Uketsu is one strange character. Wikipedia lists him as a “Japanese YouTuber, writer, and singer of unknown identity.” He often appears wearing a white paper mache mask as in his author photo on the cover.

Strange Houses is marketed as a “chilling Japanese mystery sensation.” The plot relies on a number of house floor plans that seem normal until you look closer. Each house has a certain oddity that leads to the uncovering of a disturbing mystery.

The English translation of this book is deceptively simple, making it an easy book to speed through. But beware: pay close attention to the names and relationships as the story unfolds. The simplicity of the prose may prove misleading!

Uketsu. Strange Houses. 2021. Translated by Jim Rion. HarperVia, 2025.