strange new cat. While the horror unraveled this story took directions I was not expecting and overall really enjoyed. Excited to check out Rekulak’s other works.
Read
July 5, 2026I don’t think I have words or a rating for this crazy book yet.
June 6, 2026
As expected from Jason Rekulak, this was another compulsive read—absolutely brilliant.
His writing style pulls you in from the very first page and keeps you hooked throughout. Combined with the spectacular artwork included in the book, it was an absolute joy to read.
His previous novel, *Hidden Pictures*, was one of my top ten books of the year, but this one has surpassed it and has already secured a place among my favourite books of 2026.
Having read Jason's other books, I know he's an author I can trust to deliver, and none of his novels have disappointed me so far. I absolutely loved *Hidden Pictures*, but for me, this is his best book to date. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I'd happily read it again, despite only just finishing it.
Perhaps it helped that I'm a self-confessed crazy cat lady. Some of the things my cats have dragged into the house over the years have certainly been questionable, though thankfully nothing to rival what Godfrey brings in!
If this is your first experience with Jason Rekulak's work, I have no doubt it will make you an instant fan, eagerly awaiting his next release. I highly recommend checking out his previous books as well.
And if you're already familiar with his work, you're in for a real treat. Not a single page disappoints, and the additional artwork adds an extra layer to an already fantastic story.
Cancel your plans, clear your calendar for a day or two—depending on how quickly you read—grab your favourite drinks and snacks, settle in, and lose yourself in the world of Penny, Popcorn, and Godfrey.
His writing style pulls you in from the very first page and keeps you hooked throughout. Combined with the spectacular artwork included in the book, it was an absolute joy to read.
His previous novel, *Hidden Pictures*, was one of my top ten books of the year, but this one has surpassed it and has already secured a place among my favourite books of 2026.
Having read Jason's other books, I know he's an author I can trust to deliver, and none of his novels have disappointed me so far. I absolutely loved *Hidden Pictures*, but for me, this is his best book to date. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I'd happily read it again, despite only just finishing it.
Perhaps it helped that I'm a self-confessed crazy cat lady. Some of the things my cats have dragged into the house over the years have certainly been questionable, though thankfully nothing to rival what Godfrey brings in!
If this is your first experience with Jason Rekulak's work, I have no doubt it will make you an instant fan, eagerly awaiting his next release. I highly recommend checking out his previous books as well.
And if you're already familiar with his work, you're in for a real treat. Not a single page disappoints, and the additional artwork adds an extra layer to an already fantastic story.
Cancel your plans, clear your calendar for a day or two—depending on how quickly you read—grab your favourite drinks and snacks, settle in, and lose yourself in the world of Penny, Popcorn, and Godfrey.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥'𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭." ~𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞
Penny Padgett is a struggling cartoonist who agrees to pet-sit a cat named Godfrey, a decision that initially seems far less dangerous than literally anything that happens in most horror novels. Godfrey is affectionate, charming, and insists on being involved in every aspect of her life. Penny welcomes the distraction as she's heartbroken over the disappearance of her own cat, Popcorn, who mysteriously vanishes during a blizzard. Then the nightmares start. Her artwork begins changing in disturbing ways. Strange infestations appear. Her health deteriorates. And little by little, Penny realizes that Godfrey may not be the average housecat. What follows is a supernatural horror story filled with illustrations, creeping dread, and the increasingly uncomfortable realization that maybe the cat knows more than everyone else in the room. Which, to be fair, is probably true of most cats.
Fans of 𝑯𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝑷𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 are going to feel right at home here. The illustrations aren't just a gimmick. They become part of the storytelling itself, creating that same immersive experience that made Rekulak's earlier novel so memorable. What surprised me, though, is how patient this book is. The real creep factor doesn't arrive immediately. Instead, the author spends time building Penny's world, letting the unease gather quietly in the corners until suddenly you're looking around wondering when exactly things went from strange to deeply, profoundly wrong. I kept waiting for the moment the horror would fully sink its claws in, and when it finally did, it felt like the floor dropping out beneath me.
What I wasn't expecting was how much this felt like a love letter to both cats and the early seasons of 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍. Not the mythology-heavy years, but the monster-of-the-week episodes where Sam and Dean would roll into a town, discover something ancient and awful lurking beneath the surface, and realize they were already in way over their heads. This book captures that exact energy. Equal parts horror, mystery, and supernatural adventure, it delivers scares without losing its sense of fun. And Godfrey? Godfrey may have just secured a spot among my favorite fictional cats (besides Popcorn). Which is either the highest compliment I can give this book or evidence that I have learned absolutely nothing from reading it. Either way, I regret nothing. So many thanks to Flatiron Books, whom I pestered relentlessly for this early read. This book will publish October 13, 2026.
Penny Padgett is a struggling cartoonist who agrees to pet-sit a cat named Godfrey, a decision that initially seems far less dangerous than literally anything that happens in most horror novels. Godfrey is affectionate, charming, and insists on being involved in every aspect of her life. Penny welcomes the distraction as she's heartbroken over the disappearance of her own cat, Popcorn, who mysteriously vanishes during a blizzard. Then the nightmares start. Her artwork begins changing in disturbing ways. Strange infestations appear. Her health deteriorates. And little by little, Penny realizes that Godfrey may not be the average housecat. What follows is a supernatural horror story filled with illustrations, creeping dread, and the increasingly uncomfortable realization that maybe the cat knows more than everyone else in the room. Which, to be fair, is probably true of most cats.
Fans of 𝑯𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝑷𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 are going to feel right at home here. The illustrations aren't just a gimmick. They become part of the storytelling itself, creating that same immersive experience that made Rekulak's earlier novel so memorable. What surprised me, though, is how patient this book is. The real creep factor doesn't arrive immediately. Instead, the author spends time building Penny's world, letting the unease gather quietly in the corners until suddenly you're looking around wondering when exactly things went from strange to deeply, profoundly wrong. I kept waiting for the moment the horror would fully sink its claws in, and when it finally did, it felt like the floor dropping out beneath me.
What I wasn't expecting was how much this felt like a love letter to both cats and the early seasons of 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍. Not the mythology-heavy years, but the monster-of-the-week episodes where Sam and Dean would roll into a town, discover something ancient and awful lurking beneath the surface, and realize they were already in way over their heads. This book captures that exact energy. Equal parts horror, mystery, and supernatural adventure, it delivers scares without losing its sense of fun. And Godfrey? Godfrey may have just secured a spot among my favorite fictional cats (besides Popcorn). Which is either the highest compliment I can give this book or evidence that I have learned absolutely nothing from reading it. Either way, I regret nothing. So many thanks to Flatiron Books, whom I pestered relentlessly for this early read. This book will publish October 13, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
Having enjoyed Hidden Pictures (I gave it 4 stars), I was more than happy to pick up Jason Rekulak’s latest book, especially with a witty name like Look What The Cat Dragged In.
As a cat lover and huge horror movie fan, this truly felt like two of my favourite interests colliding. And with it being released early in October, this will no doubt make for a great Halloween/spooky season read.
Immediately I was drawn in, as Penny searches for Popcorn and it’s clear that something much more sinister than a missing cat is at play.
Then as soon as Godfrey enters the picture, things start to ramp up, but at the same time you get a sense of unease that starts to grow, as you get a sense that something altogether more sinister is at work.
The story blends humour with horror in a way that had me speeding through it, and this is only highlighted in the illustrations used throughout.
I honestly couldn’t stop talking about this book as I was reading it.
I also liked that it was unlike anything that I’d read before, while still having nods to some of my favourite horror movies. Think Pet Semetary, Rosemary’s Baby and the ending gave me Ready Or Not 2 vibes, in a good way.
There are a few bits that felt a bit repetitious, but overall, I had such a fun time reading it. And if I hadn’t had other commitments, I easily could have – and would have – read it in one sitting.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Having enjoyed Hidden Pictures (I gave it 4 stars), I was more than happy to pick up Jason Rekulak’s latest book, especially with a witty name like Look What The Cat Dragged In.
As a cat lover and huge horror movie fan, this truly felt like two of my favourite interests colliding. And with it being released early in October, this will no doubt make for a great Halloween/spooky season read.
Immediately I was drawn in, as Penny searches for Popcorn and it’s clear that something much more sinister than a missing cat is at play.
Then as soon as Godfrey enters the picture, things start to ramp up, but at the same time you get a sense of unease that starts to grow, as you get a sense that something altogether more sinister is at work.
The story blends humour with horror in a way that had me speeding through it, and this is only highlighted in the illustrations used throughout.
I honestly couldn’t stop talking about this book as I was reading it.
I also liked that it was unlike anything that I’d read before, while still having nods to some of my favourite horror movies. Think Pet Semetary, Rosemary’s Baby and the ending gave me Ready Or Not 2 vibes, in a good way.
There are a few bits that felt a bit repetitious, but overall, I had such a fun time reading it. And if I hadn’t had other commitments, I easily could have – and would have – read it in one sitting.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2026
Jason Rekulak has done it again.
This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter, and before I knew it, I had devoured the entire thing. It's one of those stories that's almost impossible to put down because every chapter leaves you needing just one more.
The mixed-media format works so well here. The comic strips aren't just a fun addition. They become an essential part of the storytelling and make the horror feel even more immersive. The illustrations add another layer of unease, and I found myself studying every detail.
As someone who loves cats, I have to admit Godfrey completely stole the show. He's equal parts adorable and deeply unsettling, which is honestly an impressive balance to pull off.
More than anything, I appreciated how effortlessly Rekulak blends supernatural horror with genuinely compelling characters. The scares land because you actually care about the people at the center of the story, and that emotional investment makes the horror even more effective.
If I had one tiny criticism, it's only that I wished we had a little more time with some of the reveals near the end. I was so invested that I wasn't ready for the story to be over.
This has officially become my favorite Jason Rekulak novel. I loved Hidden Pictures, but this one surpassed it for me. It's creepy, clever, beautifully presented, and one of the most entertaining horror novels I've read this year.
This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter, and before I knew it, I had devoured the entire thing. It's one of those stories that's almost impossible to put down because every chapter leaves you needing just one more.
The mixed-media format works so well here. The comic strips aren't just a fun addition. They become an essential part of the storytelling and make the horror feel even more immersive. The illustrations add another layer of unease, and I found myself studying every detail.
As someone who loves cats, I have to admit Godfrey completely stole the show. He's equal parts adorable and deeply unsettling, which is honestly an impressive balance to pull off.
More than anything, I appreciated how effortlessly Rekulak blends supernatural horror with genuinely compelling characters. The scares land because you actually care about the people at the center of the story, and that emotional investment makes the horror even more effective.
If I had one tiny criticism, it's only that I wished we had a little more time with some of the reveals near the end. I was so invested that I wasn't ready for the story to be over.
This has officially become my favorite Jason Rekulak novel. I loved Hidden Pictures, but this one surpassed it for me. It's creepy, clever, beautifully presented, and one of the most entertaining horror novels I've read this year.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into Look What the Cat Dragged In pretty blind. I didn’t read much of the summary beforehand; I just knew I enjoyed Hidden Pictures and The Last One at the Wedding, so I was definitely going to read Jason Rekulak’s newest book.
I’ll admit, I’m not usually much of a sci-fi/supernatural reader. I tend to prefer stories that feel more grounded in reality, which is why Hidden Pictures surprised me so much when I ended up loving it. With this one, I truly had no idea where the story was going. Around 20% in, I remember thinking, “Wait… they still haven’t even found the cat?” Then it clicked: this book isn’t really about that cat. It’s about a very different cat.
This is definitely a slow burn, but once I hit around the 75% mark, things got wild and I could not put it down. The tension builds in such a strange, creepy way, and by the end, it fully delivers on the unsettling atmosphere.
My early ARC didn’t include the drawings that appear in the finished copy, which was a little disappointing because I think that extra visual element would have made the experience even stronger. Still, this was a very creepy and interesting read about one seriously evil cat.
This is a perfect Halloween book, and if you were a fan of Hidden Pictures, I think this will definitely satisfy that same creepy, page-turning itch.
I’ll admit, I’m not usually much of a sci-fi/supernatural reader. I tend to prefer stories that feel more grounded in reality, which is why Hidden Pictures surprised me so much when I ended up loving it. With this one, I truly had no idea where the story was going. Around 20% in, I remember thinking, “Wait… they still haven’t even found the cat?” Then it clicked: this book isn’t really about that cat. It’s about a very different cat.
This is definitely a slow burn, but once I hit around the 75% mark, things got wild and I could not put it down. The tension builds in such a strange, creepy way, and by the end, it fully delivers on the unsettling atmosphere.
My early ARC didn’t include the drawings that appear in the finished copy, which was a little disappointing because I think that extra visual element would have made the experience even stronger. Still, this was a very creepy and interesting read about one seriously evil cat.
This is a perfect Halloween book, and if you were a fan of Hidden Pictures, I think this will definitely satisfy that same creepy, page-turning itch.
Review of advance copy
Jason has done it again! I was trying to savor this ARC as long as humanely possible instead of devouring it in 3-4 days like I did with his other books, but by I want to say the end of Chapter 16 I COULD NOT put it down! So I finished it in a week. It certainly helped that all of 4th of July weekend we had an xFinity outage. So I took it as a sign to unplug and read.
The illustrations by Doogie Horner and Will Staehle helped bring Jason's book to life just as they did with their illustrations in Hidden Pictures. Some were funny. Some were frightening. The same goes for Jason's storytelling: It had some funny moments as well as some frightening moments. This book actually spooked me. I had nightmares! The thought about maybe not reading it before bed crossed my mind because of the said nightmares. But they were soon dismissed with the thought of, but where's the fun in not reading it before bed? So I am thrilled about receiving nightmares from this book! That to me tells me, Jason has written a fantastically scary book. So hats off to you, Jason for successfully scaring me!
If I could pick a piece of music to fit the vibe for the book, I would have to say it's Night On Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky.
I loved this book so much! It kept me on the edge of my seat. I'm sad I finished it. But I can guarantee you, I will be doing a re-read when it officially releases in October!
5 out of 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you like thrillers, I encourage you to pre-order this book!
The illustrations by Doogie Horner and Will Staehle helped bring Jason's book to life just as they did with their illustrations in Hidden Pictures. Some were funny. Some were frightening. The same goes for Jason's storytelling: It had some funny moments as well as some frightening moments. This book actually spooked me. I had nightmares! The thought about maybe not reading it before bed crossed my mind because of the said nightmares. But they were soon dismissed with the thought of, but where's the fun in not reading it before bed? So I am thrilled about receiving nightmares from this book! That to me tells me, Jason has written a fantastically scary book. So hats off to you, Jason for successfully scaring me!
If I could pick a piece of music to fit the vibe for the book, I would have to say it's Night On Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky.
I loved this book so much! It kept me on the edge of my seat. I'm sad I finished it. But I can guarantee you, I will be doing a re-read when it officially releases in October!
5 out of 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you like thrillers, I encourage you to pre-order this book!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
As soon as I started this book, I found myself unable to put it down! This gripping thriller focuses on how evil can come in all forms, even precious little cats. It follows Penny, a comic book artist who is struggling after losing her beloved cat and muse, Popcorn. When an opportunity to pet-sit for one of her boyfriend’s wealthy clients arises, Penny agrees, in hopes a new cat will help reignite her artistic spirit. Things start to get weird when the new cat, Godfrey, comes to stay with Penny and her boyfriend, Dean. Penny begins to think that a demonic entity lives inside Godfrey and he is out to get her. Dean simply believes she’s still mourning the loss of Popcorn. This causes a rift between them that causes Penny to completely spiral. I had absolutely no idea what to expect from the ending of this book, but I was highly satisfied by it! If you’re an intense lover of cats like I am, I would definitely recommend you don’t read this too far (or too close) to your own little angel!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Being a cat lover and owner, I loved the idea of a cat being center stage in a book. It is always a dog. So it was refreshing to see a cat in the spotlight. Okay, this book creeped me out, though, and had me side-eying my cat, who was lying on my lap as I read. In the end, though, Rekulak redeems, and it's a happy cat ending, sort of…
I really enjoyed this book, and sprinkled throughout are illustrations from Penny's cartoons and the art of “Barnabas Godfrey,” by Doggie Horner and Will Staehle. They add a nice break, and we actually get a visualization of what Penny is drawing, especially during her blackouts, which are quite creepy and are seared into my memory.
Rekulak doesn’t fail to grip you. He then loosens his grip a bit, you think you might drift away, then he GRABS you again, and you’re like “Oh my gawd! What!” This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend it if you are a cat owner. (giggles devilishly)
I really enjoyed this book, and sprinkled throughout are illustrations from Penny's cartoons and the art of “Barnabas Godfrey,” by Doggie Horner and Will Staehle. They add a nice break, and we actually get a visualization of what Penny is drawing, especially during her blackouts, which are quite creepy and are seared into my memory.
Rekulak doesn’t fail to grip you. He then loosens his grip a bit, you think you might drift away, then he GRABS you again, and you’re like “Oh my gawd! What!” This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend it if you are a cat owner. (giggles devilishly)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Look What the Cat Dragged In by Jason Rekulak was such a creepy, atmospheric read! The imagery is phenomenal—and the illustrations woven throughout the story make it even more immersive.
What starts out feeling like a simple story about an illustrator and her unusually clingy cat quickly spirals into something much darker. Unlocked doors. Missing books. A foul smell. A black beetle infestation. Nightmares, blackouts, and hallucinations. Before long, you're deep into pagan rituals, satanic cults, and witchcraft, wondering what is real and what isn't.
The slow-burn suspense is so well done, and once the story takes off, it absolutely flies. If you love unsettling horror with a creeping sense of dread that keeps building until you can't put it down, this one is definitely worth picking up.
What starts out feeling like a simple story about an illustrator and her unusually clingy cat quickly spirals into something much darker. Unlocked doors. Missing books. A foul smell. A black beetle infestation. Nightmares, blackouts, and hallucinations. Before long, you're deep into pagan rituals, satanic cults, and witchcraft, wondering what is real and what isn't.
The slow-burn suspense is so well done, and once the story takes off, it absolutely flies. If you love unsettling horror with a creeping sense of dread that keeps building until you can't put it down, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a fun mystery-horror book, especially if you are a cat person! Cartoonist Penny loses her cat Popcorn when she escapes an open window during a storm. The loss of her cat affects her work and life, but she agrees to cat-sit a strange cat named Godfrey. Unsettling things start happening and horror ensues. As a bonus, there are cartoons throughout the book depicting Penny and Popcorn. Then Godfrey starts creeping into Penny's cartoon work.
I enjoyed this book a great deal. It was a quick engaging read, perfect for the fall.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I enjoyed this book a great deal. It was a quick engaging read, perfect for the fall.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is definitely my favorite Jason Rekulak book to date! This is such an original take on a somewhat popular horror theme, but I can’t say what without potentially spoiling some of the fun.
Similar to HIDDEN PICTURES, LOOK WHAT THE CAT DRAGGED IN has amazing illustrations that enhance the narrative and keep you turning the pages long past your bedtime.
This highly addictive and creepy tale will surely be coming to theaters soon (just a prediction), so I recommend reading the book right away, lickity split.
You are going to have a creepy blast.
I’d recommend this to fans of ROSEMARY’S BABY.
Thank you to Macmillan for sending me an advance reader's copy as a bookseller.
Similar to HIDDEN PICTURES, LOOK WHAT THE CAT DRAGGED IN has amazing illustrations that enhance the narrative and keep you turning the pages long past your bedtime.
This highly addictive and creepy tale will surely be coming to theaters soon (just a prediction), so I recommend reading the book right away, lickity split.
You are going to have a creepy blast.
I’d recommend this to fans of ROSEMARY’S BABY.
Thank you to Macmillan for sending me an advance reader's copy as a bookseller.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was excited to receive this ARC from NetGalley as I'm a big fan of Jason Reukulak's previous work. Off the bat, this was relatively campy, almost irreverent (when it came to anything except one's love for cats), and entertaining. The prose was smooth and it was an easy read. I docked a star only because it became very predictable and formulaic near the end. I'd still recommend it, however, as it was a very good story with memorable characters (also mostly the cats and a shout out to Angie) and it kept me turning pages late into the night!
July 16, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book! This was a cute lil read (sounds weird to describe a horror book this way, but when you read it, you’ll know lol)!! Some may find it a bit gross, but as a usual reader of horror I found this to be quite tame! It was a cool story, and the accompanying illustrations added a lot to the narrative!! I can honestly say that Jason Rekulak’s books always stand out to me, as all of their subjects/stories have been unique! That being said, I did find this one to end up being very predictable in how it would play out. I devoured this quite quickly though!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC!
Starting this book I thought it was leaning a little too hard into this silly kind of tongue and cheek energy, to the point where some of the writing felt kind of juvenile, but I ended up having a lot of fun with it. I'm a sucker for a possession story, and this was a fresh take on a classic plot line. It was fairly predictable, but I had a lot of fun with it.
Starting this book I thought it was leaning a little too hard into this silly kind of tongue and cheek energy, to the point where some of the writing felt kind of juvenile, but I ended up having a lot of fun with it. I'm a sucker for a possession story, and this was a fresh take on a classic plot line. It was fairly predictable, but I had a lot of fun with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
cat goes missing in a snowstorm. the girl gets an offer to house sit another cat, but something’s wrong with him. great premise, and i like spooky stories as much as the next guy, but i think something about demonic possession and sacrifices just isn’t for me. there was so much and so little going on at the same time. i also didn’t have access to the photos, but i can’t say they’d save the story.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A thriller that kept me turning the pages. Penny is a cartoonist who writes graphic novels about her and her cat, Popcorn. When Popcorn goes missing, she finds it impossible to continue their story. A new cat, Godfrey, comes into her life and her writing takes on a whole new look. What is the story with this cat and the house she is living in with her boyfriend? Strange things begin to happen. I really liked the illustrations in this book which added to the story. Another great read by Jason Rekulak.
Want to Read
February 12, 2026oooh!!! same author as Hidden Pictures!! I am So here for it!
Pub Date: 10/2026 (let's go!)
Pub Date: 10/2026 (let's go!)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thought this was a compelling read. There was plenty of creepy stuff happening, but unfortunately I found Penny to be bland.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with this E-ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with this E-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC! This was a really fun read! I was expecting it to be straight Horror, but it was a little silly and comical at times. I really felt myself falling into the story. I loved the comics.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley and Flat Iron Books for this ARC!
This book was so scary in the beginning, I had a hard time reading it at night. Unfortunately the whole things falls a part in the third act for me. Three stars for a solid intro and story idea, but ultimately was let down by the conclusion.
This book was so scary in the beginning, I had a hard time reading it at night. Unfortunately the whole things falls a part in the third act for me. Three stars for a solid intro and story idea, but ultimately was let down by the conclusion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you enjoyed Hidden Pictures, this book is for you! The characters are likable, and the illustrations make it so much fun!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I used to think my two cats were maybe possessed by demons until I read this book about a cat actually (fictionally) possessed by a demon.
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