Find out what Mumsnetters thought of Himself by Jess Kidd

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This week we'd like to introduce you to debut author Jess Kidd. We're sharing her top tips for aspiring authors - and giving away 50 copies of her first novel, Himself. Apply for your copy now.

When Mahony returns to his birthplace of Mulderrig, a tiny coastal town in the west of Ireland, he is determined to uncover the secrets of the past. Featuring a host of eccentric characters, this intriguing and darkly comic novel creates a wholly unforgettable world.

We ask all winners to share their thoughts about the book on this discussion thread. However, you don't have to win a free copy to take part in the discussion - anyone who has read Himself can post their thoughts on it here.

Everyone who posts feedback on the book on this thread before 13 December will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Love2shop voucher.

This giveaway is sponsored by Canongate

I had the ebook version of this and want to get it in hardcopy as it's another book that I found to be intoxicating and one I would read again. It has everything going for it, its funny, thrilling, creepy & heart breaking.
It's set in a sleepy Irish Village, alongside the living, live the dead.
Its a creepy read but has many really funny moments.
A genuine must read!

I was lucky enough to read this atmospheric, wonderful book when it first came out. It draws you in and you forget everything :)

Not my type of book at all

Really interesting characters - a nice read

I haven't read this book yet, but it sounds a really good read.

Not read it yet but sounds really good!

This a strange book about an orphan Mahony searching for his mother in 1920s Ireland. Interestingly the protagonists can see and interact with the ghosts of the dead. It is well written and very compelling however a bit slow for my tastes. It took a while for the mystery to catch me but a good debut novel.

No but it sounds fab

An interesting read - passed it on to my mum who enjoyed it too

No not yet

No, I haven't read it yet, but it sounds good from the posts above.

looking forward to reading this on my christmas break

Had not read the book, but sounds interesting! Not sure how i would feel about the violent parts.

I enjoyed the book when I got into it, I was a bit worried at first as I don't like reading about violence but it soon became intriguing and was quite funny in places. I think it shows us today how much the internet has helped us in our search for information.

Would love to read this - I love dark comedy books so this sounds up my street!

I received this today and have just made a start. I agree about the rather violent start and I am a bit confused at the moment. I am sure all will become clear and will be back to update my thoughts when I have read more. I am intrigued already!

This is very different from my usual fluffy escapism, but deviation can be enriching ;)

Himself by Jess Kidd is a great murder story set in Ireland's west coast. The Prologue is quite harrowing set in 1950, but it compelled me to read the entire book in two days. The storyline goes until 1977 following Mahony's attempts to find out what happened to his mother. There are some colourful characters in the book, (living & dead!) An unusual book which I enjoyed so am recommending it as a good read.

This book is so funny! Characters engaging and some great turns of phrase, thoroughly enjoying it.

What a weird and wonderful book, I loved it. A truly bizarre mix of quirky western Irish storytelling with a plausible tale of amateur detectives trying to find the truth. It's well written and hard to put down, so thank you Mumsnet for the opportunity of reviewing it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book..so.much so I looked forward to my daughters nap time a bit too much.
I did find the first few pages harrowing..akin to the lovely bones if people have read that. The story is sensitively handled and all the more powerful for it. Characters are endearing and subject matter interesting.
If someone enjoys a who dunnit then this is great to play along.

Thank you for the book

Just finished reading this. What a clever unusual story line, as Mahoney the central character can see the living and the dead. I'll post again once I have written my blog review.

Himself by Jess Kidd is the utterly beguiling story of Mahony. Raised in a Dublin orphanage he returns to his mother’s home, the village of Mulderrig in Southern Ireland, to find out what happened to her after receiving information that she was taken away from him by those that live in the village.

I absolutely adored this book and it is one of those that I don’t feel I can possibly do justice in a review. It is so beautifully written I was captivated immediately. It is dark and yet dream-like and I just fell into the words Jess uses.

I also started the very violent beginning thinking 'oh blimey don't know if I'm going to like this one'. I loved it!!! Mahony and Mrs Cauley are both very interesting characters. I like the story jumping between the 50's and the 70's. I liked Mahony being able to see the dead and the way they added to the story. The story was intriguing and exciting and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

very gripper story line, enjoyed a lot