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How To Send A Message
This is a collection of short stories that is exclusively available to members of Caimh's mailing list.
The collection features an eclectic mix of seven stories that range in genre from crime thriller to romantic comedy to sci-fi. Two of the stories feature Detective Bunny McGarry, the unlikely anti-hero from Caimh's critically-acclaimed Dublin Trilogy novels.
You can get the collection by signing up here:
http://whitehairedirishman.com/free/
The collection features an eclectic mix of seven stories that range in genre from crime thriller to romantic comedy to sci-fi. Two of the stories feature Detective Bunny McGarry, the unlikely anti-hero from Caimh's critically-acclaimed Dublin Trilogy novels.
You can get the collection by signing up here:
http://whitehairedirishman.com/free/
150 pages, ebook
First published May 8, 2019
15 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Caimh McDonnell
42 books1,652 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 63 reviews
February 19, 2024
How To Send A Message is a collection of short stories that you can receive when you subscribe to Caimh McDonnell's newsletter. I wholeheartedly enjoy these e-mails so if you like the author, please do subscribe.
The collection includes short stories related to the Bunnyverse, stories connected to his Urban Fantasy series (haven't read those ones) and stories that have nothing in common. I loved the ones involving Bunny but the unconnected ones were hit and miss. The story that gives the book its title was great.
I plan to revisit the collection after i start the UF series.
The collection includes short stories related to the Bunnyverse, stories connected to his Urban Fantasy series (haven't read those ones) and stories that have nothing in common. I loved the ones involving Bunny but the unconnected ones were hit and miss. The story that gives the book its title was great.
I plan to revisit the collection after i start the UF series.
January 15, 2024
This is a book which delivers on its intent - to introduce the reader to various characters and showcase the author's breadth in genres.
McDonnell's Bunny McGarry novels are perhaps his best known, all featuring this out of the ordinary policeman (Garda Síochána, as they are known in Ireland) as he breaks as many laws as he upholds. Bunny features in a novella (of 14 chapters) entitled Bloody Christmas, followed by much shorter stories Dog Day Afternoon and the titular story How to Send a Message.
I enjoyed these a lot, they were packed with action and suspense, but were hilarious the whole time, with a cleverly wise cracking main character, not shy of the rough stuff where required, and as mentioned above breaking more laws than those he is pursuing. These were 4.5/5 stars.
Next up were his Sisters of the Saint characters in a six chapter novella titled Sisters Gonna Work it Out about their engagement with a drug cartel in Colombia. Again cleverly woven and hilarious. This was a 4.5 star effort.
Rounding off Part One was another Bunny McGarry novella (or 10 chapters) titled Good Deeds Bad Intentions, which was again excellent. 4.5 stars.
Part Two moves on from the Bunnyverse to the Strangerverse.
Written under the pseudonym CK McDonnell, the Stranger Times series of books are urban fantasy, based in Manchester and revolve around a newspaper of the weird news stories. In this publication we are provided with the Prologue and first three chapters of the first novel of the series, and a standalone short story.
This didn't appeal to me as much as the previous section, although the short story was amusing enough - 3 stars.
Part Three, the author refers to as the Looniverse. A selection of short stories related to time travel and superhero/horror. These were not consistent enough for me, and I was continually thinking back to Part One, which was much more up my street. This section for me was 2 stars.
On balance, three different setups, with varying results. Should be something here for most people!
I will be generous and give it four stars.
McDonnell's Bunny McGarry novels are perhaps his best known, all featuring this out of the ordinary policeman (Garda Síochána, as they are known in Ireland) as he breaks as many laws as he upholds. Bunny features in a novella (of 14 chapters) entitled Bloody Christmas, followed by much shorter stories Dog Day Afternoon and the titular story How to Send a Message.
I enjoyed these a lot, they were packed with action and suspense, but were hilarious the whole time, with a cleverly wise cracking main character, not shy of the rough stuff where required, and as mentioned above breaking more laws than those he is pursuing. These were 4.5/5 stars.
Next up were his Sisters of the Saint characters in a six chapter novella titled Sisters Gonna Work it Out about their engagement with a drug cartel in Colombia. Again cleverly woven and hilarious. This was a 4.5 star effort.
