Shoutout to Netgalley and Macmillan for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review! This book will be hitting the shelves this September.

In short: We’ve got a handful of unreliable narrators who are more than what they seem: Ted, a reclusive, grossly unhygienic oddball who may or may not be a psychopathic kidnapper; a cat named Olivia who's on a mission from God to rescue Ted; a little girl (age unknown) with anger issues who may or may not be the little lost girl from the lake: and then there's Dee, the new next-door neighbor who's on a quest to avenge her missing sister.

What I liked: First of all, this cover is nothing short of masterful! I'm a sucker for haunted houses and cats, so count me in! Aside from that, this book is definitely a departure from anything else I've read in the horror genre. I was in a constant state of disorientation and had no idea where the story was going until I reached the final chapters and got pummeled with a flurry of bombshells. I can't say anything more without giving away spoilers, but I will say that you will be deceived…multiple times. So yeah, if you love those M. Night Shyamalan plot twists, this book's for you.

What I didn't like: I, for one, do NOT like being deceived. I'm sorry, y'all, but I didn't much care for the big "this isn't so scary" surprise ending of "The Sixth Sense." Don’t even get me started on "The Village." So yeah, I'm not all too jazzed about how this book shaped out when the hundreds of questions finally got answered. When I pick up a horror paperback, I expect the author to deliver on the promise that it will indeed be a scary story. To be fair, there were some scary elements weaved into this psychological thriller--Ted's childhood flashbacks, in particular. His mother was downright terrifying. And then there's the creepy vibe happening in the woods, where "The Gods" are always watching. To be fair, there's a lot of spooky buildup, so readers are likely to get creeped out...well until they get slapped in the face with the big reveal.

Character development: All of the characters, cat included, were indeed complex with fascinating backstories, but here's the problem: they are all unreliable and strange. I want to feel a connection with at least one character, but that's impossible when there's clearly something very off and you don't get the full story.

Overall: I think this is one of those books readers either love or hate. Judging by all the glowing reviews, this book is a big hit, so maybe give it a go and see what you think. This unreliable narrator stuff just isn't for me, but it seems to be a growing trend and a clever way for authors to pull the rug out from under you with a big ol' "FOOLED YA!" at the very end. Nope, not my cup of tea.

All - the hype is real on this one. I had a hard time reviewing this book because frankly, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever read. It’s creepy and thrilling, heartbreaking and sinister. I love books where I can’t figure out the ending until THE END so I was addicted to this one until the last word. Honestly, it’s dark fiction at its best. It keeps you guessing and forces your brain to reanalyze everything you thought you knew with every uncovered secret. I was confused at some parts just because so much was happening at once but...overall brilliant book.

When I started The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward, I thought I knew exactly what I was in for but as it turns out, I. Knew. Nothing.

There’s a lot to be said about the characters in this book – a hair-pulling misbehaved child, a bible reading cat, an awkward loner and a woman looking for her sister gone missing long ago. We hear from all of them and each voice is rich and descriptive giving their perspective of the events going on around them both past and present. But how do they all tie together? This, my friends, is the absolute beauty – and horror – of the story.

The storyline, ah, the storyline … just when I thought I’d read it all, the author stunned me with this brilliant piece of work. Dark and atmospheric, this twisty tale is an eerie psychological thriller that surprised the tar out of me and crushed my soul. Although the events are horrific, I’m not really sure I’d describe this as horror but more a really deep dive into the realm of psychological suspense that hits every nerve on the way down.

This is a short review but I don’t want to reveal any spoilers! My advice is to go into this book with only the synopsis and experience it from there.

Narration: Christopher Ragland narrates and does a stellar job moving between the characters seamlessly! He presented each character’s individuality and distinctive nuances beautifully! A joy to listen to.

Thank you to @TorNightfire and @Macmillan.Audio for the DRC and ALC

CW: Child abuse, Gore

I am OBSESSED with this book. People are going to love this. I know I will be seeing this all over bookstagram soon enough. This was amazing. I will definitely read whatever the author comes out with next!

When she was 6 years old, Lulu disappeared from the crowded lake one hot summer day never to be seen again...her sister Dee has her life upended that day and spends her life looking for answers. To Ted, she is the girl with the popsicle; the police once searched his house in connection with the case.
Years later, on the anniversary of Lulu's disappearance, Ted awakes to find that someone has set a cruel trap for the birds that feed in his backyard at dawn.
The way this story unfolded really kept you on the edge of your seat. We learn about Ted from his own narration, narration from his cat, the perspective of Dee, and through the eyes of his daughter Lauren. The reader is constantly left wondering what his going on, what is as it seems and what isn't, what happened to Lulu, what's the deal with Mommy, etc. A really great psychological thriller that will leave the reader wanting more.

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!*