kbhenrickson's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
silquesoleil's review against another edition
3.0
read for the 2015 reading challenge: a book recommended by a friend
This is a crime novel with sheep. Not a crime novel about sheep, mind you: it is a crime novel about humans, investigated by and told from the perspective of sheep. The concept is utterly original and has the potential for cult status - there are crime novels investigated by cats which might be more popular, simply because cats are more popular, but, well.
Still, I can't say it did that much for me? It certainly was original and the writing, at times, could be beautiful (thanks to a certain sheep, whose name will not be revealed right now because spoilers) but wa often more matter-of-factly. The style matched the genre pretty nicely. But at the end of the day, it's not the kind of book I would have chosen for myself and I had little desire to pick it up in my spare time - it was for the most part read in trains, during lunch breaks and in my doctor's waiting room. So, I'm sorry, Martine, that it was a nice time killer and nothing more.
I was surprised to find out two things: first, the identity of the murderer. Second, that this book was written by a German author who is using an English pseudonym. Matching the Irish setting. I'm not going to criticize that. I also really liked the note at the end of the book which pointed out that the book sheep were at times consuming food that is harmful to actual sheep, thus preventing the spreading of misinformation.
One last remark for anyone who got curious when I mentioned the cat crime novels - whatever you do, don't read the ones written by Akif Pirincci. This might only be relevant for German readers, but this dude is a misogynist homophobe and asshole in general who only cares about fucking and he should not be financially supported in any way.
This is a crime novel with sheep. Not a crime novel about sheep, mind you: it is a crime novel about humans, investigated by and told from the perspective of sheep. The concept is utterly original and has the potential for cult status - there are crime novels investigated by cats which might be more popular, simply because cats are more popular, but, well.
Still, I can't say it did that much for me? It certainly was original and the writing, at times, could be beautiful (thanks to a certain sheep, whose name will not be revealed right now because spoilers) but wa often more matter-of-factly. The style matched the genre pretty nicely. But at the end of the day, it's not the kind of book I would have chosen for myself and I had little desire to pick it up in my spare time - it was for the most part read in trains, during lunch breaks and in my doctor's waiting room. So, I'm sorry, Martine, that it was a nice time killer and nothing more.
I was surprised to find out two things: first, the identity of the murderer. Second, that this book was written by a German author who is using an English pseudonym. Matching the Irish setting. I'm not going to criticize that. I also really liked the note at the end of the book which pointed out that the book sheep were at times consuming food that is harmful to actual sheep, thus preventing the spreading of misinformation.
One last remark for anyone who got curious when I mentioned the cat crime novels - whatever you do, don't read the ones written by Akif Pirincci. This might only be relevant for German readers, but this dude is a misogynist homophobe and asshole in general who only cares about fucking and he should not be financially supported in any way.
leasummer's review against another edition
3.0
A really unique way to tell a story. The sheep are interesting. And the solving of the case was unexpected. There’s a lot of sheep and I had a hard time keeping track on the audio version.
duckinggreyduck's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
literarybitch's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was so cute hahah and it delivers exactly what it promises: a flock of sheep trying to solve the murder of their human shepherd. They act like sheep--forgetting what they're doing because they'd rather graze, getting spooked and running away, misinterpreting human words and names. Charming through and through, cozy as a wool sweater.
The only downsides are minor: The middle is quite thin on clues so it was tempting to skim. A late introduction of a new sheep character who talks strangely was confusing.
If you only like the hardboiled, gory details kind of mystery, this will absolutely not do it for you. This is cuddly, silly, and sweet, for fans of dramatic irony and those interested in unusual point of view characters. Several of the sheep have satisfying emotional arcs, and they have a whole village full of suspects to investigate and misunderstand.
The only downsides are minor: The middle is quite thin on clues so it was tempting to skim. A late introduction of a new sheep character who talks strangely was confusing.
If you only like the hardboiled, gory details kind of mystery, this will absolutely not do it for you. This is cuddly, silly, and sweet, for fans of dramatic irony and those interested in unusual point of view characters. Several of the sheep have satisfying emotional arcs, and they have a whole village full of suspects to investigate and misunderstand.
7.5/10
#WhatsKenyaReading
#WhatsKenyaReading
sillypunk's review against another edition
3.0
Meh: https://blogendorff.com/2019/03/12/book-review-three-bags-full/
alisonburnis's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is the book that a bunch of people on Bluesky are reading, and I found it so charming (a mystery book focused on a flock of sheep!) that I decided to read it too. And it is incredibly charming: the flock of sheep are the primary narrators through which the murder of their shepherd, George, is told. The sheep are each delightfully formed, distinct voices, and Swann clearly put a lot of thought into making sure they didn’t sound like humans. This was sweet and funny and sad and you too should give it a try.
xsquared's review against another edition
Sadly, the book is no longer available from my library, and when I checked Amazon is was gone there too.
gannent's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I’m not usually a big mystery reader, so I wasn’t sure what to expect with the book. It was way beyond whatever I could have expected. The sheep points of view were so well done and so distinctive; immersive in a way that made you believe all sheep could be like this. And the ultimate end of the mystery was unexpected, but also in a way that didn’t feel unsatisfying or like an out-of-the-blue twist. Really impressive.
kimbook's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5