Book Summary - Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
In this episode of Literature on the Rocks…
we dive headfirst into the mind-bending maze that is The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward—a psychological thriller that’ll leave you doubting everything you think you know until the very last page. This story is a slow burn with a seriously confusing payoff, but trust us, if you hang on ‘til the end, your brain might just reassemble itself… maybe.
In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re using this episode to spotlight mental health—specifically what it can look like for moms. This book touches on trauma, identity, and the long shadows our minds can cast when we’re hurting. We share our own experiences and reflections on how mental health doesn’t always look the way we expect, especially when you're just trying to keep it together for your family. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just surviving—you're not alone, and this one’s for you.
Of course, we needed a cocktail as layered and surprising as this book. Originally dubbed Ted’s Tonic, we decided the true star deserved the name, so we present:
Popsicle Girl Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz honey whiskey
1 oz orange juice
½ oz lemon juice
½ oz honey syrup
A splash of vanilla extract
Soda water to top
Directions:
Shake the honey whiskey, orange juice, lemon juice, honey syrup, and a splash of vanilla with ice until it's as chilled as the atmosphere in Ted’s house. Strain into a glass over fresh ice and top with soda water for that little fizz of lightness—because let’s be real, this book needs all the fizz it can get. Optional: Garnish with an orange slice or… a popsicle if you’re feeling extra.
Once you’ve listened, we want to hear your take on the twists, the trauma, and the truth. Click the link below and answer this week’s questions for a chance to get featured on our upcoming book club episode. Because nothing says “I understood that book” like pretending you did and yelling about it on the internet.
Cheers to mental health, muddled memories, and messy cocktails.
