suzid's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
snowdiva121's review against another edition
5.0
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but it was delightfully good. I haven’t read anything quite like it and it has good twists and turns. Put it on your read list and go read it now. It’s fantastic.
beatlestar's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
michelareads's review against another edition
2.0
This is the disturbing story of Ted, a lonely guy who lives in the last house on Needless Street, with his daughter Lauren and his cat. He doesn't have friends and spends most of his days indoors or in the woods. Next to his house lives Dee, who recently moved there to find clues on the disappearance of her sister. Both Ted and Dee hide secrets and lie, but what's the truth?
The Last House on Needless Street is not what I expected, but that's not the reason why I did not like it. The story, which is a mix of horror and thriller, is narrated by several POVs, including the one of the cat. Yes, the cat. Personally I hate talking pets (in books and movies), it's just something that gets on my nerves for some reason, but I've been advised to go with it, so I did. Because of that, I think I was over-focused on the cat's chapters and found lots of hints and clues, which made me predict the plot twist very early into the story. Now, I don't necessarily need to be wowed or surprised by a twist if the story is entertaining, but in this case it was the big revelation to have ruined the book for me. It was disappointing, after so many chapters of confusing hints and questionable choices. For lack of better words, I simply found it lazy (I won't say more because literally anything can be a spoiler).
Though I have to praise the author for one thing: the creepy and disturbing atmosphere that surrounds the woods and these characters, especially Ted, who made me feel VERY uncomfortable in many occasions. In a sense, I am sad this book didn't work for me: a dear friend gifted it to me and I was ready to be blown away by it, but unfortunately it features a trope that I've never liked.
But I'm still glad I read it and I'm sure many people will appreciate this novel way more than I do.
This was my first Catriona Ward, so I'll probably read another book of hers before deciding if her works are for me or not. Do you have any recommendations?
The Last House on Needless Street is not what I expected, but that's not the reason why I did not like it. The story, which is a mix of horror and thriller, is narrated by several POVs, including the one of the cat. Yes, the cat. Personally I hate talking pets (in books and movies), it's just something that gets on my nerves for some reason, but I've been advised to go with it, so I did. Because of that, I think I was over-focused on the cat's chapters and found lots of hints and clues, which made me predict the plot twist very early into the story. Now, I don't necessarily need to be wowed or surprised by a twist if the story is entertaining, but in this case it was the big revelation to have ruined the book for me. It was disappointing, after so many chapters of confusing hints and questionable choices. For lack of better words, I simply found it lazy (I won't say more because literally anything can be a spoiler).
Though I have to praise the author for one thing: the creepy and disturbing atmosphere that surrounds the woods and these characters, especially Ted, who made me feel VERY uncomfortable in many occasions. In a sense, I am sad this book didn't work for me: a dear friend gifted it to me and I was ready to be blown away by it, but unfortunately it features a trope that I've never liked.
But I'm still glad I read it and I'm sure many people will appreciate this novel way more than I do.
This was my first Catriona Ward, so I'll probably read another book of hers before deciding if her works are for me or not. Do you have any recommendations?
pipermrc's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
belleboe's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tanazbookz's review against another edition
1.0
This is by far the weirdest book I’ve ever read. Only at about 60% in does it become clear as to what is happening. I won’t write it here so as to avoid spoiling it, but I expected it to get better once I understood.
It. Did. Not.
I guess the cat on the cover should have been my first clue (y’all know how scared I am of cats, and listening to the meows on Audible was bone chilling for me.)
Anyway, it’s over now and I’m angry that I can never get these few hours of my life back. Not a fan. I’m going to forget this one ever happened.
It. Did. Not.
I guess the cat on the cover should have been my first clue (y’all know how scared I am of cats, and listening to the meows on Audible was bone chilling for me.)
Anyway, it’s over now and I’m angry that I can never get these few hours of my life back. Not a fan. I’m going to forget this one ever happened.
tessjx's review against another edition
4.0
it’s impossible to review this without giving spoilers. you become so deeply invested in the characters you never intended to become invested in. you chip away at the truth very slowly and piece by piece it starts to make sense. sad and unsettling.
sigridpersson's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
antkneeomonster's review against another edition
4.0
Effective, atmospheric (sorta) thriller novel that hinges on a big twist. The problem for me was, I guessed it, so the middle section felt a little bloated.
Still, and I'll tread lightly here, the conclusion ends up being quite unexpectedly emotional and a much classier treatment of the material than you might initially expect.
It's good, but not quite great. Still, there's some striking imagery and authentically claustrophobic sequences from a clearly very skilled writer.
Still, and I'll tread lightly here, the conclusion ends up being quite unexpectedly emotional and a much classier treatment of the material than you might initially expect.
It's good, but not quite great. Still, there's some striking imagery and authentically claustrophobic sequences from a clearly very skilled writer.