Publication Date: 18/10/2018 ISBN: 9781782118527 Category:
Featured in Mr B's 2018 Christmas Catalogue

The Hoarder

Jess Kidd

Publisher: Canongate Books Ltd
Publication Date: 18/10/2018 ISBN: 9781782118527 Category:
Paperback / Softback

£8.99

Out of stock

Mr B's review

Mr B’s Christmas Catalogue Review 2018

Bridlemere is a house of many secrets. That is if you can find them through cantankerous Cathal Flood’s mountainous hoard of junk, and the many, many cats. In walks caretaker Maud, taking on an unwanted job that many have tried and failed at before. So what is it that Cathal’s son wants from the house? And did Cathal’s wife really accidentally fall down the stairs to her death? Littered with Irish humour and folklore, and a litany of foul-mouthed comedic saints, this is a family mystery unlike any other.

Description

FEATURED ON SIMON MAYO’S BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB
SHORTLISTED FOR THE KERRY GROUP IRISH NOVEL OF THE YEAR AWARD
LONGLISTED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DUBLIN LITERARY AWARD

Unintentional psychic Maud Drennan arrives to look after Cathal Flood, a belligerent man hiding in his filthy, cat-filled home.

Her job is simple: clear the rubbish, take care of the patient. But the once-grand house has more to reveal than simply its rooms. There is a secret here, and whether she likes it or not, Maud may be the one to finally uncover what has previously been kept hidden . . .

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

Publisher Review

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 * *

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