Rounding off Part One was another Bunny McGarry novella (or 10 chapters) titled Good Deeds Bad Intentions, which was again excellent. 4.5 stars.
Part Two moves on from the Bunnyverse to the Strangerverse.
Written under the pseudonym CK McDonnell, the Stranger Times series of books are urban fantasy, based in Manchester and revolve around a newspaper of the weird news stories. In this publication we are provided with the Prologue and first three chapters of the first novel of the series, and a standalone short story.
This didn't appeal to me as much as the previous section, although the short story was amusing enough - 3 stars.
Part Three, the author refers to as the Looniverse. A selection of short stories related to time travel and superhero/horror. These were not consistent enough for me, and I was continually thinking back to Part One, which was much more up my street. This section for me was 2 stars.
On balance, three different setups, with varying results. Should be something here for most people!
I will be generous and give it four stars.
March 14, 2024
Well. Everyone writes a bad story now and again. No big.
The banter was wrong. Off. Trying to hard.
It’s okay.
You can skip this Bunny Tale and go to the next one.
The banter was wrong. Off. Trying to hard.
It’s okay.
You can skip this Bunny Tale and go to the next one.
November 22, 2022
A bit of a mixed bag as is often the case with the short story collections. I liked the ones featuring Maggie (the dog) and Bunny (not bunny) mainly since they are the most humorous of the bunch. The others that made impression is romantic one - "The One" and paranormal "Love and Death in the Time of Planned Engineering Works".
April 10, 2022
I really enjoyed the Bunnyverse, Sisters Gonna Work It Out and The Stranger Times bits. There were a few stories towards the end that felt a bit too bizarre and even repulsive for my taste but overall it was a very fun collection of short stories.
May 27, 2025
A compilation of short stores from the former stand up comedian. "The Sisters of The Saint," was especially amusing. I wouldn't be surprised if McDonnell is working on an entire series for The Sisters.
One paranormal story from "The Stranger Times," venue. And strange things happen if one counts breaths.
Quick reads. Something lighter for the in between times.
One paranormal story from "The Stranger Times," venue. And strange things happen if one counts breaths.
Quick reads. Something lighter for the in between times.
August 23, 2018
It's *almost* as though Mr. McDonnell is trying to showcase the breadth of his skill in various writing styles and genres in this small, free, collection of short stories. And it's certainly as though he's solidly succeeded. Detective, romance, fantasy, horror, contemporary... he does them all, and he does them well.
Each story is short and entertaining, and packs a punch. My particular favorites were the quirkily romantic "The One", an interesting take on "The Process" of writing a novel, a tiny flash fiction piece called "Regrets", and the the fantasy/horror work called "The Golum".
You too, can get a free copy of this book (formatted for virtually any e-reading, including Kindle). Just go to the Author's web page and request it.
4.5 stars
Each story is short and entertaining, and packs a punch. My particular favorites were the quirkily romantic "The One", an interesting take on "The Process" of writing a novel, a tiny flash fiction piece called "Regrets", and the the fantasy/horror work called "The Golum".
You too, can get a free copy of this book (formatted for virtually any e-reading, including Kindle). Just go to the Author's web page and request it.
4.5 stars
October 11, 2023
Quite good collection of short stories. Caimn gives it for free when you subscribe to his newsletter. Safe to say this was, by far, the best lead magnet I've seen.
The sweet taste of these short stories linger years after reading it!
The one ether Bunny analyses his shrink, the one involving how he acquired his loyal dog and the couple of assassins who knockEd on his door. I still remmeber these hilarious stories years after reading it. Actually, maybe I'll go and reread it again now!
The sweet taste of these short stories linger years after reading it!
The one ether Bunny analyses his shrink, the one involving how he acquired his loyal dog and the couple of assassins who knockEd on his door. I still remmeber these hilarious stories years after reading it. Actually, maybe I'll go and reread it again now!
June 6, 2017
Funny, poignant, relatable. This writer is gifted with words, insight and empathy to the human condition. We've tasted it in his Dublin (2/3) trilogy, but these shortys truly bring it out. The mystery that is Maggie is explained. (Somewhat)...
February 25, 2020
The three star rating is a compromise. The first part with the “Bunny” stories may be great, but I can’t tell. I’m tired of Bunny. Sick and tired of Bunny.
BUT! The rest of the book is a four-start read for sure! When McDonnell gets rid of Bunny, he shows what he can really do. There’s one story—a time traveling story—that is brilliant.
Dear Mr. McDonnell
Please ditch the Bunny and come over to the nerdy side! We need you!
BUT! The rest of the book is a four-start read for sure! When McDonnell gets rid of Bunny, he shows what he can really do. There’s one story—a time traveling story—that is brilliant.
Dear Mr. McDonnell
Please ditch the Bunny and come over to the nerdy side! We need you!
July 19, 2020
Caimh McDonnell delivers a collection of literary masterpieces in one fantastic book. He wields humor and incisiveness with a grace that makes this book unputdownable.
May 13, 2017
What a funny set of short stories, I'm laughing at some and frowning at others.
I like your imagination Caimh it goes to strange places.
I like your imagination Caimh it goes to strange places.
July 30, 2018
A collection of short stories and not a dud among them. All are enjoyable, thought provoking and very well crafted. Kept me up half the night though.
June 27, 2019
Since I sign up for his newsletters and therefore get the short stories for free (totally worth it by the way), there were a few I had already read before in this collection. Looking into it a bit further after the fact, all the stories are free if you sign up for his newsletters, so I could have not bought this book, but /eh. I am still glad I did, since Internet (and email newsletters especially) is/are ephemeral but books are forever.
A little appetizer while I wait for the latest Bunny book (I Have Sinned) arrives on my doorstep, and enjoyed this collection immensely. About 2/3rds of the short stories are part of the Bunnyverse--Bunny himself or Diller/Smith/Cheryl trio or what I have been wanting the most of...Sisters of the Saint backstory! Yessss! (And that was one I neglected to read in my email newsletter subscription so especially happy that one did not fall through the cracks.) I so hope in the next one Bunny gets closer to finding those nuns, and there is actually a clue to that in one of the stories in this collection, so I am primed for the new book.
The last bit features several time travel stories (the Hitler time-travel one actually does a twist I never thought of before too) and brush with horror. Any of those stories would feature perfectly if they brought back my beloved Alfred Hitchcock short stories series or anthology episode.
A little appetizer while I wait for the latest Bunny book (I Have Sinned) arrives on my doorstep, and enjoyed this collection immensely. About 2/3rds of the short stories are part of the Bunnyverse--Bunny himself or Diller/Smith/Cheryl trio or what I have been wanting the most of...Sisters of the Saint backstory! Yessss! (And that was one I neglected to read in my email newsletter subscription so especially happy that one did not fall through the cracks.) I so hope in the next one Bunny gets closer to finding those nuns, and there is actually a clue to that in one of the stories in this collection, so I am primed for the new book.
The last bit features several time travel stories (the Hitler time-travel one actually does a twist I never thought of before too) and brush with horror. Any of those stories would feature perfectly if they brought back my beloved Alfred Hitchcock short stories series or anthology episode.
April 21, 2019
Caimh McDonnell’s “deluxe edition” of How To Send A Message, is an enjoyable collection of short stories. This author won me over with his memorable, Dublin Trilogy series, featuring the irrepressible Bunny McGarry. This collection features Bunny in a story or two, but the remainder of the offerings are pretty varied.
The mysterious and slightly demented Sisters of the Saint make their presence felt, as do some other memorable characters from the Dublin series books. Along the way, there are some rather offbeat stories that are nothing like the author’s Irish based works. Some are rather thought provoking, while others are just so so.
Overall, this is an enjoyable little collection, but I’d rather read a new Bunny McGarry novel. I trust the author is working on it diligently, considering that character’s popularity.
The mysterious and slightly demented Sisters of the Saint make their presence felt, as do some other memorable characters from the Dublin series books. Along the way, there are some rather offbeat stories that are nothing like the author’s Irish based works. Some are rather thought provoking, while others are just so so.
Overall, this is an enjoyable little collection, but I’d rather read a new Bunny McGarry novel. I trust the author is working on it diligently, considering that character’s popularity.
