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McGarry Stateside #1.5
Good Deeds and Bad Intentions
It's the night before Christmas and Bunny McGarry is hard at work. New York is the city that never sleeps and it certainly doesn’t take days off. Just because it's the holidays it doesn't mean that bad people aren't up to no good. Helena Martinez is trying to start a new life for her and her son but her ex-husband has other ideas. When she is approached by a mysterious woman with an offer of help she has to choose between running again or trusting a ragtag bunch of strangers and their unconventional methods.
Good Deeds and Bad Intentions is a festive Bunny McGarry short story.
Caimh McDonnell is the author of the critically-acclaimed Dublin Trilogy featuring Bunny McGarry, which melds high-octane action with a distinctly Irish acerbic wit.
Good Deeds and Bad Intentions is a festive Bunny McGarry short story.
Caimh McDonnell is the author of the critically-acclaimed Dublin Trilogy featuring Bunny McGarry, which melds high-octane action with a distinctly Irish acerbic wit.
Audiobook
First published December 15, 2018
About the author
Caimh McDonnell
43 books1,842 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
December 22, 2018
Funny short story starring Irish ex-cop Bunny McGarry. Christmas in New York will never be the same.
May 24, 2019
I meant to read this closer to Christmas, but there it was on my Kindle in the middle of the night when I could not sleep. Why not? Bunny is entertaining along with his crew of helpers coming to the rescue of abused women and neglected children making for a jolly holiday. [lots of swearing, as usual]
July 3, 2026
This novella is as funny and heartwarming as any other McDonnell’s book. Hilarious and with characters I have come to love. It is a Christmas story that can be enjoyed any month of the year.
January 28, 2019
Loved this short story. Bunny is awesome!
December 29, 2018
who doesn't love Bunny?
September 18, 2019
Full disclosure; I don’t generally do Christmas before December. That’s where it belongs. This book however stars Bunny and takes place before I Have Sinned the second book in the Bunny Stateside series. So what was I to do. Skip it because it’s September. Some would argue yes. However, my mind has been swung lately having watched Happy on Netflix recently. This takes place at Christmas too and despite that I really enjoyed it. So I decided to jump in.
Again, good deeds and bad intentions is a great read from Caimh that gently nudges Bunny towards his goal of finding the Sisters of The Saint. It gives us some insight into what Bunny has been up to in the nine months since the events of Disaster Inc. and is a brilliantly entertaining all round story. Short and sweet, and while it is not absolutely necessary reading pre I Have Sinned, I would certainly recommend it (unless you hate Christmas. Then don’t read it.) The only real point I would question is, like Die Hard…. is this a story that is set at Christmas, or is it a Christmas story?
Again, good deeds and bad intentions is a great read from Caimh that gently nudges Bunny towards his goal of finding the Sisters of The Saint. It gives us some insight into what Bunny has been up to in the nine months since the events of Disaster Inc. and is a brilliantly entertaining all round story. Short and sweet, and while it is not absolutely necessary reading pre I Have Sinned, I would certainly recommend it (unless you hate Christmas. Then don’t read it.) The only real point I would question is, like Die Hard…. is this a story that is set at Christmas, or is it a Christmas story?
March 6, 2019
Loved everything about this book and all the other Bunny McGarry ones in this series. Am contemplating buying them all again in paperback for my bookshelf, and definitely as gifts come Christmas and birthdays!
June 1, 2019
A funny Christmas story.
November 30, 2020
If you like a little laugh with a good plot Caimh McDonnell books are for you. Love them!!
December 4, 2022
Really enjoyed this short book. Nice Christmas feel good story and a good link to book 2 which I'd already read.
March 4, 2025
I loved this short story. I opened the book and read the humorous Author's Note on Language and realised that this was an author whose works I would definitely enjoy.
The story itself is set in New York on Christmas Eve. It has an interesting plotline, none of which I found predictable. The ending ties off all the threads and provides Bunny McGarry with a lead to a group he has been trying to track down, opening the door to another story.
Good Deeds and Bad Intentions kept me intrigued and entertained and appealed greatly to my sense of humour. It has left me wanting more.
The story itself is set in New York on Christmas Eve. It has an interesting plotline, none of which I found predictable. The ending ties off all the threads and provides Bunny McGarry with a lead to a group he has been trying to track down, opening the door to another story.
Good Deeds and Bad Intentions kept me intrigued and entertained and appealed greatly to my sense of humour. It has left me wanting more.
January 27, 2019
I did not pay for this short story; I downloaded it free-of-charge for being on the author's mailing list.
Now, with that out of the way, let me tell you that,
1. I love getting free stuff.
2. I love Bunny McGarry
3. I Love Christmas
4. I love well-written stories
5. I love New York
Yet... I did not enjoy reading this one. Not at all.
If these short stories are meant to be an introduction to the world of Bunny McGarry (and the Dublin Trilogy or the follow-up Disaster Inc.), then they're doing a shitty job. It's like a good movie with a terrible trailer. Sad.
Now, with that out of the way, let me tell you that,
1. I love getting free stuff.
2. I love Bunny McGarry
3. I Love Christmas
4. I love well-written stories
5. I love New York
Yet... I did not enjoy reading this one. Not at all.
If these short stories are meant to be an introduction to the world of Bunny McGarry (and the Dublin Trilogy or the follow-up Disaster Inc.), then they're doing a shitty job. It's like a good movie with a terrible trailer. Sad.
January 27, 2019
Good Deeds and Bad Intentions - This is my first read by this author and I loved it. I enjoy this kind of Robin Hood story. There's plenty of heart and love, and just proves the miracles of Christmas can happen, if you believe hard enough and have someone that makes things happen.
The humor throughout the story was sometimes painful from the belly laughs, and sadly, too quickly the story ended. The characters were perfect in their roles with Annabelle being my favorite character after Santa. The reader knows how the story is going to end, but the journey getting there is the fun part. 5*
The humor throughout the story was sometimes painful from the belly laughs, and sadly, too quickly the story ended. The characters were perfect in their roles with Annabelle being my favorite character after Santa. The reader knows how the story is going to end, but the journey getting there is the fun part. 5*
December 22, 2018
A real tear-jerker for Bunny fans
I have long been a fan of Bunny McGarry - and of course Ciamh McDonnell. I am a fat hairy 40-something year old and am not afraid to admit that this beautifully put together short story - and the ending in particular - actually left me with a tear in my eye. Which was a bit embarrassing as I was reading in my local pub, but Bunny would have approved....
I have long been a fan of Bunny McGarry - and of course Ciamh McDonnell. I am a fat hairy 40-something year old and am not afraid to admit that this beautifully put together short story - and the ending in particular - actually left me with a tear in my eye. Which was a bit embarrassing as I was reading in my local pub, but Bunny would have approved....
December 21, 2018
How can you not love Bunny?
If you read one series, please make it the Bunny books.
Good plots, fully developed characters, and I do mean characters! Mischief and sarcastic humor are natural.
I am hoping he finds the nuns soon. They are not the one's who taught you at Catholic school.
If you read one series, please make it the Bunny books.
Good plots, fully developed characters, and I do mean characters! Mischief and sarcastic humor are natural.
I am hoping he finds the nuns soon. They are not the one's who taught you at Catholic school.
March 5, 2019
Great short story featuring Bunny McGarry, Caimh McDonnell’s delightfully unorthodox Irish Detective, still displaced in Manhattan.
A feel-good Christmas time story with the help of his newly formed “gang” of appropriately quirky friends.
4.5 stars and wishing for another full length novel from the author.
A feel-good Christmas time story with the help of his newly formed “gang” of appropriately quirky friends.
4.5 stars and wishing for another full length novel from the author.
July 24, 2019
Witty Christmas story
I've never read anything else from this author, but I liked this short piece about an unconventional Santa and his helpers. The thing about the nuns seemed to be a piece of a larger whole that was left unresolved, but the Bunny character seemed a bit like someone from a Carl Hiaasen book, and I enjoyed the snappy dialogue.
I've never read anything else from this author, but I liked this short piece about an unconventional Santa and his helpers. The thing about the nuns seemed to be a piece of a larger whole that was left unresolved, but the Bunny character seemed a bit like someone from a Carl Hiaasen book, and I enjoyed the snappy dialogue.
December 19, 2018
Great short novel
It had good humuor throughout, and was well written. Only dislike is that he doesn't write enough short stories featuring bunny 😂.
I'd recommend it if you enjoyed his other books.
It had good humuor throughout, and was well written. Only dislike is that he doesn't write enough short stories featuring bunny 😂.
I'd recommend it if you enjoyed his other books.
December 23, 2018
A lovely Christmas taster of Bunny
Ciamh's writing is always full of love, humour and karma. His characters are so well developed and relatable ( though my favourite is the grumpy old Irishman Bunny McGarry) . I am always left wanting to read more.
Ciamh's writing is always full of love, humour and karma. His characters are so well developed and relatable ( though my favourite is the grumpy old Irishman Bunny McGarry) . I am always left wanting to read more.
December 26, 2018
Read it on boxing day : )
It was a fast read, and i enjoyed the irony of good deeds but not necessarily using the right approach. In a way, it brings about how society as a whole is too; there are many grey areas and nothing is ever just black or white.
It was a fast read, and i enjoyed the irony of good deeds but not necessarily using the right approach. In a way, it brings about how society as a whole is too; there are many grey areas and nothing is ever just black or white.
December 26, 2018
Wonderful Christmas story - perfect for all "Bunny" fans. Is is not really a 'book, but more of a long story or short novella. It seems to be part of a new novel - I can only hope!! I love the ending :):)
December 27, 2018
I need more Bunny!
Such a fan of this author and the character Bunny McGarry. If you want a well written, fun, engaging and emotional ride then read all these books. I have but now I need more! C'mon Caimh!
Such a fan of this author and the character Bunny McGarry. If you want a well written, fun, engaging and emotional ride then read all these books. I have but now I need more! C'mon Caimh!
January 19, 2019
Delightful Christmas Tale
A wonderful conglomeration of well-meaning miscreants turn an orphan’s Christmas into something redeemed and magical. I was laughably touched by this story!
A wonderful conglomeration of well-meaning miscreants turn an orphan’s Christmas into something redeemed and magical. I was laughably touched by this story!
January 21, 2019
Love it, love it!!!
I absolutely adored this book! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! Thanks bunches! You are AWESOME as are the characters in this mad work of art!!! I'm off to read the next....keep them coming!
I absolutely adored this book! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! Thanks bunches! You are AWESOME as are the characters in this mad work of art!!! I'm off to read the next....keep them coming!
March 1, 2019
What a laugh
Great little story which you can get through in about half an hour. Some really funny moments as well, and some interesting characters (apart from Bunny) who I hope reappear in later stories.
Great little story which you can get through in about half an hour. Some really funny moments as well, and some interesting characters (apart from Bunny) who I hope reappear in later stories.
May 27, 2019
Dream becomes true
It is every one’s dream, fantasy, imagination and hope. Helping abused women, helping abandoned children, giving help to hard working public servants with humor, wit, and financial aids. Without realizing it, a story ends. Fun.
It is every one’s dream, fantasy, imagination and hope. Helping abused women, helping abandoned children, giving help to hard working public servants with humor, wit, and financial aids. Without realizing it, a story ends. Fun.
July 25, 2019
Love this series. Fun, quirky characters. We want to beat the bad guys and make the world better for the under dogs. Caimh doesn't disappoint
Always satisfying this is my new favorite series. Best and most appealing before in a long time not to be missed
Always satisfying this is my new favorite series. Best and most appealing before in a long time not to be missed
April 3, 2020
Awwwwwww! It's a Christmas miracle :)
If you already know Bunny and his NYC, you're in for a treat - if you don't you're in for a double treat as you've got this and all the full length books still to read. Lucky you!
If you already know Bunny and his NYC, you're in for a treat - if you don't you're in for a double treat as you've got this and all the full length books still to read. Lucky you!
September 4, 2020
Just your average entertaining story with (SPOILER, though only if you haven’t read anything else with Bunny) domestic violence, stalking, and Santa. Quite the cozy and enjoyable short read. No need to wait for December.
April 16, 2023
I’ve taken two stars away for only being a short story. I was aware of this going in, but still. I could never get sick of reading about Bunny McGarry and his friends so this was all too short and sweet
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews