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Dublin Trilogy (Publication order) #1-2
The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part 1
‘The adventures of Caimh McDonnell’s Corkonian detective Bunny McGarry are tightly plotted, hilarious, and offer the vicarious pleasure of seeing the deserving walloped with a hurley.’ The Spectator, Books of the Year 2020
The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part 1 contains the first two novels of the four-book Dublin Trilogy (there’s a prequel), as well as the novella Bloody Christmas and the short story Dog Day Afternoon. The series has been a critically acclaimed worldwide Amazon bestseller and it is optioned for TV.
The two-part box set features the books with the ancillary novellas and short stories presented in the order the author Caimh McDonnell thinks they should be read in, with new introductions written especially for this edition.
Please All of the novels and short stories have been previously available to readers separately.
A Man With One of Those The first time somebody tried to kill him was an accident; the second time was deliberate. Now, Paul Mulchrone finds himself on the run with nobody to turn to except a nurse who has read one-too-many crime novels and a renegade copper with a penchant for violence. Together they must solve one of the most notorious crimes in Irish history before they’re history.
Bloody It’s Christmas Eve and DS Bunny McGarry is in the mood to celebrate – he’s back on duty after proving that throwing a senior officer off a building was an appropriate action during an investigation. His festivities are interrupted when someone attempts to assassinate him while he’s taking a leak. Bunny soon finds himself in a race against time to trace a kidnapped child before the people who ordered the hit realise that he is less dead than they had hoped.
Dog Day Bunny McGarry always pays his debts, and if that means saving a certain dog from a date with the grim reaper, then so be it. Getting a canine off death row is not as simple as you’d think though, particularly when the pooch in question is a couple of biscuits short of a full dog’s dinner.
The Day That Never Paul Mulchrone’s newly established detective agency is about to be DOA. One of his partners won’t talk to him for very good reasons and the other has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth for no reason at all. Can he hold it together long enough to figure out what Bunny McGarry’s colourful past has to do with his present absence?
The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part 1 contains the first two novels of the four-book Dublin Trilogy (there’s a prequel), as well as the novella Bloody Christmas and the short story Dog Day Afternoon. The series has been a critically acclaimed worldwide Amazon bestseller and it is optioned for TV.
The two-part box set features the books with the ancillary novellas and short stories presented in the order the author Caimh McDonnell thinks they should be read in, with new introductions written especially for this edition.
Please All of the novels and short stories have been previously available to readers separately.
A Man With One of Those The first time somebody tried to kill him was an accident; the second time was deliberate. Now, Paul Mulchrone finds himself on the run with nobody to turn to except a nurse who has read one-too-many crime novels and a renegade copper with a penchant for violence. Together they must solve one of the most notorious crimes in Irish history before they’re history.
Bloody It’s Christmas Eve and DS Bunny McGarry is in the mood to celebrate – he’s back on duty after proving that throwing a senior officer off a building was an appropriate action during an investigation. His festivities are interrupted when someone attempts to assassinate him while he’s taking a leak. Bunny soon finds himself in a race against time to trace a kidnapped child before the people who ordered the hit realise that he is less dead than they had hoped.
Dog Day Bunny McGarry always pays his debts, and if that means saving a certain dog from a date with the grim reaper, then so be it. Getting a canine off death row is not as simple as you’d think though, particularly when the pooch in question is a couple of biscuits short of a full dog’s dinner.
The Day That Never Paul Mulchrone’s newly established detective agency is about to be DOA. One of his partners won’t talk to him for very good reasons and the other has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth for no reason at all. Can he hold it together long enough to figure out what Bunny McGarry’s colourful past has to do with his present absence?
873 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2021
1637 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Caimh McDonnell
42 books1,743 followersIrishman Caimh McDonnell is a former professional stand-up comedian and TV writer who now concentrates all of his energies on his books. Born in Limerick and raised in Dublin, he has taken the hop across the water and calls Manchester his home.
His TV writing work has seen him work on some of the biggest topical comedy shows on British TV and has earned him a BAFTA nomination. These days he can be found happily writing his next book in the office in the back garden, with only his dog and his imagination for company.
His book 'I Have Sinned' was shortlisted for the Kindle Storyteller Award 2019. Previously, his debut novel 'A Man With One of Those Faces' was nominated for best novel at the 2017 CAP awards.
His TV writing work has seen him work on some of the biggest topical comedy shows on British TV and has earned him a BAFTA nomination. These days he can be found happily writing his next book in the office in the back garden, with only his dog and his imagination for company.
His book 'I Have Sinned' was shortlisted for the Kindle Storyteller Award 2019. Previously, his debut novel 'A Man With One of Those Faces' was nominated for best novel at the 2017 CAP awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 20, 2022
This is a kindle edition that collects four of McDonnell's works for one bargain price. I, of course, bought it, because although McDonnell occasionally misses, more often there's solid amusement and once in awhile, he hits it out of the park.
Each novel/short is listed separately in goodreads and rated as such. EDIT: hahaha, just kidding. Someone already removed 'Dog Day Afternoon,' the short story starring Guarda dog Maggie. So I'll re-shelve this edition.
A Man With One of Those Faces: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Day That Never Comes: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bloody Christmas: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dog Day Afternoon:
A quick origin story of Maggie. Noreen is a veternarian who doesn't much like people and is completely befuddled when a big guy with a wonky eye comes in looking for a dead dog. As usual, it takes awhile to get at the truth when you are trying to share your plan for breaking rules without actually stating such plan aloud.
