There is never a dull moment in Ballycarrick as Sergeant Mags Munroe upholds the law while juggling family, friends and work.
When the internationally acclaimed racehorse, Chance Your Arm, goes missing in Ireland, there is pandemonium.
The bane of Mags’ life, Detective Inspector Duckie Cassidy, leads the investigation and Mags is more than happy to let him to it.
She has plenty going on already, without adding a high-profile missing horse to her caseload.
An unexpected call from the charming Conor O’Shea, owner of the exclusive hotel Castle Dysert, explaining that he has a guest badly in need of help with a delicate matter results in an unusual brush for Mags with the world of celebrity.
Between a missing horse and a troubled star, Mags is also navigating family feuds, a heartbreaking bereavement and a leaky church roof. And to cap it all, she’s been railroaded into being matron of honour at a wedding.
Despite her best efforts, Mags finds herself embroiled in both the horse and the celebrity cases and it soon becomes clear that neither situation is as it appears.
Jean 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.
Oh, how I hated finishing this book! I discovered Jean Grainger's books a couple years ago and I think I may have only one of her's left to read. Alas! I have enjoyed each of them - some more than others and in fact found the Mags Munroe books some of my favorites. Probably not "great" literature, but they are so well written with such well-drawn characters, I felt totally immersed in their small Irish villages. I think the first series I read was "The Star and the Shamrock" which I found to be lovely. She left Mags in such a good way, that I don't believe there is more to tell, but regardless, I shall miss her.
Another great book by Jean Grainger, which will make you laugh out loud and keep you reading as you follow the interesting and diverse life of Sergeant Mags Munroe, .and her delightful family - well some not as delightful, as others, namely monster-in-law, Nora, but still she has her redeeming qualities. She does love her family, especially when they are 'high up' in their careers. lol
If you are following the story of Mags, you will enjoy it more when reading all five books in a row, but still the author brilliantly fills in missing details to make each book a good read on its own.
I never cry over books or movies, but I got teary in this one, Not because it was sad, but both storylines were very touching. Unfortunately I read this one out of order in the series.
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2024 This may be the best Mags Munroe garda novel yet, really enjoyed and recommend it. From identifiable family issues such as mother-in-law Nora putting Mags down as she doesn’t consider her as “high-leve” as her other childrens’ spouses, to coping with teenage girls and their dramas, to her husband Kieran’s potential retirement, all are well-presented with great characters throughout. Jean Grainger’s humor made me chuckle so many times, whether it was Mags’ efforts to fit into shape wear, avoid caloric sweets, deal with a plethora of quirky animals including a frilly lizard, or endearing Gen Z employee Zoe.
Both the Travellers including sadly-ailing Jerome’s wife Dora play a role, plus a crime involving stolen valuable race horse Chancing Your Arm. The annoying Duckie is responsible for the case but mis-steps so Ballycarrick garda station becomes involved. Teenage idol singer Sienna Black dominates Mags’ daughters’ attention, and at one point Mags is called on to assist her personally.
All in all, this was a fun and engrossing read, full of eccentric characters, community concern for each other, and a very satisfying story line. Highly recommended.
I've read each of the books in this series and I feel that the warmth and laughter of the first book was replicated here. This book focused more on relationships than the case at hand. If you love the characters of this series, this book is a gem. This was a giant hug of a book. I loved it.
Once more, Jean Grainger has given us a fantastic book. Mags Munroe is at her finest in this book of the garda in Ireland. Mags has to face her hateful mother-in-law; but this time, her husband has had enough of trying to calm his mother down. He gives her an ultimatum, either she apologizes to Mags and stops trying to belittle her or he and his family will not see or talk to her again. Mags worries that her husband will regret saying this and begin to blame her for the split in his family as she knows he really does love his family. She had to deal with her two teenage girls who are trying to create a tik tok dance to show how they admire Sienna Black, a teen singer who is coming to Ireland on tour. They have been begging to be able to get tickets to go to her concert. A thoroughbred horse worth a fortune has been kidnapped in Ireland and Mags is pulled into the search because one of her officers is called to work with an officer who is greatly disliked on finding the horse. She just has to make sure Zoe doesn't go too far out in the search. She is called in to help an important person, whose name she doesn't know at first, to try to find a missing person who may or may not be in Ireland and may or may not even be in her area. She finally has to deal with of of her officer's family situation. Delia is a Traveler who married a non-traveler. Now, just after returning from her honeymoon, Delia finds her mother is dying. Mags is a good friend of Delia's parents, Dora and Jerome. The hospital staff does not always work well with Travelers, and Mags is determined to find a solution. The book is great.
Mags Munroe is an everyday woman, happily married to Kieran with two young teenage daughters, Ellie and Kate living in the village of Ballycarrick in Ireland. She has a great deal to manage in her life with family commitments, her work in the community as a Police Sergeant, occasionally solving crimes or mysteries, good friends, a wonderful mother, a monster mother-in-law. At the top of the list is the bane of her working life ‘Duckie’ a fellow policeman. As we turn the pages, we again meet Jerome who is a traveller, who shows his vulnerableness to Mags when his wife is diagnosed with cancer and only has weeks to live. Mags and the community jump in to help give Dora her final wish. Mags shows her kindness and friendship to her colleagues and again solves several mysteries, one on behalf of another friend Connor who is the owner of Castle Dysart, who seeks her help to find someone. It is a warm, heartfelt story that will touch the heart of those faced with the coming loss of a loved one. Ellie and Kate have their wish come true, again due to the amazing kindness and compassion Mags shows to others. A beautiful story. Is this the final one in the Mags Series? Only time will tell, I guess.
Jean Grainger is one of my favourite authors, that is no secret. In her historical fiction novels, I find myself wondering if I had been born in that era, which character would I be? In the Mags Munroe novels, I can only hope that I would be Mags. Whether Mags is dealing with her craving for delicious pastries, her new health issue, her family and extended family, or her community in the position of her career in the Garda, her down to earth personality shines through. Opening up this book is like opening a long letter from a good friend, with some surprises, some catching up with old friends like Conor, tales of young love, and poignant tales of family ties and mature love. The story line with Jerome and Dora had me in tears, and the opening scene of the wedding had me in tears of laughter - the combined excitement and awkwardness just seems to hit home. It's a joy to be able to virtually visit Ballycarrick again, and I can always be inspired to learn a bit more about subjects in Jean's novels, whether it is tidbits about Ireland's history or interesting cultural observations. I also appreciate that there is authentic Irish included in this book.
For anyone who has read any of the Mags Munroe books you're likely to agree with me that she is just a normal, average, everyday person like you or me. Yet, her outlook on things is such that you can't help but fall in love with her. She has a great family, a loving, supportive husband, and two very typical teenage daughters. As with the previous books, Mags has to deal with her insufferable monster-iin-law and the ever so obnoxious colleague Duckey. I was amazed at how well she dealt with both individuals while still trying her best to be a good police officer. A very important lesson learned from this entire series is that people aren't always what they appear to be , therefore, don't judge until you've gotten to know people. I laughed, cried, did a few fist pumps while loudly yelling YES!! Easily stating that this is the best Mags Munroe book yet and hoping that there are still more to come.
Jean Grainger is one of my favorite contemporary authors. Her books take us into real life in Ireland, and I think the Mags Munroe books are high on my list of her best. Mags is a Garda and knows everything that goes on in town and its residents and history as well. Her personality allows her to get along with townspeople and the Travelers. I really like Mags. Another of Grainger characters that I’ve really liked is Conor, who now owns and runs an elite hotel. In Chancing Your Arm, Mags and Conor are reunited to work together. In this book, Grainger has once again done an excellent job of making me feel like I am right there with Mags and her friends. I get just as irritated with Nora, her mother-in-law, as I get joy from Mag’s husband and children. Can’t wait for the next book in this series.
BOOKREAVEMENT! Finishing another installment of Grainger’s Mags Monroe series makes me so happy because it was so great, and bereaved because it’s done and I’m up to date with this series and the characters. I adore Mags and her family: the challenges they face are so real and the struggles they encounter are so intriguing. Mags, a Garda Sargent (an Irish combo of police and FBI) deals this time with a stolen horse, her teen daughters’ social lives, a dreadful Garda agent from a few towns over, the impending death of a family friend, mother-in-law drama, her station being chronically understaffed, and her sweet husband’s pressure for her to retire (among other things.) Mags is so one I’d love to have a cuppa with- she’s pragmatic and caring and funny. I enjoy all Jean Grainger’s historical fiction, but I rejoice whenever there’s more of Mags and Ballycarick!
