And then we have Detective Inspector Jimmy Stewart is just about to retire and he’s showing the ropes to and simultaneously trying to increase Detective Wilson’s film knowledge, to no avail. While on duty charged with Paul’s protection they come across something dodgy…

What I particularly loved about this book was how incredibly fast-paced it was, especially once we were on the run with Paul and Brigit. I’m not usually a huge fan of crime thrillers because the plots can spiral wildly out of the author’s control, but McDonnell creates a captivating plot with enough juicy twists to prevent it becoming predictable. It’s also bursting with humour; for a face that screams ‘nothing special’, Paul is an extremely witty character. Although it’s written in third person, it still feels like you’re following Paul’s thoughts – and his commentary on the severity of his situation is very funny. All the characters are given rich stories and are well-developed, even down to Brigit’s ex-fiance who sports an alarmingly odd head of hair thanks to a recent hair transplant. Now Paul Muchrone finds himself on the run with nobody to turn to except a nurse who has read one-too-many crime novels and a renegade copper with a penchant for violence. Together they must solve one of the most notorious crimes in Irish history . . . It won’t be a book I remember years or even months down the road, but it’s definitely a lovely way to spend a few hours as long as you don’t mind a bit of crass juvenile humor and sitcom-like situations and a slight level of absurdity throughout the whole story. It’s a book that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s where its charm lies. I ended up highlighting nearly forty passages - a new record for me - and I can recommend this for anybody who loves a little dark humor in their thrillers.His Stranger Times series, which melds urban fantasy, paranormal, and humour with crime, is written under the pen name of C.K McDonnell. [8] [9] Recognition [ edit ]

BUNNY MCGARRY…Bunny is everything you imagine a cop NOT to look or sound like, with a loud foul mouth albeit a very funny one at that. He is an old school Police Officer who keeps an eye on his neighbourhood, making his own rules and punishments as he wonders the streets. He has one main goal and that is to always look out for the locals especially 'his boys'. Bunny is not known for doing things by the book. A masterclass... The prose and narrative is spot on. The characters inhabiting this hilarious, yet gripping story are just wonderful." ***** Strange AlliancesWhile the male characters were well presented, for me it was the women who stood out. Nurse Brigit, who gets caught up with protagonist Paul at the beginning of the story and stays with him through the end. Solicitor Norah, called into action despite her heavily pregnant condition. And Dorothy, Paul's pseudo-grandmother, whose actions belie her age. They each hold their own in matters both of wit and self-defense, and help see to it that the plot is never boring. Paul has one of those faces. Everyone thinks they know him from somewhere. So he spends 6 hours each week visiting an old folks home where residents mistake him for their long lost brother, neighbour or grandchild. RN Brigit Conroy signs off his hours which he gleefully presents to Auntie Fidelma’s lawyer in exchange for another month’s keep. He has his regulars but one night Brigit asks him to visit Martin Brown, a cantankerous old man who is dying. Hopefully he’ll mistake Paul for a family member & anyhoo, what could go wrong? Paul Mulchrone lives a meagre, lonely existence, working part time in a hospice as a companion to elderly residents (a ‘granny whisperer’) - he’s not very brave, faints at the sight of blood and is a bit of a whinger. In his favour, he’s a pleasant, mild mannered young bloke with a good sense of humour.

What I didn’t like the most were long passages at the beginning. That and more point of views made me confused and I started understand what was going on in the middle of the book. Well, I can just say I didn’t like author’s writing style. CAP Award, хотя следует уточнить, что с этой книгой автор дебютировал только как прозаик, прежде много и успешно работал сценаристом на ирландском и британском телевидении, теперь живет в Манчестере. This scene will mark the beginning of a series of dizzying, dangerous, partly absurdist adventures, about which it will be impossible to read without laughing. Not because the author puts his characters in a ridiculous position, but because of how it is written. In fact, at first you don't understand why it's funny, like it's not supposed to be a detective, then you just give yourself into the power of stupid, seemingly inappropriate fun.Brigit pushed a green jumper towards him. He spread it out on his knees to look at the design on the front. It featured the grinning face of a reindeer. Paul guessed the designer had been going for joyful for the creature’s expression and just over-shot horribly. A ‘here’s Johnny’ demented grin sat beneath wild eyes. It would have made a tremendous warning poster for the dangers of cocaine. This reindeer looked like he wanted to tell you about the incredible screenplay he was going to write and the amazing dude he’d just met in the toilets.” A man with one of those faces is the perfect book to read when you need some cheering up. It is a thriller and a murder mystery but most of all it is very funny. An example of the type of humor is below so beware it is not for the squeamish. Well, somebody did,’ said Dr. Sinha. ‘I was quoting from the report I got at the end of my probationary period.'” A genuine talent. Some truly edge-of-your-seat moments. The plot is extremely well thought out and moves seamlessly between humour and drama.” The Irish World (see full review here) I get that this all sounds rather farcical but the crime element of the story soon develops complete with a true-crime writer, the police and some terrifying gangsters making up the fantastic assortment of characters.