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Strange Houses #1
Strane case
A Tokyo, un annuncio immobiliare cattura l'attenzione di una coppia in cerca di una casa. L'abitazione in vendita è luminosa, ben servita, all'apparenza una soluzione ideale. Eppure, nella planimetria, qualcosa non torna: uno spazio vuoto tra due pareti, senza porta, senza finestre. È evidente che l'appartamento nasconde dei segreti. E alcuni segreti, si scoprirà, sono molto piú oscuri di altri. Dopo il successo mondiale di Strani disegni, un nuovo terrorizzante romanzo dell'autore senza volto. In una zona tranquilla di Tokyo, una coppia che sta per avere il primo figlio si imbatte in una casa in vendita. A prima vista, sembra quasi perfetta: abbastanza nuova, vicina a una stazione ferroviaria e a un piccolo bosco. Ma qualcosa nella piantina non li convince. Cercando spiegazioni, i potenziali acquirenti si rivolgono a uno scrittore esperto di occulto che, aiutato da un architetto, scopre presto altre stranezze della planimetria: doppie porte, ambienti senza finestre, camere con assurde disposizioni rivelano un quadro terrificante. I due iniziano allora a indagare sui precedenti inquilini, scomparsi senza lasciare traccia. Fino a imbattersi in una verità raccapricciante rimasta sepolta per anni.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 17,793 reviews
June 6, 2026
In just two books, Uketsu has established himself as one of the most innovative mystery writers in recent memory.
Diving into one of his books is a bit like jumping into freefall. You can never quite anticipate it and you never know where you're going to land. But the journey, short and brief though it may be, is sure to delight and exhilarate.
And so Strange Houses is just like that. We open into a discussion about the blueprint of a house. At first glace, it looks to be a lovely and charming home, but when you peer a little closer, certain features don't really make sense. Then the more you look, the more it seems the house is hiding something dark and maybe even a bit sinister.
I totally inhaled this. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Everyone talks about one-sit reads like we've all got unlimited, uninterrupted time at our fingertips. But with this book, you can actually read it in one go. I think I got through it in just under three hours, which is totally doable, if not in one continuous chunk, then at least over the course of a day.
What can I say, there's just something really fun about hunting for clues in pictures. Like, I know I'm an adult now and I should only be reading serious literature with words in it, but come on, who doesn't love pictures in their books? It totally harkens back to the carefree childhood days of Where's Waldo? and Hidden Objects.
I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second. The first half focused on the blueprints and the architecture of the houses, and it was really fun to follow along as the characters discussed and deciphered the meaning behind unusual features, coming to conclusions I should've seen, but somehow didn't.
The second half got a bit convoluted. There were so many characters, I had to flip back and forth a few times to make sure I got everything and everyone straight. And the explanations and reveals really tested my suspension of disbelief skills, possibly to a level heretofore unseen.
I'm looking at the ratings for this book, and I totally understand why they're a bit lower. But for me, I really didn't mind the wackiness. I already had to suspend my disbelief to read Uketsu in the first place. After all, no real person would hide sinister clues in pictures nor build houses in this way. So to even buy into the author's premise was already a leap, and I was happy to follow thereafter to wherever he took me.
I cut my teeth in mysteries with Agatha Christie, and while the two of them have very different styles, Uketsu and Christie both fully embraced the spirit of the genre. At its heart, a mystery is meant to be a puzzle, one where we the readers must don our detective caps, try to solve it for ourselves, and when we inevitably fail, marvel at the way it all comes together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
Strange Pictures
Strange Buildings
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
Diving into one of his books is a bit like jumping into freefall. You can never quite anticipate it and you never know where you're going to land. But the journey, short and brief though it may be, is sure to delight and exhilarate.
And so Strange Houses is just like that. We open into a discussion about the blueprint of a house. At first glace, it looks to be a lovely and charming home, but when you peer a little closer, certain features don't really make sense. Then the more you look, the more it seems the house is hiding something dark and maybe even a bit sinister.
I totally inhaled this. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Everyone talks about one-sit reads like we've all got unlimited, uninterrupted time at our fingertips. But with this book, you can actually read it in one go. I think I got through it in just under three hours, which is totally doable, if not in one continuous chunk, then at least over the course of a day.
What can I say, there's just something really fun about hunting for clues in pictures. Like, I know I'm an adult now and I should only be reading serious literature with words in it, but come on, who doesn't love pictures in their books? It totally harkens back to the carefree childhood days of Where's Waldo? and Hidden Objects.
I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second. The first half focused on the blueprints and the architecture of the houses, and it was really fun to follow along as the characters discussed and deciphered the meaning behind unusual features, coming to conclusions I should've seen, but somehow didn't.
The second half got a bit convoluted. There were so many characters, I had to flip back and forth a few times to make sure I got everything and everyone straight. And the explanations and reveals really tested my suspension of disbelief skills, possibly to a level heretofore unseen.
I'm looking at the ratings for this book, and I totally understand why they're a bit lower. But for me, I really didn't mind the wackiness. I already had to suspend my disbelief to read Uketsu in the first place. After all, no real person would hide sinister clues in pictures nor build houses in this way. So to even buy into the author's premise was already a leap, and I was happy to follow thereafter to wherever he took me.
I cut my teeth in mysteries with Agatha Christie, and while the two of them have very different styles, Uketsu and Christie both fully embraced the spirit of the genre. At its heart, a mystery is meant to be a puzzle, one where we the readers must don our detective caps, try to solve it for ourselves, and when we inevitably fail, marvel at the way it all comes together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
Strange Pictures
Strange Buildings
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
April 23, 2025
2.5 stars. I really enjoyed the first Uketsu book translated earlier this year, Strange Pictures. Strange Houses starts out feeling quite similar, it's funny how ominous Uketsu can make everyday things feel. But while this started out creepy, it very quickly became silly. Within just a few pages, two characters considering a floor plan come up with an extremely ridiculous theory, one that I looked at thinking "What the hell???" but then the book decides to run with this theory and play it all the way out. Ah well.
The plot, when it's all revealed, is extremely silly. But the book treats it with the utmost seriousness.
But the thing is, I still have enough fun with Uketsu's style that I happily breezed through the whole thing, even if I was shaking my head.
The plot, when it's all revealed, is extremely silly. But the book treats it with the utmost seriousness.
But the thing is, I still have enough fun with Uketsu's style that I happily breezed through the whole thing, even if I was shaking my head.
January 20, 2026
After reading Strange Pictures by this same author, I know I could not miss reading his next work. Strange Houses is a horror mystery comprised of four parts about strange architecture homes with bizarre floor plans, hidden rooms, and disconcerting voids. The chapters proceed as conversations amongst the narrator, an architect friend, and various others connected to each of these odd structures.
The first three parts involve different houses; each house is more unsettling than the prior and ends with the revelation of a wealthy family's hidden dark secret. What Strange Houses was exceptional at doing is maintaining a consistent sense of slow dread. I dwelled on the thought, its descriptions of unnatural spaces so vivid I was peeking at my own walls and my sister can testify the way I have been muttering curses as I read, specifically during the last pages of the act because I was thoroughly gobsmacked by the possible conclusions. Truth was revealed but the mystery of the actual culprit remains...
Although the premise is certainly thrilling in showing how Uketsu has masterfully written this genre by bridging horror with architectural narrative intrigue—the execution often strains plausibility as certain twists feel more overreached and shift in logic along the way. The story progressed in an overly convenient way, and I was disappointed when it turned into an occult-themed tale halfway through.
Early on, the characters jump to huge conclusions about the houses' secrets based on almost nothing, and somehow, their wild guesses turn out to be right every time. There are a million possibilities, but one glance at a floor plan got them immediately thought "yup, it's a murder house." It makes the whole mystery feel pointless because instead of figuring things out with them, I am just watching a script play out exactly as intended. Also, I think it is too far-fetched to speculate that a child would suddenly commit murder like it was a normal idea to come up with.
Comparatively, Uketsu’s earlier work, Strange Pictures wove its horrors through more nuanced character dynamics. Here, the focus on architecture comes at the expense of depth, reducing the cast to vehicles for exposition. With a more evocative style, the unsettling premise could have lingered in the mind like a true nightmare, rather than fading so quickly since this book decided to proceed with the conversational style.
Perhaps it is the expectation of his previous work but regardless, this book remains a boldly inventive read. The "sketch mystery" format feels fresh and immersive, and if you love speculative horror or unconventional narratives, it is still worth diving into (just don’t expect airtight logic). That said, even my frustrations would not stop me from continuing the hinted sequel. There is something undeniably compelling about Uketsu’s eerie storytelling that keeps me curious for more.
The first three parts involve different houses; each house is more unsettling than the prior and ends with the revelation of a wealthy family's hidden dark secret. What Strange Houses was exceptional at doing is maintaining a consistent sense of slow dread. I dwelled on the thought, its descriptions of unnatural spaces so vivid I was peeking at my own walls and my sister can testify the way I have been muttering curses as I read, specifically during the last pages of the act because I was thoroughly gobsmacked by the possible conclusions. Truth was revealed but the mystery of the actual culprit remains...
Although the premise is certainly thrilling in showing how Uketsu has masterfully written this genre by bridging horror with architectural narrative intrigue—the execution often strains plausibility as certain twists feel more overreached and shift in logic along the way. The story progressed in an overly convenient way, and I was disappointed when it turned into an occult-themed tale halfway through.
Early on, the characters jump to huge conclusions about the houses' secrets based on almost nothing, and somehow, their wild guesses turn out to be right every time. There are a million possibilities, but one glance at a floor plan got them immediately thought "yup, it's a murder house." It makes the whole mystery feel pointless because instead of figuring things out with them, I am just watching a script play out exactly as intended. Also, I think it is too far-fetched to speculate that a child would suddenly commit murder like it was a normal idea to come up with.
Comparatively, Uketsu’s earlier work, Strange Pictures wove its horrors through more nuanced character dynamics. Here, the focus on architecture comes at the expense of depth, reducing the cast to vehicles for exposition. With a more evocative style, the unsettling premise could have lingered in the mind like a true nightmare, rather than fading so quickly since this book decided to proceed with the conversational style.
Perhaps it is the expectation of his previous work but regardless, this book remains a boldly inventive read. The "sketch mystery" format feels fresh and immersive, and if you love speculative horror or unconventional narratives, it is still worth diving into (just don’t expect airtight logic). That said, even my frustrations would not stop me from continuing the hinted sequel. There is something undeniably compelling about Uketsu’s eerie storytelling that keeps me curious for more.
June 7, 2025
I enjoy reading books that make me wish the pages would never end, and this was definitely one of them. 😍
I picked up this book because I loved the author's previous work, "Strange Pictures".
This time, the author employs architecture and floor plans to craft the plot, adding a unique and intriguing twist to the mystery.
I especially enjoyed how Uketsu presents graphics alongside questions and answers from the protagonists. It adds a fun and interactive layer to the reading experience.
The author possesses a remarkable talent for explaining complex events in a clear and step-by-step manner, making the entire mystery easy to follow and understand.
The discussions and reasoning between the characters really make you think about possible outcomes and solutions.
If you enjoy light yet cleverly constructed crime stories, I highly recommend checking out his books.
I am also looking forward to his upcoming release, "Strange Buildings"! I guess so? 🤷♂️
I picked up this book because I loved the author's previous work, "Strange Pictures".
This time, the author employs architecture and floor plans to craft the plot, adding a unique and intriguing twist to the mystery.
I especially enjoyed how Uketsu presents graphics alongside questions and answers from the protagonists. It adds a fun and interactive layer to the reading experience.
The author possesses a remarkable talent for explaining complex events in a clear and step-by-step manner, making the entire mystery easy to follow and understand.
The discussions and reasoning between the characters really make you think about possible outcomes and solutions.
If you enjoy light yet cleverly constructed crime stories, I highly recommend checking out his books.
I am also looking forward to his upcoming release, "Strange Buildings"! I guess so? 🤷♂️
July 25, 2025
I can see how it all fits together, but...isn't it all a little far-fetched? It's so convoluted.
You took the words right out of my mouth.
If you are going to read only one Uketsu book, I urge you to read Strange Pictures.
This is one of the most proposterous plot lines ever to be created. This is not a "chilling mystery" (as proclaimed on the cover) so much as a macabre, completely unbelievable dark fairy tale. The gimmick of adding blueprints and hand-drawn sketches does not work here like it did in the author's first book. By my count, these images take up 62 of 189 pages in the book - many taking the majority or entirety of the page. Most of these are the exact same sketch but with a line added here or a circle there. Nothing about the pictures were actual clues but just visual depctions of the inline text. With nearly half of the book filled with visual aids, this essentially leaves the reader with an unpleasant short story that isn't a mystery at all and certainly not one that can be solved because logic does not exist within its pages.
**The following are NOT spoilers***
Imagine calling your friend, who is a master gardener, to ask his advice about a bizarre patch of land on your property where nothing will grow. Your friend considers your plight and suggests that he knows PRECISELY why nothing will grow in this one patch - it is because that is where the previous landowners brought the captured unicorns and did blood sacrifices to appease their ancestors and grant them favor in the afterlife. Then imagine that, instead of telling your friend to stop eating weird mushrooms and seek psychiatric help, you say to him, "Oh my goodness? Really? Well unicorn sacrifices make total sense to me!" Then everyone draws a bunch of pictures of the garden and by the end, unicorn sacrifices are one of the most plausible parts of the story.
If that sounds like a fun time then this is your book!
After enjoying Strange Pictures, this book felt like I was being punked.
It is a very fast read and it's definitely weird. That's about all I can say in its favor.
I won't get fooled again. 1 star.
You took the words right out of my mouth.
If you are going to read only one Uketsu book, I urge you to read Strange Pictures.
This is one of the most proposterous plot lines ever to be created. This is not a "chilling mystery" (as proclaimed on the cover) so much as a macabre, completely unbelievable dark fairy tale. The gimmick of adding blueprints and hand-drawn sketches does not work here like it did in the author's first book. By my count, these images take up 62 of 189 pages in the book - many taking the majority or entirety of the page. Most of these are the exact same sketch but with a line added here or a circle there. Nothing about the pictures were actual clues but just visual depctions of the inline text. With nearly half of the book filled with visual aids, this essentially leaves the reader with an unpleasant short story that isn't a mystery at all and certainly not one that can be solved because logic does not exist within its pages.
**The following are NOT spoilers***
Imagine calling your friend, who is a master gardener, to ask his advice about a bizarre patch of land on your property where nothing will grow. Your friend considers your plight and suggests that he knows PRECISELY why nothing will grow in this one patch - it is because that is where the previous landowners brought the captured unicorns and did blood sacrifices to appease their ancestors and grant them favor in the afterlife. Then imagine that, instead of telling your friend to stop eating weird mushrooms and seek psychiatric help, you say to him, "Oh my goodness? Really? Well unicorn sacrifices make total sense to me!" Then everyone draws a bunch of pictures of the garden and by the end, unicorn sacrifices are one of the most plausible parts of the story.
If that sounds like a fun time then this is your book!
After enjoying Strange Pictures, this book felt like I was being punked.
It is a very fast read and it's definitely weird. That's about all I can say in its favor.
I won't get fooled again. 1 star.
April 12, 2026
2.5 stars.
Imagine this scenario: you see a woman walking down the street with a trowel poking out of her bag. Naturally, you jump to the only reasonable conclusion: “what if… she murdered someone with that trowel and is now going to hide the murder weapon?!”
And you were right!!
I was warned this was the weakest of Uketsu's books so far, but I decided to read it anyway for the fun puzzles. And, for a while, I was tempted to give it 3 stars for still being kinda fun, but I just couldn’t get past how silly it was.
It starts with the characters throwing wacky ideas back and forth that sound like a reddit thread when all participants are drunk. I'm not sure how you determine a room is a child's room from a floor plan anyway, let alone the room of an abused child. The fact that these theories are then played out... well, that and everything after was just utterly ludicrous.
But whatever. I read it in a single lazy afternoon and I'm still excited for Strange Buildings.
Imagine this scenario: you see a woman walking down the street with a trowel poking out of her bag. Naturally, you jump to the only reasonable conclusion: “what if… she murdered someone with that trowel and is now going to hide the murder weapon?!”
And you were right!!
I was warned this was the weakest of Uketsu's books so far, but I decided to read it anyway for the fun puzzles. And, for a while, I was tempted to give it 3 stars for still being kinda fun, but I just couldn’t get past how silly it was.
It starts with the characters throwing wacky ideas back and forth that sound like a reddit thread when all participants are drunk. I'm not sure how you determine a room is a child's room from a floor plan anyway, let alone the room of an abused child. The fact that these theories are then played out... well, that and everything after was just utterly ludicrous.
But whatever. I read it in a single lazy afternoon and I'm still excited for Strange Buildings.
August 14, 2025
Insanely far-fetched, gimmicky, and convoluted. I’ll prob read the other one too though lol.
April 21, 2025
this was literally one of the worst things i've ever read
June 22, 2026
"At first glance, it probably looks totally normal, like a house anyone might live in. But if you look very closely, you might notice things here and there that seem somehow . . . off."A writer who often finds himself puzzling out macabre or mysterious subjects for his stories stumbles upon a very odd floorplan for a house.
There's a deadspace in the middle of the first floor - no structural reason but it is rather odd to intentionally make a room smaller for no discernable reason.
Additionally (and more concernedly), there's a child's room on the second floor that looks truly terrible.
It's certainly a strange house - especially considering it's almost newly built. But as the writer and his architect friend discuss the potential reasons for creating a cell-like room for a child...the first body shows up.
"A room with no windows, a double-door vestibule and its own toilet. . . . It's almost like some kind of solitary confinement cell."
Soon the writer discovers there's far more to this mystery than a windowless room - something that has been simmering for decades and just hit its boiling temperature.
Okay, okay, OKAY!
"To tell the truth, I thought there was something seriously off about this house the moment I saw the plan."
I'm seeing a lot of reviews saying that this is far-fetched, unbelievable, and ultimately ridiculous for the story's premise. And I feel your pain, and I get your opinions...
But here me out, this book is so much more interesting and engaging when you just decide to freaking roll with it.
Yes, the characters make rather...impressive leaps in logic...but if you let that bit go, the story is really fascinating, horrifying, and made me think lonnnnng after I closed the final page.
I really liked how Uketsu makes the reader feel like they are part of the story - the way each reveal is documented and discussed really had me feeling like I was in the war room and helping out the characters with the mystery.
I was impressed by the carefully thought out floor plans and how each new house provided a new perspective and fresh horror to the mystery.
Something to consider: I originally listened to the audiobook, and while I was able to visualize most of the images described in the book, I ultimately picked up a physical copy and that helped me out with all of the floorplans immensely.
Additionally, there's quite a bit of dialogue that just goes
"Character A:
Character B:"
Which isn't my favorite for a story, and it was rather hard to follow for the audiobook. The narrator did have distinct voices for each character, but after a long bit of dialogue, I began to lose track of who said what.
Something else to consider: This book is also a manga. There are a few moments in the story that felt rather abrupt to me or I couldn't quite get the logic of the reveals. When I read the five volume manga, the questions were answered and areas were expanded upon that wrapped up those loose ends.
Even with my caveats from above, I still really enjoyed this story. I remember putting down the book and just...mulling over the ending, wondering if my interpretation was correct or if there was something even more sinister afoot.
Such a strange book, and yet I lived for it.
January 19, 2022
Well my friends, that was a wild, crazy ride. Unfortunately, there were absolutely no ghosties in this book. No strange figures or occurrences, except what comes with, er, paranoia and gullibility. A fairy tale for our age.
The “author” is set on a hunt by his friend “Yanagioka” who casually mentions wanting to buy a house and oh-so-casually asks if our author, “an expert in the occult”, could look at the floorplan of the house he’s planning to buy and give him feedback.
Honestly, Yanagioka could’ve asked me and I could’ve come up with the same answer without taking even a day: don’t buy this house. It’s a shitty house. Never, ever take a house where you have to go through someone else’s bedroom to get to your bedroom.
Instead author brings the matter to his architect friend Kurihara, who for some reason jumps into a wild theory about a killer child who is forced to murther. Certainly there’s no proof of this, but Kurihara brings up enough points that author once more gets in touch with his friend Yanagioka to advise him to skip this one.
Yanagioka’s way ahead of him, though – when he calls, Yanagioka is all like, “Oh, no, I’m not going to buy it,” and when author asks why, Yanagioka is all “WELL THEY FOUND A DEAD BODY NEAR THERE!” Honestly, Yanagioka, there are dead bodies everywhere. Get a grip, girlfriend.
Our author, thinking that this is the end of it, writes up a quick article about the strange house to make a quick buck. Then after the article is published, he receives an email from a woman calling herself MIYAE Yuzuki, claiming to have more information about the strange house in Tokyo.
I’m just deeply disappointed that there were no ghosts. Also, hilarious that there was so much discussion of the floor plans of doom.
The “author” is set on a hunt by his friend “Yanagioka” who casually mentions wanting to buy a house and oh-so-casually asks if our author, “an expert in the occult”, could look at the floorplan of the house he’s planning to buy and give him feedback.
Honestly, Yanagioka could’ve asked me and I could’ve come up with the same answer without taking even a day: don’t buy this house. It’s a shitty house. Never, ever take a house where you have to go through someone else’s bedroom to get to your bedroom.
Instead author brings the matter to his architect friend Kurihara, who for some reason jumps into a wild theory about a killer child who is forced to murther. Certainly there’s no proof of this, but Kurihara brings up enough points that author once more gets in touch with his friend Yanagioka to advise him to skip this one.
Yanagioka’s way ahead of him, though – when he calls, Yanagioka is all like, “Oh, no, I’m not going to buy it,” and when author asks why, Yanagioka is all “WELL THEY FOUND A DEAD BODY NEAR THERE!” Honestly, Yanagioka, there are dead bodies everywhere. Get a grip, girlfriend.
Our author, thinking that this is the end of it, writes up a quick article about the strange house to make a quick buck. Then after the article is published, he receives an email from a woman calling herself MIYAE Yuzuki, claiming to have more information about the strange house in Tokyo.
I’m just deeply disappointed that there were no ghosts. Also, hilarious that there was so much discussion of the floor plans of doom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2026
Uh.... I don't get it.
March 31, 2026
4.5: I actually only picked this up because the floor plan on the Kindle edition cover looks exactly like one side of my ground floor 😅 considering the bad luck I’ve had with this stupid house, reading a horror about houses probably wasn’t the smartest move I’ve ever made.
Anyway.
On the very first page we get another floor plan.
Guys, I missed so much. I stared at it forever and was just like… hmm, I guess that’s a bit of a weird flow? Not sure how I feel about walking through a room to get to another room… the toilet’s in the dining room?? That seems weird, guests just sitting there 3 feet away separated by a flimsy wall while someone’s using the facilities?
I am stupid.
I was trying to do something else when I started this. Genuinely thought I’d read like one chapter and put it down. Nope. Couldn’t. Every time I stopped I immediately picked it back up. It’s SO addictive.
There are definitely some big leaps in logic though. Like everyone in this book is doing Olympic-level mental gymnastics on the tiniest crumbs of information. The whole thing kicks off because the MC’s friend is house hunting and notices a tiny bit of dead space in a kitchen and suddenly everyone’s like “THIS HOUSE IS EVIL.” It’s a stretch. A big one. But also entertaining as hell.
But I kind of wish they were wrong more often. Like they jump to the wildest conclusions and somehow they’re always right?? I would’ve loved a bit more doubt and more misreads in their deductions. Instead they're all like, "oh the bin is over there? I keep mine over here. That can only mean one thing... murder!"
Still, I respect the dedication because somehow they’re all more observant than me because I missed the WINDOWLESS ROOMS.
Again, stupid.
You definitely have to suspend your disbelief. I kept thinking, are surveyors not a thing in Japan?? because surely SOMEONE would’ve clocked this?? but then the book actually kind of anticipates that thought and addresses it later which I did appreciate.
Okay fine. I guess.
This honestly reminded me of playing Ace Attorney games. The book’s made up of conversations, interviews, floor plans, drawings, notes, letters, real estate listings… basically everything except a normal narrative structure, but it WORKS. It’s disjointed, like you never fully settle into it, which adds to the creepiness. It really felt like a game. You’re zooming in on drawings like “THIS DETAIL MEANS SOMETHING I JUST KNOW IT 🔍” and then later it's like, oooh that thing did matter.
The mystery isn’t solved through action either, it’s just fragments. Bits of information and vague paper trails. You’re assembling it yourself and spiralling slightly as you go.
I loved that.
I also loved all the different houses and how each one feels like its own little nightmare puzzle. It’s one of the best parts how you're just slowly uncovering how wrong each layout is. By the second floor plan I was prepared and knew (more or less) what to look for.
And the floor plans aren’t just a gimmick either. They’re basically the whole point. Like characters in their own right.
Some of the logic is questionable to say the least. One of the characters even points this out: “I can see how it all fits together, but isn’t it all a little far-fetched?”
Yes. Yes it is.
The writing's also super sparse and cold in a way that actually works. It just presents things without fluff. There’s no emotion, just… here’s the facts, good luck. And that makes it even more unsettling.
And then the ending just kind of goes OFF. Like we start grounded-ish and then suddenly we’re deep in curse territory and I’m just sitting there like… wait what happened?? It basically goes from Ace Attorney to American Horror Story with no warning label.
It gets pretty messy toward the end. It goes from creepy architectural detective mode into long explanations about curses and time lines and lore dumps and my brain started drifting a bit.
The story going off the rails in the last 20% is the main reason for a 4.5 instead of a 5.
The characters aren’t really characters tbh. They’re more like mouthpieces for theories. They're there to serve one purpose - uncovering the chaos. I don’t mind it because this is not a character-driven story at all, but don’t expect emotional depth or arcs or anything, they’re basically there to point at walls and go “hm suspicious.”
Overall, I loved it. One of the most interesting horror/mystery setups I’ve read in ages.
Anyway.
On the very first page we get another floor plan.
“At first glance, it probably looks totally normal, like a house anyone might live in. But if you look very closely, you might notice things here and there that seem somehow… off.”
Guys, I missed so much. I stared at it forever and was just like… hmm, I guess that’s a bit of a weird flow? Not sure how I feel about walking through a room to get to another room… the toilet’s in the dining room?? That seems weird, guests just sitting there 3 feet away separated by a flimsy wall while someone’s using the facilities?
I am stupid.
I was trying to do something else when I started this. Genuinely thought I’d read like one chapter and put it down. Nope. Couldn’t. Every time I stopped I immediately picked it back up. It’s SO addictive.
There are definitely some big leaps in logic though. Like everyone in this book is doing Olympic-level mental gymnastics on the tiniest crumbs of information. The whole thing kicks off because the MC’s friend is house hunting and notices a tiny bit of dead space in a kitchen and suddenly everyone’s like “THIS HOUSE IS EVIL.” It’s a stretch. A big one. But also entertaining as hell.
But I kind of wish they were wrong more often. Like they jump to the wildest conclusions and somehow they’re always right?? I would’ve loved a bit more doubt and more misreads in their deductions. Instead they're all like, "oh the bin is over there? I keep mine over here. That can only mean one thing... murder!"
Still, I respect the dedication because somehow they’re all more observant than me because I missed the WINDOWLESS ROOMS.
Again, stupid.
You definitely have to suspend your disbelief. I kept thinking, are surveyors not a thing in Japan?? because surely SOMEONE would’ve clocked this?? but then the book actually kind of anticipates that thought and addresses it later which I did appreciate.
“They would have had a professional inspection before the house went up for sale. If it cleared the inspection, at the very least there can’t have been any visible evidence. Nothing obvious like traces of blood or anything. And they’d have sealed up the passage, I bet.”
Okay fine. I guess.
This honestly reminded me of playing Ace Attorney games. The book’s made up of conversations, interviews, floor plans, drawings, notes, letters, real estate listings… basically everything except a normal narrative structure, but it WORKS. It’s disjointed, like you never fully settle into it, which adds to the creepiness. It really felt like a game. You’re zooming in on drawings like “THIS DETAIL MEANS SOMETHING I JUST KNOW IT 🔍” and then later it's like, oooh that thing did matter.
The mystery isn’t solved through action either, it’s just fragments. Bits of information and vague paper trails. You’re assembling it yourself and spiralling slightly as you go.
I loved that.
I also loved all the different houses and how each one feels like its own little nightmare puzzle. It’s one of the best parts how you're just slowly uncovering how wrong each layout is. By the second floor plan I was prepared and knew (more or less) what to look for.
And the floor plans aren’t just a gimmick either. They’re basically the whole point. Like characters in their own right.
Some of the logic is questionable to say the least. One of the characters even points this out: “I can see how it all fits together, but isn’t it all a little far-fetched?”
Yes. Yes it is.
The writing's also super sparse and cold in a way that actually works. It just presents things without fluff. There’s no emotion, just… here’s the facts, good luck. And that makes it even more unsettling.
And then the ending just kind of goes OFF. Like we start grounded-ish and then suddenly we’re deep in curse territory and I’m just sitting there like… wait what happened?? It basically goes from Ace Attorney to American Horror Story with no warning label.
It gets pretty messy toward the end. It goes from creepy architectural detective mode into long explanations about curses and time lines and lore dumps and my brain started drifting a bit.
The story going off the rails in the last 20% is the main reason for a 4.5 instead of a 5.
The characters aren’t really characters tbh. They’re more like mouthpieces for theories. They're there to serve one purpose - uncovering the chaos. I don’t mind it because this is not a character-driven story at all, but don’t expect emotional depth or arcs or anything, they’re basically there to point at walls and go “hm suspicious.”
Overall, I loved it. One of the most interesting horror/mystery setups I’ve read in ages.
August 19, 2025
Esta es una reseña del tipo “ya me lo leo yo para que no te lo tengas que leer tú”. Que horror de libro. Mira que ya iba preparada porque ya había leído el primer libro del autor (al que califiqué generosamente con 3⭐️ pese a que en realidad no merecía mucho aplauso). Aún así decidí arriesgar con el segundo, porque todo el mundo decía que vaya maravilla y JesusporDios, donde está la maravilla esa, oiga. Toda la historia se sustenta sobre unas suposiciones de un arquitecto que hace sorprendentes deducciones simplemente con ver los extraños planos de una casa (luego de varias). No quiero contar mas por no hacer spoiler (aunque quizá os haría un favor), pero en definitiva, podéis pasar de largo perfectamente de este libro. Historia inverosímil y sin pies ni cabeza, narración inexistente basada en absurdos diálogos… Lo único bueno es que es muy corta y en poco tiempo puedes terminarla y ver que el final no ha merecido en absoluto la pena el esfuerzo. Por supuesto, no puedo recomendar para nada este truñperdón libro.
July 16, 2025
Had the BEST time buddy reading this with my friend, Amy. Then we pushed it on so many other friends, who had an equally wild ride with it.
We're all buddy reading the author's other book, Strange Pictures, on Patreon July 23rd. So we can all see if we can figure out the mystery before it's revealed.
We're all buddy reading the author's other book, Strange Pictures, on Patreon July 23rd. So we can all see if we can figure out the mystery before it's revealed.
July 9, 2025
This had so many fascinatingly creepy parts, and I was locked in until the last chapter, which is where things kinda fizzled out for me, but I enjoyed it and I prefer this one to Strange Pictures. Regardless, uketsu is such a talented and creative author.
July 4, 2025
I'm officially addicted to Uketsu books. As with Strange Pictures, I read this in one day – they're such fun, twisted mysteries.
Please somebody give me Strange Buildings . . .
Please somebody give me Strange Buildings . . .
November 2, 2025
Dark family secrets are the theme to this ominous ‘whodunnit’ in which you, the reader are a participant.
Strange Houses by Uketsu, is written in the same vain as Strange Pictures, a face paced interactive Japanese mystery novel that I couldn’t put down.
A unique and innovative perspective places the reader and author side by side dissecting subtle clues found in sets of blueprints. Reality unfolds like origami, leading to unimaginable discoveries.
It is peculiar and at times cringeworthy …
I LOVED IT!!
Strange Houses by Uketsu, is written in the same vain as Strange Pictures, a face paced interactive Japanese mystery novel that I couldn’t put down.
A unique and innovative perspective places the reader and author side by side dissecting subtle clues found in sets of blueprints. Reality unfolds like origami, leading to unimaginable discoveries.
It is peculiar and at times cringeworthy …
I LOVED IT!!
September 1, 2024
I wanna know what kind of drug the author was on while writing this.
June 17, 2025
Another bestselling novel from deliberately-enigmatic Japanese author and YouTube celebrity known only as Uketsu. Uketsu’s novel plays with genre conventions blending elements of popular Japanese locked-room mysteries with tropes associated with haunted house narratives. The style’s direct, matter-of-fact even, but the plot itself is quite convoluted demanding the reader’s full attention. The story’s based on a script for a short video* streamed on Uketsu’s online channel in which he appeared in his trademark all-encompassing black outfit and white mask. The video is presented as a live action background check on a bizarre house a friend’s interested in purchasing. The novel builds on this scenario but expands its scope.
A freelance writer who makes his living chronicling instances of the macabre conducts a similar investigation. His friend Yanoaka is having second thoughts about buying a particular house. At first it seemed the ideal family home but he’s baffled by its odd layout. He’s particularly unsettled by a seemingly inaccessible void shown in the house’s floorplan. The freelancer approaches architect Kurihara who has an outlandish theory about the rationale for the house’s design. When a body is found nearby, Kurihara’s theory starts to sound disturbingly plausible. Then another house, with similar features, comes to the freelancer’s attention.
Uketsu’s narrative delves into family secrets, folklore and ritualistic killings that wouldn't be out of place in a Poe story and, like many of Poe’s pieces, the denouement is equally preposterous. Far less sophisticated than Strange Pictures - there’s little to no character development - but still surprisingly gripping and fairly entertaining. Translated by Jim Rion.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Pushkin Vertigo for an ARC
*A STRANGE HOUSE～Mysterious Story of Real Estate - Uketsu YouTube channel, Japanese with Eng Sub
A freelance writer who makes his living chronicling instances of the macabre conducts a similar investigation. His friend Yanoaka is having second thoughts about buying a particular house. At first it seemed the ideal family home but he’s baffled by its odd layout. He’s particularly unsettled by a seemingly inaccessible void shown in the house’s floorplan. The freelancer approaches architect Kurihara who has an outlandish theory about the rationale for the house’s design. When a body is found nearby, Kurihara’s theory starts to sound disturbingly plausible. Then another house, with similar features, comes to the freelancer’s attention.
Uketsu’s narrative delves into family secrets, folklore and ritualistic killings that wouldn't be out of place in a Poe story and, like many of Poe’s pieces, the denouement is equally preposterous. Far less sophisticated than Strange Pictures - there’s little to no character development - but still surprisingly gripping and fairly entertaining. Translated by Jim Rion.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Pushkin Vertigo for an ARC
*A STRANGE HOUSE～Mysterious Story of Real Estate - Uketsu YouTube channel, Japanese with Eng Sub
September 30, 2025
I was excited to read this one. Look at the cover! I thought it would be a creepy, quirky mystery. I guess it was, but for me, waaaaay too over-the-top. I don’t even know how to review this one.
The author, a writer of macabre stories, is contacted by a friend who was house hunting for the ideal home for their young family. The floor plans were sent to the author for advice. The author then contacted another friend. Together they try to figure out the puzzle of this house.
The mystery immediately gets crazy when he comes up with the wildest (WILDEST!) idea that no normal people would have thought of. Ever. So it goes from there, from insane to asinine.
The floor plan of the house was ridiculous, anyway, so it was far from ideal. Why it was even a consideration for the possible buyer was beyond me.
The creepiest part of this book was the way it made my eyes roll back in my head. I’m sure I looked scary. It was a quick read, but I doubt I’ll be reading more from this “strange author”.
The author, a writer of macabre stories, is contacted by a friend who was house hunting for the ideal home for their young family. The floor plans were sent to the author for advice. The author then contacted another friend. Together they try to figure out the puzzle of this house.
The mystery immediately gets crazy when he comes up with the wildest (WILDEST!) idea that no normal people would have thought of. Ever. So it goes from there, from insane to asinine.
The floor plan of the house was ridiculous, anyway, so it was far from ideal. Why it was even a consideration for the possible buyer was beyond me.
The creepiest part of this book was the way it made my eyes roll back in my head. I’m sure I looked scary. It was a quick read, but I doubt I’ll be reading more from this “strange author”.
December 27, 2025
Picked Strange Houses up in a bookstore and finished it four hours later. This is an absolutely fantastic mystery. The floor plans give you a fantastic template from which you can figure out plenty of the mystery. But you won’t! Just truly epic.
While it’s not a particularly character driven mystery, the twists and turns are excellent, and I was very glad to have read it.
TikTok | Substack | Instagram | Youtube | Spotify | About |
While it’s not a particularly character driven mystery, the twists and turns are excellent, and I was very glad to have read it.
TikTok | Substack | Instagram | Youtube | Spotify | About |
September 29, 2025
Literally everyone in this book jumping to the most batshit insane conclusions:
December 17, 2025
read that book in less than 2 hours and got the exactly feeling they described about a chill of something in my house. damn.
October 27, 2022
ไม่ว่าคุณจะเป็นนักสืบชื่อดังสำนักไหน เป็นตำรวจฝีมือดีหรืออดีตเอฟบีไอ ก็บอกเลยว่าคุณสู้อิตาคุณพี่สถาปนิกในเรื่องนี้ไม่ได้หรอกค่ะ เชอร์ล็อกก็ทำไม่ได้ โคนันเหรออย่าหวัง เพราะฮีเดาเก่งมากกกกกกกกแบบบียอนด์ แบบเว่อ เหลือจะเชื่อ เล่าเป็นช่องเป็นฉากเหมือนเป็นคนสร้างเรื่องทั้งหมดขึ้นมาเอง (นี่ถึงขั้นระแวงว่าพี่คนนี้เค้ามีเงื่อนงำไรปะวะ) เซอร์เรียลจัดๆ แต่ชอบมากนะ รู้สึกว่ามันลงตัวกับเรื่องพอดี ถ้าสืบแบบค่อยๆ ไขปริศนา ผิดไปแล้ว 5 ถูกแค่ 1 งี้ เล่มคงหนาและใช้เวลานานมากในการเล่าแต่ละดีเทล แปลนบ้าน 3 หลัง ปมในอดีต ครอบครัวในปัจจุบัน (ซึ่งอ่านไปอาจจะเบื่อ) เราเลยชอบความเฉลยเร็ว เดินเรื่องเร็ว ไปต่อเร็วแบบนี้แหละ เหมาะกับวิธีการเขียนแบบเน้นบทสนทนาในเล่มด้วย
เรื่องมันไม่มีผีปีศาจอะไรเลย แต่นี่เป็นเล่มที่เราอ่านตอนกลางคืนแล้วเสียวสันหลังแว้บๆ แบบเออ วางดีกว่า ขอเปลี่ยนเล่มก่อนนะ 5555 ซึ่งดีมาก บรรยากาศมันชวนขนลุกดี เพราะสำหรับเรา คนน่ากลัวกว่าผีล้านเท่า และเรื่องนี้คนแม่งจิตมากกกก แบบคุรพี่ไม่มีวิจารณญาณใดๆ กันเลยหร้ออออ ทำทำมาย ทำเพื่อครายยยยยยย เข้าใจแต่ก็ไม่เข้าใจ แต่ก็ยอมรับได้นะ จิตใจมนุษย์ยากแท้หยั่งถึงอยู่แล้ว แก้ปัญหาเรื่องเล็กๆ ด้วยการทำสิ่งที่ยิ่งใหญ่ไปเรยสิคะ (และคนเชื่อคนทำตามแม่งก็บ้า)
ส่วนตัวว่าตอนจบพีคจัดๆ plot twist ได้สมฐานิยายสืบสวนนะ อ่านถึงหน้าสุดท้ายแล้วหงายหลังตึงงงง แบบเคร นี่คือปลายเปิดแบบไม่เปิด เพราะคำพูดคุณพี่สถาปนิกเชื่อถือได้เสมอ ฮีเดาถูกทุกอย่างอยู่แล้วนี่ อันนี้ก็คง… 🥲
เรื่องมันไม่มีผีปีศาจอะไรเลย แต่นี่เป็นเล่มที่เราอ่านตอนกลางคืนแล้วเสียวสันหลังแว้บๆ แบบเออ วางดีกว่า ขอเปลี่ยนเล่มก่อนนะ 5555 ซึ่งดีมาก บรรยากาศมันชวนขนลุกดี เพราะสำหรับเรา คนน่ากลัวกว่าผีล้านเท่า และเรื่องนี้คนแม่งจิตมากกกก แบบคุรพี่ไม่มีวิจารณญาณใดๆ กันเลยหร้ออออ ทำทำมาย ทำเพื่อครายยยยยยย เข้าใจแต่ก็ไม่เข้าใจ แต่ก็ยอมรับได้นะ จิตใจมนุษย์ยากแท้หยั่งถึงอยู่แล้ว แก้ปัญหาเรื่องเล็กๆ ด้วยการทำสิ่งที่ยิ่งใหญ่ไปเรยสิคะ (และคนเชื่อคนทำตามแม่งก็บ้า)
ส่วนตัวว่าตอนจบพีคจัดๆ plot twist ได้สมฐานิยายสืบสวนนะ อ่านถึงหน้าสุดท้ายแล้วหงายหลังตึงงงง แบบเคร นี่คือปลายเปิดแบบไม่เปิด เพราะคำพูดคุณพี่สถาปนิกเชื่อถือได้เสมอ ฮีเดาถูกทุกอย่างอยู่แล้วนี่ อันนี้ก็คง… 🥲
March 9, 2026
Having read "strange pictures" a few weeks ago, and thoroughly enjoying it, I was really looking forward to reading the follow up. It sounded extremely intriguing but I had noticed that the reviews weren't as kind as with his debut novel.
I have to say I was very disappointed. The plot is over the top to such an extent that it makes no sense. The intrigue slowly fades away and you're left with a plot that goes nowhere fast and results in constantly shaking your head in disbelief and frustration.
I finished the book in about 90 minutes and I'm really hoping that Uketsu's third novel is similar to the first as this was far too convoluted.
I have to say I was very disappointed. The plot is over the top to such an extent that it makes no sense. The intrigue slowly fades away and you're left with a plot that goes nowhere fast and results in constantly shaking your head in disbelief and frustration.
I finished the book in about 90 minutes and I'm really hoping that Uketsu's third novel is similar to the first as this was far too convoluted.
July 25, 2023
2.5
Ngôi Nhà Kỳ Quái mở đầu với nhân vật "tôi" được người quen nhờ vả xem qua bản thiết kế ngôi nhà mà người quen đó đang dự định mua. Thông qua bản thiết kế, sơ đồ kiến trúc của ngôi nhà đã chỉ ra nhiều điểm bất thường, cũng chính những điểm bất thường của "ngôi nhà kỳ quái" kia dần đưa nhân vật chính đến với những sự thật sâu xa hơn những gì anh ta đã nghĩ.
Sơ đồ ngôi nhà
Ngay từ những phần đầu Ngôi Nhà Kỳ Quái đã cuốn hút mình, thông qua các màn đối thoại của "tôi" cùng với sự trợ giúp của một người bạn khác am hiểu về kiến trúc và thích sách Trinh thám, mở ra những chi tiết bất hợp lý của ngôi nhà, cùng với những suy đoán về động cơ của các thiết kế đó. Sau đó nhân vật chính lại kết nối một sự kiện của một ngôi nhà khác cũng kỳ lạ như ngôi nhà hiện tại.
Cuốn sách có lối viết không dài dòng và có thể hoàn thành trong thời gian ngắn, nhưng quả thực Ngôi Nhà Kỳ Quái lại ngắn nên không đủ chiều sâu để khai thác thêm nhiều yếu tố khác. Tác giả Uketsu vốn chuyên viêt và đăng tải tác phẩm lên internet, lúc đọc Ngôi Nhà Kỳ Quái mình nhận rõ cách viết rất "mạng" đọc đôi lúc thây gượng.
Phần đầu đã khiến mình hi vọng Ngôi Nhà Kỳ Quái sẽ là tác phẩm Trinh thám đáng mong đợi, nhưng chủ yếu là mystery, các phần suy luận chỉ là đối thoại, cái cách vụ việc được sáng tỏ gây thất vọng cho mình. Dù mình thực sự thích cách tác giả khai thác bi kịch, sự cuồng tín của một gia tộc sau đó.
May 25, 2023
Pernah nggak teracuni diskusi buku dan racunnya ternyata cocok?
Waktu @bukugpu @fiksigpu buka pre-order Teka-Teki Rumah Aneh, aku nggak begitu penasaran. Nama penulisnya juga asing buatku. Pokoknya, cuma jadi informasi selintas lalu.
Hingga akhirnya aku iseng ikutan ZOOM promosi Teka-Teki Rumah Aneh ini. Selama kurang lebih satu jam, ketiga narasumber (salah satunya adalah Ci Hetih), sukses bikin aku segera melakukan pembelian begitu acara selesai.
Teka-Teki Rumah Aneh sukses bikin aku menunda waktu tidur. Bukan karena bukunya yang tipis. It is 220 pages long. Tapi karena cerita di dalamnya yang bikin aku ngerasa, "Nanggung amat!"
Mengutip katanya Ci Hetih, buku ini menceritakan obrolan dua bapak-bapak yang mencoba mengases sebuah rumah yang dijual. Obrolan ala kadarnya ini berubah menjadi sesuatu yang seru setelah para tokoh mengamati denah bangunan secara lebih saksama.
Benar-benar sebuah rumah yang aneh.
Spekulasi dan asumsi pun bermunculan. Mendorong tokoh utama menggali lebih dalam. "Yang benar saja? Masa ada asumsi demikian sih?"
Siapa sangka, penemuannya dengan orang-orang terkait rumah tersebut membuat aku cukup tercengang 😱
Benar kata kak Faira dalam ZOOM promosi itu, mereka yang doyan cerita ala Kindaichi akan cocok dengan buku ini.
Teka-Teki Rumah Aneh dibawakan dengan cara yang unik. Plotnya juga bergerak dengan pas--tidak terlalu cepat & tidak terlalu lambat. Membuatku nyaman untuk membabatnya hingga tengah malam.
Untuk kamu yang mencari bacaan dengan aura horor, mistis, ngeri, mungkin bisa mencoba baca Teka-Teki Rumah Aneh.
Aku sih tidak menyesal sama sekali memotong jam tidurku menjadi kurang dari 6 jam 🤣
Waktu @bukugpu @fiksigpu buka pre-order Teka-Teki Rumah Aneh, aku nggak begitu penasaran. Nama penulisnya juga asing buatku. Pokoknya, cuma jadi informasi selintas lalu.
Hingga akhirnya aku iseng ikutan ZOOM promosi Teka-Teki Rumah Aneh ini. Selama kurang lebih satu jam, ketiga narasumber (salah satunya adalah Ci Hetih), sukses bikin aku segera melakukan pembelian begitu acara selesai.
Teka-Teki Rumah Aneh sukses bikin aku menunda waktu tidur. Bukan karena bukunya yang tipis. It is 220 pages long. Tapi karena cerita di dalamnya yang bikin aku ngerasa, "Nanggung amat!"
Mengutip katanya Ci Hetih, buku ini menceritakan obrolan dua bapak-bapak yang mencoba mengases sebuah rumah yang dijual. Obrolan ala kadarnya ini berubah menjadi sesuatu yang seru setelah para tokoh mengamati denah bangunan secara lebih saksama.
Benar-benar sebuah rumah yang aneh.
Spekulasi dan asumsi pun bermunculan. Mendorong tokoh utama menggali lebih dalam. "Yang benar saja? Masa ada asumsi demikian sih?"
Siapa sangka, penemuannya dengan orang-orang terkait rumah tersebut membuat aku cukup tercengang 😱
Benar kata kak Faira dalam ZOOM promosi itu, mereka yang doyan cerita ala Kindaichi akan cocok dengan buku ini.
Teka-Teki Rumah Aneh dibawakan dengan cara yang unik. Plotnya juga bergerak dengan pas--tidak terlalu cepat & tidak terlalu lambat. Membuatku nyaman untuk membabatnya hingga tengah malam.
Untuk kamu yang mencari bacaan dengan aura horor, mistis, ngeri, mungkin bisa mencoba baca Teka-Teki Rumah Aneh.
Aku sih tidak menyesal sama sekali memotong jam tidurku menjadi kurang dari 6 jam 🤣
June 3, 2025
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
Strange Houses is the second book translated into English by a Japanese author who goes by the name Uketsu. I really enjoyed Strange Pictures, so I was eager to figure out the mystery of Strange Houses.
The book follows a similar format with a type of questioning and answering by the characters in order to puzzle together a series of murders through odd blueprints. Unfortunately, the translation does come off a bit stilted in this one. While much shorter than Strange Pictures, I didn’t find the mystery as compelling as the first. I also had trouble distinguishing the characters from each other in the final reveal, as there are so many of them with similar names!
While Strange Houses is an intriguing short mystery, it just didn’t engage me as much as the first book.
3.25/5 stars rounded down
Note: “Uketsu’s real name and identity are unknown. He only ever appears online, wearing a mask and speaking through a voice changer. His innovative mysteries challenge readers to discover the hidden clues in a series of sinister drawings.”
Expected publication date: 6/3/25
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia for the ARC of Strange Houses in exchange for an honest review.
Strange Houses is the second book translated into English by a Japanese author who goes by the name Uketsu. I really enjoyed Strange Pictures, so I was eager to figure out the mystery of Strange Houses.
The book follows a similar format with a type of questioning and answering by the characters in order to puzzle together a series of murders through odd blueprints. Unfortunately, the translation does come off a bit stilted in this one. While much shorter than Strange Pictures, I didn’t find the mystery as compelling as the first. I also had trouble distinguishing the characters from each other in the final reveal, as there are so many of them with similar names!
While Strange Houses is an intriguing short mystery, it just didn’t engage me as much as the first book.
3.25/5 stars rounded down
Note: “Uketsu’s real name and identity are unknown. He only ever appears online, wearing a mask and speaking through a voice changer. His innovative mysteries challenge readers to discover the hidden clues in a series of sinister drawings.”
Expected publication date: 6/3/25
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia for the ARC of Strange Houses in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2025
Addictive, I absolutely inhaled this in one reading sitting. Through dark twists and turns and interesting floorplans we discover a dark secret
It was such a perfect coincidence, as if the Devil had set it up for me.
Very propulsive, if maybe a bit more clinical than Strange Pictures. I really enjoyed the way the mystery is unveiled and I think the link with the ancient and creepy tradition of Mabiki, where kids are terminated to keep the family line clear or reduce the mouths to be fed, quite chilling.
Off course I also agree with this statement by the narrators(I can see how it all fits together, but… isn’t it all a little far-fetched? It’s so convoluted) yet I was fully invested and loved the twist at the end.
It was such a perfect coincidence, as if the Devil had set it up for me.
Very propulsive, if maybe a bit more clinical than Strange Pictures. I really enjoyed the way the mystery is unveiled and I think the link with the ancient and creepy tradition of Mabiki, where kids are terminated to keep the family line clear or reduce the mouths to be fed, quite chilling.
Off course I also agree with this statement by the narrators(I can see how it all fits together, but… isn’t it all a little far-fetched? It’s so convoluted) yet I was fully invested and loved the twist at the end.
August 24, 2025
2.5 I was quickly bored with the back and forth discussions on what the possible mystery was. There was a long waiting list at my library for this book, so when I finally had a chance to read it I expected much more. Yawn.
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