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Crazy For You
'Genuinely hilarious, charmingly intelligent and as light as a quarantine escape needs to be, this well-executed madcap tale might give you the break from reality you’ve been looking for' - The Irish Times
'A delicious romping stomping rollercoaster of a tale - I devoured it in one sitting. It's witty and charming and very, very funny' – Esther McCarthy, The Irish Examiner
'Assured, astute and wickedly funny, Domhnall's latest book will leave you open-mouthed and satisfyingly unsettled' - Aine Toner, editor of Woman's Way
"A heady, funny thriller, Crazy For You is O'Donoghue's best novel yet" - Anne Cunningham, The Meath Chronicle
***
When Clooney Coyle promises Vonnie Gallagher they'll be friends for life, he has no idea what he's letting himself in for. The lonely and eccentric Vonnie quickly becomes obsessed with the kind-hearted but insecure actor, and her misguided crush soon develops into something much more sinister, which leaves Clooney's career in tatters.
But when fate takes a strange turn and elevates the pair into an overnight celebrity couple, Clooney must decide whether to embrace the fame he has longed for since childhood or end the ridiculous charade before Vonnie's jealous - and murderous - inclinations spiral out of control.
'A delicious romping stomping rollercoaster of a tale - I devoured it in one sitting. It's witty and charming and very, very funny' – Esther McCarthy, The Irish Examiner
'Assured, astute and wickedly funny, Domhnall's latest book will leave you open-mouthed and satisfyingly unsettled' - Aine Toner, editor of Woman's Way
"A heady, funny thriller, Crazy For You is O'Donoghue's best novel yet" - Anne Cunningham, The Meath Chronicle
***
When Clooney Coyle promises Vonnie Gallagher they'll be friends for life, he has no idea what he's letting himself in for. The lonely and eccentric Vonnie quickly becomes obsessed with the kind-hearted but insecure actor, and her misguided crush soon develops into something much more sinister, which leaves Clooney's career in tatters.
But when fate takes a strange turn and elevates the pair into an overnight celebrity couple, Clooney must decide whether to embrace the fame he has longed for since childhood or end the ridiculous charade before Vonnie's jealous - and murderous - inclinations spiral out of control.
288 pages, Paperback
Published June 17, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 4, 2022
You can’t go wrong with a book that has Madonna, Liberace and the Eurovision mentioned 😎
A very funny yet at times spooky tale, basically a warning to be careful with stating a glib comment like ‘Friends For Life’, well when you are saying to someone like Vonnie for sure!
Clooney Coyle is a soap ‘star’, almost, vain yet kinda nice and he wants to help people and be kind….so when he meets Vonnie he does just this, even though she is obviously obnoxious and unhinged….he soon regrets this and regrets it for the rest of the book as her obsession gets more frantic and her willingness to do anything to snare him more desperate
I couldn’t stand her, she really is vile, the author did his job well….I did like Clooney though, for all his faults, I also liked his parents and their ‘strange’ ways although quite normal to them
A whacky tale, made me laugh and also shudder at Vonnie’s complete lack of self awareness
A good read
8/10
4 Stars
A very funny yet at times spooky tale, basically a warning to be careful with stating a glib comment like ‘Friends For Life’, well when you are saying to someone like Vonnie for sure!
Clooney Coyle is a soap ‘star’, almost, vain yet kinda nice and he wants to help people and be kind….so when he meets Vonnie he does just this, even though she is obviously obnoxious and unhinged….he soon regrets this and regrets it for the rest of the book as her obsession gets more frantic and her willingness to do anything to snare him more desperate
I couldn’t stand her, she really is vile, the author did his job well….I did like Clooney though, for all his faults, I also liked his parents and their ‘strange’ ways although quite normal to them
A whacky tale, made me laugh and also shudder at Vonnie’s complete lack of self awareness
A good read
8/10
4 Stars
May 14, 2020
Such a funny read. If you want laugh out loud, this is exactly that! I couldn't put the book down from the first page. Reading about such lovely characters. Clooney, Isla and Renardo warmed my heart. I had every hope for Clooney to not only meet the love of his life but also to live happily ever after. He clearly deserves it and why shouldn't he? Then there was the huge contrast with the cold, dangerous Vonnie. From the beginning I knew hell was going to break loose with this woman but didn't realise how much. She'll have u laughing and screaming at the book all at the same time!
It was such a mix of characters that you can only enjoy. A really intelligent, yet simple, funny read that will definitely take your mind off real life right now!
It was such a mix of characters that you can only enjoy. A really intelligent, yet simple, funny read that will definitely take your mind off real life right now!
April 28, 2020
Domhnall's books are always a treat, and this was definitely his best yet! I thoroughly enjoyed the larger than life characters and their crazy escapades; it was pure entertainment from start to finish- highly recommeded!
November 22, 2020
I am excited to be the next stop on the tour hosted by @lovebookstours for 'Crazy For You' by @domhnall82
💚
When Clooney Coyle promises Vonnie Gallagher they'll be friends for life, he has no idea what he's letting himself in for. The lonely and eccentric Vonnie quickly becomes obsessed with the kind-hearted but insecure actor, and her misguided crush soon develops into something much more sinister, which leaves Clooney's career in tatters.
But when fate takes a strange turn and elevates the pair into an overnight celebrity couple, Clooney must decide whether to embrace the fame he has longed for since childhood or end the ridiculous charade before Vonnie's jealous - and murderous - inclinations spiral out of control
💚
I died 😂 this book made me laugh so much which is exactly what I needed giving our current lockdown situation. From page one to the end it is pure enterainment with crazy fun characters. I think my favourites are Cloony and Isla.
Domhnall has a beautiful writing style and an amazing way that he writes characters who are relatable. This is my first book by Domhnall and probably not the last. This is a warm and witty read perfect for a summer read.
💚
When Clooney Coyle promises Vonnie Gallagher they'll be friends for life, he has no idea what he's letting himself in for. The lonely and eccentric Vonnie quickly becomes obsessed with the kind-hearted but insecure actor, and her misguided crush soon develops into something much more sinister, which leaves Clooney's career in tatters.
But when fate takes a strange turn and elevates the pair into an overnight celebrity couple, Clooney must decide whether to embrace the fame he has longed for since childhood or end the ridiculous charade before Vonnie's jealous - and murderous - inclinations spiral out of control
💚
I died 😂 this book made me laugh so much which is exactly what I needed giving our current lockdown situation. From page one to the end it is pure enterainment with crazy fun characters. I think my favourites are Cloony and Isla.
Domhnall has a beautiful writing style and an amazing way that he writes characters who are relatable. This is my first book by Domhnall and probably not the last. This is a warm and witty read perfect for a summer read.
April 20, 2020
So there I was locked it & it all looked bleak
... and along comes another book from this wonderful author - and so I grabbed it with both hands
Because if you need a lift or a brilliant distraction or a blast of very cleverly written madcap mayhem then this is for you! Do you need a right good laugh? Do you crave hilarity & a break from bleakness ? Do you want to pick up a book that you stay up all night to finish cos it's that good ??
My only regret was what do I read now
.. I loved this
You will too
Btw
He has 2 others equally as funny so why not treat yourself to a fun lockdown !!!!!
... and along comes another book from this wonderful author - and so I grabbed it with both hands
Because if you need a lift or a brilliant distraction or a blast of very cleverly written madcap mayhem then this is for you! Do you need a right good laugh? Do you crave hilarity & a break from bleakness ? Do you want to pick up a book that you stay up all night to finish cos it's that good ??
My only regret was what do I read now
.. I loved this
You will too
Btw
He has 2 others equally as funny so why not treat yourself to a fun lockdown !!!!!
