As you may know I am a big fan of a crime book (if you are reading this and are not aware of that fact then clearly you have clicked on the wrong link and really should press the back button now) I am also a big fan of crime books that make me laugh. Crime thrillers can be a dark world at times, but some of the best authors – such as the fabulous Mark Billingham – do their best work with a bit of humour thrown in. There are of course other authors who don’t just throw a bit but throw a lot of humour into their novels, and if this is the kind of thing you like then look no further than A Man With One of Those Faces by Caimh Mcdonell.
If of course you have already read that one as previously recommended by acrimereadersblog then this is your lucky day, there is finally a second instalment available. Therefore when I had the chance to get a free copy of Caimh’s latest book I jumped at it, well clicked anyway this being the digital age and all, and I was certainly not disappointed.
The Day That Never Comes is the second novel to feature the slightly off the wall Irish trio of Paul Mulchrone, Nurse Brigit and now retired detective Bunny McGarry. The three had set up their own private detective agency. However Bunny has disappeared, Brigit is refusing to speak to Paul due to a rather inappropriate text and Paul is currently homeless with only an angry German shepherd for company. Meanwhile Dublin is suffering a heatwave, whilst the trial of three slightly unscrupulous businessmen has just collapsed. This has clearly upset someone as suddenly they are being murdered and unfortunately it looks like the missing Bunny might be the prime suspect.
The Day That Never Comes is a thoroughly entertaining story that flits between present day and 15 years previously. Although Paul still comes across as the lead character, this time we focus a lot more on Bunny and his past which gives a different element to the dynamic. There are quite a lot of characters in this book, but the writing style is such that they are easily kept straight.
The plot itself is interesting, and you wonder at times how everything is going to tie together. Yet somehow it all does and I like the fact that everything is neatly tied up at the end. Despite this being the second in a trilogy it could be read as a stand alone.
I wouldn’t suggest this as a bed time read. Not only is it hard to put down, it has some real laugh out loud moments that are not necessarily conducive to a good night’s sleep. However for anyone who is a crime fan and likes to include a real comic element in their thrillers then this is definitely worth picking up.
About The Author
Caimh McDonnell is an award-winning stand-up comedian, author and writer of televisual treats. Born in Limerick and raised in Dublin, he has taken the hop across the water and now calls Manchester his home.
His writing credits include The Sarah Millican Television Programme, A League of Their Own, Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You. He also works as a children’s TV writer and was BAFTA nominated for the animated series ‘Pet Squad’ which he created. He was also a winner in the BBC’s Northern Laffs sitcom writing competition.
During his time on the British stand-up circuit, Caimh has firmly established himself as the white-haired Irishman whose name nobody can pronounce. He has brought the funny worldwide, doing stand-up tours of the Far East, the Middle East and Near East (Norwich).
Follow Caimh’s witterings on @Caimh
Facebook: @CaimhMcD
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