Which 2012 J.K. Rowling novel portrays adult life in the fictional village of Pagford?

The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s 2012 novel about adult life and social conflict in the fictional English village of Pagford. It was Rowling’s first published novel after the Harry Potter series and her first novel written for adults.

The story begins when Barry Fairbrother, a member of Pagford’s parish council, dies suddenly. His vacant council seat triggers a local election, exposing disputes over class, poverty, addiction, housing, and the relationship between Pagford and the neighboring Fields estate. The title refers both to the council vacancy and to wider gaps in the community.

The novel is separate from the wizarding world and contains no magic. Rowling used an ensemble cast rather than a single child protagonist, giving the book a markedly different structure and tone from Harry Potter. A television adaptation was broadcast by BBC One in 2015.