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The Last House on Needless Street

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Catriona Ward

The Last House on Needless Street

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

375

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Washington State • 2010s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward follows Ted Bannerman, a man with dissociative identity disorder, who grapples with his troubled past while raising his daughter, Lauren, and interacting with his cat, Olivia. Dee Walters, seeking revenge for her sister Lulu's disappearance, suspects Ted's involvement and moves next door to investigate. Triggering topics include graphic child abuse, death by suicide, substance abuse, self-harm, and animal abuse.

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Suspenseful

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.0

122,903 ratings

69%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ward's The Last House on Needless Street captivates with its intricate, psychological thriller narrative and multifaceted characters. Praise focuses on the book's depth and suspenseful twists. Criticisms highlight its complex structure, which some found confusing. Overall, it stands out as a compelling, albeit challenging, read in the horror genre.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Last House on Needless Street?

A reader who enjoys dark, psychological thrillers with unexpected twists and complex characters will find The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward compelling. Fans of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl and Paul Tremblay’s A Head Full of Ghosts will appreciate its haunting atmosphere and intricate narrative.

4.0

122,903 ratings

69%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Ted Bannerman

The protagonist and one of the narrators, Ted is a reclusive man living with his cat, Olivia, and his daughter, Lauren. He grapples with internal conflict and a mysterious past.

Ted's beloved black cat and one of the narrators, Olivia provides a unique perspective on the events within the house. Her understanding of the world is shaped by her feline senses and the confinements of the house.

The determined older sister of missing girl Lulu Walters, Dee searches for the truth behind her sister's disappearance while dealing with unresolved trauma and guilt.

Described as Ted's preteen daughter, Lauren is a mysterious and complex figure whose actions and origin are pivotal to understanding the story's deeper layers.

Ted's mother, whose influence and legacy haunt him throughout the narrative in both literal and figurative ways, shaping much of Ted's internal struggles.

A psychiatrist with questionable ethics, he becomes involved with Ted through therapy sessions and showcases the vulnerabilities of those with psychiatric conditions.

A forest ranger with a patient and caring demeanor, Rob's interactions with Ted are crucial for Ted's journey toward healing and connection with the outside world.

Book Details
Pages

375

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Washington State • 2010s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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