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In Other News
A freebie ebook from C.K. McDonnell's (aka Caimh McDonnell) The Stranger Times newsletter on 20 November 2020 containing short stories in the The Stranger Times world.
62 pages, ebook
First published November 20, 2020
About the author
C.K. McDonnell
17 books686 followersA pseudonym for Caimh McDonnell.
Irishman Caimh McDonnell is a former professional stand-up comedian and TV writer who now concentrates all of his energies on writing 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, such as the The Sarah Millican Television Programme, Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You. His work as a children’s TV writer earned him a BAFTA nomination for the CBBC animated series ‘Pet Squad’ which he created.
Irishman Caimh McDonnell is a former professional stand-up comedian and TV writer who now concentrates all of his energies on writing 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, such as the The Sarah Millican Television Programme, Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You. His work as a children’s TV writer earned him a BAFTA nomination for the CBBC animated series ‘Pet Squad’ which he created.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 28, 2022
I loved The Stranger Times and was gearing up for the sequel, This Charming Man, when I suddenly remembered I never read these short stories. They’re the perfect reminder of what I loved about the first book and I’m even more keen to read the sequel now.
A Dog’s Life
It’s not uncommon for a dog to eat something it probably shouldn’t have. What poor Rubble ate definitely wasn’t on the menu and it’s up to Marcia to extract it, one way or another.
Karen just wants to cross the bridge. Well, that’s not all she wants to do, but it’s one of the things.
Written at the beginning of the pandemic, this short story shows that even ghosts find the news depressing. Tommy and the other ghosts at the station have different skillsets, all of which are useful in the right circumstances.
Rain (obviously), chips and footnotes.
One of the best clothing descriptions in recent memory:
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
A Dog’s Life
It’s not uncommon for a dog to eat something it probably shouldn’t have. What poor Rubble ate definitely wasn’t on the menu and it’s up to Marcia to extract it, one way or another.
‘Dogs cannot do that. I paid attention in veterinary school - I really did. Believe me, if that was a thing, I’m sure I’d remember.’Love and Death in the Time of Planned Engineering Works
Karen just wants to cross the bridge. Well, that’s not all she wants to do, but it’s one of the things.
‘This is my bridge and you can’t cross it without my say so.’The Blitz Spirits
Written at the beginning of the pandemic, this short story shows that even ghosts find the news depressing. Tommy and the other ghosts at the station have different skillsets, all of which are useful in the right circumstances.
This was his life now, bobbing and weaving, doing all he could to avoid the living.The Rain
Rain (obviously), chips and footnotes.
But there are some things that we do not talk about. Some things you let be because the other options are worse.I enjoyed all of the stories but my favourite was, without a doubt, A Dog’s Life.
One of the best clothing descriptions in recent memory:
She was wearing an odd mix of black and pink. It was as if she’d been covered in glue, shoved in a cannon and fired through the wardrobes of a goth and a Disney princess.You too can get a copy of this free ebook by signing up for Caimh’s newsletter at https://thestrangertimes.co.uk.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
March 21, 2023
In Other News is a collection of four urban fantasy short stories from the author’s Stranger Times world, but that don’t feature the main series characters or plot lines. It’s available for free when you sign up to his newsletter. In the foreword, McDonnell writes: “ It is worth remembering, I wrote these stories in 2020, which wasn’t the easiest of years for anyone, so having other worlds and wild ideas to explore was a wonderful escape.”
A Dog’s Life - a beleaguered vet in an overnight emergency clinic tries to save a dog that has swallowed something it shouldn’t have. Loved this - especially the epilogue.
Love and Death in the time of Planned Engineering Works - a young woman plans to end it all by jumping off a railway bridge, but is stopped by an unexpected gatekeeper.
The Blitz Spirits - Tommy has been haunting a London Underground station since his untimely death in WW2. He tries to avoid contact with people, until a group of thugs start to harass a young woman…
The Rain - on a wet Manchester night, wannabe muggers think they’ve found a helpless victim. Big mistake.
“ We trolls were a thing long before the internet was a twinkle in Sir Timothy John Berners-Lee’s eye, but our name gets co-opted. Have you any idea what it’s like to constantly get associated with shitty behaviour that is nothing to do with you?’ ‘Actually, I do. It’s 2020 and my name is Karen. Apparently, everyone with that name is now a stupid racist.’ ”
I have read and enjoyed the three main series books, so was intrigued to see what these added: I thought they were brilliant bite-size stories, each quite different but featuring his unique brand of humour. They can all be read as stand-alones even if you haven’t read any of the full length books. I liked the way some of the stories mention the Covid lockdown, but aren’t about it. Each one has a supernatural twist, and each is completely different.
A Dog’s Life - a beleaguered vet in an overnight emergency clinic tries to save a dog that has swallowed something it shouldn’t have. Loved this - especially the epilogue.
Love and Death in the time of Planned Engineering Works - a young woman plans to end it all by jumping off a railway bridge, but is stopped by an unexpected gatekeeper.
The Blitz Spirits - Tommy has been haunting a London Underground station since his untimely death in WW2. He tries to avoid contact with people, until a group of thugs start to harass a young woman…
The Rain - on a wet Manchester night, wannabe muggers think they’ve found a helpless victim. Big mistake.
“ We trolls were a thing long before the internet was a twinkle in Sir Timothy John Berners-Lee’s eye, but our name gets co-opted. Have you any idea what it’s like to constantly get associated with shitty behaviour that is nothing to do with you?’ ‘Actually, I do. It’s 2020 and my name is Karen. Apparently, everyone with that name is now a stupid racist.’ ”
I have read and enjoyed the three main series books, so was intrigued to see what these added: I thought they were brilliant bite-size stories, each quite different but featuring his unique brand of humour. They can all be read as stand-alones even if you haven’t read any of the full length books. I liked the way some of the stories mention the Covid lockdown, but aren’t about it. Each one has a supernatural twist, and each is completely different.
November 21, 2022
A supplementary ebook to the Stranger Times series with stories worthy of entry into the newspaper itself. A selection of short stories covering paranormal events in Manchester. Worth a read if you enjoy the world of The Stranger times.
May 11, 2025
This is a collection of four short stories from the realm of "The Stranger Times." I will label the stories as cute. Human insights amongst the bizarre. "Trolls don't live under bridges. We only go there when it rains."
Quick, light reads.
Quick, light reads.
July 20, 2022
4 stars. Though the short stories here do little to expand upon (or even relate to) the world of The Stranger Times, they are funny and worth reading on their own merits.
October 30, 2022
Needed something lighter and funnier to contrast my usual dose of murders, kidnappings and suspenseful police procedurals. It truly hit the spot. This short e-book is the precursor for The Stranger Times that I will be reading very soon because Caimh has make paranormal funny and cool again.
February 21, 2021
While not all humorous as one would expect from Caimh they are well crafted none the less. It surely wets ones appetite for Stranger Times. Going to have to say the after hours visit to the vet was my favorite.
May 1, 2022
Great book of short stories that helps flesh out the ‘stranger times’ universe.
February 10, 2023
Absolutely superlative short story collection with the wit, humour and anger of The Stranger Times novels very evident. I may like these even better than the novels, in fact. There is a lovely queer romance of the kind I have always wanted to see for sapphics; a terribly sad little story about a vet with a good ending, a proper little Magnus Archives-esque monster story and a beautiful and incredibly sad little ghost story. My only regret is there there were only four of them.
November 26, 2020
This ebook contains 4 short stories - 2 new and 2 featured in Things That Fell From The Sky.
The new stories were great (can't decide which I liked more, both were equally as charming, though the vet story was pretty funny) and only has hyped me up even more for The Stranger Times. Can't wait!!
The new stories were great (can't decide which I liked more, both were equally as charming, though the vet story was pretty funny) and only has hyped me up even more for The Stranger Times. Can't wait!!
January 4, 2021
This is a collection of short stories that is a companion to "The Stranger Times" which I recently enjoyed on The Pigeonhole that the author gave as a freebie when signing up to his newsletter.
This gives some examples of the stories that may have graced the pages of the Stranger Times.
Very enjoyable, great humour and well written.
I especially liked the concept of the footnotes in the final story (done in homage to Terry Pratchett).
Although there was a crossover with the podcast I enjoyed reading and it kept me occupied on both legs of my commute and de-stress after announcement of lockdown 3.0.
Looking forward to the second installment of the Stranger Times series.
This gives some examples of the stories that may have graced the pages of the Stranger Times.
Very enjoyable, great humour and well written.
I especially liked the concept of the footnotes in the final story (done in homage to Terry Pratchett).
Although there was a crossover with the podcast I enjoyed reading and it kept me occupied on both legs of my commute and de-stress after announcement of lockdown 3.0.
Looking forward to the second installment of the Stranger Times series.
August 25, 2024
In Other News is a collection of four short stories that expand the Stranger Times universe. They don't feature any of the main characters, so can be read at any time in the series, or as a standalone.
Featuring ghosts, trolls, magical objects and supernatural tattoos, they are all told with C. K. McDonnell's trademark humour and are well worth your time - especially as they are free to download from the author's website.
Featuring ghosts, trolls, magical objects and supernatural tattoos, they are all told with C. K. McDonnell's trademark humour and are well worth your time - especially as they are free to download from the author's website.
April 8, 2021
In Other News is a free ebook if you sign up to CK McDonnell’s newsletter, featuring four short stories from the world of The Stranger Times. None of the stories actually feature the characters from The Stranger Times but it's still a mostly fun read, I particularly liked the story about a dog that had swallowed something it shouldn't have.
July 19, 2021
This freebee book is a kind of introduction to McDonnell's new series of books based on a fictional news organization that only publishes stories about unusual events. The short stories here are irreverent and funny, and should draw in lots of new readers who might not have enjoyed the grittier crime of The Dublin Crime series.
May 2, 2021
Great shorts to prepare for "The Stranger Times"!
FYI these same ones are included in the audio podcasts (with others and the first chapters of the affore-mentioned book), but worth reading all the same.
FYI these same ones are included in the audio podcasts (with others and the first chapters of the affore-mentioned book), but worth reading all the same.
March 21, 2022
This is the best funniest short story I read in many years... "Love and Death in the Time of Planned Engineering Works"
I had a very bad week, and believe me, I started laughing like a crazy idiot...
I had a very bad week, and believe me, I started laughing like a crazy idiot...
May 18, 2024
Solide Kurzgeschichtensammlung, die der Autor der Stranger Times Reihe auf seiner Webseite kostenlos als Ebook bereitstellt. Gewohnt zwischen absurd, witzig und sentimental pendelnd ein süffisantes Vergnügen, welches anscheinend mit Pratchett verglichen werden will.
September 23, 2025
That was nice little break from the usual 400 page books. I got a look at some of Ciamh’s other material which I may have to give a go in future.
I recommend signing up to The Stranger Times mailing list even if it’s just to a get access to this quick read
I recommend signing up to The Stranger Times mailing list even if it’s just to a get access to this quick read
November 18, 2025
This was great! I loved The Strangerverse story 'Love and Death in the time of Planned Engineering Work' and I loved that Looniverse story 'The One'. Wasn't a fan of The Bunnyverse story, think I'll give that story a miss. But the rest were great!
March 29, 2022
Short but sweet.
July 16, 2022
Fun book thanks
August 1, 2024
5 Stars/
90%
Stories 2 and 3 will stay with me for quite a while. Enjoyable. Humorous. Poignant. Everything a short story should be.
90%
Stories 2 and 3 will stay with me for quite a while. Enjoyable. Humorous. Poignant. Everything a short story should be.
November 14, 2024
I listened to them on the stranger times podcast. Absolutely brilliant.
April 19, 2025
Nice little collection of short stories from the Stranger Times universe. Fun.
July 16, 2025
A great little book of short stories - I really enjoyed this!
July 19, 2025
Короткі, абсурдні але смішні і легкі історії.
March 21, 2026
I would give this book 5 stars alone for the final story ‘The One’. Great introduction to the author. Or for those of us who know the greatness, class as ever .
March 30, 2026
Though I don't like short storys very much, these were quite good. Especially the last one, that is not connected to any of his book.
October 19, 2025
A collection of short stories available when signing up to CK McDonell's newsletter. The stories in the version I read included.
The Rain, two muggers attempt to take advantage of someone walking by themselves and regret it.
Love and death in the time of planned engineering works, a woman looking to spoil a romantic memory, meets someone on a bridge.
Several stories, themed around the stranger times.
How to send a message, two men decide on the best way to send a message and come a cropper at the hands of Bunny McGarry
The One, is about someone at a speed dating event.
The Rain, two muggers attempt to take advantage of someone walking by themselves and regret it.
Love and death in the time of planned engineering works, a woman looking to spoil a romantic memory, meets someone on a bridge.
Several stories, themed around the stranger times.
How to send a message, two men decide on the best way to send a message and come a cropper at the hands of Bunny McGarry
The One, is about someone at a speed dating event.
September 19, 2023
OK - I'm a fan of this author in either of his guises! You can get this freeby short story book via his newsletter. There are 4 stories here. For me 3 of them are excellent (and the other one is ok too). The idea that you can make a story about a vet and a dog that has eaten something he shouldn't have SO funny amazed me. While none of these are actually Stranger Times stories directly all would appeal and this one particularly.
I loved the second one - put simply it's about a troll and a bridge and the troll wants payment for someone who wants to use it. I guess for me this is the best one in the collection. It's playful, sad, funny, loving etc - very well crafted. Ghosts on the Underground come next and it was another good read.
This guy has rapidly become one of my favourite authors. It's not just the comedy but the quality of the story telling that gets me. Stranger Times fans will want to read this. However I'd be surprised if fans on Bunny McGarry (Dublin Trilogy by the author's alter ego!) didn't find it worth reading. As a fan of Neil Gaiman I'd suggest than fans of his fantasy writing might well like this. Playful, dark, funny and well written. 4.5/5
Podcasts update!
Just found out that my favourite story here - the troll and the bridge - is brilliantly done on one of the Stranger Times podcasts. Well worth a listen and have a tissue to hand 😢!
Actually there are 3 of these stories on podcasts and they are done very well indeed. Even if you've read them they may well be worth a look. The dog at the vets one is very good too 😂
I loved the second one - put simply it's about a troll and a bridge and the troll wants payment for someone who wants to use it. I guess for me this is the best one in the collection. It's playful, sad, funny, loving etc - very well crafted. Ghosts on the Underground come next and it was another good read.
This guy has rapidly become one of my favourite authors. It's not just the comedy but the quality of the story telling that gets me. Stranger Times fans will want to read this. However I'd be surprised if fans on Bunny McGarry (Dublin Trilogy by the author's alter ego!) didn't find it worth reading. As a fan of Neil Gaiman I'd suggest than fans of his fantasy writing might well like this. Playful, dark, funny and well written. 4.5/5
Podcasts update!
Just found out that my favourite story here - the troll and the bridge - is brilliantly done on one of the Stranger Times podcasts. Well worth a listen and have a tissue to hand 😢!
Actually there are 3 of these stories on podcasts and they are done very well indeed. Even if you've read them they may well be worth a look. The dog at the vets one is very good too 😂
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews