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Author Topic: sheep detective mystery  (Read 9331 times)

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Kathy Wendorff

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sheep detective mystery
« on: July 21, 2007, 05:12:15 PM »

Has anyone else read "Three Bags Full"  by Leonie Swann? I thought it was a great cozy.

It's also a great example of high concept - "A flock of sheep investigate the murder of their shepherd." I read that sentence and I didn't have to know anything about plot or characters, I wanted to read that book.  (Of course, execution is critical -- "snakes on a plane" is another high concept grabber that apparently didn't deliver on the original premise.)

Anyway, much of the charm of this story derives from its sheeps-eye view of life and death, but I thought it also demonstrates what keeps the cozy reader turning pages -- memorable characters, beautifully drawn; social commentary; humor; a series of small interlinked puzzles that eventually answer the big question of "whodunnit?"  And even suspense, in spite of the slower pace and small scale -- because you care about what happens to these characters, you're in the story with them, and if it makes them nervous, it makes you nervous. (A lot of things make sheep nervous.)

And this book is a lovely reminder that there are other options than "sassy heroine with personal problems, quirky occupation and colorful friends stumbles across body and is forced to investigate."

Kathy W.

« Last Edit: July 21, 2007, 05:14:08 PM by Kathy Wendorff »
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Ingrid

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Re: sheep detective mystery
« Reply #1 on: July 21, 2007, 05:41:05 PM »

And then, of course, there's Mma Ramotswe from Botswana and the Ladies' Detective Agency.  :)
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Elena

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Re: sheep detective mystery
« Reply #2 on: July 21, 2007, 11:38:34 PM »

Sounds fascinating Kathy - having spent time with sheep I'll be interested to know what and how they think.   
Pubic library has ten copies and there are eighteen people ahead of me.  So, it will be a while. 
Thanks for the head's up.   :D

Elena
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Kathy Wendorff

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Re: sheep detective mystery
« Reply #3 on: July 22, 2007, 07:48:33 AM »

Elena, I already boxed my copy to mail to a friend in California -- but if the library hasn't gotten through its hold list by the time she sends it back (we trade books of mysteries back and forth) you're welcome to borrow it.

Ingrid, I love Mma. Ramotswe too, and you're right, "memorable characters, beautifully drawn; social commentary; humor; a series of small interlinked puzzles" describes that series too. As does "charm."

Kathy W.
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Elena

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Re: sheep detective mystery
« Reply #4 on: July 22, 2007, 11:16:34 AM »

Thanks Kathy,  I appreciate the offer.
Elena
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