Leonie Swann

When a shepherd is found dead in the field, his flock of sheep are determined to uncover what happened even though they have no way to talk to suspects, reveal to humans what they have found, or, for that matter, fully understand the often incomprehensible and seemingly irrational behaviour of humans. But these are very clever sheep, especially Miss Maple, because their shepherd had read to them daily and they will not let anything stand in their way, well, except the occasional distraction show more of finding a particularly tasty patch of grass.

Three Bags Full by German author, Leonie Swann, and translated by Anthea Bell is a very charming, clever, and often humorous cozy mystery. The sheep each have their own unique personality and the mystery, as seen through their eyes, is a whole lot of fun. But the story also deals with some very deep issues like depression, loss, importance of community, and the need for justice. A unique and enjoyable read and one that I know I will read again.

Thanks to Netgalley and Allison and Busby for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review show less

It's difficult to describe this uniquely inventive yet charming book. I expected a mystery typical of many cozies that are "solved" by cats but I was far off target. Instead, the mystery of the shepherd's unexpected death and the investigation by his flock, is mere background for the allegorical nature of the book. Who would have imagined a flock of sheep could have such well-developed individual characters while continuing to behave exactly like sheep? Swann introduced a number of dark show more topics but all the while maintained the innocence of the flock who remain sheeply in all respects. It's more light-hearted than funny, and although it has melancholy moments, more contemplative than sad. Swann has introduced me to new friends and I sincerely hope there will be future meetings. show less

A thoroughly enjoyable shift in perspective. Swann takes us inside the thoughts of sheep as they work to understand human motivations and bring justice to the murderer of their shepherd George. They are guided by the books George has read to them over their lifetime, and the explanations he has provided. They decide that humans, like sheep, are herd animals and don't like those who are outside their herd. They see that humans, like sheep, are ruled by what they fear and so they try to show more understand what a human would be afraid of. They confuse 'mete' with 'meat', 'grass' with 'grass (a/k/a pot)', and think the priest's name is 'god' which leads to confusion about his role. They think humans, despite being dimmer than sheep, won't be able to miss the clues they provide.
Although I've actually never read any Miss Marple mysteries, I've heard enough about her that it was amusing to have the lead sheep investigator named Maple. show less

I love a book with a unique perspective; I've read books told by typewriters (Olivetti), paintings (The Improbability of Love), trees (Wishtree), birds (Hollow Kingdom), pigs (Animal Farm, Charlotte's Web) and now, SHEEP! This is a traditional mystery, but the sleuth is a flock of Irish sheep who investigate what happened to their shepherd, George. With the innocence of the little boy in Room and the cluelessness of my beloved Joyce in The Thursday Murder Club, these sheep are a hoot. I was show more laughing out loud while sipping on my Sleepy Time tea. These sheep have woolpower and tenacity in spades. They're fantastic. I have NO CLUE how this will be adapted. Is it animated like Chicken Run? Or will it be more like Babe? Charlotte's Web? I don't know but I am very interested in finding out more. (I found out more...apparently live action, retitled to The Sheep Detectives, with Emma Thompson and Hugh Jackman, to be released Mother's Day weekend 2026.) show less