Book Club - Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

In this episode of Literature on the Rocks…

We’re heading back to The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward—but this time, we’ve brought out the theory boards, the collective confusion, and a cozy mocktail to keep us grounded. This psychological thriller still has us spiraling, and we’re unpacking one Reddit theory that left our jaws on the floor. What if Dee isn’t just a grieving sister… but actually one of Ted’s personalities? Yeah. We’re still recovering too. 🤯

While we didn’t totally vibe with Dee’s storyline on the first read, this theory gave us a whole new lens—and weirdly enough, a little closure. Sometimes the most complicated characters need a second look... or three. And when it comes to Ted, rereading with clarity made us pause, reflect, and offer a bit more grace. Something we could all use more of, honestly—both for others and ourselves.

We also dive into how the book tackles mental illness and identity—blurring the line between monster and man. Catriona Ward doesn’t just mess with your head for fun (okay, maybe a little); she forces you to sit in the discomfort of misunderstanding, which made this one of the most thought-provoking reads we've covered.

As always, we’re pairing the discussion with a drink—this time, a mocktail that tastes just like a 50/50 bar. Because after the mental gymnastics this book put us through, we all need something sweet, nostalgic, and just a little creamy to comfort us.

The Tabby Cat Mocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 oz orange juice

• 2 oz vanilla almond milk (or regular milk with a splash of vanilla extract)

• 1 oz coconut cream

• 1 tsp honey (optional for added sweetness)

• Ice

• Optional garnish: orange slice or sprinkle of nutmeg

Directions:

In a shaker or blender, combine orange juice, vanilla milk, coconut cream, and honey. Shake or blend until creamy and chilled. Pour over ice in a tall glass and garnish with an orange slice for that popsicle-meets-sophistication vibe. It’s like childhood trauma in a cup—but make it cozy.

If you thought this week was wild, just wait until next week’s episode drops. We’ll be switching gears with a brand-new book and cocktail pairing you do not want to miss. Until then, stay curious, stay hydrated, and maybe… double-check that your cat isn’t narrating your life.