June 26, 2020
I must say Donal O Donoghue has knocked it out of the park AGAIN. Crazy for You is an absolute belter of a story filled with humour and suspense.
Our main character Clooney shares more than a slight resemblance to the author. He acts in a soap produced for TG4, writes travel pieces for newspapers etc but a chance meeting with Vonnie means his life is about to take an abrupt turn.
Crazy for You is told in alternating chapters between Clooney and his would be "best friend", so it is made very clear from the get-go that Vonnie is not just lonely and misunderstood as Clooney originally expects.
Vonnie becomes a little bit too interested in Clooney and rumoured events from her past seem to show us that she may not be a person he wants around. The rumoured events quickly become a little too real, but the relationship between Clooney and Vonnie quickly became one I did not want to take my eyes off.
Vonnie herself is one of the best characters I have read this year, I love how the author has written her. I can identify one or two traits in people I know and have known that had me sniggering to myself all the way through. She is the perfect counter to Clooney.
The book is packed full of humour but as the extract shows below, it is not just a comedy novel. There is plenty of suspense here. The opening chapter sets us up for a "how did we get here" tale, and what a story it is.
I loved this book and I could barely keep away from it. I highly recommend you check it out. It's ideal for a bit of a pick me up.
Our main character Clooney shares more than a slight resemblance to the author. He acts in a soap produced for TG4, writes travel pieces for newspapers etc but a chance meeting with Vonnie means his life is about to take an abrupt turn.
Crazy for You is told in alternating chapters between Clooney and his would be "best friend", so it is made very clear from the get-go that Vonnie is not just lonely and misunderstood as Clooney originally expects.
Vonnie becomes a little bit too interested in Clooney and rumoured events from her past seem to show us that she may not be a person he wants around. The rumoured events quickly become a little too real, but the relationship between Clooney and Vonnie quickly became one I did not want to take my eyes off.
Vonnie herself is one of the best characters I have read this year, I love how the author has written her. I can identify one or two traits in people I know and have known that had me sniggering to myself all the way through. She is the perfect counter to Clooney.
The book is packed full of humour but as the extract shows below, it is not just a comedy novel. There is plenty of suspense here. The opening chapter sets us up for a "how did we get here" tale, and what a story it is.
I loved this book and I could barely keep away from it. I highly recommend you check it out. It's ideal for a bit of a pick me up.
May 10, 2020
With a glass of Malbec, a sun-filled terrace and plenty of lockdown hours to while away, this novel proved to be the perfect antidote to escaping the mess happening all around us. Hilarious, page-turning and beautifully written, Domhnall's third novel continues his legacy of crafting crazy, hyperbolic - yet, oddly enough, relatable - characters whose journeys you simply cannot resist experiencing with them.
The rollercoaster of exhilarating, yet intertwined, plotlines will have you at the edge of your seat!
This laugh-out-loud novel is such a welcome tonic, guaranteed to put a smile on your face and leave you in fits of giggles (as well as the odd curious glance from the comcerned neighbours on the terrace next door!).
Whilst I cannot wait for the next of Domhnall's novels, now what I REALLY, REALLY want is to have my own personal stalker, come what may!
If it involved even a smidgen of drama à la Crazy for You, my life would be complete .
Excellent stuff, Domhnall. Congratulations.
The rollercoaster of exhilarating, yet intertwined, plotlines will have you at the edge of your seat!
This laugh-out-loud novel is such a welcome tonic, guaranteed to put a smile on your face and leave you in fits of giggles (as well as the odd curious glance from the comcerned neighbours on the terrace next door!).
Whilst I cannot wait for the next of Domhnall's novels, now what I REALLY, REALLY want is to have my own personal stalker, come what may!
If it involved even a smidgen of drama à la Crazy for You, my life would be complete .
Excellent stuff, Domhnall. Congratulations.
