Mess

A witty and perceptive debut novel blending humor and heartfelt insight into life’s messes.

Mess is a sharp, funny, and finely observed story about Jane Brown, a professional organizer to Hollywood’s elite who excels at creating order in other people’s lives but struggles with the disorder of her own heart and feelings. Set against the dazzling world of Los Angeles, Jane’s journey to declutter not just closets but her mindset leads her toward unexpected self-discovery, connection, and perhaps even love. The novel satirizes Hollywood’s materialism while tenderly exploring how people make meaning out of the chaos of life.

“A wonderfully artful book: a funny, sharp-eyed, finely observed, and precise satire… a generous and tender examination of how we make meaning out of our everyday lives.” — Dana Spiotta, author of Wayward.

“Equal parts self-reckoning and love story… this is a delightful debut from a writer who’s as emotionally wise as he is comically gifted.” — Meghan Daum, author of The Unspeakable: And Other Subjects of Discussion.