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MCM Investigations #3
The Big Steal
Heads You Lose …
Phil Nellis is missing, which is bad – but nowhere near as bad as the reason he had to disappear. His dearly departed uncle double-crossed some truly heinous individuals who have some very specific ideas about how to exact their revenge. Fifty-two hours is an unreasonably short amount of time to be given to steal Ireland’s greatest national treasure, but then again, having a bomb strapped around your neck is an unreasonable form of motivation.
Phil and Paul have no choice but to attempt to carry out the crime of the century against the clock, and Brigit must try to keep her head when all about are in danger of losing theirs.
The Big Steal is book 3 in the MCM Investigations series, a spin-off from the award-nominated, TV-show-pending and infuriatingly inaccurately titled Dublin Trilogy.
Phil Nellis is missing, which is bad – but nowhere near as bad as the reason he had to disappear. His dearly departed uncle double-crossed some truly heinous individuals who have some very specific ideas about how to exact their revenge. Fifty-two hours is an unreasonably short amount of time to be given to steal Ireland’s greatest national treasure, but then again, having a bomb strapped around your neck is an unreasonable form of motivation.
Phil and Paul have no choice but to attempt to carry out the crime of the century against the clock, and Brigit must try to keep her head when all about are in danger of losing theirs.
The Big Steal is book 3 in the MCM Investigations series, a spin-off from the award-nominated, TV-show-pending and infuriatingly inaccurately titled Dublin Trilogy.
346 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2026
373 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Caimh McDonnell
43 books1,788 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 57 reviews
April 4, 2026
This book left me with one question!
How did Maggie make the merry go round spin for baby Lynn?
Did she lie on her side spinning it with her paws, or front paws on the merry go round back paws pushing?
How did Maggie make the merry go round spin for baby Lynn?
Did she lie on her side spinning it with her paws, or front paws on the merry go round back paws pushing?
April 30, 2026
Loved it, finished it in less than 24 hours, cannot recommend Caimh McDonell enough. I laughed, I cried just amazing
April 18, 2026
This was absolutely perfect.
March 17, 2026
The Big Steal by Caimh McDonnell.
At this point we've not so much jumped the shark as strapped ourselves to two sharks & are using them as waterskies to jump a nuclear explosion.
Caimh wanted to write a heist book & did so using the characters available. As such it's hilarious, bonkers, & has enough of a sliver of plausibility to be truly concerning.
Background characters with extended backstories are again given their chance to shine & the little flash fictions that often bookend chapters in Caimh's work are an absolute delight in their own right.
Can Paul & Phil steal The Book of Kells? Are they even speaking to each other? Will Paul & Brigit EVER have five minutes to actually get married? Has anyone fed the dog?
Another superb book from one of my favourite authors.
Highly recommended. Best consumed with a breakfast burrito.
At this point we've not so much jumped the shark as strapped ourselves to two sharks & are using them as waterskies to jump a nuclear explosion.
Caimh wanted to write a heist book & did so using the characters available. As such it's hilarious, bonkers, & has enough of a sliver of plausibility to be truly concerning.
Background characters with extended backstories are again given their chance to shine & the little flash fictions that often bookend chapters in Caimh's work are an absolute delight in their own right.
Can Paul & Phil steal The Book of Kells? Are they even speaking to each other? Will Paul & Brigit EVER have five minutes to actually get married? Has anyone fed the dog?
Another superb book from one of my favourite authors.
Highly recommended. Best consumed with a breakfast burrito.
April 19, 2026
This book is hilarious, off its rocker, and somehow just grounded enough in reality to make you pause and think, “hang on… could this actually happen?” It’s that perfect blend of absurdity and plausibility that Caimh McDonnell does so well; pushing things right to the edge without ever losing the thread.
One of the standout strengths, as always, is the characters. The background cast aren’t just filler, they’re given space to breathe, shine, and often steal the scene entirely. Everyone feels distinct, memorable, and genuinely fun to spend time with, which makes the chaos all the more enjoyable. You can tell a lot of care has gone into making even the smaller roles feel meaningful, and it really elevates the whole story.
The humour lands consistently, mixing sharp wit with outright ridiculous situations, and it never feels forced. Whether it’s the dialogue, the escalating antics, or the sheer audacity of the plot, there’s always something to keep you entertained.
And speaking of the plot, it’s wildly creative. It barrels along at a relentless pace, piling complication on top of complication in a way that somehow never feels overwhelming. Instead, it just adds to the fun, making this another chaotic, laugh-out-loud romp that’s hard to put down.
One of the standout strengths, as always, is the characters. The background cast aren’t just filler, they’re given space to breathe, shine, and often steal the scene entirely. Everyone feels distinct, memorable, and genuinely fun to spend time with, which makes the chaos all the more enjoyable. You can tell a lot of care has gone into making even the smaller roles feel meaningful, and it really elevates the whole story.
The humour lands consistently, mixing sharp wit with outright ridiculous situations, and it never feels forced. Whether it’s the dialogue, the escalating antics, or the sheer audacity of the plot, there’s always something to keep you entertained.
And speaking of the plot, it’s wildly creative. It barrels along at a relentless pace, piling complication on top of complication in a way that somehow never feels overwhelming. Instead, it just adds to the fun, making this another chaotic, laugh-out-loud romp that’s hard to put down.
April 29, 2026
📚 Title: The Big Steal
✍️ Author: Caimh McDonnell @caimhmcd
📖 Publisher: McFori Ink
🗂️ Genre: Crime, Thriller, Comedy
❤️ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As the more observant among you will have noticed, Mr. Caimh McDonnell is one of my favourites and I couldn’t wait to get stuck into his latest instalment, and boy did it deliver! The pace, humour and lovable returning characters keep me hooked and desperate for more!
This latest episode of the MCM Investigates off shoot of the Dublin Trilogy universe is a real gem. Paul and Phil are at the heart of the action, with the supporting cast of Bigit, Jimmy and Deccie (YAY!) backing them up with the usual flair and style. Without giving any spoilers, our two former friends are thrust together in a race against time to save their own lives and to pull of what would, if it were possible, be the heist of the century. And perhaps they might even need a little bit of help from beyond the grave. Although not in a Stranger Times way (IYKYK) 😉
As you can probably tell, I loved this book and I would implore anyone and everyone to read it. Although you should probably read the many others that came before it if you want to really know what is going on!
✍️ Author: Caimh McDonnell @caimhmcd
📖 Publisher: McFori Ink
🗂️ Genre: Crime, Thriller, Comedy
❤️ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As the more observant among you will have noticed, Mr. Caimh McDonnell is one of my favourites and I couldn’t wait to get stuck into his latest instalment, and boy did it deliver! The pace, humour and lovable returning characters keep me hooked and desperate for more!
This latest episode of the MCM Investigates off shoot of the Dublin Trilogy universe is a real gem. Paul and Phil are at the heart of the action, with the supporting cast of Bigit, Jimmy and Deccie (YAY!) backing them up with the usual flair and style. Without giving any spoilers, our two former friends are thrust together in a race against time to save their own lives and to pull of what would, if it were possible, be the heist of the century. And perhaps they might even need a little bit of help from beyond the grave. Although not in a Stranger Times way (IYKYK) 😉
As you can probably tell, I loved this book and I would implore anyone and everyone to read it. Although you should probably read the many others that came before it if you want to really know what is going on!
April 21, 2026
This may be more about me. But still...
Don't get me wrong here. I love these books. Have read all of them. And not just this series. Basjcally..., ALL IF THEM. Many twice. Some thrice. And by association for most of the same reasons - the author & his whole fam damnly. Makes me smile
They all seem so much like us. Dogs, voonder vife, & me who also often goes into WAY to much detail (tho limited to turning a simple text message into a tome of sorts, that because of it's total lack if brevity - nobody reads.)
And that's my beef with this story. I'll read it again, and likely again again. Because now that I know the ending (beautifully done, by the way), I'm curious as to what I may have missed. The culprits here being; 1. pages & pages of back-story - that frankly leave me anxious to get back to the REAL story sooner than later. Which leaves me soeed-glossing through all those pages, to get back in the game. And; 2. my own patience & focus problems.
Thing is - I don't remember having this issue with Caimh's prior books. So - I dunno - maybe take all this with a grain of salt.
O.K. Enough of that. Need to go see whatinahell Bunny's up to.
Don't get me wrong here. I love these books. Have read all of them. And not just this series. Basjcally..., ALL IF THEM. Many twice. Some thrice. And by association for most of the same reasons - the author & his whole fam damnly. Makes me smile
They all seem so much like us. Dogs, voonder vife, & me who also often goes into WAY to much detail (tho limited to turning a simple text message into a tome of sorts, that because of it's total lack if brevity - nobody reads.)
And that's my beef with this story. I'll read it again, and likely again again. Because now that I know the ending (beautifully done, by the way), I'm curious as to what I may have missed. The culprits here being; 1. pages & pages of back-story - that frankly leave me anxious to get back to the REAL story sooner than later. Which leaves me soeed-glossing through all those pages, to get back in the game. And; 2. my own patience & focus problems.
Thing is - I don't remember having this issue with Caimh's prior books. So - I dunno - maybe take all this with a grain of salt.
O.K. Enough of that. Need to go see whatinahell Bunny's up to.
April 25, 2026
Another hilarious romp through Dublin and beyond. The focus is very much on Paul and Phil, who has accidentally dragged the both of them into a life-or-death situation where they are forced to pull off a seemingly impossible heist for a very dangerous criminal within a very short time window.
And since the focus is so much on the two childhood friends, the other characters like Brigit and Jimmy fall a bit short. Then again, Phil Nellis has quickly become one of my favourite characters in the greater Dublin Trilogy universe, so him being promoted to main character for this novel kinda makes up for that. Between the three MCM Investigations novels, the first one is still my favourite though.
Speaking of favourite characters, hope there will be another novel featuring Bunny McGarry in the near future, whether it's a prequel or a continuation of the McGarry Stateside series almost doesn't matter (although I'd slightly prefer the latter).
And since the focus is so much on the two childhood friends, the other characters like Brigit and Jimmy fall a bit short. Then again, Phil Nellis has quickly become one of my favourite characters in the greater Dublin Trilogy universe, so him being promoted to main character for this novel kinda makes up for that. Between the three MCM Investigations novels, the first one is still my favourite though.
Speaking of favourite characters, hope there will be another novel featuring Bunny McGarry in the near future, whether it's a prequel or a continuation of the McGarry Stateside series almost doesn't matter (although I'd slightly prefer the latter).
May 6, 2026
... One of the rare writers that I can't help but give 5 stars halfway through the book. They're just that good. Whenever I've come across some hyped up disappointing new Goodreads recommendations that I ultimately can't bring myself to finish, I reread a Bunny/Deccie/MCM book and my reading happiness levels are balanced out again.
I made my family listen to the second chapter during our evening drawing time (Barney/the postman) and now my seven year old wants to listen to more of it. How do I get out of this?! We listened to Escape to Victory the other day, which had him quote Bunny and Deccie to his mates at school. Imagine a couple of German primary school kids suddenly going "for feck's sake" in the voice of Morgan C. Jones. Might be one of my favourites things now.
I made my family listen to the second chapter during our evening drawing time (Barney/the postman) and now my seven year old wants to listen to more of it. How do I get out of this?! We listened to Escape to Victory the other day, which had him quote Bunny and Deccie to his mates at school. Imagine a couple of German primary school kids suddenly going "for feck's sake" in the voice of Morgan C. Jones. Might be one of my favourites things now.
March 20, 2026
Another hilarious romp, this one featuring Phil and Paul. They were on the outs when Phil disappears. Paul and Bridgett come to the rescue and Paul disappears. Phil's uncle had double crossed a very rich, very evil man and Phil is tasked with making things right. Phil and Paul end up with neck collar bombs and 52 hours to finish what Uncle Paddy started.
This was a hoot as all of these novels have been. Laugh out loud antics and a very creative plot. I enjoyed this as much as the first two, maybe more.
This was a hoot as all of these novels have been. Laugh out loud antics and a very creative plot. I enjoyed this as much as the first two, maybe more.
March 28, 2026
Another wonderful book by Caimh, so glad I found him by accident years ago with The Dublin Trilogy, I highly recommend by the way. This book puts the focus on the MCM crew, which is a very entertaining bunch. This involves a heist, done under duress, and the reuniting of old friends to achieve the deed. I won’t go into details but just tell you that you should read it, you won’t be disappointed. In fact you should read all of Mr McDonnell’s books, I guarantee you will be hooked. Thanks Caimh and keep them all coming, especially the books involving Bunny McGarry, my favorite.
March 29, 2026
Besst MCM thriller yet
In the Bunnyverse we have the MCM books which, in general, don't include Bunny. But we do have Phil Nellis, Brigit, Paul and Maggie and they are magnificent. So it doesn't seem to matter that Bunny is the elephant not in the room. This is the third in the MCM trilogy and it is superb. One of the best heist books I've ever read and yet with some of the funniest dialogue I've ever read. You should read it and have the time of your life lost in a great book.
In the Bunnyverse we have the MCM books which, in general, don't include Bunny. But we do have Phil Nellis, Brigit, Paul and Maggie and they are magnificent. So it doesn't seem to matter that Bunny is the elephant not in the room. This is the third in the MCM trilogy and it is superb. One of the best heist books I've ever read and yet with some of the funniest dialogue I've ever read. You should read it and have the time of your life lost in a great book.
April 10, 2026
A crime thriller for people who don't do crime stories.
I'm not a crime story fan, but Caimh McDonnell writes funny, easy-to-read crime thrillers, so I've enjoyed the MCM Investigations series, which is itself a spin-off of the Bunny McGarry series.
The series ought to be read in order (and preferably after the McGarry series too) and this one, number three, is a solid rather than exceptional addition to the series. A comforting familiar joy to read when I needed to stop reading the news.
I'm not a crime story fan, but Caimh McDonnell writes funny, easy-to-read crime thrillers, so I've enjoyed the MCM Investigations series, which is itself a spin-off of the Bunny McGarry series.
The series ought to be read in order (and preferably after the McGarry series too) and this one, number three, is a solid rather than exceptional addition to the series. A comforting familiar joy to read when I needed to stop reading the news.
May 1, 2026
I enjoyed this book a lot. It is totally bonkers and far-fetched but has relatable characters and kept me engaged. If anything, I felt it went on for a long time - I was waiting for the resolution but it was worth it when it came. A return to form for me for this author, I did feel some of the Bunny books were trying to squeeze too much out of the idea and, despite enjoying many of the earlier books from this author, I went off it for a while. Anyway, I gave this one a go and was glad I did - well worth reading.
March 18, 2026
In May of 2022 while teasing a Beyoncé style midnight drop, Caimh McDonnell suggested "The Bible Rewritten by Phil Nellis" as one of the options of what might be coming.
While it isn't the Gospel of Phil, that we got the Gospels Stolen by Phil (and Paul) less than 4 years later is a testament to the pure work ethic of Caimh and the total delight of these books.
So much fun.
Caimh's New Tina Count: No Tinas (or Ford Cortinas), but still brilliant.
While it isn't the Gospel of Phil, that we got the Gospels Stolen by Phil (and Paul) less than 4 years later is a testament to the pure work ethic of Caimh and the total delight of these books.
So much fun.
Caimh's New Tina Count: No Tinas (or Ford Cortinas), but still brilliant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2026
Amazing
I laughed/smirked/smiled on every page. Not sure how Caimh McDonnell is able to do this to his readers. The dialogue and asides and little backstories are amazing. Hilarious does not begin to adequately describe what I have just read. Looking forward to the next MCM investigations and/or Bunny and/or Deccie. It doesn’t matter which as they have all been ridiculously entertaining and takes one’s mind off the real world.
I laughed/smirked/smiled on every page. Not sure how Caimh McDonnell is able to do this to his readers. The dialogue and asides and little backstories are amazing. Hilarious does not begin to adequately describe what I have just read. Looking forward to the next MCM investigations and/or Bunny and/or Deccie. It doesn’t matter which as they have all been ridiculously entertaining and takes one’s mind off the real world.
March 25, 2026
The very lovely duo that are Team McFori deliver again, with no sign of letting up.
Loved this. Read in a day whilst poorly on the sofa on Sunday.
Only criticism, my pal Caimh committed a grave Blasphemy. And I don't mean the whole chapter having the monks from the time of the Book of Kells speaking like modern wankers; I mean the line "Tiramisu is a shite dessert"!
How dare you mate! 😂
Keep 'er lit [erary]🇮🇪
BPC.
Loved this. Read in a day whilst poorly on the sofa on Sunday.
Only criticism, my pal Caimh committed a grave Blasphemy. And I don't mean the whole chapter having the monks from the time of the Book of Kells speaking like modern wankers; I mean the line "Tiramisu is a shite dessert"!
How dare you mate! 😂
Keep 'er lit [erary]🇮🇪
BPC.
March 30, 2026
Very. Well. Done.
In short, Paul is brilliant but an absolute clod, Phil, while resourceful, can be a bit dense, Brigit has serious trust issues, Da Xin is far more patient than necessary, Paddy Nellis was a genius of sorts, Lynn Nellis is a babe of the 100th magnitude, Deccie remains a piece of work, never trust men in white suits and Maggie is a great dog. And the next time you go to Trinity College, check out that book. Maybe it is a forgery.
In short, Paul is brilliant but an absolute clod, Phil, while resourceful, can be a bit dense, Brigit has serious trust issues, Da Xin is far more patient than necessary, Paddy Nellis was a genius of sorts, Lynn Nellis is a babe of the 100th magnitude, Deccie remains a piece of work, never trust men in white suits and Maggie is a great dog. And the next time you go to Trinity College, check out that book. Maybe it is a forgery.
March 25, 2026
He just gets better every time
I’ve read all the books Caimh has written in this guise and his CK McDonnell mode. I’ve written before that his writing is improved with every book and they have evolved from funny stories to hilarious tales with really developed characters. I recommend them to anyone.
I’ve read all the books Caimh has written in this guise and his CK McDonnell mode. I’ve written before that his writing is improved with every book and they have evolved from funny stories to hilarious tales with really developed characters. I recommend them to anyone.
March 27, 2026
great ride!
McDonnell has hit another out of the ballpark! This is one of those books that will get you through the hard times we’re in right now. This author always makes me laugh while providing a great story. And Maggie is one of the best dogs ever, even if she does fart quite a bit.
McDonnell has hit another out of the ballpark! This is one of those books that will get you through the hard times we’re in right now. This author always makes me laugh while providing a great story. And Maggie is one of the best dogs ever, even if she does fart quite a bit.
March 28, 2026
Hilarious & Ingenious
What a fantastic book, I love the friendship between Paul & Phil. Even when they're annoyed with each other, they show up for each other.
The book its self is hilarious and the plot is brilliant. Loved every minute of it and cant wait to listen the audio book when its released.
What a fantastic book, I love the friendship between Paul & Phil. Even when they're annoyed with each other, they show up for each other.
The book its self is hilarious and the plot is brilliant. Loved every minute of it and cant wait to listen the audio book when its released.
March 30, 2026
3.5 - This is the third book in this series & you need to read them in order to understand the characters dynamic! This is also a spin off series of the Bunny McGarry collection, so to truly understand what’s happening you should start by reading A Man With One of Those Faces! Caimh McDonnell is hysterical! Every sentence is packed with wry humor!
April 20, 2026
one of his best
God I enjoy these McDonnell books. The guy is a treasure. By far the most witty writer out there. I took this book on a long plane ride, headphones on, and embarrassed myself donkey honking with laughter half a dozen times. While flying over Colorado, I could not get my s*t together and had to get into the bathroom to stop laughing. So much fun!
God I enjoy these McDonnell books. The guy is a treasure. By far the most witty writer out there. I took this book on a long plane ride, headphones on, and embarrassed myself donkey honking with laughter half a dozen times. While flying over Colorado, I could not get my s*t together and had to get into the bathroom to stop laughing. So much fun!
April 24, 2026
Brilliant, anarchic, clever
Spoilers ahead. Paul and Phil find themselves with an impossible task to achieve in less than 48hours. To keep them motivated they have been forced to wear electronic collars around their necks which will explode if they fail in their mission or try and contact the police. It’s a very tense tale.
Spoilers ahead. Paul and Phil find themselves with an impossible task to achieve in less than 48hours. To keep them motivated they have been forced to wear electronic collars around their necks which will explode if they fail in their mission or try and contact the police. It’s a very tense tale.
April 26, 2026
What's a Bunny McGarry book without Bunny McGarry? Turns out it's steal (get it?) a great adventure, full of all the hijinks you'd expect of Paul, Phil, Jimmy, Bridget and the rest of the MCM gang. You'll laugh, you'll cry ... well, you'll laugh. Buy, borrow or just steal (there, I did it again) this book. You're welcome.
March 22, 2026
frantic and complicated!
Everyone’s personality is on full display and a genius plot that takes you on a swirling journey! The improbable is probable in the MCM investigations world!
Everyone’s personality is on full display and a genius plot that takes you on a swirling journey! The improbable is probable in the MCM investigations world!
March 24, 2026
Another wild ride with Paul and the team. Kinda guessed the end but it didn't detract from and great read. A mad plot started by Paddy Nellis which get Phil into real trouble....yeah, just read it, it bloody brilliant!
March 24, 2026
Classic Ciamh chaos; the zany storytelling we all love is in full force. I had the final twist figured out early, but the journey there was an absolute blast. Perfect pick if you’re in need of a good laugh.
March 27, 2026
As always
As always, the dishes don't get done, the laundry piles up and my husband gives me serious side-eye whilst I serve another fecking sandwich for dinner. Love your books!
As always, the dishes don't get done, the laundry piles up and my husband gives me serious side-eye whilst I serve another fecking sandwich for dinner. Love your books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews