What do you think?
Rate this book
Mags Munroe #2
Growing Wild in the Shade
If you want to disappear, start again, make a new life, a small Irish village is probably not the wisest place to go, since anonymity is not something we do well here.
The arrival of someone new is always a cause for twitching curtains and whispered conversations.
But here, like everywhere, people have their secrets, and as the local sergeant I’m expected to have my eyes peeled for anything unusual.
And I do.
Usually.
Until I don’t, and the consequences are potentially fatal.
The arrival of someone new is always a cause for twitching curtains and whispered conversations.
But here, like everywhere, people have their secrets, and as the local sergeant I’m expected to have my eyes peeled for anything unusual.
And I do.
Usually.
Until I don’t, and the consequences are potentially fatal.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published November 8, 2022
4278 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
Jean Grainger
95 books1,646 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
November 10, 2023
Disappointing
I read to escape all the bad, hurtful, political, upheaval, unrest or whatever negative adjective you'd like to add. You won't find that escape in this book. While I loved Mags quirky personality, the author inserted a political point of view not held by all and doesn't acknowledge the fact of how far we have come in this culture, and yet we need to go further. I couldn't get past this. I'm of a generation that had to have your dad or a husband co sign a loan or girls sports were not supported in schools. Women drs, lawyers, judges, mayors etc were NOT the norm. A lot of women of that or my generation sacrificed so much to be where we are today. We cleared the path so that those after us could enjoy the vocations, sports, financial independence that we did not have. Yet it is taken for granted and not appreciated. We must always improve but the persistent lack of acknowledgement of how things were 30-40 years ago gets to be insulting. The point of view that we've not, come a long way baby, is insulting to me considering what I've lived through. This is my opinion and I'm sure many do not agree. I just ask that perhaps you consider a point of view not mentioned and jump into tearing me down when a lot of us helped build or added blocks to get where we are today. Remember, It was less than 100 years ago in my country that women got to vote.
I read to escape all the bad, hurtful, political, upheaval, unrest or whatever negative adjective you'd like to add. You won't find that escape in this book. While I loved Mags quirky personality, the author inserted a political point of view not held by all and doesn't acknowledge the fact of how far we have come in this culture, and yet we need to go further. I couldn't get past this. I'm of a generation that had to have your dad or a husband co sign a loan or girls sports were not supported in schools. Women drs, lawyers, judges, mayors etc were NOT the norm. A lot of women of that or my generation sacrificed so much to be where we are today. We cleared the path so that those after us could enjoy the vocations, sports, financial independence that we did not have. Yet it is taken for granted and not appreciated. We must always improve but the persistent lack of acknowledgement of how things were 30-40 years ago gets to be insulting. The point of view that we've not, come a long way baby, is insulting to me considering what I've lived through. This is my opinion and I'm sure many do not agree. I just ask that perhaps you consider a point of view not mentioned and jump into tearing me down when a lot of us helped build or added blocks to get where we are today. Remember, It was less than 100 years ago in my country that women got to vote.
July 19, 2022
Such a pity. I had really high hopes for this series since the first book was funny, touching and a cracking good plot.
Unfortunately the second book is a total waste of money and time. If I wanted to be lectured regarding progressivism, liberal politics, or be subjected to dismissive remarks about the Catholic faith, I'd simply read the newspaper.
Unfortunately the second book is a total waste of money and time. If I wanted to be lectured regarding progressivism, liberal politics, or be subjected to dismissive remarks about the Catholic faith, I'd simply read the newspaper.
March 25, 2024
I loved the bones of Mags Munroe when I read the first book in this series, now, after reading the second instalment, I'm even more her fan. She was such an authentic character. Again, this novel follows Mags through her days . The reader is privy to her thoughts, her worries, and her delightful sense of humour.
Mags is fifty years old and lives with her beloved husband, Kieran, who works as a roofer, and her two daughters whom she adores. She works as a police sergeant in the small town of Ballycarrick, Ireland. She has an antagonistic relationship with her mother-in-law versus a loving and close relationship with her own mother. She is a funny, kind, and very smart woman.
Mags' mother runs a women's clothing shop in the village. "Mam is great at gently coaxing them towards things that look better, and she's a big fan of the sucky in underwear, you know the kind, made of some kind of greyish-beige elasticated fabric and recycled razorblades?"
Of her mother-in-law, Mags says "Nora Munroe is the kind of person that sucks the joy from any situation. You know the type, you could be in perfectly good form, life trundling along nicely and then you meet her and you come away depressed off your head."
The 'powers that be' are campaigning to increase the land around a private boy's school. To do so would entail moving the Travellers to another location... This proves problematic for Mags and especially for Delia who is a rookie Guard and also a 'Traveller'. Mags has championed Delia and acts as her mentor.
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. 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.
"The law is not bad, or corrupt, it's just a bit of a blunt instrument, subject to manipulation and can't really deal with nuance."
The themes covered in this novel are many and include tolerance, discrimination, prejudice, corruption, justice, and relationships of all kinds. Feminist viewpoints are prevalent throughout.
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 fifty years old and lives with her beloved husband, Kieran, who works as a roofer, and her two daughters whom she adores. She works as a police sergeant in the small town of Ballycarrick, Ireland. She has an antagonistic relationship with her mother-in-law versus a loving and close relationship with her own mother. She is a funny, kind, and very smart woman.
Mags' mother runs a women's clothing shop in the village. "Mam is great at gently coaxing them towards things that look better, and she's a big fan of the sucky in underwear, you know the kind, made of some kind of greyish-beige elasticated fabric and recycled razorblades?"
Of her mother-in-law, Mags says "Nora Munroe is the kind of person that sucks the joy from any situation. You know the type, you could be in perfectly good form, life trundling along nicely and then you meet her and you come away depressed off your head."
The 'powers that be' are campaigning to increase the land around a private boy's school. To do so would entail moving the Travellers to another location... This proves problematic for Mags and especially for Delia who is a rookie Guard and also a 'Traveller'. Mags has championed Delia and acts as her mentor.
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. 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.
"The law is not bad, or corrupt, it's just a bit of a blunt instrument, subject to manipulation and can't really deal with nuance."
The themes covered in this novel are many and include tolerance, discrimination, prejudice, corruption, justice, and relationships of all kinds. Feminist viewpoints are prevalent throughout.
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!
November 19, 2023
To political
It could have been a,great series but to much politics for me. I avoid anything . Political to stressful to continue reading
It could have been a,great series but to much politics for me. I avoid anything . Political to stressful to continue reading
July 9, 2022
Growing Wild in the Shade is the second installment in Jean Grainger's Mags Munroe series. Mags Munroe's stories as sort like a warm blanket on a cold wintry day, or that comfort food that just hits the spot when you need it most. I was so enthralled with the entire book that I just couldn't put it down. I read it in four days. With 29 books to her credit, Jean Grainger is definitely an author whose work should be read by everyone. I look forward with anticipation each time she releases a new book because I know I'll be with friends as the story unfolds.
July 18, 2022
Growing Wild in the Shade is another well written, entrancing book about Mags Monroe. I love both these books. I think Mags and I would be friends. She continues to fight for the Travellers rights as she patrols her village and recovers from an injury sustained in book one. I could not put the book down and devoured it in a single day.
September 12, 2023
A nice interlude after Sing, Wild Bird, Sing.
Light, refreshing reading. Love meeting up with Mags Monroe again.
Light, refreshing reading. Love meeting up with Mags Monroe again.
July 14, 2022
Sit back and enjoy an easy comfortable read as you step into Ballycarrick, a small village of caring people in Ireland that we’d all like to be a part of! Jean’s knack for creating believable, mostly likeable, characters continues.
Growing Wild in the Shade is a continuation of The Existential Worries of Mags Munroe where we first met Mags Munroe in Ballycarrick. In Growing Wild there is the addition of a few new characters as Mags continues to watch over Ballycarrick, now in her role as Sargeant, while her husband, Kieran, worries that she’s going to be harmed again in the line of duty. As in several of Jean’s books the Travellers are an important part of the story, especially when a conflict develops between them and several of the “settled’. In many ways it appears that progress has been made in the views and opinions the town holds about the Travellers, but some town members find it difficult to change their thinking and look at the Travellers as much less than their equals. Mags even admits to finding it hard to change some of her old views about them, although she is friendly with, and accepted, by many in the Travellers community. Delia and Natasha, both Travellers, now work for the Irish Gardai in Mags’ station. On a happier note a good part of the story focuses on Mags’ mother Marie as she decides to move on with her life and give love another try! You’ll also love how the town welcomes and cares for Martha and her autistic son.
Growing Wild in the Shade is a continuation of The Existential Worries of Mags Munroe where we first met Mags Munroe in Ballycarrick. In Growing Wild there is the addition of a few new characters as Mags continues to watch over Ballycarrick, now in her role as Sargeant, while her husband, Kieran, worries that she’s going to be harmed again in the line of duty. As in several of Jean’s books the Travellers are an important part of the story, especially when a conflict develops between them and several of the “settled’. In many ways it appears that progress has been made in the views and opinions the town holds about the Travellers, but some town members find it difficult to change their thinking and look at the Travellers as much less than their equals. Mags even admits to finding it hard to change some of her old views about them, although she is friendly with, and accepted, by many in the Travellers community. Delia and Natasha, both Travellers, now work for the Irish Gardai in Mags’ station. On a happier note a good part of the story focuses on Mags’ mother Marie as she decides to move on with her life and give love another try! You’ll also love how the town welcomes and cares for Martha and her autistic son.
February 23, 2026
Easy light entertaining book.
March 1, 2026
I loved the first book in this series getting to know all the characters and it had a good, thrilling mystery. This second book was not like the first. There was a continuation of the characters stories, which I mostly liked, but not really any type of thrilling mystery. The main character was bit too holier than thou in this installment. Not sure if I will continue the series or not at this point.
July 18, 2022
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Once past St. Patrick’s Day, if you need an “Irish fix” there is none better than picking up a Jean Grainger book. The author has that understated ability for placing you in the center of the Irish village set in the book you are reading—in this instance—Ballycarrick, Ireland.
This is fully character-driven, a book filled with life, the every day and the extraordinary. The MC is Mags Munroe, a newly promoted Sargeant in the local Garda. She is married to Kieran, an independent roofer. Also prominent is Mags mother and Delia, newly minted Garda and also a Traveller, which is the main focus of this narrative.
As always, however, there are several under-plot threads, one being her mother’s new love life and Mags own grapple with menopause.
The little town of Ballycarrick is torn right down the middle regarding moving the Travellers from an area for which they’ve long been occupants without benefit of ownership. There are those who would move them to the area of another family of Travellers who are not so carefully or cleanly law-abiding. Some good arguments here that sound as if they’d be the same for many of similar situations around the globe.
It is the everyday minutia though that the author manages to coach to life, the little struggles, triumphs and solutions. It is life in every village, every city—human life with bits of candor and clarity--and always, that iconic Irish sense of humor. 4.5 stars
I received an advance copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are my unbiased thoughts.
Once past St. Patrick’s Day, if you need an “Irish fix” there is none better than picking up a Jean Grainger book. The author has that understated ability for placing you in the center of the Irish village set in the book you are reading—in this instance—Ballycarrick, Ireland.
This is fully character-driven, a book filled with life, the every day and the extraordinary. The MC is Mags Munroe, a newly promoted Sargeant in the local Garda. She is married to Kieran, an independent roofer. Also prominent is Mags mother and Delia, newly minted Garda and also a Traveller, which is the main focus of this narrative.
As always, however, there are several under-plot threads, one being her mother’s new love life and Mags own grapple with menopause.
The little town of Ballycarrick is torn right down the middle regarding moving the Travellers from an area for which they’ve long been occupants without benefit of ownership. There are those who would move them to the area of another family of Travellers who are not so carefully or cleanly law-abiding. Some good arguments here that sound as if they’d be the same for many of similar situations around the globe.
It is the everyday minutia though that the author manages to coach to life, the little struggles, triumphs and solutions. It is life in every village, every city—human life with bits of candor and clarity--and always, that iconic Irish sense of humor. 4.5 stars
I received an advance copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are my unbiased thoughts.
October 5, 2022
Growing Wild in the Shade: A Mags Munroe Story: The Mags Munroe Series Book 2 is written by Jean Grainger. Mags is a Garda at the station here; but her husband is just a tad upset since she had been shot. He isn’t as anxious for her to continue as she is. She has to reassure him that the chance of her getting shot again is very slight and that she will be very careful.
Mags has been told that the private school is looking to add land to their school yard and the area that they are looking at is the area set aside for the Traveller’s use. Mags isn’t supposed to get involved with local politics; but she feels for the safety of the town, the need to fight him. She tries to get Jerome to commit; but fails. Who was going to HELP Mags now? The boys, of course.
Mags has been told that the private school is looking to add land to their school yard and the area that they are looking at is the area set aside for the Traveller’s use. Mags isn’t supposed to get involved with local politics; but she feels for the safety of the town, the need to fight him. She tries to get Jerome to commit; but fails. Who was going to HELP Mags now? The boys, of course.
March 21, 2026
This is #2 of 5 books in the Mags Munroe series.
Ballycarrick, although an Irish village, is the main character in this series. It has a castle, a river, and it is close to the sea. I especially liked this book because there was no violent crime in it, just a good story about the Travellers being persecuted and then protected by some open-minded villagers.
Mags Munroe is fifty this year and still comfortably married to Kieran, who is a roofer, and she is a Gardai. Kieran is much more worried about her after Mags was shot in the line of duty recently. She still barely tolerates the smarmy. Detective Sargeant Ducky Donal Cassidy with whom she works. Her Traveller friend Delia has qualified for the Gardai and is a full member of the Irish police, which is a great pride to the Travellers Family.
Kieran and Mags have two girls, Ellie, the oldest is into singing and dancing, and Kate loves sports.
Her mother Marie is an enthusiastic dancer. She is in a country dance group that combines line dance, ballroom and gymnastics and she is really good. Marie is also a well loved proprietor of a boutique in Ballycarrick. Marie is age seventy five. I am disappointed how I kept thinking of her as elderly before I realized that I will turn seventy three soon! I don't feel elderly and I don't think I look old either. Marie has to choose between two men who want to marry her so she is obviously attractive. I love the affectionate exchanges between Mags and her Mum. They really are best friends as well as mother and daughter.
Mag's sister Delores, Lori, lives on a Montana commune. She wears Bohemian clothes and has long dreadlocks which Mag's children love. She is a vegan and follows all of the mind, body, and spirit festivals around the country. For the first time, Lori finds two women, Annette and Martha who grow organic food and have a similar lifestyle to hers. She thinks better of Ballycarrick now that it seems more open minded.
Mag's older sister Jenny lives in Dubai with her strict Muslim husband Ahmed. They have two sons, Achmed and Hassan. It is very uncomfortable when they visit because of the cultural differences.
As usual, Mags and Delia defend the McGovern Traveller Family because they are good citizens and deserve to live in their designated land that has belonged to them for many decades.
Delia is finally openly dating Darren, the Gardai because he took the incriminating photo of the conspirators and guarded the Travellers land. This made her parents Jerome and Dora McGovern accept a settled person if that is what their favorite daughter wanted.
Ballycarrick, although an Irish village, is the main character in this series. It has a castle, a river, and it is close to the sea. I especially liked this book because there was no violent crime in it, just a good story about the Travellers being persecuted and then protected by some open-minded villagers.
Mags Munroe is fifty this year and still comfortably married to Kieran, who is a roofer, and she is a Gardai. Kieran is much more worried about her after Mags was shot in the line of duty recently. She still barely tolerates the smarmy. Detective Sargeant Ducky Donal Cassidy with whom she works. Her Traveller friend Delia has qualified for the Gardai and is a full member of the Irish police, which is a great pride to the Travellers Family.
Kieran and Mags have two girls, Ellie, the oldest is into singing and dancing, and Kate loves sports.
Her mother Marie is an enthusiastic dancer. She is in a country dance group that combines line dance, ballroom and gymnastics and she is really good. Marie is also a well loved proprietor of a boutique in Ballycarrick. Marie is age seventy five. I am disappointed how I kept thinking of her as elderly before I realized that I will turn seventy three soon! I don't feel elderly and I don't think I look old either. Marie has to choose between two men who want to marry her so she is obviously attractive. I love the affectionate exchanges between Mags and her Mum. They really are best friends as well as mother and daughter.
Mag's sister Delores, Lori, lives on a Montana commune. She wears Bohemian clothes and has long dreadlocks which Mag's children love. She is a vegan and follows all of the mind, body, and spirit festivals around the country. For the first time, Lori finds two women, Annette and Martha who grow organic food and have a similar lifestyle to hers. She thinks better of Ballycarrick now that it seems more open minded.
Mag's older sister Jenny lives in Dubai with her strict Muslim husband Ahmed. They have two sons, Achmed and Hassan. It is very uncomfortable when they visit because of the cultural differences.
As usual, Mags and Delia defend the McGovern Traveller Family because they are good citizens and deserve to live in their designated land that has belonged to them for many decades.
Delia is finally openly dating Darren, the Gardai because he took the incriminating photo of the conspirators and guarded the Travellers land. This made her parents Jerome and Dora McGovern accept a settled person if that is what their favorite daughter wanted.
July 10, 2022
This was a wonderful read, full of heart, sympathetic characterizations, and vivid portrayal of the lives, loves and trials of life in small-town Ireland. In my view, this second installment of the Mags Munroe series is far superior to the first and establishes Jean Grainger not only as my new favorite author, but a worthy successor to the late Maeve Binchy, whose books I loved. Again, Gardia officer Mags is grappling with issues stemming from the Travellers, two groups residing in caravans on council-designated “halting grounds” where they live. In this book, St. Colms’ elite school eyes a Traveller halting site for a school pool and wishes to move a large Traveller family elsewhere. The new characters introduced, Martha, her Downs’ syndrome son Phillip, are beautifully-portrayed, as is Phillip’s growing friendship with the Travellers.
There is romance for Mags’ mother Marie, realistic child-challenges from Mags’ daughters Katie and Ellie, and assorted other adventures and events.
Lovely book, 5 stars, and I will be reading any future installments. I received an advance copy from the author.
There is romance for Mags’ mother Marie, realistic child-challenges from Mags’ daughters Katie and Ellie, and assorted other adventures and events.
Lovely book, 5 stars, and I will be reading any future installments. I received an advance copy from the author.
August 6, 2023
After Mags’ ordeal at the end of the first book, her husband has a hard time coping with her working as a Garda. Family life is a bit more complicated in this book.
The rumors are going around that the land the Travelers live on is going to be designated for a private school. Mags is worried about the Travelers and where they will end up. It appears, just like all people, there are good and bad Travelers. There is a real possibility that the Travelers that Mags grew up with could be pushed to live with a group of Travelers who are more involved in criminal activity.
Mags shouldn’t get involved in the politics of the situation, but she can’t help herself. Will Jerome, the head of the Travelers, find the strength to show the villagers how much his Traveler family contributes to the village?
There’s some great moments in the book when some of the town’s people receive a visit from karma! This was a great read! I had to move on to the third book in the series!
The rumors are going around that the land the Travelers live on is going to be designated for a private school. Mags is worried about the Travelers and where they will end up. It appears, just like all people, there are good and bad Travelers. There is a real possibility that the Travelers that Mags grew up with could be pushed to live with a group of Travelers who are more involved in criminal activity.
Mags shouldn’t get involved in the politics of the situation, but she can’t help herself. Will Jerome, the head of the Travelers, find the strength to show the villagers how much his Traveler family contributes to the village?
There’s some great moments in the book when some of the town’s people receive a visit from karma! This was a great read! I had to move on to the third book in the series!
June 20, 2024
I found this book a bit confusing at first until I started listing the numerous characters and figured out who was who. When I picked this book up, I didn’t realize it was part of a series and this is book 2. There are numerous references to things that had occurred in the past. It does make the book accessible as a read alone, but I wish I had read book 1 first.
Overall, I liked reading about Mags Monroe, a local police officer (Garda) in a small town in Ireland. There are so many charming characters and Jean Grainger does a good job giving the reader a taste of Irish life. The theme of this book centers on the Travellers, the nomadic people of Ireland. I had no idea that there was still so much intense prejudice against these folk.
Mags is a middle aged woman facing menopause and her grumbling about it seems unnecessary. Also she mentions HRT, which I thought was no longer prescribed due to concerns about links to cancer.
Overall, I liked reading about Mags Monroe, a local police officer (Garda) in a small town in Ireland. There are so many charming characters and Jean Grainger does a good job giving the reader a taste of Irish life. The theme of this book centers on the Travellers, the nomadic people of Ireland. I had no idea that there was still so much intense prejudice against these folk.
Mags is a middle aged woman facing menopause and her grumbling about it seems unnecessary. Also she mentions HRT, which I thought was no longer prescribed due to concerns about links to cancer.
January 12, 2025
This is the second book in a series. What I liked best about both books is the voice of the protagonist. She is a cop in Ireland (member of the Garda, in their terminology.) She is the senior member of a small town station, so her primary work is community policing. She is also the mother of two girls, a teenager and a tween, and is happily married to a good guy who works as a roofer. So her world view is very down to earth and pragmatic.
In this book, as in the first, she is quite caught up in protecting the rights of the Travelers family in her jurisdiction, who tend to be profoundly discriminated against. There are also some issues with illegal drugs, her psycho mother-in-law, a teenager with Downs syndrome, and her long widowed mother embarking on a romance at age 70. There's plenty to keep it interesting, but a tone that keeps it mostly light even when the specific incidents are not.
I would recommend reading this series in order.
In this book, as in the first, she is quite caught up in protecting the rights of the Travelers family in her jurisdiction, who tend to be profoundly discriminated against. There are also some issues with illegal drugs, her psycho mother-in-law, a teenager with Downs syndrome, and her long widowed mother embarking on a romance at age 70. There's plenty to keep it interesting, but a tone that keeps it mostly light even when the specific incidents are not.
I would recommend reading this series in order.
July 13, 2022
Jean Grainger brings us another delightful tale of Mags Munroe! Although this isn’t the historical fiction many Grainger fans have come to expect, they will love hearing Mag’s take on the modern world. Grainger has created a lovable everywoman to share her story with us. This is the second Mags book, but you can definitely jump right in with no worry about the backstory. Grainger does a fantastic job of weaving in the details so the reader is never lost.
This is an engaging story from the start with wonderful characters, some new friends show up too! Before long, there’s a mystery for Mags to solve. It keeps us turning pages until the end. There’s a bit more romance in this, and Grainger keeps it sweet and simple. Readers looking for stories of modern Ireland will love this book! I hope there will be another Mags story because this was marvelous!
This is an engaging story from the start with wonderful characters, some new friends show up too! Before long, there’s a mystery for Mags to solve. It keeps us turning pages until the end. There’s a bit more romance in this, and Grainger keeps it sweet and simple. Readers looking for stories of modern Ireland will love this book! I hope there will be another Mags story because this was marvelous!
September 3, 2022
You really can't go wrong with a Jean Grainger book! Any book I've ever read that she's written has been well-written and entertaining.
I've enjoyed reading Mag's story. It's been an interesting view into modern-day Ireland and the Irish Garda. I've also enjoyed learning about the Travelers culture of Ireland. I love how Mags seems to fit in with various "sects" of peoples and is largely respected by all.
Another thing that I really love about Jean Grainger's writing is her attention to detail. She writes about everyday life and includes much detail but the story is anything but mundane. Rather, her details fully support and enrich the story and make it all the more believable. What I'm trying to say is that it is so easy to get lost in her novels because they are just simply so interesting!
I've enjoyed reading Mag's story. It's been an interesting view into modern-day Ireland and the Irish Garda. I've also enjoyed learning about the Travelers culture of Ireland. I love how Mags seems to fit in with various "sects" of peoples and is largely respected by all.
Another thing that I really love about Jean Grainger's writing is her attention to detail. She writes about everyday life and includes much detail but the story is anything but mundane. Rather, her details fully support and enrich the story and make it all the more believable. What I'm trying to say is that it is so easy to get lost in her novels because they are just simply so interesting!
January 21, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to four, because there’s really very little wrong with it. Other reviewers complained about horrible editing, but I only heard one mistake in the audiobook and didn’t see the text, so can’t comment on that. I thought the plot was well constructed and interesting. I like the way the author deals With current political issues. The subplots aren’t compelling, but they are realistic and interesting. I like the characters.
I think what keeps me from giving this a higher rating is just that it’s a little too..saccharine? No. Bland? No. It just lacks in edge, and evidently I prefer a little edgy. I’m torn on whether to listen to the third book in the series.
Excellent narration by Sioban Waring.
(I listened to the audiobook by Gold Harp media, which isn’t listed in the choices Goodreads gave me on audiobooks.)
I think what keeps me from giving this a higher rating is just that it’s a little too..saccharine? No. Bland? No. It just lacks in edge, and evidently I prefer a little edgy. I’m torn on whether to listen to the third book in the series.
Excellent narration by Sioban Waring.
