The New Policeman

J.J. Liddy, like his mother, grandfather, and ancestors before him, is a musical prodigy in the small Irish town of Kinvara. But there never seems to be enough time to do anything these days, and when his mother asks for “time” for her birthday, J.J. is determined to find some for her. His journey leads him to Tir na n'Og, where the fairies live. He finds that somehow, time from our world is leaking into their timeless realm, which is causing a catastrophic imbalance. The story has a very nostalgic feel to it, celebrating the bonds of family, culture, and music in an adventure that spans generations. While many parts of the novel feel slow moving, I didn't mind–perhaps it simply resonated with my own small-town upbringing. This is a book that will satisfy music lovers, Irish folktale enthusiasts, and just about anyone who has strong multi-generational family ties.