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3.5 

Mr. Flood's Last Resort

By Jess Kidd
Mr. Flood's Last Resort by Jess Kidd digital book - Fable

Publisher Description

From the award-winning author of Himself comes a spellbinding and “magically entertaining read” (Good Housekeeping, UK) about a lonely caregiver and a cranky hoarder with a house full of secrets that “will appeal to fans of Tana French and Sophie Hannah, as it charms and unsettles in equal measure” (BookPage).

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 neighbor, 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.

Mr. Flood’s Last Resort is “a rare delight” (Cosmopolitan, UK) examining the space between sin and sainthood, a novel that “perfectly balances tragedy with dark comedy” in which “the dialogue crackles and every detail enchants” (Shelf Awareness).​

Note to readers: In the UK, this book is published under the title The Hoarder.

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219 Reviews

3.5
“I always have a fun time with Jess Kidd's works. They feel so Irish to me. Love the magical realism and mystery!”
“A dark and hilarious tale with shifting timelines and excellent charters. Heartbreaking and deeply engaging. I was hooked from the first chapter.”
Surprised Face with Open Mouth“I'm not usually one for slow-paced books, but I'm a big fan of Jess Kidd's writing style. I enjoyed "Things in Jars," so I went into this one expecting good things and it didn't disappoint. Kidd is an expert at "show, don't tell." The adamant, almost belligerent "showing" of the world, people, emotions, actions, etc., it's mesmerizing at times. There's a balance struck in this story: in one moment, comedy and personality, and then in the next, things are tense and gross and creepy and serious. Characters are distinct and memorable. I liked the mystery; the conclusion felt humane. I look forward to Kidd's other books.”

About Jess Kidd

Jess Kidd is the award-winning author of Murder at Gulls NestThe Night ShipHimselfMr. Flood’s Last Resort, and Things in Jars. Learn more at JessKidd.com.

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