Picture an Irish storyteller who spins crime tales with a side of belly laughs—meet Caimh McDonnell! Born in Limerick and raised in Dublin, this former stand-up comedian and TV writer has carved a niche with his riotously funny 'Dublin Trilogy.' With a knack for blending gritty crime with razor-sharp wit, McDonnell’s stories are as captivating as a pint of Guinness on a rainy Dublin night.
From the stage to the page, McDonnell’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention. His unique voice, steeped in Irish humor and suspense, has made him a rising star in comic crime fiction, with fans eagerly awaiting each new release.
The Making of Caimh McDonnell
Born in 1975 in Limerick, Ireland, Caimh McDonnell grew up in Dublin, where his love for storytelling took root. After earning a degree in Electronic Engineering from Dublin City University, he briefly assembled computer servers before diving into stand-up comedy. His quick wit shone on the comedy circuit, leading to a prolific career writing for British TV shows like 'Have I Got News for You' and the BAFTA-nominated children’s series 'Pet Squad,' which he created. This comedic foundation would later infuse his novels with laugh-out-loud dialogue and vivid characters.
McDonnell’s transition to writing novels came after years of honing his craft in television and comedy. Now based in Manchester with his wife, Elaine, who runs a publishing company, he writes from a garden office, accompanied by his dogs, Diller and Jackson, and a boundless imagination.
Caimh McDonnell’s Unforgettable Stories
McDonnell’s breakout hit, the 'Dublin Trilogy,' is anything but a typical trilogy—it’s now nine books strong and counting, often called the 'Increasingly Inaccurately Titled Dublin Trilogy.' Kicking off with 'A Man With One of Those Faces' (2016), the series follows Paul Mulchrone, a man mistaken for someone worth killing, and Detective Bunny McGarry, a hurling-obsessed, rule-bending Garda. The prequel 'Angels in the Moonlight' (2017) dives into Bunny’s past, weaving a poignant tale of love and crime in 1999 Dublin. 'Last Orders' (2018) wraps up the original quartet with a gripping finale, while 'Firewater Blues' (2022) keeps the laughs and thrills coming.
Under the pen name C.K. McDonnell, he also pens 'The Stranger Times,' a series blending paranormal fantasy with crime and humor, set in a Manchester newspaper chasing the weird and wonderful. McDonnell’s style is a cocktail of suspense, Irish vernacular, and gut-busting humor, earning comparisons to Terry Pratchett, though his grounded settings keep the focus on human quirks. His dialogue crackles, and his characters—like the unforgettable Bunny McGarry—feel like old friends you’d meet at the pub.
Beyond the 'Dublin Trilogy,' McDonnell’s 'McGarry Stateside' and 'MCM Investigations' series expand his universe, while his short story collection 'Shorts' (2024) offers fresh perspectives on fan-favorite characters. With 28 books to his name, his output is as impressive as his storytelling.
Why Caimh McDonnell Matters
Caimh McDonnell’s impact lies in his ability to make crime fiction accessible and uproariously fun. His 'Dublin Trilogy' has topped Amazon charts in the UK, Ireland, and the USA, with translations in multiple languages and TV adaptations in the works. By capturing Dublin’s gritty charm and infusing it with humor, he’s brought Irish crime fiction to a global audience. Fans praise his authentic characters and clever plots, with reviews calling his work 'poignant, suspenseful, and gut-bustingly funny.'
McDonnell’s legacy is still growing, but his blend of heart, humor, and suspense ensures he’s a voice to watch. Whether you’re a crime buff or just love a good laugh, his stories offer something for everyone.
- Born: 1975, Limerick, Ireland
- Key Works: 'A Man With One of Those Faces,' 'Angels in the Moonlight,' 'The Stranger Times'
- Awards: BAFTA nomination for 'Pet Squad,' Kindle Storyteller Award shortlist for 'I Have Sinned'
Snag 'A Man With One of Those Faces' and dive into Caimh McDonnell’s hilarious, thrilling world of Irish crime fiction!