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It’s Christmas Eve and DS Bunny McGarry is in the mood to celebrate – he’s back on active duty having successfully proven that throwing a senior officer off a building was an appropriate step to take in the course of an investigation. However, his festivities are interrupted when someone attempts to assassinate him while he’s trying to take a leak – is nothing sacred?

The thing is, the assassin isn’t all he initially appears, and Bunny soon finds himself in a race against time to trace a kidnapped child before the people who ordered the hit realise that he is considerably less dead than they had hoped.

Bunny is making a list but he’s only checking it once because time is of the essence and some people need a refresher in the meaning of Christmas.

Audiobook

First published November 29, 2019

109 people are currently reading
828 people want to read

About the author

Caimh McDonnell

41 books1,714 followers
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.

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5 stars
674 (54%)
4 stars
408 (33%)
3 stars
119 (9%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
1 star
13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
Profile Image for Adina.
1,289 reviews5,497 followers
February 9, 2024
If, like me, you love Bunny, then you have to read this. if you read this and think Bunny, who then please check A Man With One of Those Faces, a dangerously funny crime novel and the beginning of the Dublin trilogy.

Poor Bunny cannot enjoy a pint in without someone trying to off him. Totally unexpected, that someone is an innocent looking Chinese man. Who wants him dead, you might wonder. Well, who doesn't?


Profile Image for carol. .
1,754 reviews9,980 followers
June 20, 2022
'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and Bunny was trying to get a pint at his favorite bar. Closed, strangely enough, because there was a high-brown company party and the bartender/owner was looking to pay off the new dryer in the gent's before said gents destroyed it. Unfortunately, when Bunny steps in to relieve himself, someone makes an attempt on his life.

"Tara averted her eyes and nodded towards Bunny’s belt buckle area with a wince. “Ye might want to put that away too.” Bunny glanced down. “Oh right. Good point.” He tucked himself away. “Sorry about that.” “Yeah, don’t worry about it. It’s always good to get my lesbianism refreshed from time to time.”

We all need these little refreshers.

It's typical McDonnell, but does the emotional balance well. Nothing too outrageous in either direction; a short little chuckle-fest just in time for the holidays. Fills in the gaps as Bunny is heading back to work after throwing a corrupt superior off a building.

Pete Roach, aged twelve going on forty and heading for a life as a criminal mastermind or union organiser depend on which way the next couple of years fell, held his hands up.
Profile Image for Donne.
1,545 reviews95 followers
December 2, 2023
OMG!!! LOVE BUNNY!!! From the get-go, Bunny had me cracking up. I mean, seriously, doesn’t the book summary even sound funny? Even that had me cracking up. This story was SOOO funny!!! If you haven’t read any of Caimh McDonnell’s Dublin Trilogy, Bunny is a Dublin cop, or DS as they are over there, who has his own way of dealing with people who need to be taught a lesson and he is just the bloke to do it. Typically, in the most crazy and wild manner possible. This series reminds me of Guy Ritchie film or a series of Monty Python episodes.

This is a very short story so I’m not going to say much other than the book summary pretty much lays out the whole story. If that's not enough, it's absolutely hilarious!
Profile Image for Anna Avian.
609 reviews137 followers
March 31, 2022
Bunny's at it saving the day again. Funny, heartwarming and with a touch of suspense. A quick and enjoyable read for anyone who appreciates the big lummocks of a man and his heart of gold.
Profile Image for Kate.
606 reviews579 followers
November 25, 2019
I’ll be reviewing this fully soon but for my first Bunny experience, I thought it was great! Review to follow on the blog!
Profile Image for Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com).
1,190 reviews98 followers
November 26, 2019
Caimh McDonnell is a comedian who has very successfully turned his hand to writing with the creation of the most lovable rogue, Bunny McGarry. With a number of hilarious books published over the last few years, Caimh made the decision to create something very special, a novella capturing the wit and humour of Bunny, that would help provide much needed funds for a charity that is doing incredible work with the homeless, the Peter McVerry Trust.

Bloody Christmas is a limited edition standalone novella that is now available until December 31st. All proceeds will go to the Peter McVerry Trust and, for a bargain price you will be both entertained and supporting a very worthy cause this Christmas.

Bloody Christmas is set just after A Man With One of Those Faces, book 1 of the bestselling Dublin Trilogy series that melds high-octane action with an acerbic Irish wit.

I have read all of the books in this series so needless to say I am a huge fan of Caimh McDonnell’s writing. I immediately fell for the charm and roguish approach to life of his main character, Bunny McGarry. How does one describe Bunny McGarry?

Well I think Caimh does it best when he says that ..

‘All you need to know is that he is Cork’s answer to a question nobody asked. A distinctly Irish anti-hero with a heart of gold and penchant for righting wrongs by any means necessary’

In Bloody Christmas Detective Bunny McGarry is awaiting the news that he has passed a psychiatric examination to allow him back to work. Bunny’s methods of finding out the truth can be quite extreme, with him not always taking the appropriate action, as befits a Detective of An Garda Siochána. Ofttimes his rather unorthodox approach pushes the wrong buttons, and now he is on suspension from active duty. With Christmas fast approaching Bunny is itching to inflict his temperament on some poor unsuspecting soul. Bunny is ready to catch some criminals.

A rather unsavoury incident in his local pub places Bunny right back in the thick of things, after an attempt is made on his life. Bunny, never one to shy away from a challenge, or any type of danger dives straight in and the reader is again treated to another highly entertaining and fast-paced experience.

Bunny McGarry is tough. He is fearless. He is a man that many fear. Yet underneath all this hard veneer is a man with a heart of pure gold. Bunny will always defend the weak. He will always protect the child and he always looks out for his own. When Bunny discovers that there is blackmail involved and child kidnapping at the centre of this latest case, Bunny is annoyed…very annoyed!

In typical Bunny McGarry style he barges straight in on the action and soon finds himself up against a notorious Dublin crime lord. With plenty of action and McGarry’s trademark wit, Bloody Christmas is a stellar addition to this fabulous series by Caimh McDonnell. It can be read as a standalone but I can guarantee you that if you do read it you will want more.

Bloody Christmas is the perfect coffee-time read. Packed with one-liners and Irish wit, Bunny McGarry will never stop providing the reader with entertainment and pure escapism from the everyday. Guaranteed to give you a laugh..what are you waiting for? With such a worthy cause benefiting form Bunny’s charm, Bloody Christmas is a must for all this festive season.

And just in case you need any more convincing, how does this appeal..😊

'McGarry was a big lummocks of a man, with a thick Cork accent and a scruffy, second-hand look about him....six foot two and fat, but in a usable way; he carried the kind of bulk that could slam through a door or be thrown behind a punch as required. His left eye was lazy which gave people the impression he was slightly unhinged. That impression was frequently backed up by his behaviour’
Profile Image for Gerry Skerritt.
1 review
November 27, 2019
I really can't get enough of Bunny in particular but love all of the characters in Caimh's books.

Another masterpiece which is set just after the first book "A Man with one of those faces" so if you are enjoying this book too then splurge out on the whole series (and the short stories) for Christmas - or suggest it to someone who loves you.

All proceeds will go to the Peter McVerry Trust so you can be entertained and give a a great charity at the same time.
Profile Image for Quinn.
1,381 reviews18 followers
November 27, 2019
I didn't realise just how much I've missed Bunny and his shennanigans until now.

This was such a fun, little snippet of what Bunny gets up to - though to be honest, all of Bunny's novellas have been such a blast to read and I do very much appreciate the continuity.

I also love the fact that all proceeds from this book goes to a charity (the Peter McVerry Trust) that helps those who are homeless.
20 reviews
November 26, 2019
Typical Bunny

If you're familiar with Bunny, then you know exactly what you're going to get from this. If not, do yourself a big favour and hit the download button now. You'll come for the warm fuzzy feeling you get from helping a charity, you'll stay because Bunny and his associates are hilarious.
Profile Image for Tom.
901 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2019
A Bunny McGarry holiday tale! Having read the first two books in his Dublin Trilogy (A Man With One of Those Faces, The Day That Never Comes) and the prequel (Angels in the Moonlight) I was delighted to discover this newly released novella. It certainly did not disappoint, in fact it explains a few things that happened after A Man With One of Those Faces, so reading it first will be helpful, but not absolutely necessary for the experience. Looking forward to reading the last book in the Dublin Trilogy and moving on to McDonnell's latest series McGarry Stateside.
Profile Image for AdiTurbo.
836 reviews99 followers
June 17, 2024
Another funny, original and sometimes even moving story from the Dublin Trilogy world. I'm so glad to have discovered this author!
Profile Image for Linda Jane Fyvie.
99 reviews
November 26, 2019
Hilarious

And brillint.everything I have come to expect from this author&bunny of course.have read every book&short story loved every last bit.cannot wait for the next.back where it started.just hope I don't have to wait too long
2 reviews
November 26, 2019
Bunny at his best! What a great read! Have now read all the books and have thoroughly enjoyed everyone! Thanks Caimh . 11 out of 10 from me. Merry Xmas
113 reviews
November 25, 2019
So funny as usual

I've missed Bunny hope to hear there's another book about him coming soon merry Christmas Caimh hope the homeless charity gets a lot of money xx
Profile Image for Joanne.
17 reviews
November 26, 2019
Another great read

Bunny is a character that I simply can't get enough of. These novels are my favorite books ever. Don't miss out.
Profile Image for Ellen.
448 reviews34 followers
December 10, 2019
Review to follow over at Bibliophilebookclub.com
Profile Image for Sue Lilley.
Author 6 books260 followers
December 24, 2019
I bought this to support the charity and didn’t expect it to be my kind of thing. How wrong I was! It’s an absolute delight. It races along at a cracking pace. I loved the humour and can’t help wondering why Bunny hasn’t made it to the small screen. He’d be an addictive TV cop, totally unique. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Hans.
357 reviews8 followers
November 12, 2022
A fun little novella that takes place after the events of A Man With One of Those Faces. It's Christmas Eve. Bunny has just gotten his sanity re-affirmed by a psychologist after certain actions involving his superior and is ready to go back to active duty. He wants to celebrate with a drink or two in his favourite pub, but of course things go sideways and someone tries to kill him.

The "case" that emerges from this situation is pretty straightforward, but it's always fun to follow Bunny around while he does his thing, talks to some people and if necessary bangs a couple of heads together. Plus, even in such a short story, Caimh McDonnell manages to create a number of wonderfully absurd situations that are definately worth the read and put a broad smile on my face. I mean, Bunny as Santa? That's just too perfect.
Profile Image for Maria.
503 reviews92 followers
December 9, 2021
What a way to start off the holiday season…Christmas Bunny style! Those who know me, also know I LOVE the writings, works and musings of Caimh McDonnell. This book did not disappoint, well written and hilariously funny.

This is the first time I hear Bunny in an audiobook, at the beginning I thought the voice was too weak for the big fella…but it grows on you. The women sounded apologetic or sad when their parts were read by the narrator. I know it sounds psychotic but the voices in my head sounded much better (smiles).

The books always start with something banal like proving Bunny is not crazy, like in this case, but ends up proving he is not only sane but thoughtful as well…ahhhh.
Profile Image for Jordan.
1,876 reviews
February 6, 2023
I enjoyed this. It's funny, and kept my interest, and because it's a novella and there's a lot of story to get through, it just went very satisfactorily from beat to beat without much drag. And on top of that there's a nice holiday feel to it. Nice.

I gave this 4 stars originally, but after a few days consideration I'm rounding up to 5. It's a feat to have written such a nice story in only 86 pages, and I do have a soft spot for holiday novellas when they're done well.
Profile Image for Gina.
872 reviews10 followers
December 5, 2024
Started December 24th and abandoned December 27th.

The audiobook is a mere two hours and 31 minutes, but I simply cannot stand another second of listening to this book.

I was keen to read a Caimh McDonnall book, but this was not my cup of tea! My sense of humor is dark, and at times, puerile, but Bloody Christmas annoyed me! Even Morgan C. Jones' narration annoyed me, especially his voice for the main character, Bunny.

The entertainment level was zero.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews

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