“Ah,” said Noreen, getting at least within waving distance of understanding.
Contains a priceless Python reference that made me laugh out loud.
"This – is an ex-parrot!”
The collection probably averages to three and a half stars, but I'm going to round it up to four because I suspect I'd get re-reading value out of all of it. And because in the right mood, McDonnell suits me well.
Each novel/short is listed separately in goodreads and rated as such. EDIT: hahaha, just kidding. Someone already removed 'Dog Day Afternoon,' the short story starring Guarda dog Maggie. So I'll re-shelve this edition.
A Man With One of Those Faces: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Day That Never Comes: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bloody Christmas: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dog Day Afternoon:
A quick origin story of Maggie. Noreen is a veternarian who doesn't much like people and is completely befuddled when a big guy with a wonky eye comes in looking for a dead dog. As usual, it takes awhile to get at the truth when you are trying to share your plan for breaking rules without actually stating such plan aloud.
“Ah,” said Noreen, getting at least within waving distance of understanding.
Contains a priceless Python reference that made me laugh out loud.
"This – is an ex-parrot!”
The collection probably averages to three and a half stars, but I'm going to round it up to four because I suspect I'd get re-reading value out of all of it. And because in the right mood, McDonnell suits me well.
April 14, 2024
What a great read!! The characters in these books, continue to live on in my head day and night. Looking forward to reading more!!
October 25, 2021
A Man With One Of Those Faces (The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book One) by Caimh McDonnell
First published, 2016
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The story follows an every man, Paul Mulchrone, a man with one of those faces, who visits an old folks’ home regularly because he can be mistaken for whoever the patients are hoping to see. Although an act of semi-questionable kindness, Paul does this voluntary work because the moment he gets a paid job, he will forfeit the home and monthly stipend left him by his great aunt, and as stipulated in her will, the whole kit and caboodle will go to the donkey sanctuary. As Paul doesn’t have the highest opinion of donkeys, he’ll stretch that money as far as it will go and keep up the voluntary work, thank you very much.
Asked by nurse Brigit Conroy to fit in one final visit to an old fella who hasn’t seen a friendly, non-medical face in the three weeks since his admission to the home, Paul finds himself plunged into a deadly intrigue, a case of mistaken identity and is thought to have discovered something so secret, so shocking, that he has become an everyday guy with a target on his back and something underneath his car.
Assisted by Brigit and days-from-retirement Detective Jimmy Stewart, Paul must run for his life or solve a thirty year old mystery to save his skin.
A very funny and clever thrill-ride with some great dialogue, beautiful scenery and cracking characters. I laughed out loud more than once.
“‘You know what,’ he said. ‘Don’t you dare cry! I have every right to be angry. Don’t you take that away from me.’
“She nodded her agreement.
“‘And don’t agree with me. You don’t get to be reasonable,’ he said. ’Thanks to you, I could be dead! So you stand there, not crying - and take the damn good tongue lashing you’ve got coming.’
“He’d never used that phrase before in his life and, even as it came out of his mouth, the little internal editor in the back of his brain looked up from his newspaper and sneered. Where the hell did that come from?
“As Brigit dabbed a tear away from her left eye with the corner of a tissue, her right eyebrow rose ever so slightly, in the tiniest acknowledgement of his peculiar choice of words. For some reason that made him even angrier.
“‘And don’t you… don’t you DARE find my choice of words funny.’
“She shook her head furiously but even as she did so, a nervous smile played across her lips.
“'Stop - stop it right this minute!’ His tone was becoming pleading now. He could feel the conversation slipping further off the course he’d planned out."
5% in, Chapter Four, A Man With One Of Those Faces (The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book One) by Caimh McDonnell
It is worth bearing in mind, this is a trilogy unlike any other. Where most trilogies have three parts, this deluxe edition has two parts, each made up for four stories. I’ve never been good with numbers so that’s the extent of my explanation.
Joyous.
Bloody Christmas (A Bunny McGarry Novella, The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book Two) by Caimh McDonnell
First published, 2020
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Sold in aid of homeless charity, The Peter McVerry Trust, this is an excellent introduction to the humour, pathos and writing style of Mr McDonnell.
Appearing second in the Deluxe Edition, Part One, of this not-really-mathematically-speaking trilogy, Bloody Christmas follows sheepskin-clad, wonky-eyed hero, Bunny McGarry as he faces possible death at the urinal and goes through the city’s sewers in search of a missing child.
The writing is smart and assured, the humour is delightful and I love the author’s voice. There’s no mistaking the musicality and tempo of the writing, there’s always poetry in an Irish voice.
For example, the first couple of lines in Chapter One, Duck Soup, where Bunny is meeting with a psychiatrist.
“Bunny stared hard at the wall. ‘Can I ask a question?’
“‘Of course,’ replied Dr Warwick in that tone of voice that Bunny guessed he practised a lot. The one he no doubt thought made him sound calm and authoritative and not at all like a smug gobshite with a highly swappable face. “ “ 'This wallpaper you’ve got, is it one of them what-cha-me-call-its… rickshaw tests?’
“‘Do you mean Rorschach tests?’ asked Warwick.
“‘Yeah. One of them.’
“'No, it’s just wallpaper.’
“‘Oh right. Did you choose it?’
“‘As it happens, I did.’
“‘Were there many other options?’
“Dr Warwick turned and glanced back at it. ‘I vaguely recall there being a catalogue.’
“‘Right. And you thought you’d go with this one?’
“‘Am I to assume that you don’t like the wallpaper?’
“‘It’s not for me to say. I mean have ye not noticed at all that the pattern looks a bit y’know…’
“‘Like what?’
“'Like a lady’s downstairs bits, only on fire.’
45% in, Duck Soup, Bloody Christmas, The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One by Caimh McDonnell
Dog Day Afternoon (A Dublin Story of a Kick-Ass Dog, The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book Three) by Caimh McDonnell
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
A good, quick read. Dog Day Afternoon follows our favourite Irish Detective Sergeant, Bunny McGarry, as he searches for a corpse to take the place of a police dog, condemned to death for an attack that was beyond her control.
If Bunny is to save Maggie, the police dog, he’ll need an agreeable vet and a doppelgänger dead dog pronto. But will he find a body in time? And even if he does, will anyone believe it’s really Maggie?
Great fun. Maggie is a great character. It can be difficult to understand the personality traits of a non-speaking character, but she’s very well-written and the imagery and humour of the author’s other works are evident in this short story. I loved it. Aside from Maggie, I really liked put-upon, last-minute veterinarian, Noreen:
“She really had tried to like people, but it was very hard to based on the available evidence - war, famine and the films of Adam Sandler. Animals, on the other hand, were infinitely more lovable. In fact, their only downside was that they were invariably owned by people. It was the Peter principle on a massive evolutionary scale. Humanity had been promoted to the position of dominant species, a role they managed with utter incompetency.
“Take this specimen, for example; standing on the opposite side of the counter in a black sheepskin coat, which smelled like it hadn’t been cleaned since the sheep had worn it. His large bulbous face was a shade of red only meant for beetroot and heart attacks, and a lazy left eye only added to the impression of him being unhinged. To be fair, in other circumstances, he’d probably have just looked intense as opposed to deranged, but those circumstances would’ve involved him not bursting into her surgery demanding a dead dog.”
54% in, Dog Day Afternoon, The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book Three) by Caimh McDonnell
The Day That Never Comes (The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book Four) by Caimh McDonnell
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
When an incompetent, unlicensed private investigator loses the guy he’s trailing with alarming regularity, and the bodies start piling up, it surely won’t be long before the possible philanderer becomes a suspected murderer…
But with Paul Mulchrone learning how to be a PI from books, and his new business partners, Brigit Conroy (no longer speaking to him), Bunny McGarry (missing, possibly permanently) and Maggie (ex-police dog, example of the now debunked dominance theory, and quaffer of pints of Guinness) of little to no use, how will Paul solve the problems of the woman in red? And what does it have to do with the destruction of the Celtic Tiger?
An absolute rollercoaster, this. More emotionally charged than the previous books but every bit as funny and engaging. I particularly loved the character of Detective Superintendent Burns: a woman at the high point of her career, suddenly lumbered with a massive, migraine-inducing case while the Boys’ Club tries to push her aside. From the introduction of her character, where Donnacha Wilson has just been sick in front of her, I knew I was going to like her best.
“'Superintendent, sir, er… ma’am, have you got a second?’
“'The news of the murder has just hit the media, so if this is about my shoes, then you’ve already apologised.’
“Wilson glanced down, and noticed the footwear in question sitting in the bin.
“'No it’s not. I mean… although, can I just say again… if you’d allow me to replace them…'
“‘Yes, you can buy me shoes, and then the other detectives can take turns taking me to dinner and getting me sexy lingerie. Forget it. Now, I’ve got a high profile corpse to deal with so unless there’s anything else, or you’d like to pee in my handbag…’"
68% in, Chapter Twelve, The Day That Never Comes (The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book Four) by Caimh McDonnell
I highlighted so many turns of phrase in this collection, but this one struck a big old chord with me:
“When you rise fast, those you passed will take particular delight in the fall.”
85% in, Chapter Thirty-Four, The Day That Never Comes (The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book Four) by Caimh McDonnell.
Words to live by.
I’ll say this: I wanted to take a star off for all there junk food the dog was fed through the book - multiple packets of pork scratchings from the pub, a full cooked breakfast and a few pints of Guinness, but I reminded myself that it’s fiction and funny stuff at that. You should read this for entertainment, not for dog-feeding tips.
First published, 2016
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The story follows an every man, Paul Mulchrone, a man with one of those faces, who visits an old folks’ home regularly because he can be mistaken for whoever the patients are hoping to see. Although an act of semi-questionable kindness, Paul does this voluntary work because the moment he gets a paid job, he will forfeit the home and monthly stipend left him by his great aunt, and as stipulated in her will, the whole kit and caboodle will go to the donkey sanctuary. As Paul doesn’t have the highest opinion of donkeys, he’ll stretch that money as far as it will go and keep up the voluntary work, thank you very much.
Asked by nurse Brigit Conroy to fit in one final visit to an old fella who hasn’t seen a friendly, non-medical face in the three weeks since his admission to the home, Paul finds himself plunged into a deadly intrigue, a case of mistaken identity and is thought to have discovered something so secret, so shocking, that he has become an everyday guy with a target on his back and something underneath his car.
Assisted by Brigit and days-from-retirement Detective Jimmy Stewart, Paul must run for his life or solve a thirty year old mystery to save his skin.
A very funny and clever thrill-ride with some great dialogue, beautiful scenery and cracking characters. I laughed out loud more than once.
“‘You know what,’ he said. ‘Don’t you dare cry! I have every right to be angry. Don’t you take that away from me.’
“She nodded her agreement.
“‘And don’t agree with me. You don’t get to be reasonable,’ he said. ’Thanks to you, I could be dead! So you stand there, not crying - and take the damn good tongue lashing you’ve got coming.’
“He’d never used that phrase before in his life and, even as it came out of his mouth, the little internal editor in the back of his brain looked up from his newspaper and sneered. Where the hell did that come from?
“As Brigit dabbed a tear away from her left eye with the corner of a tissue, her right eyebrow rose ever so slightly, in the tiniest acknowledgement of his peculiar choice of words. For some reason that made him even angrier.
“‘And don’t you… don’t you DARE find my choice of words funny.’
“She shook her head furiously but even as she did so, a nervous smile played across her lips.
“'Stop - stop it right this minute!’ His tone was becoming pleading now. He could feel the conversation slipping further off the course he’d planned out."
5% in, Chapter Four, A Man With One Of Those Faces (The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book One) by Caimh McDonnell
It is worth bearing in mind, this is a trilogy unlike any other. Where most trilogies have three parts, this deluxe edition has two parts, each made up for four stories. I’ve never been good with numbers so that’s the extent of my explanation.
Joyous.
Bloody Christmas (A Bunny McGarry Novella, The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book Two) by Caimh McDonnell
First published, 2020
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Sold in aid of homeless charity, The Peter McVerry Trust, this is an excellent introduction to the humour, pathos and writing style of Mr McDonnell.
Appearing second in the Deluxe Edition, Part One, of this not-really-mathematically-speaking trilogy, Bloody Christmas follows sheepskin-clad, wonky-eyed hero, Bunny McGarry as he faces possible death at the urinal and goes through the city’s sewers in search of a missing child.
The writing is smart and assured, the humour is delightful and I love the author’s voice. There’s no mistaking the musicality and tempo of the writing, there’s always poetry in an Irish voice.
For example, the first couple of lines in Chapter One, Duck Soup, where Bunny is meeting with a psychiatrist.
“Bunny stared hard at the wall. ‘Can I ask a question?’
“‘Of course,’ replied Dr Warwick in that tone of voice that Bunny guessed he practised a lot. The one he no doubt thought made him sound calm and authoritative and not at all like a smug gobshite with a highly swappable face. “ “ 'This wallpaper you’ve got, is it one of them what-cha-me-call-its… rickshaw tests?’
“‘Do you mean Rorschach tests?’ asked Warwick.
“‘Yeah. One of them.’
“'No, it’s just wallpaper.’
“‘Oh right. Did you choose it?’
“‘As it happens, I did.’
“‘Were there many other options?’
“Dr Warwick turned and glanced back at it. ‘I vaguely recall there being a catalogue.’
“‘Right. And you thought you’d go with this one?’
“‘Am I to assume that you don’t like the wallpaper?’
“‘It’s not for me to say. I mean have ye not noticed at all that the pattern looks a bit y’know…’
“‘Like what?’
“'Like a lady’s downstairs bits, only on fire.’
45% in, Duck Soup, Bloody Christmas, The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One by Caimh McDonnell
Dog Day Afternoon (A Dublin Story of a Kick-Ass Dog, The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book Three) by Caimh McDonnell
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
A good, quick read. Dog Day Afternoon follows our favourite Irish Detective Sergeant, Bunny McGarry, as he searches for a corpse to take the place of a police dog, condemned to death for an attack that was beyond her control.
If Bunny is to save Maggie, the police dog, he’ll need an agreeable vet and a doppelgänger dead dog pronto. But will he find a body in time? And even if he does, will anyone believe it’s really Maggie?
Great fun. Maggie is a great character. It can be difficult to understand the personality traits of a non-speaking character, but she’s very well-written and the imagery and humour of the author’s other works are evident in this short story. I loved it. Aside from Maggie, I really liked put-upon, last-minute veterinarian, Noreen:
“She really had tried to like people, but it was very hard to based on the available evidence - war, famine and the films of Adam Sandler. Animals, on the other hand, were infinitely more lovable. In fact, their only downside was that they were invariably owned by people. It was the Peter principle on a massive evolutionary scale. Humanity had been promoted to the position of dominant species, a role they managed with utter incompetency.
“Take this specimen, for example; standing on the opposite side of the counter in a black sheepskin coat, which smelled like it hadn’t been cleaned since the sheep had worn it. His large bulbous face was a shade of red only meant for beetroot and heart attacks, and a lazy left eye only added to the impression of him being unhinged. To be fair, in other circumstances, he’d probably have just looked intense as opposed to deranged, but those circumstances would’ve involved him not bursting into her surgery demanding a dead dog.”
54% in, Dog Day Afternoon, The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book Three) by Caimh McDonnell
The Day That Never Comes (The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book Four) by Caimh McDonnell
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
When an incompetent, unlicensed private investigator loses the guy he’s trailing with alarming regularity, and the bodies start piling up, it surely won’t be long before the possible philanderer becomes a suspected murderer…
But with Paul Mulchrone learning how to be a PI from books, and his new business partners, Brigit Conroy (no longer speaking to him), Bunny McGarry (missing, possibly permanently) and Maggie (ex-police dog, example of the now debunked dominance theory, and quaffer of pints of Guinness) of little to no use, how will Paul solve the problems of the woman in red? And what does it have to do with the destruction of the Celtic Tiger?
An absolute rollercoaster, this. More emotionally charged than the previous books but every bit as funny and engaging. I particularly loved the character of Detective Superintendent Burns: a woman at the high point of her career, suddenly lumbered with a massive, migraine-inducing case while the Boys’ Club tries to push her aside. From the introduction of her character, where Donnacha Wilson has just been sick in front of her, I knew I was going to like her best.
“'Superintendent, sir, er… ma’am, have you got a second?’
“'The news of the murder has just hit the media, so if this is about my shoes, then you’ve already apologised.’
“Wilson glanced down, and noticed the footwear in question sitting in the bin.
“'No it’s not. I mean… although, can I just say again… if you’d allow me to replace them…'
“‘Yes, you can buy me shoes, and then the other detectives can take turns taking me to dinner and getting me sexy lingerie. Forget it. Now, I’ve got a high profile corpse to deal with so unless there’s anything else, or you’d like to pee in my handbag…’"
68% in, Chapter Twelve, The Day That Never Comes (The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book Four) by Caimh McDonnell
I highlighted so many turns of phrase in this collection, but this one struck a big old chord with me:
“When you rise fast, those you passed will take particular delight in the fall.”
85% in, Chapter Thirty-Four, The Day That Never Comes (The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part One, Book Four) by Caimh McDonnell.
Words to live by.
I’ll say this: I wanted to take a star off for all there junk food the dog was fed through the book - multiple packets of pork scratchings from the pub, a full cooked breakfast and a few pints of Guinness, but I reminded myself that it’s fiction and funny stuff at that. You should read this for entertainment, not for dog-feeding tips.
December 18, 2021
There are so many ebooks out there today that wading through the also-rans to find a gem is a time consuming process. The Dublin Trilogy is one of the gems and I’m so glad I found Caimh McDonnell and I’m so glad he’s written loads so I’ve got plenty to go at.
I’m an avid reader, usually three books on the go at once and although I really like a well written story I’ll happily read through some of the dross so long as it’s got at least one of either a decent narrative, memorable characters or an intriguing plot. The Dublin Trilogy has all of these in spades. There are no faults in the writing style, no redundancies, no immaturity, no plot blunders, no false character traits. It’s really well written.
Initially I was taken by the humour, it’s hilarious, genuine laugh out loud, “try not to wake the wife who’s already dozed off” funny. The introductory explanation of how come there are more than three books in this “Trilogy” is in itself a tour de force of humour. Then there are the characters, you can hear them, see them, touch them, feel their pain. They’re easy to sympathise with, except the baddies, who are really believably nasty, but real. And the narrative leads you on. By the time I got to the meat of the story I absolutely had to find out what happened next and carried on reading well beyond when I should have settled down.
Caimh McDonnell is a genuine master story teller, I can thoroughly recommend The Dublin Trilogy and I’m really looking forward to reading his other works.
I’m an avid reader, usually three books on the go at once and although I really like a well written story I’ll happily read through some of the dross so long as it’s got at least one of either a decent narrative, memorable characters or an intriguing plot. The Dublin Trilogy has all of these in spades. There are no faults in the writing style, no redundancies, no immaturity, no plot blunders, no false character traits. It’s really well written.
Initially I was taken by the humour, it’s hilarious, genuine laugh out loud, “try not to wake the wife who’s already dozed off” funny. The introductory explanation of how come there are more than three books in this “Trilogy” is in itself a tour de force of humour. Then there are the characters, you can hear them, see them, touch them, feel their pain. They’re easy to sympathise with, except the baddies, who are really believably nasty, but real. And the narrative leads you on. By the time I got to the meat of the story I absolutely had to find out what happened next and carried on reading well beyond when I should have settled down.
Caimh McDonnell is a genuine master story teller, I can thoroughly recommend The Dublin Trilogy and I’m really looking forward to reading his other works.
June 11, 2022
The writing of Caimh McDonnel's comedic thrillers is everything Quentin Tarantino aspires to with his writing. Tarantinos' schoolboy attempt to demonstrate cultural awareness is pathetic. Example: In Paris, McDonald's quarter pounder with cheese is called The Royale with Cheese. Having said that, that piece of writing is all I remember of all of Tarantino's writing. However, successful movies have been made of Tarantino's books. I hope this will happen with McDonnells books. I can't wait to see on screen McGarry's under 12 Hurling team attempting to sing and dance to Jingle Bells outside the front door of Bunny's distracted victim. Also, Maggie's bringing down the bad guys with well placed groin gripping maneuvers. I'd love to know what the Garda Siochana think about McDonnell's portrayal of them. As an Ulster protestant used to the Royal Ulster Constabulary shennanigans I never thought about the Gards much, but McDonnell has got me wondering about them too. So glad I discovered Caimh. Likewise, as an Ulster protestant I have no idea how to pronounce Caimh. Or Siobhan. Keemff or Shove an?
May 11, 2021
I Enjoyed Them So Thoroughly That I Paid for Them Even Though I Didn’t Have To! Find Out for Yourself- Am I a Chump to Do So? or Simply a Fabulous Babe? YOU Decide!
There’s a certain style of writing that you’ll recognise almost immediately, generally described as ‘clever, witty, whimsical, erudite, and slightly absurdist’ or ‘twee, try-hard, smug, nauseating, tiresome, and obnoxious’, depending on quality of work and sniffiness of reader. Perpetrators of this style include but are not limited to Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett. Some will feel they are above such ‘nerdy frivolity’ (they will be wrong, and also missing all the points) but those discerning readers who are beyond such insecurities regarding their seriousness and maturity will likely be charmed by the version of Dublin and its memorable denizens conjured by Caoimh McDonnell. You can read most of the lot for free on Prime Kindle Unlimited Wotsit, but I liked them so much I splashed out buying them all for their aesthetically pleasing cover art and for the joy of refusing to lend them to guests whom I have just recommended them. ‘No, my brother,’ I will explain. ‘You will have to get your own.’
There’s a certain style of writing that you’ll recognise almost immediately, generally described as ‘clever, witty, whimsical, erudite, and slightly absurdist’ or ‘twee, try-hard, smug, nauseating, tiresome, and obnoxious’, depending on quality of work and sniffiness of reader. Perpetrators of this style include but are not limited to Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett. Some will feel they are above such ‘nerdy frivolity’ (they will be wrong, and also missing all the points) but those discerning readers who are beyond such insecurities regarding their seriousness and maturity will likely be charmed by the version of Dublin and its memorable denizens conjured by Caoimh McDonnell. You can read most of the lot for free on Prime Kindle Unlimited Wotsit, but I liked them so much I splashed out buying them all for their aesthetically pleasing cover art and for the joy of refusing to lend them to guests whom I have just recommended them. ‘No, my brother,’ I will explain. ‘You will have to get your own.’
January 10, 2022
Caimh McDonnell left his stand up comedy career to write comic crime stories. If The Dublin Trilogy is an example of this unique genre, I'm in! I'll leave it to his first newsletter, if you subscribe, as we did, after reading this trilogy, to find out how to pronounce his name. But, suffice it to say that his name is as unique as his stories and his genre.
Bunny, his main detective becomes more and more prominent in the books. Caimh claims he created Bunny to be a minor character, but he was so popular his space in the stories grew. We love Bunny, and we can't get enough of this humorous crime writer.
Each character in the stories is fun, and the plots, tangled as they are, are also quite entertaining. If you can get past a few things like some language and not-for-family rated situations, I believe you will want to come back for more.
I started with the print versions, and finished the next two of the trilogy in Audible--which, I guess is my medium, because I whipped through the novels in a week.
Bunny, his main detective becomes more and more prominent in the books. Caimh claims he created Bunny to be a minor character, but he was so popular his space in the stories grew. We love Bunny, and we can't get enough of this humorous crime writer.
Each character in the stories is fun, and the plots, tangled as they are, are also quite entertaining. If you can get past a few things like some language and not-for-family rated situations, I believe you will want to come back for more.
I started with the print versions, and finished the next two of the trilogy in Audible--which, I guess is my medium, because I whipped through the novels in a week.
August 20, 2024
This is a tricky one, I read a lot, I love books with humour and real people, I love books I can get lost in and lose hours deep inside. This whole series reminds me of both Douglas Adams, because obviously Caimh McDonnel has no idea how many books is in a fecking trilogy, and Terry Pratchett because the observation of humanity is so brilliant and it can go from tears to laughter in a sentence.
Bunny is a wonderful character, like many I was bewildered why it was the "Bunny McGarry collection" when he seemed determined to not turn up in the first book. But I obviously didn't understand the nuances of the game. Without spoiling anything I will encourage anyone to read them, become one with Dublin, the language, breakfast burritos, Deccie, and a group of very human people beautifully observed as they try to survive and solve crime. Oh yes, there are Nuns too ;)
Bunny is a wonderful character, like many I was bewildered why it was the "Bunny McGarry collection" when he seemed determined to not turn up in the first book. But I obviously didn't understand the nuances of the game. Without spoiling anything I will encourage anyone to read them, become one with Dublin, the language, breakfast burritos, Deccie, and a group of very human people beautifully observed as they try to survive and solve crime. Oh yes, there are Nuns too ;)
September 29, 2022
Hilarious
This trilogy is hilarious, touching, infuriating and a complete delight to read.
This singular combination of cynicism, satire and twisted optimism is punctuated by passages which are laugh out loud funny. You'll feel like you've fallen down a rabbit hole into a Dublin they hide from the tourists and come out understanding how the Irish endure despite the endless shower of shites that have plagued them for centuries - the combative defiance, unique moral integrity and brutal humor are manifest in the person of Bunny McGarry
You will want to wander into Meehan's for a pint in the hopes that you'll catch Bunny in action, or at least offering his opinion on something.
I'm starting the next series right now.
This trilogy is hilarious, touching, infuriating and a complete delight to read.
This singular combination of cynicism, satire and twisted optimism is punctuated by passages which are laugh out loud funny. You'll feel like you've fallen down a rabbit hole into a Dublin they hide from the tourists and come out understanding how the Irish endure despite the endless shower of shites that have plagued them for centuries - the combative defiance, unique moral integrity and brutal humor are manifest in the person of Bunny McGarry
You will want to wander into Meehan's for a pint in the hopes that you'll catch Bunny in action, or at least offering his opinion on something.
I'm starting the next series right now.
September 24, 2021
Great entertainment
So, to start the I'm not even finished reading The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part 1 but I just need to post how impressed I am with the book. I find the characters very well developed as the book progresses. There are a few terms that are uniquely Irish and a bit challenging for an American reader. But that is part of the charm, challenge and enjoyment for me. Too many books are very shallow and totally predictable, not so here. Okay, Bunny is predictable but he is supposed to be, isn't he? I definitely look forward to reading the remaining parts of this trilogy even if the author has trouble counting just like Douglass Adams did! A very satisfying read.
So, to start the I'm not even finished reading The Dublin Trilogy Deluxe Part 1 but I just need to post how impressed I am with the book. I find the characters very well developed as the book progresses. There are a few terms that are uniquely Irish and a bit challenging for an American reader. But that is part of the charm, challenge and enjoyment for me. Too many books are very shallow and totally predictable, not so here. Okay, Bunny is predictable but he is supposed to be, isn't he? I definitely look forward to reading the remaining parts of this trilogy even if the author has trouble counting just like Douglass Adams did! A very satisfying read.
November 3, 2022
A wonderful read and funny as heck!
To start, I love this book! The writing, the characters, Bunny McGarry, the Porsche and Maggie! … an incredible witty writing style and genuinely creative and intriguing story lines! I love that this author is so prolific! I’m thrilled to have two more of the trilogies yet to read! I’ve insisted my husband read these too… so much in fact, he finally downloaded the Kindle app after being a longtime and staunch reader in Apple books! To sum up… I love good writing with creative and well thought stories.. and the fact that I laugh out loud while reading makes The Dublin Trilogies a 5+ star read!
To start, I love this book! The writing, the characters, Bunny McGarry, the Porsche and Maggie! … an incredible witty writing style and genuinely creative and intriguing story lines! I love that this author is so prolific! I’m thrilled to have two more of the trilogies yet to read! I’ve insisted my husband read these too… so much in fact, he finally downloaded the Kindle app after being a longtime and staunch reader in Apple books! To sum up… I love good writing with creative and well thought stories.. and the fact that I laugh out loud while reading makes The Dublin Trilogies a 5+ star read!
July 23, 2022
Oh my, oh my. This is fun and HILARIOUS!
Not knowing what to expect, especially after reading the Foreword, imagine getting to read a slew of books/short stories/part of a trilogy and finding out the material is clever, fun to read and downright hilarious? This set is all of the above. Out of the blue a character will say or do something so outrageous it causes outbursts of laughter. Seriously. Love the settings, the descriptions, learning a bit about life in Ireland. I cannot wait to read the next batch of books/short stories/more of the "trilogy". Excellent job, author!
Not knowing what to expect, especially after reading the Foreword, imagine getting to read a slew of books/short stories/part of a trilogy and finding out the material is clever, fun to read and downright hilarious? This set is all of the above. Out of the blue a character will say or do something so outrageous it causes outbursts of laughter. Seriously. Love the settings, the descriptions, learning a bit about life in Ireland. I cannot wait to read the next batch of books/short stories/more of the "trilogy". Excellent job, author!
February 2, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect with this 'trilogy' (it's actually more than 3 books). I ended up liking the stories so much that I read them all without alternating with other books in between as I usually do. The stories swing from gruesome at times to laugh out loud funny, Odd, but the author makes it work and it works well. The characters are flawed but likeable and are well written, the stories are entertaining and the Irish setting and vernacular are interesting. I'm hoping there are more books in this series and plan on looking them up.
December 31, 2021
I can't remember how these books got on my reading list but I'm so very glad they did. It's been a while since I read something that was as entertaining as this collection of novels, novellas and short story. I love a good mystery and I love a good laugh and these books combine both in a way that is rare and delightful. Definitely going to be reading every Bunny McGarry story I can get my hands on from here out. Keep them coming Mr. McDonnell!
July 22, 2022
Enjoyable!
While this "trilogy" isn't a true trilogy, it is wonderfully entertaining. The writing contains humorous little bits throughout. Bunny and Phil were quirky characters who added another layer of laughs ax well.
The stories started with Paul as the hero, and then increasingly it became Bunny.
I was surprised this set did not lose my interest. Here I am, past midnight when I'm to be up at 5am, on my Kindle because I could not put the book(s) down.
While this "trilogy" isn't a true trilogy, it is wonderfully entertaining. The writing contains humorous little bits throughout. Bunny and Phil were quirky characters who added another layer of laughs ax well.
The stories started with Paul as the hero, and then increasingly it became Bunny.
I was surprised this set did not lose my interest. Here I am, past midnight when I'm to be up at 5am, on my Kindle because I could not put the book(s) down.
November 29, 2022
Oh what a storyteller!
Rollicking good tale with wonderful characters who are truly characters!! Full of humor and the witty bite of Irish storytelling. I’m so glad McDonnell cannot count to three and his trilogy goes on to a book four and then a part two. There’s mystery and muddling and cracking good humor and real humanity. I almost wish the characters were real and I could follow them about. Read this if you want to laugh and like a good puzzle.
Rollicking good tale with wonderful characters who are truly characters!! Full of humor and the witty bite of Irish storytelling. I’m so glad McDonnell cannot count to three and his trilogy goes on to a book four and then a part two. There’s mystery and muddling and cracking good humor and real humanity. I almost wish the characters were real and I could follow them about. Read this if you want to laugh and like a good puzzle.
August 24, 2021
I’m hooked on a series more addictive than GOT. And probably just as long , with any luck.Likable protagonists, heinous villains and the best dog since Lassie. I look forward to reading the next two or six volumes.
Barring those persons who cannot tolerate violence or profanity, this book will be relished by anyone who appreciates mystery, humor, Ireland and figs.
