Jess Kidd is a celebrated author known for her literary fiction, historical mystery, fantasy, and children's books. Raised in London, Kidd comes from an Irish family originally hailing from the small town of Mayo. This cultural background is often reflected in her writing, which exhibits a deep familiarity with the Irish landscape and dialect. Kidd's unique fictional voice has earned her considerable praise and recognition within the literary world.
Kidd's writing career began to take shape shortly after she completed her undergraduate degree and became a mother. Despite the demands of raising a child, Kidd continued her studies and eventually earned a Ph.D. in creative writing. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the integration of diverse genres and modes to create new hybrid forms of crime fiction. This innovative approach to storytelling is evident in Kidd's work, which often blends elements of realism, fantasy, and mystery to create rich and immersive worlds.
Kidd's debut novel, "Himself," was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards in 2016, and she won the prestigious Costa Short Story Award the same year. Her second novel, "The Hoarder," was published as "Mr. Flood's Last Resort" in the U.S. and Canada and was shortlisted for the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year 2019. Both books were selected for the BBC Radio 2 Book Club, solidifying Kidd's reputation as a talented and accomplished author. Her latest novel, "Things in Jars," has been met with widespread critical acclaim and has been described as a unique blend of magical realism and detective fiction.
In addition to her novels, Kidd has also written a children's book, "Everyday Magic," which has been praised by teachers and librarians for its engaging storytelling and whimsical illustrations. Kidd has also contributed short fiction to various anthologies, including "The Haunting Season," a collection of ghostly winter tales. She has recently been developing original TV and film projects alongside her short fiction and upcoming novels.