What do you think?
Rate this book
Dr. Bannerman Vet Mystery #2
Six Ostriches
It’s springtime in rural Manitoba, and the snow has finally left the exotic animal farm when an ostrich finds and swallows a shiny object. (Because this is what ostriches do.) Cue veterinarian and amateur sleuth Dr. Peter Bannerman, who surgically removes the object, which looks like an ancient Viking artifact. Soon after, people around are horrified by a series of animal mutilations. This sets Peter, and his talented sniffer dog, Pippin, on the hunt for answers. Peter begins to suspect a link between the Viking artifact, the mutilations, and a shadowy group of white supremacists on the internet.
Before long Peter and Pippin are in over their heads, and the only way for them to get out alive will be to unmask the mastermind before they end up among their victims.
Before long Peter and Pippin are in over their heads, and the only way for them to get out alive will be to unmask the mastermind before they end up among their victims.
234 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2023
7 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Philipp Schott
11 books148 followersPhilipp was born in Germany in 1965. A year later his family emigrated to Canada. Philipp grew up in Saskatoon, regularly returning to Germany to visit. He studied biology the University of Saskatchewan before switching to veterinary medicine. After graduation he moved to Winnipeg with his classmate and future wife, Lorraine. Except for a year taken to backpack around the world, Philipp has been in the same Winnipeg small animal practice since 1990.
His writing began with a travel blog and then a veterinary blog. His first book, "The Accidental Veterinarian", a collection of non-fiction stories from his practice, was published by ECW Press in 2019. It became a Canadian bestseller and was translated into five languages. "The Willow Wren" (ECW Press 2021) is his first novel. "How To Examine a Wolverine", a sequel to "The Accidental Veterinarian" was published in 2021, and the second sequel, "The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten" came out in 2023.
Philipp has also been writing cozy-ish mysteries featuring Dr. Peter Bannerman, veterinarian and amateur detective, ! So far there has been "Fifty-Four Pigs" (2022), "Six Ostriches" (2023), and "Eleven Huskies" (2024). "Three Bengal Kittens" should be out soon...
He and Lorraine live in a creaky old house on the river with two children and several pets. Although the clinic, writing, and his family keep him busy, he spends as much time outdoors as he can. He's a particular fan of long-distance walking, having completed the West Highland Way, the Hadrian's Wall Path, the Laugavegur, and the Inca Trail, among others. The pandemic has turned him to virtual walks, with the latest project being a 2300 km trek from The Shire to Mordor. He's learning how sturdy those hobbits really were.
His writing began with a travel blog and then a veterinary blog. His first book, "The Accidental Veterinarian", a collection of non-fiction stories from his practice, was published by ECW Press in 2019. It became a Canadian bestseller and was translated into five languages. "The Willow Wren" (ECW Press 2021) is his first novel. "How To Examine a Wolverine", a sequel to "The Accidental Veterinarian" was published in 2021, and the second sequel, "The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten" came out in 2023.
Philipp has also been writing cozy-ish mysteries featuring Dr. Peter Bannerman, veterinarian and amateur detective, ! So far there has been "Fifty-Four Pigs" (2022), "Six Ostriches" (2023), and "Eleven Huskies" (2024). "Three Bengal Kittens" should be out soon...
He and Lorraine live in a creaky old house on the river with two children and several pets. Although the clinic, writing, and his family keep him busy, he spends as much time outdoors as he can. He's a particular fan of long-distance walking, having completed the West Highland Way, the Hadrian's Wall Path, the Laugavegur, and the Inca Trail, among others. The pandemic has turned him to virtual walks, with the latest project being a 2300 km trek from The Shire to Mordor. He's learning how sturdy those hobbits really were.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
March 6, 2023
3.5~4★
“He would say that he was just trying to help his grieving clients, but Laura would be suspicious that his intellectual pride as a problem-solver had been activated again.”
I haven’t read the first book in this series, Fifty-Four Pigs, but it is referred to in this book. I know that Peter is a vet with autistic characteristics, who can’t ignore a problem he thinks he can solve, as I gather he did in the pig case.
His practice is in New Selfoss, Manitoba, a fictional Icelandic-ish community near Winnipeg, where he lives with his wife, Laura. The book opens with a call about a sick ostrich. That’s a new one for Peter, but an x-ray (he has a mobile unit) shows that Big Bird has swallowed something metal that will need to be surgically removed.
Big Bird is one of six ostriches, and luckily, he’s the calm one. The owner warns Peter to be wary of them when he walks through their paddock to investigate where Big Bird would have gobbled up what looks like an Icelandic medallion.
Then come more distress calls from clients whose pets or livestock have been brutally mutilated. There seem to be cultists and bow-hunters on the loose.
I have to admit that a slightly obsessive vet is an excellent medium to use to feed us information. After all, vets deal with patients who can’t describe their symptoms, so they are always looking for clues.
Peter has learned to try to keep his mouth shut around people who don’t really want to hear his reasoning, and readers can skim or skip his thought processes, just as you can the following excerpt.
“Some people referred to clues like this as puzzle pieces, but he visualized them more as Lego pieces. Puzzle pieces can only be placed together in a specific way… With Lego, on the other hand, every piece can be stuck to every other piece. But if you don’t have the instructions, and you don’t even know what the final product is supposed to look like, you could easily build the wrong thing and convince yourself that it was right.”
The history was unfamiliar to me, and therefore interesting. I enjoyed the complicated story about Icelandic sagas, and the part Icelanders have played in Canada’s history, including the friction about the ancient past and modern day freedom protesters. For example, Laura does some research.
“ ‘I did a bit more digging online after you left,’ she continued. ‘Specifically, I decided to do a deep dive into the Canadian 8kun folkist message boards. And bingo, . . . on these message boards the members openly talk about how the Norse need to be considered among the original peoples of Canada and be accorded rights as such.’
‘Ha!’ Peter laughed. ‘So, they wish they had had the “right” ’— Peter used air quotes — ‘to be sent to residential schools? The “right” to have their culture considered inferior? The “right” to be given crappy little parcels of land in the bush in exchange for their freedom?’ He laughed again.”
I liked seeing them work together. She is attuned to his quirks and he is aware just enough of his seeming insensitivity to appreciate that. He knows he takes her for granted.
“She was so integrated into his life that she sometimes felt like just another component of his identity, like his height, or his profession, or his passion for geography … ”
I can’t call it a cosy, since it gets pretty gory and there is an actual police investigation, but it’s an entertaining, small-town mystery with an interesting setting.
Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for a copy for review. It is still available on NetGalley (no archive date yet), and I thought other readers might like to read the first book before this is published in May.
“He would say that he was just trying to help his grieving clients, but Laura would be suspicious that his intellectual pride as a problem-solver had been activated again.”
I haven’t read the first book in this series, Fifty-Four Pigs, but it is referred to in this book. I know that Peter is a vet with autistic characteristics, who can’t ignore a problem he thinks he can solve, as I gather he did in the pig case.
His practice is in New Selfoss, Manitoba, a fictional Icelandic-ish community near Winnipeg, where he lives with his wife, Laura. The book opens with a call about a sick ostrich. That’s a new one for Peter, but an x-ray (he has a mobile unit) shows that Big Bird has swallowed something metal that will need to be surgically removed.
Big Bird is one of six ostriches, and luckily, he’s the calm one. The owner warns Peter to be wary of them when he walks through their paddock to investigate where Big Bird would have gobbled up what looks like an Icelandic medallion.
Then come more distress calls from clients whose pets or livestock have been brutally mutilated. There seem to be cultists and bow-hunters on the loose.
I have to admit that a slightly obsessive vet is an excellent medium to use to feed us information. After all, vets deal with patients who can’t describe their symptoms, so they are always looking for clues.
Peter has learned to try to keep his mouth shut around people who don’t really want to hear his reasoning, and readers can skim or skip his thought processes, just as you can the following excerpt.
“Some people referred to clues like this as puzzle pieces, but he visualized them more as Lego pieces. Puzzle pieces can only be placed together in a specific way… With Lego, on the other hand, every piece can be stuck to every other piece. But if you don’t have the instructions, and you don’t even know what the final product is supposed to look like, you could easily build the wrong thing and convince yourself that it was right.”
The history was unfamiliar to me, and therefore interesting. I enjoyed the complicated story about Icelandic sagas, and the part Icelanders have played in Canada’s history, including the friction about the ancient past and modern day freedom protesters. For example, Laura does some research.
“ ‘I did a bit more digging online after you left,’ she continued. ‘Specifically, I decided to do a deep dive into the Canadian 8kun folkist message boards. And bingo, . . . on these message boards the members openly talk about how the Norse need to be considered among the original peoples of Canada and be accorded rights as such.’
‘Ha!’ Peter laughed. ‘So, they wish they had had the “right” ’— Peter used air quotes — ‘to be sent to residential schools? The “right” to have their culture considered inferior? The “right” to be given crappy little parcels of land in the bush in exchange for their freedom?’ He laughed again.”
I liked seeing them work together. She is attuned to his quirks and he is aware just enough of his seeming insensitivity to appreciate that. He knows he takes her for granted.
“She was so integrated into his life that she sometimes felt like just another component of his identity, like his height, or his profession, or his passion for geography … ”
I can’t call it a cosy, since it gets pretty gory and there is an actual police investigation, but it’s an entertaining, small-town mystery with an interesting setting.
Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for a copy for review. It is still available on NetGalley (no archive date yet), and I thought other readers might like to read the first book before this is published in May.
May 18, 2023
3.5 stars
This second 'Dr. Bannerman Vet Mystery' is set in a Canadian town in early spring. It features animal desecration, Nordic cults, murder, tattoos, and a good sniffer dog.
Dr. Peter Bannerman, a veterinarian in the lakeside town of New Selfoss, Manitoba, is an amateur sleuth who can't help getting involved in criminal investigations.
This puts Peter at odds with his brother-in-law Kevin, an officer in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) who doesn't want Peter's 'help.'
Bannerman has a varied veterinary practice, but 'Big Bird' is his first ostrich patient.
Big Bird's owners, Dan and Kim Favel, note that their ostrich is off his feed and call Dr. Bannerman to have a look. An X-ray reveals a foreign object in Big Bird's digestive tract, and a surgical extraction unearths a mjolnir - a Norse religious symbol worn as a pendant.
Bannerman thinks the ornament is a tourist knick-knack but Professor Grimur Sturluson, an archaeologist at the University of Manitoba, identifies the mjolnir as a Viking artefact that's at least 1000 years old. The Vikings arrived in Canada in the 11th century, and there are many Icelandic and Scandinavian people in Manitoba, so an ancient Norse relic is not unprecedented.
Vikings
Norse descendants at a street festival in Canada
Afterward, Bannerman gets called to several 'crime scenes' where carnage has been inflicted on innocent animals. First, Rose Baldwin's ram Patrick has his throat cut, his penis cut off, his testicles removed, and his blood drained. Second, Dan and Kim Favel's pony Misty is killed, decapitated, and bled out. Third, Peggy Dinsdale's billy goat Stinky is gouged in the neck and exsanguinated.
