Best of Ten!
Mahony has been raised to believe that his mother abandoned him on the steps of an orphanage. However, when Sister Veronica, who hated him, dies, he finds out that he was left with a note telling him his true name, his mother’s name, and “she was the curse of the town, so they took her from you.” So, he travels to Mulderrig, County Mayo, to find out what happened to Orla Sweeney.
Mahony is an attractive young man, and at first he is warmly received despite his mid-70’s hippie rig. Soon, though, the word is out, and most of the townspeople want him gone. Orla was wild, a thief and a prostitute, and she just up and left. But he finds a few supporters who believe she was murdered: Mrs. Cauley, an impressive old actress; Bridget Doosey, the slatternly housekeeper for the nasty local priest; and Shawna Blake, who takes care of Mrs. Cauley.
And, although they can’t really help him, Mahony can see the dead. When he was a child he saw them, but they faded until he set foot in the town. There’s only one dead person he can’t see—Orla.
This is a peculiar, dark story. I loved it. I first read Kidd about six months ago, and she hasn’t disappointed.
whatmeread 
This one sounds perfect for an afternoon’s treat (I love dark mysteries, with an overtone of the occult). I hadn’t heard of this author — thanks!
I think you’ll like her.
I loved Things in Jars, but haven’t read anything else by Jess Kidd. This sounds like another good one.
You must try it. Also The Hoarder (or Mr. Flood’s Last Resort, same book).
Sounds like a fascinating read.