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McGarry Stateside #2
I Have Sinned
I Have Sinned has been nominated for the prestigious Kindle Storyteller Award 2019
Bunny McGarry is a man on a mission. He left behind his life in Ireland to go to New York to find the woman he loves, who happens to have a lot of very dangerous people looking for her. The good news is that they don’t know where she is, the bad news is that Bunny doesn’t either and the only people that do are a rogue order of nuns called The Sisters of the Saint who have raised not being found to the level of art form.
Bunny’s one clue is a priest he thinks might know something, but Father Gabriel de Marcos isn’t willing to play ball. The padre runs a boxing club at the bad end of the Bronx, battling to keep kids out of gangs – noble, thankless work. Thing is, saints don’t typically have assassins sent after them. What sins are hidden in this priest’s mysterious past? Bunny has no choice but to save Gabriel from the demons that are on his tail. He has to manage all this while living under the rules that chill him to the very bone. No drinking. No swearing. No violence.
I Have Sinned is book two in the McGarry Stateside series, a continuation of the smash hit Dublin Trilogy which also featured Bunny McGarry. It melds high-octane action with a distinctly Irish acerbic wit.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2019
853 people are currently reading
598 people want to read
About the author
Caimh McDonnell
41 books1,735 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 241 reviews
March 6, 2020
This is probably one of the most consistently hilarious series I've read.
If you can't imagine Bunny living in a church where there is no drinking, swearing or violence, you have to read this one. Brother McGarry may not be the most lethal person there, especially when a teenager manages to knock him out.
But I'm getting ahead of myself here.
The best advice I can give you is to read these books in order - you will know (and love) the characters by now. And just when you think Caimh McDonnell couldn't come up with any funnier material from the last book, you will discover things like racist birds and technological advanced nuns...
Anything I tell you about this story will just ruin a surprise along the way, so I'm going to tell you to go into this one blind - if you are a fan of the author - and you will not be disappointed.
I am really looking forward to the next book.
I will leave you with a Bunny quote:
“Right so, let’s kick this donkey in the knackers and see if he dances.”
If you can't imagine Bunny living in a church where there is no drinking, swearing or violence, you have to read this one. Brother McGarry may not be the most lethal person there, especially when a teenager manages to knock him out.
But I'm getting ahead of myself here.
The best advice I can give you is to read these books in order - you will know (and love) the characters by now. And just when you think Caimh McDonnell couldn't come up with any funnier material from the last book, you will discover things like racist birds and technological advanced nuns...
Anything I tell you about this story will just ruin a surprise along the way, so I'm going to tell you to go into this one blind - if you are a fan of the author - and you will not be disappointed.
I am really looking forward to the next book.
I will leave you with a Bunny quote:
“Right so, let’s kick this donkey in the knackers and see if he dances.”
July 10, 2019
Ah, jeeze....where to begin. If you've read this author before (and if you haven't, what?!) you know what I mean. Although loosely labeled as crime fiction, his books defy genre. They're a wild mix of suspense & humour with some of the most original characters you'll meet & this one follows suit. Trust me, "mayhem" doesn't even begin to describe it.
If you live in the States, be very afraid. Bunny McGarry has landed. He's supposed to be searching for the only woman he ever loved & needs to locate a group of nuns but keeps getting distracted. He ends up in Cooperstown, a suburb that makes the Bronx look like the Hamptons. Pretty soon he's involved with an odd priest & some disadvantaged kids who will break your heart.
But don't worry, you'll spend most of your time laughing & wondering about the author's sanity. The story heads off in a dozen directions but somehow makes sense. Just know it's a great read where you'll run into a deranged Irishman, spooky nuns, a cabbie with anger management issues & (*WARNING*) clowns.
As a bonus, it's also educational as I've expanded my vocabulary of Irish swear words. And I must find out what a lilo is so I can use it properly. It's a smart, entertaining read & I can't wait to see where Bunny crash-lands next.
If you live in the States, be very afraid. Bunny McGarry has landed. He's supposed to be searching for the only woman he ever loved & needs to locate a group of nuns but keeps getting distracted. He ends up in Cooperstown, a suburb that makes the Bronx look like the Hamptons. Pretty soon he's involved with an odd priest & some disadvantaged kids who will break your heart.
But don't worry, you'll spend most of your time laughing & wondering about the author's sanity. The story heads off in a dozen directions but somehow makes sense. Just know it's a great read where you'll run into a deranged Irishman, spooky nuns, a cabbie with anger management issues & (*WARNING*) clowns.
As a bonus, it's also educational as I've expanded my vocabulary of Irish swear words. And I must find out what a lilo is so I can use it properly. It's a smart, entertaining read & I can't wait to see where Bunny crash-lands next.
