The Hermit Next Door

Kevin Hearne, author of the acclaimed Iron Druid Chronicles, returns with an otherworldly new novella!

Newly widowed and trying to cope with her grief, Winnie Mae Chisholm moves from Tennessee with her teenage son, Pax, to Oregon, hoping the change will let them both heal and move on. She’s warned when buying their new home that the next door neighbor, Mr. Fisher, is a famous recluse and no one has seen him in years, but that’s fine with her—she’s looking for quiet.

She’s not going to get it, however, because when Pax meets the neighbor, he discovers that the reason Mr. Fisher hides from the world is that he isn’t actually from this world. He’s been stranded for decades and he’s trying to get home, and he could really use some help.

Abruptly part of the best-kept secret on the planet, Winnie Mae and Pax have to protect Mr. Fisher from a nosy neighbor who would ruin his work and doom him to die among aliens, but they also have to ask themselves: How far would they go to escape their grief? Would another world be far enough?

©2024 Kevin Hearne (P)2024 Kevin Hearne

A fun little science fiction romp!

As always Kevin Hearne weaves a wonderful and rich story fun of interesting imagery and delightful characters. Totally worth checking out!

So fun

Great short story that instantly catches the readers interest and keeps pulling them along. I started listening to this story shortly before bed, and it was the first thing I went for when I woke up in the morning! I hope we get a few more shorts to follow along in the adventures of Pax and his mom, and of course, Mr. Fisher!

Just wonderful!

I l liked everything about this book. From start to finish - some great lines about grief and coffee too.

Another hit from Kevin

Although shorter than many of his other novels, this one hit the spot. Even though it’s not set in that universe, if you’ve enjoyed the iron druid and ink and sigil series, you will like this one too.

A lovely, hopeful story

This tale is beautifully written and narrated. I found it to be charming, with an underlying message of hope. In times like these, we need stories like this, and Kevin Hearne and Annalee Scott have delivered.