All I know is that Stephen King had an endorsement quote on the cover, it was a horror book, and may or may not contain a serial killer story. However, it gave me plenty of things to think about, and one thing I cant take away from Ward: she clearly put a lot of research into the main mental health problem featured in this book, and handled her characters with care. And Ive been thinking a lot. Today, we're delighted to share this Q&A our . Despite my general like of the grimdark/dark fantasy subgenre, horror is a genre I rarely read in. She pushed down her own guilt and focused that guilt on trying to find her sister and the person who eventually took her away from the scene. Bravo and a round of applause to Catriona Ward!!! This is so well written! The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward ~ARCReview~, Fin for short Fingolfin, the High King of the Noldor and was able to wound Morgorth seven times in battle, You may be a world class procrastinator when you have a million other things that must get done but youre like nah, I am gonna organize my books that I dont have bookshelves for yet. This all seems rather straightforward, aside from maybe getting the perspective of Olivia the . Death. How did reflecting upon the events in each timeline influence your reading experience? And yet some of them are lies. Couldn't handle the lukewarm purple prose and near total absence of suspense. ZU VERKAUFEN! I felt that this was just perhaps pushing the envelope a little bit further., Ward refers to her previous novels as Gothic-style stories of distressed girls wandering about on moors, and says that part of her drive to write Needless Street came from an urge to do something completely different and to write something as mad as I liked.. Kayla and Ellie both suffer the loss of the man they love. So, when I read about Teds story, the abuse he went through at the hands of his mom, I just couldnt help thinking what might have happened to cause DID and create the person I called a friend. The Last House on Needless Street is a book that has twists not for their own sake, but because what we think of as twists-unexpected events nonetheless grounded in established character and plot-are a natural extension of the characters and events Ward is tackling.. Thanks! Its pretty heartbreaking. Catriona Ward's The Last House on Needless Street is a shocking and immersive read perfect for fans of Gone Girl and The Haunting of Hill House. and our Its pretty heartbreaking. Margaret M - Hiatus - I will respond when I can. ), Its a very strange genre, horror. The house is a prison and a sanctuary, a reliquary of agony and torment. This is the story of a serial killer. A teenage girl who isn't allowed outside, not after last time. The best way to go into this book is completely blind to any information about it. (LogOut/ I loved Ward's Rawblood a few years ago but The Last House on Needless Street is such a disappointment, just a cheap series of narrative cheats whose only purpose is to support the oldest and most cliched 'twist' ending in horror fictionwe are seriously supposed to believe that not only does the murder suspect have multiple personalities, but that the dominant one has a name coincidentally . A few more weeks in October would be great! But this is one of those books that you have to trust and take the plunge so you can ride a hell of a ride. Instead, its darkness is primarily rooted in more mental frights: Unreliable narrators, oppressively narrow points of view, and an almost unbearable tension lace through even the most basic scenes. It's the tragic and often heart-wrenching story of a man living with a profound mental illness, and how this illness forces him to navigate his life. The Chihuahua lady and the mom seemed to be close, and the mom told her later on that she would be going out of town as a way to lead false tracks away from her if the police came snooping because of what happened at the hospital . Press J to jump to the feed. Honestly I don't get angry about figuring out what's going on in a story because to me that means the writing is good and has enough clues that someone who's paying attention could reasonably figure it out. It's a true nerve-shredder that keeps its mind-blowing secrets to the very end. However, upon finishing the book, I appreciate how the author didnt make Ted the villain of the story after all even if it seemed like it for a long time and that she showed how Teds life was improved with the right medication, professional help, and genuine friendship maybe even love. In July of 1974, Bundy abducted and murdered two different womenJanice Ott and Denise Naslundover the course of an afternoon at Lake Sammamish State Park. You just dont, Ward says. TITLE: The Last House On Needless Street. Yeah, the mom buried Lulu in the neighbor's yard when the neighbor went on vacation. No idea about . She read English at St Edmund Hall, Oxford and is a graduate of the Creative Writing MA at the University of East Anglia. Your post just bumped it to the top of my TBR list! The Last House on Needless Street has a small(ish) cast of characters. Seeking redemption and revenge is one thing, but inflicting self-judgment on innocent people is a whole another one. I didn't find it horrifying or terrifying, though it is thrilling to read. This absolutely horrifies me because what kind of world do we live in where someone can walk up to a woman in a group of friends, introduce himself by his name, and take her away and kill her in broad daylight? she continues. It's also useless, because nothing in The Last House on Needless Street is what it seems. More than biting into a nice apple and finding a worm, this book is like unexpectedly stepping on the worm barefoot, only to find out the worm isn't a worm and I mean that in the best way possible. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The clues were definitely therethe bike riding, shopping for the leggings, hints about how Lauren couldnt go outside. Olivia, the cat, has her own chapters and it is a little startling at first to view the world from the vantage point of a cat. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 'The Last House on Needless Street' (Viper Books, Tor Nightfire) was a Times Book of the Month, Observer Book of the Month, March Editor's Pick on Open Book, a Between the Covers BBC2 book club selection, a Times bestseller, and is being developed for film by Andy Serkis's production company, The Imaginarium. Revenge. I loved every moment of it and Im keeping the book so I can read it again from a new perspective later on. Inside the triple locked door Ted keeps his cat Olivia and his daughter Lauren safe from the outside world. When a new neighbor moves in next door, it seems all their secrets will finally come to light. Just finished the bookagreed 100%. Ted has blocked out the outside world as much as possible, except for his . I miss my friend, but I dont really have any means to reach her and even if I would, I have no idea if the person I call a friend is still around. Then Dee moves in across the street. But then, its a bit of a grey area and it all really depends on your POV how you see her. By the time they leave, the six year old is missing and Dee's family is shattered forever. But that plotlines closure felt a bitforced? I don`t even want to try and review it, because I won`t do it justice. For more information, please see our #whathaveidone #booksfordays #whoops, Herbs have been planted. The Last House on Needless Street Audible Audiobook - Unabridged Catriona Ward (Author), Christopher Ragland (Narrator), Viper (Publisher) & 0 more 4.0 out of 5 stars 3,338 ratings The Last House on the Street: Directed by Adam Berardi. What a waste of time. In fact, Ward's most impressive feat here is that she keeps readers guessing from the first page to the last, even after revealing truths that change everything. Rarely do I struggle to find words about a book that I loved, but I find myself in that position right now. Shes honed in on Ted and is determined to find out what became of her sister. While Im talking about spoilers, one of the most chilling things about this book was how the mother treated Ted. Thats where youre wrong.In the dark forest at the end of Needless Street, lies something buried. The cat is a litmus test, isnt it? Ward laughs. THE LAST HOUSE ON NEEDLESS STREET is psychological horror of the highest order, disguised as a Russian doll of a novel, with layer within layer holding new characters and secrets. Possible Spoilers Ahead. It was obvious the cat was an alt personality. It gives hope that people with this disorder can find their path in life even if its not an easy one. Sure, she had a responsibility in the fate of her sister dragging her along, then leaving her alone to play by the river, then running away once she thought she was dead and the snakes were coming but Im not convinced she was a bad person up to that point or that she deserved punishment. I wasnt surprised, in hindsight, but still. I first was thinking to go with something from Stone Sour, but then I remembered The Horrible Crowes, who have creepy lyrics and a sound that fits more the atmosphere of The Last House on Needless Street. The book was well written and certainly had its moments but the ending was extremely disappointing. Lauren and Olivia the Cat also have their own points of view of what is happening on Needless Street. She hasn`t repressed the memories, the guilt of what happened and the fact that she kept it all to herself drives her to find who took her. Its been nearly two weeks since I finished reading/listening to the audiobook version of The Last House on Needless Street, and I still couldnt figure out how I feel about it. Ted stayed inside in his own mind whenever his mother was in a bad mood. Her words stung me. Really disappointing ending and one most could see from a mile away. Inquiries to kay@kreisaumedia.com. Dee finds herself focused on Ted as the possible kidnapper. Her debutRawbloodwon Best Horror Novel at the 2016 British Fantasy Awards, and was a WHSmith Fresh Talent title. I guessed the twist very early on so kind of disappointed in that respect. How did that book end? The Last House on Needless Street is out September 28th. Once I found out about Olivia though, I did start to think that Lauren was an alter as well. Catriona Ward was born in Washington, DC and grew up in the US, Kenya, Madagascar, Yemen, and Morocco. Ill be marking the place where Ill go into spoiler territory, so youll have a warning if youd rather not read on. Those that Ted interacts with are christened with Ted names such as bug man his therapist and Chihuahua lady, one of his neighbours. A post shared by Caroline (@howdidthatbookend). As I mentioned in my review, I suspected from the first chapter that multiple personality issues will come into play in some way, including Lauren and Olivia. . I think horror doesnt get enough credit as well for its redemptive qualities, Ward continues. The cat chapters were a little kooky (who knew cats could be religious! A woman who may be able to crack this cold case. 3 of which have their POV chapters: Ted, Olivia, and Dee. Each one walked away with him and was never seen again. Accepting that things didnt quite make sense but knowing it would come together. And for that, it definitely deserves the praise. Technically, the book was well written and the characters were interesting but the ending was such a cop-out, relying on such an overused trope these daysas the review above notes. Dee dies from the snake bite. And I think I have whiplash from all the twists! As for Dee, while I didnt have any feelings for her, Im not 100% sure she deserved to die as she did. Its a bit un-shelvable.. DAS LETZTE HAUS in der Needless Street, Catriona Ward - EUR 22,99. Each character has their own distinctive voice, each one giving a slightly different viewpoint of the story. and our As an affiliate for Amazon, I may receive a small monetary commission for purchases made through certain links on this website. My Godreally? This is probably the best-executed book I have read so far this year. I dont know. The Last House on Needless Street has been called a horror novel or a gothic thriller. Okay, Im making quick connection: not only to add to your list, please read it! Really good summing up of the book's flaws here: https://medium.com/wayward-magazine/im-so-mad-about-the-last-house-on-needless-street-57a2f9b16f88. This story is about Ted, a recluse suspected of a childs abduction. Lacy Baugher is a digital producer by day, but a television enthusiast pretty much all the time. Absolutely hated it and it was fucking confusing to follow. Nighttime is another alter, but I cant remember if he really had much point other than helping to integrate them. Her fear of snakes is not based on a false memory, the snakes slithered out from beneath Lulu when Dee tried to move her. What was her role in everything?! The last twist was that Teds mother was the one who took Lulus body for more of her medical experiments. Weight: 340 g. Dimensions: 196 x 128 x 34 mm. There are some deliberate reverberations that I set up with Ted in the beginning, Ward explains.Hes called Ted, and he lives in Washington state, near a lake where there had been a disappearance. An unspeakable secret binds them together, and when a new neighbor moves in next door, what is buried out among the birch trees behind their house will come back to haunt them all. Here is what Im afraid of. As the review details, the "multiple personality"/"it was all in their head" reveal is a tired trope by now and a cop-out substitute for good story telling and plot development. "Now, back to the car. And a house cat who loves napping and reading the Bible. Dee, the girls sister, has never stopped thinking about Lulu. She pushed down her own guilt and focused that guilt on trying to find her sister and the person who eventually took her away from the scene. A space to share book reviews and other book related treats. I loved being suspicious, piecing it together in my mind, feeling a tad disoriented. Your email address will not be published. The conclusion is somehow so predictable, while also being entirely chaotic in its execution. I read some reviews after I finished the book that spoiled the main twist, so beware! Sure, she had a responsibility in the fate of her sister dragging her along, then leaving her alone to play by the river, then running away once she thought she was dead and the snakes were coming but Im not convinced she was a bad person up to that point or that she deserved punishment. I had previously recommended Catriona Ward`d first two novels on this sub. I dont think I still have for that matter, although for all I know, The Last House on Needless Street gives justice to people dealing with this on a daily basis. long-awaited, Stephen King seal of approval-bearing, and impossible to review without spoilers -- Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal I read this in 1.5 nail-biting days. Learn how your comment data is processed. Deftly written, intricate, absorbing, The Last House on Needless Street draws the reader into its web. For more information, please see our GENRE: Thriller. To order a copy go to guardianbookshop.com. It doesn't matter if you're into Stephen King, Octavia Butler, Jack Ketchum or Shirley Jackson, this is the place to share that love and discuss to your heart's content. The Den of Geek quarterly magazine is packed with exclusive features, interviews, previews and deep dives into geek culture. The Last House on Needless Street is published on 18 March (Profile, 12.99). "The Wizard of Oz" (Victor Fleming, 1939) As iconic musicals go, "The Wizard of Oz" nearly takes the cake. 1,051 reviews 2,628 followers. 13.9 miles away from Hero Towing. Privacy Policy. Catriona Ward's The Last House on Needless Street is a shocking and immersive read perfect for fans of Gone Girl and The Haunting of Hill House. The books narrative counts on its readers to feel as though they know whats happening, that theyve already guessed the twists ahead of them. Their palpable burning desire for one another has carried fans through two seasons packed with . Like, holy shit, talk about psychopaths At first when they were in the forest and his mother revealed her fathers history and told Ted she never loved him I thought her coldness for her son was, if not natural, kinda understandable. Find out more here. Change). I did not think I would find such a perfect match in I Witnessed A Crime. When she ran back her sister had been taken by someone. He nails the different voices so well, that you feel compelled to go and make sure that its really only one person narrating. I heard a few people describe this book as a gothic thrillerso I was in! It sure left me with thoughts. The Last of Us 2 Leaked Plot Confirmed by Naughty Dog, Dune: Part Two Should Expand the Role of Zendayas Chani, Street Fighter V: Champion Edition Review, Shazam! But he cant help thinking about Little Girl with Popsicle, a girl who went missing from the lake a few miles from Teds house. Topics. I was immediately drawn into the story, intrigued by Ted with his idiosyncrasies and strange way of living. And a house cat who loves napping and reading the Bible. The last house on Needless Street is a boarded-up, run-down shell of its former self. All the evidence is there in the beginning. She wasn't out of the car before an exhilarated voice said two words she had learned that Chifuyu would think were her most beloved words . #shireliving, Birthday+winterstorm+homework= snuggling up by the fire watching my favorite, eating my favorites love this peace and happiness, Still lots to do but it looks like a home now. That was a decision, Ward says. Time is iffy and everyone is erratic. Change). The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward (Author), Christopher Ragland (Narrator) Eleven years ago Dee and her six year old sister visit a lake with their parents. To solve this, I started jotting down synopses to jog my memory. Als Hauptverdchtiger galt damals der Einzelgnger Ted - ein eigenartiger Mann, der 165961634207 By that logic extended, the other character opposite her was an alt as well. Book: "The Last House on Needless Street" by Catriona Ward. Teds alters integrate, he gets therapy from a real therapist, and starts to become a part of society again. The worst kinds of monsters, after all, are those that we can find evidence for in the real world. I wanted to read this book and be shocked, so I ignored other reviews and didnt even read the synopsis. I hope its [really] about survival and hope as much as it is about suffering. AUTHOR: Catriona Ward. I know thats tough to do as you want to read everyones reviews and see if the plot is a good fit. I could hardly bear to let go of her, even for a moment. This is a place to discuss horror literature. As I mentioned in my review, I suspected from the first chapter that multiple personality issues will come into play in some way, including Lauren and Olivia. There were times I was thinking about DNFing, but my curiosity got the better of me, and me see it through the end which I have no regrets about. (LogOut/ And yet they are all lies You think you know what's inside the last house on Needless Street. There arent actually twists to this story, just an occasional fact left for the reader every once in a while. A man who drinks alone in front of his TV, trying to ignore the gaps in his memory. This book is the exact reason why I rarely read reviews before picking up a book. The reader plays detective the whole time trying to piece together what is reliable and what is not, Ward says. Dee goes into the woods to have a bit of fun with the boy, tells Lulu to stay by the lake. Regardless if you . I had figured out what was happening and what had happened about half way through the story but this didnt spoil the story, in fact it made me somewhat more invested as I raced to see how it would all manifest. You think youve read this story before. When new neighbors move in next door, the legacy of the house will finally be revealed - along with the secrets buried among the trees on this dark, dead-end . I miss my friend, but I dont really have any means to reach her and even if I would, I have no idea if the person I call a friend is still around. He drinks but there are other issues as well. But thisthis is a whole new level. Death. Viper, 12.99, pp352. If you dont, you may not., Especially since The Last House on Needless Street isnt the sort of horror story (or even quasi-horror story) that relies on gore or jump scares to terrify its readers. There isnt a page where the story lags. Twice in the same day. I was given an advance reader copy of The Last House on Needless Street by award winning author Catriona Ward by Tor's new horror imprint, Nightfire.The book already had buzz from Stephen King saying that he hadn't "read anything this exciting since Gone Girl" and a blurb from Paul . It gives hope that people with this disorder can find their path in life even if its not an easy one. Revenge. I know what my reactions should have been, especially as the reveals were coming up, but I really just wanted to get to the end to see where it all goes. 084121), Northcliffe House, 2 Derry . Number of pages: 400. I knock things over, I bounce off doorways. Way back in April (it's almost October!) I laid her gently on a patch of moss at the foot of the tree. A stolen child. Catriona Ward's The Last House on Needless Street is a shocking and immersive read perfect for fans of Gone Girl and The Haunting of Hill House. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. That was more chilling to think about than a fictional character, and Im honestly not sure what kind of person this makes me. Were afraid of Ted, because context clues say we should be, because our own knowledge of the world has shown us its often right to be suspicious of loner men who live in shabby, boarded up houses at the end of the lane. Im not sure where it sits, Ward admits with a laugh during a lengthy conversation with Den of Geek. (And the author herself is well aware of that fact. As soon as you crack open Catriona Ward's The Last House on Needless Street, you know something's very wrong. [Spoilers herein.] A man who drinks alone in front of his TV, trying to ignore the gaps in his memory. But that was one twist I didnt quite see coming the mother being the psychopath, I mean. So, just a heads up. Snakes were her one true fear because they slithered out from under Lulus body when she found it. I knew Ted was innocent, but I didnt guess the DID storyline. 1 ijnfleetadmiral Omake: The Kong-Ree ijnfleetadmiral Omake: You need more than luck, Goto Judge Mental Omake: Wrong question, Issei gS49 Omake: Gred and Forge find out a secret MagisterAurelius Omake: Darth Draco is Displeased His daughter Lauren comes to visit from time to time, but they never go out when she does, and their relationship is always tense and often violent. And according to Ward, that unease is absolutely something she counted on her audience feeling. This is a story the reader . Thriller/psychological twisty turner, I couldn't put it down and read it in two days straight. But that was one twist I didnt quite see coming the mother being the psychopath, I mean. Which is disappointing, because I had high expectations going in based on the recommendations of people whose taste I trust in. Five-star audio production, and five-star book. In a house that has seen better days lives Ted, his daughter Lauren and Olivia. If you're a fan of the dark and mysterious, this book will be for you. Except that I have weird quirks. - was it as simple as the mum ended up burying LuLu on her property whilst she was away on holiday. Everything was obvious to me from the get-go. The Last House on Needless Street is a very dark, atmospheric and disturbing tale about a boarded-up house at the end of Needless Street whose inhabitants include a man who drinks quite a bit, an angry teenage girl who is a recluse, and a cat that seems to have a religious side. Readers are left unbalanced by sequences they dont entirely understand and cant completely trust, armed only with partial and imperfect knowledge., One of my great loves is the Gothic, the fragmented narrative. A division of The Kreisau Circle LLC. It was extremely obvious as well. The pretension practically rolls off the page in that one. The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward, 9781788166188, available at Book Depository with free delivery . Book spoilers aheadif you havent yet read. Tanya H. said "I don't know why they've got so many bad reviews but our experience was great! And an ordinary house at the end of an ordinary street. This is something that has made its way into my psychology and my imagination, Ward says. PAGES: 352pg. It is pretty obvious that something isnt right in the house right off the bat. *, The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward (Author), Christopher Ragland (Narrator). In a boarded-up house on a dead-end street at the edge of the wild Washington woods lives a family of three. And, as the story progresses, certain moments reinforce those assumptions. And an ordinary house at the end of an ordinary street. The Last House On Needless Street is the latest work from award-winning horror author, Catriona Ward. I find that it is a relief. To be fair, it was probably always going to be difficult to know precisely how to classify a story that heavily features a very religious talking gay cat, and thats before you get to the potential kidnappings and possible serial murder of it all. I'm very late to the party but I completely agree (except I never read anything else by the author). Trigger Warnings: Child Abuse. MEDIA REVIEWS. Cookie Notice In the most basic sense, The Last House on Needless Street follows the story of Ted, a lonely man who lives in a boarded up house (on Needless Street, naturally) with his 12 year old daughter . Its inhabitants include a man who drinks a lot, an angry teenage girl who isn't allowed out, and a religious cat. Book Description: Catriona Ward's The Last House on Needless Street is a shocking and immersive read perfect for fans of Gone Girl and The Haunting of Hill House.. This article does not joke about Needless Street however: the twist is literally given away for anyone with the least perception or thought process on the first page or two. You dont get to know everything about everyone. It did not feel unpredictable to me. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Outside of Ted's house, we are told of a girl who disappeared maybe a decade prior to the start of the novel, and how her sister Dee obsessively is trying to find the sister she called Lulu. Again, I dont even know if this book is horror, Ward admits ruefully. (LogOut/ (Probably major spoilers) Just curious if there's any books, fantastical or realistic, dark and twisted or more "regular" novels containing a villainous psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist? To play [not just ] with the expectations of horror but also with the snap conclusions people might come to about certain kinds of behavior or mental health conditions [or socio-economic indicators].. This is a great example of the skill of showing and not telling. A teenage girl who isn't allowed outside, not after last time. Lauren isn't Lauren, and also suffers from severe dissociative identity disorder. Edition: Main. The writing is complex and not linear so it does keep you on your toes in that sense. There is something odd going on in the boarded-up house at the end of Needless Street. It blew . I never heard from her again although I do think of her every once in a while. In her delirium, we find out that her memory about that day at the beach had been unreliable. I wasnt surprised, in hindsight, but still. He broke them between two boards with a mallet. One thing is for sure, nothing is as it seems.Actually, that is just the given synopsis. The therapist doesn't play a huge role in The Last House on Needless Street, but he certainly didn't help things! By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. All these things are true. But its not what you think. Thats not to say I didnt get caught by surprise here or there, though. In a boarded-up house on a dead-end street at the edge of the wild Washington woods lives a family of three. 18 March 2021. spoiler I just finished it, I completely agree there was TOO much going on, I kind of figured where it was going with Ted, it was kind of obvious when they were at the mall with Lauren. Truth will out, or will it? "The Last House on Needless Street" has had rave reviews all round and I was a little apprehensive in case it didn't live up the hype but, my god, I didn't need to worry! Thank you so much to Tor Nightfire for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Overall, not a win for me. I loved Ward's Rawblood a few years ago but The Last House on Needless Street is such a disappointment, just a cheap series of narrative cheats whose only purpose is to support the oldest and most cliched 'twist' ending in horror fictionwe are seriously supposed to believe that not only does the murder suspect have multiple personalities, but that the dominant one has a name coincidentally similar to the name of a girl who went missing years ago, who was killed by his mother, but not really, she was actually killed by her own sister, who has stalked the suspect and moved in next door, but has repressed memories so she doesn't remember killing her sister, and who gets written out of the narrative by dying of a snakebite, because her greatest fear is snakes, based on a childhood experience which is actually a false memory, and the suspect acts so weirdly throughout because his psychiatrist is mis-prescribing him outdated medication, and who vanishes without explanation once he's exposed, and all of the other child disappearances around the area are just coincidence.