To add to the disquiet, the Favels' receive a note reading: "Skraelings! Now that you have proof that you occupy the sacred Vesturvatnsland (west water country) of our ancestors, you have no excuse to stay. This will be your only written warning." Worse yet, the pony Misty's head - gross and maggoty - is later left on the Favels' doorstep.
Bannerman speculates that all these atrocities are related to a Norse cult that demands animal sacrifice and uses blood. This theory is reinforced after Peter and his champion sniffer dog Pippin....
......find a nithing pole, a wooden pole used in a Norse religious ritual where an animal's head is put on a stake and pointed toward a person to curse them.
Peter also sees several people in New Selfoss with tattoos featuring snakes, which are often depicted in Viking art.
Peter shares his cult theories with his cop brother-in-law Kevin, who's skeptical.....as is Kevin's police partner Kristine.
More attacks follow, and the stakes get very high when a person is killed. Though Peter is discouraged from 'aiding' in the investigation, he can't help himself, and Peter and Pippin carry on and uncover important evidence.
As all this is going on, we get glimpses into Bannerman's personal life. Peter is married to his college sweetheart Laura, a professional knitter.
Laura makes specialty items to order, such as a cardigan in Ravenclaw house colors and Game of Throne mittens.
As it happens, Laura - who's descended from Icelandic ancestors - is very knowledgeable about Norse culture, and actually uncovers information that helps Peter's inquiries. Peter also gets veterinary advice from an old crush; tries out for a dart-throwing team; becomes re-acquainted with a bully that tormented him in high school; drinks many cups of artisanal tea; treats additional ailing ostriches; and more.
All this leads to an exciting climax and surprising revelations.
For me the plot is over-complicated and a little hard to follow. Still, I enjoyed the story and like the characters, especially the Bannermans' dog Pippin and their cat Merry, who loves to cuddle with Laura.
I'd recommend the book to fans of cozy-ish mysteries.
Thanks to Netgalley, Philipp Schott, and ECW Press for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
June 10, 2023
Six Ostriches Is the second book in Philipp Schott’s Dr Bannerman’s Vet Mystery series set in the small fictional town of New Selfoss in rural Manitoba. Veterinarian Peter Bannerman is called out on one of his most unusual cases. An ostrich is not eating and is doing poorly. Peter quickly learns the ostrich has swallowed something that has caused a blockage. When he operates, he discovers something even stranger than ostriches in Manitoba - a small and possibly very old Viking artifact.
But this is just the beginning of strange and progressively terrible events in New Selfoss. Several animals, many of them Peter’s patients, have been killed and mutilated. Despite warnings from Peter’s brother-in-law, an RCMP officer, to stay out of it, Peter is determined to do his own investigation with the aid of Pippin, his world-class tracker dog and his wife, Laura.
I have seen many reviewers call Six Ostriches a cozy mystery but, if you are looking for a simple, relaxing cozy, this ain’t it. It is more violent and deals with more controversial but topical issues. But it is also very interesting with plenty of twists and turns, red herrings galore and mostly likeable characters including or maybe especially the animals. Also, if, like me, you like some facts mixed in with your fiction, there is quite a bit about Icelandic settlement in Manitoba, Nordic myths, and the rise of Odinism in Canada. I will add a caveat here, although the animal mutilations are not gratuitous, they are upsetting. Overall, though. a very interesting and entertaining book with a very satisfying ending in which, for once, the animals get to save the day.
I received an arc of this book from Netgalley and ECW Press in exchange for an honest review
But this is just the beginning of strange and progressively terrible events in New Selfoss. Several animals, many of them Peter’s patients, have been killed and mutilated. Despite warnings from Peter’s brother-in-law, an RCMP officer, to stay out of it, Peter is determined to do his own investigation with the aid of Pippin, his world-class tracker dog and his wife, Laura.
I have seen many reviewers call Six Ostriches a cozy mystery but, if you are looking for a simple, relaxing cozy, this ain’t it. It is more violent and deals with more controversial but topical issues. But it is also very interesting with plenty of twists and turns, red herrings galore and mostly likeable characters including or maybe especially the animals. Also, if, like me, you like some facts mixed in with your fiction, there is quite a bit about Icelandic settlement in Manitoba, Nordic myths, and the rise of Odinism in Canada. I will add a caveat here, although the animal mutilations are not gratuitous, they are upsetting. Overall, though. a very interesting and entertaining book with a very satisfying ending in which, for once, the animals get to save the day.
I received an arc of this book from Netgalley and ECW Press in exchange for an honest review
May 7, 2023
Six Ostriches is the second book in the Dr Bannerman Vet Mystery series by Canadian veterinarian and author, Philipp Schott. While Manitoba vet Peter Bannerman claims no experience with exotic birds, some research and a quick call to an expert allows him to treat the digestive problem Dan Favel’s ostrich is suffering.
When Big Bird’s impacted proventriculus is cleared, it yields a small metal item, something that Peter’s wife, Laura, with her Icelandic heritage, identifies as a mjolnir. It turns out to not be a cheap tourist trinket, but, according to Professor Grimur Sturulson, a genuine Viking artefact. Why it was lying around in the late Jim Thorkelson’s field is a mystery that greatly interests the University of Manitoba’s Archaeology Department.
Not long after, a mystery of a different sort: Rose Baldwin’s prize ram, Patrick has had his throat cut, been bled, and had certain bits of his nether regions removed. Peter recalls that some Icelanders have a taste for these, but who and why remain unknown.
As a Shetland pony, then a billy goat suffer similar fates, Peter makes sure each case is reported to his brother-in-law, Kevin Gudmundurson of the RCMP, but he can’t help wanting to set his champion scent dog, Pippin on the trail, even as Laura and Kevin sternly warn him not to get involved.
Laura’s birthday gift of a metal detector sends him looking in a different direction: Old Jim Thorkelson’s field, where might there be more bits of Viking metal? But what he and a former classmate find is much more grisly.
When Peter spots more than one local with distinctive dragon tattoos, Laura’s research uncovers an extremist group that seems to want land rights for early Norse settlers of the area, and quietly infiltrates their online message boards. Of course, codenames make identification near impossible.
Peter’s hyperrational brain warns him that these three: a Viking artefact, animal mutilations, and an extremist group, might be completely unrelated, but it’s hard not to look for connections. Then there’s a threatening note, and it seems that Pippin’s talented nose has made him a target.
Before all these mysteries are solved, Peter is surprised to find himself enjoying competitive darts; he has to hide with Pippin in a wardrobe; Pippin is asked to use his nose in an official capacity; someone falls foul of an angry ostrich; and Pippin saves Peter’s life (again). Animals and people, a body count of six.
Peter is a quirky protagonist, and the following illustrates, a little, how his mind works: “As was his habit with so much else in life, if there was a scientific consensus regarding the correct approach to something in life, then he abided by it. It was that simple. (A) Find out what the right thing to do is. (B) Do it. That others didn’t follow this uncomplicated strategy continued to confuse him. Even Laura, who was at least as smart as he was, followed her feelings and scientifically unfounded inclinations far more than seemed advisable. But curiously, she was at least as happy and satisfied with her life as Peter was, so somehow her shambolic approach also seemed to work.”
Once again, there’s plenty of intrigue, a few red herrings, and a good helping of humour leading up to a nail-biting climax, and even the most astute reader is unlikely to pick the perpetrator. This second dose of Peter Bannerman and co is at least as good as the first, and fans will be pleased to know it includes an extract of the third book, Eleven Huskies. An entertaining Canadian cosy crime read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and ECW Press
When Big Bird’s impacted proventriculus is cleared, it yields a small metal item, something that Peter’s wife, Laura, with her Icelandic heritage, identifies as a mjolnir. It turns out to not be a cheap tourist trinket, but, according to Professor Grimur Sturulson, a genuine Viking artefact. Why it was lying around in the late Jim Thorkelson’s field is a mystery that greatly interests the University of Manitoba’s Archaeology Department.
Not long after, a mystery of a different sort: Rose Baldwin’s prize ram, Patrick has had his throat cut, been bled, and had certain bits of his nether regions removed. Peter recalls that some Icelanders have a taste for these, but who and why remain unknown.
As a Shetland pony, then a billy goat suffer similar fates, Peter makes sure each case is reported to his brother-in-law, Kevin Gudmundurson of the RCMP, but he can’t help wanting to set his champion scent dog, Pippin on the trail, even as Laura and Kevin sternly warn him not to get involved.
Laura’s birthday gift of a metal detector sends him looking in a different direction: Old Jim Thorkelson’s field, where might there be more bits of Viking metal? But what he and a former classmate find is much more grisly.
When Peter spots more than one local with distinctive dragon tattoos, Laura’s research uncovers an extremist group that seems to want land rights for early Norse settlers of the area, and quietly infiltrates their online message boards. Of course, codenames make identification near impossible.
Peter’s hyperrational brain warns him that these three: a Viking artefact, animal mutilations, and an extremist group, might be completely unrelated, but it’s hard not to look for connections. Then there’s a threatening note, and it seems that Pippin’s talented nose has made him a target.
Before all these mysteries are solved, Peter is surprised to find himself enjoying competitive darts; he has to hide with Pippin in a wardrobe; Pippin is asked to use his nose in an official capacity; someone falls foul of an angry ostrich; and Pippin saves Peter’s life (again). Animals and people, a body count of six.
Peter is a quirky protagonist, and the following illustrates, a little, how his mind works: “As was his habit with so much else in life, if there was a scientific consensus regarding the correct approach to something in life, then he abided by it. It was that simple. (A) Find out what the right thing to do is. (B) Do it. That others didn’t follow this uncomplicated strategy continued to confuse him. Even Laura, who was at least as smart as he was, followed her feelings and scientifically unfounded inclinations far more than seemed advisable. But curiously, she was at least as happy and satisfied with her life as Peter was, so somehow her shambolic approach also seemed to work.”
Once again, there’s plenty of intrigue, a few red herrings, and a good helping of humour leading up to a nail-biting climax, and even the most astute reader is unlikely to pick the perpetrator. This second dose of Peter Bannerman and co is at least as good as the first, and fans will be pleased to know it includes an extract of the third book, Eleven Huskies. An entertaining Canadian cosy crime read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and ECW Press
December 15, 2023
When most people think of vets, we envision them taking care of our cats and dogs and perhaps farm animals, but ostriches? A vet has to be prepared for just about anything, and that is just what Manitoban vet Peter Bannerman encounters in Six Ostriches.
Everything that I enjoyed in Fifty-four Pigs, Philipp Schott’s first Dr. Bannerman mystery, is present in spades in Six Ostriches, and it was a fun read. I have often heard that characters make a novel, and that is certainly true of Six Ostriches, whose characters are both likable (despite their flaws) and believable. Peter Bannerman is a good match for the fictional town of New Selfross, “Canada’s quirkiest city”. Peter is definitely a bit further along the autistic spectrum than most people, an organized almost obsessively analytic problem solver who is not too perceptive about people. For example, he has a passion for teas and has a large variety in his kitchen which he carefuly matches to each occasion. His wife Laura handles the more human aspects of their life together very well, though. Laura has a business knitting custom wear like mittens, caps, and sweaters and can usually be found by the fireplace with their tortie cat Merry. Their dog, a champion scent dog, is more likely to be with Peter, providing companionship and sometimes assistance with the criminal investigation. Laura’s brother Keith is an investigator for the RCMP and finds Peter’s interest in his cases both infuriating and helpful.
I love picking up information as I enjoy a fiction book. Schott’s descriptions of the natural scenery in Manitoba made me want to book a vacation there soon, such as “Peter noticed the morning sunlight was low and strong, picking out the brilliant green of the first few aspen buds---a thousand small emerald speckles among the white and grey of the bare trunks and branches.” There is also interesting history of the ethnic and historical background of Manitoba that was completely new to me. Most fascinating were the bits about the various animals Peter encounters in the course of the book. For example, bees can be treated with terramycin to cure a deadly condition called foulbrood or putting a hood over the head of the ostrich Big Bird calmed him so that Peter could examine him. I can imagine the reaction I would get if I tried that on my cat! Speaking of cats, I may even have picked up a useful hint about a symptom I should pass along to my vet that could indicate a thyroid problem.
The story certainly kept me engaged, but the denouement was, I felt, the weakest part of the book. The coincidences and some of the events were just a bit too unlikely to be fully credible (I would expect an ultra-rational person like Peter would find them very unlikely!).
This weakness was not enough to put me off the series, though, and I am pleased to know that Eleven Huskies is in the works to challenge Dr. Bannerman and the readers in the future.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the author.
Everything that I enjoyed in Fifty-four Pigs, Philipp Schott’s first Dr. Bannerman mystery, is present in spades in Six Ostriches, and it was a fun read. I have often heard that characters make a novel, and that is certainly true of Six Ostriches, whose characters are both likable (despite their flaws) and believable. Peter Bannerman is a good match for the fictional town of New Selfross, “Canada’s quirkiest city”. Peter is definitely a bit further along the autistic spectrum than most people, an organized almost obsessively analytic problem solver who is not too perceptive about people. For example, he has a passion for teas and has a large variety in his kitchen which he carefuly matches to each occasion. His wife Laura handles the more human aspects of their life together very well, though. Laura has a business knitting custom wear like mittens, caps, and sweaters and can usually be found by the fireplace with their tortie cat Merry. Their dog, a champion scent dog, is more likely to be with Peter, providing companionship and sometimes assistance with the criminal investigation. Laura’s brother Keith is an investigator for the RCMP and finds Peter’s interest in his cases both infuriating and helpful.
I love picking up information as I enjoy a fiction book. Schott’s descriptions of the natural scenery in Manitoba made me want to book a vacation there soon, such as “Peter noticed the morning sunlight was low and strong, picking out the brilliant green of the first few aspen buds---a thousand small emerald speckles among the white and grey of the bare trunks and branches.” There is also interesting history of the ethnic and historical background of Manitoba that was completely new to me. Most fascinating were the bits about the various animals Peter encounters in the course of the book. For example, bees can be treated with terramycin to cure a deadly condition called foulbrood or putting a hood over the head of the ostrich Big Bird calmed him so that Peter could examine him. I can imagine the reaction I would get if I tried that on my cat! Speaking of cats, I may even have picked up a useful hint about a symptom I should pass along to my vet that could indicate a thyroid problem.
The story certainly kept me engaged, but the denouement was, I felt, the weakest part of the book. The coincidences and some of the events were just a bit too unlikely to be fully credible (I would expect an ultra-rational person like Peter would find them very unlikely!).
This weakness was not enough to put me off the series, though, and I am pleased to know that Eleven Huskies is in the works to challenge Dr. Bannerman and the readers in the future.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the author.
June 5, 2023
My thanks to ECW Press for a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Six Ostriches (2023) is the second of the Dr Bannerman Vet mystery series by Philipp Schott, set in New Selfoss, a small town in Manitoba inhabited by people of mostly Icelandic origin. Dr Peter Bannerman is the local vet with a practice that covers both farm and small animals, and lives with his wife Laura (who knits sweaters, gloves and other things with designs ranging from Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings) and three pets named after LOTR characters, Gandalf the goat, Pippin the dog and Merry the cat. His brother-in-law, Kevin is in the RCMP and posted locally and doesn’t like Peter’s ‘interference’ in his cases, but it is Peter who can often catch on to clues that Kevin and his colleagues cannot (or at least realises their relevance). Peter is on the spectrum and struggles with social niceties and nuances, besides his various idiosyncrasies (among them the perfectly brewed cup of tea, and of course the need for clarity of thought)
This instalment opens with Peter being summoned by a farmer, Dan Favel to take a look at one of his six ostriches who is not eating (and who we know from the prologue has swallowed something not quite edible). It turns out to be a small metallic object and when Peter removes it surgically, he finds it’s a mjolnir, an ancient Nordic artefact—a miniature ‘Thor’s hammer’! This intrigues both Peter and Laura, but things start to take a much uglier and far more concerning turn when some farm animals are killed and horrifically mutilated. The police are taking note of course, but Peter decides to at least look into the matter (using the excuse that the victims were after all his patients), and as before Pippin’s exceptional smelling skills. This time Laura too is interested, as links with possible Nordic myth and practices surface, and she helps, through both her knowledge and online investigations. But as Peter and Pippin dig deeper into the matter, the danger catches up with them, coming far too close home!
Six Ostriches is the fourth book that I have read by Dr Schott, having previously read the first book in this mystery series which I liked very much (Fifty-four Pigs) and two volumes of his non fiction memoirs with anecdotes and experiences from his life and practice (largely the latter). I’ve enjoyed his writing style and the stories he has to tell, though being based on real life experiences (the memoirs particularly), there are also the inevitable heart-breaking moments. This book was no exception; it drew me in right from the start and I enjoyed reading every bit of it, but there were of course those moments (which I will come back to later).
The most interesting feature of this mystery for me was the Norse lore and legends which are at the centre of it, and around which, more unsettlingly, are a shadowy group Peter and Laura comes across in their investigations online and the rituals involving mutilations and more. Unlike in the first mystery, here Laura is equally interested and it was fun seeing her and Peter work together and uncover pieces of the puzzle. Of course, he still doesn’t tell her when he might be undertaking some more dangerous snooping.
The plot keeps one engaged all through, as clues are picked up and links revealed—again not a puzzle one can entirely work out and one that does involve a surprise or two which I didn’t see coming. In this book, while Peter of course continues to practice and see patients, the mystery elements are far more centre stage than his practice, and we have just enough detail to balance the two. Being based on his own experiences, these make for interesting reading too.
And now for the caveat. While I did enjoy reading this book, this is a case involving animal mutilation and while there is no gratuitous description or revelling in details, the incidents are there as is that bit of gore and as someone who loves animals, this was a difficult bit to handle; even more so than the first book because there all of it just happened in one go and one could look beyond it (even if not forget it), and also it wasn’t this brutal (the fact that these are single animals whom we get to know by name makes it even more so).
But with that qualifier, this made for an interesting and very readable entry in the series. I can’t end this review without talking of the ostriches themselves (none of these are harmed)—more than one has a bit of medical trouble and it is good fun seeing Dr Bannerman examine them, even though he is terrified of being disembowelled. And who can blame him when being six-foot-five, the ostriches still tower over him!
I’m looking forward to the next instalment which involves eleven huskies!
Six Ostriches (2023) is the second of the Dr Bannerman Vet mystery series by Philipp Schott, set in New Selfoss, a small town in Manitoba inhabited by people of mostly Icelandic origin. Dr Peter Bannerman is the local vet with a practice that covers both farm and small animals, and lives with his wife Laura (who knits sweaters, gloves and other things with designs ranging from Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings) and three pets named after LOTR characters, Gandalf the goat, Pippin the dog and Merry the cat. His brother-in-law, Kevin is in the RCMP and posted locally and doesn’t like Peter’s ‘interference’ in his cases, but it is Peter who can often catch on to clues that Kevin and his colleagues cannot (or at least realises their relevance). Peter is on the spectrum and struggles with social niceties and nuances, besides his various idiosyncrasies (among them the perfectly brewed cup of tea, and of course the need for clarity of thought)
This instalment opens with Peter being summoned by a farmer, Dan Favel to take a look at one of his six ostriches who is not eating (and who we know from the prologue has swallowed something not quite edible). It turns out to be a small metallic object and when Peter removes it surgically, he finds it’s a mjolnir, an ancient Nordic artefact—a miniature ‘Thor’s hammer’! This intrigues both Peter and Laura, but things start to take a much uglier and far more concerning turn when some farm animals are killed and horrifically mutilated. The police are taking note of course, but Peter decides to at least look into the matter (using the excuse that the victims were after all his patients), and as before Pippin’s exceptional smelling skills. This time Laura too is interested, as links with possible Nordic myth and practices surface, and she helps, through both her knowledge and online investigations. But as Peter and Pippin dig deeper into the matter, the danger catches up with them, coming far too close home!
Six Ostriches is the fourth book that I have read by Dr Schott, having previously read the first book in this mystery series which I liked very much (Fifty-four Pigs) and two volumes of his non fiction memoirs with anecdotes and experiences from his life and practice (largely the latter). I’ve enjoyed his writing style and the stories he has to tell, though being based on real life experiences (the memoirs particularly), there are also the inevitable heart-breaking moments. This book was no exception; it drew me in right from the start and I enjoyed reading every bit of it, but there were of course those moments (which I will come back to later).
The most interesting feature of this mystery for me was the Norse lore and legends which are at the centre of it, and around which, more unsettlingly, are a shadowy group Peter and Laura comes across in their investigations online and the rituals involving mutilations and more. Unlike in the first mystery, here Laura is equally interested and it was fun seeing her and Peter work together and uncover pieces of the puzzle. Of course, he still doesn’t tell her when he might be undertaking some more dangerous snooping.
The plot keeps one engaged all through, as clues are picked up and links revealed—again not a puzzle one can entirely work out and one that does involve a surprise or two which I didn’t see coming. In this book, while Peter of course continues to practice and see patients, the mystery elements are far more centre stage than his practice, and we have just enough detail to balance the two. Being based on his own experiences, these make for interesting reading too.
And now for the caveat. While I did enjoy reading this book, this is a case involving animal mutilation and while there is no gratuitous description or revelling in details, the incidents are there as is that bit of gore and as someone who loves animals, this was a difficult bit to handle; even more so than the first book because there all of it just happened in one go and one could look beyond it (even if not forget it), and also it wasn’t this brutal (the fact that these are single animals whom we get to know by name makes it even more so).
But with that qualifier, this made for an interesting and very readable entry in the series. I can’t end this review without talking of the ostriches themselves (none of these are harmed)—more than one has a bit of medical trouble and it is good fun seeing Dr Bannerman examine them, even though he is terrified of being disembowelled. And who can blame him when being six-foot-five, the ostriches still tower over him!
I’m looking forward to the next instalment which involves eleven huskies!
July 22, 2024
Six Ostriches is the 2nd book in the Dr. Peter Bannerman mystery series by Canadian veterinarian / mystery writer Philipp Schott. The 3rd book in the series, Eleven Huskies came out in 2024. For once I'm caught up with a series!!! 😎
The series has many things of interest to me. It's by a Canadian author. I've lived in Winnipeg (ok, I lived there one year, but it felt like 4!) Manitoba. The series is set just outside so it kind of resonates with me. And, of course, I like animals so a mystery series featuring a vet is kind of neat. (I guess it's not many things, but still).
In #2, spring is just around the corner. Peter visits a local farm which is raising ostriches because one of them seems to have swallowed something. Performing surgery on the ostrich, he discovers it swallowed what appears to be a Viking artifact. (Critical point here - The local area has been heavily populated by Icelandic and Finnish immigrants for many years). The perceived artifact is a mjolnir which Peter takes to the University in Winnipeg to have examined by an expert on Viking artifacts, Grim for short. Grim believes it to be an ancient artifact and that it supports his theory that Vikings settled in the Winnipeg area around the time when they were exploring Newfoundland.
Peter also finds himself (plus the local RCMP detachment, which includes his gay brother - in - law, Kevin) investigating a series of animal murders and mutilations. Peter wants to get involved in the investigation but due to what happened in the first story (Peter was almost killed) both his wife, Laura, and his brother - in - law, emphatically tell him to stay out of the investigation. However, we know that Peter won't be able to or the story would end right there. Along with his wonderful scent dog Pippin, Peter tries to find out who is killing loved farm animals.
Throw in a secretive local white supremacist (Odin followers) movement that believe they are the original settlers???? and you've got the makings of an interesting story. Both Peter and Pippin are in danger, especially Pippin. I like that Peter's wife, who makes a living knitting thematic sweaters (pop culture themes) even gets more involved, especially with a strong knowledge of the internet.
The story moves along nicely. The characters are all interesting and getting more and more developed. I could have done without the brief interlude with Peter's ex-girlfriend, even though it's not pursued. (Just sort of a throwaway... although maybe it's a teaser for #3) I kind of had the main suspect sussed out, but it didn't matter because even there, the story kept me unsure. It's all resolved kind of nicely and quickly once you get to the end. But #2 was more enjoyable than the first and it seems that Schott is finding a nice stride with this series. #3 is currently on order. (3.5 stars)
The series has many things of interest to me. It's by a Canadian author. I've lived in Winnipeg (ok, I lived there one year, but it felt like 4!) Manitoba. The series is set just outside so it kind of resonates with me. And, of course, I like animals so a mystery series featuring a vet is kind of neat. (I guess it's not many things, but still).
In #2, spring is just around the corner. Peter visits a local farm which is raising ostriches because one of them seems to have swallowed something. Performing surgery on the ostrich, he discovers it swallowed what appears to be a Viking artifact. (Critical point here - The local area has been heavily populated by Icelandic and Finnish immigrants for many years). The perceived artifact is a mjolnir which Peter takes to the University in Winnipeg to have examined by an expert on Viking artifacts, Grim for short. Grim believes it to be an ancient artifact and that it supports his theory that Vikings settled in the Winnipeg area around the time when they were exploring Newfoundland.
Peter also finds himself (plus the local RCMP detachment, which includes his gay brother - in - law, Kevin) investigating a series of animal murders and mutilations. Peter wants to get involved in the investigation but due to what happened in the first story (Peter was almost killed) both his wife, Laura, and his brother - in - law, emphatically tell him to stay out of the investigation. However, we know that Peter won't be able to or the story would end right there. Along with his wonderful scent dog Pippin, Peter tries to find out who is killing loved farm animals.
Throw in a secretive local white supremacist (Odin followers) movement that believe they are the original settlers???? and you've got the makings of an interesting story. Both Peter and Pippin are in danger, especially Pippin. I like that Peter's wife, who makes a living knitting thematic sweaters (pop culture themes) even gets more involved, especially with a strong knowledge of the internet.
The story moves along nicely. The characters are all interesting and getting more and more developed. I could have done without the brief interlude with Peter's ex-girlfriend, even though it's not pursued. (Just sort of a throwaway... although maybe it's a teaser for #3) I kind of had the main suspect sussed out, but it didn't matter because even there, the story kept me unsure. It's all resolved kind of nicely and quickly once you get to the end. But #2 was more enjoyable than the first and it seems that Schott is finding a nice stride with this series. #3 is currently on order. (3.5 stars)
May 13, 2023
Ostriches
One of my favorite things about cozy mysteries is already knowing many of the characters, their thinking processes and the landscape where most of it takes place. It helps the reader (and writer, I would think) to jump right into the new situation for the latest book. Philipp Schott takes full advantage of this and puts us right into the action of his latest mystery, Six Ostriches. Dr. Bannerman again falls prey to his own curiosity after finding a curious object when operating on an ostrich. This object becomes one of many clues that become a breadcrumb trail toward a murder of a local professor. Of course with a veterinarian as the main mystery solver, we have added action and worry for sick animals, bonus tension. However, I have to give a warning for the death/murder of some of the animals in this one. These deaths are not gory or detailed, but they are there as clues and require the observation/input of Peter the local vet. Think Midsomer Murders but with people AND animal victims. This second mystery by Schott goes so much smoother than the first, with much of the character work already in place from the first book. I enjoy the vet’s down time with his wife and dog, and their input into his adventures. In addition, Peter the vet detective used a system mid book to write down the different clues and happenings of the mystery. This system was quite helpful to this reader as a summary of what had happened so far, as the Canadian names kind of run together for me. I flew through this mystery and I will say that the author is getting quite skilled at setting up thrilling situations and scary atmospheres for a big reveal! Congratulations to Philipp Schott on the second of his Dr. Bannerman Vet Mysteries, there is no sophomore slump. Thank you to ECW Press and Netgalley for an advance digital copy of the book in return for an honest review.
One of my favorite things about cozy mysteries is already knowing many of the characters, their thinking processes and the landscape where most of it takes place. It helps the reader (and writer, I would think) to jump right into the new situation for the latest book. Philipp Schott takes full advantage of this and puts us right into the action of his latest mystery, Six Ostriches. Dr. Bannerman again falls prey to his own curiosity after finding a curious object when operating on an ostrich. This object becomes one of many clues that become a breadcrumb trail toward a murder of a local professor. Of course with a veterinarian as the main mystery solver, we have added action and worry for sick animals, bonus tension. However, I have to give a warning for the death/murder of some of the animals in this one. These deaths are not gory or detailed, but they are there as clues and require the observation/input of Peter the local vet. Think Midsomer Murders but with people AND animal victims. This second mystery by Schott goes so much smoother than the first, with much of the character work already in place from the first book. I enjoy the vet’s down time with his wife and dog, and their input into his adventures. In addition, Peter the vet detective used a system mid book to write down the different clues and happenings of the mystery. This system was quite helpful to this reader as a summary of what had happened so far, as the Canadian names kind of run together for me. I flew through this mystery and I will say that the author is getting quite skilled at setting up thrilling situations and scary atmospheres for a big reveal! Congratulations to Philipp Schott on the second of his Dr. Bannerman Vet Mysteries, there is no sophomore slump. Thank you to ECW Press and Netgalley for an advance digital copy of the book in return for an honest review.
May 26, 2023
4.5 stars
Pro:
* Ostriches are fun
* Pop culture, quirky humor
* Veterinary expertise
* Dr. Pol meets Donna Andrews
* The relationship between Peter and Laura
* Laura’s knitting
* Pippin
* Setting up a great series
Con:
* Narrator has a nasal whining/ style
Thank you to Philipp
Schott, Miles Meili, ECW Press, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Pro:
* Ostriches are fun
* Pop culture, quirky humor
* Veterinary expertise
* Dr. Pol meets Donna Andrews
* The relationship between Peter and Laura
* Laura’s knitting
* Pippin
* Setting up a great series
Con:
* Narrator has a nasal whining/ style
Thank you to Philipp
Schott, Miles Meili, ECW Press, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2024
This book was good. Similar to the first one in the series in that animals are involved. I felt that I knew the overarching plot but not the details and that came to be true. The detailed plot did hold my attention and maybe I’m actually a fan of mystery?
April 6, 2023
This was a good follow-up to Fifty-Four Pigs. The plot was interesting with the Norse & Icelandic elements and, of course, the veterinary aspect. I enjoyed the rural Manitoba setting and the entertaining characters - especially the quirky Peter Bannerman. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to ECW Press for the ARC.
Thanks to ECW Press for the ARC.
April 22, 2024
Six Ostriches is the second book in the Dr. Bannerman Vet Mystery series. I enjoyed the first story and was looking forward to seeing what Peter would get up to next. Wow, this book really crossed the line for a cozy mystery in my opinion. The crimes against animals and humans was gruesome and descriptive which is not what I expect from a cozy mystery. Dr. Bannerman is called to an exotic animal farm to clear an obstruction from an ostrich. He finds what looks like a ancient Viking coin. Shortly after that several animals are mutilated and a local man with Viking heritage is killed. Dr. Bannerman is sure these things are all linked to a shadowy group of white supremacists that he comes across online.
This book is a cross between a mystery and a racist story with some connections to Viking history. I found that I was often lost in the story with the characters' names being similar to one another, as well as not having knowledge of some of the Viking/Icelandic history and how it relates to those living in Southern Manitoba. The character of Peter Bannerman is interesting. He is probably on the autism spectrum as his manner is very logical, he is perseverant and doesn't read social cues well. He is unable to leave it be, if he thinks someone needs his help. I must say that his wife is wonderful. She accepts his quirks and although she doesn't always agree with his actions, she does understand them. With the crimes that were committed, the police are quite involved in these crimes and they are solved in a good way. Overall, this was an interesting mystery, and I did learn about the Icelandic contributions to settling Manitoba, but I do not think this should be identified as a cozy mystery. Miles Meili narrates this story and does a good job. As it is told by a male POV, the choice of performer worked well.
This book is a cross between a mystery and a racist story with some connections to Viking history. I found that I was often lost in the story with the characters' names being similar to one another, as well as not having knowledge of some of the Viking/Icelandic history and how it relates to those living in Southern Manitoba. The character of Peter Bannerman is interesting. He is probably on the autism spectrum as his manner is very logical, he is perseverant and doesn't read social cues well. He is unable to leave it be, if he thinks someone needs his help. I must say that his wife is wonderful. She accepts his quirks and although she doesn't always agree with his actions, she does understand them. With the crimes that were committed, the police are quite involved in these crimes and they are solved in a good way. Overall, this was an interesting mystery, and I did learn about the Icelandic contributions to settling Manitoba, but I do not think this should be identified as a cozy mystery. Miles Meili narrates this story and does a good job. As it is told by a male POV, the choice of performer worked well.
