While I did really enjoy parts of this story, overall I just don't think it was for me. I would say this book does a good job of keeping up the feelings of uncertainty, and suspicion, but I was thinking this was going to be a straight up horror, and it was more of a dark psychological thriller. The story its self is really compelling, and I wanted to finish it to see if we ever find out what happened to the popsicle girl. its also sad and deals with some complicated issues that can arrise from child abuse..

I definitely didn't see most of the twists and turns coming, and the reveals were quite surprising.. Although we are given plenty of clues that I just didn't pick up on.

This book follows multiple viewpoints and one of them in particular is of a cat named Olivia, which was super interesting seeing things from her side..

I think alot of people would really like this story, and I look forward to reading other books by this author

I am not entirely sure what kind of novel this is, and I hardly know how to describe “The Last House on Needless Street” without spoilers. There’s a man, Ted, and his daughter, Lauren, and his cat, Olivia. And visions and flashbacks of the Ted’s dead mother and father.

The use of unreliable narration is one of the first things I noticed, and it’s brilliantly done. Ted makes it clear that he is dealing with mental challenges, and warns the reader early that he gets the past and present messed up.

It’s left to the reader to try to piece together the weird accounts of the three characters/narrators to determine who is dead and alive; who is real and imaginary. There are ghostly green boys in the attic and many children disappeared nearby, including a little girl named Lulu who drowned. Her sister, Dee, turns up to investigate Ted’s possible connection with Lulu’s death.

Red herrings abound, and at the end there are two huge twists which make this an entirely different kind of book than you think it is. I love it when an author makes you say at the end, “ohhhh that’s right. She didn’t exactly say that. She just made me infer it, and my inference was way off and so I missed the vital clue.”

Overall the book is extremely well done, the horror angle is original, and the creep factor is off the charts. The denouement was overly long and it was too foggy with all of the various narrators for the reader to get a clear view of every plotline that was being all sewn up at the end.

What was needed: more artful use of Detective Karen, who is shoved offstage when she really needs to walk onstage and, in a completely clear, reliable narrative voice, lay out precisely what has taken place. This would have better accomplished what the author was trying to do and eased the confusion for the reader. It was a smash in England, to be adapted by Andy Serkis and I expect an adaptation in which Detective Karen plays a much larger role.

A very creepy and also sad story! I did not expect it to be such a psychological tale. Some parts broke my heart and others gave me nightmares. Overall, very good!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

A surprisingly sad and devastating horror novel. It had been a while since I picked up a horror novel, and this one was a great return to the genre. We primarily follow three characters, and Ward leaves the reader in ambiguity, leaving the reveals for the very end. I don't even want to touch on plot, this is definitely a book best read blind. However, I think this presents a nuanced character study and examination of grief and trauma against a backdrop of a suspenseful mystery/whodunnit.

All I can say is “wow”! This book is an amazing read. I kept me guessing till the last chapter. Ted’s character continually evolves. If you are a fan of Stephen King, horror, and thrillers you will love this book.

Wow wow wow. I don't even know how to review this without spoiling anything.

In the first half I was so confused about the book. Yes, it was giving me the creeps. It was detailed, gruesome, and I really thought had everything pin pointed - the evil guy, the victim, the plot, etc etc. I had nothing right. Nothing.

It really went deep into the characters, into their psyches, into the details of their feelings, their fears, their lives. It was interesting and fascinating. And as you read this, you're trying to solve the mystery of what happened to the missing girl. Who is she, is she really there still or are you missing something in this story.

I read the afterword, and without giving anything away it made me appreciate the story even more. And I'm a huge fan of this topic. So reading this book without knowing it was about *this topic* I was pleasantly surprised, especially on where and how the author delivered the ending.

I'm telling you - if you like creepy, this one is a must. Because the scary isn't what you think it is. I'm mind blown.

**Fair warning - this book involves a couple of scenes with snakes. They gave me chills.**

TW: Kidnapping, abuse, animal abuse, murder.

This was such an absolutely unexpected, pitch-perfectly surprising, harrowing, beautiful, scary and FUN read. JFC JFC JFC WOW.

In essence, a daring novel that is hard to describe in simple terms. Ted is a reclusive and often unsettling man whose sole company rests on his teen daughter and an evangelical - yes, you read that right- pet cat. As we navigate this novel through the eyes of varying narrators and perspectives, we slowly unravel the dark truths behind this strange family, a neighbor in search of her long-lost sister, and a local child kidnapping case that remains unsolved. Truthfully, this novel didn't rock my world. The reveal was predictable, but well excuted and this novel stands out as one of the few horror books that actively subverts and challenges the genre's ableist traditions. Through a wide array of strange and unique characters, Ward creates a careful and sensitive examination of mental illness, loss, and trauma. This novel explores the darkness and tragedy of the psyche- not much of a horror, but perhaps a multilayered mystery instead. Overall, this book didn't rock my world, but I can understand why it would thoroughly impress others.

4.5 star review coming to scariesthings.com
I loved this book! So many twists and Olivia was one of the best characters I have read in a log time. I also appreciated the afterward where the author explained some of the process of this story

Oh man, this book did not go in the direction I expected it to go in at all and I love it when books can completely catch me off-guard. Instead of having a twist happen suddenly at the end, the twist in this book unravels slowly throughout the entire story in a way that’ll have you like, ‘waaaiiiiiiiit just a minute here...’ This book was beautifully written and full of interesting characters that will endear themselves to you and take you by surprise.

A haunting, creepy and rapidly unfolding horror story. It is one of the few books that I had trouble pausing because I was so curious and intrigued-- a good measure of a horror/mystery book. The tale is written in a way that captures you, makes you care for the characters and cheer for a good ending.

In the dark house at the end of Needless Street, we meet Ted, a rather forlorn man who cares for his sweet cat and his daughter. He is a recluse in a boarded up, shabby house. A young girl disappeared 11 years ago and a number of young boys have also not been found near a lake nearby. One of his neighbors is the older sister of the Girl with Popscicle who disappeared. The author makes us care for Ted, his daughter, the older sister and a few other neighbors. We are drawn into, trying to understand how all this connects.

As a psychologist, I am intrigued by the emotions that I felt as I suspect different solutions to the story. How cleverly written, how complicated life is. Do not assume you know what is going on.

I also appreciated the author’s extra material at the end which helps make sense of this incredible mystery and the complicated way that we humans survive.

What a ride! I could not put this book down! You won't see the twists coming! This book lives up the the hype! So many clichés, but in this cases - they are all true!! I really can't say enough good things about this novel.

THE LAST HOUSE ON NEEDLESS STREET introduces us to Ted, who is little off, a recluse living in a messy house, dining on pickles and peanut butter. He lives with his bratty daughter, Lauren, and a clever, bible-reading cat named Olivia. And the troubling memories of his mother. We also meet Dee, the sister of a young girl who disappeared many years ago. All of their stories intertwine and merge. Secrets and truths are divulged, making it impossible for the reader to tear themselves away from this book. (I read this book everywhere - sneaking in paragraphs here and there. I could not stop thinking about the story and characters! I was totally obsessed!)

Catriona Ward is the sort of writer I can't get enough of. Each character in this book was expertly crafted, the story was compelling, and the twists were cunning.

I can't recommend this book enough. If you love a mystery, you will not be disappointed.

Thank you Netgalley and Tor/Nightfire for the opportunity to read and review the e-ARC of this book! I'm definitely buying a copy when it comes out in September. I already want to read it again.

This review has spoilers.

I really tore through this book but ultimately I think it was not for me. I was intrigued by the comparison to one of my favorite authors (Shirley Jackson), and I love a suspenseful horror novel. The twists and turns were really surprising, but it was pretty uniformly excruciating to experience. This was because of the content rather than the prose, the latter of which I found to be really fresh. I think I was expecting something different, as I probably wouldn't have picked this up if I had realized how deep this book would delve into horrific child abuse. I recognize now that it's signaled a little bit in the description ("A teenage girl who isn’t allowed outside, not after last time") so perhaps that's on me, and after all, I was too deeply sucked in to put it down. I appreciated the empathy that the author displays for Ted and all of the other characters throughout the story, and in her note at the end, so more than anything I have to conclude that I was just not the right reader for this book.

It's been a long time since a book has reeled me in and left me so oblivious to the outside world like this one did.

This book was the epitome of horror in a way that I never expected it to be and I am still reeling. This is one my favourite books of the year.

Beautiful and horrible.

Rarely do I struggle to find words about a book that I loved, but I find myself in that position right now. THE LAST HOUSE ON NEEDLESS STREET blew me away.

There are many narratives here and several threads to follow-most of which lead down spoiler lane. But after mulling it over, here is what I've come up with:

This tale is beautifully written and I was immediately drawn to these characters and making assumptions about them. The author's skills in character building are nearly unmatched, and I had clear pictures in my head of all of them. Them being: Ted the awkward man who's overweight, and lives in a boarded up house; Lauren, Ted's daughter, who is rarely seen outside because it's much safer for her inside; Olivia, Ted's cat. Olivia likes to read the bible, worship the lord, nuzzle up to Ted and she doesn't go outside either. Lastly, there's Dee whose sister disappeared back when Dee was a teenager and that event has loomed over her life ever since, like a huge dark joy-sucking shadow.

The entire book is written in such a way that the mysteries keep piling up and the reader begins to wonder how all these secrets are going to be disclosed before the story comes to an end. But have no doubt, dear reader, when these secrets are unleashed it will leave you off centered and a bit stunned.

A sublime book of psychological dark fiction, both beautifully crafted and well told, I know that I'll be reading this book again. Even though it has already divulged all of its secrets to me, there is a certain joy in reading thoughtful, powerful prose. Beyond the enjoyment of the story itself, is the joy of words and how they are put together to create a flawless narrative. A narrative that, in the end, may have made this black-hearted horror lover break down and cry. Maybe.

You know what? I just can't do this book justice with my measly words, so I'll just say that THE LAST HOUSE ON NEEDLESS STREET has earned my highest recommendation!

*Thank you so very much to Tor/Nighfire and to NetGalley for the e-ARC. paperback ARC and the audio ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*

Honestly, this was one of the best books I’ve read in the past five years. At least. I was absolutely riveted from beginning to end, staying up well into the wee hours of the morning in order to finish it. Compulsively readable, lyrical, bittersweet, ultimately hopeful. The subject matter is not for everyone, but I firmly believe those who pass up reading it miss out on a story of survival, adaptation, and humanity amid inhumanity. “The Last House on Needless Street” is an absolute triumph.

Lots of "twisty" thrillers either have a twist you see coming from a mile away, or one that's so nonsensical that it undermines the rest of the plot. Not so here. NEEDLESS STREET is a marvel, a Russian nesting doll of a book that slowly unfurls its reveals one by one without ever losing its deep sense of dread. You really don't get the full picture of what's happened until almost the last page, and it's an amazing ride the entire time. If you've been looking for a book that grabs you by the throat, this is it.

This is one of those books that starts as one genre and then completely switches to something else. I’m not sure if I like experiencing that switch, but I stuck to it due to the characters. I was invested in them more than the plot. More than a scary book, this is a story of survival. Survival isn’t clean cut and organized- which is something to remember as you flip the pages and the truth unravels.

Wowza! What a story!

All these things are true. And yet they are all lies...

When I first starting reading this, I was instantly intrigued!! A missing girl, a cat that reads the bible and a man with mental health issues! Bring-it-on!

And she does! Catriona Ward brings it on in this book. Try to go in knowing as little as possible. The synopsis is all you need to begin this book.

Because things get interesting and then *BAM* your socks will get knocked off. I loved how original this book was and how it was told. I enjoyed all the characters, but I will admit, Olivia the bible reading cat won me over! Holy Moly, a bible reading cat! Why yes! Aren't all cats’ readers? They sure like hanging out in bookstores. But I digress.... Did I mention this book has a bizarre feel to it? No, well there is a bizarre feel to this book. An uneasy feel which permeates throughout the book.

Initially, we know two things: a young girl has gone missing while enjoying the day at the lake with her family and a man named Ted lives in the house, he grew up in. He is basically reclusive and has mental health issues. I am being purposely vague as a.) I want readers to go in blind and b.) I think knowing too much will ruin parts of the book for you.

Whew! What a book! Again, go in blind. Along the forty percent mark, I started thinking hmmm....and wondering.... believing I had some things figured out..... Then the author brought it a little further in the book. There is a part where everything will make sense, you will understand why things feel bizarre, now things are becoming clear.... but not everything, not yet! Ward is not giving away the farm- all at once. She still saves some until the end.

This was a highly creative, original, and well thought out novel. Plus, it has a fantastic 'aha' moment! My head is spinning! I cannot wait to read what Ward writes next.

If this book is not on your radar, it needs to be!

Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

There is a lot of discussion about this book, and The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward certainly deserves it. It is very hard to classify this book - part thriller, part horror, part gothic - it has many different layers that Ward slowly peels away to reveal its twisted truths.

The reader is introduced to Ted, somewhat of a recluse, who lives in a boarded up hoarder house at the end of Needless Street. This street has easy access to the forest, where Ted likes to disappear to frequently. Ted also lives in the house with his cat, Olivia, and his daughter, Lauren. New neighbour, Dee, moves in and begins spying on Ted, while she works through her own demons. While the plot goes much deeper, it is better left discovered by the reader.

Ward plays with character identity deftly and is skilled at creating meaningful identities for the characters and then subverting them. While at first I felt the different POVs were distracting (particularly the one of Olivia the cat - I mean, did I really want to read the POV of the cat?), they are significant and resolve at the end. I am not a fan of the unreliable narrative trope, but Ward's novel is much more than that. It is well paced, and there were many times when I was questioning what I was reading, but the ending is magnificent. I have no doubt this will become a classic and sit alongside The Haunting of Hill House.

Thank you to Netgalley and Nightfire/Tor for an ARC in exchange for review.