The Last House on Needless Street was a very unique and intriguing read. The characters weren't all likable but they were all interesting and the mystery is really solid. What makes this book really stand out though is the choices the author makes - when you think it is going to go for one trope, the author takes another route or twist. Great book.

I’m truly unsure what to rate this book. The first 80% was a well written page turner and while I figured out early on that Ted had multiple personalities that encompassed Lauren and Olivia, I was invested in the book and wanted to find out all the details. I didn’t see the twist with Dee Dee coming so that was quite an unsettling surprise.

BUT here is what makes me so unsure of what to rate this book …I don’t like that we were made to believe that an innocent man who had been abused and had a mental disorder was the murderer. It just felt like a horribly cheap trick at the end. It made me feel icky.

I also think the end was wrapped up too nicely…that man, Rob, wouldn’t have fallen in love with Ted so easily. He would have been more wary of him. The police would have dug up those woods and had much more investigating of Ted to do.

Plus so many questions left unanswered…was the chihuahua lady an accomplice? What really happened to Ted’s dad? That blond boy that was with Dee at the lake…he didn’t tell anyone about Lulu? Really?!

I don’t know. I think this book had atmosphere and good writing but in the end it felt wrong to have a horror novel be built around an innocent person who was abused so badly as a child that he developed multiple personalities. It felt like exploitation of a very serious issue.

*****SPOILERS*****

TW: Animal deaths, kidnapped child, dying parent, parent abandonment, alcoholism, toxic relationships, child abuse, suicide, mental disorder dead child

About the book:This is the story of a serial killer. A stolen child. Revenge. Death. And an ordinary house at the end of an ordinary street.
You think you know what's inside the last house on Needless Street. You think you've read this story before. That's where you're wrong.ReIn the dark forest at the end of Needless Street, lies something buried. But it's not what you think...
Release Date: September 28th, 2021
Genre: Horror
Pages: 335
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

What I Liked:
• I simply adored the cover.
• The plot sounded so weird but interesting.
• All the character pov I liked and was intrigued by them.
• The writing style

What I Didn't Like:
• Nothing.

Overall Thoughts: I was instantly sucked into this world the author put out there for me. From the first page the writing embraced me and made me have to find out what was happening.

This book is such an emotional roller-coaster that definitely takes you for a ride. I kind figured out the twist 20 pages in but that did not take away from me the enjoyment of reading the rest of the book. All the characters have such unique personalities. I was drawn in by each one of them. The perspective of the cat was an interesting one for sure. It's not often you get to read about a cats point of view, but it was charming at times.

There are so many things in this book that make you sad and some just break your heart (hello to the part where Ted's mom asks him to help her tie up the laundry line she plans to hang herself with).

Final Thoughts: One part the movie Identity + I'm Thinking of Ending Things = perfection.

Well written, but not what I was looking for. Might like it more in a different frame of mind. Was excited that King gave it a blurb...not so much now

Ted is a depressed drunk who lives with his daughter, Lauren, and cat, Olivia. Years ago, a young girl disappeared at a nearby lake and Ted was blamed, but later exonerated by his alibi. Now Dee, the girl's sister is back in town, looking for justice for her little sister. But Ted and his family may still be hiding secrets--and Dee's return threatens to uncover them all.

"Today is the anniversary of Little Girl With Popsicle. It happened by the lake, eleven years ago--she was there, and then she wasn't. So it's already a bad day when I discover that there is a Murderer among us."

This is an incredibly wild read that is both mesmerizing and befuddling, as you never know exactly what is going on. You get Ted's point of view, as well as Dee's and even Olivia the cat's. I spent most of the book coming up with theories and feeling frustrated at times, because I was not sure what was happening! If you are someone who always wants to know what is happening, you may not enjoy this book.

It's definitely best to go in blind, as all the other reviews state, because the twists and turns will take you by surprise. And there are twists galore! When this ended, I realized I probably needed to read the book again, just to completely take in everything that happened. Did I fully enjoy HOUSE? Probably not. But I still feel it was worth the read. It was intricate and fascinating and at the end, when you take in the full depth of what you've read--well, it's pretty awe inspiring. Definitely read the author's note at the end, too.

So, I’m not sure how to review this book. I enjoyed it, but I was so confused throughout the whole thing. I couldn’t understand why there was a religious talking cat, among other things. I was told by multiple people that it would get less confusing, so I pushed on.

I did end up liking the book, but I must be stupid because I still found myself confused when the book was over, and it was a let down for me if fitting into the thriller genre.

What i can say as positives: The writing was good. It had multiple POV’s which i always enjoy. It was fast paced, and kept me turning the pages because I was so confused and I needed to keep reading in hopes I would understand it. I was let down that don’t thing still didn’t venting clear, however, and that’s enough to bring my rating down to 3.5

This book has received a lot of pre-publication buzz, so I was excited to dive right in. I saw a few early reviews warning folks to avoid any and all spoilers - which is always sage advice, but especially apt in this case. Told from different perspectives, this book involves a missing girl, a man originally suspected of taking her, Ted Bannerman, a sister looking for answers and a cat. It's an engrossing read from start to finish - and the plot definitely takes some truly shocking turns (really, genuinely surprising - there are things that I am usually quite good at predicting/spotting that took me totally by surprise here!). It kept me on my toes and even had me gasping aloud in some parts. I am not sure I remember when a book last took me so completely by surprise - I absolutely loved this!

Lucky enough to have this in both audio and on my Kindle - I found myself reading and listening at every opportunity. I literally couldn't put this down and appreciated both formats for allowing me to seamlessly immerse myself in the story. Genre-wise, this slants a bit more towards horror, though it's also solidly a mystery/thriller. It's a definite page-turner, that's for sure! The characters all completely come to life - Olivia, the cat, serves up some nicely comedic moments to help break up some of the relentless tension - and she's a definite scene-stealer. I thoroughly enjoyed the parts of the story that she narrated. I really enjoyed this - even more than I expected to, to be honest. I am really looking forward to hunting down Ward's two previous novels as well as any of her future ones!

This is a well-crafted novel and one that definitely holds unexpected twists and turns! It would be a fun one to talk about with a book discussion group - though I can see that not all book clubs would want to tackle a dark and daring read. My own club probably wouldn't love this the way that I do. It's definitely a top 2021 read for me - and it's always added excitement to discover a new author to follow and love!

The last house on Needless Street would likely be the house you’d skip during trick-or-treat night. It’s boarded up, and its inhabitants--a middle aged man who drinks too much, a teenage girl with violent tendencies, and a quirky cat who can recite the Bible by heart--are not the type to host a friendly neighborhood barbeque.

Dee moves onto Needless Street determined to find answers about her 6-year-old sister’s disappearance more than a decade ago. She’s convinced the man in the last house is somehow involved.

There isn’t any major “reveal” but instead there are complex, continual layers being peeled back until we reach the end of the book. Even if you pride yourself on figuring out where a book is headed before you get there, I bet this one will surprise you. I’m actually (usually) not a fan of one of the biggest plot devices used in this book, but it really worked for me here. I guess the execution was just better than most in the genre!

It’s hard for me to nail down an exact genre here, but it’s definitely suspenseful, with some horror, and almost gothic vibes mixed in. Despite the heavy content, you may find yourself laughing at the clever storytelling.

🤯Wow!!!! This was amazing! Thank you go NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!!!!! Point of view from the cat, yessss….

The Last House on Needless Street is going to be a tough one to review. Before delving into the subject matter, I’ll recap my reading experience. I was confused at first. I quickly became turned off and repulsed. Then baffled again. I thought about putting the book down and walking away. Then I wanted to know if what I’d guessed was at all accurate. Then I wanted to know what actually happened… and ultimately, I saw it through all the way to the end, barely able to look away for the final third. But it’s not an exageration to say that for most of the book, the question of whether or not to continue was constantly on my mind.

This has to be one of the most disturbing books I’ve read in the last few years. It’s practically impossible to get a good grasp on what’s happening. The story involves a missing child, as well as a main character, Ted, whose behavior is creepy and suspicious from the get-go… yet we know that he was investigated years ago when the child disappeared, and no evidence was found to link him to the supposed abduction.

So is Ted a kidnapper, abuser, and a murderer? If so, how has he gotten away with it? How does he manage to keep his daughter Lauren hidden away? Why does his cat seem to love him, even though she has a rich inner life of her own?

I can’t say too much for fear of getting into spoilers, and trust me, you do not want to know anything further about the plot if you’re considering reading this book.

For about the first half of the book, if you’d asked me for a rating, I’d have said two stars, maybe three at a stretch. And even here, having finished the book and settling on 4.5 stars, I’m still not certain that really reflects my reading experience.

On the one hand, I have to give endless kudos to the author, who concocted a complicated and utterly creepy and confusing story, and yet manages to make the pieces fit together by the end. The story as a whole is masterfully woven together — a truly impressive feat.

On the other hand, this was probably the least enjoyable reading I’ve done in ages. There’s absolutely nothing fun or pleasurable about reading this horrifying tale. I’ve read my fair share of horror and psychological thrillers, and even at their most disturbing or gruesome, most of them are still books that I’ve enjoyed reading, one way or another. I can’t say that I enjoyed even a little bit of The Last House on Needless Street.

And yet… I have to recognize that this book is incredibly well crafted and tells a twisty tale unlike any other I’ve read. Do I recommend it? Yes and no. Yes, it’s fascinating and, after a certain point, oh-so-hard to put down. But it also wrecked my mood this weekend by forcing me to spend time in the truly dark places the story explores.

Your mileage may vary. This book will not be for everyone, not by a longshot. But I do have certain friends whose taste in books is basically — the grimmer, the better… and for them, this might be perfect.

Absolutely gripping, full of twists and turns that I never saw coming. Dee is trying to find her sister who was kidnapped 11 years ago, and believes she has found her with Ted. Ted lives alone with his daughter Lauren and kitten Olivia. The story is told from the perspective of Ted, Olivia, and Dee. As we get further along we also get the perspective of Lauren which throws another twist into the story. And then just when you think you might have figured it all out, which I thought I did, a huge twist comes up that you never saw coming. I finished this book thinking ok, what did I just read? This was a glorious twisty book full of head games and I loved it!
Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review. I can't wait to see what else Catriona Ward has coming for future books!

This book started out very slow and very weird but the second half made up for it. I could guess some of the twists coming up and it did feel like some of the characters were introduced just to plug a plot hole and were conveniently disposed of soon after they played their part but overall it did manage to keep me turning the pages. I also appreciated the care taken by the author to show the mental illness discussed in the book with due gravity. Would definitely recommend for fans of I am thinking of ending things.

RATING: 3 STARS
2021; (Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tor Nightfire) Macmillan Audio

It took me 18 days but I have finally decided on a rating for this book. It might be a bit of a concession, but I think it's the fairest. Ward is a descriptive writer that reminds me very much of Stephen King's writing. She is creative and engaging so I would read any novel by Ward. However, there were aspects of the story that just made me a bit uneasy, and I could see the end coming. Once you kind of figure it out, you lose a bit of the suspense in the story. If you are looking for something creepy, this is a great book for you.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook & audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

Wow what a book! This one was definitely different and not what I was expecting! I was mind blown with this one and not really sure on how to even rate or review this one. People will either love it or not like it. I am in between. All I can really say is that it was good but oddly strange, weird, creepy but yet good in its own ways.

At the end of a dead-end street is a family of three. The teenage girl isn't allowed outside, the man drinks alone and has gaps in his memory, and the house cat loves napping and reading the Bible. A secret binds them together, and a neighbor moving in next door threatens to expose it.

Ted is an oddity from the beginning, still referring to his long-gone parents as Mommy and Daddy and dissociating at times. His thoughts are simple, short, and almost childlike. His daughter Lauren seems to appear and disappear for weekends, and she alternatively hates him and adores him. Olivia is a religious cat that has an emotional tie to Ted, and wants to keep him safe even as being a house cat keeps her safe. She has her own POV chapters in this book, an interesting concept. Her thoughts are interesting, ranging from the time she was born to the thread that binds her to Ted, the Bible verses she picks by shoving the book off the table, and the tabby cat that passes back and forth in front of the holes in the planks boarding up the windows.

A girl had gone missing in the area years ago, and Ted had been accused of it, even though he had nothing to do with it. The girl's sister Dee had her entire life upended when Lulu disappeared, and followed an old article from the period stating that Ted had been a suspect. She moves into the old house to spy on him and isn't sure what she'll find. Everything certainly looks bad, and Dee is more than a little obsessed and sure that she's right.

The actual secret in the house on Needless Street becomes clear toward the end of the book. At that point, it is clear that the "bad guy" isn't who we thought it was at all. Characters are far more nuanced than that, and in retrospect, the clues were all there. An attic and basement that Ted sees but Dee doesn't, a weekend place that Ted isn't seen going to, and a creeping sense of unease that things Aren't Right. Trying to figure out the truth draws us in, and the close of the novel fulfills that need flawlessly.

You ever finish a book and just need to sit with it for a bit?

That's me with The Last House on Needless Street. I finished this a few days ago and I'm pretty sure some of the imagery from this book will stick with me forever.

What starts off slow and light takes a dark dark turn that will leave you gobsmacked and guessing throughout who the real villain is.

It's hard to talk about this book without giving anything away, but it's really really good and I say that as someone who usually hates when a certain trope is employed, but it works here!

I really enjoyed the multiple point-of-view and especially liked the cat POV because it really brought a much needed lightness to the story. This book is very dark and heavy once you figure out what is really going on, I gasped aloud and was shook up and that happens rarely for me. I had to go back to the beginning and reread it all the second I finished to put all the pieces together and I feel like the author deserves a round of applause for this puzzle!

Huge trigger warnings for child abuse as well as a bunch of other things too.

This a book that will stay with you and make you need something happy after. It's about the scariest monster of all; humans.

I absolutely loved this book. I read it as part of a book club read, and we had such a great time discussing it together. The payoff at the end of this book is just SO worth it, and the author’s note gave me chills.

Several of us will be rereading this book soon to pick up on details we missed the first time through.

Can’t wait to read more from Ward!!

A creepy horror-ish story with plenty of atmosphere. The twists kept me riveted right up until the end.

A thank you to Netgalley for sharing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. Having just finished this one last night as I drifted off to sleep, I'm only now beginning to truly process this one. I wasn't initially enamoured with it and my first thought was 'weird.' However, as the story progressed and I became more knowledgeable of not of Ted and his thought process (and Olivia,and god bless Olivia, the delightful spiritual and most humanlike feline friend) I better understood just how brilliant and original the book truly is. Still not sure I have a full grasp, but color me impressed. Recommended for something mysterious - a slow-burn mystery that has no big reveal, but that is gradually unveiled like the peeling of an onion.

The Last House on Needless Street is an mystery, wrapped in an enigma, placed in a puzzle then jammed into a Matryoshka doll. Just when you 'think' you've got a handle on what's going on, you turn a corner and everything you 'thought' you knew gets tumbled on it's head.

The basics. Ted Bannerman lives in a huge old victorian house on Needless Street in the Pacific Northwest along with his black cat, Olivia and his daughter Lauren. These are facts...

...or are they?

Highest recommendations for this book. It twists more than a rattlesnake ran over in the road, and yet, at the end of the book all the puzzle pieces that have been shuffling around fall into a perfect picture of pain, regret and loss. And yet, there is also a wistful feeling that maybe, just maybe, everything has worked out for the best and things are going to be okay, better, maybe even great...

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.