May 10, 2023
Six Ostriches is the second book in the Dr. Bannerman Vet Mystery Series but can be read as a standalone too.
Connected with Norse Mythology stories, this one is a mystery story involving a Vet as a lead. In my personal experience, this was my first mystery book that portrays a vet as the main protagonist. The curious angle of the ancient societies, Vikings and lost histories related to Mjölnir.
The book was fast-paced and moved with quiet vigour. There was this sequence of events going on in the book that I found a little mainstream though- where you discover some fact and immediately fit in the pre-curated puzzle, rather than mentioning instances throughout the story and letting them come together at the end. This sequence led me to a little bland end, which otherwise could have been atypical closure. A thing that stuck out with me even when the story ended was the pet Dog, he might be my favourite thing in this book.
Thank you @netgalley @ecwaudio and @philippschott for the Audiobook
Genre: #mystery #norsemythology #cozy
Rating 3/5 ⭐️
#SixOstriches #NetGalley
Connected with Norse Mythology stories, this one is a mystery story involving a Vet as a lead. In my personal experience, this was my first mystery book that portrays a vet as the main protagonist. The curious angle of the ancient societies, Vikings and lost histories related to Mjölnir.
The book was fast-paced and moved with quiet vigour. There was this sequence of events going on in the book that I found a little mainstream though- where you discover some fact and immediately fit in the pre-curated puzzle, rather than mentioning instances throughout the story and letting them come together at the end. This sequence led me to a little bland end, which otherwise could have been atypical closure. A thing that stuck out with me even when the story ended was the pet Dog, he might be my favourite thing in this book.
Thank you @netgalley @ecwaudio and @philippschott for the Audiobook
Genre: #mystery #norsemythology #cozy
Rating 3/5 ⭐️
#SixOstriches #NetGalley
May 3, 2025
Had to put this one down. I was increasingly disappointed with the microaggressions that were unnecessarily added to this book. Was not a fan of the casual drop that things made in China or Japan are deemed poor quality, describing someone as a dwarf, and assuming how people will act/think/speak based on how they look.
Otherwise, the book was fine but I only made it to page 100. For those of you who are content creators please remember to thoroughly check your work so negativity like this is not perpetuated.
Otherwise, the book was fine but I only made it to page 100. For those of you who are content creators please remember to thoroughly check your work so negativity like this is not perpetuated.
July 20, 2024
The book pulled me in with the mystery and I enjoyed seeing how all the pieces wove together. At times the dialogue was odd and the main character doesn’t quite feel like a real person in a weird way. I still enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next one!
January 29, 2024
Really good news series. I absolutely love the Canadian setting. Reminds me of Louise Penny. However, enough with the tea musings and descriptions!
February 14, 2023
Admittedly, I'm a fan of Philipp Schott; after reading The Willow Wren, I was hooked. Although The Willow Wren (historical fiction based on his grandfather and WWII) is very different from his other books that are heavily influenced by his background as a veterinarian.
Six Ostriches is a book in his Dr. Bannerman Vet Mystery series; although I've read the first book in the series, I don't feel that you would miss much by reading this book first. Dr. Bannerman is a bit quirky and doesn't always pick up on human social norms; and he has a wonderful dog with a spectacular nose. His brother-in-law is on the police force and gets a bit annoyed with Dr. Peter Bannerman dabbling in the investigations.
Debating between 4 and 5 stars on this one, but because Philipp Schott is a favorite author and I was hooked, I'm going to round up.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the advance read copy of Six Ostriches in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Philipp Schott and publisher ECW Press. Please ... keep on writing! (And thanks for including the first chapter of your next book at the end of Six Ostriches, looking forward to reading about huskies.)
I especially like that I learn weird quirky facts that by reading Philipp Schott's books; like ostrich (and bird) digestive tracts for example.
Six Ostriches is a book in his Dr. Bannerman Vet Mystery series; although I've read the first book in the series, I don't feel that you would miss much by reading this book first. Dr. Bannerman is a bit quirky and doesn't always pick up on human social norms; and he has a wonderful dog with a spectacular nose. His brother-in-law is on the police force and gets a bit annoyed with Dr. Peter Bannerman dabbling in the investigations.
Debating between 4 and 5 stars on this one, but because Philipp Schott is a favorite author and I was hooked, I'm going to round up.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the advance read copy of Six Ostriches in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Philipp Schott and publisher ECW Press. Please ... keep on writing! (And thanks for including the first chapter of your next book at the end of Six Ostriches, looking forward to reading about huskies.)
I especially like that I learn weird quirky facts that by reading Philipp Schott's books; like ostrich (and bird) digestive tracts for example.
May 7, 2023
Six Ostriches is the second book in the Dr Bannerman Vet Mystery series by Canadian veterinarian and author, Philipp Schott. The audio version is narrated by Miles Meili. While Manitoba vet Peter Bannerman claims no experience with exotic birds, some research and a quick call to an expert allows him to treat the digestive problem Dan Favel’s ostrich is suffering.
When Big Bird’s impacted proventriculus is cleared, it yields a small metal item, something that Peter’s wife, Laura, with her Icelandic heritage, identifies as a mjolnir. It turns out to not be a cheap tourist trinket, but, according to Professor Grimur Sturulson, a genuine Viking artefact. Why it was lying around in the late Jim Thorkelson’s field is a mystery that greatly interests the University of Manitoba’s Archaeology Department.
Not long after, a mystery of a different sort: Rose Baldwin’s prize ram, Patrick has had his throat cut, been bled, and had certain bits of his nether regions removed. Peter recalls that some Icelanders have a taste for these, but who and why remain unknown.
As a Shetland pony, then a billy goat suffer similar fates, Peter makes sure each case is reported to his brother-in-law, Kevin Gudmundurson of the RCMP, but he can’t help wanting to set his champion scent dog, Pippin on the trail, even as Laura and Kevin sternly warn him not to get involved.
Laura’s birthday gift of a metal detector sends him looking in a different direction: Old Jim Thorkelson’s field, where might there be more bits of Viking metal? But what he and a former classmate find is much more grisly.
When Peter spots more than one local with distinctive dragon tattoos, Laura’s research uncovers an extremist group that seems to want land rights for early Norse settlers of the area, and quietly infiltrates their online message boards. Of course, codenames make identification near impossible.
Peter’s hyperrational brain warns him that these three: a Viking artefact, animal mutilations, and an extremist group, might be completely unrelated, but it’s hard not to look for connections. Then there’s a threatening note, and it seems that Pippin’s talented nose has made him a target.
Before all these mysteries are solved, Peter is surprised to find himself enjoying competitive darts; he has to hide with Pippin in a wardrobe; Pippin is asked to use his nose in an official capacity; someone falls foul of an angry ostrich; and Pippin saves Peter’s life (again). Animals and people, a body count of six.
Peter is a quirky protagonist, and the following illustrates, a little, how his mind works: “As was his habit with so much else in life, if there was a scientific consensus regarding the correct approach to something in life, then he abided by it. It was that simple. (A) Find out what the right thing to do is. (B) Do it. That others didn’t follow this uncomplicated strategy continued to confuse him. Even Laura, who was at least as smart as he was, followed her feelings and scientifically unfounded inclinations far more than seemed advisable. But curiously, she was at least as happy and satisfied with her life as Peter was, so somehow her shambolic approach also seemed to work.”
Once again, there’s plenty of intrigue, a few red herrings, and a good helping of humour leading up to a nail-biting climax, and even the most astute reader is unlikely to pick the perpetrator. This second dose of Peter Bannerman and co is at least as good as the first, and fans will be pleased to know it includes an extract of the third book, Eleven Huskies. An entertaining Canadian cosy crime read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and ECW Press
When Big Bird’s impacted proventriculus is cleared, it yields a small metal item, something that Peter’s wife, Laura, with her Icelandic heritage, identifies as a mjolnir. It turns out to not be a cheap tourist trinket, but, according to Professor Grimur Sturulson, a genuine Viking artefact. Why it was lying around in the late Jim Thorkelson’s field is a mystery that greatly interests the University of Manitoba’s Archaeology Department.
Not long after, a mystery of a different sort: Rose Baldwin’s prize ram, Patrick has had his throat cut, been bled, and had certain bits of his nether regions removed. Peter recalls that some Icelanders have a taste for these, but who and why remain unknown.
As a Shetland pony, then a billy goat suffer similar fates, Peter makes sure each case is reported to his brother-in-law, Kevin Gudmundurson of the RCMP, but he can’t help wanting to set his champion scent dog, Pippin on the trail, even as Laura and Kevin sternly warn him not to get involved.
Laura’s birthday gift of a metal detector sends him looking in a different direction: Old Jim Thorkelson’s field, where might there be more bits of Viking metal? But what he and a former classmate find is much more grisly.
When Peter spots more than one local with distinctive dragon tattoos, Laura’s research uncovers an extremist group that seems to want land rights for early Norse settlers of the area, and quietly infiltrates their online message boards. Of course, codenames make identification near impossible.
Peter’s hyperrational brain warns him that these three: a Viking artefact, animal mutilations, and an extremist group, might be completely unrelated, but it’s hard not to look for connections. Then there’s a threatening note, and it seems that Pippin’s talented nose has made him a target.
Before all these mysteries are solved, Peter is surprised to find himself enjoying competitive darts; he has to hide with Pippin in a wardrobe; Pippin is asked to use his nose in an official capacity; someone falls foul of an angry ostrich; and Pippin saves Peter’s life (again). Animals and people, a body count of six.
Peter is a quirky protagonist, and the following illustrates, a little, how his mind works: “As was his habit with so much else in life, if there was a scientific consensus regarding the correct approach to something in life, then he abided by it. It was that simple. (A) Find out what the right thing to do is. (B) Do it. That others didn’t follow this uncomplicated strategy continued to confuse him. Even Laura, who was at least as smart as he was, followed her feelings and scientifically unfounded inclinations far more than seemed advisable. But curiously, she was at least as happy and satisfied with her life as Peter was, so somehow her shambolic approach also seemed to work.”
Once again, there’s plenty of intrigue, a few red herrings, and a good helping of humour leading up to a nail-biting climax, and even the most astute reader is unlikely to pick the perpetrator. This second dose of Peter Bannerman and co is at least as good as the first, and fans will be pleased to know it includes an extract of the third book, Eleven Huskies. An entertaining Canadian cosy crime read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and ECW Press
May 17, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Six Ostriches is the second Dr. Bannerman veterinary mystery by Dr. Philipp Schott. Due out 23rd May 2023 from ECW Press, it's 272 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a credible follow up to the first story, featuring an amateur sleuth who is also a veterinarian and somewhat neurodivergent (but high-functioning) protagonist alongside his trusty canine sidekick Pippin, a husky/lab/border collie mix with a gifted sense of smell and an unusually high degree of intelligence to go with it. Dr. Bannerman struck me as an odd guy, generally likeable but also stubborn and often pedantic. I appreciated the nerdy culture references which the author wrote into the story, and it's cool that his wife is a nerdy fibre artist and knitting designer.
The book is well plotted and moves along at a good clip; definitely action driven and engaging. Unusually in this case, the characterizations are above average and believably rendered. There were a few places in the book where the dialogue didn't ring true for me at all, but all in all, well written and enjoyably readable. The overarching mystery is heavily foreshadowed and not a surprise, but there were motivations and hidden aspects which definitely surprised me. The climax, denouement, and resolution had a bit too much deus-ex-machina to be entirely satisfying, but overall I enjoyed it very much.
It's not really a cozy mystery at all and shares more in common with modern medical thrillers than "James Herriot". The author is clearly familiar with rural Manitoba and he does a great job describing the weather, the area, and the history of the place. There is some on-page violence as well as some mildly graphic descriptions of blood and exanguination, mutilation of livestock, and a couple of quite shocking decapitations. Language and dialogue are mostly PG rated shading toward the R-rated end of the spectrum. The author has not shied away from mentioning and exploring the themes of right-wing political culture and extremism. Also, there's explicit violence toward animals and very sensitive readers might want to check the discussion threads (spoiler: ).
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours and 26 minutes and is capably narrated by Miles Meili. He has a rugged and rough-edged baritone which suits the dialogue very well. Sound and production quality are high throughout the recording.
Four stars. Very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for Peter, Laura, and Pippin (&co). The author/publisher have included a sneak peek at the third book in the series, Eleven Huskies .
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Six Ostriches is the second Dr. Bannerman veterinary mystery by Dr. Philipp Schott. Due out 23rd May 2023 from ECW Press, it's 272 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a credible follow up to the first story, featuring an amateur sleuth who is also a veterinarian and somewhat neurodivergent (but high-functioning) protagonist alongside his trusty canine sidekick Pippin, a husky/lab/border collie mix with a gifted sense of smell and an unusually high degree of intelligence to go with it. Dr. Bannerman struck me as an odd guy, generally likeable but also stubborn and often pedantic. I appreciated the nerdy culture references which the author wrote into the story, and it's cool that his wife is a nerdy fibre artist and knitting designer.
The book is well plotted and moves along at a good clip; definitely action driven and engaging. Unusually in this case, the characterizations are above average and believably rendered. There were a few places in the book where the dialogue didn't ring true for me at all, but all in all, well written and enjoyably readable. The overarching mystery is heavily foreshadowed and not a surprise, but there were motivations and hidden aspects which definitely surprised me. The climax, denouement, and resolution had a bit too much deus-ex-machina to be entirely satisfying, but overall I enjoyed it very much.
It's not really a cozy mystery at all and shares more in common with modern medical thrillers than "James Herriot". The author is clearly familiar with rural Manitoba and he does a great job describing the weather, the area, and the history of the place. There is some on-page violence as well as some mildly graphic descriptions of blood and exanguination, mutilation of livestock, and a couple of quite shocking decapitations. Language and dialogue are mostly PG rated shading toward the R-rated end of the spectrum. The author has not shied away from mentioning and exploring the themes of right-wing political culture and extremism. Also, there's explicit violence toward animals and very sensitive readers might want to check the discussion threads (spoiler: ).
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours and 26 minutes and is capably narrated by Miles Meili. He has a rugged and rough-edged baritone which suits the dialogue very well. Sound and production quality are high throughout the recording.
Four stars. Very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for Peter, Laura, and Pippin (&co). The author/publisher have included a sneak peek at the third book in the series, Eleven Huskies .
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
December 19, 2025
3.75⭐️
Kind of the perfect palette cleanser type of book. Just a mindful pace, quirkyly dry autistic Veterinarian dealing with patients and figuring out small talk.
And yet I spent 45% of the book angry at him. Like there was this whole plot point in book 1, where some female owners find him attractive and flirt, but he loves his wife and he doesn’t really notice cause autism. This book he’s seeking help from an old college crush (UNREQUITED - because he’s been with Laura during that same time in college) Dr. Alicia Loewenstein on a case. She comes in town and OF COURSE Laura can’t make it so they go to dinner alone and she’s clearly hitting on him and invites him to her HOTEL ROOM and then he freaks and leaves. Which great.
There’s also the central murder mystery which deals with white supermacy ideology but Icelandic flavouring and all this animal sacrifice stuff, which frankly was less disturbing and upsetting then this almost cheating/marriage issues subplot. Even though it doesn’t happen, I would’ve like a discussion between him and his wife, maybe that’ll come in another book.
Anyway - I didn’t guess the killer and was actually kinda shocked by the reveal. I will continue reading the series.
‘Dr. Peter Bannerman and the ostrich stared at each other.’
‘And it was going to be a good spring, he thought. This was not just by wishful thinking. It was logical because the winter had been so difficult due to everything that happened after the explosion of Tom Pearson’s barn. The principle of regression to the mean dictated that was likely that spring would be more average than winter had been and therefore, by comparison, good.’
‘With Peter’s mild Asperger‘s, or autism spectrum disorder, or whatever she was supposed to understand his mental wiring to be, he could be really intensely interested and excited about some things and completely dismissive of other things with a very little middle ground. A gift was typically either a massive hit or an epic fail.’
“Mayhem nothing specific. Some dogs are specialist sniffers that find drug or corpses, but Pippin’s a generalist. He’s great at finding anything out of the ordinary in a given environment.”
‘From Peter’s perspective, these incidents, such as the murdered cat lady or the blown-up pig barn, just happened to fall in his lap. What was he supposed to do? Ignore his knowledge of logical facilities? Ignore Pippin’s nose?’
‘He wasn’t always as logical as he aspired to be, and he couldn’t shake a vague sense of dread.’
‘To compensate, he developed a concept he called “micro-geography,” where an expiration was focussed on the smaller details along the lane ways, alleys, and small roads in his immediate area.’
Kind of the perfect palette cleanser type of book. Just a mindful pace, quirkyly dry autistic Veterinarian dealing with patients and figuring out small talk.
And yet I spent 45% of the book angry at him. Like there was this whole plot point in book 1, where some female owners find him attractive and flirt, but he loves his wife and he doesn’t really notice cause autism. This book he’s seeking help from an old college crush (UNREQUITED - because he’s been with Laura during that same time in college) Dr. Alicia Loewenstein on a case. She comes in town and OF COURSE Laura can’t make it so they go to dinner alone and she’s clearly hitting on him and invites him to her HOTEL ROOM and then he freaks and leaves. Which great.
There’s also the central murder mystery which deals with white supermacy ideology but Icelandic flavouring and all this animal sacrifice stuff, which frankly was less disturbing and upsetting then this almost cheating/marriage issues subplot. Even though it doesn’t happen, I would’ve like a discussion between him and his wife, maybe that’ll come in another book.
Anyway - I didn’t guess the killer and was actually kinda shocked by the reveal. I will continue reading the series.
‘Dr. Peter Bannerman and the ostrich stared at each other.’
‘And it was going to be a good spring, he thought. This was not just by wishful thinking. It was logical because the winter had been so difficult due to everything that happened after the explosion of Tom Pearson’s barn. The principle of regression to the mean dictated that was likely that spring would be more average than winter had been and therefore, by comparison, good.’
‘With Peter’s mild Asperger‘s, or autism spectrum disorder, or whatever she was supposed to understand his mental wiring to be, he could be really intensely interested and excited about some things and completely dismissive of other things with a very little middle ground. A gift was typically either a massive hit or an epic fail.’
“Mayhem nothing specific. Some dogs are specialist sniffers that find drug or corpses, but Pippin’s a generalist. He’s great at finding anything out of the ordinary in a given environment.”
‘From Peter’s perspective, these incidents, such as the murdered cat lady or the blown-up pig barn, just happened to fall in his lap. What was he supposed to do? Ignore his knowledge of logical facilities? Ignore Pippin’s nose?’
‘He wasn’t always as logical as he aspired to be, and he couldn’t shake a vague sense of dread.’
‘To compensate, he developed a concept he called “micro-geography,” where an expiration was focussed on the smaller details along the lane ways, alleys, and small roads in his immediate area.’
May 9, 2023
This is the second in the series but my first encounter with Canadian Philipp Schott's Manitoba based vet Dr Peter Bannerman who is on the spectrum, his practice in rural New Selfoss, close to Winnipeg. I listened to this entertaining addition on audio, ably narrated by Miles Meili, and is 7 and half hours long. A man who likes his routines, he lives with wife, Laura, and his beloved dog, Pippin. He finds himself out of his depth when he is called by Dan Favel to examine a sick ostrich, Big Bird, and has to operate to remove what turns out to be a mjolnir, identified by Professor Grimur Sturulson as a real ancient Viking artefact that attracts the attention of university archaeologists.
On his birthday, Laura gifts him a metal detector, and Peter finds himself immersed in a mystery involving some gruesome animal mutilations, a ram, a Shetland pony and a goat, and strangely drained of their blood. Matters become more personal when his dog, Pippin, is seriously injured, there is no way he is going to let this go, despite being warned off by Laura, and his gay brother-in-law, RCMP Kevin Gudmunderson, although Kevin later requests the help of Pippin over a hunch he has. There are murders, and Peter even finds himself helped by Laura's research, she comes across a right wing group as he looks into the now deceased Jim Thorkelson's field where there is a search to find other artefacts, is there any connection with the animal mutilations?
I liked learning of the fascinating past, the Canadian history of the small community and the determined character of Peter, his life as a vet in a small town propelling him to become a amateur detective. Whilst there are numerous references to the first book, I think this works reasonably well as a standalone which I think will appeal to many readers. However, some animal lovers might find the horrifying animal mutilations hard to stomach. An engaging listen that kept my interest throughout. Many thanks to ECW Press for an ALC.
On his birthday, Laura gifts him a metal detector, and Peter finds himself immersed in a mystery involving some gruesome animal mutilations, a ram, a Shetland pony and a goat, and strangely drained of their blood. Matters become more personal when his dog, Pippin, is seriously injured, there is no way he is going to let this go, despite being warned off by Laura, and his gay brother-in-law, RCMP Kevin Gudmunderson, although Kevin later requests the help of Pippin over a hunch he has. There are murders, and Peter even finds himself helped by Laura's research, she comes across a right wing group as he looks into the now deceased Jim Thorkelson's field where there is a search to find other artefacts, is there any connection with the animal mutilations?