June 26, 2019
I accepted this book from the author, and happily provide this review.
I have read and enjoyed Caimh McDonnell’s previous books, including the recent How to Send a Message collection of short stories. This new book carries on with Bunny McGarry’s search for Simone and The Sisters of the Saints here in the States. Bunny urgently wants to talk to Sister Bernadette, but she is out of the country with Sister Assumpta.
With New York sidekicks Smithy and Diller, Bunny gets involved in a few scrapes, as is expected. Father Gabriel was an interesting character who has done a 180° with his life. I loved quirky Sister Zoya and her technical expertise. I hope to see more of her in future books, and I hope Sisters Bernadette and Assumpta feature in the next book.
The trademark humor, sarcasm, and snarkiness of McDonnell’s characters make the book a pleasure to read. My fingers are crossed for Bunny!
I have read and enjoyed Caimh McDonnell’s previous books, including the recent How to Send a Message collection of short stories. This new book carries on with Bunny McGarry’s search for Simone and The Sisters of the Saints here in the States. Bunny urgently wants to talk to Sister Bernadette, but she is out of the country with Sister Assumpta.
With New York sidekicks Smithy and Diller, Bunny gets involved in a few scrapes, as is expected. Father Gabriel was an interesting character who has done a 180° with his life. I loved quirky Sister Zoya and her technical expertise. I hope to see more of her in future books, and I hope Sisters Bernadette and Assumpta feature in the next book.
The trademark humor, sarcasm, and snarkiness of McDonnell’s characters make the book a pleasure to read. My fingers are crossed for Bunny!
January 18, 2025
This is the second of the McGarry Stateside books where we find Bunny still attempting to kick-start his mission to find Simone, the love of his life.
Having finally located the secretive Sisters of the Saint he has to persuade them of his good intentions. However a few things stand in his way - he's just annoyed the local gang, he's not looking his best, his language isn't impressing the Sisters and he tried to break into their home - with some very interesting consequences. All these are not endearing him to the nuns. However they also have some secrets of their own.
With a new side mission to help a local priest escape his past Bunny, Smithy and Diller are back in action with even more dangerous opponents - excluding the dodgy nuns.
As usual there's some pure insanity, some surprises, lots of Bunny damaging himself and his surroundings and several dark turns. Any chance that Bunny might not get through this in one piece? Well you'll have to read it. It's worth it!
As usual I listened to the audiobook with the positively perfect Morgan C Jones getting the narration spot on as usual.
Having finally located the secretive Sisters of the Saint he has to persuade them of his good intentions. However a few things stand in his way - he's just annoyed the local gang, he's not looking his best, his language isn't impressing the Sisters and he tried to break into their home - with some very interesting consequences. All these are not endearing him to the nuns. However they also have some secrets of their own.
With a new side mission to help a local priest escape his past Bunny, Smithy and Diller are back in action with even more dangerous opponents - excluding the dodgy nuns.
As usual there's some pure insanity, some surprises, lots of Bunny damaging himself and his surroundings and several dark turns. Any chance that Bunny might not get through this in one piece? Well you'll have to read it. It's worth it!
As usual I listened to the audiobook with the positively perfect Morgan C Jones getting the narration spot on as usual.
July 10, 2019
Bunny continues his New York shenanigans with priests and nuns and thugs aplenty. Nonstop action. I do like this author's sense of humour, as Irish as can be and also nonstop.
August 7, 2021
Another great read
Read
July 25, 2025again, funny, hilarious, original, far fetched but lovely
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August 23, 2019
I Have Sinned, from Caimh McDonnell, is book two in the McGarry Stateside series, a continuation of the smash hit Dublin Trilogy featuring my main man Bunny McGarry.
Described as a novel that ‘melds high-octane action with a distinctly Irish acerbic wit’ I Have Sinned was published on 23rd June 2019 and is a series that is gaining a serious cult following. I’m inclined to think it’s the Cork element to the book….sure we always add a bit of pizzazz to any occasion :)
This is the sixth book from Caimh McDonnell and yes I have read them all. I always look forward to the familiarity, the wit, the pure doggedness of McGarry. He really is an icon at this stage. I’m thinking a bronze sculpture nears the banks of the River Lee in Cork. Visualise it…..Bunny wearing that coat, Mabel (hurley) in hand with a look on his face that would make the devil himself afraid. Sure we already have a bridge and some statues dedicated to the famous Cork hurler Christy Ring, why not Bunny!
Bunny McGarry by Bunny McGarry
‘As silly as it sounded, he had never thought of himself as a “violent man”. He considered himself someone who dealt with the problem of violent men. It was a distinction that was at the core of his self-image.’
