The Final Game

MCM Investigations #1

by Caimh McDonnell

Dorothy Graham is dead. This is hugely inconvenient, not least for her. Luckily, she has planned for this eventuality. Now, if any of her truly dreadful family want to get their hands on her money, they will have to do so via a fiendishly difficult and frankly bizarre competition of Dorothy’s devising. Just because you’re dead, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a last laugh at the expense of people who made your life miserable.

Paul Mulchrone, to his unending credit, is neither related to Dorothy nor happy that she is dead. What he is, however, is a contestant in this competition whether he likes it or not, which he definitely doesn’t. He and his girlfriend, the formidable Brigit, are supposed to be running MCM Investigations, a detective agency. Instead, they have to go into battle against Dorothy’s bloodsucking relatives. As if that wasn’t enough, they get hired by the aforementioned dead woman to find out who killed her.

DI Jimmy Stewart is retired, bored out of his mind and contemplating lawn bowls. When the offer comes to get back into the crime solving business, it is too good to turn down. But when he finds himself teamed up with the nephew of a man he imprisoned, and a flatulent dog, he starts to think that taking up lawn bowls wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.

The Final Game is a standalone crime novel perfect for readers new to Caimh McDonnell’s blackly comic take on his hometown, as featured in the international bestselling Dublin Trilogy books. His previous works have been optioned for TV and nominated for awards, which they stubbornly keep refusing to win.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Crime, Audiobook, Ireland, Thriller

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2020

About the author

Irishman 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.

Reviews

[Mort · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start this with a quote from the book:

"That won't be necessary. Even if I had swallowed the key, I've just shit myself."

I just love Caimh McDonnell's sense of humor!

Paul, Brigit, Phil, Maggie and all the others from The Dublin Trilogy is back. Except for Bunny - and while I was worried this story would have suffered without him, I'm glad to say it didn't. There is hilarity in the unlikeliest of places, and you will laugh out loud on occasion, guaranteed!

So, in this story:
Dorothy is dead. For those of you who didn't read THE MAN WITH ONE OF THOSE FACES, Dorothy was a rich, eccentric old lady who cursed like a sailor - and to placate the people around her, she replaced the first letter of the curse words with a 'm'.

Since she couldn't stand the family she had left, she decided that they had to participate in a game where the winner would win her fortune and the rest got nothing. Of course, since Paul was so close to her, she insisted that he be part of this game. And, let's not forget, it will be live streamed on the internet.

Welcome to: The Money Games!

It will test them mentally, physically and, well, gastro-intestinally...kind of.

Of course, she will also leave a message that she might not have died of natural causes, so she hires MGM Investigations to investigate her possible 'murder'. Enters retired Jimmy and Phil Nellis, who would make a really strange combination, even without the dog, Maggie.

Will this be the ultimate underdog story?
Believe me, you will not like Dorothy's family, either. To paraphrase her:
It won't matter if you think of them as mastards or sons of mitches, they are all mucking munts!

There is so much heart, humor and fun, it is perfect to enjoy when lockdown becomes too much for you.

Highly recommended to fans of humor!

[Andy Marr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I resent the publisher telling me this serves as a standalone novel, as it absolutely needs to be read fourth in the series. Also, there were a good few typos here, and the whole thing could really have done with a more careful final edit. It was all good, but if I were Caimh, I've had a good moan about that to my team.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Final Game is the start of a new series for Caimh McDonnell. It brings back several characters from the Bunny McGarry series but it absolutely works as a stand-alone. It starts with a great action packed scene that introduces our two main characters, Paul and Brigit, who run MCM Investigations. After that the plot settles back down (a relative term) to the main storyline. Dorothy Graham has died. But rather than leave her estate to one of her relatives, she has devised a series of games. Winner take all. Paul is not related to Dorothy, but he has been closer to her than any of her actual relatives. So they compete against the step-grandchildren. Meanwhile, Brigit has hired retired detective Jimmy Stewart to look into Dorothy’s death. He, Phil and Maggie, the German Shepherd, make for an odd trio but slowly learn to work together.
The book is filled with McDowell’s insane humor. And while many books that rely on humor fall short in the character development department, McDonnell’s don’t. I will say the games sections became a little too farcical for my taste and had too heavy reliance on body functions malfunctioning. But the sections with Jimmy and Phil were priceless.
Morgan C. Jones continues as narrator for McDonnell’s books. He does a great job with the humor and the voices. In fact, this is a book that begs to be listened to.

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely prepared for another doom-laden Bunnyless trudge (which I'm afraid I thought Last Orders was) BUT ... praise be. The Final Game (MCM Investigations #1) was absolutely hilarious.

It starts as farce with Paul and Bridge on a job that appears to involve lots of guards, lots of criminals and lots of pain. Then we have to deal with Dorothy's death. I admit, I shed a tear (I'm a cryer at the best of times).

What follows the death of the formidable Dorothy is a game of her own devising to see who will win her vast fortune (plus you get your own gnome). The teams include all of Dorothy's step-grandchildren plus Paul and Bridget (also working undercover to find whether there was anything dodgy about Dorothy's untimely death).

Throw in some Russians, a bit of fascinating Irish history, dirty tricks galore and you've got the makings of The Money Games gone mad - all streamed live to an unsuspecting world.

Added to all this we have the return of Jimmy Stewart who has been press-gamged into helping out MCM (aka assisting Phil) to solve any and all mysteries while keeping baby Lynn fed/changed/amused and Maggie from eating the bad guys.

The Final Game has it all. I loved it. Even without Bunny's considerable presence the story bounces along with so much sarcasm and latent violence that you've barely stopped laughing at one insane bit before another one hoves into view. Excellent.

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com

Caimh McDonnell has had at least half a dozen previously published books but this is the first of his novels that I have read. It took me a few chapters to tune in to his humour and writing style but once I achieved that I was hooked.

The Final Game starts with Esther and Danny poised to make a fortune by selling their employer’s technology, hotly pursued by what appears to be a fairly hapless bunch of oddballs. The character of Esther really drew me in; I was looking forward to hearing how she would escape and what she would get up to next. Then suddenly, at the end of the fifth chapter, she was taken from me. What a shame. The true story then commenced and we more or less started again.

For the central story McDonnell draws on the familiar and well-loved Reality TV scenario as four pairs play one another for a fortune in full view of the world’s media. This is a setting that gives him plenty of material to exercise his comic skills and alternate views of the world. All stirred together with plenty of Irish charm. How could it go wrong?

Despite my mourning for Esther, the author gave me many more interesting and varied characters. The contestants and the production teams were contrasting but the real stars were the unlikely mix of Jimmy and Phil. Jimmy especially is not only a comedy genius but apparently an excellent sleuth. The light hearted action moves at a pace and reading is effortless.

Looking through Caimh’s Goodreads pages I noticed that his books all use the same distinctive black and white artwork on a red background which is good consistent marketing. Also The Final Game has named chapter titles which I think helps to connect with the reader from the contents page onward.

To top it all, when I reached the end of The Final Game, Caimh sent me a free copy of How to Send a Message which I am keen to read – just as soon as my pile of review books gets a little lower! Who knows, maybe it features Esther. For entertainment I have awarded a nearly perfect four and a half stars.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've greatly enjoyed Caimh McDonnel's previous books, but this one not so much. The chapters with former DI Jimmy Stewart were my favorite parts. The chapters regarding The Money Games felt ridiculous.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

God I love the Dublin series and this one well I was crying laughing so much I needed a minute before I could go back to the book.
You’ve read the blurb I’m not giving the plot away but just read it you won’t be sorry

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. Like Agatha Christie on acid.

Loved it.

[Martin Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute cracker! A combination of wit, warmth and suspense. The adventures of Paul, Brigit, Jimmy and Phil really do need to be brought to TV and / or film. Just don’t take my word for it, read it, then read the back story. You’ll love it....there’s even a new concept....nellisian logic, that in itself is well worth exploring. Now the wait for Mr McDonnell’s next, I think that I’ve read all of the others and each one a gem!

[Umar Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly whilst this is a standalone book from the very talented Caimh McConnell, i will strongly recommend your read the Dublin Trilogy books which features almost all the same characters. The aforesaid books are wonderful reads if you are looking for books in the crime/mystery/ comedy sub genre.

Having read all the books in the Dublin Trilogy series as well as the McGarry Stateside series as well as the various short stories involving the same characters, they are all 5 star books.

In The Final Game, Paul and Bridgit are notified about the death of Paul's close companion and mother figure Dorothy Graham.

Dorothy is not your ordinary person and as in life with her eccentric ways, Paul and Brigit are tasked to find out who killed her as before her death she made it know that she felt she was being watched and followed.

Being very wealthy, Dorothy very well knew that one day her estate would be split between her step grand children ( or leeches as she calls them) she devises a game show only her eccentric wonderful mind could come up with and Paul is a contestant with Brigit his partner.

The game show is called the money game contest and I must say that it was very well though out and executed by the author . The two presenters of the game show were hilarious and so were the barbershop quartet. The lyrics as well as dialogue were a joy to read.

Paul and Brigit not only have to try to win the competition as per Dorothy's wishes, they at the same time have to investigate to leeches to see who could have killed her or had the motive to do so.

Along the way they are helped by Phil Nellis and Brigit has managed to recruit the now retired DI Jimmy Stewart. The relationship nd dialouge between Phil and Jimmy is beautifully written and those two make a great duo.

We learn more about Jimmy's background in this book and I must say I like what I have read and i wish he features in more installments. If I were to describe Jimmy I would say that he is a man of honor.

Whilst the book is a crime and mystery with comedic elements, there are emotional moments which are very well written by the author.

In summary, another wonderful book from Caimh and i can't wait to read further installments.

If you have not already done so, read the books in the Dublin Trilogy and the McGarry Stateside series, you won't regret it. Also sign up to the authors newsletter if you have not already done so.

[Peter Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Final Game by Caimh McDonnell


The Final Game is a cracking blend of comedy and crime with several genuine laugh out loud moments. The sort where the noise will cause the dog to stare at you, for having woken him from a nap.


I found the crime and comedy combination made for a book that worked on both levels. Although it's not a heavy going criminal affair, you still wanted to know the solution to the mystery, but the humour made you really look forward to picking the book back up as soon as you put it down. I found that I had to ration myself so that I didn't read it too quickly. Just like a great box of Christmas chocolates, this is something that you want to enjoy for as long as possible.


Although there is a strong element of farce, all of the characters behave well within the logic of their situation and at all times remain credible. No one does anything outside of the character that they are portraying. There's a definite feel of the down to earth within this book, no matter what unusual situation is taking place on the page.


This book is part of a series and although it can be read as a stand-alone, I'd recommend starting with one of the earlier books, perhaps A Man With One of those Faces, so that you get the full benefit. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[K.B. Hallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several sections of this book had me in tears I was laughing so hard.

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not my typical type of humor. It's very slapstick with a lot of potty humor. However, there were parts where I definitely laughed out loud, particularly at some of the commentary / banter for the games. Overall, it was a really fun read that I think I might have enjoyed even more if I had known the characters going into it. The first 10% or so of the book I was just trying to figure out who everyone was. 3.5★

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

A humorous 'who done it.' Interesting set of characters interwoven among several stories going on at the same time. All interrelated.

Light reading for side bars between more serious reads. I enjoyed McDonnell's "Stranger Times" series, so thought to give "MCM Investigations" a try.

[Matt English · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it was still a very enjoyable read, I am disappointed he seems to be moving away from gritty noir. His initial novels hit that genre while still having excellent humorous banter. As I stated in the review of his novel before this, I am concerned he is moving away from gritty noir with comedy to mere zany comedy fiction. These last two reads have still been enjoyable, but fall short of his more rigorous efforts in the past. Perhaps the author merely enjoys this more fully light-hearted writing style, but in my opinion he is selling himself short.

[Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! A quirky quirky quirky, thoroughly entertaining whodunit with a hilarious gamified layer.
(Elizabeth, you’d love this!)

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love McDonnell's books, and I was delighted to see that this one is set back in Ireland, as his first ones are. So... why did this book leave me so underwhelmed? Partially it's because (unless I missed something big?) there's a pretty glaring plot hole in it. People are arrested for murder and then confess... despite the fact that it's later revealed they weren't involved, and we never learn why the heck they'd confessed. Also, the whole book is one giant contrived excuse to put the characters in various situations. The kooky factor, for me, crossed the line from delightfully silly to just... stupid and goofy. And this was despite the fact that I was (am) really in the mood for lighthearted book.

Ultimately, though, the biggest problem was just that the sweetness factor that permeates most of McDonnell's other books just isn't there. The book keeps reminding you that all of the crew and all of the viewers are rooting for Paul and Brigit, but I just wasn't, not really.

So... yeah, bummer.

[Simone Wallnöfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, superb as expected. I must say, I especially loved Phil, this time around, because you either kiss him or kill him. Maggie is an all-time favourite, too, of course. The death "of a person you like" and Caimh put it, is u fortunate, but the again, there wouldn't have been the story, without it. Thanks once again, Caimh, for a few days of real enjoyment, you made it easy for me to concentrate even at a difficult time like this, with the covid-19 and quarantine and all the crazy stuff going on.

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Final Game by Caimh McDonnell compliments The Dublin Trilogy wonderfully. Published on 17th March with McFori Ink, it is described as ‘a standalone crime novel perfect for readers new to Caimh McDonnell’s blackly comic take on his hometown'

With no Bunny McGarry in sight I was a bit hesitant in picking up The Final Game. I mean he is my all time favourite hurley-swinging Corkonian! But Bunny could not be there, for reasons I will not disclose as that would be a very unnecessary spoiler if you haven’t read any of Caimh McDonnell’s books.

Paul Mulchrone and Brigit Conroy are the backbone of MCM Investigations, a Dublin based agency with a rather unusual history. When Paul receives news that his friend Dorothy has passed away he is distraught. While working in a dangerous undercover role he had missed numerous calls and now with Dorothy dead, he is filled with guilt that he had been unaware of her passing. Upset and anger soon turns to disbelief when he discovers that Dorothy has invited both himself and Brigit to enter a competition, one that will determine who becomes the benefactor of Dorothy’s very large inheritance. Dorothy had many relatives, all leeches and all despised by Dorothy, but even in death Dorothy will not be taken of advantage of. Through pre-recorded video she explains what they must do and what the game involves. They all balk at it but choice is not an option. A live stream is set up as the games commence with all competitors in it to win but some will stoop very low as greed has no boundaries.

But, and there is always a but, Dorothy also left a private message for Paul claiming that her death was no accident…..she was murdered! With Paul and Brigit caught up in the madcap antics of this farcical (for the reader hilarious!) reality show, they are dependent on Phil Nellis, their man on the outside, to find evidence supporting Dorothy’s far-fetched claim. But Phil can not do this job alone. He has the wonderfully flatulent Maggie by his side but he needs more manpower.

Retired DI Jimmy Stewart is restless. Being at home doesn’t suit him following the passing of his wife. MCM Investigations have previously shown interest in him assisting them but he has refused…until now. With a small bit of persuasion he reluctantly joins Phil Nellis as they set about uncovering the truth behind Dorothy’s death. Was it an accident? Was she murdered?

The banter between Nellis and Stewart is priceless. Throw in a dog with digestive issues in a cramped space and you can almost feel the sting in your eyes. Caimh McDonnell is a funny man and all his characters have very sharp, funny and witty personalities. While Paul and Brigit try to survive food poisoning, exhaustion and physical injuries during the challenges, they try to figure out who in the family had most to win following Dorothy’s death. Attempts of blocking their progress are met with their unique sense of dark comic timing and Irish expressions.

The Final Game really is the perfect distraction. It is pure entertainment yet, also, it is a satirical look at our society. Although at times exaggerated ( well it is comic fiction) it exposes our obsession with reality TV shows and the extreme measures that folk will go to to get money. Greed makes people do stupid things and Caimh McDonnell highlights this in his own uniquely comic fashion. Another lively and fun addition to this growing collection, The Final Game is a murder mystery told with McDonnell’s now trademark pure timing and Irish wit. Enjoy!

[Elaine Aldred · Rating 5 out of 5]

The woman who has been like a mother to Paul Mulchrone over the last few years is not only dead, but suspicious that her death was no accident. Yes, you heard that right. Even in death Dorothy Graham’s larger than life personality is making itself felt and wisely steering Paul’s life as, from beyond the grave, she launches Paul and Brigit into an investigation of her death.

It will be a rollercoaster of a ride, because the detecting duo will have to take part in a bizarre contest with Dorothy’s loathed step-children for Dorothy’s fortune.

As usual Paul and Brigit are not alone in their investigation, with the incompetent, but lovable Phil, Maggie the flatulent retired police dog with attitude (it seems Caimh McDonnell likes his females with buckets of it), a retired police officer with Meniere’s disease and a baby.

Comedians are acute observers of life. It is that juxtaposition of knowing observations coupled with an extrapolation of reality that makes comedy work. This time Caimh takes on YouTube, social media and the culture of celebrity, really gouging in the knife and giving it a vicious twist. So prepare for you ribs to hurt because this is an non-stop, express train of mirth.

The whole set up of a game show with a series of humiliating contests is mined for all it’s worth. The fact that Paul and Brigit have to wear wrestling masks to hide their identities adds to the fun, as does Brigit’s forthrightness, balanced with Paul’s quieter demeanour.

Although there are a great many hilarious moments both with the game show and the other investigation conducted by Phil, the now retired and vertically challenged Jimmy Stewart and Maggie, with the baby in tow, there are some very serious elements as well. The interlinking of the two makes for a comedy crime book with some depth.

The relationships between all the main characters are wonderful and touching. Even Maggie can bring a tear to the eye. I am still torn between the flatulent Maggie, or the now single parent, outspoken solicitor Nora Stokes, as my favourite character.

I have not reviewed all of Caimh McDonnell’s books, but the ones I have not I am busy reading my way through and have even bought an audiobook. They are my ultimate comfort food (certainly my go to in these very difficult times). The Final Game, as are all Caimh McDonnell’s books, is ripe for a TV adaptation and I will be glued to the set when they are. Long may he be encouraged to keep writing.

The Final Game was courtesy of McFori Ink.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dorothy is dead. Which is sad. But her spirit lives on, which is wonderful. In the most badass post-mortem move ever, she has left a video will, which is really more a performance. It leads Paul and Brigit (aka Sidekick boy and Queen B) to compete against Dorothy's three gobshites of step-grandchildren in The Money Games, to claim Dorothy's fortune for themelves. Paul doesn't want the money, but he certainly will do everything in his power to prevent those other twatgoblins from getting it.

Meanwhile the rest of MCM investigations (Phil + baby Lynn, Maggie and a somewhat reluctant former DI Jimmy Stewart) are busy investigating Dorothy's claim that she may have been murdered.

This was suprisingly enteraining (why surprisingly, you may ask, if you've read anything at all by McDonnell - which is a fair question - the whole gameshow thing just didn't sound all that fun to me but it really was), and with McDonnell dropping us into the climax of MCM's previous case at the start of the book, it was pulse pounding excitement from the get-go.

I enjoyed spending some time with Paul and Bridge and Phil, and of course Maggie, Wilson and Susan Burns again - adult Deccie even makes an appearance. I do miss having Bunny in the mix though.

[Don Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels like only a short while ago I was bringing you a review of a Caimh McDonnell book, but here we are again, and it couldn't have come at a better time. 

Given everything that is going on in the world at the moment I think most people are looking for some form of distraction. I am delighted to say that The Final Game certainly brings us some much needed humour. 

In The Final Game we return to Dublin and our original protagonist - Paul. Fans of the series will be aware that the last couple of books have focussed on Bunny McGarry, but he is missing from this book for obvious reasons. If you are reading this review having not read any of the other books then I can put your mind at ease, this is definitely a stand alone book. While some things are mentioned from previous books, there's nothing that can't be filled in through guess work. There also isn't anything revealed that will ruin your enjoyment if you decide to go back to the start (which you definitely should). 

The Final Game opens brilliantly, but as with old episodes of The Simpsons the start of the story has very little to do with the over all story. Paul's friend has passed away, and because she doesn't like her relatives, she has devised a way to make them suffer while trying to win their inheritance. It comes in the form of The Money Games. Dorothy also leaves a posthumous message for Paul and Brigit (Paul's girlfriend who he also runs a private investigation firm with) that she thinks someone was going to kill her. Paul and Brigit therefore must simultaneously compete, and investigate her death, with the help of some friends (and a certain dog) along the way. 

Paul and Brigit continue to be my favourite Irish power couple, even if they are fictional. Although I feel that some people will miss Bunny, I certainly didn't this time around. His would be replacement (at least in professional terms, let's be realistic nobody is replacing Bunny) is more than suitable for the job, and I loved his dynamic with Phil (and Maggie). 

Caimh has once again delivered a great story, and I was laughing throughout. This is definitely one that you should be picking up. 5 Stars. 

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and I have to say, I found it hysterical in places (to the point of tears rolling down my cheeks). Now I realize it's not the first in the series (apparently the 4th), but it still worked well for me, and I'm going back to read the earlier ones. A word of warning for those who are easily discouraged. When I first started this I really wasn't sure about it, but once I got into it, I really liked it.

[Kathie Swenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun romp with MCM investigations with help from Jimmy Stewart along for the ride. I read this on my Kindle and am eagerly awaiting for the Audible version - the narrator, Morgan C Jones makes the characters come alive (and, that’s saying something as they are very lively in print).

Start with the first book in the Trilogy and go from there. Perfect tonic for these crazy days. If you are an audio listener I would highly recommend listening.

[Terrol Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

Despite the mental and literary anguish it caused me, I did finish this book. You may ask, why? I’ll tell you: so that I could, without any reservation, tell anyone who is paying attention just how much I hated it. And that amount is: more than any book I have read in recent memory.

[Laura Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic audiobook! The narrator does so many amazing voices and accents. The book is fun with enough adventure and wit to keep you guessing and laughing. It was a great road trip listen!

[Aoife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amusing crime mystery. The snippets with Maggie (the Alsatian) had me giggling out loud.

[Dennis Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally couldn’t put this book down. So very funny and enjoyed the journey through The Money Games. Mucking funny as muck!

[Bethel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all Ciamh's books, but this may be my favorite. And what a game Dorothy has for them all. But they must find out who killed her!!! Or did they ? What a great game for Brigit and Paul.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, but not as good as "The Dublin Trilogy". I think that the use of the same protagonists repeatedly in new series has become a bit tired with this one.