I liked learning of the fascinating past, the Canadian history of the small community and the determined character of Peter, his life as a vet in a small town propelling him to become a amateur detective. Whilst there are numerous references to the first book, I think this works reasonably well as a standalone which I think will appeal to many readers. However, some animal lovers might find the horrifying animal mutilations hard to stomach. An engaging listen that kept my interest throughout. Many thanks to ECW Press for an ALC.
April 16, 2024
As a mystery lover who had enjoyed a nonfiction collection of animal stories by Philipp Schott, I looked forward to reading Six Ostriches. I was disappointed.
The crimes against both people and animals were more gruesome than I am comfortable with. I didn’t actually like the protagonist, Peter Bannerman, a veterinarian, or his wife Laura, a paleobiologist currently working from home knitting bespoke attire. Dr. Bannerman is on the autistic spectrum, and it was interesting to read about his deliberate efforts to fit in socially, even when he didn’t understand the motivations of the people who did those things naturally. He has been married to Laura for twenty years, and they have learned how to live together compatibly.
Normally I enjoy stepping outside my comfort zone to understand and experience other cultures. I also like to delve into historical backgrounds. In this book, however, I couldn’t quite find my place or balance in the mix of Norse, Swedish, and Finn references, both ancient and contemporary. There is a jumble of religions, mythology, and names unfamiliar to me like Gudmundurson and Thorhelson that left me out in the Canadian cold. The author sometimes referred to characters by their first names and sometimes by their last names adding to the confusion. References to 8kun message boards, which were important to the plot, just complicated the book for me.
The setting is spring in New Selfoss in Manitoba, Canada. The ostriches have a minor role as the one named Big Bird swallows something and requires surgery. The blockage sets the rest of the plot into motion. My favorite character is Pippin, Peter’s dog, an “enthusiastic black and white lab-husky-collie mix.” He is smart, faithful, and trained to follow scents.
The mystery itself was acceptable with lots of clues provided along the way. It was not, however, a page turner for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The crimes against both people and animals were more gruesome than I am comfortable with. I didn’t actually like the protagonist, Peter Bannerman, a veterinarian, or his wife Laura, a paleobiologist currently working from home knitting bespoke attire. Dr. Bannerman is on the autistic spectrum, and it was interesting to read about his deliberate efforts to fit in socially, even when he didn’t understand the motivations of the people who did those things naturally. He has been married to Laura for twenty years, and they have learned how to live together compatibly.
Normally I enjoy stepping outside my comfort zone to understand and experience other cultures. I also like to delve into historical backgrounds. In this book, however, I couldn’t quite find my place or balance in the mix of Norse, Swedish, and Finn references, both ancient and contemporary. There is a jumble of religions, mythology, and names unfamiliar to me like Gudmundurson and Thorhelson that left me out in the Canadian cold. The author sometimes referred to characters by their first names and sometimes by their last names adding to the confusion. References to 8kun message boards, which were important to the plot, just complicated the book for me.
The setting is spring in New Selfoss in Manitoba, Canada. The ostriches have a minor role as the one named Big Bird swallows something and requires surgery. The blockage sets the rest of the plot into motion. My favorite character is Pippin, Peter’s dog, an “enthusiastic black and white lab-husky-collie mix.” He is smart, faithful, and trained to follow scents.
The mystery itself was acceptable with lots of clues provided along the way. It was not, however, a page turner for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 6, 2023
This was my first encounter with author Philipp Schott. It appears that from his ratings, a lot of people are thrilled with his writing, but it left me less than impressed.
As far as the writing style, it seemed to me that it was really "hot and cold". There would be some wonderful imagery or language about the setting or characters. But then the next section would be some researched information, which would feel really dry. These two aspects could be woven together fluidly, but it was really startling to me between the two types.
I'm also not sure how I feel about the characters, particularly the main character, Dr. Peter Bannerman. It was never stated in this book, but he must be somewhere on the autistic spectrum. He seemed similar to Freddie Highmore's Dr. Shaun Murphy on The Good Doctor. Bannerman tends to overthink situations and at times can be quite socially awkward. I think if it had been mentioned, the autism wouldn't have bothered me as much as it did. I don't think that was supposed to be a main focus of the character, but it could've been used as an effective literary device and given the character a lot more depth.
I also saw no reason to have his character almost talked into breaking his marriage vows. It was nice that his old college flame had the kind of knowledge that he needed to have to help solve the book's mysteries, but there was no reason for the temptation of an affair. It seemed that his marriage was solid. He didn't mention any doubts about his love for his wife. Plus his wife wasn't thrilled that he had talked to his college "friend". There was some background information missing...I think. That's why this "date" was confusing. Again, this could've been written into the novel without bringing up any unrequited feelings.
I don't think I'll be reading either the first book in the series or the soon-to-be released follow-up.
I wish this could've been a more positive review, but I still want to thank ECW Press Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
As far as the writing style, it seemed to me that it was really "hot and cold". There would be some wonderful imagery or language about the setting or characters. But then the next section would be some researched information, which would feel really dry. These two aspects could be woven together fluidly, but it was really startling to me between the two types.
I'm also not sure how I feel about the characters, particularly the main character, Dr. Peter Bannerman. It was never stated in this book, but he must be somewhere on the autistic spectrum. He seemed similar to Freddie Highmore's Dr. Shaun Murphy on The Good Doctor. Bannerman tends to overthink situations and at times can be quite socially awkward. I think if it had been mentioned, the autism wouldn't have bothered me as much as it did. I don't think that was supposed to be a main focus of the character, but it could've been used as an effective literary device and given the character a lot more depth.
I also saw no reason to have his character almost talked into breaking his marriage vows. It was nice that his old college flame had the kind of knowledge that he needed to have to help solve the book's mysteries, but there was no reason for the temptation of an affair. It seemed that his marriage was solid. He didn't mention any doubts about his love for his wife. Plus his wife wasn't thrilled that he had talked to his college "friend". There was some background information missing...I think. That's why this "date" was confusing. Again, this could've been written into the novel without bringing up any unrequited feelings.
I don't think I'll be reading either the first book in the series or the soon-to-be released follow-up.
I wish this could've been a more positive review, but I still want to thank ECW Press Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2023
Phillipp Schott has written another delightful mystery featuring quirky vet Peter Bannermann. Peter lives in Manitoba with his wife Laura, in a small town on the shore of Lake Winnipeg. The novel starts with his visit to Big Bird, an ostrich with a blocked digestive system. An X-ray suggested he had eaten something metallic, which turned out to be a finely made replica of Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir. Peter is puzzled as to how it came to be in the paddock where Big Bird was grazing, however the town is in an area originally settled by Icelandic immigrants. Vikings have also been rumoured to have settled there earlier and Laura discovers some local cult-like groups in online chat rooms who worship Odin and dabble in Viking mythology.
A puzzling series of strange deaths of local animals, first a sheep, then a pony and a goat lead to Peter to wonder if someone is making animal sacrifices but both Laura and her brother Kevin, An RCMP officer discourage him from getting involved in the investigation and putting himself in danger, like he did before with the explosion of the piggery. But of course Peter can’t help himself doing just a little snooping, especially when his own dog, Pippin, nearly dies after being shot with an arrow.
This was another entertaining novel in this series. Peter is slightly autistic and his love of facts, logic and precisely made teas provides some gentle humour, as does the way Laura and Kevin both understand his quirks and interact with him. Peter (and Pippin) once again contribute to solving the puzzle of the sacrificed animals and help the RCMP uncover the culprits. The mystery is an intriguing one with some good twists and an action packed ending.
With thanks to ECW Press via Netgalley for a copy to read
A puzzling series of strange deaths of local animals, first a sheep, then a pony and a goat lead to Peter to wonder if someone is making animal sacrifices but both Laura and her brother Kevin, An RCMP officer discourage him from getting involved in the investigation and putting himself in danger, like he did before with the explosion of the piggery. But of course Peter can’t help himself doing just a little snooping, especially when his own dog, Pippin, nearly dies after being shot with an arrow.
This was another entertaining novel in this series. Peter is slightly autistic and his love of facts, logic and precisely made teas provides some gentle humour, as does the way Laura and Kevin both understand his quirks and interact with him. Peter (and Pippin) once again contribute to solving the puzzle of the sacrificed animals and help the RCMP uncover the culprits. The mystery is an intriguing one with some good twists and an action packed ending.
With thanks to ECW Press via Netgalley for a copy to read
May 17, 2023
A quirky little mystery that begins from the perspective of... an ostrich named Big Bird.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of both the text and audiobooks. I'll try my best to do justice to both in my review.
Let's begin by saying that this is a sequel, and in some ways, it would have been more enjoyable had I begun with the first book. As it stands, the story threw readers into the thick of it. Sometimes, when the story develops more naturally, this ploy works and makes for a standalone enjoyable read. On other occasions, the author rapidly attempts to develop the characters and their backstories again, usually at the beginning, and the story feels forced. The latter is the case here, and I spent a good portion of the book rebuilding my patience and empathy.
Once past that little hiccup, the cozy mystery is just odd enough to make for an appealing read. However, the thing that makes this book, and perhaps this series, special is the treatment of its animal characters. The reader can tell the author is just wild about animals, with the care and fulfillment he gives his animal characters, both their internal monologues and their actions throughout the story. It is a rarity among authors that they are able to extend that empathy to animal characters without overly anthropomorphizing them, but that is achieved here, and rather brilliantly, despite the genre and airiness of the plot.
All said it's worth a read if you're looking for something warm and cozy. This book won't challenge you, but it will raise your awareness of how we might be perceived by the animals around us (and entertain you in the offing). Definitely recommend the text over the audiobook, as the narrator's voice can become a bit grating after a while.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of both the text and audiobooks. I'll try my best to do justice to both in my review.
Let's begin by saying that this is a sequel, and in some ways, it would have been more enjoyable had I begun with the first book. As it stands, the story threw readers into the thick of it. Sometimes, when the story develops more naturally, this ploy works and makes for a standalone enjoyable read. On other occasions, the author rapidly attempts to develop the characters and their backstories again, usually at the beginning, and the story feels forced. The latter is the case here, and I spent a good portion of the book rebuilding my patience and empathy.
Once past that little hiccup, the cozy mystery is just odd enough to make for an appealing read. However, the thing that makes this book, and perhaps this series, special is the treatment of its animal characters. The reader can tell the author is just wild about animals, with the care and fulfillment he gives his animal characters, both their internal monologues and their actions throughout the story. It is a rarity among authors that they are able to extend that empathy to animal characters without overly anthropomorphizing them, but that is achieved here, and rather brilliantly, despite the genre and airiness of the plot.
All said it's worth a read if you're looking for something warm and cozy. This book won't challenge you, but it will raise your awareness of how we might be perceived by the animals around us (and entertain you in the offing). Definitely recommend the text over the audiobook, as the narrator's voice can become a bit grating after a while.
Want to read
May 17, 2023A quirky little mystery that begins from the perspective of... an ostrich named Big Bird.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of both the text and audiobooks. I'll try my best to do justice to both in my review.
