Strange Houses: Does it Live Up as a Sequel?

Hi Readers! September was almost a dry spell reading-wise, but I have long ago stopped caring about the numbers. I am just glad I got to read one book, which I was waiting to read for quite a while! I had read Strange Pictures by Uketsu earlier in the year. And ever since I knew another book is getting published this year, it was a constant and random source of happiness. The reason I loved Strange Pictures so much was because of how unique it was. Whether it was the pictures or the unpredictable plot, or the psychiatry angle. It was all glorious which made it an instant five-star read. So now with that context, let me share about the second book; Strange Houses.

~~GOODREADS DESCRIPTION~~

A spiritual companion to Strange Pictures and a bestselling horror phenomenon in Japan —mysterious spaces, trap doors, windowless children’s rooms . . . something is wrong with this house. Can you solve the “mystery” of its floor plan?

A writer fascinated by the macabre is approached by an acquaintance who is considering purchasing a second-hand house in Tokyo. With its bright and spacious interior, the home seems perfect. But looking closer, the building’s floor plan reveals a mysterious “dead space” hidden between the walls. Seeking a second opinion, the writer shares the floor plan with an architect friend only to discover more “strange spaces” dotted across the house.

What are these mysterious “strange spaces” and why do they exist—are they really there, or is there something off with the floor plan? Who is the home’s former resident who suddenly disappeared?

The freelance writer and his architect friend can’t resist the challenge of solving the riddle of these puzzling floor plans . . . and the terrifying plot behind it all.

~~THOUGHTS~~

A house built for the sole purpose of murder. Dead spaces in the walls. Too many windows throughout the house but a windowless bedroom for the child. Secret tiny passageways. Strange Houses is the story of a secret and a curse that went back decades and claimed too many lives.

I had a feeling that Strange Houses would be even better than Strange Pictures. Thought it would have floor plans and complicated mysteries surrounding multiple houses. Thought it would be just as unpredictable and interesting, if not more. Well, I was not entirely right, but also not entirely wrong. We follow about 3 houses in this book, all of which have similar things in common. Initially, it was fun to find out the clues and read about the wild assumptions made by Kurihara, our architect detective. Because that’s how the reader is reeled in with just the initial 15 pages.

But, as the story progresses, the intensity fades and that new shine to the whole concept is reduced. Yes, the houses are different from each other, but when we understand how the murderers are using the houses, it becomes easier to guess. Aside from this, the entire concept of the Katabuchi family and its branch family felt overdone. Sure, makes for a wild read, but it wasn’t as enjoyable. If this was just one nuclear family or a couple committing serial killings over a period of time, each time with a newness to the houses, I would have enjoyed it more.

I did read the book in one sitting. I will read the next one titled Strange Buildings. But, I think it will be tough to top the brilliance of Strange Pictures. I have rated Strange Houses by Uketsu, translated by Jim Rion at 4/5 stars!

Until next time,