Hidden Pictures

Product Information

Fooled by the rating and GoodreadsBest of 2022 I jumped into this novel, expecting something good, something sensical. Boy, was I wrong. With the help of a supernatural force, a cute landscaper, and a quirky neighbor, Mallory attempts to figure out the meaning of the drawings before it is too late. Oh my goodness! This is absolutely fantastic! There are so many aspects that I absolutely adored while reading this book: the chilling atmosphere of the guest house, the clever incorporation of famous horror movie themes like "Ring" and "Insidious," the masterful storytelling that keeps you on the edge of your seat, the spine-tingling sensation of constantly feeling like someone is watching over you, and those final twists that hit you like a slap in the face because they're so unexpected! Y, por cierto, ¡qué problema tiene esta gente con la oxycodina, que una vez que te la recetan te condenan a vagar como un zombi por el sistema de salud americano! Pero parece que el problema es real. Lo atestiguan las numerosas novelas y series en las que este medicamento se convierte en un protagonista indeseado. Mallory if you don't buss your ass like the Koolaid man into Teddy's bedroom... LMAO like ain't no way you're just standing there letting him have mysterieux convos with ghost Picasso and you're like HMMMMM I WONDER WAGWAN... OH WELL GOTTA FOLD THIS LAUNDRY!!!

Mallory moves into a pool house on the property and begins to develop a healthy schedule with Teddy. Teddy seems to be a budding little artist and spends at least an hour a day quietly drawing. Even though Mr. Maxwell seems to be quite concerned about Mallory's past drug use, she still ends up securing the position. She's elated. Now it is time to prove herself. This is her chance to rebuild her life. We adore the Marzollo I Spy hidden picture books. Read the rhyming poem, then look at the accompanying full-color photo filled with objects to find the items listed.

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Little kids making creepy artwork is a common trope because that shit is irresistible. Kids can be creepy anyway, but pair it with weird, dark drawings that may or may not depict a murder and hearing voices that may or may not be the ghost of the murdered... let's just say I needed to know how this would all resolve. I simply cannot get into it without spoilers so... SPOILERS ALERT. SCROLL AGGRESSIVELY TO THE BOTTOM Along with her new friend, Adrian, Mallory begins to deep dive into the history of the property and the suspected murder of the woman who once lived there. As, I write this review, I pondered on whether to rate this 4 or 5 stars, and I have decided to round up for originality and the fact that I loved Mallory, and her devotion to Teddy. The last chapter really moved me emotionally and earned the final star!

Seriously though, can Mallory's opinion even be trusted? Is she using again? She definitely seems to be spiraling. Right? I mean, ghosts aren't real... Now clean for 18 months, her sponsor Russell has lined up a job interview for her with Caroline and Ted Maxwell, an affluent family looking for a babysitter for their preschooler, Teddy. Getting the job, and the chance to live in the tiny poolside guest cottage seems like it would be a dream come true-a fresh start-so she is thrilled when she is offered the job. This book is best consumed in the print version in my opinion because of the numerous pictures included within the book. The creepiness of how they looked like a child’s drawings with an ominous figure always lurking in them set the tone of the story. The pictures noticeably transitioned into these hauntingly beautiful scenes that alerted the reader to a tonal shift. The middle of the book had a YA feel (perhaps because this was the author's first book for adults?) and Mallory was a bit too perfect for someone with her history, but my reading buddy, Marialyce, and I continued on. I was expecting something different than what I got with this book, but I still really enjoyed the book. I also doubled down on these creepy drawings.It was really remarkable how a blue dress and slightly longer hair shifted my entire perception of you. Just a few subtle cues and my brain did the rest of the work, flipping all the switches. You used to be a boy. Now, you were a girl. Overall, I really loved Rekulak’s writing. He is a great storyteller and I am looking forward to reading more from him. Can you find the hidden unicorns from Rainbow Valley around the city? If you’re like us and you love unicorns, this is the book for you.

This novel is an absolute hot mess. It felt a bit preachy the way an after school special does. In all situations the absolute worst scenario happened every time. Overly dramatic and un realistic.

If you are looking for something FRESH and ORIGINAL and you don’t mind mysteries with a SUPERNATURAL vibe, then this is the book for you!