Although it’s not the type of book I would typically choose to read, it was the most popular book for October in one of the book clubs I joined. It was a great experience, creating a pleasant atmosphere and allowing for interesting discussions with other readers. Participating in an English book club, despite it not being my native language, has been beneficial as I can fully comprehend and engage in the discussions.
Now, let’s talk about the book itself. Most of us found it decent, but the unexpected ending was the most captivating. It was refreshing to read a book where the ending wasn’t predictable from the beginning. Some books are so predictable that you can guess the ending before reaching the final pages. This book leans more towards being a thriller than a horror novel, but it’s definitely an enjoyable read if you enjoy stories involving paranormal events.
The Maxwell Family
The story revolves around Mallory Quinn, a young woman who has spent the past 18 months in drug rehabilitation. She is determined to find a job and start afresh, leaving behind the negative experiences of her past. Mallory’s counselor, Russell, assists her in securing a babysitting job with the Maxwell family, who recently arrived from Spain and need help caring for their child, Teddy.
Besides, Mallory captivates Teddy, and Caroline Maxwell also takes a liking to her. Yet, convincing Mr. Maxwell to hire Mallory is challenging as he doubts her responsibility due to her past drug problem. Despite his doubts, they hire Mallory, and she moves into their cozy cottage. It’s a fresh start for Mallory, and the neighborhood is a quiet and pleasant area where she can go for runs without any worries, thanks to its safety.
One intriguing aspect that grabs readers’ attention is the inclusion of drawings throughout the book. These drawings play a crucial role in the story, often transforming into creepy images. They tell a mysterious tale that Mallory tries to unravel to identify the characters depicted in the hidden pictures and understand their significance.
Meanwhile, Mallory’s character is complex and troubled. She is determined to rebuild her life, but the guilt from a tragic accident that took her little sister’s life continues to haunt her. Her relationship with her mother has suffered due to her problems, resulting in limited contact between them for a long time. This guilt lingers, leading to moments of self-doubt about her own sanity and mental state.
Anya, Teddy’s imaginary friend
Teddy’s imaginary friend, Anya, is dismissed by his parents as not being real. They downplay its significance despite Teddy’s strong belief in Anya. Teddy even credits Anya for his drawings, claiming he doesn’t create them.
As the drawings become terrifying, Mallory starts to question whether it is genuinely Teddy who creates them. She wonders if a spirit uses Teddy to convey a message through these eerie illustrations.
Ted sees the first picture and laughs. “Oh, dear. Is this person being strangled?”
“Yes, Ted, she’s being murdered and her body is being dragged through a forest and I wonder where our sweet gentle little boy got all these terrible ideas?”
Mallory notices peculiar occurrences as time passes and feels a presence in the house. It leads her to question whether this presence handles the unsettling drawings Teddy shows her. Alongside her troubled past, Mallory delves deeper into the mysteries of the Maxwell house, making her life more challenging.
“That paper comes from Teddy’s sketch pad. And I can hear him drawing in the bedroom. He comes out with pencil all over his fingers. The only thing I can think of is—” I tap the Encyclopedia of Supernatural Phenomena. “Maybe he’s channeling someone. Maybe it’s the spirit of Annie Barrett.”
Mallory’s endurance and persistence
Despite facing many setbacks, Mallory persists in her quest to uncover the truth. She stumbles and tells lies but comes clear. Rather than succumbing to addiction or giving up, she fights to rectify the situation and repair the damage.
“And suddenly I’m furious with myself for snooping, for backsliding. I feel like Mitzi’s caught me red-handed. I blame the coffee—I never should have had the coffee. I put back the bottle and turn on the tap and take long slurps of cold water, hoping to dilute the toxins in my system. I’m ashamed of myself, nineteen months sober and snooping around an old lady’s medicine cabinet. What the hell is happening to me? I flush the toilet and hold the lever until all the water goes down.”
Mallory’s character resonated with me because she fights relentlessly to avoid falling back into drug addiction. She strives each day not to be weighed down by her past, her sister’s story, and her family. Despite feeling ashamed at times and resorting to lies, she ultimately chooses to be honest and make amends. She realizes that her past is a part of her life, and there’s no need to be ashamed.
I admire individuals who maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity. It’s not always easy, but they refuse to give up easily. That’s why I found Mallory’s character so appealing.
Despite facing many stumbling blocks and obstacles, Mallory perseveres in her quest for truth and redemption. She strives to set things right, demonstrating her commitment to staying on the right path and avoiding past mistakes.
Furthermore, Mallory is a determined young woman who goes to great lengths to uncover the truth and assist Teddy. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she perseveres and ultimately saves Teddy.
I highly recommend this book, Hidden Pictures to those who enjoy thrilling stories and the paranormal. In conclusion, it’s an engaging and entertaining read.
