What is the title of J.K. Rowling’s 2012 adult novel about Pagford?

J.K. Rowling’s 2012 adult novel about Pagford is The Casual Vacancy.

Published on 27 September 2012, The Casual Vacancy was Rowling’s first novel published after the Harry Potter series. It is set in the fictional English town of Pagford, where a council seat becomes vacant after the death of parish councillor Barry Fairbrother.

The novel examines class conflict, local politics, poverty, addiction, and tensions between Pagford and the neighbouring Fields estate. Its subject matter and tone differ sharply from the fantasy adventure of Harry Potter.

The title refers to the empty council position that drives the plot. The book was later adapted into a three-part BBC television series, broadcast in 2015.