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Die letzten vier Tage des Paddy Buckley
Paddy Buckley ist mit Leib und Seele Bestatter. Als eine attraktive Witwe seine Zuwendung braucht, gibt er sie ihr – doch sie stirbt auf dem Höhepunkt seines körperlichen Trostes. Geschockt von diesem Erlebnis, überfährt er auf dem Heimweg einen Fußgänger. Der Tote ist der Bruder des gefährlichsten Gangsters von ganz Irland, Vincent Cullen. Jetzt hat er eine tote Witwe und einen toten Gangster am Hals, für die er obendrein auch noch die Beerdigung auszurichten hat! Er muss also höllisch aufpassen, sich nicht zu verraten. Denn Cullen hat geschworen, den Tod seines Bruders zu rächen. Eine rasante Verfolgungsjagd durch Dublin beginnt. Zum Glück ist Paddy einfallsreich und kann sich auf seine Freunde verlassen … Ein höchst amüsantes Betrugsmanöver und ein ausgebufftes Verwechslungsspiel um einen Leichnam vollenden diesen köstlichen, makabren und warmherzigen Roman.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2015
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1903 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
May 26, 2015
The description of this book just reeled me in - a funeral home employee runs over and kills a mobster. Then there were the words a black comedy of ill manners. That was really all I needed to hear. This was my kind of book! So, I did something I almost never do. I pre-ordered a hardback copy.
And I was disappointed.
It's not that the book is bad, it's just, well . . . nothing special. Since joining Goodreads, I've read some really fantastic books that were self-published. Now, when I read a book by an author who has "made it" and found a publisher, I hold that book to a higher standard. And why shouldn't I? If one writer's work has been picked over the manuscripts submitted by thousands of other unknown authors, then I expect to be WOWED by that book. That was just not the case here.
Massey's story is not nearly as quirky as I'd expected from the description. It's not really funny, and it's not thrilling enough to be a crime novel. The writing itself is fine, but nothing extraordinary. Normally, I like to pull out a particularly funny or well written paragraph to include in a review, but nothing really stood out as being exemplary.
I think the main problem lies with our hero, Paddy. He's a very blah Everyman character with no hobbies or interests. Nothing makes him fun and likable, so why should we care if he lives or dies? He seems to exist only to react with other characters and have bizarre circumstances thrust upon him. (Think Seinfeld with just Jerry, no Elaine, George or Kramer.) Yet, despite his lack of charm or a personality, we're supposed to believe that two women pretty much fling themselves at his feet.
Anyway, Massey's got my 79 cents, or whatever it is you authors make from the sale of a book. I'm sure he's laughing all the way to the bank, or at least the soda machine with his earnings
And I was disappointed.
It's not that the book is bad, it's just, well . . . nothing special. Since joining Goodreads, I've read some really fantastic books that were self-published. Now, when I read a book by an author who has "made it" and found a publisher, I hold that book to a higher standard. And why shouldn't I? If one writer's work has been picked over the manuscripts submitted by thousands of other unknown authors, then I expect to be WOWED by that book. That was just not the case here.
Massey's story is not nearly as quirky as I'd expected from the description. It's not really funny, and it's not thrilling enough to be a crime novel. The writing itself is fine, but nothing extraordinary. Normally, I like to pull out a particularly funny or well written paragraph to include in a review, but nothing really stood out as being exemplary.
I think the main problem lies with our hero, Paddy. He's a very blah Everyman character with no hobbies or interests. Nothing makes him fun and likable, so why should we care if he lives or dies? He seems to exist only to react with other characters and have bizarre circumstances thrust upon him. (Think Seinfeld with just Jerry, no Elaine, George or Kramer.) Yet, despite his lack of charm or a personality, we're supposed to believe that two women pretty much fling themselves at his feet.
Anyway, Massey's got my 79 cents, or whatever it is you authors make from the sale of a book. I'm sure he's laughing all the way to the bank, or at least the soda machine with his earnings
November 9, 2015
The strongest début novel I have read in years. An Irish story crafted by an Irish craft master. The flow and pace of this novel is perfect for those who don't get to read great novels too often. I can smell warm Guinness and cold rain off the pages of this Dublin inspired snapshot. Watch this Irish voice in the future.
August 29, 2015
As you might guess from the title of the book, this story focuses on the last four days of Paddy Buckley's life. It's told from Paddy's perspective and we get to see all of the adventures and drama that happens to him in those four days, and believe me, there is plenty.
Paddy works at a funeral home. On his way home late one night he ends up hitting a man with his car and kills him. Once he realizes that the man he has hit is a very well known mobster's brother he high tails it out of there and doesn't call the police. Well as it turns out the mobster decides to use Paddy's funeral home for the services to lay his brother to rest. The rest of the story unfolds as the mobster tries to find out who murdered his brother and eventually finds out it was Paddy. Now Paddy has to try and find a way to escape without putting others in harm, which is difficult to do when you have a ruthless mobster after you.
I enjoyed this one but it didn't really stick out as fantastic to me. Paddy as a character was actually kind of boring. He was flat and one dimensional. I actually thought the book was going to have more fun elements to it or a kind of humour but nothing like that stuck out to me. It would have been nice to have that as a balance to all of the stressful drama going on in Paddy's life.
One thing that I wished had been looked at more was Paddy's ability to go outside of his body. We are told that it's his father who teaches him this and that's about it. He sort of re-discovers the ability throughout the story and uses it to his advantage many times. I think it would have added a nice depth to the story that it was otherwise lacking.
I'm glad I got the chance to read this book but I'm not sure I would rush to recommend it to anyone in my inner book reading circle.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author through Goodreads First Wins program in exchange for an honest review
Paddy works at a funeral home. On his way home late one night he ends up hitting a man with his car and kills him. Once he realizes that the man he has hit is a very well known mobster's brother he high tails it out of there and doesn't call the police. Well as it turns out the mobster decides to use Paddy's funeral home for the services to lay his brother to rest. The rest of the story unfolds as the mobster tries to find out who murdered his brother and eventually finds out it was Paddy. Now Paddy has to try and find a way to escape without putting others in harm, which is difficult to do when you have a ruthless mobster after you.
I enjoyed this one but it didn't really stick out as fantastic to me. Paddy as a character was actually kind of boring. He was flat and one dimensional. I actually thought the book was going to have more fun elements to it or a kind of humour but nothing like that stuck out to me. It would have been nice to have that as a balance to all of the stressful drama going on in Paddy's life.
One thing that I wished had been looked at more was Paddy's ability to go outside of his body. We are told that it's his father who teaches him this and that's about it. He sort of re-discovers the ability throughout the story and uses it to his advantage many times. I think it would have added a nice depth to the story that it was otherwise lacking.
I'm glad I got the chance to read this book but I'm not sure I would rush to recommend it to anyone in my inner book reading circle.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author through Goodreads First Wins program in exchange for an honest review
May 30, 2015
This is certainly an engaging and entertaining read! Paddy Buckley, the titular main narrator, is a man who has lived a life full of grief. His mother passed when he was four, his father while in his thirties and his wife and unborn child at forty. On top of his personal grief, Paddy works as an undertaker. The book opens to recount the last four days of his life in Dublin. And it's a tumultuous, and darkly comedic last four days. The characters all spring to life off the page and the dialogue feels equally vivid. It's a genuine page-turner, and will make you giggle a bit as well. And it is most certainly a strong debut novel!
I think that Massey's career as a screenwriter translates quite well here - each scene is a detailed and well-set and easy to imagine being a lot of fun to watch on the silver screen as well. It's an enjoyable, albeit dark, read. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more novels from him in the future!
I think that Massey's career as a screenwriter translates quite well here - each scene is a detailed and well-set and easy to imagine being a lot of fun to watch on the silver screen as well. It's an enjoyable, albeit dark, read. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more novels from him in the future!
October 28, 2015
This read like a man's fantasy from a porno mag, or, at least the first few chapters, which was all I could stomach.
September 5, 2015
Unique story, and I really liked it.
November 20, 2015
This book was very well written & I really could picture it in my mind as a movie. The author is a third generation undertaker having helped in his family's business, but now writes screenplays. This is why he knows so much about funeral business & also how to write so reader can imagine it playing out in their mind
Paddy Buckley is an undertaker for Frank Gallagher's funeral business. Paddy's father also worked for Frank until he died, so Paddy is well known & respected & liked in Dublin. He does all aspects--goes on pickups, goes to homes to arrange, embalms, & helps the other guys that also work there, covering the funerals & burials. He's taken on extra hours ever since he became a widower 2 years prior when he was 40 years old. The job keeps him busy & helps him not constantly think about his loss Paddy & most all of Dublin are aware of Vincent Cullen, head of the mafia in Dublin, & his "help"
As the author wrote--"Paddy is having the strangest week of his life". There's many layers in this book & what drew me in immediately was not long after the preface, starting in Monday, something happens to Paddy that really made me laugh!! I hadn't laughed like that in long time There's many emotions in this story --sad, funny, unbelievable, scary, even love to name a few, & all were placed appropriately in the book
Also a running theme of friendship & loyalty
During his last four days, many things do happen to Paddy which never happened before, & are now happening in these last days He unintentionally also gets involved with the mafia!!
It starts with a short preface then tells his tales in somewhat like a journal since it starts on Monday & goes to Thursday
One of my favorite lines in the book was--"poker masquerading as chess". It's close to the end of the book when finally things get way out of control. Then after the four days are finished, the author flashes forward to about 2 months later ( December) wrapping up the book to tell what's then happening with many of the key characters
I'd recommend this book to most anyone who enjoys reading esp fiction. The book's background is of a funeral home & him as an undertaker but the true meanings ( I've gotten friendship & loyalty as 2 ) from this book but there's many other layers to this book that I've not mentioned. A very fine book
I won this book in Goodreads giveaway in return for an honest review, thank you!! Also thank you to Riverhead Books & the author for writing a very good story!
Paddy Buckley is an undertaker for Frank Gallagher's funeral business. Paddy's father also worked for Frank until he died, so Paddy is well known & respected & liked in Dublin. He does all aspects--goes on pickups, goes to homes to arrange, embalms, & helps the other guys that also work there, covering the funerals & burials. He's taken on extra hours ever since he became a widower 2 years prior when he was 40 years old. The job keeps him busy & helps him not constantly think about his loss Paddy & most all of Dublin are aware of Vincent Cullen, head of the mafia in Dublin, & his "help"
As the author wrote--"Paddy is having the strangest week of his life". There's many layers in this book & what drew me in immediately was not long after the preface, starting in Monday, something happens to Paddy that really made me laugh!! I hadn't laughed like that in long time There's many emotions in this story --sad, funny, unbelievable, scary, even love to name a few, & all were placed appropriately in the book
Also a running theme of friendship & loyalty
During his last four days, many things do happen to Paddy which never happened before, & are now happening in these last days He unintentionally also gets involved with the mafia!!
It starts with a short preface then tells his tales in somewhat like a journal since it starts on Monday & goes to Thursday
One of my favorite lines in the book was--"poker masquerading as chess". It's close to the end of the book when finally things get way out of control. Then after the four days are finished, the author flashes forward to about 2 months later ( December) wrapping up the book to tell what's then happening with many of the key characters
I'd recommend this book to most anyone who enjoys reading esp fiction. The book's background is of a funeral home & him as an undertaker but the true meanings ( I've gotten friendship & loyalty as 2 ) from this book but there's many other layers to this book that I've not mentioned. A very fine book
I won this book in Goodreads giveaway in return for an honest review, thank you!! Also thank you to Riverhead Books & the author for writing a very good story!
July 30, 2015
Paddy Buckley is weduwnaar en werkt al jaren voor Gallagher’s. Gallagher’s is een uitvaartonderneming in Dublin die zeer gerenommeerd is en daarom ook hoog staat aangeschreven. Op een dag rijdt hij
‘s nachts naar huis van een amoureuze ontmoeting ven een cliënte wiens man onlangs is overleden. Paddy rijdt een overstekende voetganger aan als Paddy uitstapt om te kijken herkent hij deze man. Het is Donal Cullen een broer van de beruchtste maffiabaas uit Dublin. Gallanger’s wordt benaderd om de uitvaart te gaan regelen en Paddy krijgt de opdracht om dit te gaan doen. Vincent de broer van het slachtoffer is witheet en verzekert Paddy ervan om er alles aan te doen om de dader te vinden en dan heeft diens laatste uur geslagen....
Nadat ik de achterflap had gelezen die me wel aantrok wist ik eigenlijk niet wat ik van het geheel moest verwachten van dit debuut maar je wordt direct gegrepen door het verhaal als je begint te lezen. Het verhaal is meeslepend ,aandoenlijk,humor en spannend. Jeremy heeft een schrijfstijl die vlot is en makkelijk leest. Mooie zinnen die regelmatig vol zitten met zwartgallige humor. Ik denk dat dit soort humor in dit vak nodig is om met al het leed van ander om te kunnen gaan. Tevens heeft Jeremy veel informatie over het uitvaartondernemingsvak prijs hierdoor krijg je een duidelijk beeld van wat er allemaal bij komt kijken en het verhaal intenser maakt. Veel werkzaamheden zijn logisch maar ook worden er dingen verteld en dan denk je wel zal het echt zo gaan. Tragisch is hoe Paddy de laatste vier dagen beleeft maar ook dit is prachtig weergegeven door de onderliggende hoop die erin is verwerkt om te overleven. Er wordt duidelijk naar een plot gewerkt en men wordt als lezer verrast hoe het verhaal verloopt. Spanning komt regelmatig de kop op steken waardoor je maar wilt blijven doorlezen om te zien en ervaren wat het verhaal nog meer in zich heeft.
Jeremy Massey heeft een debuut neergezet die staat als een huis en smaakt naar meer.
‘s nachts naar huis van een amoureuze ontmoeting ven een cliënte wiens man onlangs is overleden. Paddy rijdt een overstekende voetganger aan als Paddy uitstapt om te kijken herkent hij deze man. Het is Donal Cullen een broer van de beruchtste maffiabaas uit Dublin. Gallanger’s wordt benaderd om de uitvaart te gaan regelen en Paddy krijgt de opdracht om dit te gaan doen. Vincent de broer van het slachtoffer is witheet en verzekert Paddy ervan om er alles aan te doen om de dader te vinden en dan heeft diens laatste uur geslagen....
Nadat ik de achterflap had gelezen die me wel aantrok wist ik eigenlijk niet wat ik van het geheel moest verwachten van dit debuut maar je wordt direct gegrepen door het verhaal als je begint te lezen. Het verhaal is meeslepend ,aandoenlijk,humor en spannend. Jeremy heeft een schrijfstijl die vlot is en makkelijk leest. Mooie zinnen die regelmatig vol zitten met zwartgallige humor. Ik denk dat dit soort humor in dit vak nodig is om met al het leed van ander om te kunnen gaan. Tevens heeft Jeremy veel informatie over het uitvaartondernemingsvak prijs hierdoor krijg je een duidelijk beeld van wat er allemaal bij komt kijken en het verhaal intenser maakt. Veel werkzaamheden zijn logisch maar ook worden er dingen verteld en dan denk je wel zal het echt zo gaan. Tragisch is hoe Paddy de laatste vier dagen beleeft maar ook dit is prachtig weergegeven door de onderliggende hoop die erin is verwerkt om te overleven. Er wordt duidelijk naar een plot gewerkt en men wordt als lezer verrast hoe het verhaal verloopt. Spanning komt regelmatig de kop op steken waardoor je maar wilt blijven doorlezen om te zien en ervaren wat het verhaal nog meer in zich heeft.
Jeremy Massey heeft een debuut neergezet die staat als een huis en smaakt naar meer.
June 28, 2016
Jeremy Massey's bio says he is "a third-generation undertaker," and we have to wonder if the goings-on and mishaps that the title Paddy encounters in this black comedy come directly from the author's experience. Presumably he has changed the names, at least. Poor Paddy is sleep-deprived and depressed; having lost his wife to a sudden illness he is sleep-walking through life, working long hours at one of Dublin's top funeral homes to deaden the pain. His life becomes instantly more interesting when in quick succession he has a close encounter with a grieving widow and then runs over a top Dublin mobster on a rainy night. You can guess who will be asked to handle the funeral. The fallout from all the above will both put a charge into his life and threaten to bring it to a quick and painful end.
Alternately hilarious and hair-raising, the novel also does not shy from occasional sentimentality, the Irish being who they are. Very entertaining.
Alternately hilarious and hair-raising, the novel also does not shy from occasional sentimentality, the Irish being who they are. Very entertaining.
July 2, 2018
I was recommended this book, which is described as a black comedy/comedy of manners/action-thriller, which sounded great, and the premise of an undertaker getting mixed up with the mob was promising. There just wasn't any there there. Things happened, I turned the pages, I was periodically entertained, but it was just so thin. Bland formulaic characters, a plot which unfolded with little internal logic other than the need for the next thing to happen, etc. Meh.
December 7, 2025
needed a quick break from the red scare <3
April 16, 2021
Gripping story of a Dublin funeral director and the very eventful last four days.
April 24, 2022
Die wilde Story laut Klappentext ist leider nicht ganz nach meinen Erwartungen umgesetzte worden, und hat ein paar recht eigenartige Passagen sowie Story-Elemente. Dennoch ist es ein unterhaltsames Buch und fünf Sterne gibt es für Christy, der in meinen Augen die Hauptfigur der Story ist!
May 4, 2015
** I received this in a Goodreads “First Reads” giveaway (via Penguin Random House Canada) **
Paddy works for Gallagher’s, the best funeral home in Dublin. Since the death of his wife and unborn child two years earlier Paddy has thrown himself into his work. He suffered from insomnia anyway so he made himself available for the calls that came at all hours of the day and night. Death is not a 9 to 5 occupation. His boss likes him. The bereaved are comforted by him. His coworkers respect his professionalism as well as his friendship. His life is not remarkable but it does seem to be on an even keel, at least until one week in October.
On Monday, a widow making arrangements for her husband dies, and Paddy may have been a little bit responsible for her heart attack. Then the wrong body is shipped to Gallagher’s and Paddy needs to convince the family to have a closed casket to cover up the error. Could things get any worse? Always!
In the wee hours of Tuesday morning Paddy is driving home from a late death call at a nursing home when he is distracted for a moment and hits a man crossing the street. When Paddy jumps out of his car to see if the man is all right he discovers he is not. In fact, the man is dead. The name in his wallet identifies him as Donal Cullen, the brother of Dublin’s biggest crime boss, Vincent Cullen. Paddy panics, hops in his car and drives away.
Tuesday afternoon, after a (needless to say) sleepless night, Paddy finds himself sitting in Vincent Cullen’s garden to help him make the funeral arrangements for Donal. Vincent seems to like Paddy, but as the title of the book suggests … Vincent eventually figures things out.
At 285 pages this is not a long book and I defy any reader to want to put it down before turning the last page. After intending to read a little with my breakfast and morning coffee, I finished it about four cups later and just in time for a late lunch. What better way to spend a Sunday morning?
I like Paddy and his story is an excellent telling of what happens when someone makes a split second decision that ends up going horribly wrong, no matter what he does to try and make it better. I like Paddy’s friends and their unflinching willingness to help him even at the expense of their own safety. There was a little romance mixed in to the chaos. There was even a dog.
The only warning I could give to potential readers is that there are a few very graphic descriptions about the "behind the scenes" involved in preparing a body for the casket and about cremations. Information that Vincent Cullen intends to put to use for revenge. But don’t let that dissuade you from picking up this book – just close your eyes during those scenes.
Best classified as a dark comedy this is an excellent debut novel by Mr. Massey.
Paddy works for Gallagher’s, the best funeral home in Dublin. Since the death of his wife and unborn child two years earlier Paddy has thrown himself into his work. He suffered from insomnia anyway so he made himself available for the calls that came at all hours of the day and night. Death is not a 9 to 5 occupation. His boss likes him. The bereaved are comforted by him. His coworkers respect his professionalism as well as his friendship. His life is not remarkable but it does seem to be on an even keel, at least until one week in October.
On Monday, a widow making arrangements for her husband dies, and Paddy may have been a little bit responsible for her heart attack. Then the wrong body is shipped to Gallagher’s and Paddy needs to convince the family to have a closed casket to cover up the error. Could things get any worse? Always!
In the wee hours of Tuesday morning Paddy is driving home from a late death call at a nursing home when he is distracted for a moment and hits a man crossing the street. When Paddy jumps out of his car to see if the man is all right he discovers he is not. In fact, the man is dead. The name in his wallet identifies him as Donal Cullen, the brother of Dublin’s biggest crime boss, Vincent Cullen. Paddy panics, hops in his car and drives away.
Tuesday afternoon, after a (needless to say) sleepless night, Paddy finds himself sitting in Vincent Cullen’s garden to help him make the funeral arrangements for Donal. Vincent seems to like Paddy, but as the title of the book suggests … Vincent eventually figures things out.
At 285 pages this is not a long book and I defy any reader to want to put it down before turning the last page. After intending to read a little with my breakfast and morning coffee, I finished it about four cups later and just in time for a late lunch. What better way to spend a Sunday morning?
I like Paddy and his story is an excellent telling of what happens when someone makes a split second decision that ends up going horribly wrong, no matter what he does to try and make it better. I like Paddy’s friends and their unflinching willingness to help him even at the expense of their own safety. There was a little romance mixed in to the chaos. There was even a dog.
The only warning I could give to potential readers is that there are a few very graphic descriptions about the "behind the scenes" involved in preparing a body for the casket and about cremations. Information that Vincent Cullen intends to put to use for revenge. But don’t let that dissuade you from picking up this book – just close your eyes during those scenes.
Best classified as a dark comedy this is an excellent debut novel by Mr. Massey.
May 15, 2015
*I was excited to win an egalley copy of this novel from NetGalley.
This debut novel by Jeremy Massey had me hooked from the start. I quickly devoured this book within twenty-four hours, unable to put it down for long. A dark book, full of twists, turns, and shocking surprises gives the reader an inside look into the lives of undertakers and their grisly, but necessary jobs. Paddy Buckley is quite familiar with death, you might even say comfortable; he's been on both sides, as an undertaker and a mourner. But when a mistake has him mixed up with the Irish mob, his own death seems imminent. The Last Four Days of Paddy Buckley is an edge-of-your-seat page-turner that reads like Six Feet Under meets The Sopranos!
This debut novel by Jeremy Massey had me hooked from the start. I quickly devoured this book within twenty-four hours, unable to put it down for long. A dark book, full of twists, turns, and shocking surprises gives the reader an inside look into the lives of undertakers and their grisly, but necessary jobs. Paddy Buckley is quite familiar with death, you might even say comfortable; he's been on both sides, as an undertaker and a mourner. But when a mistake has him mixed up with the Irish mob, his own death seems imminent. The Last Four Days of Paddy Buckley is an edge-of-your-seat page-turner that reads like Six Feet Under meets The Sopranos!
March 4, 2015
While I didn't have as many "laugh-out-loud" moments in this dark humour book, I definitely enjoyed it. I was engrossed, I missed my stop on the subway, and I found myself covering my mouth and saying "oh shhhhh*t" to myself. If you have any sort of good humour about you or even find it within yourself to enjoy a fantastically fabricated novel about death and dying, then I recommend this one to you. It's poetic and well-written as well as being funny and surprisingly sweet at the end.
I liked it. I think you will too (as well you should).
I liked it. I think you will too (as well you should).
January 9, 2016
This starts out innocent enough and then soon Karma kicks in and the humour, of the black pursuasion, kicks in.
Soon the lead character is involved in all sorts of escapades that definately can be dangerous to your health.
This had twists and quick flips between sympathy, apathy and high energy thrills
A great read
Getting a lot of books read this month
Soon the lead character is involved in all sorts of escapades that definately can be dangerous to your health.
This had twists and quick flips between sympathy, apathy and high energy thrills
A great read
Getting a lot of books read this month
October 19, 2016
Paddy Buckley ist Bestatter mit Leib und Seele. Als er zu einer attraktiven Witwe geschickt wird, spendet er ihr Trost und körperliche Zuwendung, auf deren Höhepunkt diese leider verstirbt. Paddy versucht seine Beteiligung am Geschehen zu verheimlichen und ist auf dem Rückweg derart unkonzentriert, dass er den Bruder des größten Gangsters Dublins über den Haufen fährt. Völlig außer sich, flieht er vom Unfallort und muss sich fortan mit gleich zwei Problemen rumschlagen: Er soll beide Verstorbenen zur letzten Ruhe betten und darf dabei möglichst nicht auffliegen. Gar nicht mal so einfach, denn Vincent Cullen schwört blutige Rache für den Tod seines Bruders und setzt alles daran den Schuldigen zu finden.
Obwohl die Thematik eher schwer ist – Tod, Trauer und Bestattungen – verpackt der Autor diese in einen humorvollen und skurrilen Roman über einen Bestatter der etwas anderen Art. Gespickt mit der Dramatik einiger ungeplanter Todesfälle und darauf folgender Vertuschungsaktionen und Verfolgungsjagden ist es wirklich eine gelungene und unterhaltsame Lektüre. Diese besticht durch einen eher einfachen und leichten Schreibstil und einen sympatischen Protagonisten, der sich unbeabsichtigt immer weiter in Schwierigkeiten bringt. Es ist ein Mix aus warmherziger Liebesgeschichte und nervenaufreibendem Gangsterroman, garniert mit absolut lesenswertem irischen Humor. Dabei dreht sich darin alles um Leben und Tod, zieht sich doch eben dieser wie ein roter Faden durch Paddys bisheriges Leben, nicht nur in beruflicher Hinsicht. So wird der Leser Zeuge von den letzten vier Tagen des Paddy Buckley... und diese haben es spannungstechnisch wirklich in sich!
Obwohl die Thematik eher schwer ist – Tod, Trauer und Bestattungen – verpackt der Autor diese in einen humorvollen und skurrilen Roman über einen Bestatter der etwas anderen Art. Gespickt mit der Dramatik einiger ungeplanter Todesfälle und darauf folgender Vertuschungsaktionen und Verfolgungsjagden ist es wirklich eine gelungene und unterhaltsame Lektüre. Diese besticht durch einen eher einfachen und leichten Schreibstil und einen sympatischen Protagonisten, der sich unbeabsichtigt immer weiter in Schwierigkeiten bringt. Es ist ein Mix aus warmherziger Liebesgeschichte und nervenaufreibendem Gangsterroman, garniert mit absolut lesenswertem irischen Humor. Dabei dreht sich darin alles um Leben und Tod, zieht sich doch eben dieser wie ein roter Faden durch Paddys bisheriges Leben, nicht nur in beruflicher Hinsicht. So wird der Leser Zeuge von den letzten vier Tagen des Paddy Buckley... und diese haben es spannungstechnisch wirklich in sich!
May 18, 2022
The description of the is book is way better than the actual book. It's good, not great, and the comedy promised was undelivered.
Paddy Buckley works as an undertaker, and accidentally hits a mobster with his car. He knows he's dead whether he confesses or not, so he drives away. Of course, in the same week, there are a series of other unfortunate events, and through the course of the book, we learn of the last four days of Paddy Buckley.
The final third is probably the best part of the books. The setups from the beginning, dutifully pay off at the end. It's good book, I just thought it was going to be so much better.
Paddy Buckley works as an undertaker, and accidentally hits a mobster with his car. He knows he's dead whether he confesses or not, so he drives away. Of course, in the same week, there are a series of other unfortunate events, and through the course of the book, we learn of the last four days of Paddy Buckley.
The final third is probably the best part of the books. The setups from the beginning, dutifully pay off at the end. It's good book, I just thought it was going to be so much better.
November 1, 2019
I loved this book! Who'd ever think that a book written by an undertaker would be so engaging - sometimes funny, and often horrifying in its realism, and dark in its view of a certain segment of society? The Last Four Days of Paddy Buckley was all of that and more. It's well written, easy to read, and I loved the format - organized into four days, chapters divided into time segments in each day. Excellent way to present this captivating story. I also liked taking a close look at Dublin, and suprisingly, the funeral industry - right down to how embalming is done! The plot builds slowly, and then accelerates, so as you read, you want to read more, particularly as you're coming to the finish - like a racehorse speeding up near the finish line. And the ending will surprise you. A great read!
April 26, 2020
Not a typical choice for me, but I found it very entertaining and surprising.
November 17, 2024
One of the funniest books I have ever read. I couldn’t put it down, gripping, suspenseful and beautiful.
March 8, 2023
Shock and awe. Not for the faint of heart. If you love dark humor and a unique, fascinating story this book will be a pleasant surprise.
June 30, 2024
frank gallagher?
May 22, 2015
The Last Four Days of Paddy Buckley follows a funeral director in Dublin. He is very popular as funeral directors go. On the way home one night he accidentally hits a pedestrian with his car and kills him. The man he hits end up being a big mobster, so he gets flees the scene. When the family calls on Paddy to handle the funeral, he can only hope no one will find out he is the one who did it. Paddy goes from living a nice quiet life to one of lies and deceit.
I enjoyed most of this story. Right away I knew I was in for a treat. In the beginning when Paddy is arranging a funeral for a grieving widow we really get a good look at the details involved in this macabre profession. It is not an easy career. He crosses the line with this particular widow and has sex with her, and she dies during coitus! As if that isn’t bad enough, the daughter walks in the house before the ambulance arrives, leaving Paddy scrambling. Paddy is in the wrong place at the wrong time throughout most of this story, poor guy!
I enjoyed this somewhat fictional look at what a funeral director does. I actually have a degree in funeral directing and embalming, and I can tell you with certainty that the author knows his stuff and wrote mostly facts about the business. If you can imagine being a widow and dealing with death for a living, then you can understand it needs some comic relief. Paddy was really in a bad place in this story, but his bad luck was almost funny.
The reason that I only give this 4 instead of 5 stars is that it is a comedy, but covers such dark subjects it was hard for me to laugh about it. I think most readers would agree that the way the first woman dies is awful, but the daughter’s reaction sucked all the funny out of this. The mobster family is really stereotypical in their actions. Paddy’s bravery in the end brings a somewhat oddly placed childhood story into the forefront and then it is suppose to all make sense. Too many coincidences for this to be a 5 star read, but highly entertaining in it’s delivery.
I enjoyed most of this story. Right away I knew I was in for a treat. In the beginning when Paddy is arranging a funeral for a grieving widow we really get a good look at the details involved in this macabre profession. It is not an easy career. He crosses the line with this particular widow and has sex with her, and she dies during coitus! As if that isn’t bad enough, the daughter walks in the house before the ambulance arrives, leaving Paddy scrambling. Paddy is in the wrong place at the wrong time throughout most of this story, poor guy!
I enjoyed this somewhat fictional look at what a funeral director does. I actually have a degree in funeral directing and embalming, and I can tell you with certainty that the author knows his stuff and wrote mostly facts about the business. If you can imagine being a widow and dealing with death for a living, then you can understand it needs some comic relief. Paddy was really in a bad place in this story, but his bad luck was almost funny.
The reason that I only give this 4 instead of 5 stars is that it is a comedy, but covers such dark subjects it was hard for me to laugh about it. I think most readers would agree that the way the first woman dies is awful, but the daughter’s reaction sucked all the funny out of this. The mobster family is really stereotypical in their actions. Paddy’s bravery in the end brings a somewhat oddly placed childhood story into the forefront and then it is suppose to all make sense. Too many coincidences for this to be a 5 star read, but highly entertaining in it’s delivery.
February 2, 2018
This book is a bit of a mishmash of genres that manages to be quite entertaining despite some technical flaws. I enjoyed the Irish setting with its distinctive dialogue, as well as the details of the undertaker's trade. The plot is the novel's strength; it is full of action and makes clever use of details, with every incident contributing to the outcome of Paddy's adventures.
The writing is a bit uneven; there are some lovely original turns of phrase but also some carelessly constructed sentences that jarred. And the romantic element would have been better omitted altogether; Paddy's feelings for Brigid were described in a clumsy and unconvincing way.
Yet, whilst the critic in me noted the drawbacks, the reader in me was kept amused and keen to see what would happen next. It was reading time well spent.
The writing is a bit uneven; there are some lovely original turns of phrase but also some carelessly constructed sentences that jarred. And the romantic element would have been better omitted altogether; Paddy's feelings for Brigid were described in a clumsy and unconvincing way.
Yet, whilst the critic in me noted the drawbacks, the reader in me was kept amused and keen to see what would happen next. It was reading time well spent.
January 25, 2016
This is one of the finest pieces of translocatory writing I have come across in some time. As the reader you felt very much a part of the fabric of the story, and could have been an extra in one of the pubs in Dublin (where the story is set). The plot is charming while having a slightly crude edge every now and again (which I consider a huge plus). A thoroughly enjoyable read, and fascinating insight into the everyday demeanour of a quaint family-run undertakers. There are some decidedly visceral scenes that Jeremy Massey managed to convey in full sensory overload very simple straightforward language. I can't recommend this book enough.
June 16, 2015
This is an interesting thriller where the author takes the reader on a journey from a hit and run to escape. Paddy Buckley, a lowly undertaker in Dublin ran over a notorious mobster in the small hours of the morning. After realizing who he had hit he skedaddles out of the street and hides his car. He does not know that he was seen by a thief. This thief names Paddy at the funeral and what the reading gets is Paddy's last four days of luck and trepidation. This is a fast moving story and will keep the reader guessing about the myriad ways one can escape while on an island.
December 31, 2016
Reached my 2016 goal with 2 hours to go! And quite chuffed that I ended 2016 with a pretty decent book.
The book was nicely set out and structured which made it fun to read, though sometimes the occasional POV change did throw me off. My favourite part of this book was learning more about undertaking how funerals are actually planned and the new perspective of dealing with and preparing dead bodies for mourning rather than for anatomy class (Massey goes into quite a bit of detail! Fun facts galore).
The book was nicely set out and structured which made it fun to read, though sometimes the occasional POV change did throw me off. My favourite part of this book was learning more about undertaking how funerals are actually planned and the new perspective of dealing with and preparing dead bodies for mourning rather than for anatomy class (Massey goes into quite a bit of detail! Fun facts galore).
April 1, 2015
While the twists and turns of this novel are a bit predictable, the chatty tone and willingness to go to the extreme make this a fun read. The dark comedy reminded me of the film In Bruges at times, and that is one of the greatest compliments I can pay a work. I finished this in two days because it was such a breeze. If you're looking for entertainment, this is a smart read.
I received an ARC of this book through Penguin's First to Read program.
I received an ARC of this book through Penguin's First to Read program.
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