Bunny is supposedly laying low in America, searching for the love of his life, Simone, a woman he hasn’t seen in many years, but who is in serious life & death trouble. Bunny is looking for the Sisters of the Saint, a rather obscure group of nuns, who may know more. But nothing for Bunny McGarry ever happens in a straightforward manner. With his only connection to the nuns, a Father Gabriel de Marcos, Bunny needs to find this priest and get him on his side before it’s too late.
Bunny has his two sidekicks, Diller and Smithy, to assist him and the friends make an unlikely, yet very effective, trio. Bunny has no filter and no fear making him a dangerous weapon. He walks into Father Gabriel’s parish in the middle of gangland New York like Moses parting the waters but Bunny hasn’t reckoned on Father Gabriel having his own problems to deal with. Father Gabriel set up a boxing club in the neighbourhood as a place for young kids to gather and to keep them off the streets. Gang warfare is rife and the younger kids are very susceptible to the apparent lifestyle of these hoods. With Father Gabriel beside them providing some light at the end of the tunnel, these kids have hope for a brighter future. Father Gabriel has his own story, his own secret and is very wary of having Bunny around. After awhile the two come to an agreement that causes Bunny much grief but he needs to find Simone so he attempts to abide by the rules…but if you know Bunny…if you REALLY know Bunny…you know that Bunny McGarry doesn’t like rules.
Bunny and Father Gabriel make a very unusual pairing. Both obviously irritate the other but both obviously need each other taking the reader on another riotous journey involving drones, a fairground, insane taxi drives, breaking in to places, breaking out of places, messages from above and much much more….
Bunny McGarry is a bullish man, a man who literally takes no crap from anyone. Originally from Cork, then a member of An Garda Siochana in Dublin and now a ‘dead man’ on the hunt for his love in the United States, Bunny McGarry is like a cat with nine lives. His resilience and pure reckless behaviour, his total lack of self-awareness, his passion and his tenacious personality all combine to make him an unstoppable character, a rogue, a man you would want on your side.
Caimh McDonnell continues the story of the wild man, seamlessly tying up all the books together and leaving the reader ALWAYS wanting more. I Have Sinned can be read as a standalone but I do recommend you at least read Disaster Inc first, if not the full back-catalogue.
I Have Sinned is the perfect distraction from reality. Bunny McGarry is an enigmatic, warm-hearted, yet completely unstable, individual. His total lack of fear and lack of respect makes him a very dangerous enemy indeed. If it’s a belly laugh you are looking for with heart, then these books will fill that gap in your life. Take Bunny home with you…you will not be disappointed.
You can thank me later!
Described as a novel that ‘melds high-octane action with a distinctly Irish acerbic wit’ I Have Sinned was published on 23rd June 2019 and is a series that is gaining a serious cult following. I’m inclined to think it’s the Cork element to the book….sure we always add a bit of pizzazz to any occasion :)
This is the sixth book from Caimh McDonnell and yes I have read them all. I always look forward to the familiarity, the wit, the pure doggedness of McGarry. He really is an icon at this stage. I’m thinking a bronze sculpture nears the banks of the River Lee in Cork. Visualise it…..Bunny wearing that coat, Mabel (hurley) in hand with a look on his face that would make the devil himself afraid. Sure we already have a bridge and some statues dedicated to the famous Cork hurler Christy Ring, why not Bunny!
Bunny McGarry by Bunny McGarry
‘As silly as it sounded, he had never thought of himself as a “violent man”. He considered himself someone who dealt with the problem of violent men. It was a distinction that was at the core of his self-image.’
Bunny is supposedly laying low in America, searching for the love of his life, Simone, a woman he hasn’t seen in many years, but who is in serious life & death trouble. Bunny is looking for the Sisters of the Saint, a rather obscure group of nuns, who may know more. But nothing for Bunny McGarry ever happens in a straightforward manner. With his only connection to the nuns, a Father Gabriel de Marcos, Bunny needs to find this priest and get him on his side before it’s too late.
Bunny has his two sidekicks, Diller and Smithy, to assist him and the friends make an unlikely, yet very effective, trio. Bunny has no filter and no fear making him a dangerous weapon. He walks into Father Gabriel’s parish in the middle of gangland New York like Moses parting the waters but Bunny hasn’t reckoned on Father Gabriel having his own problems to deal with. Father Gabriel set up a boxing club in the neighbourhood as a place for young kids to gather and to keep them off the streets. Gang warfare is rife and the younger kids are very susceptible to the apparent lifestyle of these hoods. With Father Gabriel beside them providing some light at the end of the tunnel, these kids have hope for a brighter future. Father Gabriel has his own story, his own secret and is very wary of having Bunny around. After awhile the two come to an agreement that causes Bunny much grief but he needs to find Simone so he attempts to abide by the rules…but if you know Bunny…if you REALLY know Bunny…you know that Bunny McGarry doesn’t like rules.
Bunny and Father Gabriel make a very unusual pairing. Both obviously irritate the other but both obviously need each other taking the reader on another riotous journey involving drones, a fairground, insane taxi drives, breaking in to places, breaking out of places, messages from above and much much more….
Bunny McGarry is a bullish man, a man who literally takes no crap from anyone. Originally from Cork, then a member of An Garda Siochana in Dublin and now a ‘dead man’ on the hunt for his love in the United States, Bunny McGarry is like a cat with nine lives. His resilience and pure reckless behaviour, his total lack of self-awareness, his passion and his tenacious personality all combine to make him an unstoppable character, a rogue, a man you would want on your side.
Caimh McDonnell continues the story of the wild man, seamlessly tying up all the books together and leaving the reader ALWAYS wanting more. I Have Sinned can be read as a standalone but I do recommend you at least read Disaster Inc first, if not the full back-catalogue.
I Have Sinned is the perfect distraction from reality. Bunny McGarry is an enigmatic, warm-hearted, yet completely unstable, individual. His total lack of fear and lack of respect makes him a very dangerous enemy indeed. If it’s a belly laugh you are looking for with heart, then these books will fill that gap in your life. Take Bunny home with you…you will not be disappointed.
You can thank me later!
December 10, 2021
Being from the US, and living in Brooklyn, I found some of the characters a little stereotypical but still the book is very entertaining. While I liked Disaster Inc, I think I like this one slightly more because it seems to split up the point of view more, making the story a nice ensemble piece.
August 16, 2020
Caimh McDonnell is back with another tale of the legendary Bunny McGarry. The brawling Irishman made his first appearance in A Man With One of Those Faces, the first book in McDonnell's Dublin crime trilogy. Bunny's a temperamental, hard-drinking cop who should definitely be played by Brendan Gleeson in the film or Philip Glenister in the TV series. Bunny masquerades as a hard-hearted cynic, but in Dublin, he made time to coach a kiddie football team, so we know his heart can't be too hard. On the other hand, Bunny has been known to disarm criminals using only a pot of hot coffee, a fork, and his sparkling Irish wit. So we know he's both genuinely a tough guy and also hilariously entertaining.
In the course of the Dublin series, we learned that Bunny had and lost one great love, an American jazz singer named Simone. For reasons that would give too much away, I can't tell you how the two lovebirds parted-but part they did, and Bunny's been carrying a torch for her ever since. When he learns that Simone is in grave danger, he makes his way to New York City to find her, warn her, and (probably) win back her heart.
Bunny arrived in NYC in the first book in the Bunny McGarry Stateside Series, Disaster Inc. , and although he found some new friends, he did not find Simone. Hence the need for Book Two.
Even though Bunny doesn't disarm anyone using coffee and a fork in I Have Sinned, it's still a grand rollicking adventure. Bunny's new American friends, the chronically underemployed actors Smithy and Diller, are on hand to aid Bunny in his quest to find Simone. Attempting to stop Bunny is an order of reclusive nuns known as The Sisters of the Saint, who have been guarding Simone ever since she left Dublin. These are some fantastic kick-ass nuns, with drone technology the U.S. Army only wishes it had. In fact, if nuns had been this kick-ass when I was in Catholic school, I probably would have joined up.
In any event, Bunny and his friends eventually catch up to the Sisters of the Saint, only to be tasked with helping the Sisters protect a do-gooder priest with a mysterious past. Will Bunny succeed in the mission the Sisters have assigned to him? Will they reward him by revealing Simone's location? And will Sister Zoya share her brilliant drone technology with the military or just sell it to Google Earth for an exorbitant amount of money?
The answers to most of these questions and a few you haven't even thought of will be found within the highly entertaining pages of I Have Sinned. It's a great read, but you'd do well to start with Disaster Inc., the first in the Bunny McGarry Stateside series. You might even want to go all the way back to the very beginning and check out A Man With One of Those Faces.
A good read-alike for fans of Mick Herron's Slow Horses Series or Elmore Leonard's Get Shorty.
In the course of the Dublin series, we learned that Bunny had and lost one great love, an American jazz singer named Simone. For reasons that would give too much away, I can't tell you how the two lovebirds parted-but part they did, and Bunny's been carrying a torch for her ever since. When he learns that Simone is in grave danger, he makes his way to New York City to find her, warn her, and (probably) win back her heart.
Bunny arrived in NYC in the first book in the Bunny McGarry Stateside Series, Disaster Inc. , and although he found some new friends, he did not find Simone. Hence the need for Book Two.
Even though Bunny doesn't disarm anyone using coffee and a fork in I Have Sinned, it's still a grand rollicking adventure. Bunny's new American friends, the chronically underemployed actors Smithy and Diller, are on hand to aid Bunny in his quest to find Simone. Attempting to stop Bunny is an order of reclusive nuns known as The Sisters of the Saint, who have been guarding Simone ever since she left Dublin. These are some fantastic kick-ass nuns, with drone technology the U.S. Army only wishes it had. In fact, if nuns had been this kick-ass when I was in Catholic school, I probably would have joined up.
In any event, Bunny and his friends eventually catch up to the Sisters of the Saint, only to be tasked with helping the Sisters protect a do-gooder priest with a mysterious past. Will Bunny succeed in the mission the Sisters have assigned to him? Will they reward him by revealing Simone's location? And will Sister Zoya share her brilliant drone technology with the military or just sell it to Google Earth for an exorbitant amount of money?
The answers to most of these questions and a few you haven't even thought of will be found within the highly entertaining pages of I Have Sinned. It's a great read, but you'd do well to start with Disaster Inc., the first in the Bunny McGarry Stateside series. You might even want to go all the way back to the very beginning and check out A Man With One of Those Faces.
A good read-alike for fans of Mick Herron's Slow Horses Series or Elmore Leonard's Get Shorty.
June 10, 2020
I have Sinned by Caimh McDonnell
As with all of McDonnell's books, this is supremely well crafted. There is a rare mix of common sense, humour and adventure within his works.
McDonnell is particularly strong in developing characters. They are all different and whatever they may be up to, they are believable. It's nice to see characters behave rationally, doing what is the most sensible thing within the context of the novel. The adventure element is also well realised, with there being enough to get your teeth into without taking anything away from the pace of the story. The humour is very well balanced. It is present in large quantities, but not at the expense of plot. At times my laughter was loud enough to require me giving an explanation to those within the same building. McDonnell will subtly set up a joke and then 3-4 pages later a punchline you didn't even know was in the offing will arrive.
These books are all tremendous fun to read and I can't recommend them highly enough.
As with all of McDonnell's books, this is supremely well crafted. There is a rare mix of common sense, humour and adventure within his works.
McDonnell is particularly strong in developing characters. They are all different and whatever they may be up to, they are believable. It's nice to see characters behave rationally, doing what is the most sensible thing within the context of the novel. The adventure element is also well realised, with there being enough to get your teeth into without taking anything away from the pace of the story. The humour is very well balanced. It is present in large quantities, but not at the expense of plot. At times my laughter was loud enough to require me giving an explanation to those within the same building. McDonnell will subtly set up a joke and then 3-4 pages later a punchline you didn't even know was in the offing will arrive.
These books are all tremendous fun to read and I can't recommend them highly enough.
May 16, 2020
If you suffer from coulrophobia, steer clear. That's fear of clowns, and the climactic scene in this Bunny McGarry adventure takes place at night in a deserted theme park devoted to clowns. Scary for some, silly for others, but as always, completely entertaining.
March 30, 2022
Bunny never disappoints me.
June 22, 2022
I still loved this book but compared to the stories in the Dublin trilogy and the stateside books are missing the "Who done it" element and the sub characters are harder to warm to. With the exception of Smithy of course.
July 15, 2022
As a great fan of the Dublin Trilogy, I was at first a bit skeptical about this follow up-series taking place in New York and only featuring (the admittedly great) Bunny McGarry from the old gang. And while the first book already blew any doubts away, I Have Sinned is even better.
What can I say, the book begins with probably the most hilarious confession anyone has ever given to a priest and gets even more hilarious from there on out. During his ongoing search for his former lover Simone, Bunny McGarry and his New York sidekicks Diller and Smithy have to deal with angry nuns, assassins and gangbangers. It can safely be said that Bunny comes as at least as much of a culture shock to America as America is to him.
Also, the plot once again plays out like a classic action comedy from the 80s or early 90s. Imagine Die Hard if Bruce Willis was an aging, drunk Irishman. Or Lethal Weapon, if Mel Gibson was an aging, drunk Irishman. Or...nah...you get my drift.
What can I say, the book begins with probably the most hilarious confession anyone has ever given to a priest and gets even more hilarious from there on out. During his ongoing search for his former lover Simone, Bunny McGarry and his New York sidekicks Diller and Smithy have to deal with angry nuns, assassins and gangbangers. It can safely be said that Bunny comes as at least as much of a culture shock to America as America is to him.
Also, the plot once again plays out like a classic action comedy from the 80s or early 90s. Imagine Die Hard if Bruce Willis was an aging, drunk Irishman. Or Lethal Weapon, if Mel Gibson was an aging, drunk Irishman. Or...nah...you get my drift.
July 7, 2019
I liked the Dublin books better than the spin off of Bunny McGarry (Ex copper) in America, looking to rescue his lost love Simone. This one has a priest with a mysterious past and a family of international assassins as well as some Brooklyn neighborhood drama. A few too many comic sketches and wisecracks as Bunny and his friends bounce into and out of trouble. You can see it as a movie or TV series. Good joke about Roy Keane as a trademark lawyer.
Also, there’s nothing to be done about this but books and movies completely ignore how much even “minor” wounds and pain incapacitate the victim.
Also, there’s nothing to be done about this but books and movies completely ignore how much even “minor” wounds and pain incapacitate the victim.
June 25, 2019
Bunny (and Caimh) are It again - and it was so much fun being along for the ride! No spoilers at all here - suffice it to say that you’ll love the characters (most of them anyway) while enjoying the hi jinx that seem to follow bunny every where he goes. Can’t wait to see what the Sisters and Bunny get up to in the next book!
March 15, 2020
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Bunny’s second adventure stateside didn’t work for me as well as the previous one, as I don’t think the plot or new characters were as engaging as we are used to when it comes to McDonnell’s stories. It is still an enjoyable read with some great minor characters and I look forward to the next book, where hopefully my favourite order of nuns make a comeback.
Bunny’s second adventure stateside didn’t work for me as well as the previous one, as I don’t think the plot or new characters were as engaging as we are used to when it comes to McDonnell’s stories. It is still an enjoyable read with some great minor characters and I look forward to the next book, where hopefully my favourite order of nuns make a comeback.
June 28, 2019
Another Great Bunny Book
The story continues along in a great way. I devoured it as quickly as real life allowed. Now to try and wait patiently for the next in the series.
The story continues along in a great way. I devoured it as quickly as real life allowed. Now to try and wait patiently for the next in the series.
November 16, 2021
Ah, our dear Bunny McGarry, back in action, stateside, cutting up with Irish humor, a noble heart, and of course, a ready fart. Three and a half stars for this, the second in this particular series. If you read any of McDonnell's original books, you likely came to be enchanted by Bunny, his strange friends, and his particular sense of humor, loyalty, and unique means of exacting justice on those most deserving.
I was smitten at first, but have struggled a bit with Bunny taking his act to the U.S. Somehow, something is lost in translation from Ireland to New York.
Not that this lacks for entertainment. It has a few really funny scenes and one-liners, but on the whole, it's just not as good as the originals. McDonnell is a tireless author, sending out newsletters, emails etc. to his readers, and pumping out book after book. He's a talented writer, but I fear his energy has shifted to volume and, as a result, the stories have become more slapstick and reliant on silliness than on plot. There's some interesting plot twists in this book, but in the end, it's just not quite up to the level of writing that initially won me over.
McGarry is a wonderful character, and I'd love to see him back in his home element someday. Until then, I fear we shall have to abide a slightly less compelling version of McDonnell's best character and writing.
I was smitten at first, but have struggled a bit with Bunny taking his act to the U.S. Somehow, something is lost in translation from Ireland to New York.
Not that this lacks for entertainment. It has a few really funny scenes and one-liners, but on the whole, it's just not as good as the originals. McDonnell is a tireless author, sending out newsletters, emails etc. to his readers, and pumping out book after book. He's a talented writer, but I fear his energy has shifted to volume and, as a result, the stories have become more slapstick and reliant on silliness than on plot. There's some interesting plot twists in this book, but in the end, it's just not quite up to the level of writing that initially won me over.
McGarry is a wonderful character, and I'd love to see him back in his home element someday. Until then, I fear we shall have to abide a slightly less compelling version of McDonnell's best character and writing.
August 22, 2021
I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every book I have read by this author. He cracks me up every time. And when the material is as violent as this book is...that is saying something.
This is the second book in the Bunny McGarry USA tour. It has a VERY soft ending as nothing is really resolved as far as the larger events underlying the story. For some people, that is a cardinal sin in series books. (Pun intended). I knew I would be reading book 3 in the series before I started this one. So it did not bother me that much. In fact, it is the next book on my to-read list.
My wife has read some of this, too. She chuckles, as well. But she also says, "This guy really loves to set the scene. He can talk for 5 pages without anything happening." While that may be true, the journey is almost always more fun for me than the destination.
I will say that with as much as old Bunny has been getting battered in the last couple books I have read, I worry that there will not be much of him left, even if he eventually does find and rescue (?) Simone.
I guess that is a worry for another tale.
This is the second book in the Bunny McGarry USA tour. It has a VERY soft ending as nothing is really resolved as far as the larger events underlying the story. For some people, that is a cardinal sin in series books. (Pun intended). I knew I would be reading book 3 in the series before I started this one. So it did not bother me that much. In fact, it is the next book on my to-read list.
My wife has read some of this, too. She chuckles, as well. But she also says, "This guy really loves to set the scene. He can talk for 5 pages without anything happening." While that may be true, the journey is almost always more fun for me than the destination.
I will say that with as much as old Bunny has been getting battered in the last couple books I have read, I worry that there will not be much of him left, even if he eventually does find and rescue (?) Simone.
I guess that is a worry for another tale.
April 16, 2021
Another outing for Bunny McGarry Stateside as we find him on the trail of the mysterious Sisters of the Saint in New York.
It’s full of great characters, good humour and some pretty far out situations. A really good fun read, though didn’t quite love it as much as some of the other books in the series.
The main plot involving a mysterious band of South American assassins is pretty far-fetched. And the finale that takes place in an abandoned theme park feels a bit contrived, and easy to guess how it’s all going to play out. Pretty obvious Bunny has plot armour too, so he’s never in real danger.
Though, given he seems to have no off-button for craic and patter, you have to wonder how nobody’s managed to do him any real harm up to now (though in this one, he does get injured in a very unfortunate place).
That aside though, the plot rattles along, there’s a health dose of dry humour through-out, and the welcome inclusion of Smithy and Diller who appear elsewhere in this story universe.
Very enjoyable.
It’s full of great characters, good humour and some pretty far out situations. A really good fun read, though didn’t quite love it as much as some of the other books in the series.
The main plot involving a mysterious band of South American assassins is pretty far-fetched. And the finale that takes place in an abandoned theme park feels a bit contrived, and easy to guess how it’s all going to play out. Pretty obvious Bunny has plot armour too, so he’s never in real danger.
Though, given he seems to have no off-button for craic and patter, you have to wonder how nobody’s managed to do him any real harm up to now (though in this one, he does get injured in a very unfortunate place).
That aside though, the plot rattles along, there’s a health dose of dry humour through-out, and the welcome inclusion of Smithy and Diller who appear elsewhere in this story universe.
Very enjoyable.
October 21, 2024
After finally successfully locating The Sisters of the Saint in New York, Bunny hopes he'll be able to get some info on Simone's whereabouts. But the nuns don't trust him, and send him on a quest of sorts, to help Father Gabriel, who works as a priest in a bad part of the Bronx. And so Bunny gets involved in yet another adventure, involving a gang war, and a haunted past this time.
I liked the story a little less than the previous one - it was a bit OTT (yes I know that's par for the course but still), and I just generally don't enjoy gang war type stories. But I liked the characters a whole lot more. I didn't care much for Amy and Matt from the previous book, but I loved Bianca, Emilio and Trey, as well as sister Zoya. Father Gabriel was a good character too. I was touched by the friendships, bonds and feelings, and appreciated Bianca's feisty nature. I still don't feel connected to Smithy and Diller who seem to be series regulars for the Stateside books, but I'm glad to have the kickass nuns back in the mix.
I liked the story a little less than the previous one - it was a bit OTT (yes I know that's par for the course but still), and I just generally don't enjoy gang war type stories. But I liked the characters a whole lot more. I didn't care much for Amy and Matt from the previous book, but I loved Bianca, Emilio and Trey, as well as sister Zoya. Father Gabriel was a good character too. I was touched by the friendships, bonds and feelings, and appreciated Bianca's feisty nature. I still don't feel connected to Smithy and Diller who seem to be series regulars for the Stateside books, but I'm glad to have the kickass nuns back in the mix.
August 28, 2021
Absolutely LOVED catching up with my favourite, loveable rogue Bunny McGarry! This is the second in Bunny's story after the Dublin Trilogy (and if you haven't already read them, I highly, highly recommend you do!) and it just keeps getting better!
Despite being 'dead' and supposedly keeping his head down in the US, Bunny's search for his long-lost love Simone is getting him into some not particularly inconspicuous scrapes!
With friends Diller and Smithy as his back up, the route to finding Simone is not going smoothly, and in this instalment Bunny finds himself in the midst of gangland New York trying to navigate the tricky waters of making an ally of Father Gabriel, his only link to the nuns who he believes can help him find Simone. But touchy teens, a secretive priest and the infamous Bunny make for a pretty explosive mix!
Hilarious to the point of tears and with a brilliant crime/mystery running through it to, I Have Sinned is a stellar addition to this wonderful series!
Despite being 'dead' and supposedly keeping his head down in the US, Bunny's search for his long-lost love Simone is getting him into some not particularly inconspicuous scrapes!
With friends Diller and Smithy as his back up, the route to finding Simone is not going smoothly, and in this instalment Bunny finds himself in the midst of gangland New York trying to navigate the tricky waters of making an ally of Father Gabriel, his only link to the nuns who he believes can help him find Simone. But touchy teens, a secretive priest and the infamous Bunny make for a pretty explosive mix!
Hilarious to the point of tears and with a brilliant crime/mystery running through it to, I Have Sinned is a stellar addition to this wonderful series!
February 8, 2021
I have really enjoyed this series. Genuinely funny, engaging and with ridiculous characters you almost believe could be real. I would definitely read all the books in order as they do build up the characters and the books get better and better as you work your way through them.
I hate giving synopsis of books in any review as there are always plenty of descriptions elsewhere but I do like to describe what you get from a book and for me these are the perfect escapism I've needed recently as its February 2021 and we need all the lighthearted fun we can get. Its not a complicated book but it gives you everything you need from it and they always give a satisfying ending, no rushing or long convoluted storylines just a great read.
The next book is the last in the series and I'll be really sorry for it to finish and say goodbye to Bunny McGarry.
I hate giving synopsis of books in any review as there are always plenty of descriptions elsewhere but I do like to describe what you get from a book and for me these are the perfect escapism I've needed recently as its February 2021 and we need all the lighthearted fun we can get. Its not a complicated book but it gives you everything you need from it and they always give a satisfying ending, no rushing or long convoluted storylines just a great read.
The next book is the last in the series and I'll be really sorry for it to finish and say goodbye to Bunny McGarry.
August 30, 2021
Another great Bunny romp in the Big Apple!
As advertised in the preface/forward, it is not a known location on any NYC map, but of the imagination and impressions of the author. Likewise warned/prefaced, the Americans do have (rare) occurrences of Irish/UK colloquialisms ... a "breeze block" rather than a "cinder block", but al harmless and maintains the author's color and wit.
More fun with Smithy and Diller, and finally cont with The Sisters ... though they aren't pleased about it and it did not quite work towards Bunny's purposes ... yet.
Great series, great characters, ... great craic!
As advertised in the preface/forward, it is not a known location on any NYC map, but of the imagination and impressions of the author. Likewise warned/prefaced, the Americans do have (rare) occurrences of Irish/UK colloquialisms ... a "breeze block" rather than a "cinder block", but al harmless and maintains the author's color and wit.
More fun with Smithy and Diller, and finally cont with The Sisters ... though they aren't pleased about it and it did not quite work towards Bunny's purposes ... yet.
Great series, great characters, ... great craic!
October 18, 2024
I am thinking Bunny's journey to save Simone will be a long one. He finds the Sisters of the Saint but he must prove himself trustworthy by helping a priest working in a slum area of NYC. Unfortunately the priest is being chased by an assassin before facing the wacko leader and a cult of assassins at a disused amusement park. And then there is the local gang war going on to navigate around.
As usual the humour is on every page, Bunny always finds good but unique people to help and the ending just opens the door for the next story in the series.
As usual the humour is on every page, Bunny always finds good but unique people to help and the ending just opens the door for the next story in the series.
October 7, 2025
As soon as I finished Disaster Inc I had to pick up the next installment. Unfortunately Bunny *minor spoiler* still could not find a decent cup of tea, but he found a love for soup and used his top quality container to great effect. Just as good as the first, still funny, still action packed and maybe even with a touch more ‘heart-in-mouth’ moments. Bunny wasn’t looking for family, found the family, didn’t want anything to do with the family and was left with family. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
March 12, 2020
Sisters of the Saint
Bunny McCarty is still on the look out for the nuns that disappeared in the last book. The nuns that he thinks know where the love of his life is located. He must find her as the people after her are trying to find her again. The only lead he has is through a priest in a bad part of NY. The story really takes off from there with some new characters and his new best friends. Bunny is his usual funny and badass self, I cannot wait for the next book
Bunny McCarty is still on the look out for the nuns that disappeared in the last book. The nuns that he thinks know where the love of his life is located. He must find her as the people after her are trying to find her again. The only lead he has is through a priest in a bad part of NY. The story really takes off from there with some new characters and his new best friends. Bunny is his usual funny and badass self, I cannot wait for the next book
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