Let's begin by saying that this is a sequel, and in some ways, it would have been more enjoyable had I begun with the first book. As it stands, the story threw readers into the thick of it. Sometimes, when the story develops more naturally, this ploy works and makes for a standalone enjoyable read. On other occasions, the author rapidly attempts to develop the characters and their backstories again, usually at the beginning, and the story feels forced. The latter is the case here, and I spent a good portion of the book rebuilding my patience and empathy.
Once past that little hiccup, the cozy mystery is just odd enough to make for an appealing read. However, the thing that makes this book, and perhaps this series, special is the treatment of its animal characters. The reader can tell the author is just wild about animals, with the care and fulfillment he gives his animal characters, both their internal monologues and their actions throughout the story. It is a rarity among authors that they are able to extend that empathy to animal characters without overly anthropomorphizing them, but that is achieved here, and rather brilliantly, despite the genre and airiness of the plot.
All said it's worth a read if you're looking for something warm and cozy. This book won't challenge you, but it will raise your awareness of how we might be perceived by the animals around us (and entertain you in the offing). Definitely recommend the text over the audiobook, as the narrator's voice can become a bit grating after a while.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of both the text and audiobooks. I'll try my best to do justice to both in my review.
Let's begin by saying that this is a sequel, and in some ways, it would have been more enjoyable had I begun with the first book. As it stands, the story threw readers into the thick of it. Sometimes, when the story develops more naturally, this ploy works and makes for a standalone enjoyable read. On other occasions, the author rapidly attempts to develop the characters and their backstories again, usually at the beginning, and the story feels forced. The latter is the case here, and I spent a good portion of the book rebuilding my patience and empathy.
Once past that little hiccup, the cozy mystery is just odd enough to make for an appealing read. However, the thing that makes this book, and perhaps this series, special is the treatment of its animal characters. The reader can tell the author is just wild about animals, with the care and fulfillment he gives his animal characters, both their internal monologues and their actions throughout the story. It is a rarity among authors that they are able to extend that empathy to animal characters without overly anthropomorphizing them, but that is achieved here, and rather brilliantly, despite the genre and airiness of the plot.
All said it's worth a read if you're looking for something warm and cozy. This book won't challenge you, but it will raise your awareness of how we might be perceived by the animals around us (and entertain you in the offing). Definitely recommend the text over the audiobook, as the narrator's voice can become a bit grating after a while.
December 18, 2023
5 stars! I love this series. Book 2 did not disappoint.
"Six Ostriches" by Philipp Schott beautifully captures the essence of everyday life through the lens of Dr. Peter Bannerman. Peter's authentic thought process and descriptions of his daily routines make him incredibly relatable, drawing readers into his world with ease. One standout moment in the book, where Peter contemplates feigning incompetence at darts to avoid socializing, resonates with anyone who has felt that relatable tug of being a natural introvert.
While animal lovers may initially pick up the book for its promise of intriguing pets, they are warmly rewarded with rich characterizations of these furry and feathered companions. Each pet, especially Pippin, becomes a delightful part of the narrative, adding depth to the mystery.
The book also serves as a captivating window into the culture of Manitoba. It transports readers to the picturesque beauty of Lake Winnebago and immerses them in the close-knit small-town atmosphere. Put New Selfoss on a hiker's dream bucket list destination.
Remarkably, despite the abundance of characters, Schott masterfully prevents the narrative from becoming overwhelming. The mystery itself is complex, but plays out quite nicely over the duration of the text. Each character is distinct, and their connections in the community & to the mystery enhance the storytelling rather than overshadowing it.
In its quirkiness, heartfelt moments, and distinctive approach to mystery, "Six Ostriches" stands out as a refreshing and beloved series. It takes readers on a journey that is unlike most other mysteries, making it a treasured favorite of mine. I am very much looking forward to number three in the series, "11 Huskies" 🐾
"Six Ostriches" by Philipp Schott beautifully captures the essence of everyday life through the lens of Dr. Peter Bannerman. Peter's authentic thought process and descriptions of his daily routines make him incredibly relatable, drawing readers into his world with ease. One standout moment in the book, where Peter contemplates feigning incompetence at darts to avoid socializing, resonates with anyone who has felt that relatable tug of being a natural introvert.
While animal lovers may initially pick up the book for its promise of intriguing pets, they are warmly rewarded with rich characterizations of these furry and feathered companions. Each pet, especially Pippin, becomes a delightful part of the narrative, adding depth to the mystery.
The book also serves as a captivating window into the culture of Manitoba. It transports readers to the picturesque beauty of Lake Winnebago and immerses them in the close-knit small-town atmosphere. Put New Selfoss on a hiker's dream bucket list destination.
Remarkably, despite the abundance of characters, Schott masterfully prevents the narrative from becoming overwhelming. The mystery itself is complex, but plays out quite nicely over the duration of the text. Each character is distinct, and their connections in the community & to the mystery enhance the storytelling rather than overshadowing it.
In its quirkiness, heartfelt moments, and distinctive approach to mystery, "Six Ostriches" stands out as a refreshing and beloved series. It takes readers on a journey that is unlike most other mysteries, making it a treasured favorite of mine. I am very much looking forward to number three in the series, "11 Huskies" 🐾
May 18, 2023
Ostriches in Manitoba! Wrapped up in a mystery?! Original🙃
4.5🌟 stars
Schott's Six Ostriches made me smile and yet worry for the unlucky animals inhabiting this Viking-mad part of Manitoba! The main character is quite quirky, amateur sleuth/ veterinarian Dr. Peter Bannerman; his personality and devotion to his beloved scent hound Pippin make this original story work.
I love Dr. Bannerman's unflagging curiosity as he just can't quit investigating (what with farm animal murders and threats to their owners with no seeming rhyme or reason), no matter what his RCMP brother-in-law says. And using his duty to his patients as justification to deflect the censure of his wife and the police: how slick!
Another positive for me: Norse legends and the Icelandic ancestry of a lot of the local residents of this fictional town are key to the plot, even playing into the violence.
This mystery gets more and more complex as the story goes and the author had me fooled as to the villains right up until the high action reveal near the end. I never suspected!
Although I wish there had been a bit more interaction with patients and owners, this story has plenty going for it without relying on heartwarming stories of pets and livestock vet visits.
And I thought it was a clever move to have the ostriches of the title involved throughout the story, but especially at the beginning and climax.
My one peeve: too many oblique references to events in the previous book about Dr. Bannerman & co. Without a fuller description of what happened (on the pig farm, for example), this just confuses and adds nothing to the story.
Thanks to the author, ECW Press and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟 stars
Schott's Six Ostriches made me smile and yet worry for the unlucky animals inhabiting this Viking-mad part of Manitoba! The main character is quite quirky, amateur sleuth/ veterinarian Dr. Peter Bannerman; his personality and devotion to his beloved scent hound Pippin make this original story work.
I love Dr. Bannerman's unflagging curiosity as he just can't quit investigating (what with farm animal murders and threats to their owners with no seeming rhyme or reason), no matter what his RCMP brother-in-law says. And using his duty to his patients as justification to deflect the censure of his wife and the police: how slick!
Another positive for me: Norse legends and the Icelandic ancestry of a lot of the local residents of this fictional town are key to the plot, even playing into the violence.
This mystery gets more and more complex as the story goes and the author had me fooled as to the villains right up until the high action reveal near the end. I never suspected!
Although I wish there had been a bit more interaction with patients and owners, this story has plenty going for it without relying on heartwarming stories of pets and livestock vet visits.
And I thought it was a clever move to have the ostriches of the title involved throughout the story, but especially at the beginning and climax.
My one peeve: too many oblique references to events in the previous book about Dr. Bannerman & co. Without a fuller description of what happened (on the pig farm, for example), this just confuses and adds nothing to the story.
Thanks to the author, ECW Press and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
May 28, 2023
Six Ostriches is another good mystery featuring a neurodivergent veterinarian, Dr. Peter Bannerman. I love that the setting is small town Manitoba, Canada (near enough to Winnipeg for day trips), as that’s not a place you find too many books being set. The people in the area are a fairly diverse bunch, with a lot of them having Icelandic heritage, and this Norse background forms a large part of the story this time. Peter’s wife, Laura, makes a living by creating custom knitted goods, featuring popular culture items like scarves with the colors of the Ravenclaw house in the Harry Potter books. When an ostrich swallows what appears to be an ancient Viking talisman, Laura’s research uncovers information about what it might be. Once again, Peter’s dog Pippin plays a role, with his magnificent sense of smell and his tracking capabilities.
Spring has come to Manitoba and the descriptions of the landscape are wonderful, including Peter’s delight in witnessing the Northern Lights on a sleepless night.
Warning: bad things happen to some animals in this story.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. Miles Meili narrates the audiobook and does an excellent job with the many voices.
Thank you to ECW Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book and to ECW Press Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Spring has come to Manitoba and the descriptions of the landscape are wonderful, including Peter’s delight in witnessing the Northern Lights on a sleepless night.
Warning: bad things happen to some animals in this story.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. Miles Meili narrates the audiobook and does an excellent job with the many voices.
Thank you to ECW Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book and to ECW Press Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
May 28, 2023
Princess Fuzzypants here: I almost gave up on this book. It was not that it that it wasn’t interesting or the characters were dull. Quite on the contrary. I get very upset when there is animal cruelty and part of the plot is to find the villain who is harming innocent animals. In fact, I was one more away from ditching it entirely. While I still do not like to read about bad things happening to animals, the animals, in the end, got revenge.
Small-town vet Peter practises in rural Manitoba, outside of Winnipeg. He takes care of farm animals as well as domestic pets and he is called to a farm on a friend where he discovers an atrocious crime. It may be the first but it is not the last. Peter, who seems like a highly functioning autistic requires things to make sense and be in some semblance of order, much to the chagrin of his wife and brother in law, who happens to be with the RCMP. He tries to convince them there is some nefarious plot behind all of this and sets out with his scent dog Pippin to uncover the truth.
There will be lots of twists in the story where people are not whom are not as expected. There is also some history lessons about the influx of people into the Province and the various prejudices that have developed between groups. It does get resolved but it is the animals who save the day. Literally.
Four purrs and two paws up.
Small-town vet Peter practises in rural Manitoba, outside of Winnipeg. He takes care of farm animals as well as domestic pets and he is called to a farm on a friend where he discovers an atrocious crime. It may be the first but it is not the last. Peter, who seems like a highly functioning autistic requires things to make sense and be in some semblance of order, much to the chagrin of his wife and brother in law, who happens to be with the RCMP. He tries to convince them there is some nefarious plot behind all of this and sets out with his scent dog Pippin to uncover the truth.
There will be lots of twists in the story where people are not whom are not as expected. There is also some history lessons about the influx of people into the Province and the various prejudices that have developed between groups. It does get resolved but it is the animals who save the day. Literally.
Four purrs and two paws up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews