Firewater Blues: The Dublin Trilogy, Book 6

Caimh here delivers yet another belter of a novel. From day one I've been addicted to Bunny and whatever he and his collection of friends and colleagues get up to.That this story delivers isn't a surprise but is still all the more welcome. Nothing was laboured or flogged at, it delivered a new installment that I flew through apace.Bunny's dialogue is at its usual top level, Deccie's involvement always brings a smile, as do the other characters who if I start rhyming-off may give something away. But chapter after chapter, this was giving smiles and laughs aplenty; what I also found more enjoyable than ever were the interactions, especially in the first half of the book, between DI Fintan O'Rourke and An Garda Siochana's top-cop, Commissioner Ferguson. I am a lifelong poor sleeper and even my usually zombified wife grumbled and stirred at me laughing out loud reading this thru the night.Shortly after the halfway mark this book delivers some melancholy and a bit of pathos, and tugged at the feelings; before of course going off for Caimh's usual flash-bang ending. Just a delightful read all round, sincerely enjoyed, and highly recommended.I don't want to say too much else, save for an accidental spoiler, but this household relishes Bunny's return and in no small way are gasping for more like the big man is for a pint of Arthur's finest.I was very privileged to be an ARC reader and consider that a genuine treat, but had I just read it today, when the paperback arrived in the post, my reaction would be exactly the same. Anyone who isn't reading these books by Caimh McDonnell, is missing (or lacking!) something. Keep them coming!

A maverick copper with a heart of gold and a short temper - may not sound too original, but the brilliant characters in this series mean that every book is a welcome return to the strange and somehow lovable world of Bunny McGarry.I won't give any spoilers, but this episode has the political intrigue of a David Baldacci novel, while still having enough farcical moments that I laughed out loud at several points while reading this thriller (fans of the series will be pleased to know that the sisters put in an appearance, as does at least one member of the local youth hurling team). It sometimes feels odd to be laughing so soon after reading some of the darker moments, but I think that this somehow makes it seem more realistic.I was actually privileged to receive an advance copy of this book, but covid fatigue meant that I finally got to the end some days after the official release on St Patrick's Day 2022. Normally, a gripping tale like this would have me glued to my Kindle screen for hours at a time. On the plus side, this slower approach means that I have spent several days in the company of my favourite fictional policeman. He's a big, tough-looking, straight-talking guard, but if you spend some time with him, I am sure you will become a fan.This series is not published in true chronological order (Caimh McDonnell wrote a prequel to the original trilogy, and this is the second sequel to that prequel!) but if George Lucas can get away with it, then so can McDonnell. I would go so far as to say that the Dublin Trilogy series is even better than Star Wars - if you think that sounds unlikely, then I would encourage you to read all six books and decide for yourself.

More fun and games with Bernard. I prefer the focus of this compared to some of the whackier books the author has produced. Feels weird writing that when none of them are completely sane, but hopefully other fans will know what I mean. Read it in one day. Loved it.

Another great addition to the trilogy- read it far too quickly.Thanks, Ciamh, looking forwards the next installment of this engaging and amusing series

Bunny's back don't miss this series it's laugh out load funny.

Caimh, this is your best book yet and I have read all of them. Top notch literary experience throughout, never slacking and totally absorbing this reader. Superb, suspenseful and satisfying. Binge read in a single long evening, truly unputdownable.

Caimh McDonnell is a superlative story teller. He excels at creating quirky, charismatic characters that defy stereotype. The situations Caimh McDonnell puts them in may often seem bizarre and yet they remain entirely credible. His stories combine the skills of observational comedy with an understanding of human psychology, all wrapped up in a brilliant imagination.The inimitable and larger than life central character of the Dublin and Stateside books is Bunny McGarry. However, as Caimh McDonnell scorns the arrow of time and his books skip back and forth along McGarry’s timeline in no order whatsoever, it is possible to read this as a stand alone story (but why would you? They are all brilliant).Right from the start, Firewater Blues leads the reader in surprising and unexpected directions. With just the right mix of tension, suspense and humour, Bunny sets out to help a friend and ends up knee deep in political intrigue and murder.One of the best things about Caimh McDonnell is his wry Irish wit that comes across in all his writing. Humour is central to his storytelling and an effective counterpoint to the darker tones.Do yourself a favour; if you are new to Bunnyland, step on board. I promise you will enjoy the journey.

Really really enjoyed this. If you're a Bunny McGarry fan then it's a must. Nice to see a young Deccie get involved along with the Sisters kicking butt. This is a real page turner with nice short chapters, great for on-the-go reading, not to mention being absolutely hilarious.I'm not familiar with the Irish pronunciations but having heard previous Bunny books on audio I had some idea of what was being said and how to say it. Of course I now have all the characters voices in my head which made it all the more entertaining.Nice one Caimh, keep em coming!