Tag Archives: caimh mcdonnell

Angels in the Moonlight by Caimh McDonnell – a review BLOG TOUR

I am delighted to today be taking part in the blog tour for the latest novel by Caimh McDonnell . This one is a prequel to the fantastic Dublin trilogy series.

Angels in Moonlight introduces us to Bunny McGarry. As we know from the previous novels Bunny has some rather unorthodox policing methods, and although he may be younger in this story he certainly hasn’t changed.  Whilst his methods might not strictly toe the policing line they do get results, and it is those results his bosses want to see when he is tasked with bringing down one of Dublin’s most notorious gangs. What is different in this prequel is that we get to see another side of Bunny, he has a softer side that isn’t always evident in his previous cases. We find out how he met Simone who he has mentioned in the other novels.  Although obviously the course of true love never runs smoothly, and this is no exception in Bunny’s case. On top of work and love life Bunny is worried about his straight laced partner Gringo. Gringo’s marriage is on the rocks but it is clear he is hiding something more worrying.

I am a big fan of humour in my crime fiction and this most definitely has that in spades. Caimh McDonnell manages to mix a police procedural with funny escapades incredibly skilfully. This novel felt like a bit of slower read than the previous ones, but that is rather deliberate I imagine as it gives you more of an insight into the detectives head. The writing is funny, but there is an element of sadness within this novel which for me really made this stand out.

The characters are all well written, and although there are a lot of them they are easy to keep track off. Obviously I don’t want to give away any spoilers but you should definitely look out for the nuns! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend any of this series. I‘m very much looking forward to the final in the trilogy.

Angels in the Moonlight is out now

 

 

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The Day That Never Comes by Caimh Mcdonnell – a review BLOG TOUR

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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A Man With One Of Those Faces by Caimh McDonnell – a review

I was recently sent a free copy of ‘A Man With One of Those Faces’ from the publisher. There is nothing better than a free book, unless of course it is a free book that turns out to be excellent. A Man With One of Those Faces certainly fits the bill.

The debut novel by Caimh McDonnell is set in Dublin and introduces us to Paul Muchrone. Paul is a loner who lives off a monthly income left by a great Aunt to help tide him over until he gets a job. However he decides to ‘get one over’ on the dead Aunt by refusing to find work. Instead he lives out of bargain bins doing his stipulated six hours of charity work visiting old people in hospital pretending to be which ever relative they mistake him for. During one of these visits, one of the old men try to kill him, because he apparently looks like his son. This then starts Paul off in a race to save his own life, ably helped by Nurse Brigit who was the one who got him in the trouble in the first place technically. There is also wayward Policeman Bunny who is known for his unorthodox methods, a heavily pregnant solicitor and a multitude of bad guys.

Caimh McDonnell was originally a stand up comedian, and the comedy is definitely not something he has left behind. A Man With One of Those Faces combines an interesting crime story, with some truly hilarious writing. The phrase madcap is used alot in reviews but it certainly seems fitting when describing this book.

The characters are all a bit frustrating, and there is a lot of wishing you could shout stop at them but that just adds to the humour of the situation. Paul was not particularly likeable, he has that hard done by attitude that can be really off putting. Yet once he links up with Nurse Brigit you start to see a different side to him and have some sympathy.

The story in this was good, and had some real thriller elements to it. Yet the real bonus is the humour. It reminded me a little of Christopher Brookmyer and the way he manages to weave humour alongside a good storyline. I would thoroughly recommend this novel and am pleased that there will be some more outings for Paul, Nurse Brigit and Bunny.

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