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Mags Munroe #1
The Existential Worries of Mags Munroe
A nail-biting series starter from a USA Today bestselling author and an Earphones Award–winning narrator: In the sleepy Irish village of Ballycarrick, police sergeant Mags Munroe is shocked when a puzzling crime occurs — one that makes her suspect her fellow townsfolk have more secrets than she thought…
With over 4,700 five-star ratings!
With over 4,700 five-star ratings!
"My twelve-year-old daughter frequently moans that Ballycarrick is the most boring town in Ireland. Nothing ever happens here.
She’s right.
And as the local police sergeant, this is something I’m delighted about.
I’ve enough to worry about - the polar ice-caps, the evil monster that’s shrinking my trousers, not to mention the hot flashes - without having to be like one of those gritty Netflix cops, chasing criminals down alleyways and busting drug deals.
So, life is calm and fairly predictable. Until something unthinkable happens in our sleepy backwater. A crime, but not like anything I've ever seen before.
It's a complete mystery. And it's up to me to solve it."
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2022
6495 people are currently reading
2052 people want to read
About the author
Jean Grainger
88 books1,586 followersJean Grainger was born in Cork, Ireland. She has been a tour guide of her beloved home country, a teacher, a university lecturer and a playwright. She began writing fiction at the suggestion of her clients on tours, many of whom were sure all the stories she told them would make for a great book. Her first book, The Tour, has become a Number 1 bestseller on Amazon. It tells the story of a disparate group of American visitors to Ireland, who, along with their Irish tour guide have a life changing experience in the magical Emerald Isle.
Her second book, So Much Owed, is a family saga set during the Second World War. The story centres on the Buckley family of West Cork and how their lives are pulled in different directions as they become embroiled in the war. It is a sweeping family saga of intrigue and romance against the background of occupied Europe.
In her third novel, Shadow of a Century, she tells a tale of a battered old flag found in New York in 2016, a century after it was used during the Easter Rising, when Ireland made her final bid for freedom from Great Britain. This tells the story of a journalist who uncovers a story, one with much more to it than a flag.
Her fourth novel, due out in Spring 2016, Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, is set in the 1970s in Cork, Ireland and is a novel about friendship. Three boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo, though from very different backgrounds are united in a deep but often times challenging friendship. As their lives progress, only by staying strong, can they prevail. Or fail.
Her novella, Letters of Freedom, tells the story of Carmel, stuck in a pointless marriage, when a figure from her past emerges and changes everything with a ‘like’ on Facebook. This quick read will touch your heart.
She lives in Cork with her husband and her two youngest children. The older two come home occasionally with laundry and to raid the fridge.
Her second book, So Much Owed, is a family saga set during the Second World War. The story centres on the Buckley family of West Cork and how their lives are pulled in different directions as they become embroiled in the war. It is a sweeping family saga of intrigue and romance against the background of occupied Europe.
In her third novel, Shadow of a Century, she tells a tale of a battered old flag found in New York in 2016, a century after it was used during the Easter Rising, when Ireland made her final bid for freedom from Great Britain. This tells the story of a journalist who uncovers a story, one with much more to it than a flag.
Her fourth novel, due out in Spring 2016, Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, is set in the 1970s in Cork, Ireland and is a novel about friendship. Three boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo, though from very different backgrounds are united in a deep but often times challenging friendship. As their lives progress, only by staying strong, can they prevail. Or fail.
Her novella, Letters of Freedom, tells the story of Carmel, stuck in a pointless marriage, when a figure from her past emerges and changes everything with a ‘like’ on Facebook. This quick read will touch your heart.
She lives in Cork with her husband and her two youngest children. The older two come home occasionally with laundry and to raid the fridge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 505 reviews
March 21, 2024
Top of the Morning to Ya
Mags is a woman of a certain age living in the small Irish town of Ballycarrick who polices her community with compassion and humor. She’s a sergeant in the Gardai and doesn’t encounter any real danger much to her husband’s relief.
Not so fast! As I became comfortable with her unique outlook, charismatic family and the people around her, a thrill element was introduced due to the disappearance of a teenager and the murder of a young man.
Although deescalating community skirmishes and tamping down gossip encompass the majority of the action, describing the story as a ‘cozy’ would be limiting because it’s a tribute to Mags’ experiences and female perspective beyond her work. A sort of woman focused hybrid was created which definitely worked for me.
I appreciated the writing as a whole and specifically thought the characters were endearing and fully fleshed out - even the disagreeable ones. Also, the liberal use of a few vernacular terms such as “Eejit” made me smile as I love local slang.
If a quirky tale with warmth balancing life’s challenges suits your tastes, then you may love this as I did.
Thank you to Tina for bringing this to my attention with her five shamrock stars.
From Kindle Unlimited.
Mags is a woman of a certain age living in the small Irish town of Ballycarrick who polices her community with compassion and humor. She’s a sergeant in the Gardai and doesn’t encounter any real danger much to her husband’s relief.
Not so fast! As I became comfortable with her unique outlook, charismatic family and the people around her, a thrill element was introduced due to the disappearance of a teenager and the murder of a young man.
Although deescalating community skirmishes and tamping down gossip encompass the majority of the action, describing the story as a ‘cozy’ would be limiting because it’s a tribute to Mags’ experiences and female perspective beyond her work. A sort of woman focused hybrid was created which definitely worked for me.
I appreciated the writing as a whole and specifically thought the characters were endearing and fully fleshed out - even the disagreeable ones. Also, the liberal use of a few vernacular terms such as “Eejit” made me smile as I love local slang.
If a quirky tale with warmth balancing life’s challenges suits your tastes, then you may love this as I did.
Thank you to Tina for bringing this to my attention with her five shamrock stars.
From Kindle Unlimited.
December 26, 2024
I usually love stories about Ireland but this one was disappointing. I wanted to love it, but I guess that it wasn't for me. For all of you who loved it, I'm really happy for you!!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
March 30, 2023
I loved the bones of Mags Munroe. She was such an authentic character. This, the first book in a trilogy, follows Mags through her days in the small town of Ballycarrick, Ireland. The reader is privy to her thoughts, her worries, and her delightful sense of humour.
Mags is forty-eight years old and lives with her beloved husband, Kieran, who works as a roofer, and her two daughters whom she adores. She has an antagonistic relationship with her mother-in-law versus a loving and close relationship with her own mother. In her late forties, Mags in experiencing perimenopause symptoms, much to her chagrin and embarrassment. She is a funny, kind, and very smart woman.
When things in Ballycarrick go from mundane to very serious indeed, Mags is tested professionally and personally. One of the local community of Travellers is murdered and Mags was the first on scene. We see her facing the challenges of her home and work with intelligence and humour.
"We're all the same, dealing with the small stuff because the big stuff is too terrifying."
The Travellers and their lifestyle are featured prominently in the story. The innate prejudice of the 'settled' residents against the Travellers is made abundantly evident - even within the Gardai ranks. Mags works to ease tensions between the Travellers and the town which is often a challenging task.
The tiny town of Ballycarrick was typical in that everyone knew everyone else and it abounded with nosy but caring neighbours. A place rife with gossip.
This book was a perfect melding of police procedural and women's fiction. I absolutely devoured this novel and eagerly anticipate reading the rest of the Mags Munroe trilogy. Highly recommended!
Mags is forty-eight years old and lives with her beloved husband, Kieran, who works as a roofer, and her two daughters whom she adores. She has an antagonistic relationship with her mother-in-law versus a loving and close relationship with her own mother. In her late forties, Mags in experiencing perimenopause symptoms, much to her chagrin and embarrassment. She is a funny, kind, and very smart woman.
When things in Ballycarrick go from mundane to very serious indeed, Mags is tested professionally and personally. One of the local community of Travellers is murdered and Mags was the first on scene. We see her facing the challenges of her home and work with intelligence and humour.
"We're all the same, dealing with the small stuff because the big stuff is too terrifying."
The Travellers and their lifestyle are featured prominently in the story. The innate prejudice of the 'settled' residents against the Travellers is made abundantly evident - even within the Gardai ranks. Mags works to ease tensions between the Travellers and the town which is often a challenging task.
The tiny town of Ballycarrick was typical in that everyone knew everyone else and it abounded with nosy but caring neighbours. A place rife with gossip.
This book was a perfect melding of police procedural and women's fiction. I absolutely devoured this novel and eagerly anticipate reading the rest of the Mags Munroe trilogy. Highly recommended!
February 23, 2022
I didn’t think that I would love any of Jean Grainger’s books more than The Tour and I’ve read them all. But this one, I think, is even better.
Every time I read a Jean Grainger book, I find myself comparing her to Maeve Binchy. And this is no exception. She writes about people, people doing everyday things, living everyday life. And it’s profound. You find yourself caring about these people. You feel that you know them. What makes them happy, their fears and their joys. Mags isn’t a superhero and really doesn’t try to be. She’s doing the best she can with what she’s got. And what she has is tenacity, spunk, and common sense. And an innate sense of right and wrong. This is someone you want to know. I want Mags to be my best friend.
If I could give this a higher rating than five stars, I certainly would. This could well be one of the best books you’ll read this year.
Every time I read a Jean Grainger book, I find myself comparing her to Maeve Binchy. And this is no exception. She writes about people, people doing everyday things, living everyday life. And it’s profound. You find yourself caring about these people. You feel that you know them. What makes them happy, their fears and their joys. Mags isn’t a superhero and really doesn’t try to be. She’s doing the best she can with what she’s got. And what she has is tenacity, spunk, and common sense. And an innate sense of right and wrong. This is someone you want to know. I want Mags to be my best friend.
If I could give this a higher rating than five stars, I certainly would. This could well be one of the best books you’ll read this year.
August 19, 2022
This author grabbed my attention when she was compared to Maeve Binchy, whom I adore. I have to say, there are many pleasant similarities.
Great character portrayal even though it was a short little book. (Under 200 pages). I appreciated the Irish lilt and banter.
4.5 stars!
I will be definitely continuing with this series….
Great character portrayal even though it was a short little book. (Under 200 pages). I appreciated the Irish lilt and banter.
4.5 stars!
I will be definitely continuing with this series….
April 20, 2023
This was a spur of the moment audio purchase from Chirp and I absolutely loved it!! It was a great story and an enjoyable audio experience. This is my first book by this author, and I will be reading more.
March 24, 2022
Wonderful book
I've always enjoyed Ms. Grainger's books but this one has to be one of her very best. Hoping for more of this character soon.
I've always enjoyed Ms. Grainger's books but this one has to be one of her very best. Hoping for more of this character soon.
February 26, 2022
Jean Grainger is a successful and natural storyteller and is not afraid to tackle different social prejudices through the characters and storyline within each of her books.
Once again, she has done so with this book, but Jean has chosen this time to deviate from her more often historical theme and characters and write a modern day look at the life of ‘Mags Munroe’ set in Ireland. This is a brave thing to do for an author, to go out of her comfort zone, and tell a story in a different, modern way. I enjoyed this book and found it interesting to read more about Ireland and the life of families in the Traveller Community.
It’s refreshing to read a book that is written in the first person and written in the “Irish way of speaking”, by Mags Munroe. She addresses her feelings and the difficulties encountered by a modern-day 50-year-old woman, juggling life to be a good wife, mother, daughter, friend, and colleague in the Irish Guards. She deals with the prejudices daily shown by her colleagues, one of whom is downright nasty and jealous of Mags and her interaction with the Travellers.
At times it does get too much for Mags especially when ‘menopause’ is looming, and she has a balancing act to manage conflicting aspects of her life. She knows she has a loving husband, beautiful daughters, and an amazing mother, a good friend, but she still lays awake at night worrying. I identified with Mags, in the past aspects of my working life, and I think Jean has expressed what many of us encounter through ‘Mags’.
This book may not be everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ but I found it interesting and a good read. Like some other reviewers, I also found that the end was a little rushed, but then I have to say as an avid reader, and in Jean’s defence, I find so many authors these days do this. Perhaps it is now the modern-day way of writing, the build-up gets you hooked into the story and then it finishes quickly, leaving you wondering what really happened at the end. I usually find I need to go back and re-read the last chapter.
As a member of Jean’s advance readers team, I volunteered to give an honest review of this book, as I have above.
Once again, she has done so with this book, but Jean has chosen this time to deviate from her more often historical theme and characters and write a modern day look at the life of ‘Mags Munroe’ set in Ireland. This is a brave thing to do for an author, to go out of her comfort zone, and tell a story in a different, modern way. I enjoyed this book and found it interesting to read more about Ireland and the life of families in the Traveller Community.
It’s refreshing to read a book that is written in the first person and written in the “Irish way of speaking”, by Mags Munroe. She addresses her feelings and the difficulties encountered by a modern-day 50-year-old woman, juggling life to be a good wife, mother, daughter, friend, and colleague in the Irish Guards. She deals with the prejudices daily shown by her colleagues, one of whom is downright nasty and jealous of Mags and her interaction with the Travellers.
At times it does get too much for Mags especially when ‘menopause’ is looming, and she has a balancing act to manage conflicting aspects of her life. She knows she has a loving husband, beautiful daughters, and an amazing mother, a good friend, but she still lays awake at night worrying. I identified with Mags, in the past aspects of my working life, and I think Jean has expressed what many of us encounter through ‘Mags’.
This book may not be everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ but I found it interesting and a good read. Like some other reviewers, I also found that the end was a little rushed, but then I have to say as an avid reader, and in Jean’s defence, I find so many authors these days do this. Perhaps it is now the modern-day way of writing, the build-up gets you hooked into the story and then it finishes quickly, leaving you wondering what really happened at the end. I usually find I need to go back and re-read the last chapter.
As a member of Jean’s advance readers team, I volunteered to give an honest review of this book, as I have above.
April 29, 2022
The Existential Worries of Mags Monroe is by Jean Garinger. I don’t know how I missed this book when it came out because I usually read Jean’s books as soon as I receive them. Then I wait impatiently for the next in the series or for a new series to come out. This is because her books are exceptionally well-written, full of surprises, and have a great deal of Irish history and/or culture in them and I absolutely adore them. I haven’t picked up one of her books that has failed to meet or exceed her own standards or has not been simply delightful to read. This book is no exception.
This book made me wonder how much of her own family she put into her characters in his book. The descriptions of the girls and their father are so detailed and precise and makes the family become absolutely real. Even Mags reminds me of the Jean I have come to know through her newsletters. This is the first of her books that makes me feel this way. It just seems so personal.
I definitely recommend this book.
This book made me wonder how much of her own family she put into her characters in his book. The descriptions of the girls and their father are so detailed and precise and makes the family become absolutely real. Even Mags reminds me of the Jean I have come to know through her newsletters. This is the first of her books that makes me feel this way. It just seems so personal.
I definitely recommend this book.
May 16, 2022
Once again Ms. Grainger brings tears to my eyes at the end of another story. As always, family interactions are at the heart of this book but there is also a compelling story about the Traveller communities and the challenges they face. There is also a murder investigation and the character of Mags Monroe, as a mother, wife, daughter and a garda sergeant is very real and engaging. The love story between her and her husband is very special. I cannot wait for the second book.
May 11, 2022
Lovely writing. In telling the story, Grainger imbues it with a subtle Irish lilt that adds to the pleasure of reading a well-written book. It's a mystery that is part cozy, part police procedural and all around enjoyable.
May 6, 2023
Wonderful
Another great book by Jean Granger. I love the Maggie Monroe series. Looking forward to the next. Very well written
Another great book by Jean Granger. I love the Maggie Monroe series. Looking forward to the next. Very well written
September 1, 2023
I really liked this book. Light read after some darker stories was a nice change. Loved the characters. Want to live in their village 😊
December 8, 2025
A lovely slice of Irish life, beautifully expressed, and with a great narrator. Thanks, Pat for the suggestion!
November 9, 2022
A sergeant in the Garda, the local police in her coastal Irish town, Mags has just been beaten out for a promotion by a jealous, spiteful male colleague. She is also a loving wife and mother to two girls, age 9 and 12, dealing with the daily ups and downs of family life while starting to feel the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. And she is one of the most down-to-earth, endearing characters I have read in a while.
I would have been happy to read an entire book about Mags' daily routine and her perspectives on life--all narrated in the first person by Mags herself--but there is a murder to solve. The victim is a member of the nearby Travellers caravan, where members of this traditionally nomadic group live apart from the "settled" community. Mags has a positive relationship with the elderly family matriarch and a better understanding of Traveller customs and beliefs than the most of the town's inhabitants, which makes her uniquely qualified to be a liaison between the two groups.
Mags, her husband, daughters, and mother, as well as a young woman attracted by the prospect of joining the Garda against the will of her community, are all appealing characters, and I rooted for them throughout the story. I also enjoyed learning about the Irish Travellers, an indigenous group that I had never before encountered. I read this book for a book club and was pleasantly surprised to find that I wanted to continue reading about Mags and the Travellers in the second in the series, Growing Wild in the Shade.
I would have been happy to read an entire book about Mags' daily routine and her perspectives on life--all narrated in the first person by Mags herself--but there is a murder to solve. The victim is a member of the nearby Travellers caravan, where members of this traditionally nomadic group live apart from the "settled" community. Mags has a positive relationship with the elderly family matriarch and a better understanding of Traveller customs and beliefs than the most of the town's inhabitants, which makes her uniquely qualified to be a liaison between the two groups.
Mags, her husband, daughters, and mother, as well as a young woman attracted by the prospect of joining the Garda against the will of her community, are all appealing characters, and I rooted for them throughout the story. I also enjoyed learning about the Irish Travellers, an indigenous group that I had never before encountered. I read this book for a book club and was pleasantly surprised to find that I wanted to continue reading about Mags and the Travellers in the second in the series, Growing Wild in the Shade.
February 18, 2022
Delightful, funny, laugh-out-loud at times, this intriguing story tells of the life of Irish Guard, Mags Munroe, and her husband, Kieran and their two young daughters, Ellie and Kate. As Mags does her job in the local community of Ballycarrick, she also becomes very involved in the lives of the Travellers who live in caravans on the outskirts of the community. While doing her job, she also has to fight the chavinistic attitude of some of the male guards, detectives and men in her community and in the adjoining town of Galway, and it is up to her to establish a working relationship with the Travellers who are looked down upon by many others in the community.
A great story and looking forward to hearing more about Mags in future books.
A great story and looking forward to hearing more about Mags in future books.
February 28, 2022
⭐️NEW⭐️Coming up Thursday:
"The Existential Worries Of Mugs Munroe" by author Jean Grainger
A story of a twelve-year-old daughter who frequently moans that Ballycarrick is the most boring town in Ireland. Nothing ever happens here. She’s right. And as the local police sergeant, this is something I’m delighted about. I’ve enough to worry about - the polar ice-caps, the evil monster that’s shrinking my trousers, not to mention the hot flushes - without having to be like one of those gritty Netflix cops, chasing criminals down alleyways and busting drug deals. So, life is calm and fairly predictable. Until something unthinkable happens in our sleepy backwater. A crime, but not like anything I've ever seen before. It's a complete mystery. And it's up to me to solve it.
"The Existential Worries Of Mugs Munroe" by author Jean Grainger
A story of a twelve-year-old daughter who frequently moans that Ballycarrick is the most boring town in Ireland. Nothing ever happens here. She’s right. And as the local police sergeant, this is something I’m delighted about. I’ve enough to worry about - the polar ice-caps, the evil monster that’s shrinking my trousers, not to mention the hot flushes - without having to be like one of those gritty Netflix cops, chasing criminals down alleyways and busting drug deals. So, life is calm and fairly predictable. Until something unthinkable happens in our sleepy backwater. A crime, but not like anything I've ever seen before. It's a complete mystery. And it's up to me to solve it.
March 16, 2022
Another page turner by Grainger
Jean Grainger has a delightful writing style that bonds you to the characters and makes you feel like they are friends you'd be as likely to have a cuppa with as be reading about them. All of her stories flow comfortably, weaving a tale where you forget you aren't actually a part of it. For those of us not from Ireland, she creates a welcome into the Irish culture and history that makes you want to hop on a plane and enjoy the beauty and people of this magical place. The main character, Mags, is the friend, mother, neighbor you wish you had. Loya!, kind and just enough sassyness. This is a story that will make you cheer, laugh and cry and definitely not put down!
Jean Grainger has a delightful writing style that bonds you to the characters and makes you feel like they are friends you'd be as likely to have a cuppa with as be reading about them. All of her stories flow comfortably, weaving a tale where you forget you aren't actually a part of it. For those of us not from Ireland, she creates a welcome into the Irish culture and history that makes you want to hop on a plane and enjoy the beauty and people of this magical place. The main character, Mags, is the friend, mother, neighbor you wish you had. Loya!, kind and just enough sassyness. This is a story that will make you cheer, laugh and cry and definitely not put down!
October 18, 2022
Mags Munroe
You know you can't judge a book by it's cover. I just learned you can't judge by it's title, either! To me, the title sounds awfully New Age-y, so I wasn't sure I'd like it. I chose to read it though because I'd not found a Jean Grainger story yet that I didn't like! I still haven't! This story is set in more modern times than the others I've read, but isn't New Age, although a character or two may be somewhat "New Age" leaning! Mags Munroe is a modern woman with a husband, two kids, & a job. Many of us can relate! As if that's not enough, her mother-in-law looks down upon her AND she's beginning the Dreaded Change! Just a normal woman, who becomes her town's Heroine! Consider this book very much recommended!
You know you can't judge a book by it's cover. I just learned you can't judge by it's title, either! To me, the title sounds awfully New Age-y, so I wasn't sure I'd like it. I chose to read it though because I'd not found a Jean Grainger story yet that I didn't like! I still haven't! This story is set in more modern times than the others I've read, but isn't New Age, although a character or two may be somewhat "New Age" leaning! Mags Munroe is a modern woman with a husband, two kids, & a job. Many of us can relate! As if that's not enough, her mother-in-law looks down upon her AND she's beginning the Dreaded Change! Just a normal woman, who becomes her town's Heroine! Consider this book very much recommended!
February 25, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Existential Worries of Mags Munroe, a delightful start to a new type of series from favorite author Jean Grainger. This well written book is a refreshing look at a contemporary woman who lies awake at night worrying about the same things most of us worry about. Mags is proud to be a member of the Garda. As always, this book is full of interesting characters, offers a history lesson about the Travellers, and details normal events as Mags goes about her duties where she encounters a murder. I am looking forward to the next book with Mags even though this one kept me awake too late because I could not put it down!
March 8, 2022
Mags Munroe is a terrific character. She’s a Garda Sargent in a small town near Galway, Ireland. Her lively curiosity and care for her family and community shine through right away. The murder mystery she’s trying to solve involves Travelers, Irish caravan dwellers who experience callous disregard by much of the rest of “settled” Irish citizens. Mags is an open-hearted, caring person who refuses to let others diminish Travelers and ignore the crimes against them.
I’m so delighted this is labeled a series, because I adore brave Mags and can’t wait to see what happens with her next. I sure hope Jean Grainger is writing fast!
I’m so delighted this is labeled a series, because I adore brave Mags and can’t wait to see what happens with her next. I sure hope Jean Grainger is writing fast!
August 15, 2023
Fabulous story
The history of the Travellers is a small but integral part of this book and the information that has been gathered and is shared shows the rich history of not only the Travellers but also the part of Ireland where they stay and the Settled people that live there too. Ms. Grainger's writing is conversational and it is easy to become immersed in the story she has woven of Travellers, Guardia and the people of the village where Mags Munroe serves. Sergeant Munroe comes alive as a modern woman doing all she can to balance her home and work lives, and she does it well. Truly enjoyed this book and already looking forward to the next story in the series.
The history of the Travellers is a small but integral part of this book and the information that has been gathered and is shared shows the rich history of not only the Travellers but also the part of Ireland where they stay and the Settled people that live there too. Ms. Grainger's writing is conversational and it is easy to become immersed in the story she has woven of Travellers, Guardia and the people of the village where Mags Munroe serves. Sergeant Munroe comes alive as a modern woman doing all she can to balance her home and work lives, and she does it well. Truly enjoyed this book and already looking forward to the next story in the series.
December 22, 2024
Told in the first person the author puts you right in the thoughts of an Irish cop who has so many worries. She is thinking about her husband, her children, the future of the nation including environmental issues, worrying about the people in her community that no one wants to be bothered with, etc. I really enjoyed this one as she is true hearted and wants to make changes in her community and sincerely help people. The police work is always on her mind and balancing her life with it can be difficult. I’ll read more of this series.
January 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Wow. This was a wonderful surprise of a book! I’d call it a light read, but there is a mystery, which had me not wanting to put down the book. The main character, Mags, is completely relatable. I found myself wishing she was my friend. Quite honestly, we need a lot more Mags in the world right now.
Wow. This was a wonderful surprise of a book! I’d call it a light read, but there is a mystery, which had me not wanting to put down the book. The main character, Mags, is completely relatable. I found myself wishing she was my friend. Quite honestly, we need a lot more Mags in the world right now.
April 4, 2023
Mags Munroe is a sergeant in the Irish Garda (police). Usually she deals with the more or less serious crimes of a small Irish town, while at the same time juggling her job, family life and her friends. But one day she gets involved in a murder mystery, which might also threaten the safety of her family.... I enjoyed reading this book, but I was surprised that the actual crime only took up a few chapters. The main part of this book is about Mags' daily life, the problems her children and friends have, her own fears and worries, the people living in her town. So if you expect a gripping police procedural, you might be disappointed. I'm not quite sure if I will read the next book in this series!
March 2, 2023
Possibly 4.5, Very engaging setting--small town in Ireland, with a female police chief (Garda) who, in the midst of a murder investigation, is dealing with husband, children, community gossip, and the ongoing prejudice of some citizens against the Travelers living in a state-created 'halting site' on the edge of town. Interesting!
November 4, 2025
I loved this book. I stayed up all night to finish it. There is something genuinely wonderful to a good book, hot tea and looking out a full moon in autumn. The MC Mags is so real. The author has written this woman with a beautiful inner dialogue. The story was well written and the characters had depth. Truly a good read.
November 13, 2025
This is a short audiobook, a little over 5 hrs.
Set in Ireland, Mags Munro is a sergeant in the garda, (what the Irish call police) in a small town where there is usually not much crime, but a serious crime happens.
It’s a lovely story, and the Irish narrator is excellent.
I love the characters and have bought the next one in the series.
No swearing, no sex, no descriptions of violence,
but still a very engaging book.
Set in Ireland, Mags Munro is a sergeant in the garda, (what the Irish call police) in a small town where there is usually not much crime, but a serious crime happens.
It’s a lovely story, and the Irish narrator is excellent.
I love the characters and have bought the next one in the series.
No swearing, no sex, no descriptions of violence,
but still a very engaging book.
Read
January 30, 2023February 2023 book club choice.
September 15, 2024
I really wanted to like this book more. I enjoyed the Irish setting and the cultural learning it provided .. so interesting. But I just felt it was slow in building to a real “story/plot”. It wasn’t terrible but yet it also wasn’t a “you must read” kind of review for me.
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