This was an interesting way to tell a story. It has a lot of moments where you go, “wait, what?” The plotting was definitely odd (but well thought out) and the pacing was well done. The atmosphere and foreshadowing in this is what’s really gripping about it. It’s not really a spooky horror, but an uneasy one. If you enjoy twisty books and want to be surprised then go for it, but It does deal with heavier topics involving children and for that just be aware. The narrative is what stands out and I think Catriona Ward is really good at this. There will be parts where you are not sure you want to stick with it, but do! See if you can figure out what's really happening.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review.

Really great horror novel, I would definitely recommend it.

Thanks to Macmillan-Tor/Forge and NetGalley for the ARC.

Did not finish at 7%. The story was just confusing and did not seem like the synopsis. The bird scene at the beginning was also upsetting.

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward was a significant letdown for me. The novel's plot is unnecessarily convoluted, leading to a conclusion that felt far-fetched and ultimately unsatisfying.

One of the major issues with the book is its multiple viewpoints, which often made the narrative confusing. The inclusion of a perspective from a cat seemed particularly out of place and contributed to a sense of silliness and childishness that undermined the overall tone of the story. Instead of adding depth, these viewpoints felt like a gimmick that detracted from the central plot.

Overall, the complexity of the plot and the unconventional narrative choices did not work in the book’s favor. The Last House on Needless Street might appeal to some readers, but for me, it was a frustrating and disappointing read.

The Last House on Needless Street" by Catriona Ward is a haunting masterpiece that left me utterly captivated from start to finish. Ward weaves a complex narrative that explores themes of grief, mental illness, and the darkest corners of the human psyche with a deft and chilling touch.

From the moment I delved into the enigmatic world of Ted, a reclusive man living in a secluded house with a tragic past, I was drawn into a web of suspense and intrigue. Ward's narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, each revealing layers of mystery that kept me guessing until the final page. The way she intricately connects the characters and their stories is both ingenious and unsettling, blurring the lines between reality and perception.

What struck me most about Ward's writing is her ability to evoke a sense of unease and tension that lingers long after the book is closed. Her prose is evocative yet precise, creating an atmosphere so palpable I felt as though I were walking the shadowed halls of Ted's house myself. The psychological depth of the characters, particularly Ted and his neighbor Dee, is crafted with such empathy and complexity that I found myself empathizing with them even as I questioned their motives.

Moreover, Ward masterfully tackles sensitive topics such as trauma and the impact of loss without sensationalizing them, instead delving into the emotional turmoil and resilience of her characters. The plot unfolds with twists that are both shocking and thought-provoking, challenging perceptions and leaving room for contemplation long after finishing the book.

I was so engrossed in "The Last House on Needless Street" that I knew I had to have a physical copy for my collection. The cover art and design perfectly complement the eerie atmosphere of the story, enhancing the overall reading experience. This is a book that not only entertains but also resonates deeply, offering layers of meaning and leaving a lasting impression that is as unsettling as it is profound.

In conclusion, "The Last House on Needless Street" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and literary fiction alike. Catriona Ward's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this novel, cementing her place as a master of suspense and psychological depth. I cannot recommend it enough for those seeking a gripping, thought-provoking read that pushes the boundaries of the genre.

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward was a twisty, shocking book that knocked me off my feet! I enjoyed every moment of this suspenseful, ominous story, and the numerous reveals had my jaw on the floor and me delightfully in shock. There's always one house in the neighborhood that seems off. One family that there are more questions than answers about. And what happens when the spotlight is suddenly turned on that family? What happens when an unthinkable crime occurs, and the only conceivable suspect lives in that house? What happens when they aren't arrested? What happens when everything you thought you knew about a case was wrong? Ward's writing and skill with plot construction are evident on every page of this highly entertaining work. It's difficult to give a solid review without suggesting too much, so please just trust me when I say this is worth your time.

"The Last House on Needless Street" by Catriona Ward is a psychological horror novel (that isn't actually horror) that weaves a complex and multi-layered narrative, filled with twists and turns that challenge the reader's perceptions. While it has garnered praise for its originality and intricate plot, it may not resonate with everyone.

The story centers around Ted, a reclusive man living in a secluded house at the edge of a forest, and his relationship with his cat Olivia and a young girl named Lauren. The novel delves into themes of trauma, identity, and memory, creating an unsettling atmosphere that keeps readers guessing about the true nature of the characters and events.

Ward's writing is often praised for its lyrical quality and the depth of psychological insight she brings to her characters. However, some readers might find the narrative structure disorienting and the pacing slow, as the story unfolds through multiple perspectives and timelines. The novel's complexity can be a double-edged sword, offering a rich, layered experience for some, while potentially leading to confusion and frustration for others.

For those who appreciate deeply psychological horror and intricate storytelling, "The Last House on Needless Street" can be a rewarding read. However, its unconventional narrative style and dense plot might not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer more straightforward storytelling.

This is the second book that I have read from Catriona Ward. She writes in the same style. You never know what to expect. She primarily writes thriller/mysteries; however, she always has some form of fantasy in her stories as well. This book revolves around a missing little girl, Lulu, her sister, Dee, a man named Ted, his daughter, Lauren, and his cat, Olivia. Ted is very secretive. His windows are covered with plywood. He hardly ever leaves his house or talks to anyone. He doesn't take Lauren out either and she is homeschooled. Dee is searching for Lulu, and feels Ted may be the suspect. She continues to stake out Ted to find the truth. It was really good. The only thing that bothered me was Olivia, who has a POV in the book. She is a very smart kitty. She talks about religion, birds, television, etc, but then she doesn't know what humans and dogs are and calls them Teds & brouhahas, respectively. It is still worth reading.

Finally a Catriona Ward book that I love! I will admit, I knew one of the big reveals going in. However, I don't think that hindered my enjoyment at all, I think it actually made me enjoy the book even more because I wasn't just confused the entire time. This book was so fascinating, and the way it was written was so clever. Catriona Ward's mind works in ways I have never seen from an author before, and I really think she's a genius.

Ted, his daughter, and Olivia the talking cat make up the main cast of characters. It's made pretty clear from the start that we're being presented with an unreliable narrator. The atmosphere is weird and creepy, but not in a suspenseful way. More an uncomfortable way. The Last House on Needless Street is one of those books that you're either going to love or hate right from the beginning. It's one of those books where the reader is going to instantly guess the "twist" or be shocked and delighted when it occurs. I'm a little unsure of how I feel about the use of mental illness as a plot device.

I attempted to read this book but ended up stopping a bit over half way. A lot of people enjoy this book but it just was not for me. Have enjoyed other books by her.

Incredible writing. I usually can guess an ending but this one truly shocked me. I can’t wait to see more from this author.

| BOOK REVIEW |

Title: The Last House on Needless Street
Author: Catriona Ward
Format: 🎧 (Originally received ARC from @tornightfire)
Rating: ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

The most important thing heading into The Last House on Needless Street is this: don't read anything about it. Go in with as much of a blank slate as possible. Don't look up spoilers, even when you are tempted to. It's worth it to push through.


And you may have to push through at times. While the mystery is interesting, there were a couple times when the pacing slowed down and I had to fight just a little to stay engaged. For me, this is the only reason I didn't give the novel 5 stars. My only advice: stick with it, keep paying attention, because it will all pay off in the end.


My favorite thing about the novel was the writing: it was beautiful, but it is also so clever and the way that Catriona Ward build the novel was masterful. I would almost call it genius. This is one of those novels that makes you keep thinking long after you finish it.

Key Points:
• Key twists
• Pay close attention
• Don't read any spoilers!

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Deeply weird and unsettling. I liked the way the story continually shifted - every time I thought I knew what was happening, we went around another corner and I was back in the dark. It's a well developed thriller. Each POV is distinct and interesting. It was incredibly refreshing to read a thriller that felt completely unique and different from what is currently saturating the market.

I am sorry for the inconvenience but I don’t have the time to read this anymore and have lost interest in the concept. I believe that it would benefit your book more if I did not skim your book and write a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience.

At the end of a quiet street near the woods, a man lives with his cat and his daughter. They're reclusive, to say the least: he keeps the windows boarded up and he doesn't let his daughter out of the house too often (and never unsupervised), given her penchant for trying to run away. Certainly, there is something not at all right in the titular house. Told in chapters alternating between the man, the cat, and the daughter's points of view, this story slowly spools out in increasing horror. I'm a bit hesitant to fully call it "horror," though many publications have listed it as one of the best horror novels of 2021. What I will say is that this book is incredibly well-written and captivating and truly impossible to put down.

I read many of the reviews before I started reading this book and still ended up with a completely different story than I had expected. The mood is dark, sometimes sad, always expectant. The characters seem two dimensional at the beginning but then we learn they have been traumatized and their dark moods have been earned. I did expect to be drawn into the story and I was, but on a completely different level. I was in the story's many levels of plot as each voice brought a different vision, a different opinion, a different outcome from their experience. I will agree with so many of the reviews I read......read the damn book. It's the only way to truly appreciate the story as it unfolds. Catriona Ward is a genius.

I think this was well written and strong, but ultimately it is a subject matter I feel is overdone/I am tired reading about. I will pick up more of this author and I do think many people will really jive with this story.

Having been fortunate to read an advanced reader copy of "The Last House on Needless Street" by Catriona Ward, I can attest that this book is a remarkable and unsettling masterpiece of psychological suspense that lingers in your thoughts long after you've turned the last page.

The narrative introduces us to Ted, an enigmatic and reclusive resident of Fox Hollow, a house that stands ominously on Needless Street. Ted is haunted by a tragic past, struggling to find solace as he is consumed by the memory of his missing sister, Dee. The arrival of new neighbors and their relentless curiosity forces Ted to confront his inner demons and the chilling mysteries that have tormented him for years.

Catriona Ward's writing is an absolute revelation, weaving a narrative that is both beautifully lyrical and deeply disconcerting. Her storytelling prowess transforms "The Last House on Needless Street" into a mesmerizing exploration of grief, loss, and the fragile boundaries of reality. The author delves into the complexities of Ted's psyche, creating an atmosphere of unrelenting suspense that grips you from the outset.

The characters in this novel are intricately developed and intensely human. Ted is a protagonist who is as compelling as he is deeply disturbed. Ward meticulously navigates his traumatic history and explores the depths of his paranoia, leaving readers in a state of continuous unease. The new neighbors, Dee's devoted friend Dee-Dee, and the enigmatic Dee herself, are all integral pieces of this chilling puzzle, each adding layers to the narrative.

"The Last House on Needless Street" is a tour de force in the psychological thriller genre. It masterfully manipulates your perceptions and leads you down a twisted and nightmarish path where the line between reality and delusion is fluid. The narrative is punctuated with unexpected twists that keep you on edge, continually challenging your understanding of the story.

While the novel is profoundly absorbing, some readers may find the nonlinear structure and ever-shifting perspectives to be initially disorienting. However, it is precisely this narrative complexity that adds to the book's eerie and immersive atmosphere.

In conclusion, "The Last House on Needless Street" is a psychological thriller of unparalleled depth and darkness. Catriona Ward's uncanny ability to blend the poetic with the macabre results in a story that is both haunting and unforgettable. If you are seeking a mind-bending and emotionally charged reading experience, this book is a must-read.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to explore the enigmatic world of "The Last House on Needless Street."

The twist in this story was phenomenal! It kept me on my toes the entire time and had me staying up late almost every night. I was so eager to find out what happened next that I could hardly put the book down. This title is definitely worth the read.