Look What the Cat Dragged In Book Review and Summary
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Camille Dubois - 19 Aug, 2026 20:44
Author: Jason Rekulak
Page Count: Unknown
Publication Date: Expected publication 2026-10-13 APL
It’s a cat — but not just any cat. A cat with a “mysterious secret”, no less. I’m reminded of those quaint, old-fashioned horror stories where the most mundane objects become vessels for ancient, malevolent forces. Rosemary’s Baby, the supposed inspiration for Jason Rekulak’s latest novel, Look What the Cat Dragged In, is a masterclass in slow-burning, psychological terror. Can Rekulak’s feline-centric thriller live up to that pedigree?
At first glance, the premise seems almost… cute. A young cartoonist, Penny Padgett, agrees to pet-sit a peculiar cat named Godfrey. But as the days pass, Penny’s life begins to unravel. Nightmares, insect infestations, and a creeping sense of dread all hint at something sinister lurking just beneath the surface. It’s a clever subversion of our expectations — who wouldn’t trust a cute, affectionate cat? But what if that cat is not what it seems? I’m drawn to the way Rekulak seems to be playing with the idea of “cuteness” as a form of emotional manipulation. It’s a clever, insidious tactic, one that preys on our deep-seated desire to nurture and care for others.
And yet… the more I read about Look What the Cat Dragged In, the more I’m struck by the vagueness of it all. What, exactly, is Godfrey’s “mysterious secret”? Is it supernatural in nature, or something more mundane? The synopsis is frustratingly coy, refusing to yield even the slightest hint of what’s to come. I’m left wondering if Rekulak is simply trying to create a sense of mystery, or if he’s genuinely unsure of how to convey the complexity of his story.
But, I suppose, that’s the point. Look What the Cat Dragged In is a thriller, after all, and thrills are often dependent on a certain level of unpredictability. I’m reminded of authors like Shirley Jackson, who mastered the art of subtle, psychologically complex horror. Rekulak’s use of illustrations — over eighty pages of them, no less — adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative, one that I’m eager to explore.
Literally.
It’s a clever trick, using illustrations to break up the text and create a sense of visual unease. I’m curious to see how Rekulak will balance the two mediums, and whether the illustrations will enhance or detract from the overall narrative.
Yet… I find myself wondering if the illustrations are simply a gimmick, a way to differentiate Look What the Cat Dragged In from other, more straightforward thrillers. Are they a necessary part of the story, or simply a clever marketing ploy?
Hard pass.
No, wait, I take that back. I’m intrigued, despite my reservations. There’s something undeniably compelling about Look What the Cat Dragged In, something that draws me in with its promise of slow-burning terror and supernatural mystery.
But, I must admit, I’m not entirely convinced. Rekulak’s previous works, like Hidden Pictures and The Last One at the Wedding, have shown a certain level of promise, but I’m not sure if he’s ready to tackle a story as complex, as multifaceted, as this one.
Ugh, this draft is killing me. I can barely type.
#SupernaturalThriller #FelineHorror #IllustratedNovel
