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Dublin Trilogy (Publication order) #7
The Family Jewels
Bah Humbug!
It’s almost Christmas and Bunny McGarry is not in the festive spirit. His mood is not improved when an old friend becomes the victim of a violent assault and, for reasons he can’t understand, the police force he is a member of has decided not to investigate. Getting to the bottom of the case ends up putting him on the wrong side of some powerful people. How does all of this involve an Italian heiress who has disappeared? Why is the commissioner of the Gardai no longer in charge? And why is a certain teenage boy on the rampage swearing bloody vengeance?
Strap in, as things are about to get seriously festive and the big fella is taking no prisoners.
Some people have no appreciation of the fundamentals of the Christmas game.
It’s almost Christmas and Bunny McGarry is not in the festive spirit. His mood is not improved when an old friend becomes the victim of a violent assault and, for reasons he can’t understand, the police force he is a member of has decided not to investigate. Getting to the bottom of the case ends up putting him on the wrong side of some powerful people. How does all of this involve an Italian heiress who has disappeared? Why is the commissioner of the Gardai no longer in charge? And why is a certain teenage boy on the rampage swearing bloody vengeance?
Strap in, as things are about to get seriously festive and the big fella is taking no prisoners.
Some people have no appreciation of the fundamentals of the Christmas game.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2022
287 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Caimh McDonnell
41 books1,724 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
March 23, 2024
My favourite so far. Bunny is back on the Force (but for how long?) A terrible injustice has occurred - Deccie Fadden Senior has been robbed and beaten up. Bunny is charged with retrieving Granny Fadden's precious engagement ring back because the Gardai aren't taking the robbery seriously.
Worse - Deccie Junior has taken it into his head to get the ring back himself incurring the wrath of Jerry Lamkin (apologies for the spelling but I listened to the audio and can't find the character anywhere in other reviews).
So once that's sorted Bunny and Butch go in search of what turns out to be a gang of thieves who are running rampant throughout Ireland - the question is what is their end goal? And who might they hurt to get there?
Apparently, according to Mr McDonnell, this was a novella that got out of control and thank goodness it did. I loved it. Next up is an actual novella.
The audio was superbly read (as always) by Morgan C Jones. The action is non-stop. The jokes are abundant. The endings are completely satisfying (especially this one). Bravo!
Worse - Deccie Junior has taken it into his head to get the ring back himself incurring the wrath of Jerry Lamkin (apologies for the spelling but I listened to the audio and can't find the character anywhere in other reviews).
So once that's sorted Bunny and Butch go in search of what turns out to be a gang of thieves who are running rampant throughout Ireland - the question is what is their end goal? And who might they hurt to get there?
Apparently, according to Mr McDonnell, this was a novella that got out of control and thank goodness it did. I loved it. Next up is an actual novella.
The audio was superbly read (as always) by Morgan C Jones. The action is non-stop. The jokes are abundant. The endings are completely satisfying (especially this one). Bravo!
December 26, 2022
Story telling.
Used to be that novels weren’t formulaic and predictable shit(e) from some room full of MFA folks trying to pay off their student loans by apprenticing to a writer who by the overwhelming heft of their online marketing spend comes to own or at least have a heavy equity stake in a particular genre, and somehow magically spins out several such novels a year.
Sadly, soon these poor MFA’s will all be replaced by AI bots that do the same exact thing. And not one of these MFA’s will get relief on their student loans as they’re services are made redundant.
Anyway, what our good friend Caimh does, instead, is give us just as big a bucketful of old world anachronism as we get from our other good friend Bunny. It’s called, in the ancient languages, story telling. It involves fluidity and humor and not too much weight being placed on suspenceful ending at the expense of spinning a good yarn from front to back.
In response, there’s no need to rate and debate individual books of his. They’re each and all just fresh tales. They’re like rides at Disneyland. A pleasant departure from the tediousness of everyday, courtesy of the mishaps of a character named Bunny who’s never the life of the party, but is the one person any of us would want in our corner when our chips are down.
Used to be that novels weren’t formulaic and predictable shit(e) from some room full of MFA folks trying to pay off their student loans by apprenticing to a writer who by the overwhelming heft of their online marketing spend comes to own or at least have a heavy equity stake in a particular genre, and somehow magically spins out several such novels a year.
Sadly, soon these poor MFA’s will all be replaced by AI bots that do the same exact thing. And not one of these MFA’s will get relief on their student loans as they’re services are made redundant.
Anyway, what our good friend Caimh does, instead, is give us just as big a bucketful of old world anachronism as we get from our other good friend Bunny. It’s called, in the ancient languages, story telling. It involves fluidity and humor and not too much weight being placed on suspenceful ending at the expense of spinning a good yarn from front to back.
In response, there’s no need to rate and debate individual books of his. They’re each and all just fresh tales. They’re like rides at Disneyland. A pleasant departure from the tediousness of everyday, courtesy of the mishaps of a character named Bunny who’s never the life of the party, but is the one person any of us would want in our corner when our chips are down.
September 23, 2024
More Bunny McGarry madness. (If you haven’t discovered this comic series yet, you might want to do yourself a favour and dip in.) Bunny, the anarchic Dublin detective, takes it personally when an old friend, an elderly fella, is robbed and beaten badly, losing a treasured family heirloom in the process, and when the ould fella’s headstrong grandson, Deccie, barely 13, assistant manager of Bunny’s hurling team of wee lads (the worst team in the country), and no stranger to anarchy himself, decides to take matters into his own hands and go after the trio of armed robbers himself. Matters get more complicated when one of the three turns out to be an Italian heiress who was at college in Ireland and who is possibly being forced to participate under duress. Very, very funny mayhem ensues.
July 7, 2025
Caimh McDonnell just does not miss. I believe this is my 10th book to read of his and I don't believe I've come across one yet that has rated less the 4 stars. The Dublin Trilogy and its characters feel like home to me now - I know when I crack one of these open, I'm going to laugh (a lot), I'm going to fall in love with a new character (or two) and I'm going to have a great time trying to solve the mystery before Bunny does (and fail).
December 29, 2024
Merry Christmas and all that bollocks :D 5 stars because I have appreciation of the fundamentals of the game.
February 27, 2023
An incredibly fun and entertaining Christmas adventure starring Bunny McGarry, Butch and all the other usual suspects. When Deccie's grandfather gets mugged and brutally beaten up, having an item of immense sentimental value stolen from him in the process, Bunny takes it upon himself to personally investigate and recover the item in question. As ever so often, he happens to step on someone's toes and gets himself and Butch temporarily suspended from the Guard.
Not being on active duty hasn't stopped Bunny in the past though and when the circumstances concerning the mugging and more importantly the muggers are obviously meant to be hushed up, Bunny doesn't care much for that and pushes on anyway.
Once again, the case isn't overly complex but the plot and Bunny's "unconventional" methods of investigation are always hilarious. We also get to meet some of the series favourites again and some interesting new characters on top of that. As far as I am concerned, Caimh McDonnell can go on with his series of prequels forever.
Not being on active duty hasn't stopped Bunny in the past though and when the circumstances concerning the mugging and more importantly the muggers are obviously meant to be hushed up, Bunny doesn't care much for that and pushes on anyway.
Once again, the case isn't overly complex but the plot and Bunny's "unconventional" methods of investigation are always hilarious. We also get to meet some of the series favourites again and some interesting new characters on top of that. As far as I am concerned, Caimh McDonnell can go on with his series of prequels forever.
February 15, 2024
This is another cracking book by Caimh. As with all of his works, the characters, situations, dialogue and the way people behave are totally credible. No matter how events develop, everyone behaves in a natural way. The dialogue is absolutely spot on. This is how people speak and it comes over well.
Everything ties together in a highly gratifying and appropriate manner for Christmas Day at the end and no one can complain that the clues weren't there.
I really enjoyed the Car 54 easter egg.
Everything ties together in a highly gratifying and appropriate manner for Christmas Day at the end and no one can complain that the clues weren't there.
I really enjoyed the Car 54 easter egg.
August 11, 2023
THE FAMILY JEWELS (DUBLIN #6)
Caimh McDonnell
I have not read any of this series but I will now! Bunny and partner Butch (a likely partnership if ever there was one) get suspended from the force after Bunny gets sideways with a supervisor about failure to investigate the mugging of Deccie's Grandpa. There is a family heirloom at stake and no letting go.. In fact, being suspended must be the way to go.
Very enjoyable. I love Irish.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
Caimh McDonnell
I have not read any of this series but I will now! Bunny and partner Butch (a likely partnership if ever there was one) get suspended from the force after Bunny gets sideways with a supervisor about failure to investigate the mugging of Deccie's Grandpa. There is a family heirloom at stake and no letting go.. In fact, being suspended must be the way to go.
Very enjoyable. I love Irish.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
December 27, 2022
THE GOOD: Snappy dialogue, fast pace, brilliant wit. Get to visit familiar faces and meet new friends in the Bunnyverse.
THE BAD: This originated as a novella, and the padding necessary to lengthen it into a novel is evident.
WOULD I REREAD: Most likely. It’s a great series!
THE BAD: This originated as a novella, and the padding necessary to lengthen it into a novel is evident.
WOULD I REREAD: Most likely. It’s a great series!
December 9, 2025
Bunny, Butch, and pals deal with a christmas crime spree when Deccie's grandfather gets mugged. The usual flaws, the usual fun. A solid entry in the series, but not one of my faves on first reading.
January 10, 2024
I picked this up because I wanted a different genre of Christmas story and it was available on KU. It wasn’t much of a Christmas story more of a basic mystery.
I liked that it took place in Ireland. I enjoy books written by non-US authors that provide insight into their country, customs, etc.
The mystery was not strong. I figured where he was going with it very early on even though he leaned on a tactic that I’m not a fan of with mysteries; cliff hanger chapters where the detective learns something key to the mystery but the reader is kept in the dark. It happened a lot.
It also had a lot of characters that were hard to keep track of and many only appeared on one chapter to reveal a minor element of the mystery. This is something Harlan Coben does that can go overboard.
Overall, I’d say it was good but not great. If it had been great it probably would have taken me far less time to finish it. 😁
3 stars
I liked that it took place in Ireland. I enjoy books written by non-US authors that provide insight into their country, customs, etc.
The mystery was not strong. I figured where he was going with it very early on even though he leaned on a tactic that I’m not a fan of with mysteries; cliff hanger chapters where the detective learns something key to the mystery but the reader is kept in the dark. It happened a lot.
It also had a lot of characters that were hard to keep track of and many only appeared on one chapter to reveal a minor element of the mystery. This is something Harlan Coben does that can go overboard.
Overall, I’d say it was good but not great. If it had been great it probably would have taken me far less time to finish it. 😁
3 stars
October 2, 2024
4+
It's coming on Christmas, and Deccie "you have no appreciation for the fundamentals of the game" Fadden is once again in trouble, but this time not of his own making. His grandfather and guardian Deccie senior has been robbed and beaten, and 13-year-old Deccie is out for revenge. Bunny - back in the Gardaí but soon suspended - along with his partner Butch, quickly step in to take over.
We have now reached the point in the past where Paulie's adoption doesn't go through, and only Bunny and 2-3 other people know the truth about why. Of course, having read the previous books I knew this was coming, but it still just broke my heart. Especially the bit at the end....
Again I wasn't too invested in the mystery/crime, but boy oh boy do I love Bunny McGarry. Like I need him to be a real person. And I can't help feel like Caimh McDonnell, having written so many books about him, must be a good person too. There are just so many funny, kind and real people in these books and I care about them all. We also do get more Ferguson and O'Rourke which is always a good time.
Now I have to decide - until the next Dublin "Trilogy" book is out - do I go to MCM investigations or Bunny Stateside first?...
It's coming on Christmas, and Deccie "you have no appreciation for the fundamentals of the game" Fadden is once again in trouble, but this time not of his own making. His grandfather and guardian Deccie senior has been robbed and beaten, and 13-year-old Deccie is out for revenge. Bunny - back in the Gardaí but soon suspended - along with his partner Butch, quickly step in to take over.
We have now reached the point in the past where Paulie's adoption doesn't go through, and only Bunny and 2-3 other people know the truth about why. Of course, having read the previous books I knew this was coming, but it still just broke my heart. Especially the bit at the end....
Again I wasn't too invested in the mystery/crime, but boy oh boy do I love Bunny McGarry. Like I need him to be a real person. And I can't help feel like Caimh McDonnell, having written so many books about him, must be a good person too. There are just so many funny, kind and real people in these books and I care about them all. We also do get more Ferguson and O'Rourke which is always a good time.
Now I have to decide - until the next Dublin "Trilogy" book is out - do I go to MCM investigations or Bunny Stateside first?...
September 20, 2025
I think this has been my favorite of the series so far. The comedy was top notch and immediate. My favorite characters Deccie and the Commissioner weren't in this as much as the last book but this one really upped my view on Bunny!
At one point I was ready to go to war for our lil manager and then I was ready to go to war for his grandfather
At one point I was ready to go to war for our lil manager and then I was ready to go to war for his grandfather
August 5, 2025
As always, McDonnell is very good at building up characters and making you root for them. This one was however not as light as is usual in his books. Still a great addition to the Dublin trilogy that is an 'Octology' (is that a word??).
Only let down was all the build up between the trio antogonists did not lead to anything more than a very generic somewhat cliched ending. Would still rate this one above many of the contemporary books of this genre.
Only let down was all the build up between the trio antogonists did not lead to anything more than a very generic somewhat cliched ending. Would still rate this one above many of the contemporary books of this genre.
December 20, 2022
Much like Batman Returns, Gremlins and, of course, Die Hard the question that you might arrive at is "is it a Christmas Book, or is it a book set during Christmas". I'll leave that argument for another time and another place
I am one of those people who can only really consume my Christmas related content during the month of December, and maybe a couple of Days into January - so when the author announced this one I knew I would have to read it almost immediately.
As usual, I am glad I jumped into it straight away because it was exactly what I needed to read. Yes it is set during Christmas, and there are plenty of references to the holiday period and the joys it brings (terrible traffic and queues in the shop for example) - but the story itself is more in the ballpark of what we are used to with Bunny and co. He's up to his usual antics of getting the mystery solved no matter whose toes he threads on, and I loved every minute.
To say too much would be to give the game away but this is another excellent installment in the series. If you are a fan I am sure you will be pleased - if you haven't read the author before then this is certainly an interesting jumping off point. Highly recommended Christmas reading.
I am one of those people who can only really consume my Christmas related content during the month of December, and maybe a couple of Days into January - so when the author announced this one I knew I would have to read it almost immediately.
As usual, I am glad I jumped into it straight away because it was exactly what I needed to read. Yes it is set during Christmas, and there are plenty of references to the holiday period and the joys it brings (terrible traffic and queues in the shop for example) - but the story itself is more in the ballpark of what we are used to with Bunny and co. He's up to his usual antics of getting the mystery solved no matter whose toes he threads on, and I loved every minute.
To say too much would be to give the game away but this is another excellent installment in the series. If you are a fan I am sure you will be pleased - if you haven't read the author before then this is certainly an interesting jumping off point. Highly recommended Christmas reading.
Read
January 6, 2023Why haven't these books been made into movies? Book 6 in the Dublin Trilogy is one of my favorites so far, but all the books are pretty remarkable and deserve to be brought to a wider audience on screen. The saga of Irish misfits in oddball criminal mysteries just begs for big screen interpretation. A rumpled, irritating, bear-like cop/ex-cop hero with an infallible moral compass enforced by his wicked use of a hurling stick; witty dialogue sprinkled with delightful Irish aphorism; and a cast of mad, half-bad protagonists and foes all mix it up in a heady cocktail of Gaelic fun. Does it ring true? I don’t know about that, but I do know this series of books has everything Hollywood needs for a hit. The dialogue is punchy and funny, the action keeps coming, the chapters are short, there are dozens of books and the whole series explores a culture beloved worldwide. Plus, this book in particular does a nice job of expressing on-the-spectrum and LGBTQ characters as regular, relatable. loveable folks.
One caveat: this earlier version of “Bunny” is a lot more loveable than the later, ruined man of the final books. Too many fart jokes as tragedy turns him into a wreck in those more slapstick final years.
One caveat: this earlier version of “Bunny” is a lot more loveable than the later, ruined man of the final books. Too many fart jokes as tragedy turns him into a wreck in those more slapstick final years.
May 11, 2024
I've read quite a few of Caimh McDonnell's novels so it is a bit of a surprise that I have never written a review of one (unless, of course, I have which will come as even more of a surprise to me at least). There are quite a few different series but I've always read them completely at random and i've never found that to be a problem. However, in case anyone wants to know, this is book seven in The Dublin Trilogy which, I'm guessing because I haven't read them all, feature Bunny BcGarry as their main character.
And what a great character Bunny is; stomping through each book with his wonky eye and wielding a hurling stick (both largely absent in this book) in search of truth and justice; upholding the law in the best way possible by breaking as many rules and bones as necessary.
Does the plotline matter? Not hugely. All the plotlines have a tendency to be unbelievable but who cares. They are filled with great characters, the sharpest dialogue ever, and are properly funny. The standard in some of the books dips, the plotline sometimes get over-bizarre, or the jokes get thin from too much repetition but this isn't one of them. A delight and highly recommended.
And what a great character Bunny is; stomping through each book with his wonky eye and wielding a hurling stick (both largely absent in this book) in search of truth and justice; upholding the law in the best way possible by breaking as many rules and bones as necessary.
Does the plotline matter? Not hugely. All the plotlines have a tendency to be unbelievable but who cares. They are filled with great characters, the sharpest dialogue ever, and are properly funny. The standard in some of the books dips, the plotline sometimes get over-bizarre, or the jokes get thin from too much repetition but this isn't one of them. A delight and highly recommended.
January 8, 2023
Bunny McGarry is not the biggest fan of the Christmas season, and things turn to worse when he and Butch are suspended from the force for investigating a violent assault where a valuable ring was stolen. The assault seems to be linked to an Italian heiress that is missing, and it seems more and more like politics are taking care of the issue instead of the police.
I am not reading the Dublin Trilogy in order, but since it's Christmas I wanted to read the new Bunny story and it didn't disappoint! I enjoyed the Bunny/Butch police duo and the way the crimes are intertwined with the title is pretty good. I felt the first half of the book took longer to finish as it was less amusing (hence the 4 stars), but all in all it was a great entertaning read. Bunny McGarry is the anti-hero we all could use in our lives.
I am not reading the Dublin Trilogy in order, but since it's Christmas I wanted to read the new Bunny story and it didn't disappoint! I enjoyed the Bunny/Butch police duo and the way the crimes are intertwined with the title is pretty good. I felt the first half of the book took longer to finish as it was less amusing (hence the 4 stars), but all in all it was a great entertaning read. Bunny McGarry is the anti-hero we all could use in our lives.
December 21, 2022
More Bunny!
More Bunny what's not to like? Loved the other books and this one takes us on another rollicking tale. Deccie's granddad gets mugged and his wife's ring is stolen. Thus setting Bunny ( the best Irish detective) on the pursuit to get it back hampered by Italian heavies with their own agenda and Deccie himself. It's well written with a good plot and plenty of wit and humour with a bit of violence chucked in. Well it wouldn't be Bunny with out a little violence but never unnecessary. Fast paced story , with a few twists too. Very enjoyable read if you like a detective you would want on your side, if you like a book with plenty of laughs this is for you. I would recommend you read all five in the trilogy!
More Bunny what's not to like? Loved the other books and this one takes us on another rollicking tale. Deccie's granddad gets mugged and his wife's ring is stolen. Thus setting Bunny ( the best Irish detective) on the pursuit to get it back hampered by Italian heavies with their own agenda and Deccie himself. It's well written with a good plot and plenty of wit and humour with a bit of violence chucked in. Well it wouldn't be Bunny with out a little violence but never unnecessary. Fast paced story , with a few twists too. Very enjoyable read if you like a detective you would want on your side, if you like a book with plenty of laughs this is for you. I would recommend you read all five in the trilogy!
December 22, 2022
The Christmas Novel
There is no one who captures the Irish soul and transcribes it to paper better than Caimh McDonnell. This is truly a Christmas caper with all the trimmings! There's a scene wherein the head of the Gardia discusses the snowballing clusterf**k that is taking shape and is heartened by the fact that Bunny has been suspended. He smiles and says, "...let loose the dogs of war." And go to war he does. With a lot of help from his partner, Butch, a violent thug, intimidated criminal persons, and luck.
Bunny is once again a man with his word to keep and nothing will stop him. It all kicks off with a dead Santa. And yes, the family jewels feature more than once.
Do yourself a favor and laugh, smirk, wince, and smile your way through this Christmas caper.
There is no one who captures the Irish soul and transcribes it to paper better than Caimh McDonnell. This is truly a Christmas caper with all the trimmings! There's a scene wherein the head of the Gardia discusses the snowballing clusterf**k that is taking shape and is heartened by the fact that Bunny has been suspended. He smiles and says, "...let loose the dogs of war." And go to war he does. With a lot of help from his partner, Butch, a violent thug, intimidated criminal persons, and luck.
Bunny is once again a man with his word to keep and nothing will stop him. It all kicks off with a dead Santa. And yes, the family jewels feature more than once.
Do yourself a favor and laugh, smirk, wince, and smile your way through this Christmas caper.
December 23, 2022
Very good read!
In all my years of reading there have only been a few that I find reading cover to cover in short order. The first was when I was ill and laid up in bed . It was Wilt written by the late Tom Sharpe and was read in a day. I laughed so much my mum was all for dragging me out of bed and getting me on my bike to school! Clearly lifted my mood that day! The Family Jewels by Caimh has had the same effect (though these days I have had to drag myself to work!). The best trilogy ever...keep up the good work
In all my years of reading there have only been a few that I find reading cover to cover in short order. The first was when I was ill and laid up in bed . It was Wilt written by the late Tom Sharpe and was read in a day. I laughed so much my mum was all for dragging me out of bed and getting me on my bike to school! Clearly lifted my mood that day! The Family Jewels by Caimh has had the same effect (though these days I have had to drag myself to work!). The best trilogy ever...keep up the good work
January 19, 2024
Just amazing
I had the wonderful experience of a double bill of Bunny, I missed out on Angles in the Moonlight so I read that and The Family Jewels as a double feature - just amazing.
The writing gets better and banter, the history of Bunny get richer, and the overall enjoyment is truly rewarding. I love these stories because there is truth, humor, fairy tail endings, and a solid slice of humanity.
God bless Bunny!
I had the wonderful experience of a double bill of Bunny, I missed out on Angles in the Moonlight so I read that and The Family Jewels as a double feature - just amazing.
The writing gets better and banter, the history of Bunny get richer, and the overall enjoyment is truly rewarding. I love these stories because there is truth, humor, fairy tail endings, and a solid slice of humanity.
God bless Bunny!
January 4, 2024
A very full story
This entry in the McGarry saga is so full of different characters, many known and many new. And all at Christmas making for a nice winters back drop to a story about theft and promises. You also, if you haven’t already, get a clear picture of the complexities of Bunny’s relationship with the people in his version of the world. A quick, but busy read.
This entry in the McGarry saga is so full of different characters, many known and many new. And all at Christmas making for a nice winters back drop to a story about theft and promises. You also, if you haven’t already, get a clear picture of the complexities of Bunny’s relationship with the people in his version of the world. A quick, but busy read.
May 30, 2024
I love these books so much. The character of Bunny is a great invention. The mix of humour and crime, sometimes quite terrible, along with plots that are unpredictable is wonderful. Told most often from Bunny's perspective but frequently other characters makes it endlessly interesting and absorbing. Read them all.
January 26, 2024
fun reading
Outstanding vocabulary and use of those wonderful words make a very fun book to read. Thanks soooo much I needed that!
Outstanding vocabulary and use of those wonderful words make a very fun book to read. Thanks soooo much I needed that!
June 12, 2024
Always an entertaining read, will never not want to follow Bunny’s escapades
April 16, 2023
I don't think it's usual to want to stand and applaud when you read the final page or two of a book, but we are where we are.
Bunny's gonna Bunny.
For those of you who have no idea what those three words stand for, you'll be wanting to go back to the start of the now farcically-named Dublin Trilogy and get stuck in.
For the rest of us, Happy Christmas!
'Tis the season of good will, peace to all men etc - just not the scrote who did Deccie's grandpa over and stole a ring.
From here we have another hilarious crime caper, as Dublin's finest detective sets out on a personal mission to help a friend.
In fact, he's basically Dublin's Jack Reacher. Especially given how many times he needs a lift somewhere.
As mentioned before, maintaining a high bar this many books in (the Dublin Trilogy also has off-shoots) is no small achievement - and even though fans are now familiar with Caimh McDonnell's style of writing, you will never get bored as he continues to come up with turns of phrase that will reduce you to fits of giggles.
Or he'll have a character explain sex education videos and porn films and leave you in hysterics.
The man has a gift for language that is simply a privilege to be allowed to enjoy.
And that's before we get into his ability to write a crime story, weave threads together, and pace a story.
By now you should know that, at some point, he will hit the gas and you won't be able to put the book down (about halfway through here), but that will never get dull.
Just because you know the rollercoaster goes up to come down, does that mean you don't want to enjoy the ride?
Of course not.
McDonnell continues to be one of the finest writers of his generation - roll on the next book.
Bunny's gonna Bunny.
For those of you who have no idea what those three words stand for, you'll be wanting to go back to the start of the now farcically-named Dublin Trilogy and get stuck in.
For the rest of us, Happy Christmas!
'Tis the season of good will, peace to all men etc - just not the scrote who did Deccie's grandpa over and stole a ring.
From here we have another hilarious crime caper, as Dublin's finest detective sets out on a personal mission to help a friend.
In fact, he's basically Dublin's Jack Reacher. Especially given how many times he needs a lift somewhere.
As mentioned before, maintaining a high bar this many books in (the Dublin Trilogy also has off-shoots) is no small achievement - and even though fans are now familiar with Caimh McDonnell's style of writing, you will never get bored as he continues to come up with turns of phrase that will reduce you to fits of giggles.
Or he'll have a character explain sex education videos and porn films and leave you in hysterics.
The man has a gift for language that is simply a privilege to be allowed to enjoy.
And that's before we get into his ability to write a crime story, weave threads together, and pace a story.
By now you should know that, at some point, he will hit the gas and you won't be able to put the book down (about halfway through here), but that will never get dull.
Just because you know the rollercoaster goes up to come down, does that mean you don't want to enjoy the ride?
Of course not.
McDonnell continues to be one of the finest writers of his generation - roll on the next book.
June 30, 2023
A Christmas outing for Bunny McGarry. In the introduction, the author says this was only meant to be a shorter story, but it ended up becoming novel sized. You pick up traces of that when you read it. The story’s a little light, as the rebellious daughter of a powerful Italian politician gets hooked up with a pair of young Irish crooks, and a crime spree ensues.
One of these is the mugging of Deccie Fadden’s granddad, and the family enlist the help of Bunny to track down the crooks and recover a family heirloom ring they stole (one of the “family jewels” of the title).
The pace is fast, the dialogue snappy and it’s funny as you expect from the series, with some laugh out loud scenes and some quirky minor characters.
However, the overall plot feels a bit weaker than previous stories. There’s kind of a twist at the end, but it’s fairly well sign-posted. In fact, overall, it was lacking a bit in drama and surprises. Still funny, but didn’t quite stir the emotions as much. A bit too easy to see where it was going to end up. Plus a few of the side plots didn’t really go anywhere, so felt wedged in to move the main story along.
Overall, still a fun read, just not quite hitting the mark of the previous (very good) reads in the series.
One of these is the mugging of Deccie Fadden’s granddad, and the family enlist the help of Bunny to track down the crooks and recover a family heirloom ring they stole (one of the “family jewels” of the title).
The pace is fast, the dialogue snappy and it’s funny as you expect from the series, with some laugh out loud scenes and some quirky minor characters.
However, the overall plot feels a bit weaker than previous stories. There’s kind of a twist at the end, but it’s fairly well sign-posted. In fact, overall, it was lacking a bit in drama and surprises. Still funny, but didn’t quite stir the emotions as much. A bit too easy to see where it was going to end up. Plus a few of the side plots didn’t really go anywhere, so felt wedged in to move the main story along.
Overall, still a fun read, just not quite hitting the mark of the previous (very good) reads in the series.
September 4, 2025
I listened to this audiobook. Morgan C. Jones is one fun to listen to narrator. I have listened to several of the Dublin Trilogy books and they are all delightful. In this book, Gardai detective Bunny McGarry has a lot to deal with this Christmas. Bunny learns that the grandfather of the hard to control hurling team manager Dekky has been assaulted and robbed. Declan Sr. is in the hospital. He tells Bunny that the diamond and emerald ring he calls the Family Jewels was taken. Bunny is on the case to find the thieves and recover the ring. He enlists his partner Pamela "Butch" Cassidy. The slap stick story toggles between Bunny and Butch, the 2 men and one woman robbers, the inept Limerick detective, and the violent Italian police who are involved. The woman robber is the heiress of a powerful Italian family. She appears to be acting under duress as she helps her 2 accomplices rob people. What are their goals? Is she really a victim? Why are the Italians taking matters in their own hands? And how can Bunny get ahead of the robbers and help his friend? All this is happening at Christmas. Rip roaring and funny, I love these books.
July 27, 2025
Bunny makes a fools error when he promises his friend that he will find the ring that was stolen from him during a brutal mugging. A mugging where one of the gang, a woman, whispered how sorry she was and that she needed help. On getting invoked Bunny manages to upset his senior and get himself, and Butch, instantly suspended. The more senior seniors see this as an absolute win as they know Bunny isn’t going to rest until that ring is back with its owner, and while he’s suspended his “questionable” actions are not their responsibility… win all round. Will Bunny find the ring? Find the woman? Get his job back??
I love McDonnell, his humour is just glorious, I want to be his friend! I’m trying to ration the books because I don’t think I could cope knowing I have no more to read. Read this book, you won’t regret it (unless you’ve disliked his other books in which case mainly you’re a weirdo, I’m not sure we can be friends, but also they’re all the same kind of theme and humour)
I love McDonnell, his humour is just glorious, I want to be his friend! I’m trying to ration the books because I don’t think I could cope knowing I have no more to read. Read this book, you won’t regret it (unless you’ve disliked his other books in which case mainly you’re a weirdo, I’m not sure we can be friends, but also they’re all the same kind of theme and humour)
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