The Hoarder (AKA Mr. Flood’s Last Resort) by Jess Kidd

   

 The Hoarder (AKA Mr. Flood’s Last Resort) by Jess Kidd I’ve been meaning to read Jess Kidd for some time now, having first become aware of her when I saw a copy of her book Himself.  I haven’t read Himself, though now that I’ve read The Hoarder (AKA Mr. Flood’s Last Resort) I can’t wait to get a copy!

    Published as The Hoarder in Great Britain, the title was changed when the U.S. Publishers got a hold of it.      Why the change I really couldn’t say. Both titles have their appeal. 

    Part mystery and part exploration of the dangers of keeping secrets and how it can derail people’s lives, the story has a unique set of characters and is impossible to put down.  Mr. Flood is a geriatric hoarder who has no choice but to let Maud Drennan, caregiver, into his life and his home.  He does what he can to discourage her, but she is determined. 

    

    She goes through the days cooking, cleaning, sorting, bagging, and trying to declutter the house as well as trying to convince Mr. Flood to take a bath.  The old man’s purpose in life seems to be hanging onto everything that passes through his hands.  In his house Maud finds stacks of magazines, paintings, bottles, cups (with dead mice inside), strange statuary, photographs—and poltergeists.  Waging a constant battle with Mr. Flood over the disposal of the rubbish that clutters his home and yard, Maud is never sure what she’ll find. 

     Renata is Maud’s gay recluse neighbor, who has perhaps watched too many mysteries on television. Convinced that Mr. Flood has murdered his wife, she urges Maud to search the house for clues.  Maud is reluctant to search, but when she does, it becomes clear that something supernatural is going on here. Things fall off walls, initials appear written in dust, and the spirits are even willing to answer Maud’s questions.  Sometimes.

   

 What startsas a half-hearted murder investigation becomes a search for two missing girls with a number of surprising twists.   This book has become one of my favorite reads.  It took me by surprise more than once, and I found myself desperate to pick it up again every time I was forced by circumstances to put it down.  Go out and get a copy.  You’ll be glad you did.