Three Bags Full

A Sheep Detective, Book 1

By: Leonie Swann, Anthea Bell - translator, A.J. Finn - foreword

Narrated by: Caroline Lennon

Soon to be a major motion picture starring Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson, this funny and surprising mystery features a new breed of detectives you’ve got to hear to baaaaa-lieve.

This twentieth-anniversary deluxe edition features a foreword by A. J. Finn.

Something is not right with George the shepherd. His sheep have gathered around him outside the cozy Irish village of Glennkill to assess the situation. George has cared for the sheep, reading them books every night, and now he lies pinned to the ground with a spade. His flock, far savvier about the workings of the human mind than your average sheep, sets out to find George’s killer, led by Miss Maple, the smartest sheep in Glennkill (and possibly the world).

Her team of investigators includes Othello, who was rescued from the Dublin Zoo; Mopple the Whale, who is always hungry and remembers everything; and Zora, an existential ewe—just to name a few. Together, the sheep discuss the crime late into the night, and their speculations vary wildly. Determined to unravel the mystery, they embark on furtive missions into the village, where they encounter a hoof-full of two-legged suspects. There’s Ham, the terrifying butcher who smells of death; Rebecca, the secretive village newcomer; and Father Will, a sinister priest the sheep call God.

With wit and heart, this clever international bestseller is a mystery to chew on—and savor.

“An original and clever mystery, with a flock of endearingly woolly detectives. I may never eat lamb chops again.”—Carl Hiaasen

©2025 Leonie Swann (P)2025 Recorded Books

Good!

Very interesting. Although I do recommend buying the paperback version, for there are just SO MANY sheep🐑 that I can’t remember them all at once. Story was great though. The narrator has an accent that was great, but sometimes pronounces a few words wrong, for example “thing” into “ting”. Good in other ways.

Exceptional read

I enjoyed the first part of the story immensely for its creativity, insight, and masterful narration. The ending was filled with compassion and depth,
This book really stood out- I will remember it.
A note- if you love animals and are hesitant to read because it might have scenes you cannot erase from your mind, never fear. The book does not go there and only deepened my love of animals that are not human.

Unexpected

I bought this kind of on a whim. I’m so glad I did! It took a minute to get into it, but then I loved it. The characters are so much fun, and they have an entirely charming kind of sanguinity. I’m very much looking forward to this author’s other books.

audio different than the read

I have read the book a couple of times, but the audio narration really helped with trying to put a voice with each sheep. Can't wait for the movie!

Eat the grass

I’m so glad I stuck with it. The first couple of chapters are hard to get through, but everything comes together.