October 13, 2021
An interesting collection of short stories and vignettes. Some only a few paragraphs long. A lot of quirky characters and circumstances. Since I prefer long books that keep me engaged over a long period of time, I don't tend to short story collections. However, I do recommend checking it out.
September 13, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable short stories to give me a fix of bunny while I eagerly await the next in the state side series. Would love another book of short stories soon as this had everything from laughs, to heart felt moments to the down right weird!
July 22, 2017
I've had some issues.
August 4, 2017
Great stories. Not a fan of signing up to get newsletters, but this was worth it
March 28, 2023
Another 4.5 stars.
This was a lovely little freebie I received for signing up for Caimh McDonnell's newsletter. It has a number of short stories -- some in the Bunnyverse, some in the Strangerverse, and some in what Caimh calls the Looniverse.
I had read all but one of the Bunnyverse stories as part of the Dublin Trilogy Deluxe; the one I had not (Good Deeds, Bad Intentions) is part of the McGarry Stateside collection and I found it really touching! I also loved the new story in the Strangerverse (Love and Death in the time of Planned Engineering Works). All of the works in the Looniverse were new to me, and I enjoyed them very much!
I think one of the things I really like about the writing is that the author is very inclusive, and his characters still feel real, not formulaic. One of my problems with a lot of modern writing touted for its "inclusivity" is that the characters are lazily drawn, without depth, as if from a checklist. Their ethnicity or sexual orientation or handicapable status is apparently their ONLY salient characteristic.
This is most definitely NOT the case with McDonnell's writing. He writes characters that are of different ethnicities, orientations, etc., but these qualities, as with real people in real life, are only one of many different aspects of their personalities. That is a breath of fresh air to me!
This was a lovely little freebie I received for signing up for Caimh McDonnell's newsletter. It has a number of short stories -- some in the Bunnyverse, some in the Strangerverse, and some in what Caimh calls the Looniverse.
I had read all but one of the Bunnyverse stories as part of the Dublin Trilogy Deluxe; the one I had not (Good Deeds, Bad Intentions) is part of the McGarry Stateside collection and I found it really touching! I also loved the new story in the Strangerverse (Love and Death in the time of Planned Engineering Works). All of the works in the Looniverse were new to me, and I enjoyed them very much!
I think one of the things I really like about the writing is that the author is very inclusive, and his characters still feel real, not formulaic. One of my problems with a lot of modern writing touted for its "inclusivity" is that the characters are lazily drawn, without depth, as if from a checklist. Their ethnicity or sexual orientation or handicapable status is apparently their ONLY salient characteristic.
This is most definitely NOT the case with McDonnell's writing. He writes characters that are of different ethnicities, orientations, etc., but these qualities, as with real people in real life, are only one of many different aspects of their personalities. That is a breath of fresh air to me!
July 3, 2018
In general, I'm not a fan of short stories not because I don't like stories (regardless of their length) but because too many writers use the "short story" label an excuse to put out half-baked efforts. Too often short stories are to literature what independent short films are to cinema: unfinished fare for which the consumer is expected to pay full price.
This is not the case with this book. The stories are -mostly- well rounded (I disliked the last one; it fits perfectly the stereotype description of the first paragraph).
The downside: it is a short book of short stories (230-odd pages) and, honestly, after reading these my initial reaction is to ask, Mr. McDonnell, why don't you just write full novels? (The answer to my question is, yes, he does write full novels. In fact, I've already purchased all four of his published books which he strangely refers to as "a trilogy").
Full disclosure: I did not purchase this book. I received a link from the author to download it free of charge.
This is not the case with this book. The stories are -mostly- well rounded (I disliked the last one; it fits perfectly the stereotype description of the first paragraph).
The downside: it is a short book of short stories (230-odd pages) and, honestly, after reading these my initial reaction is to ask, Mr. McDonnell, why don't you just write full novels? (The answer to my question is, yes, he does write full novels. In fact, I've already purchased all four of his published books which he strangely refers to as "a trilogy").
Full disclosure: I did not purchase this book. I received a link from the author to download it free of charge.
