Mr. Flood’s Last Resort

Note to readers: In the UK,this book is published under the title The Hoarder. From the award-winning author of Himselfthe spellbinding tale of a lonely caregiver and a cranky hoarder with a house full of secrets. “A magically entertaining read…Jess Kidd has a gift for creating characters you’ll love with a few cleverly chosen words.” —Good Housekeeping (UK)Book of the Month “A rare delight.” —Cosmopolitan (UK) Maud Drennan is a dedicated caregiver whose sunny disposition masks a deep sadness. A tragic childhood event left her hauntedin the company of a cast of prattling saints who pop in and out of her life like tourists. Other than visiting her agoraphobic neighborMaud keeps to herselffinding 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 catshe 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 orderhe just might be able to stay. So the unlikely pair begins to cooperatebonding over their shared love of Irish folktales and mutual dislike of Mr. Flood’s overbearing son. Stillshadows are growing in the cluttered corners of the mansionhinting at buried family secretsand reminding Maud that she doesn’t really know this man at all. When the forgotten case of a missing schoolgirl comes to lightshe starts poking aroundand a full-steam search for answers begins. Packed with eccentric charmstwisted comedyand a whole lot of heartMr. Flood’s Last Resort is a mesmerizing tale that examines the space between sin and sainthoodreminding us that often the most meaningful forgiveness that we can offer is to ourselves.