Which J.K. Rowling novel follows a town divided after a local councillor’s death?

The J.K. Rowling novel about a town divided after a local councillor’s death is The Casual Vacancy. Published in 2012, it was Rowling’s first novel for adults after the Harry Potter series.

The story begins with the sudden death of Barry Fairbrother, a parish councillor in the fictional English town of Pagford. His death creates a casual vacancy on the local council, and the resulting political struggle exposes tensions involving class, poverty, addiction, family, and community responsibility.

The novel is realistic rather than fantastical. Its title refers to the vacant council seat, not to a vacancy at a school or workplace. The book’s setting and themes mark a sharp contrast with Rowling’s children’s fantasy novels.

The Casual Vacancy was adapted into a three-part BBC television miniseries in 2015. The adaptation starred Michael Gambon, Rory Kinnear, and Keeley Hawes.