November 19, 2022
Crazy For You by Domhnall O'Donoghue
When Clooney Coyle promises Vonnie Gallagher, they'll be friends for life, he has no idea what he's letting himself in for. The lonely and eccentric Vonnie quickly becomes obsessed with the kind-hearted but insecure actor, and her misguided crush soon develops into something much more sinister, which leaves Clooney's career in tatters. But when fate takes a strange turn and elevates the pair into an overnight celebrity couple, Clooney must decide whether to embrace the fame he has longed for since childhood or end the ridiculous charade before Vonnie's jealous - and murderous - inclinations spiral out of control.
Crazy For You is the first book I have read by this author. It is a laugh-out-loud, page-turner with memorable characters; it is a story about infatuation and delusion that will have you at the edge of your seat.
An entertaining, clever, creative, funny read. Happy to recommend it.
I want to thank the publishers, Mercier Press, the author Domhnall O'Donoghue and Rachels Random Resources for a copy to read and review.
When Clooney Coyle promises Vonnie Gallagher, they'll be friends for life, he has no idea what he's letting himself in for. The lonely and eccentric Vonnie quickly becomes obsessed with the kind-hearted but insecure actor, and her misguided crush soon develops into something much more sinister, which leaves Clooney's career in tatters. But when fate takes a strange turn and elevates the pair into an overnight celebrity couple, Clooney must decide whether to embrace the fame he has longed for since childhood or end the ridiculous charade before Vonnie's jealous - and murderous - inclinations spiral out of control.
Crazy For You is the first book I have read by this author. It is a laugh-out-loud, page-turner with memorable characters; it is a story about infatuation and delusion that will have you at the edge of your seat.
An entertaining, clever, creative, funny read. Happy to recommend it.
I want to thank the publishers, Mercier Press, the author Domhnall O'Donoghue and Rachels Random Resources for a copy to read and review.
June 8, 2020
I was very kindly sent this book to read, in return for an honest review.
From the very first page I was addicted and knew that I wanted to read more. From start to finish it was pure entertainment, especially with all the crazy goings-on from all the wonderful, unforgettable characters!
It is a very witty, warm and funny read and I can imagine it being turned into a movie at some point.
Clooney promises Vonnie that they will be friends for life - which I’m pretty sure he comes to regret. Vonnie very quickly becomes obsessed with poor kind-hearted Clooney and her misplaced crush soon becomes much more sinister, which also affects Clooney’s career.
A very clever, funny read that will definitely take your mind off real life at the moment.
This was the first book that I had read from this author and I was so glad that I did and will definitely be reading more.
From the very first page I was addicted and knew that I wanted to read more. From start to finish it was pure entertainment, especially with all the crazy goings-on from all the wonderful, unforgettable characters!
It is a very witty, warm and funny read and I can imagine it being turned into a movie at some point.
Clooney promises Vonnie that they will be friends for life - which I’m pretty sure he comes to regret. Vonnie very quickly becomes obsessed with poor kind-hearted Clooney and her misplaced crush soon becomes much more sinister, which also affects Clooney’s career.
A very clever, funny read that will definitely take your mind off real life at the moment.
This was the first book that I had read from this author and I was so glad that I did and will definitely be reading more.
November 18, 2022
When Clooney promises Vonnie they will be "friends for life " he has no idea what he has just gotten himself into. This is a witty, hilarious story and sometimes a little creepy. I just could not get enough. Domhnall is a talented author and has written a superbly developed story and I enjoyed getting into the crazy minds of the characters. I laughed out loud and I was engaged all through the book. An entertaining read that is uniquely woven. I feel completely relaxed after reading this lighthearted fun book. I think it would be a great movie.
Read
August 11, 2020This book is great fun. Clooney the hero is a gay, vain, but knowingly self-mocking actor/writer who ends up being stalked by Vonnie, a crazy lady he meets at a party. I found both characters hugely entertaining. Clooney is sharp and witty, but also warm, whereas Vonnie is amusing simply because she is so selfish and rude to everyone, yet always believes she’s the one who’s hard done by. A fab read if you’re looking for entertainment, escapism and genuinely funny characters.
March 31, 2020
A brilliant read that runs the gamut of emotions, making it hard to put down!
The key characters are superbly developed, leaving the reader with a great insight into what makes them tick - for better or, in some cases, worse!
All in all, super fun - and a great insight into how obsession can turn sour in the wrong hands. Highly recommended!
The key characters are superbly developed, leaving the reader with a great insight into what makes them tick - for better or, in some cases, worse!
All in all, super fun - and a great insight into how obsession can turn sour in the wrong hands. Highly recommended!
April 27, 2020
Domhnall's writing is always a delight to read. Crazy for You is sharp-witted and funny, the characters are incredibly engaging, reading this is like watching a movie in your own head. This is a must-read for anyone looking to brighten their day. Be warned - once you pick it up, it will be very hard to put down.
April 29, 2020
Looking forward to releasing Crazy For You with the world next month - a little earlier than planned!
September 5, 2020
My mother always said (like Thumper) "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all".
October 11, 2021
I don't usually rate books low, but this book was painful.
It started out so funny with the best pretentious comment about a character, who describers herself "as an adult, I am an artist." Hilarious.
But then this character is so unfathomably unbelievable. And at first it's funny that someone could be so over the top nasty and self absorbed. Even though someone would certainly have called her out on it years earlier. But then her bad attitude turns violent. And she starts hurting people--without anyone suspecting? 100% unbelievable, and not in an amusing I can't believe this way.
Then there was the writing. Multiple chapters in a row ending not with foreshadowing but with blatant explication:
Here's the final line of several chapters in a row
-He had escaped. But only temporarily.
-However, thanks to his new friend for life, it was to be memorable for all the wrong reasons.
-Not one of [them] could imagine anything about this ... trip that wouldn't be to their liking. Although they soon would.
-If he'd known who was then halfway across the Atlantic, Clooney might have paid a alittle more heed to the old adage: be careful what you wish for.
I mean, for heaven's sake, we get it.
But I kept reading, because I was intrigued by how he would end this. I expected a kind of cheesy hero saves the day ending which would have been satisfying. But the author chose to do something else. And the ending made me want to do to the book what the cover suggested.
I feel the need to say a few positive things because nothing is all bad. I enjoyed the stuff about the soap opera and the reality show--particularly the wicked revelation. And Clooney and his friends were really kind of enjoyable too. But when the main character is a nightmare of overwritten cliche, it's hard to overcome that.
It started out so funny with the best pretentious comment about a character, who describers herself "as an adult, I am an artist." Hilarious.
But then this character is so unfathomably unbelievable. And at first it's funny that someone could be so over the top nasty and self absorbed. Even though someone would certainly have called her out on it years earlier. But then her bad attitude turns violent. And she starts hurting people--without anyone suspecting? 100% unbelievable, and not in an amusing I can't believe this way.
Then there was the writing. Multiple chapters in a row ending not with foreshadowing but with blatant explication:
Here's the final line of several chapters in a row
-He had escaped. But only temporarily.
-However, thanks to his new friend for life, it was to be memorable for all the wrong reasons.
-Not one of [them] could imagine anything about this ... trip that wouldn't be to their liking. Although they soon would.
-If he'd known who was then halfway across the Atlantic, Clooney might have paid a alittle more heed to the old adage: be careful what you wish for.
I mean, for heaven's sake, we get it.
But I kept reading, because I was intrigued by how he would end this. I expected a kind of cheesy hero saves the day ending which would have been satisfying. But the author chose to do something else. And the ending made me want to do to the book what the cover suggested.
I feel the need to say a few positive things because nothing is all bad. I enjoyed the stuff about the soap opera and the reality show--particularly the wicked revelation. And Clooney and his friends were really kind of enjoyable too. But when the main character is a nightmare of overwritten cliche, it's hard to overcome that.
December 7, 2022
Aspiring actor Clooney Coyle befriends oddball Vonnie. When he promises they'll be friends for life, she becomes obsessed leading to mayhem and murder...
Crazy For You is a wonderfully quirky crime thriller with a dark humour.
Clooney is a great character and so easy to like. He has a fab spark and really comes to life on the pages. Vonnie obviously has severe mental health issues and I felt a little uncomfortable when she was mocked. However her behaviour is extreme and from the beginning our sympathy is with others who suffer as a result of her selfishness and her eccentricity.
The style of writing is easy to read and the suspense grows as the two main characters become friends but we know how they each view the relationship. There is certainly a tension and sinister tone as we await Vonnie's next escapade. She is ruthless and obsessed but also completely deluded which is very scary and Clooney doesn't have a clue about the danger.
The main two are supported by a bright array of peripheral characters and I especially loved the loving relationship Clooney has with his parents. The dialogue is authentic and natural which brings the characters to life. I was swept away on Clooney and Vonnie's turbulent journey but I wanted a little more from the ending.
Crazy For You is an enjoyable book with clever humour and wonderful lead characters.
Crazy For You is a wonderfully quirky crime thriller with a dark humour.
Clooney is a great character and so easy to like. He has a fab spark and really comes to life on the pages. Vonnie obviously has severe mental health issues and I felt a little uncomfortable when she was mocked. However her behaviour is extreme and from the beginning our sympathy is with others who suffer as a result of her selfishness and her eccentricity.
The style of writing is easy to read and the suspense grows as the two main characters become friends but we know how they each view the relationship. There is certainly a tension and sinister tone as we await Vonnie's next escapade. She is ruthless and obsessed but also completely deluded which is very scary and Clooney doesn't have a clue about the danger.
The main two are supported by a bright array of peripheral characters and I especially loved the loving relationship Clooney has with his parents. The dialogue is authentic and natural which brings the characters to life. I was swept away on Clooney and Vonnie's turbulent journey but I wanted a little more from the ending.
Crazy For You is an enjoyable book with clever humour and wonderful lead characters.
November 21, 2022
Crazy for You is a deliciously funny story by author Domhnall O'Donoghue. Told with a delightful sharp wit and not sparing either of his main characters from their less appealing characteristics, Crazy for You is not at all a love story.
I'm drawn to the fast-pace and wit of Domhnall's story and their firm grounding in his Irish heritage. The places and people come alive from the page, and the humour is told with just the right amount of detail. The two stories of his that I've read have made me chuckle out loud. There is a rich vein of detail in Crazy for You, but never laboured, and the attendant cast are used well and to advance the story.
I really enjoyed Crazy for You (as I did Sister Agatha), and I really hope you'll try this uproariously funny tale with an ending that will certainly surprise.
I'm drawn to the fast-pace and wit of Domhnall's story and their firm grounding in his Irish heritage. The places and people come alive from the page, and the humour is told with just the right amount of detail. The two stories of his that I've read have made me chuckle out loud. There is a rich vein of detail in Crazy for You, but never laboured, and the attendant cast are used well and to advance the story.
I really enjoyed Crazy for You (as I did Sister Agatha), and I really hope you'll try this uproariously funny tale with an ending that will certainly surprise.
January 18, 2021
This quirky novel is really original in both style and plot. It's very funny with plenty of laugh out loud moments - these are interspersed with passages of quite beautiful prose, which evoked a mood that anyone who grew up in Ireland will recognise. The story however is totally unique - it's a madcap thriller/comedy, and the antics of Clooney and Vonnie really take off reality TV and celebrity culture brilliantly. It also boasts the ultimate cliffhanger ending! I enjoyed this entertaining read from a highly original homegrown author. I look forward to reading more from him.
November 6, 2020
Rounded up from 2.5. This is a genuinely funny read in places, however my engagement lessened about halfway through.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews