The Hoarder Jess Kidd 9781782118497 [USED COPY]

AS HEARD ON SIMON MAYO'S BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB

Maud Drennan - underpaid carer and unintentional psychic - is the latest in a long line of dogsbodies for the ancient, belligerent Cathal Flood. Yet despite her best efforts, Maud is drawn into the mysteries concealed in his filthy, once-grand home. She realises that something is changing: Cathal, and the junk-filled rooms, are opening up to her.

With only her agoraphobic landlady and a troop of sarcastic ghostly saints to help, Maud must uncover what lies beneath Cathal's decades-old hostility, and the strange activities of the house itself. And if someone has hidden a secret there, how far will they go to ensure it remains buried?

Note to readers: In the US, this book is published under the title Mr Flood's Last Resort

About the Author

Jess Kidd completed her first degree in Literature with The Open University, and has since taught creative writing and gained a PhD in Creative Writing Studies. She has also worked as a support worker specialising in acquired brain injury. In 2016, Jess won the Costa Short Story Award for 'Dirty Little Fishes' and her debut novel Himself was selected for the BBC Radio 2 Book Club and shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards. In 2017, Himself was shortlisted for the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award and longlisted for the CWA John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger. Jess is now developing her own original TV projects with leading UK and International TV producers.

@JessKiddHerself | jesskidd.com

Reviews
This dark but comical tale of haunting and hoarding ensnares . . . [Kidd's] imagination is vivid . . . Brilliant * * The Times * *
A lyrical gothic detective saga . . . Wonderfully enigmatic and complex . . . [Kidd] is a writer with a poet's skill of balancing clarity and inventive flair -- ANDREW MICHAEL HURLEY * * Guardian * *
A brilliantly imaginative tale of secrets and lies, grief and guilt . . . Kidd's writing is gorgeous, the story is enthralling and emotions are sorrowfully raw and vivid in this funny, dark and original literary mystery * * Sunday Express, S Magazine * *
Excellent . . . The observations are sharp and humorous . . . with pages of inventive and colourful description . . . The Hoarder is a strong follow-up from a very talented writer who seems to be honing her skills * * Sunday Times * *
An arresting talent . . . Executed with irresistible panache, Kidd's novel is as full to the brim with the fantastic as Cathal's Gothic lair is with junk . . . A galloping yarn that entertains even as it disturbs * * Daily Mail * *
Superb . . . Kidd writes brilliantly . . . A rather impressive second novel, whose imaginative prowess marks its author as one to watch -- JOHN BOYNE * * Irish Times * *
Eerie, engrossing . . . The strong story and compelling characters shine through . . . utterly grips -- Anita Sethi * * Observer * *
Engaging and beautifully judged . . . delivered with a lightness of touch and a sensibility that brings all the characters to life fully and believably . . . Excellent -- Doug Johnstone * * The Big Issue * *
Riveting . . . Kidd's intelligent plotting and structure caper to a satisfying resolution: this is a twisting, fully original slice of literary horror, and one not to be missed * * Financial Times * *
Funny and profoundly moving, The Hoarder is a magically entertaining read . . . Jess Kidd has a gift for creating characters you'll love with a few cleverly chosen words * * Good Housekeeping * *



Book Information
ISBN 9781782118497
Author Jess Kidd
Format Hardback
Page Count 352
Imprint Canongate Books
Publisher Canongate Books
Weight(grams) 489g
Dimensions(mm) 220mm * 144mm * 32mm