Pictures of You

by Josh Malerman

A woman becomes the subject of an artist's mysterious experiment in this intense and dreamlike supernatural thriller from Josh Malerman, bestselling author of Incidents Around the House

Emily's picture of her life is about to She's madly in love with her new boyfriend, Jack. And they are about to embark on a life together.

But then everything She wakes up from an ecstatic night out with Jack to find herself in a strange hotel room, with Jack nowhere to be found. When she tries to leave the room, she discovers it's inside a picture frame.

And on the other side of the frame is a strange woman who says she is an artist—and that Emily is her work of art, her masterpiece. 

Now Emily must find Jack and escape from the painting and the artist's diabolical vision. Before she was trapped in this nightmarish experiment, Emily's life was about to begin—but is she now doomed to her life becoming someone else's creation?

Josh Malerman's unforgettable and terrifying Incidents Around the House changed the game for horror—and now Malerman has done it again. Pictures of You is a spine-chilling tale of terror that will keep you guessing until the last page—and thinking of the heroine's search for love and meaning of art long after.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Thriller, Adult, Mystery, Art

Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 8, 2026

About the author

Josh Malerman is the New York Times best selling author of BIRD BOX, MALORIE, GOBLIN, PEARL, GHOUL n THE CAPE, and more.
He's also one of two singer/songwriter for the rock band The High Strung.

Reviews

[Becky Spratford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review in the July 2026 issue of Booklist and on the blog: https://raforall.blogspot.com/2026/07... (link live on 7/8/26 at 7am central)

Three Words That Describe This book: art horror, oppressive tension, psychological suspense

The set up is all you need to know, the story reveals itself from the framing (word choice is important) and the way Malerman delivers it. That is why you will want to read it.

The set up-- a couple is on vacation on Lake Michigan, after a night of drinking they both wake up "hung over" and disoriented, but maybe it is more than a hang over because Emily went from being out to waking up trapped in a painting and being held hostage by an unhinged artist and Jack woke up alone in the hotel room, with both phones and no trace of Emily.

A great set up-- you want to read it. Awesome work there. Again, the way Malerman tells it, also increases your enjoyment.

We have multiple points of view here. Emily and Jack yes, but others are added as we go. Chapters alternate. Readers get information from one character and then we switch to another and we overlap in the time frame and get a little more. Back and forth.

The writing is tight. The pacing perfectly controlled to draw out maximum tension. You will squirm with that tension, but in a good way. Watching this spiral out of control, knowing just a little bit more than the characters, but not nearly as much as you want. Held hostage waiting for it all to resolve, but loving every minute of the feeling.

And when the tension is released and the story is closed, Malerman leaves you with just enough unease because readers will be thinking about the power of ART to make people not just feel real feelings but act in real ways. Ways that can be positive or negative. And that is the lingering horror that will not go away.

This one will make you literally beg for the tension to end-- and yet that is a lie because you are reading it for just that reason.

Fans of Malerman will love the easter eggs to his other work here. He is very good about connecting all of his books without making it look like he is trying to. Also, people new to Malerman don't feel like they missed something either.

For reader who like short, intense art horror such as Black Flame boy Gretchen Felker- Martin where you can feel the tension and the "art" and or artist themselves are destructive. But also for fans of oppressive and intense psychological suspense in the vein of Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

[Court Zierk · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐️ 1/2

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be trapped inside of a painting? No? Well, you’re in luck. Prepare to get thumped over the head with the most repetitive plot ever imagined in the history of things that have been imagined.

Literally nothing happens for 75% of the book and by the time we finally start to get some answers, I found myself wishing I was trapped inside of a painting so I wouldn’t have to finish this book.

I really like Malerman, and I recognize that even the greats have bad games, but this felt like a 0-12 shooting night, with 20 turnovers, lazy defense, and an asshole temperament.

Better luck next time

[Brandy Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not every story from a stand out author can be a hit, and this one is proof.

By the end, the biggest surprise wasn't the plot.. it was how often the book managed to sabotage its own suspense.

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Stacy (Gotham City Librarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a pretty big fan of Josh Malerman, and I tend to like anything involving artists in fiction. If it’s horror, that’s just a huge bonus. So I was excited for this one. It was quite an experience, and I think it was pretty on par for Malerman as far as how dark and stressful his novels can be. This plot in particular felt so…mean spirited? If I go into detail as to why, it would be spoilery. But it’s very much a “bad things happen to good people” kind of story, and as much as I love horror, those stress me out the most.

I’ve definitely heard somewhere that it’s good advice not to begin a story or a book with your character waking up, or worse yet, waking up confused. Well, many very successful authors do that exact thing and Josh Malerman is one of them. “Pictures of You” can be a frustrating read at times because just like main character Emily, you will desperately want answers but those answers will not be given to you for a long time. And you may find yourself thinking that you would behave a lot differently if you found yourself in this same situation, but I think Malerman did consider this and addressed it.

Both Emily and Jack were very likable main characters, Jack especially. (What a great example of character work! I had a crush on him instantly because I do love a goofball.) Without giving too much away, it’s tough to see good characters treated in a frightening and cruel way. The threat in this story is well crafted and easy to hate. Setting something so dark and ominous in a cute and charming little lake town was great. I knew exactly what this place looked like and felt that I’d been there before.

One thing that bugged me, though: there’s a plot device that’s used repeatedly, almost to the point that it starts to become comical, (to keep it vague I’ll just say it involves darts), and there are numerous reasons why I took issue with this not being considered as maybe being relied on a bit too much, considering the circumstances.

The book does get a bit wordy near the end. But that ending gave an entire star back to the rating. A good conclusion in horror is so tough to pull off. I liked it a lot! As I mentioned before, I like anything having to do with art horror, and this book mixed the two in a new and interesting way. The thriller elements did keep me reading and wondering what was going to happen next. (Also, worrying.)

Parts of this kind of reminded me of that film “One Hour Photo” with Robin Williams. Remember that?

Other Josh Malerman books that I loved: Birdbox, Incidents Around the House, Daphne.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the Publisher for this early copy in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

Biggest TW: Drinking while potentially pregnant/Harm to a potentially pregnant woman, *Domestic abuse (child)

[megs_bookrack]

ARC received! I love you, Del Rey!!!!

[Catriona Mowat · Rating 4 out of 5]

All art has a beauty to it: whether it’s visual, prose, or music. And sometimes, that beauty is all-encompassing and has to be brought to life. No matter the cost.

When Emily and Jack spend a weekend away on a romantic get-away to a coastal town, they have no cares in the world. Full of love, hope for the future, and lots of laughter, they are absolutely made for each other.
But the next morning, Jack wakes in a hotel room alone, Emily’s phone left behind. And Emily? She wakes to find herself in a strange room, watched over by a strange woman determined to make Emily the focus of her latest artwork…and nothing short of perfection will do.

The beauty of this story comes from the perspective shifts that lay the story bare in fragments, before pulling everything together in a thrilling climax. The mix of perspective is beautifully highlighted through the dialogue, with every character having really clear and unique quirks. There is no gore in this book, and very little violence: instead the horror of this tale is brought with atmosphere, tension, and the chilling realisation that nothing is scarier than an unhinged person.
My criticism of the book would be that some elements of it feel disjointed, almost placed for convenience. But in a lot of ways, this just shows how Malerman lines up the story to create the final tableau with the ending.

This story is visual, it is erratic, it is thrilling, and it will make you think and feel. This story is art.

[Erin Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 Stars

✨✨Unique & fast-paced ✨✨

Pictures of You is a tough book for me to rate. The summary and the beginning really drew me in. I like the unique plot and fast pace of the story. It’s definitely an intriguing one and I had to keep reading to find out more.

What I didn’t care for is some of it seemed a bit repetitive and there felt like a bit of disconnect to the story and characters. It’s a quick read still, but maybe would have been better as a novella?

Overall I did enjoy this one, I liked it, but I didn’t absolutely love it. It definitely entertained me and kept me reading to find out the ending!! Which I loved the ending!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released September 8, 2026 .

[Linda Ayala · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐ 1 Star (ARC via NetGalley)

I was genuinely excited to read Pictures of You because I enjoyed Incidents around the house and was hoping for another creepy, compelling thriller. Unfortunately, this one was a major disappointment.

The premise initially grabbed my attention, a woman is abducted, and the mystery surrounding who took her and why promises psychological suspense and intrigue. But as the story unfolded, I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated rather than invested.

The biggest issue for me was the characters. They felt flat and underdeveloped, making it difficult to connect with anyone or care about their outcomes. Instead of building emotional investment, the story seemed to move from plot point to plot point without giving the characters enough depth to make those moments impactful.

The narrative itself also lacked the tension and momentum I was expecting. Rather than delivering a gripping psychological thriller, it felt unfocused, and the eventual reveal involving the childhood babysitter's obsession with art didn't land for me. By the time the story reached its conclusion, I was more relieved to be finished than satisfied by the journey.

For a book built around mystery and suspense, I wanted stronger character development, more emotional stakes, and a payoff that felt earned. Instead, the story never fully came together.

Overall, this was a miss for me and one of my more disappointing reads of the year.

Tropes & Themes:

• Psychological thriller
• Obsession
• Kidnapping
• Childhood connections resurfacing
• Unreliable motivations
• Art & identity
• Dark secrets
• Character-driven suspense

While I loved Incidents around the house, this one simply didn't work for me. Not every book is for every reader, and unfortunately, Pictures of You wasn't for this one.

[Christina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d give *Pictures of You* by Josh Malerman a solid 3.5⭐️.

The story follows Emily and Jack, a couple six months into their relationship, whose lives take a terrifying turn when Emily is kidnapped during a date night. From there, the narrative splits between Emily’s perspective—trapped in her captor’s studio—and Jack’s desperate search to find her. It’s an intense, fast-paced setup that really does feel like a roller coaster, full of tension and emotional urgency.

Malerman does a great job building suspense and keeping the reader hooked, especially with the alternating viewpoints. Emily’s sections are particularly gripping and unsettling, and you can feel the claustrophobia and fear creeping in.

That said, the reason this lands at 3.5 stars for me is the character Helen. She was deeply disturbing in a way that, at times, felt almost too much and pulled me out of the story rather than adding to it. While I get that she was meant to be unsettling, her presence overshadowed some of the emotional core of Emily and Jack’s story.

Overall, a wild, nerve-wracking read with strong tension—but not without its flaws.

[Rachel B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

Ugh, this was such a letdown. I’m a fan of Malerman and was hoping for another creepy slow burn like Incidents Around the House. Unfortunately, this fell very flat.

The premise is interesting enough. Our protagonist, Emily, awakens to find herself held hostage by a seemingly crazy woman who insists Emily is in a piece of artwork.

I think this could work as a short story. But there is not enough meat for this to be a compelling full novel. The book is so repetitive, and there is little plot movement for the first half of the book. And there are so many Emily chapters where I found myself mentally screaming, JUST GET OUT OF THERE.

Emily and her boyfriend, Jack - I was cheering for them both to die. They both have the survival instincts of a deer running into traffic. They seem wildly immature. Emily thinks she’s pregnant - they’re both excited, despite not dating that long. Their response? Let’s go on a bender and get blackout drunk! Huh? She’s PREGNANT. Was I supposed to like this woman?

Toward the end, there is a reveal about Emily’s captor that doesn’t make a lot of sense. It’s just too contrived. (Some slight spoilers ahead) I was waiting to find out this woman had been stalking Emily, but no, what brought them together was just fate? Happenstance? Bad writing? (Sorry, Josh) Sure. I guess it makes as much sense as the rest of the choices in this book.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Josh Malerman and wanted to love his newest book. I could not get into this. The relationship between the two protagonists was great. It was light and airy and the humor was nice to offset the bleakness of the art they were making. I just didn’t really care what happened after a few days of her being captured. Her boyfriend looking for her and then the police searching.. it was tedious and I wasn’t invested enough in the plot to warrant trudging through it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Krystelle (based on the novel by Stephen King) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I’ve sat on this one for a while now, hoping that it would improve for me, but unfortunately, it just didn’t. To start off with the good- I appreciate this is, in part, a tribute to Malerman’s wife, and I think it’s lovely that she gets the opportunity to be immortalised in fiction by him.

What didn’t work for me was pretty well everything else. I was really excited about the premise of the creepy location where someone has taken the main characters to paint them, but it fell flat quite quickly. We didn’t have any mystery, and we didn’t have any meaning. It was meant to be spooky, but it just felt impotent.

Emily as a main character was no version of likeable. Her immediate desire to go on a bender when finding out she’s likely pregnant raised several question marks (none of them good ones) and her and her partner were just not interesting characters. Unfortunately, for me, it wasn’t even a well put together thriller, and it definitely wasn’t horror- it was just some reasonably boring characters in what turned out to be a reasonably boring scenario.

[Carlee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I really enjoy Malerman as an author which is exactly why I requested this ARC. Unfortunately, this book didn’t quite land for me. There weren’t really any answers or explanations until around 80% of the book. In my opinion, that’s far too late for plot development. It felt like a slow burn, disorienting, until we’re overloaded with information in the last 20%.

I think this could’ve worked as a dual POV or timeline jumps. Someone out there may love it though! Worth a shot.

[Kelly| Just Another Horror Reader]

RTC!

[Amber Reu · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all have experiences in our lives that impacted us; small moments, words said in passing, or larger statements and grand gestures. These experiences can add to who we are and who we become, or they may take away from us. Sometimes people aren’t aware of the impact they have on us; other times, people intentionally build us up. But there are times when people act maliciously, out of anger or jealousy, and those moments can linger and even drown out the positive. Often, there is a conflict between these two forces, a tension formed between encouragement and discouragement, and we are left to wonder in the aftermath who we may have been without each.

This tension is present in PICTURES OF YOU, Josh Malerman’s latest book (publishing September 8). Malerman introduces us to Jack and Emily, who are now among my favorite characters in recent fiction. The duo is authentic; Emily is smart, strong, and independent, while Jack is charismatic, kind, and funny. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Jack and Emily; you want to join their adventures, grab a drink with them, and add to their jokes. This love we feel for them makes the nightmares Emily finds herself in even more terrifying; Malerman quickly makes us invested not only in the story, but in Emily and Jack as characters, and we care about their fate.

The situation that Emily and Jack find themselves in is already harrowing, but their love for each other increases the stakes. You’ve finally found your person, and now, they’re in danger. PICTURES OF YOU forces us to confront the brutal question of what we would do in Emily’s situation; what are we willing to do to keep the one we love alive? Putting aside what we will do to stay alive, what will you endure and risk to ensure the safety of the love of your life? Put yourself in Emily’s shoes: waking up in a strange bed and in the room with you, there’s a frame on an easel with no canvas and a woman who you can tell is dangerous. It’s horrifying, and when you add in that Jack’s life is also in danger, it’s even more intense. As humans, we often crave independence, we need familiarity, and the ability to be in control. In PICTURES OF YOU, Malerman strips Emily of this; she is stuck in a nightmare and has to save herself and the man she loves. This makes the fear in PICTURES OF YOU raw and real because it plays on our deepest fears with seemingly no solution.

The other characters within the story feel as real and fleshed out as Emily and Jack. This makes the town of Wainscott come alive; we know these people, we can picture them, and it makes what unfolds in PICTURES OF YOU unnerving and horrifying. In addition to the characters, Malerman creates vibrant, rich locations. The setting is immersive, and Malerman places you in the painting with Emily, and her fear becomes our fear. At times, it feels like we are on the bed with Emily or on the ceiling, holding our breath to see what happens next.

Pacing is crucial in a book like PICTURES OF YOU, and Malerman absolutely nails it. The dread and tension build, but moments of levity allow us time to breathe, which makes the fear hit even harder when the reprieve ends. Alternating points of view and flashing between timelines fuel this intensity; Malerman keeps us on the edge of our seat wondering what will come next. Slow reveals and surprises will leave you stunned and make this novel the ultimate page turner. But nothing about the twists in PICTURES OF YOU feels inauthentic; Malerman is thoughtful about when and what he reveals, and it never comes at the expense of the reader. For readers of Malerman’s other works, the subtle connections to other works within the Malerman universe are a fun reward.

When I think of Malerman’s tapestry of art, PICTURES OF YOU makes sense for the next piece. It feels like a natural evolution, the next logical work coming after INCIDENTS AROUND THE HOUSE and WATCHING EVIL DEAD; it’s innovative, thought-provoking, and scary as hell (there’s a scene in this book that I think about daily). There is so much heart in this story, and the theme of encouragement versus discouragement is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Malerman lets us take away what we need from the story; there is no boasting, no preaching, no judgment. He creates the purest of reading experiences, allowing readers to take away their own message, fully trusting them to understand and feel the story without pressure or tricks.

PICTURES OF YOU further cements Malerman as one of the most compelling voices in horror; in a world that often demands our artists stay in their lane, Malerman bucks against it and takes risks, makes no apologies for taking chances, and consistently delivers. His writing is as sharp and smart as ever in this book. And while no Malerman book (nor album or film for that matter) feels the same, the thread of cohesion running through the Malerman tapestry is this: brilliant, bold, and thoughtful storytelling. It’s a testament to Malerman’s strength as an artist that he can reinvent himself with every work. PICTURES OF YOU lingers; it’s the type of book you’ll want to revisit because it stays with you, and it is the horror book I’ve been yearning for, a book to make me feel the same way I did reading INCIDENTS AROUND THE HOUSE, and Malerman, unsurprisingly, delivers.

[Justin Soderberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are great setups to novels that draw you in and there are just authors themselves that draw you in. Pictures of You by Josh Malerman happens to be both. Malerman entices the reader to dive into his latest novel, all while being an author that most of us are going to read either way. Pictures of You is an unsettling and horrifying thriller filled to the brim with suspense and tension.

After a magical night out on the town with her boyfriend Jack, Emily wakes alone in a huge bed in a beautiful, well-lit room. But the pink ceiling, the mauve walls, and the deep, dark corners are nothing like the hotel she and Jack rented.

More worrisome yet: Emily has no memory of this place from the night before.

Where is she? A woman’s voice directs her to remain in bed. Just so... And beyond the end of the bed, a picture frame upon an easel—a frame with no canvas, no painting, no art. Only...there is the silhouette of a person Emily does not recognize. A person emanating demand, danger, evil. And the way the woman talks...and the things she says...She’s acting as if Emily herself is the painting. The still life. The art.

Emily is as scared as she is confused. But it’s immediately clear Jack’s life is on the line with her own. And if she attempts to escape the bed and the wood frame of this nightmare masterwork, neither will survive the experience. Emily is fierce, independent, brilliant, but to get out of this, she’ll have to think like an artist herself. The clock is ticking. For Emily. For Jack. For being forever trapped.

Of course when I saw the name Josh Malerman, it was a must-read, especially after Incidents Around the House , but it really was the unique plot, setup and story itself that peaked my interest. Pictures of You is the kind of fresh storytelling I am always on the look for in a horror story and for some people this book will be perfect. Myself, not so much, but I am guessing it is mostly because of how my brain works and processes some stories.

Pictures of You features a few characters and their point-of-views while adding more as the story progresses. This was hard to keep track of in my mind. Again, I can see how these characters can be the draw for some readers, but almost acted in the opposite direction for me. The back-and-forth nature, which sometimes overlaps, lost me here and there, making it hard to follow in various moments. While Malerman's writing itself is wonderful in the moments I followed easy, there was something about the way this book was laid out that had rattled.

Malerman does craft a story that had an uneasy vibe and unsettling feeling throughout, again, something that really hooks me in a good horror story. It is suspenseful and well paced with tension you could cut with a knife that was built up from beginning to end with a release at the end that lingers and stays with you. Even with my inability, personally, to follow along easily (although I was able to), proves that Malerman knows how to craft a horror story that hits hard, pulling you in and keeping ahold of you.

While personally Pictures of You didn't fully hit home with me due to its structure and shifting views, I love and appreciate the ambition and creativity behind what Josh Malerman accomplishes with the story. The novel delivers on atmospheric dread that rarely lets up, building on suspense and tension throughout. Pictures of You is a deeply unsettling and thrilling horror that proves Malerman remains a commanding voice in the genre.

Pictures of You hits bookstores everywhere on September 8, 2026 from Del Rey. The audiobook, narrated by Beth Hicks, is available via Libro.fm!

NOTE: We received an advance copy of Pictures of You from the publisher. Opinions are our own.

[Chewable Orb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pictures of You by Josh Malerman
2🔮orbs
Pub. Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey



Creatively devious…

💡 Orbs Prologue: A still life, the creative essence captured within the wooden frame of my choosing. People moving, destinations unknown. However, within that split second, that moment, I have created a masterpiece. A small tilt here and there, framing the environment just so, with the inevitable hope of creating art on a much broader scope than just a simple Rembrandt or Picasso painting. While they require the canvas and the oil, I use my spirited jealousy and resentment to present a piece far more fascinating to speculate on…

🧐 A small glimpse: Cue the John Cougar Mellencamp. Here is a little ditty about Jack and Emily…Author Josh Malerman deposits readers in the beach town of Chaps, Michigan. We tag along with Jack and Emily, a new couple looking for a bit of R&R. During a night of bar hopping and unabashed drunkenness, Emily divulges shocking news that leaves readers in suspense. Unfortunately, the couple awakens to a completely different reality. One where Jack awakens to Emily missing. Emily has been abducted and remains perplexed as to the intentions of a rather “interesting” perpetrator. Malerman begins to provide us with small bits of backstory. Slowly, readers begin to gain momentum and piece together what might be behind the meaning of this blasphemy.

👍 Orbs Pros: Location! The quaint, peaceful beach town community remains a favorite setting of mine. Likeable main characters! A unique experience!

👎 Orbs Cons: Unfortunately, I must hand you a seatbelt to endure the bumpy ride. Buckle up! The villain was anything but scary. The elements of horror were absolutely missing. And when I say the most horrific thing I encountered during my read-through was a spider crawling on the opposite side of my living room wall, you know I was struggling. Am I being a bit harsh? Not at all, dear readers! When I picked up this Malerman arc, I had high hopes. Do I need the plot to be believable? Hmm, good question! Sort of! I would love to give you an exact number of times that I wrinkled my forehead at some of the decisions Malerman made. But I value your time, and let us just say none of this made any sense!

Skip! In Orb’s humble opinion, you can confidently skip this one and concentrate on a novel more worth your time. I shouldn’t have said anything about having such an exceptional reading year. I knew it! On to the next!

💡 Orbs Epilogue: One must have subjects to use. Normally, this remains quite simple, for most love the attention of an artist of my caliber to whisk them away, brush strokes casually enhancing their features while erasing their imperfections. Yet, I tell them this is not how it will be. There is no paint, only the environment. And thus, I must do my handpicking in secrecy. Creepy? Yes, but with a prodigal authenticity that only comes through the neurotransmitters of a mastermind. And oh, do I have ideas. As the film projector rolls through reels of my most scornful scenes, I am reminded of where my hateful attention should lie…

Many thanks to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for the ARC through NetGalley. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Konna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read review on: https://thereadingarmchair.blogspot.c...

When I received the email from NetGalley informing me that I would receive an eARC of Josh Malerman’s upcoming novel, I almost shrieked with excitement. It’s no secret that horror has taken over my reading in the past year, and my fascination with it doesn’t seem to falter.

But this time, there was also an additional reason for me to being so excited about Pictures of You. This novel is about a woman trapped in a painting, and a painter using a frame without a canvas. If you’ve seen my recent reading audit, you can easily understand that I should love a book with such a premise – and maybe I should be looking for more horror about art/art as horror, in general. This is also the reason why I couldn’t even wait for Summerween to read it, like I’d originally planned.

Let me tell you, Pictures of You has one of the strongest premises I’ve read in a while. Jack and Emily are a fairly new couple, on a weekend away. After a night out, Emily wakes up in a strange room, wearing a strange dress, completely disoriented. And to make things even weirder, there is a strange yet familiar woman in the room with her, looking at her through an empty frame, claiming that she’s on the verge of creating her masterpiece. Jack, on the other hand, wakes up in their hotel room alone, but with both their mobiles right there.

One element of the book I really enjoyed is all the talk about art, in general, but also about artistic expression and the creation of art, in particular. This is something that I usually go out of my way to find in books (and until now, mostly in nonfiction books), so it was amazing to find it here.

However, this turned out to be the only element of the book that I really liked. I’m sad to admit that Pictures of You didn’t really work for me, even though I read it pretty quickly, wanting to find out what would happen.

First things first, I’m not sure I was able to connect with any of the characters. Both Emily and Jack didn’t seem really developed. Reading from them, felt exhausting at times as they seemed to be going around in circles without taking any action. I’d lost count of how many times I wanted to scream at Emily to just run for the door. Furthermore, I’m not sure that I enjoyed Jeff’s (the policeman’s) POV. I didn’t particularly like his voice, and I didn’t feel that he didn’t add much to the story.

But I could have easily get past all that if the reveal felt more satisfying. The moment we learned who Helen (the painter) was and how she was related to Emily was the moment that turned me off the most. Without giving much away, I would have liked to see her actions be more extreme in the past, and more deliberate in the present.

The more I think of Pictures of You, the more I believe that it would have been better as a novella. It would have made the story tighter and made it feel less repetitive.

Despite my criticisms though, I can’t say that I regretted reading it. Josh Malerman is always one of the authors that I will read, and I would have picked this one regardless of receiving the ARC. If you enjoy reading about art and the exploration of the artistic process, this book has something to give you.

*Disclaimer: I have received a free copy of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to Del Rey for providing me with this copy.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Spoiler Book Review

Pictures of You by Josh Malerman is an unsettling suspense novel with horror elements releasing September 8, 2026 from Del Rey Books.
The story follows Emily, a woman who wakes up trapped in an unfamiliar room with little understanding of how she got there or why she’s being held. As pieces of her past begin to surface and the mystery around her situation slowly unfolds, she finds herself at the center of something far stranger and more unsettling than she initially realizes.

I’ve been a fan of Josh Malerman for years and had the opportunity to interview him through the Midnight Monster Club. One of the things I’ve always appreciated about his work is that he’s willing to chase ideas that most authors probably wouldn’t even attempt. Pictures of You feels like another example of that. The premise is unusual, the perspective is unexpected, and the entire book is built around a concept that made me stop and think, “Who would have even come up with this?”

What stood out most to me wasn’t necessarily the horror. This is much more suspenseful and unsettling than outright scary. The central idea itself is horrific when you really think about it, but Malerman focuses more on tension, uncertainty, and the gradual unraveling of what’s happening than on gore or shock value. Readers looking for extreme horror may not find that here, but readers who enjoy strange concepts and psychological tension probably will.

The writing is also distinctly Malerman. It’s creative, conversational, and unconcerned with fitting neatly into what writing is “supposed” to sound like. His work often feels driven more by imagination and voice than convention, and that’s one of the reasons I keep coming back to his books. He has a knack for taking an unusual idea and presenting it from an angle that feels completely his own.

One thing that worked particularly well for me was Jack’s voice. Emily’s story gradually unfolds over the course of the novel, but Jack stands out almost immediately. He has a creative, optimistic energy that makes him feel distinct from the moment he appears, and his perspective helped keep me invested as the mystery continued to unravel.

I also found Emily’s backstory increasingly interesting as more details came to light. Some of the revelations about her childhood caught me off guard and added depth to a character who initially felt quieter than Jack.

If I had one criticism, it’s that the book can feel a little slow at times. The mystery unfolds gradually, and while the short chapters keep things moving, there were moments where I wanted the story to push forward just a bit faster. That said, I was invested throughout and never felt tempted to put it down.

By the end, I felt satisfied with where the story landed. More than anything, Pictures of You feels like a book that could only have been written by Josh Malerman. It’s creative, unusual, and built around a perspective that many people may have had in passing but never thought to put into words, let alone build an entire novel around. Somehow, it works.

Rating: 4/5

Author Note: Thank you to Del Rey Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[R.E. Holding · Rating 3 out of 5]

To understand how Josh Malerman operates as a writer is to understand his body of work and the stories he crafts. This is the third book I've read from Malerman, and I think I'm getting a good feel for his style. On the heels of finishing Bird Box, and having read Incidents Around the House previously, Malerman likes to delve into the unknown, vague terrors that may or may not have an explanation. I appreciate the strangeness of this style, and honestly would love to see more of it.

I devoured this book in 2 days, which is pretty fast for me. With that said, this story is more of a 2.5/5 rounded up.

Things I loved:
* I loved the main character relationships. Emily and Jack had some great chemistry and banter that comes around full circle during their "predicament" that adds a nice touch of levity to the situation.
* The writing itself is great. Malerman is a seasoned author, and knows how to string together sentences.
* The multi-POV. I know some people would disagree, but I do love a good situational story that gives many sides to the tale.

Things I didn't love:
* The repetition
* Emily's backstory (in the spoiler section)

Spoilers ahead: I always encourage you to read the story for yourself, even if you choose to read the spoilers, as reviews are subjective.

First I want to mention the "flute," which I'm thinking is a blow dart tube. The antagonist, Helen, uses it on Emily a lot, and the only indication I get of its effects is that it knocks her out. The problem I have with this is that it's the vehicle that's used as the explanation for why she can't remember the moments before her capture. If it has some sort of amnesia-inducing effect, then Emily wouldn't be able to remember moment to moment while in captivity. It's a consistency thing that bugged me.

The backstory reveal is what took this book from a 4-star to a 2.5. Emily's captor, Helen, was her babysitter when she was very young. So while she didn't quite remember her, she recognized that she knew her somehow but didn't know why. Things like these are neat little breadcrumbs of plot reveals sprinkled in. However, all Helen did was slap Emily for being an artistic savant. Her jealousy drove her to this absolute 20-year madness. That's it. I really love the idea of discouragement being the thing that vaporized Emily's gift for art, but it should have gone further, in my opinion. A slap is hurtful, yes, but not enough.

As for the unknown that Malerman is great at: here, it is too vague. The quick change in room paint, the medusa-like shadows from Helen, the empty frame, the colors, the markers... something is helping Helen, and I'm not sure if it's her touching this "gift stream" that was referenced, or something darker. I don't need a full explanation, but I do like a touch of logic.

Final note: this is the second book in my reads by Malerman where the main female protagonist is pregnant, or possibly pregnant, and facing the odds with protecting her baby in mind. I actually kind of love that.

So, not my favorite of his, but somewhere in the middle of the three I've read.

[ReadTheHotline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pictures of You | Josh Malerman

🖤 🖤 /5

My thoughts on this one feel like wet paint on a palette. Nothing has quite dried yet. Every time I think I've settled on how I feel, another color bleeds into it. But one thing’s for sure; I spent a good chunk of this book feeling... confused.

Not the kind of confusion that immediately hooks me, but the kind where I couldn't quite find my footing. Between the narrative voice, and how little I understood about the characters or even the world around them, I kept waiting for the moment everything would click into place.

Eventually, it did. And that's where my feelings started shifting again.

The premise is undeniably compelling: waking up trapped inside what may or may not be a living work of art is creepy as hell (or extremely exciting based on your love of history and art). Josh Malerman knows how to build an unsettling atmosphere, and there were moments where I genuinely needed to know what was happening. The mystery pulled me forward, even when I wasn't fully connecting with the people at its center.

Unfortunately, the answers arrived much earlier than I expected, and they didn't land with the impact I'd been hoping for.

Once the central mystery started revealing itself, the tension seemed to flatten instead of escalate. The story became increasingly repetitive, the characters never felt fully realized to me, and several plot developments relied a little too heavily on perfect timing and coincidence. Rather than feeling shocked by the reveals, I found myself thinking, “Oh, okay I guess”.

That’s the part that makes me feel more frustrated than feral.I never wanted to stop reading because I genuinely wanted to see where Malerman was taking me. But by the time I got there, I wasn't convinced the destination justified the journey.

Maybe that's why this review feels so difficult to write. I didn't hate this book. I didn't love it either. It lived in that strange in-between space where the concept was stronger than the execution, leaving me admiring the idea more than the story itself. I'll absolutely keep picking up Josh Malerman's books because I know what he's capable of, and Incidents Around the House remains one of my favorites. This one just never quite found the same magic for me.

Tropes

🎨 Art as horror
🖼️ Reality vs. illusion
🛏️ Isolated protagonist
🧠 Psychological horror
⏳ Race against time
🎭 Unreliable perception
💀 Surreal nightmare logic

Art is subjective...and apparently so are my feelings about this one. You can experience Pictures of You for yourself when it releases on September 8, 2026.

Thank you to NetGalley, Del Rey and Josh Malerman for the opportunity to read and review this book. 🎨🖤

[Marian Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

​⭐⭐⭐💫 Strong 3.5 rounded up

​Many thanks to @NetGalley, #JoshMalerman, and @DelReyBooks for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
​
​If you are looking for a fast-paced, gore-filled horror story with massive slasher plot twists, you might want to keep walking. But if you enjoy an atmospheric, slow-burn psychological thriller built on a deep dive into the human psyche, you are absolutely in for a treat!

​The story kicks off with Emily and Jack on a romantic weekend getaway in a coastal town, enjoying a classic, happy, drunken night out. The next morning, everything shatters. Jack wakes up in their hotel room entirely alone—Emily is gone, but her phone is left behind. Meanwhile, Emily wakes up sequestered in a strange room, watched over by an unhinged woman who is determined to make Emily the central focus of her latest living artwork. Neither Emily nor Jack understands what is happening or can remember the night before. From there, we are taken on a tense, atmospheric ride as they try to piece the puzzle together before it’s too late.

​The narrative style is highly unique. The chapters jump between different character perspectives, relying heavily on extensive inner monologues. Malerman intertwines these shifting viewpoints through the dialogue, giving every single character clear, fascinating quirks. I particularly loved Officer Opal! This storyline gave off major True Detective vibes, and I could easily see Pictures of you anchoring a big-screen adaptation.

​What really stood out to me was the book’s specific rhythm. It reminded me of a poetic structure where a writer drops a comma, takes you on a massive detour through a character's memories, thoughts, and unrelated mental scenarios, and then closes the comma to drop you right back where you were supposed to go. I personally love stories that allow me to sail through widely different psychologies and explore the characters' states of mind, so I truly enjoyed these stylistic "detours."
T​he only thing I'm not so sure about is the resolution. I would have definitely preferred a different, more grounded trajectory for most of the characters given how dark and tense the buildup was.

​That being said, the atmospheric tension and the unique stylistic journey make it well worth the read. I will definitely be looking out for more Del Rey books from Malerman in the future!
​

[Fifi’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will always be a Josh Malerman super fan and he will forever be one of my favorite horror authors (Bird Box, Daphne, and Incidents Around The House were some of the best horror I’ve ever read). But, every author at some point has books that are hit or miss, and this unfortunately was a miss. I can’t even classify this as horror to be honest, because it really just isn’t. This is most definitely a thriller, and not a gripping one, nor one with a twist/unpredictable ending.

Emily wakes up in an art studio, trapped by an insane artist who calls her the subject of her piece, refusing to give any further information about the nature of said piece aside from it being a “macabre” painting. The artist painting her seems to think of her as an actual painting, referring to her as “the piece”, and a “living painting”. The chapters go back and forth from Emily’s current pov after being kidnapped, flashbacks from Emily and Jack’s trip to Wainscott, then Jack’s attempts to find her.

By reading that synopsis above, you already know most of the first 75% of the book, because nothing much happens until then. When you find out the identity of the kidnapper and their motives, it doesn’t mean much to you or have any shock value. This felt like a thriller, not horror, and not a particularly satisfying one.

I will forever be a Malerman fan, and I loved that this book took place in the larger book universe. I loved the cute town of Wainscott with its tiny library and antique shops while located within the vicinity of familiar Malermanverse locations like Goblin or Samhattan. But after Incidents, I expected far more. Incidents wasn’t only full on horror, it was one of the scariest horror novels out there. This most definitely is nothing like this previous book, and while I don’t think anything is wrong with authors branching out, it’s jarring to go from something so brilliantly scary to something so tame in comparison. If this is a thriller and not horror, that is fine, but it needs to be marketed as such.

I’m a fan for life and I’ll always be excited for future installments. I love the larger book world and I truly think Malerman is one of the greats. And even greats can’t have every book be a hit. I just hope the next one is actually a horror novel because I want my scary Josh Malerman books back!

Thank you to Netgalley and Del Rey for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pictures of You by Josh Malerman is another tense and unsettling read from an author who consistently knows how to get under my skin. As a big fan of Malerman’s work, I was really excited to receive an ARC of his newest novel, and while I don’t think it ranks among my favorites of his, I still found it to be an engaging and worthwhile read.

One thing Malerman continues to excel at is atmosphere. From the beginning, there’s a sense of unease hanging over the entire story, and the tension and suspense are palpable throughout; there’s this creeping feeling that something is wrong just beneath the surface. That ability to create dread out of uncertainty is one of the reasons I keep coming back to his books.

That said, this one did feel like it was missing something for me. The premise is intriguing, and Malerman’s writing is as compelling as ever, but not a lot actually happens over the course of the story. The narrative spends a lot of time building tension and mystery, but the payoff didn’t entirely land for me, and the ending felt a bit underwhelming compared to the buildup.

Ironically, while I usually find myself wishing for more from authors I love, in this case I think Pictures of You might actually have worked better in a shorter format. The central idea is strong enough that I think it could have been incredibly effective as a novella or even a long short story. Condensing the story a bit might have sharpened the tension even further and made the climax hit harder.

Still, even with those criticisms, I enjoyed the experience overall. Malerman has such a strong command of tone and pacing that even when the plot itself is fairly minimal, he keeps you reading. There’s something about his storytelling style that makes even the smallest moments feel ominous and important.

While Picture of You may not be my favorite Malerman novel, it still showcases his talent for psychological suspense and eerie atmosphere. Even a “lesser” Malerman book is still more compelling than a lot of other thrillers and horror novels out there, and I’ll absolutely continue picking up whatever he writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley, Del Ray Publishing, and Josh Malerman for granting me access to a digital ARC of this title.

[S.H. Mansouri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't usually have a hard time reviewing ARCS, but this one is a tough cookie to talk about. I didn't go in thinking it was going to be another 'Incidents' or 'Birdbox,' no, I knew it was going to be a left-field type play. Firstly, hats off to Malerman for trying something different, swinging hard at catching a new angle for a story. I don't mind a slow burn. I mean, the vast majority of stories have to have some kind of set-up in order to pay off, right? Plus, I think slow burn is mostly used to describe a lack of attention on the reader's behalf. And yeah, this one is set up that way, where it really starts to come into focus around the 75% mark. No problem getting there if I have something to enjoy along the way: good dialogue, characterization, setting, a heartbeat leading somewhere, you know. But most of that was, in my opinion, totally lacking. Jack and Emily didn't have to be likeable, that's not the issue. It's that they didn't feel fleshed out, like the author knew them intimately but didn't put that on the page. They were unbelievable, had no real agency, were oblivious to the circumstances they found themselves in. And yeah, they were totally in love but I didn't see that anywhere, didn't feel that. The last 25% is good, and I'd encourage readers to finish. Whether you agree with the ideas regarding art or not, there's lots of food for thought. I think this would have been a banger of a novella. The novel form here feels much too padded and monotonous. There are three lines that I think sum up this story without any spoilers. 1. 'An artist didn't have to speak directly, could Trojan horse themes, could pretend they were telling a story about a painter while telling a whole other story altogether.' 2. Love is inspiration, and that can never happen. 3. 'The only thing worse than not encouraging is discouraging.'

The ending is good, which to me makes it worth reading. For some strange reason it reminded me of 'Searching for Bobby Fisher' and 'Whiplash.' But if I had to give it a quick pitch I'd call it: Amadeus meets Misery in Michigan.

Big thanks to Josh Malerman for the story, NetGalley, and Del-Rey.

[Charlotte Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Josh Malerman, and the team at Del Rey for providing me this ARC in exchange for a review.

Final star rating: 4 stars.

This was my first Josh Malerman book - he is an author I'd been wanting to read for a while, with Incidents Around the House and Bird Box being on my (ever growing) TBR pile for a while, so I was incredibly excited to be approved for an ARC by him.

The premise is very intriguing and interesting right off the bat: Emily wakes up in a strange place she doesn't remember arriving in to find herself behind a picture frame and a woman intent on making her still-life artwork. Meanwhile, her boyfriend, Jack, continues to search for her in a lakeside town.

The book does a lot of things right; the vibes are there and continue to grow throughout, and you genuinely feel scared and unnerved about the situation Emily finds herself in. I also really enjoyed the snippets of the relationship between Emily and Jack. The chemistry in the chapters written before Emily wakes up in a picture frame oozes from the page, and you can understand why the two have fallen for each other. The book is also very laden with themes of art, inspiration, and love, which creates a lot of philosophical and creative questions that relate to each other in an abstract sense - this means you often have to take a step back and really think about the messages and ideas explored.

Where the book loses stars for me is in some of the prose being quite heavy handed and repetitive. While references from other POV characters to the art-world in everyday life work at first, they begin to happen so much that it feels forced. Similarly, sentences continue to be very long and in a manner of stream of consciousness that while at times work, starts to feel over-used.

If you're someone who enjoys a lot of references to art and its philosophy translated into a horror genre subtext, this may be a book that you enjoy, with twists that you probably won't see coming. I'll eagerly be prioritising more Josh Malerman books in the future.

[Tami Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Josh Malerman, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I went into Pictures of You excited because I’ve enjoyed Josh Malerman’s work before, and the premise immediately caught my attention. A mysterious woman keeping another woman captive while painting her? I was all in.

The story follows Jack and Emily, a young married couple, as their lives become intertwined with a series of strange and unsettling events. Right from the first chapter, I found myself asking questions and wanting answers. Who was the woman holding Emily? What was really happening? And how did all the pieces fit together?

One thing I appreciated was the short chapters, which made the book easy to keep picking up. There were also several intriguing mysteries woven throughout the story that kept me curious enough to continue reading. As more details about Emily’s past were revealed, the puzzle slowly started to come together.

That said, this one ultimately wasn’t quite my reading vibe. The pacing felt much slower than I expected, and I found myself waiting a long time for the story to deliver on the suspense and tension hinted at in the opening chapters. While there were definitely interesting ideas here, I personally wanted more urgency, more thrills, and more moments that truly kept me on the edge of my seat.

Even so, I can appreciate what Malerman was trying to accomplish. The novel takes its time exploring its characters and their connections, and the later chapters finally begin to answer many of the questions that have been building throughout the story.

Overall, Pictures of You was a decent read with an intriguing premise and some compelling mysteries, even if it didn’t fully work for me. While it wasn’t my favorite book by Josh Malerman, I know many readers who enjoy slower-burn psychological stories may connect with it more than I did.

While this one wasn’t quite a perfect fit for my tastes, I’m still glad I gave it a chance!

[Lexi Rosario · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Pictures of You by Josh Malerman had all the ingredients for a gripping psychological thriller — a claustrophobic setting, a protagonist confined to a single location, and the slow-burning tension that comes with close proximity. On paper, it should have worked. In practice, it fell short. The biggest stumbling block? The characters. From the opening pages, Emily and the people surrounding her feel like strangers we're never properly introduced to. We're dropped into their world with little context, left to wonder not just what is happening, but who these people even are and why we should care. It isn't until the middle of the book that Emily's backstory finally surfaces, and by then, the damage is done. Without that anchor early on, the story drifts, growing repetitive and harder to follow, the tension deflating rather than building. And then there's the convenience problem, because this book leans on it heavily. Officer Jeff swooping in to rescue Emily and Jack at just the right moment felt less like a plot development and more like a shortcut. It's the kind of save that pulls you out of the story entirely, a reminder that the author's hand is moving the pieces rather than the characters driving their own fates. It doesn't stop there, either. Jack's arrival at the exact moment Helen leaves to "fetch him" is the sort of timing that strains believability to its breaking point. Again and again, the plot relies on coincidence where it should be earning its tension, and that convenience chips away at any sense of suspense the book manages to build. Ultimately, Pictures of You wasn't my favorite. The promising premise is let down by underdeveloped characters, a repetitive plot, and a reliance on convenience that makes it difficult to stay invested. That said, this won't stop me from picking up future releases from Josh Malerman. The potential is clearly there, and I remain hopeful that his next book will be the one that fully delivers on it.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published September 8, 2026.

3 stars

You know Josh Malerman’s name because he’s the author of BIRD BOX (two words or one? I’m not sure,) it’s sequel, MALORIE (haven’t read, though I liked BIRD BOX a lot, the book, haven’t seen the movie,) as well as other scary tales.

To be fair I was horribly sick when I read this but I was disappointed to find it a bit of a slog, even though it was fairly short, about 200 pages. But it’s entirely possible that I was too sick to focus on much of anything (true. I read almost nothing for the weeks I was sick and, instead, went down a YouTube rabbit hole of true crime videos, but only the ones that were thirty minutes or less, because, again, felt too badly to focus, so if you were to planning to murder your neighbor or have a sovereign citizen DUI freak out (someone should write a horror story about THOSE nutjobs) you were going to have to get it done quickly.

But I digress.

Jack and Emily are a fairly new couple, still marveling at their luck in finding each other in this crazy world of ours when they go away for the weekend to a small town on Lake Michigan. They enjoy a fun, drunken night bar hopping (have fun, guys, because you aren’t going to do a lot of that if you get married. You guys will have a nice dinner somewhere then back in the hotel by nine for bed by 8:30.). And then…..Jack wakes up alone in the hotel room with no Emily and no memory of a lot of the night. Emily’s phone is right beside his. He’s incredibly worried. He needs to try to find her.

Emily has been taken.

The story takes place over about 36 hours, I think and, from the description, it really sounded like my kind of read, you know, eerie and a touch weird, just the way I like ‘em. Again, it was probably the sickness, so take a look at some other reviews. It WAS a bit odd and the prose is a bit stark, as befits the story. I didn’t dislike it, it just didn’t hold me in the way that I thought it might.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠.

After what should have been a perfect night with her boyfriend, Emily wakes in a strange room with no memory of how she got there. A mysterious voice orders her to stay in bed while an empty picture frame sits before her, somehow transforming her into the subject of a terrifying work of art. Escape isn't as simple as walking away. Jack's life hangs in the balance, time is running out, and Emily quickly realizes she'll have to think like the very person orchestrating this nightmare if she hopes to survive. It's an undeniably fascinating premise, and I went into this one expecting something surreal, unsettling, and unlike anything else I'd read.

The concept absolutely delivered on originality. The execution, unfortunately, didn't quite meet it. There were stretches where I felt genuinely intrigued by what was happening, only to have that momentum stall as scenes became repetitive or unnecessarily confusing. I don't mind ambiguity when it serves the story, but here I often found myself trying to decipher what was happening instead of becoming immersed in it. For a thriller built on tension, I wanted a little more clarity and a little less wandering.

My biggest hurdle, though, was the emotional distance. This was one of those books where I constantly felt like an observer looking through a window instead of someone invited inside the story. That approach can absolutely work when it fits the material, but here it kept me from ever fully connecting with Emily or caring as deeply about her fate as I wanted to. I admired the ambition behind this novel far more than I loved the experience of reading it. I found this to be an inventive idea that didn't quite found its footing, and I hope other readers will connect with its dreamlike style far more than I did. Many thanks to Del Ray for the early copy that will publish September 8, 2026.