(I listened to the audiobook by Gold Harp media, which isn’t listed in the choices Goodreads gave me on audiobooks.)
January 26, 2025
Although I like Jean Grainger's writing, this series would have been better left at the first book. I'm getting tired of the issue with the travelers in the story; she seems a little obsessed with righting a perceived wrong about that group of people (whether or not this is really an issue in Ireland, I don't know, but it's not interesting enough to base a three book fictional series on). This one was a bit dull, and I'm not sure I'll bother with book 3 in the series. The main character is a bit of a nosy Nelly, and doesn't seem to want to admit it. And there was a big "stink" about one of her subordinates taking a picture that ends up being damning to some politicians, in which she threatens to fire him. But once the picture comes out and it ends up salvaging a bad situation, she merrily goes on as if she never made that threat. That left a bad impression.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2022
Another great page turner. Jean draws you in and you just can't put the book down. She is an expert storyteller.
Mags Munroe is one hell of a woman, not only dealing with all the issues that her Poluce Sergeant job throws at her but also being100% actively involved with the local community.
The traveller folk who are also part of the local community are very dear to her and Mags will do her best to try and help with any unjust treatment they receive.
I like a happy ending and Mags even gets to have a holiday which she thoroughly deserves.
I am also sorry when the book comes to the end and can only look forward to Jean's next one and whatever it is, will always be thoroughly researched and have plenty of accurate historical interest in it.
Mags Munroe is one hell of a woman, not only dealing with all the issues that her Poluce Sergeant job throws at her but also being100% actively involved with the local community.
The traveller folk who are also part of the local community are very dear to her and Mags will do her best to try and help with any unjust treatment they receive.
I like a happy ending and Mags even gets to have a holiday which she thoroughly deserves.
I am also sorry when the book comes to the end and can only look forward to Jean's next one and whatever it is, will always be thoroughly researched and have plenty of accurate historical interest in it.
August 6, 2022
This is the second book in the Mags Munroe series about a policewoman for a small town in Ireland.
The main focus of this story is the indigenous people of the area called tinkers/travelers. It's a shame that every country seems to have a group of people they look down upon.
"If you want to disappear, start again, make a new life, a small Irish village is probably not the wisest place to go, since anonymity is not something we do well here.
The arrival of someone new is always a cause for twitching curtains and whispered conversations.
But here, like everywhere, people have their secrets, and as the local sergeant I’m expected to have my eyes peeled for anything unusual.
And I do.
Usually.
Until I don’t, and the consequences are potentially fatal." synopsis copied
The main focus of this story is the indigenous people of the area called tinkers/travelers. It's a shame that every country seems to have a group of people they look down upon.
"If you want to disappear, start again, make a new life, a small Irish village is probably not the wisest place to go, since anonymity is not something we do well here.
The arrival of someone new is always a cause for twitching curtains and whispered conversations.
But here, like everywhere, people have their secrets, and as the local sergeant I’m expected to have my eyes peeled for anything unusual.
And I do.
Usually.
Until I don’t, and the consequences are potentially fatal." synopsis copied
July 11, 2022
Growing Wild in the Shade is Jean Granger’s second book about Irish Garda, Mags Munroe and life in the small village of Ballycarrick. The author continues to spotlight prejudices not totally confined to Ireland. The plight of folks who are different, in this case the Travelers at the hands of the greedy, family expectations and disapproval, fear of change and gossiping busybodies all get profiled in this “no holds barred” commentary on current culture…along with the normal issues of a working woman who must juggle job and family. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Highly recommend.
August 5, 2022
A cozy Irish police story
Jean Grainger has a knack for writing characters who come alive in just a paragraph. This book sweeps you into the daily lives of the people in a small Irish town. The protagonist is an officer in the Garda, and it is through her eyes we watch the townsfolk in their joys and squabbles. As it is a police story there's suspense and misdeeds. The loathsome Ducky is back with a cadre of corrupt businessmen, but their evil doings come behind silver years romance, anti Traveler prejudice, homosexuality, drugs, chickens, American flags and chocolate cake. I was sad when the book ended and I had to leave.
Jean Grainger has a knack for writing characters who come alive in just a paragraph. This book sweeps you into the daily lives of the people in a small Irish town. The protagonist is an officer in the Garda, and it is through her eyes we watch the townsfolk in their joys and squabbles. As it is a police story there's suspense and misdeeds. The loathsome Ducky is back with a cadre of corrupt businessmen, but their evil doings come behind silver years romance, anti Traveler prejudice, homosexuality, drugs, chickens, American flags and chocolate cake. I was sad when the book ended and I had to leave.
August 11, 2022
very sweet story
I really like this book. It’s a bit slow starting but picks up if you stick with it. It does a good job of continuing the story of Mags and her family. It also addresses racism in a fabulous way that calls out the problem and encourages people to be more empathetic towards people who are different than themselves and to be understanding. This story also offers representation of 4 LGTBQ characters in two couples who play a significant part in the story and how their friends and family accepts them or leans to accept them as they are as well as healing family trauma is a big part of this book.
I really like this book. It’s a bit slow starting but picks up if you stick with it. It does a good job of continuing the story of Mags and her family. It also addresses racism in a fabulous way that calls out the problem and encourages people to be more empathetic towards people who are different than themselves and to be understanding. This story also offers representation of 4 LGTBQ characters in two couples who play a significant part in the story and how their friends and family accepts them or leans to accept them as they are as well as healing family trauma is a big part of this book.
August 16, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Mags Monroe and the goings on in Ballycarrick. The book is written as though the main character, Mags Monroe, is having a conversation with a close friend over a cup of tea. Though occasionally I thought the political overtone was a bit much I also think this is how a woman would confide in a friend, so it really fit with the tone of the story. Most of the main, continuing characters are people I would want for friends and neighbors. There are multiple story lines, some serious, some light, and overall, a wonderful read. I can't wait to read about the next adventure in Ballycarrick, Ireland.
September 9, 2024
Great reading!!
I love stories about current or recent life in other countries. Ms. Grainger does an outstanding job of life and ridding Ireland of prejudice. Mags, the main character, is a Detective Sargeant in a small community, and her character is an amazing woman. She very clearly explains her feelings, admits her faults, and works with great dedication to keep her little village a happy one, fighting prejudice against women in authority and the division over ethnic prejudice. She's very wise and compassionate, handling working long hours being wife, mother, devoted daughter, and chief constable.
I highly recommend this series.
I love stories about current or recent life in other countries. Ms. Grainger does an outstanding job of life and ridding Ireland of prejudice. Mags, the main character, is a Detective Sargeant in a small community, and her character is an amazing woman. She very clearly explains her feelings, admits her faults, and works with great dedication to keep her little village a happy one, fighting prejudice against women in authority and the division over ethnic prejudice. She's very wise and compassionate, handling working long hours being wife, mother, devoted daughter, and chief constable.
I highly recommend this series.
November 5, 2024
A great read
Thos is definitely a book that I had trouble putting down. The characters are all engaging, particularly the protagonist Mags Munroe. The first person narrative is so well done that I feel like I am sitting with her having a tea rather than reading a novel. She speaks directly to you in a candid and relateable way, much like a good friend. The pacing of the novel is also great, with characters that are incredibly genuine. I often found myself forgetting this was fiction and finding I was often indignant on Mags' and the Travellers' behalf. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thos is definitely a book that I had trouble putting down. The characters are all engaging, particularly the protagonist Mags Munroe. The first person narrative is so well done that I feel like I am sitting with her having a tea rather than reading a novel. She speaks directly to you in a candid and relateable way, much like a good friend. The pacing of the novel is also great, with characters that are incredibly genuine. I often found myself forgetting this was fiction and finding I was often indignant on Mags' and the Travellers' behalf. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
July 13, 2022
It's a bit daunting for me to write a review of a book I've really enjoyed - I can't compare to the author's skill of writing, and I don't want to give away too much and spoil the book for a reader. I was delighted to be back in Ballycarrick, and of course to find out more about Mags and her family. I appreciate the contemporary setting and topical subjects. While I certainly enjoy the light hearted humour throughout the book, I also enjoy the thoughtful commentary on subjects like village politics and cultural sensitivity without being preachy. Jean Grainger's books are always character driven and well paced; the challenge for me is trying to balance savouring the book and wanting to race ahead to see what's going to happen next. There's a bit of mystery, and loads of fun and caring and a bit of romance as well. An all around great read, and a book that can lift your spirits is always to be treasured.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews