Book Review - The Hoarder By Jess Kidd

The Hoarder By Jess Kidd

My rating 4 stars

Goodreads 3.78/5

Genre: Modern & contemporary fiction, Crime, Thrillers & Mystery, Fantasy and Magical Realism.

This book was a BBC radio 2 book club choice, it was shortlisted for the Kerry group Irish novel of the year award and long-listed for the international Dublin literary award.

* In the US, this book is published under the title Mr Flood's Last Resort

Its available in Paperback, Kindle, Audio book, Hardback and Audio CD.

Synopsis 

The spellbinding tale of a lonely caregiver and a cranky hoarder with a house full of secrets.

Maud Drennan is a dedicated caregiver whose sunny disposition masks a deep sadness. A tragic childhood event left her haunted, in the company of a cast of prattling saints who pop in and out of her life like tourists. Other than visiting her agoraphobic neighbour, Maud keeps to herself, finding solace in her work and in her humble existence–until she meets Mr. Flood.

Cathal Flood is a menace by all accounts. The lone occupant of a Gothic mansion crawling with feral cats, he has been waging war against his son’s attempts to put him into an old-age home and sent his last caretaker running for the madhouse. But Maud is this impossible man’s last chance: if she can help him get the house in order, he just might be able to stay. So the unlikely pair begins to cooperate, bonding over their shared love of Irish folktales and mutual dislike of Mr. Flood’s overbearing son.

Still, shadows are growing in the cluttered corners of the mansion, hinting at buried family secrets, and reminding Maud that she doesn’t really know this man at all. When the forgotten case of a missing schoolgirl comes to light, she starts poking around, and a full-steam search for answers begins.

Packed with eccentric charms, twisted comedy, and a whole lot of heart, Mr. Flood’s Last Resort is a mesmerising tale that examines the space between sin and sainthood, reminding us that often the most meaningful forgiveness that we can offer is to ourselves.

My Review 

This is my first introduction to Jess Kidd and wow!

This book has a bit of everything. There are so many genres packed into this, Crime, magical realism to a hint of romance. It has quirky lovable characters which include ghostly saints. At times it even made me smirk. 

Once I got past the first few chapters it was totally gripping and I could not put it down. It kept me guessing and was full of twists and turns.

Only gave it four stars as I didn't think Maud’s dreams and her back story of her sister really added a lot and when reading those I often wondered when we would get back to the main more exciting plot.

I definitely recommend this book and will be looking out for more from this author.