Another great book about Sergeant Mags Munroe and her trusty band of colleagues (except Duckie) and family (except Nora).
As ever Mags is there to ensure law and order but in her own kind, sympathetic way. She is totally supported by her lovely husband Kieran, her loving if somewhat challenging daughters and her work colleagues. There are however certain characters eg Inspector Cassidy (Duckie) and her insufferable mother in law Nora who are enough to test the patience of a saint!
I like the way that Jean weaves in different characters like Sienna who has her own issues and brings back old favourites who we love, the gorgeous Conor who I've adored since Book 1.
Keep up the good work Mags (and Jean) you make our lives that bit more exciting!
Another fabulous chapter in the life of Mags Munroe. She’s like some sort of local action hero, always saying and doing the right thing, getting on with everyone, keeping the peace and saving the day! We could all do with a Mags policing the community! Great to see the handsome and charismatic Conor from The Tour series pop up again too - a nice crossover without expecting us to remember too much of what has gone before! (a bonus to my ageing brain) This could be read as a standalone but means a lot more when you’ve read the previous books. It’s an easy to read series without being superficial and ridiculous. Jean’s books are always well researched, educational, interesting and funny all in one!
I’m so sad that the Mags Munroe series is finished. Chancing Your Arm is book five and the last book. It is a happy series without being sappy. It’s uplifting with happy parts and even a few sad occurrences sprinkled in at times. The characters are all realistic and believable. Mags is great at her jobs, garda, mother, wife, and friend. She can be found using tact and diplomacy in all her dealings. Those she loves — her husband, her daughters, her relatives and friends — she loves fiercely. She respects most everyone, and they her. This series is a far cry from the detective stories and mysteries I normally read, but I truly enjoyed it immensely. It’s easy for me to recommend it to my reading friends.
Another wonderful Mags book. I couldn't put it down! Jean Grainger never cease to amaze. This one had me in tears at the end. On one hand, Ballycarrick is such a real place with all the ups and downs of life. On the other hand, the community spirit and love described in the story are a dream in our troubled world. I love the way the story brings up all kinds of troubling issues and get Mags to deal with them in such a human and down to earth way.. and the added bonus of bringing Conor and his wonderful Dysert Castel into the mix just rounds out the whole story perfectly. I hope Mags holds off on her future plans and has another story to tell in Ballycarrick!
I love Jean Grainger. I have been a guest on her website. I check I with her Facebook page and I am on her email list. I love Mags Monroe and all her other series as well. This is a good book and it links in with another series about a very charming Irish bus line tour guide. I recommend that series as well. Jean Grainger feels like a friend to me and I would love tos share a cuppa with her or a glass of wine. Read this series then explore other series not hers. You won't be sorry. Thank you Ms. Grainger. You have my admiration. P.S.; Don't paint your front door black. Paint it a lovely blue or green. It seems so much more like you.
I really liked this Mags book. It was complex, with several elements of different stories all being coped with at once. It's not so much ONE crime or event that unfolds, but, much like real life, a hodgepodge of little things that can accumulate into some serious problems. Mags isn't perfect, no one is, and her family isn't either which makes reading it even better. You don't have to think how inadequate you are in comparison to Mags! (Except for her ability to take down a full grown man!) Of course, it all ends well and we all want it to. I like having Castle Dysert in the mix. Conor was always one of my favorite characters.
And I say this having read several of her series (this is my fifth). Mags is my totally, completely favorite character of all of hers, and believe me she has some pretty awesome ones. Her vulnerability, her self doubts, her incredible kindness, her strong morals and love for her community and family. Her fairness, her imperfections as an over fifty woman in the public eye. Cannot say enough. If you are a middle aged woman, and worry about body image and how you can protect your daughters against these impossible ideals, read the Mags Munroe books. You're welcome.
I seem to have chanced upon some books by Jean Grainger, in no particular order. Still, I am a fan. Is Mags Munroe an antihero? No, that moniker doesn't seem to fit. She is a hero, but without being heroic in the traditional sense. She is a woman with a woman's sensibilities and a real life. Husband, children, pets, but also a job she loves, and in a quiet way performs magnificently. She experiences the conflicts, the tensions of family life, of life in a small village, where everyone knows everyone, their family, their history. I suppose you'd say that she belongs to the school of the late Maeve Binchy. Highly recommend.
Chancing Your Arm is another wonderful episode of Mags Monroe’s life. If you have not yet begun this series, you are missing out on some great reading. I love this series about the small town, the Travellers, Mags’ sensible approach to policing, her family and more. There is always a mystery but it is the acts of kindness and the hostility toward the Travellers, that keep me coming back for more. Mags is one of my two favorite characters and this one also has Conor and Castle Dysert. I really enjoyed my visit to Ballycarrick, Ireland! I always read these in one day.
I’m a big fan of Jean Grainger’s work. This book is definitely one of her best. She has you laughing about frilled lizards one minute and crying real tears the next. Any book that is so moving that it brings out real emotions is a treasure. I highly recommend reading all of her series. It’s like finding new friends as you follow the main characters as they go about their daily lives. As an aside I recommend visiting the west of Ireland. I did with a friend a number of years ago and loved it.
Chancing your Arm is another winner. I have read everything by Jean Grainger that is available here in the USA. The Mags Munro series is definitely one of the best. When reading this book, it’s like you’re sitting with a friend having a cup of tea and listening to a story they’re telling you. The plot is very believable and you learn a little bit about Ireland in a small town where everybody knows your name. And all your secrets I can’t wait for the next installment.
I cannot believe this is the end of the series. So sad to see Mags and the people of Ballycarrick go. Zoe had me cracking up and is one my favorite book characters now. Jean’s book families and endearing stories, especially the ones with the Travelers, will keep me company for years. I’ve read all of Jean’s books and she never fails to impress me with the characters she creates, how she works in history about Ireland, and how her stories leave me feeling like I’ve made new friendships.
Having read almost all of Jean Grainger's books, the Mags Munroe series has become one of my favorites and this book may be the best of the lot. It was hard to put the book down, but I didn't want it to end. As in the other books of the series, it is told in Mags' own words, as if she is talking to you over a cup of coffee or tea. The characters, well most of them, are likeable and people you would want to know. I also enjoyed how she has intertwined the characters from this series with those from "The Tour" series. I hope there will be more Mags Munroe books to follow.
Another fantastic book about the wonderful Mags Munroe. I really hope there are several more about her. She’s the most ordinary, relatable, honest, and hilarious character. I love all the supporting characters like Jerome, Delia, Kieran, Sharon and Marie. Of course hearing about a regular mom trying to raise 2 teenage girls while policing her community and trying to be the best wife she can be is beautifully ordinary. I find myself relating so much to Mags. I can’t wait to see what she’s up to next!
This is the fifth book in a series about a garda (police) sergeant in a small town in Ireland. Mags is funny, smart and head-over-heels in love with her husband and family. She’s in her late forties, early fifties and fighting middle-age spread, while raising two daughters. Start with book one and I bet you’ll be hooked on her adventures. If you’re like me, you’ll feel happy and relaxed at the end of each book and eager to read the next. I’m hoping Grainger writes more in this series!
Chancing Your Arm is the fifth Mags Monroe book. It can be read as a delightful stand-alone but for background I suggest reading the series in order.
Mags joins forces with Connor O’Shea to try to track down a missing racehorse. At the same time she is also trying to balance family life, friendships and village life. This is a fabulous book with wonderful characters and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I definitely recommend it to fans of this series and the author. It will also appeal to anyone looking for a great, easy read with heart.
I hated for this book and series to end. I heard another one is coming in the fall? As with the others, the "mystery" element, a missing thoroughbred racehorse was a minor element of the plot, which is what is happening with the Munroe family, their growing daughters, inlaws, and other townspeople and members of the police department. Mid-life issues preoccupy Mags and her husband. A Taylor-Swift like character preoccupies the daughters and their friends. I now have the set of 5 books to lend to other bookish friends. I think I will do "The Tour" next.
I love Mags Munroe. These charming stories combine the best of cozy mysteries, small town romance and Irish slice of life, all wrapped up in a deliciously unique theme where the good guys really do win, where ordinary people rise to the occasion and evil or cruel people get their just desserts. I also enjoy viewing modern life filtered through a different culture.