Barring those persons who cannot tolerate violence or profanity, this book will be relished by anyone who appreciates mystery, humor, Ireland and figs.
October 1, 2021
I like Mr. McDonnell's voice -- his characters are fresh and interesting. Paul, Brigit and especially Detective Bunny McGarry are a hoot. A crime book has never been so funny.
Though I will say l preferred A Man With One Of Those Faces to the second book, The Day That Never Comes.
This is exactly the writing we need more of. I cannot wait to read part 2 of the trilogy.
Though I will say l preferred A Man With One Of Those Faces to the second book, The Day That Never Comes.
This is exactly the writing we need more of. I cannot wait to read part 2 of the trilogy.
Read
March 1, 2022Analogies Gone Wild
Well, I'm quite impressed with this author , extremely creative, great flowing dialogue that moves like an express IRT train between 86th st. And 59 th .st ( if they still fly like they did 50 years ago ! ) Anyway, great characters, good story for the most part , and the humor , can't ask for anymore. Totally enjoyed the book .
Well, I'm quite impressed with this author , extremely creative, great flowing dialogue that moves like an express IRT train between 86th st. And 59 th .st ( if they still fly like they did 50 years ago ! ) Anyway, great characters, good story for the most part , and the humor , can't ask for anymore. Totally enjoyed the book .
November 20, 2022
fantastic.
Like all good readers I started at the back end of the series then wandered willingly to where I stand now. The characters are wonderful, the humour is off the charts. I’m away now to continue the glorious journey. Please read, everyone needs a good belly laugh now and then. Guaranteed I promise.
Like all good readers I started at the back end of the series then wandered willingly to where I stand now. The characters are wonderful, the humour is off the charts. I’m away now to continue the glorious journey. Please read, everyone needs a good belly laugh now and then. Guaranteed I promise.
January 12, 2023
Have only read the first book of the trilogy so far, but it was a light and enjoyable Irish detective novel. I laughed out loud a number of times and happily highlighted funny quotes throughout the book. Is it the best book I've ever read? No, but I plowed through it, thoroughly enjoyed it, and look forward to the rest when I need something to make me smile!
March 19, 2023
This was my second time through this collection. The first time, I found it hard to stop. The second time I read it aloud to my wife and she pushed me to read more every day. McDonnel has a way with cynical humor inserted thoughout. Tomorrow, we start Part 2.
If you like action/detective stories and cynical stand-up style humor, you'd love this.
If you like action/detective stories and cynical stand-up style humor, you'd love this.
December 22, 2024
Just FINISHED
If you like your plots intriguing and your characters lovable,laughable and larger than life then these books are a must. Thoroughly compelling and splattered with laugh out loud moments throughout .Best not read whilst out in public ( people will wonder WTFe** you are laughing at😀)
If you like your plots intriguing and your characters lovable,laughable and larger than life then these books are a must. Thoroughly compelling and splattered with laugh out loud moments throughout .Best not read whilst out in public ( people will wonder WTFe** you are laughing at😀)
April 13, 2021
Fun and Violence
From laugh out loud humour to extreme violence in the space of a few paragraphs. Brilliantly drawn characters and stories told in the manner only an Irish comedian of a certain age can pull off.
From laugh out loud humour to extreme violence in the space of a few paragraphs. Brilliantly drawn characters and stories told in the manner only an Irish comedian of a certain age can pull off.
September 2, 2021
More of this!
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries with a truly humorous delivery, I literally laughed out loud many times throughout but, at the same time, felt the suspense. I was sorry for it to end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries with a truly humorous delivery, I literally laughed out loud many times throughout but, at the same time, felt the suspense. I was sorry for it to end.
September 19, 2021
Wonderful Series
I will anything I can get my hands by Caimh McDonnell. These books and short fill-in pieces are delightful, plenty of action, unforgettable characters, to top it off, laugh out loud funny at times. Who could ask for more?
I will anything I can get my hands by Caimh McDonnell. These books and short fill-in pieces are delightful, plenty of action, unforgettable characters, to top it off, laugh out loud funny at times. Who could ask for more?
September 27, 2021
Amazingly joyful
Characters to fall in love with.... Deep sensitive and hysterically funny! A p!ot to keep you thinking and I want to take Maggie home! Second time I've read the books and everything Ciamh has written.... Please write more!
Characters to fall in love with.... Deep sensitive and hysterically funny! A p!ot to keep you thinking and I want to take Maggie home! Second time I've read the books and everything Ciamh has written.... Please write more!
October 31, 2021
Decided to take a break from space science fiction and try Caimh McDonnell. The mix of sarcastic characters, mystery, parody, and believable comedic stream-of-consciousness; makes for a binge-read escape to mystery-lovers paradise.
November 3, 2021
You won’t be disappointed
This book is hilarious! One review called it a “comedic thriller,” which is the perfect description. The main character, Detective Bunny McGarry, will have you laughing out loud. Just get it.
This book is hilarious! One review called it a “comedic thriller,” which is the perfect description. The main character, Detective Bunny McGarry, will have you laughing out loud. Just get it.
November 6, 2021
I read 867 pages??
Yup. And I enjoyed every minute of it. The characters were great - even Bunny. And the roller coaster of emotions, false starts, and keeping you guessing til the end are well worth every page.
Yup. And I enjoyed every minute of it. The characters were great - even Bunny. And the roller coaster of emotions, false starts, and keeping you guessing til the end are well worth every page.
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