November 6, 2023
Big fan of Bunny and McDonnell, having just read the Man with one of those faces, thinking, Bunny should have his own series... which of course, he does. Duh. Brendan Gleeson, the Irish actor, is surely the model for Bunny.
Bunny is in a couple of these stories, and were probably the ideas for those expanded books later. Both are good if you like Bunny. Some people find Bunny a bit wearing, for others, too much Bunny isn't nearly enough.
The Nuns/Sisters were good stories, surely there's another series in there as well? Many of the others felt like writing exercises for genre practice. Some are so short, they're reminiscent of exercises I did on a writing course a loooong time ago. They do show McDonnell is a solid writer, good with character, clever with plot, so whether you're a casual reader or you also enjoy writers who do it demonstrably well, his output is worth a look.
Bunny is in a couple of these stories, and were probably the ideas for those expanded books later. Both are good if you like Bunny. Some people find Bunny a bit wearing, for others, too much Bunny isn't nearly enough.
The Nuns/Sisters were good stories, surely there's another series in there as well? Many of the others felt like writing exercises for genre practice. Some are so short, they're reminiscent of exercises I did on a writing course a loooong time ago. They do show McDonnell is a solid writer, good with character, clever with plot, so whether you're a casual reader or you also enjoy writers who do it demonstrably well, his output is worth a look.
July 12, 2019
I don't normally like short stories (I think I'm just greedy for more), but these were amazing. A couple of the short stories I've already read (Smithy's Revenge and Sisters Gonna Work It Out) were included, but still great second time 'round.
I think my favourite was "The Golum" with "Regrets" coming a close second.
I think my favourite was "The Golum" with "Regrets" coming a close second.
April 18, 2020
A selection of Short Stories, sketches, etc. some of which are set in the same world as the Author's "Dublin Trilogy" and "McGarry Stateside" books-every word of which is worth reading not just to flesh out characters I'm already enamoured of but just to hear more of the Author's voice. Many of the stories are outside of the world of those aforementioned characters and are just as intriguing and entertaining. Well worth it.
December 22, 2020
I read this several weeks ago, but forgot to write a review. So here it is. This was a different kind of reading for me. Not bad, just different. I am trying to open my mind further by reading books outside of my normal realm. Some of it was funny, some sad. But I enjoyed it because the author, Caimh McDonnell, is my new favorite author. I am reading through his Bunny McGarry series and loving every minute of it!
February 24, 2021
Imagine cloning a totally Irish combination of Elmore Leonard, Carl Hiaasen, Dave Barry and maybe a gene or two from Brendan Behan and then hatching an eclectic bevy of short stories - some funny, some sad, some very thought-provoking - and you'll likely get How to Send a Message.
This collection is well worth double a normal paperback's price, but Caimh McDonnell is giving to readers of his email list for free. This is a delight at any price.
This collection is well worth double a normal paperback's price, but Caimh McDonnell is giving to readers of his email list for free. This is a delight at any price.
February 4, 2018
This man is a master of the witty repartee. And strange dark intriguing situations for ha characters to bumble or scheme
( or a little bit of both) their way out of. Short stories aren’t generally my thing and many of these left me wanting more from the characters but was a wonderful diverting way to pass the time if you only have a short time to read
( or a little bit of both) their way out of. Short stories aren’t generally my thing and many of these left me wanting more from the characters but was a wonderful diverting way to pass the time if you only have a short time to read
April 14, 2020
This is a collection of clever and amusing short stories. Usually, I dislike short stories - I'd rather get dug in to a full-length novel. I read one of this author's books so much that I joined his online 'club' and received this book as a freebie. I'm glad I read it - what a fresh, quirky, and twisted sense of humour this Irish author has! I'm looking forward to reading more of his work
June 29, 2020
A collection of short stories and a sort of a novella, hard to say since some stories are linked. I had some online, but it is better to read the book form, plus it supports our authors. Here are the same enjoyable humorous characters from the novels, including Maggie the dog, plus some standalones.
July 2, 2021
This collection of short stories fills in some info on Bunny's early days in the US, plus some other, non-Bunny stories. The time travel story was the least interesting, as it covered standard paradox topics. One can get this book for free by going to McDonnell's website and signing up for his newsletter, which is always funny.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews