Picture an Irish storyteller spinning tales where ghosts linger and secrets unravel in the misty west of Ireland—meet Jess Kidd! With her roots in County Mayo and a knack for blending magical realism with gritty crime fiction, Kidd crafts stories that feel like a pint of Guinness: dark, rich, and utterly captivating. Her debut, Himself, introduced a world where the dead whisper and the living hide, earning her a spot as a fresh voice in Irish literature.
Born in London to a large Irish family, Kidd’s dual heritage infuses her work with a vibrant sense of place and folklore. Her journey from office jobs to acclaimed author is as twisty as her plots, proving her storytelling is as resilient as her characters. Let’s dive into the life and works of this genre-defying wordsmith!
The Making of Jess Kidd
Jess Kidd was raised in London, surrounded by the storytelling traditions of her County Mayo family. Her childhood visits to Ireland left vivid impressions, seeding her love for its folklore and landscapes. Life wasn’t always easy—Kidd faced challenges, including leaving school early due to pregnancy, but she pursued her passion through sheer grit. She earned a degree via the Open University and later a Ph.D. in Creative Writing from St. Mary’s University, where she explored blending crime fiction with magical realism. Her diverse career, from social care to teaching creative writing, shaped her empathetic, sharp-eyed narratives.
Jess Kidd’s Unforgettable Stories
Kidd’s novels are like Irish weather: unpredictable, layered, and full of surprises. Her debut, Himself (2016), follows Mahony, a Dublin orphan returning to Mulderrig to uncover his mother’s fate. This darkly comic tale weaves murder, ghosts, and Irish folklore, earning praise for its lyrical prose and nods to the Irish Book Awards. The Hoarder (2018), also known as Mr. Flood’s Last Resort, pairs a quirky caretaker with a reclusive old man, blending mystery with supernatural charm.
Things in Jars (2019) dives into Victorian London with a female detective chasing mythical creatures, showcasing Kidd’s gothic flair. Her latest, Murder at Gulls Nest (2025), kicks off a cozy mystery series with a former nun sleuth, proving Kidd’s versatility. Her style—think Gabriel García Márquez meets The Pogues—melds lush imagery, gallows humor, and supernatural threads, all rooted in her Irish heritage.
Kidd’s work isn’t just about plot; it’s about place and people. Her settings, like the fictional Mulderrig, pulse with life, while her characters, from caustic actresses to spectral villagers, leap off the page. Her love for oral traditions shines through, making each book a nod to the seanchaí, Ireland’s traditional storytellers.
Why Jess Kidd Matters
Jess Kidd’s impact lies in her ability to make the supernatural feel human and the mundane magical. She’s carved a niche in Irish literature, blending crime and folklore in a way that’s both fresh and timeless. Her stories resonate with readers who crave heart, humor, and a touch of the otherworldly, while her diaspora perspective enriches the Irish literary canon. Awards like the 2016 Costa Short Story Award and BBC Radio 2 Book Club picks underscore her growing influence.
Beyond books, Kidd’s teaching and TV projects show her commitment to storytelling in all forms. She’s a reminder that stories can bridge worlds—past and present, living and dead, Ireland and beyond.
About Jess Kidd
- Born: 1973, London, to a County Mayo family
- Key Works: Himself, The Hoarder, Things in Jars, Murder at Gulls Nest
- Awards: 2016 Costa Short Story Award, Irish Book Awards shortlist
- Fun Fact: She’s developing TV projects with top producers!
Snag Himself and dive into Jess Kidd’s magical, mischievous world of Irish storytelling!