The Existential Worries of Mags Munroe - Jean Grainger

 The Existential Worries of Mags Munroe - Jean Grainger

By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures

A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review

Mags and the mystery of the murdered and missing Travelers.

A short summary:

The Existential Worries of Mags Munroe introduces readers to Ballycarrick. In this charming Irish coastal village, librarian Mags Munroe stumbles into a mystery when members of the local Traveller community begin to go missing, and one is found murdered. What starts as a quiet concern soon becomes a full investigation as Mags uses her keen observation skills, empathy, and community connections to piece together what law enforcement struggles to uncover. As she navigates tight-knit villagers, deep cultural misunderstandings, and long-buried secrets, the story explores the often-misrepresented lives of the Travellers while threading humor, heart, and suspense throughout. The novel weaves small-town warmth with genuine intrigue, balancing cozy mystery vibes with thought-provoking questions about belonging, prejudice, and the unseen lives alongside our own.

My favorite quote:

"We teach people how to treat us, so if we behave like a doormat, we'll be treated like one."

Jean Grainger, The Existential Worries of Mags Munroe

Questions to ponder:

Do you have any biases?

Are you worried about midlife weight gain?

My review:

This was a genuinely fun and satisfying read that combined cozy mystery charm with thoughtful social insight. Mags herself is an easy protagonist to root for, curious, compassionate, and refreshingly grounded, and Ballycarrick’s setting is vivid enough to inspire serious daydreams of relocating. What surprised me most was how the book sparked genuine curiosity about the Irish Traveller community. Their culture added depth and complexity to what could have been a simple whodunit, prompting me to research their history after finishing the story, a rare and rewarding side effect of fiction. While the plot remains light and accessible, the themes lingering beneath the surface elevate the narrative, making it not just entertaining but quietly enriching. This novel is perfect for readers who want a mystery that balances warmth, social curiosity, and engaging storytelling.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

Her online photography gallery can be found at shop.takethebackroads.com

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