1. About the Author: Uketsu
Uketsu is a mysterious Japanese author best known for his masked YouTube presence and eerie storytelling through architecture and visuals. His debut hit Strange Pictures sold over 1.5 million copies and boasts a 4.04/5 rating on Goodreads from more than 15,600 readers. Strange Houses, his follow-up novel, has also gained significant traction with over 6,100 ratings and a 3.94/5 average. Uketsu’s hallmark lies in turning ordinary diagrams—like house floor plans—into tools of psychological horror.
2. About the Narrator: Andrew Grace
Andrew Grace narrates both Strange Pictures and Strange Houses. His voice is widely appreciated for its clarity, smooth cadence, and strong character differentiation. Though not the most theatrical reader, his subtle performance style enhances the eerie undertones without overwhelming the listener—a perfect match for Uketsu’s understated horror.
3. About the Book: Strange Houses
Set in Tokyo, Strange Houses follows a protagonist who teams up with architect Kurihara to investigate mysterious “dead spaces” hidden within floor plans. These voids aren’t just construction quirks—they’re clues to horrifying secrets embedded in the very design of the homes.
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Genre: Psychological Mystery, Mild Horror, Puzzle Fiction
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Audiobook Length: 3 hours 29 minutes
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Goodreads Rating: 3.94/5 from 6,145 reviews
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Audible Rating: 3.9/5 from early listeners
Though it hasn’t won major awards, its popularity mirrors the viral success of the manga adaptation The Strange House, which sold over 1.8 million copies in Japan alone.
4. Book Review: Strange Houses
This book grips you not with gore but with quiet unease. The real horror lies in the diagrams—blueprints with impossible gaps and strange annotations. The plot unfolds like a puzzle, with each chapter adding another piece to a grim mystery.
Strengths:
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Clever use of floorplans to drive suspense
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Puzzle-like narrative invites reader participation
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Unnerving atmosphere that grows with each page
Weaknesses:
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Writing style is simple, even awkward at times
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Some story logic is abrupt or underdeveloped
Notable praise:
“Chilling and Disturbing! … impossible to put down … gave me chills.” – Stacy H., Amazon
“Weird, but good.” – Dez N., Goodreads
Despite its flaws, Strange Houses delivers a novel horror experience—less about jump scares, more about spatial paranoia and conceptual dread.
5. Audiobook Review
The audiobook version of Strange Houses, narrated by Andrew Grace, amplifies the story’s quiet intensity. His voice is calm but carries a subtle edge—ideal for a story that relies on creeping discomfort rather than overt scares.
Audiobook strengths:
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Smooth pacing
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Easy to distinguish characters
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Perfect tone for quiet horror
Potential downsides:
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Some may find it too subdued
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Lacks emotional highs, but fits the minimalist writing
Critics’ feedback:
“Andrew Grace is a damn good narrator—smooth, consistent, easy to follow.” – Reddit user
“Perfect voice for a creepy mystery. No overacting, just pure suspense.” – Audible reviewer
If you’re new to horror audiobooks, this is an ideal entry point.
6. Who Should Listen to This Book?
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Fans of puzzle fiction: Love decoding mysteries hidden in the mundane? This is your jam.
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Light horror seekers: Prefer slow-burn dread over graphic violence? You’ll love the vibe.
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Audiobook lovers: Short runtime, easy-to-follow narration—great for commutes or late-night listening.
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Fans of Strange Pictures or manga adaptations: Strange Houses builds on the same eerie universe with fresh chills.
7. Conclusion
Strange Houses is more than a book—it’s a conceptual trap wrapped in floorplans, narrated with eerie precision. While the writing can be simplistic and the logic occasionally shaky, the overall experience is gripping. The audiobook, enhanced by Andrew Grace’s calm delivery, makes the journey even more immersive.
If you’re looking for something truly different, Strange Houses is worth your time—and maybe your sleep.
8. Where to Listen to Strange Houses
You can find the audiobook version of Strange Houses on these platforms:
- Audiobooks.com – mobile-friendly app
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Audible – Includes a free PDF floorplan and 30-day free trial
We recommend signing up for a trial or membership to gain easy access and enjoy the full illustrated audio experience anywhere, anytime.
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