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Lady Poppy Proudfoot #1
Death at the Highland Loch
Move over, Inspector! Lady Poppy Proudfoot is here to solve her very first case.
Scotland, 1924: When Lady Poppy Proudfoot travels to the Highlands for a midsummer party, the last thing she and her fellow guests expect is for a body to wash up beside the loch.
Despite protests that it could have been an accident, Poppy is convinced it’s murder and decides to dust off her law degree and hunt for clues. But when the police arrive, the grumpy Inspector MacKenzie dismisses her evidence, insisting a crime scene is no place for a Lady. The nerve!
With the help of her trusted Labrador, Major, Poppy begins to unpick the case. But she soon has two mysteries to solve, as her host Lady Constance Balfour claims a diamond and emerald bracelet has been stolen. Could the two cases be linked? Was it Freddy the footman, a favourite of her ladyship? Or American actress Miss Cornett, with a keen eye for jewels? Or with such a dazzling guestlist, was someone from the local village tempted into the grounds by the party?
When a woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to Poppy is attacked, she realizes that someone wants her off the case. Someone connected to Balfour House is a murderer and a thief, but who? And can Poppy solve the mystery before she, too, washes up beside the loch?
A warm, unputdownable page-turning historical whodunnit, perfect for fans of Helena Dixon, Verity Bright, T.E. Kinsey and Catherine Coles.
Scotland, 1924: When Lady Poppy Proudfoot travels to the Highlands for a midsummer party, the last thing she and her fellow guests expect is for a body to wash up beside the loch.
Despite protests that it could have been an accident, Poppy is convinced it’s murder and decides to dust off her law degree and hunt for clues. But when the police arrive, the grumpy Inspector MacKenzie dismisses her evidence, insisting a crime scene is no place for a Lady. The nerve!
With the help of her trusted Labrador, Major, Poppy begins to unpick the case. But she soon has two mysteries to solve, as her host Lady Constance Balfour claims a diamond and emerald bracelet has been stolen. Could the two cases be linked? Was it Freddy the footman, a favourite of her ladyship? Or American actress Miss Cornett, with a keen eye for jewels? Or with such a dazzling guestlist, was someone from the local village tempted into the grounds by the party?
When a woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to Poppy is attacked, she realizes that someone wants her off the case. Someone connected to Balfour House is a murderer and a thief, but who? And can Poppy solve the mystery before she, too, washes up beside the loch?
A warm, unputdownable page-turning historical whodunnit, perfect for fans of Helena Dixon, Verity Bright, T.E. Kinsey and Catherine Coles.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2025
312 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
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May 24, 2025
3.7 Stars
One Liner: It was fun
1924, Scotland
Lady Poppy Proudfoot travels to the Highlands for a midsummer party, where a body turns up beside the loch. When Inspector MacKenzie doesn’t seem to take her seriously, Poppy jumps into action and decides to solve the case.
Of course, another mystery grabs her attention - Lady Constance Balfour, the host, claims her diamond and emerald bracelet is stolen. Are the two events connected? Without more than enough suspects in the house party, Poppy has work cut out for her.
The story comes in Poppy’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
While I didn’t particularly enjoy the first book of The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency series, I liked this new book from the new series better.
The FMC is an almost 30-year-old rich widow with a university education and some social service during WWI to her name. This makes her quite entitled, which comes across clearly in her thoughts, actions, and reactions.
You’ll have to be patient initially to get used to the FMC’s attitude. Yeah, she has quite a few flaws. However, these feel realistic and aligned with how the ladies with titles behaved back then. Makes it hard to like her immediately, but good for the character arc.
There’s a large cast since a house party is going on, and more people pop up in Edinburgh, but I didn’t find it confusing. The key ones are easy enough to track. Gregor, the 14-year-old lad, is a delight to read. He adds a lot of humor and lightness to the story.
The lady’s maid is a bit annoying, but I think that’s the intention. We also have two dogs, a chihuahua named Ollie and a Lab named Major. Major is the FMC’s dog, so he’ll be a recurring character. Yay!
Inspector MacKenzie, the prospective love interest, is actually a decent guy. He shows much patience dealing with the FMC’s antics. He’ll need to be patient in the coming books, too!
The mystery or mysteries, as such, are decent. I like how they don’t go into the tried and tested path but try something different. The reveal is believable, too.
The characters from the previous series make an entry as both books are set in the same region, and they have overlapping social circles.
We get enough descriptions of the highlands to imagine the beautiful place without getting distracted from the main plot. This keeps the pacing moderate and steady.
To summarize, Death at the Highland Loch is a solid start to a new cozy mystery series with yet another female amateur sleuth. As I look forward to the next book, I hope the FMC’s arc shows some growth.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #DeathAtTheHighlandLoch
One Liner: It was fun
1924, Scotland
Lady Poppy Proudfoot travels to the Highlands for a midsummer party, where a body turns up beside the loch. When Inspector MacKenzie doesn’t seem to take her seriously, Poppy jumps into action and decides to solve the case.
Of course, another mystery grabs her attention - Lady Constance Balfour, the host, claims her diamond and emerald bracelet is stolen. Are the two events connected? Without more than enough suspects in the house party, Poppy has work cut out for her.
The story comes in Poppy’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
While I didn’t particularly enjoy the first book of The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency series, I liked this new book from the new series better.
The FMC is an almost 30-year-old rich widow with a university education and some social service during WWI to her name. This makes her quite entitled, which comes across clearly in her thoughts, actions, and reactions.
You’ll have to be patient initially to get used to the FMC’s attitude. Yeah, she has quite a few flaws. However, these feel realistic and aligned with how the ladies with titles behaved back then. Makes it hard to like her immediately, but good for the character arc.
There’s a large cast since a house party is going on, and more people pop up in Edinburgh, but I didn’t find it confusing. The key ones are easy enough to track. Gregor, the 14-year-old lad, is a delight to read. He adds a lot of humor and lightness to the story.
The lady’s maid is a bit annoying, but I think that’s the intention. We also have two dogs, a chihuahua named Ollie and a Lab named Major. Major is the FMC’s dog, so he’ll be a recurring character. Yay!
Inspector MacKenzie, the prospective love interest, is actually a decent guy. He shows much patience dealing with the FMC’s antics. He’ll need to be patient in the coming books, too!
The mystery or mysteries, as such, are decent. I like how they don’t go into the tried and tested path but try something different. The reveal is believable, too.
The characters from the previous series make an entry as both books are set in the same region, and they have overlapping social circles.
We get enough descriptions of the highlands to imagine the beautiful place without getting distracted from the main plot. This keeps the pacing moderate and steady.
To summarize, Death at the Highland Loch is a solid start to a new cozy mystery series with yet another female amateur sleuth. As I look forward to the next book, I hope the FMC’s arc shows some growth.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #DeathAtTheHighlandLoch
May 11, 2025
When Lady Poppy Proudfoot travelled to the Scottish Highlands in 1924, with her beloved Labrador, Major, by her side, the annual midsummer party was all that was on her mind. The home was owned by Lady Constance Balfour, and it had only been a few months since her husband had died, so this event would be smaller than usual. The day Poppy arrived, she took Major for a walk before dinner, to the nearby town, spotting one of the footmen at the entrance to the local pub. When, the following morning at breakfast, that same footman rushed into Constance and her guests, announcing he'd just discovered a dead body by the loch, chaos ensued. With the arrive of Inspector MacKenzie, a brusque individual, Poppy decided she would assist him with his enquiries - but he brushed her off immediately...
Death at the Highland Loch is the 1st in the Lady Poppy Proudfoot series by Lydia Travers and I enjoyed it very much. I did pick the perpetrator before the reveal, but reaching the conclusion was absorbing. I enjoyed the characters, who were portrayed well, and Poppy's first case was intriguing. I'm looking forward to #2 and recommend this one to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read & review.
Death at the Highland Loch is the 1st in the Lady Poppy Proudfoot series by Lydia Travers and I enjoyed it very much. I did pick the perpetrator before the reveal, but reaching the conclusion was absorbing. I enjoyed the characters, who were portrayed well, and Poppy's first case was intriguing. I'm looking forward to #2 and recommend this one to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read & review.
April 28, 2025
This author is new to me. I enjoyed the start of this new series. The dynamics between MacKenzie and Poppy were fun. Lady Poppy is a memorable character. This author is quite descriptive which adds an intriguing layer to the story. The story was fast paced in that it was difficult to put down. The narrator was perfect for this series. Looking forward to the next.
I was blessed with an audio ARC and the opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an audio ARC and the opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. Highly recommend.
June 19, 2025
Delightful!! I am so thrilled this is the start of a new cozy historical mystery series. Lady Poppy is so fun. I can’t wait to follow along on all her escapades. Love her dog too! I also loved the Jeeves and Wooster feel between Poppy and her lady’s maid Elspeth. They even argue about proper attire and Poppy sings in her bath like Bertie. 😂 I hope we get to see more of Isla, Mr Fraser, Constance, and Dahlia in the future too. (Oh hey! Dahlia like Bertie’s aunt Dahlia? They’re definitely similar.) And obvs the Inspector. I’m very intrigued by his background, and I love that his first name is James. Fans of Travers’ first series will be delighted too. We get cameos from both Daisy and Maud! 😍 I was always hopeful Lord U would make it through the Great War and so he has.
May 19, 2025
Happy publication day 🥳🎉🎧
Another cozy historic mystery set in Scotland. A fun plot of a Lady turned detective in the 1920’s. I’ve read Lydia Travers before and The Scottish Ladies detective agency and thus first in a series is certainly very similar, infact the ladies cross paths along the way.
Lady Poppy is in attendance at a house party accompanied by her ladies maid and her dog Major when a body washes up on the loch her detective instincts kick in and shes soon on the case much to the chagrin of the local detective. Soon the cases are rolling in and Poppy is a very busy lady.
Lots of fun, lots of laughs and it definitely fits its category, I didn’t guess whodunnit.
If you love a historic fiction cross murder mystery this is for you. 3.5 🌟
Sarah Barron’s narration was lovely 🎧
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
Another cozy historic mystery set in Scotland. A fun plot of a Lady turned detective in the 1920’s. I’ve read Lydia Travers before and The Scottish Ladies detective agency and thus first in a series is certainly very similar, infact the ladies cross paths along the way.
Lady Poppy is in attendance at a house party accompanied by her ladies maid and her dog Major when a body washes up on the loch her detective instincts kick in and shes soon on the case much to the chagrin of the local detective. Soon the cases are rolling in and Poppy is a very busy lady.
Lots of fun, lots of laughs and it definitely fits its category, I didn’t guess whodunnit.
If you love a historic fiction cross murder mystery this is for you. 3.5 🌟
Sarah Barron’s narration was lovely 🎧
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
May 20, 2025
Death at the Highland Loch is a delightful and satisfying cozy mystery that truly hit the mark. I loved the charming setting, the clever pacing, and most of all, the sharp detective work by Poppy. She’s a fantastic lead—smart, determined, and easy to root for.
The mystery itself was well-plotted, with just the right amount of red herrings and twists to keep things interesting without feeling overcomplicated. One of the things I appreciated most was that it didn’t leave any loose ends—every question I had was answered, and the resolution felt earned and believable.
The story kept me engaged from start to finish, and the narration in the audiobook added an extra layer of charm that made it even more enjoyable. The setting, the characters, and the mystery all came together so well. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series and can’t wait to see what mystery Poppy solves next!
The mystery itself was well-plotted, with just the right amount of red herrings and twists to keep things interesting without feeling overcomplicated. One of the things I appreciated most was that it didn’t leave any loose ends—every question I had was answered, and the resolution felt earned and believable.
The story kept me engaged from start to finish, and the narration in the audiobook added an extra layer of charm that made it even more enjoyable. The setting, the characters, and the mystery all came together so well. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series and can’t wait to see what mystery Poppy solves next!
April 18, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t an intense or heavy read, but it offered a charming setting, plenty of adventure, and just the right touch of mystery. I especially loved Poppy and her fierce determination to defy the expectations placed on women—particularly fitting given the 1920s setting. Her little mission to Edinburgh in search of the missing bracelet was a highlight for me and kept the story moving at a fun pace.
There was always something happening, so I never found myself bored. That said, I did feel the large cast of characters made things a bit hard to follow at times. Some, like the American actors and directors, didn’t feel essential to the story—unless they play a larger role in other books in the series.
I absolutely adore Scotland, and this cozy mystery series was right up my alley. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this in advance!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t an intense or heavy read, but it offered a charming setting, plenty of adventure, and just the right touch of mystery. I especially loved Poppy and her fierce determination to defy the expectations placed on women—particularly fitting given the 1920s setting. Her little mission to Edinburgh in search of the missing bracelet was a highlight for me and kept the story moving at a fun pace.
There was always something happening, so I never found myself bored. That said, I did feel the large cast of characters made things a bit hard to follow at times. Some, like the American actors and directors, didn’t feel essential to the story—unless they play a larger role in other books in the series.
I absolutely adore Scotland, and this cozy mystery series was right up my alley. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this in advance!
May 21, 2025
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture and Lydia Travers for the E ARC of this book.
We meet Lady Poppy Proudfoot. It is the summer of 1924 and she is going to attend a midsummer party at an acquaintances country house. On the 2nd day there is a body discovered beside the loch of the estate. Using her knowledge from her Law degree Poppy is sure it is murder and with the arrival of the police, she is pushed to the side.
This does not go down well with Poppy and with her trusty labrador Major, she sets out to solve the crime before the police. However, her time becomes divided when her hostess asks her to look into a missing bracelet that she insists has been stollen. Could the culprit be the American Actress staying at the house or is there more to this case?
I am very torn about this book. There were two major issues for me with it: - the first that the location of the book was not in the Highlands as stated in the title. Culross is in Fife and nowhere near the Highlands. Secondly the author used the word Teuchter which is such a derogatory word, it is not to be used. Both the author and the editors should have done proper research about both these issues before it got anywhere near publication. How these issues were not spotted I don’t know, all that they had to do was search on the Internet and they would have found the information.
That being said I partly liked Poppy but felt she should have shard the information she had discovered quicker with the Inspector MacKenzie. She withheld information just to make herself look good, which I didn’t like. I did like the Inspector, he was a gentle man who looked tried to look out for Poppy and keep her from harm. Poppy’s maid was a fun character, who was appalled at what Poppy was doing and tried to steer her in the right direction as she saw it. There were many other side characters who were interesting who maybe could have been developed a bit more – maybe they will appear in future books.
We meet Lady Poppy Proudfoot. It is the summer of 1924 and she is going to attend a midsummer party at an acquaintances country house. On the 2nd day there is a body discovered beside the loch of the estate. Using her knowledge from her Law degree Poppy is sure it is murder and with the arrival of the police, she is pushed to the side.
This does not go down well with Poppy and with her trusty labrador Major, she sets out to solve the crime before the police. However, her time becomes divided when her hostess asks her to look into a missing bracelet that she insists has been stollen. Could the culprit be the American Actress staying at the house or is there more to this case?
I am very torn about this book. There were two major issues for me with it: - the first that the location of the book was not in the Highlands as stated in the title. Culross is in Fife and nowhere near the Highlands. Secondly the author used the word Teuchter which is such a derogatory word, it is not to be used. Both the author and the editors should have done proper research about both these issues before it got anywhere near publication. How these issues were not spotted I don’t know, all that they had to do was search on the Internet and they would have found the information.
That being said I partly liked Poppy but felt she should have shard the information she had discovered quicker with the Inspector MacKenzie. She withheld information just to make herself look good, which I didn’t like. I did like the Inspector, he was a gentle man who looked tried to look out for Poppy and keep her from harm. Poppy’s maid was a fun character, who was appalled at what Poppy was doing and tried to steer her in the right direction as she saw it. There were many other side characters who were interesting who maybe could have been developed a bit more – maybe they will appear in future books.
April 14, 2025
Death At The Highland Loch, is the first book in the Lady Poppy Proudfoot Mysteries by Lydia Travers, When Lady Poppy and her favorite pup Major is visiting Scotland for a Midsomer party at Lady Constance‘s estate, who’s also a new widow. Lady Poppy went to law school and loves the art of investigating, so when lady constant tells her of a bracelet that a local jewelry store claims her husband ordered with a staggering amount owed, Lady Poppy says she’ll look into it. Poppy is getting her ducks in a row to investigate the mysterious bracelet when a body is found by the loch on Lady Constance‘s estate and it looks like someone in her staff is the culprit. two detective inspector Max annoyance Poppy investigates the murder as well but when someone attacks a young girl poppy loaned her cloak to she knows she’s getting close despite someone doesn’t want her to live long enough to uncover the mystery. let me just say I love chief inspector Mac and Poppy‘s relationship and also I in no way figure out the ending which to me makes for a good mystery I really thought I knew but I had no clue and I cannot wait for the next book. I am a new reader of cozy mystery series and I really thoroughly enjoy the beginning of this one. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #DeathAtTheHighlandLoch, #LydiaTravers, #LadyProudfootMysteries,
May 23, 2025
3.5 Stars
Lady Poppy Proudfoot is at a midsummer party/stay at Lady Constance Balfour’s house in the Scottish Highlands. There’s a varied collection of guests at the estate, an American film producer and an actress, as well as Lady Balfour’s brother and wife. When a body is discovered on the property several of the guests brush it off as an accident, but it soon becomes apparent that it’s murder.
Poppy decides she’d like to try and put her law degree to use and help solve the murder, much to the dismay of Detective McKenzie the man assigned to the case. Poppy’s also asked by Lady Balfour to discreetly track down a bracelet bought by her late husband that she’s unable to locate.
Death at the Highland Loch was a light cozy mystery with Poppy intent on solving both mysteries. She tries to be methodical in her approach, but it’s apparent she’s very green. I admired her determination and pluck, even if it stretched believability. Detective McKenzie humored Poppy’s attempts at detecting which I found a bit unrealistic, but it made for an entertaining way to see these two spark off of each other and lay the foundation for a potential romance.
I alternately listened to and read an audio and e-copy of Death at the Highland Loch. I thought Sarah Barron did well with the various accents, but she dragged out words making some of the characters sound a bit overly dramatic, IMO. Still, it was an enjoyable listen.
I voluntarily read and listened to an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
Lady Poppy Proudfoot is at a midsummer party/stay at Lady Constance Balfour’s house in the Scottish Highlands. There’s a varied collection of guests at the estate, an American film producer and an actress, as well as Lady Balfour’s brother and wife. When a body is discovered on the property several of the guests brush it off as an accident, but it soon becomes apparent that it’s murder.
Poppy decides she’d like to try and put her law degree to use and help solve the murder, much to the dismay of Detective McKenzie the man assigned to the case. Poppy’s also asked by Lady Balfour to discreetly track down a bracelet bought by her late husband that she’s unable to locate.
Death at the Highland Loch was a light cozy mystery with Poppy intent on solving both mysteries. She tries to be methodical in her approach, but it’s apparent she’s very green. I admired her determination and pluck, even if it stretched believability. Detective McKenzie humored Poppy’s attempts at detecting which I found a bit unrealistic, but it made for an entertaining way to see these two spark off of each other and lay the foundation for a potential romance.
I alternately listened to and read an audio and e-copy of Death at the Highland Loch. I thought Sarah Barron did well with the various accents, but she dragged out words making some of the characters sound a bit overly dramatic, IMO. Still, it was an enjoyable listen.
I voluntarily read and listened to an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
May 12, 2025
Great start to a new series! This is my first book by Lydia Travers and I plan on looking for her other series. I loved Poppy and her matter-of-fact style, continuing her investigation and finding helpful clues despite the inspector telling her not to (not that anyone ever listens to this sound advice). This was set in a location that I have been wanting to visit so it was a fun bonus to learn more about the area. I l also enjoyed the ending where she met with the authors of her guidebook (who I think are the main characters in the other series). All in all, a fast-paced, well-plotted mystery that I could not put down. Highly recommended!
The narrator did a fantastic job with different accents and giving all the characters distinct voices.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an honest review.
The narrator did a fantastic job with different accents and giving all the characters distinct voices.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an honest review.
May 30, 2025
What a fun read! This was my first book from this author and I look forward to the next installment in this series. I listened to the audiobook version. The pacing of the story kept me engaged and guessing the whole time. The cast of characters was large as this took place at a house party but not at all confusing to follow. I was all here for the Downton Abbey vibes, DOGS!, and the potential love interest. The banter between the FMC and MMC was great! He had so much patience for her antics! I can't wait to see their relationship play out in the future.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC audiobook. The opinions in this post are my own honest review.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC audiobook. The opinions in this post are my own honest review.
May 3, 2025
How much can a Lady get away with? If you're Poppy, more than most.
I am always a little apprehensive when I start a new series, especially when it is a cozy mystery series AND it is historical fiction. It could be easy to create just another cozy mystery series that is mediocre, semi-bland, and not much to look forward to. Now, with all that being said, I haven't read many of the other historical cozy mysteries that are out there, but I have read my fair share of cozy mysteries, and some get pretty redundant. And honestly, with some cozy mystery series, I am just trying to finish the series to just say I completed it. 😂
So when I started this series, I didn't know what to expect. And I am very happy to say that I cannot wait for the second in this series to come out. The beginning was a little slow for me, but often in whatever book I read I have a little trouble at the onset, unless it's an intense thriller from the first page.
This book is well written, well researched, and has the right amount of sass to be funny- but not obnoxious. And I like that there is an undertone of romance, but it isn't dominant throughout either. And what really put this over the top for me, is I could not figure out who did the crime(s). And that is always a win. I thought I did, and I don't like when I do- I find that too predictable and boring. But Lydia kept me guessing until the end, and I appreciated that in any book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the advanced audio copy of this book. All my opinions are my own.
I am always a little apprehensive when I start a new series, especially when it is a cozy mystery series AND it is historical fiction. It could be easy to create just another cozy mystery series that is mediocre, semi-bland, and not much to look forward to. Now, with all that being said, I haven't read many of the other historical cozy mysteries that are out there, but I have read my fair share of cozy mysteries, and some get pretty redundant. And honestly, with some cozy mystery series, I am just trying to finish the series to just say I completed it. 😂
So when I started this series, I didn't know what to expect. And I am very happy to say that I cannot wait for the second in this series to come out. The beginning was a little slow for me, but often in whatever book I read I have a little trouble at the onset, unless it's an intense thriller from the first page.
This book is well written, well researched, and has the right amount of sass to be funny- but not obnoxious. And I like that there is an undertone of romance, but it isn't dominant throughout either. And what really put this over the top for me, is I could not figure out who did the crime(s). And that is always a win. I thought I did, and I don't like when I do- I find that too predictable and boring. But Lydia kept me guessing until the end, and I appreciated that in any book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the advanced audio copy of this book. All my opinions are my own.
May 12, 2025
If you think you’re in for a cozy little quiet trip to the Scottish Highlands with this one, buckle up because you’re in for so much more with Lady Poppy!
I’m always in for a nice detective story with a dog - and this one has two! So of course I was in from the beginning. But little did I know that this book would start with a nice visit to a Georgian hone in the countryside and then go off and take me on an exciting ride through two mysteries and a raucous cast of characters. Gregor, though the older characters kept saying that he needed to learn manners (which I guess he did in the case of Scottish high society), was my favorite, with his quips and frank observations.
I had to force myself to put the book down at times, I was so sucked into the plot and the world of the Scottish aristocracy, which gave a little glimpse into the above stairs/below stairs dynamic.
The solution to the mystery(s) was excellent, and I was surprised by the conclusion. It was exactly what I hoped for in a good mystery.
This appears to be the first in a series, and I can’t wait to read the next one!
I’m always in for a nice detective story with a dog - and this one has two! So of course I was in from the beginning. But little did I know that this book would start with a nice visit to a Georgian hone in the countryside and then go off and take me on an exciting ride through two mysteries and a raucous cast of characters. Gregor, though the older characters kept saying that he needed to learn manners (which I guess he did in the case of Scottish high society), was my favorite, with his quips and frank observations.
I had to force myself to put the book down at times, I was so sucked into the plot and the world of the Scottish aristocracy, which gave a little glimpse into the above stairs/below stairs dynamic.
The solution to the mystery(s) was excellent, and I was surprised by the conclusion. It was exactly what I hoped for in a good mystery.
This appears to be the first in a series, and I can’t wait to read the next one!
May 13, 2025
3.5 stars
This is a cute cozy read with a great location and time period. I thought the murder mystery was very nicely done and I had no idea who the killer was.
I would have rated this book higher, but the MC Poppy was insufferable. I think she evolved a bit through the book, so I struggled with her less. Don’t get me wrong, I love a strong female lead, but she was more of a ditz than a want to be detective. She kind of got in her own way since she was so cocky that should could solve everything, but she had zero experience. Give me a Miss Marple book any day and I will enjoy every minute of it. I think what drove me the most crazy was, she reminded people she was a lady, but then she wanted to be taken seriously as a detective. Then she would keep getting in the actual detective’s way. Maybe book two will have her develop into a better detective and then this will become a very cute series.
Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
This is a cute cozy read with a great location and time period. I thought the murder mystery was very nicely done and I had no idea who the killer was.
I would have rated this book higher, but the MC Poppy was insufferable. I think she evolved a bit through the book, so I struggled with her less. Don’t get me wrong, I love a strong female lead, but she was more of a ditz than a want to be detective. She kind of got in her own way since she was so cocky that should could solve everything, but she had zero experience. Give me a Miss Marple book any day and I will enjoy every minute of it. I think what drove me the most crazy was, she reminded people she was a lady, but then she wanted to be taken seriously as a detective. Then she would keep getting in the actual detective’s way. Maybe book two will have her develop into a better detective and then this will become a very cute series.
Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
June 20, 2025
Lydia Travers has created a new character with all the verve and passion of her previous female detectives in the Highland Detective series. In this new series, we have moved onto the twenties and are introduced to Lady Persephone Proudfoot known as Lady Poppy. Poppy has been invited to a mid-Summer party at her friend Lady Constance Balfour's home. She arrives with her trusty Labrador Major in tow. However, it's not long before a body is discovered by the loch and murder is suspected. Poppy is an educated and modern woman who is confident that she can investigate the case but Inspector McKenzie has other ideas. This doesn't deter Poppy as she is asked to discretely investigate a missing bracelet by lady Constance and soon recognizes that the two cases maybe linked. What follows are the usual twists and turns of any good mystery with red herrings and attempts to mislead the reader.
This was a lovely cosy read with a great historical setting and a strong female leads character. There are fun moments as the party is joined by a Hollywood director and actress and Lady Constance's son Gregor maybe only 14 years old but is a real hoot. There is even a clever link to the previous series which I thought was a cute touch. All in all this is shaping up to be a great new series. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc to read and review.
This was a lovely cosy read with a great historical setting and a strong female leads character. There are fun moments as the party is joined by a Hollywood director and actress and Lady Constance's son Gregor maybe only 14 years old but is a real hoot. There is even a clever link to the previous series which I thought was a cute touch. All in all this is shaping up to be a great new series. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc to read and review.
June 2, 2025
Excitement coursed through Lady Poppy Proudfoot’s veins as she set out on a trip to the Highlands in 1920s Scotland. A titled young lady with a law degree, Poppy was eager to enjoy herself at a party. However, her plans took an unexpected turn when a body was discovered at a loch.
Shocked by the discovery, Poppy is determined to uncover the truth. From the outset, Poppy was certain that the woman’s death was no accident. Despite the inspector on the case’s skepticism, Poppy decided to take matters into her own hands and solve the case.
But Poppy’s investigation didn’t end there. The party’s host’s valuable diamond bracelet had also gone missing, adding another layer of intrigue to the mystery. Poppy was determined to find both the bracelet and to discover what happened to the young woman, and wonders if both circumstances were somehow connected.
Ever since hearing about Maud McIntyre’s success as an investigator, Poppy had been inspired. Could she do the same? Determined to prove herself, Poppy took matters into her own hands. Before long, when a young woman was attacked, and she bore a striking resemblance to Poppy, so Poppy immediately wonders if she herself might have been the target. Now she just knew she was on the right track to solving these cases.
This cozy mystery series begins with a delightful and engaging read. Having enjoyed Lydia Travers’ previous cozy mystery series, I was delighted to see that this book retained the same flair. Poppy’s spunky personality and inquisitive nature were a joy to witness as she embarked on her investigative adventures. I eagerly anticipate her next escapade and look forward to sitting back and enjoying her pursuits.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Shocked by the discovery, Poppy is determined to uncover the truth. From the outset, Poppy was certain that the woman’s death was no accident. Despite the inspector on the case’s skepticism, Poppy decided to take matters into her own hands and solve the case.
But Poppy’s investigation didn’t end there. The party’s host’s valuable diamond bracelet had also gone missing, adding another layer of intrigue to the mystery. Poppy was determined to find both the bracelet and to discover what happened to the young woman, and wonders if both circumstances were somehow connected.
Ever since hearing about Maud McIntyre’s success as an investigator, Poppy had been inspired. Could she do the same? Determined to prove herself, Poppy took matters into her own hands. Before long, when a young woman was attacked, and she bore a striking resemblance to Poppy, so Poppy immediately wonders if she herself might have been the target. Now she just knew she was on the right track to solving these cases.
This cozy mystery series begins with a delightful and engaging read. Having enjoyed Lydia Travers’ previous cozy mystery series, I was delighted to see that this book retained the same flair. Poppy’s spunky personality and inquisitive nature were a joy to witness as she embarked on her investigative adventures. I eagerly anticipate her next escapade and look forward to sitting back and enjoying her pursuits.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
May 16, 2025
I’m thankful to NetGalley for the ALC I received of this book.
Unfortunately I had to DNF this around 40%. I really enjoyed the setting and the dogs but did not connect with any of the characters. Everyone acted like the murder was for their own entertainment and there was very little empathy for the actual deceased. The American accents were slightly uncomfortable for me. Additionally, I found some parts confusing. For example, when asked by investigators if anyone has touched the body everyone says "no" but just before that Poppy mentions she closed the deceased's eyes. Things like this took me out of the story and did not allow me to become fully immersed. Finally, Poppy came across as a very entitled, know it all and I just could not feel any connection.
Unfortunately I had to DNF this around 40%. I really enjoyed the setting and the dogs but did not connect with any of the characters. Everyone acted like the murder was for their own entertainment and there was very little empathy for the actual deceased. The American accents were slightly uncomfortable for me. Additionally, I found some parts confusing. For example, when asked by investigators if anyone has touched the body everyone says "no" but just before that Poppy mentions she closed the deceased's eyes. Things like this took me out of the story and did not allow me to become fully immersed. Finally, Poppy came across as a very entitled, know it all and I just could not feel any connection.
May 26, 2025
This was a delightful cozy mystery! I really liked Poppy and her Inspector. It was a hard to put down book. I can’t wait to see what mystery she solves next.
Perfect for all mystery lovers!
Perfect for all mystery lovers!
April 19, 2025
Death at the Highland Loch is the first in Lydia Travers’ new 1920s’ series about Lady Persephone Proudfoot (Poppy, for choice). Poppy is the daughter of the Earl of Crieff who, upon inheriting the earldom, promptly went off to be a sheep-farmer in Australia with Poppy’s mother.
The book opens with Poppy arriving for a week-long house party, hosted by a new acquaintance, Lady Constance Balfour, the recently widowed owner of Balfour House and its estate. Poppy is accompanied by her maid, Elspeth. Unfortunately, the next morning, a body is discovered by the loch. As frequently happens in these cosy detection novels, Poppy takes an instant unjustified dislike to the handsome police inspector despatched to investigate, Inspector Mackenzie, and decides that she can solve the murder before he can. In a separate sub-plot, Poppy also discovers that Constance’s late husband had bought a lovely diamond and emerald bracelet that Connie has never seen. Connie wonders if her late husband was having an affair, as she cannot think of any other explanation. As Poppy needs to go back to Edinburgh for one night, she offers to ask questions at the jeweller’s and try to identify the recipient.
I’m in two minds about this book. The murder and the bracelet threads have good, satisfactory, solutions with some ingenious solid clues for the latter. Travers can write lively enjoyable dialogue with vivid characters – there is no danger of getting any characters mixed up in this book, despite there being several house-party guests. Any historical facts are gently slipped into the story and we do not feel the book has morphed into a history textbook. On the other hand, I do have reservations. Poppy and Elspeth are not likeable characters. The danger is that first impressions – in novels as in life – do count. The reader doesn’t know the characters and must take them to be as the author depicts them - I nearly gave up on page 2. In this case, Poppy is arrogant and, I’m afraid, a little stupid at times. Although Inspector Mackenzie has told the guests not to leave the estate, Poppy is determined to go back to Edinburgh to keep her promise to meet and host a young woman coming for an interview at the hospital. She thinks that if she leaves Elspeth at Balfour House, Mackenzie is “[…] sure to think I’m in another room or out riding.” Mackenzie, however, has a sense of humour and is quite tolerant of Poppy, despite her irritating and self-centred behaviour.
I also had to suspend belief a couple of times in the last few chapters. When told over the phone that Mackenzie is on a train, Poppy tells the constable “[G]et the train to turn round and come back” and “[I]nform the inspector he must return straightaway […] as I have solved the case.” As I said, arrogant and self-centred. You might argue that this is satirical humour, depicting a caricature of Poppy, but I’m less certain, given the way she is depicted earlier in the novel.
Despite my reservations, I shall look out for book 2 in the series, hoping that the author shows Poppy as a much more likeable person. Poppy has some generous traits and could easily be portrayed as intelligent and deserving of Mackenzie’s respect. I’m not sure that a “nice” Poppy, though, would tolerate Elspeth’s (frankly, insolent) behaviour. I do think that it would be a much stronger book if they had an amicable, more sympathetic, relationship.
Fans of Travers’ Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency books will be pleased to note Maud and Daisy make guest appearances.
#DeathattheHighlandLoch #NetGalley
The book opens with Poppy arriving for a week-long house party, hosted by a new acquaintance, Lady Constance Balfour, the recently widowed owner of Balfour House and its estate. Poppy is accompanied by her maid, Elspeth. Unfortunately, the next morning, a body is discovered by the loch. As frequently happens in these cosy detection novels, Poppy takes an instant unjustified dislike to the handsome police inspector despatched to investigate, Inspector Mackenzie, and decides that she can solve the murder before he can. In a separate sub-plot, Poppy also discovers that Constance’s late husband had bought a lovely diamond and emerald bracelet that Connie has never seen. Connie wonders if her late husband was having an affair, as she cannot think of any other explanation. As Poppy needs to go back to Edinburgh for one night, she offers to ask questions at the jeweller’s and try to identify the recipient.
I’m in two minds about this book. The murder and the bracelet threads have good, satisfactory, solutions with some ingenious solid clues for the latter. Travers can write lively enjoyable dialogue with vivid characters – there is no danger of getting any characters mixed up in this book, despite there being several house-party guests. Any historical facts are gently slipped into the story and we do not feel the book has morphed into a history textbook. On the other hand, I do have reservations. Poppy and Elspeth are not likeable characters. The danger is that first impressions – in novels as in life – do count. The reader doesn’t know the characters and must take them to be as the author depicts them - I nearly gave up on page 2. In this case, Poppy is arrogant and, I’m afraid, a little stupid at times. Although Inspector Mackenzie has told the guests not to leave the estate, Poppy is determined to go back to Edinburgh to keep her promise to meet and host a young woman coming for an interview at the hospital. She thinks that if she leaves Elspeth at Balfour House, Mackenzie is “[…] sure to think I’m in another room or out riding.” Mackenzie, however, has a sense of humour and is quite tolerant of Poppy, despite her irritating and self-centred behaviour.
I also had to suspend belief a couple of times in the last few chapters. When told over the phone that Mackenzie is on a train, Poppy tells the constable “[G]et the train to turn round and come back” and “[I]nform the inspector he must return straightaway […] as I have solved the case.” As I said, arrogant and self-centred. You might argue that this is satirical humour, depicting a caricature of Poppy, but I’m less certain, given the way she is depicted earlier in the novel.
Despite my reservations, I shall look out for book 2 in the series, hoping that the author shows Poppy as a much more likeable person. Poppy has some generous traits and could easily be portrayed as intelligent and deserving of Mackenzie’s respect. I’m not sure that a “nice” Poppy, though, would tolerate Elspeth’s (frankly, insolent) behaviour. I do think that it would be a much stronger book if they had an amicable, more sympathetic, relationship.
Fans of Travers’ Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency books will be pleased to note Maud and Daisy make guest appearances.
#DeathattheHighlandLoch #NetGalley
May 4, 2025
Death at the Highland Loch is book one in the new cozy mystery series by Lydia Travers. Set in Scotland in the 1920s at a grand house, this book has the feel of a murder mystery taking place at Downton Abbey. Readers looking for a low-angst cozy mystery series with no profanity or romantic interactions will enjoy this book!
Quick Plot Summary: Lady Poppy Proudfoot finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery when she is visiting a friend for a party. Poppy takes it upon herself to investigate the murder and assist police inspector MacKenzie. Poppy is joined by her adorable dog, Major, in interviewing the staff of the house to see if she can determine the killer's identity. To make matters worse, a bracelet is reported missing, and Poppy wonders if the two events could be linked. Will Poppy be able to solve the crime without putting herself in harm's way?
My Impressions: I found Poppy to be endearing and fun and a likable main female character, and the scenes with her dog Major were adorable. Although no romantic interactions happened in this book, the stage/tension was set between Poppy and Inspector MacKenzie for more romantic developments in subsequent books in the series.
I enjoy books set in the United Kingdom, historical mysteries, and psychological mysteries and thrillers. I found this cozy mystery to be a little too cozy (slower pace, low-angst) for my taste. I wanted more excitement and intrigue, but I recognize that is more of a personal reading preference and not a reflection of the book's quality within its genre of cozy mystery.
I had a hard to time keeping track of the vast number of characters, and didn't connect with the story. Again, I think character-driven stories are my personal preference and this book landed on the plot-driven side. The plot resolved and there were no questions left unanswered.
Although not the best fit for me personally, this is a well-written cozy mystery for those that love the genre!
Notes on Audiobook Narration: The female narrator did a good job with the different Scottish and British accents. However, since there were such a vast number of Scottish characters in this book, it was hard for me to remember and distinguish each one. I found the narrator's voices for the American characters to be grating, but they were distinct from the Scottish voices so it was obvious when the Americans were talking. The narrator's voice was a little too whispery/soft for my taste, but I tried not to let that influence my rating of the book.
Content Considerations: No profanity, sex, or romantic interactions. Appropriate for all ages.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. My review is my own opinion and is in no way influenced by the publisher or author.
Quick Plot Summary: Lady Poppy Proudfoot finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery when she is visiting a friend for a party. Poppy takes it upon herself to investigate the murder and assist police inspector MacKenzie. Poppy is joined by her adorable dog, Major, in interviewing the staff of the house to see if she can determine the killer's identity. To make matters worse, a bracelet is reported missing, and Poppy wonders if the two events could be linked. Will Poppy be able to solve the crime without putting herself in harm's way?
My Impressions: I found Poppy to be endearing and fun and a likable main female character, and the scenes with her dog Major were adorable. Although no romantic interactions happened in this book, the stage/tension was set between Poppy and Inspector MacKenzie for more romantic developments in subsequent books in the series.
I enjoy books set in the United Kingdom, historical mysteries, and psychological mysteries and thrillers. I found this cozy mystery to be a little too cozy (slower pace, low-angst) for my taste. I wanted more excitement and intrigue, but I recognize that is more of a personal reading preference and not a reflection of the book's quality within its genre of cozy mystery.
I had a hard to time keeping track of the vast number of characters, and didn't connect with the story. Again, I think character-driven stories are my personal preference and this book landed on the plot-driven side. The plot resolved and there were no questions left unanswered.
Although not the best fit for me personally, this is a well-written cozy mystery for those that love the genre!
Notes on Audiobook Narration: The female narrator did a good job with the different Scottish and British accents. However, since there were such a vast number of Scottish characters in this book, it was hard for me to remember and distinguish each one. I found the narrator's voices for the American characters to be grating, but they were distinct from the Scottish voices so it was obvious when the Americans were talking. The narrator's voice was a little too whispery/soft for my taste, but I tried not to let that influence my rating of the book.
Content Considerations: No profanity, sex, or romantic interactions. Appropriate for all ages.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. My review is my own opinion and is in no way influenced by the publisher or author.
May 4, 2025
Fun little book with a strong tie-in with the Scottish Ladies’ Detective Agency series.
Scotland, 1924: Lady Persephone ‘Poppy’ Proudfoot has journeyed to the Highlands with her maid and Labrador Major Lewis for a house party being held later in the week at the mansion of her new friend, Lady Constance Balfour. Along with Poppy, there’s a few other guests that are stayinHg the week, including a Hollywood director, his leading lady, and leading man (all looking to get some ‘atmosphere’) and Constance’s brother-in-law, Nick and his wife Morag. Things quickly go south when the next morning the footman rushes in, announcing there’s a body floating in the loch. Poppy, in part because of her law degree and in part because of the nursing she did during the Great War, soon realizes the man was murdered and that they needed to summon the police.
The police soon arrives in the form of Inspector MacKenzie; he and Poppy almost immediately start butting heads. But soon afterwards, Poppy gets a ‘case’ - Lady Constance has bill from a jewelry shop claiming her recently deceased husband bought a bracelet there a month or so before he died. But the bracelet is nowhere to be found - was it stolen or did her husband give it to another woman, perhaps the lovely blonde actress now staying with them who’s wearing a bracelet that matches the bracelet listed on the bill?
This was a nice beach read! I liked Lady Poppy, although I was curious why, as a widow, she was using her maiden name - which came up several times as people kept wanting to refer to her as ‘Miss’ instead of ‘Lady’. It got a bit annoying how often Poppy did something against the Inspector’s wishes, leaving the Balfour estate or asking people questions. But the characters were likable, and it feels like the series has lots of potential between Poppy, her maid Elspeth (who disapproves of Poppy’s asking questions) and the Inspector who may have more than a slight romantic interest in Poppy.
Recommended. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.Com which I voluntarily reviewed.
Scotland, 1924: Lady Persephone ‘Poppy’ Proudfoot has journeyed to the Highlands with her maid and Labrador Major Lewis for a house party being held later in the week at the mansion of her new friend, Lady Constance Balfour. Along with Poppy, there’s a few other guests that are stayinHg the week, including a Hollywood director, his leading lady, and leading man (all looking to get some ‘atmosphere’) and Constance’s brother-in-law, Nick and his wife Morag. Things quickly go south when the next morning the footman rushes in, announcing there’s a body floating in the loch. Poppy, in part because of her law degree and in part because of the nursing she did during the Great War, soon realizes the man was murdered and that they needed to summon the police.
The police soon arrives in the form of Inspector MacKenzie; he and Poppy almost immediately start butting heads. But soon afterwards, Poppy gets a ‘case’ - Lady Constance has bill from a jewelry shop claiming her recently deceased husband bought a bracelet there a month or so before he died. But the bracelet is nowhere to be found - was it stolen or did her husband give it to another woman, perhaps the lovely blonde actress now staying with them who’s wearing a bracelet that matches the bracelet listed on the bill?
This was a nice beach read! I liked Lady Poppy, although I was curious why, as a widow, she was using her maiden name - which came up several times as people kept wanting to refer to her as ‘Miss’ instead of ‘Lady’. It got a bit annoying how often Poppy did something against the Inspector’s wishes, leaving the Balfour estate or asking people questions. But the characters were likable, and it feels like the series has lots of potential between Poppy, her maid Elspeth (who disapproves of Poppy’s asking questions) and the Inspector who may have more than a slight romantic interest in Poppy.
Recommended. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.Com which I voluntarily reviewed.
May 9, 2025
What a great introduction to a new cozy series! I love the combination of history and mystery. The 1920s is such an interesting era, the way it is sandwiched in between two world wars. And, be still my heart, the Scottish setting adds even more of a thrill.
Nothing says summer fun like a Highlands house party complete with a dead body. And Lady Poppy just can’t keep out of the investigation, much to the consternation of a certain dour police Inspector. Great dynamics between these two and lots of tension which was fun.
Poppy’s penchant for keeping important evidence a secret from the Inspector irked me a bit though. It’s pretty standard cozy mystery fare, but I need there to be a good reason…or at least a plausible one…for the amateur sleuth to keep silent about important clues. Poppy is peeved because the Inspector wasn’t taking her seriously enough (at their first meeting, no less!) and so she holds back information which just made her seem childish and petty. Thankfully, she gets better at sharing as the story progresses.
One mystery morphs into two that may or may not be connected and Poppy’s in the thick of things all the way through. Great pacing and wonderful secondary characters kept me engaged right to the very end. Travers has a beautifully descriptive writing style and a knack for writing dialogue that zings which made this an easy book to breeze through.
This is the first in the Lady Poppy Proudfoot series, though it’s a wee bit of a spin off from the author’s previous Scottish Ladies Detective Agency series – at least the heroines from those books make some cameo appearances in this one. Not enough to confuse new to Lydia Travers readers (like me) but enough to tempt us to backtrack post haste to the earlier series.
I listened to the audio edition of ‘Death at the Highland Loch’ and really enjoyed Sarah Barron’s wonderful narration. She was great with the all the accents which really added to my listening pleasure.
My thanks to Bookouture Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.
Nothing says summer fun like a Highlands house party complete with a dead body. And Lady Poppy just can’t keep out of the investigation, much to the consternation of a certain dour police Inspector. Great dynamics between these two and lots of tension which was fun.
Poppy’s penchant for keeping important evidence a secret from the Inspector irked me a bit though. It’s pretty standard cozy mystery fare, but I need there to be a good reason…or at least a plausible one…for the amateur sleuth to keep silent about important clues. Poppy is peeved because the Inspector wasn’t taking her seriously enough (at their first meeting, no less!) and so she holds back information which just made her seem childish and petty. Thankfully, she gets better at sharing as the story progresses.
One mystery morphs into two that may or may not be connected and Poppy’s in the thick of things all the way through. Great pacing and wonderful secondary characters kept me engaged right to the very end. Travers has a beautifully descriptive writing style and a knack for writing dialogue that zings which made this an easy book to breeze through.
This is the first in the Lady Poppy Proudfoot series, though it’s a wee bit of a spin off from the author’s previous Scottish Ladies Detective Agency series – at least the heroines from those books make some cameo appearances in this one. Not enough to confuse new to Lydia Travers readers (like me) but enough to tempt us to backtrack post haste to the earlier series.
I listened to the audio edition of ‘Death at the Highland Loch’ and really enjoyed Sarah Barron’s wonderful narration. She was great with the all the accents which really added to my listening pleasure.
My thanks to Bookouture Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.
May 24, 2025
🎧 Audiobook Review: Death at the Highland Loch by Lydia Travers
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ✨(3.5 rounded to 3 stars) - a historical cozy that offers an escape to a charming time and place, lovable dogs 🐶, and a bold, budding detective
Thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy.
I was interested in this book for the Scottish country estate setting and the cover. This is the first book I've read by Lydia Travers, and she definitely delivered on atmosphere. From the very beginning, with the description of Poppy and Elspeth in the car on the way to a friend’s country house, I felt transported.
The author did a fantastic job painting a vivid setting, weaving in detailed descriptions and historical facts, especially about changing laws at the time, which added context and interest to the book. 📚 I enjoyed listening to the variety of Scottish accents too—the subtle differences and nuances really added authenticity and kept me entertained. 🇬🇧🐾
The mystery kept me guessing with plenty of suspects and motives, and I liked solving it alongside Poppy. She’s bold and funny, and the light romantic tension with the inspector was a nice, not-too-much touch. ❤️ Plus, the dogs! I loved how much they featured in the story. 🐕🐕
Narrator Sarah Barron did a solid job with the accents and voices, though I wasn’t a fan of the American accent. I was nervous I wouldn't enjoy the book because the voices for the American characters were a bit grating, but luckily, they didn't feature too heavily.
Overall, I enjoyed the immersive setting and characters, but I felt the book was a bit longer than it needed to be. With that said, I’d definitely be interested in reading the next book in the series to see how Poppy's detective ambitions unfold!
#DeathAtTheHighlandLoch #audiobook #ALC #ARC #historicalmystery #cozymystery #mystery #ScottishMystery #dogs #Bookouture #NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ✨(3.5 rounded to 3 stars) - a historical cozy that offers an escape to a charming time and place, lovable dogs 🐶, and a bold, budding detective
Thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy.
I was interested in this book for the Scottish country estate setting and the cover. This is the first book I've read by Lydia Travers, and she definitely delivered on atmosphere. From the very beginning, with the description of Poppy and Elspeth in the car on the way to a friend’s country house, I felt transported.
The author did a fantastic job painting a vivid setting, weaving in detailed descriptions and historical facts, especially about changing laws at the time, which added context and interest to the book. 📚 I enjoyed listening to the variety of Scottish accents too—the subtle differences and nuances really added authenticity and kept me entertained. 🇬🇧🐾
The mystery kept me guessing with plenty of suspects and motives, and I liked solving it alongside Poppy. She’s bold and funny, and the light romantic tension with the inspector was a nice, not-too-much touch. ❤️ Plus, the dogs! I loved how much they featured in the story. 🐕🐕
Narrator Sarah Barron did a solid job with the accents and voices, though I wasn’t a fan of the American accent. I was nervous I wouldn't enjoy the book because the voices for the American characters were a bit grating, but luckily, they didn't feature too heavily.
Overall, I enjoyed the immersive setting and characters, but I felt the book was a bit longer than it needed to be. With that said, I’d definitely be interested in reading the next book in the series to see how Poppy's detective ambitions unfold!
#DeathAtTheHighlandLoch #audiobook #ALC #ARC #historicalmystery #cozymystery #mystery #ScottishMystery #dogs #Bookouture #NetGalley
May 3, 2025
Lydia Travers is a new to me author and I was delighted to start this brand new series.
Set in 1920's Scotland, it follows lady Poppy Proudfoot and her dog Major as they find themselves embroiled in investigating events involving murder and missing jewellery.
Poppy is a young wealthy widow and excited to begin a new path in life. She is particularly interested in sleuthing and is inspired by the work of fellow female investigators.
A country house party is a classic setting for a cozy mystery and the Highlands hold a charming appeal and picturesque backdrop.
The story has an intriguing plot as it involves more than one murder and a secondary mystery of missing jewellery. The local inspector, grumpy but good looking, is initially dismissive of her attempts to steer the investigation but as time goes by he begins to tolerate and reluctantly take heed of her ideas.
I loved Poppy's role in finding out what happened to the missing jewellery. It showed her skills in interviewing people and following a lead with tenacity even if it did put her in danger. She also solved it without the help of a man.
Regarding the murder, there were plenty of red herrings and suspects with interesting backstories to weave through and again Poppy was always a step or two ahead of the inspector. I liked how their relationship slowly developed from aloof disinterest to light flirting by the end of the book and I'm looking forward to see their friendship grow as the series progresses.
There was quite a lot of drama at the end when all the pieces pulled together revealing the murderer providing an exciting and satisfying conclusion to Poppy's first case.
I found the story extremely easy to get caught up in with the excellently performed narration. There was a nice soft, barely there Scottish lilt to the narrator's voice which added to the charm and general feel of the story.
Set in 1920's Scotland, it follows lady Poppy Proudfoot and her dog Major as they find themselves embroiled in investigating events involving murder and missing jewellery.
Poppy is a young wealthy widow and excited to begin a new path in life. She is particularly interested in sleuthing and is inspired by the work of fellow female investigators.
A country house party is a classic setting for a cozy mystery and the Highlands hold a charming appeal and picturesque backdrop.
The story has an intriguing plot as it involves more than one murder and a secondary mystery of missing jewellery. The local inspector, grumpy but good looking, is initially dismissive of her attempts to steer the investigation but as time goes by he begins to tolerate and reluctantly take heed of her ideas.
I loved Poppy's role in finding out what happened to the missing jewellery. It showed her skills in interviewing people and following a lead with tenacity even if it did put her in danger. She also solved it without the help of a man.
Regarding the murder, there were plenty of red herrings and suspects with interesting backstories to weave through and again Poppy was always a step or two ahead of the inspector. I liked how their relationship slowly developed from aloof disinterest to light flirting by the end of the book and I'm looking forward to see their friendship grow as the series progresses.
There was quite a lot of drama at the end when all the pieces pulled together revealing the murderer providing an exciting and satisfying conclusion to Poppy's first case.
I found the story extremely easy to get caught up in with the excellently performed narration. There was a nice soft, barely there Scottish lilt to the narrator's voice which added to the charm and general feel of the story.
May 17, 2025
This was such a sweet cozy mystery. It was raining whilst I read it and it was the perfect cozy environment to consume the book.
This is book one in a new series for Lady Poppy Proudfoot. It does follow suit with many women led detective stories that take place in the UK but it’s like a dependable warm hug.
It is historical fiction with highlights from the early 1900’s but it does take some liberties especially with the “voice” that does sound much more modern than the date dictates.
I consumed the audio AlC and the narrator Sarah Barron did a fabulous job! What stood out was that she spoke in a lovely Scottish accented voice but it was very clear and comforting. I mention that as I know that many Americans struggle at times with Scottish accented voices but hers very very understandable even with speeding up the rate to 1.75x. The only struggle came in her stab at an American Accent. She tried her best but it does come off as awkward but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book.
I enjoyed the addition of her Labrador side kick and hope he continues in the subsequent books. Lastly, I did figure out the culprit rather easily. I usually do but in this case I think k most will be able to figure things out. However, it didn’t take away from the experience.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Bookouture Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
This is book one in a new series for Lady Poppy Proudfoot. It does follow suit with many women led detective stories that take place in the UK but it’s like a dependable warm hug.
It is historical fiction with highlights from the early 1900’s but it does take some liberties especially with the “voice” that does sound much more modern than the date dictates.
I consumed the audio AlC and the narrator Sarah Barron did a fabulous job! What stood out was that she spoke in a lovely Scottish accented voice but it was very clear and comforting. I mention that as I know that many Americans struggle at times with Scottish accented voices but hers very very understandable even with speeding up the rate to 1.75x. The only struggle came in her stab at an American Accent. She tried her best but it does come off as awkward but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book.
I enjoyed the addition of her Labrador side kick and hope he continues in the subsequent books. Lastly, I did figure out the culprit rather easily. I usually do but in this case I think k most will be able to figure things out. However, it didn’t take away from the experience.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Bookouture Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
June 1, 2025
Thank you to Bookouture and Lydia Travers for a #gifted copy of this book.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Scotland, Death at the Highland Loch follows Lady Poppy Proudfoot, a recent widow, as she attempts to find her footing after WWI. 🩷 When she travels to a friend’s estate in the Highlands with her loyal dog, Major, she stumbles upon a suspicious death, and her sleuthing instincts kick in. 😏
🔍 What did you love the most?
This cozy mystery was such a delight! With serious Agatha Christie vibes, it felt like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day. ☔ Poppy’s journey as an amateur detective was charming and believable, and I loved seeing her navigate the challenges of being an educated, independent woman in the 1920s. 😎
🔍 What to expect:
👀 Amateur detective with pluck
🐶 Lovable dog sidekick
🏞️ Scottish estate setting
🧳 Historical post-war backdrop
🔍 Do I need to read the series in order?
Nope! There are character cameos from Travers’ other series, but I had no problem following the plot or enjoying the story without prior context.
🔍 How was the romance?
There’s an innocent, sweet flirtation between Poppy and a fellow guest that adds just the right amount of charm without overpowering the mystery. 🥰 The banter was perfect for the tone of a cozy mystery.
🔍 Do you recommend this book?
Absolutely. If you enjoy light, clever whodunits with strong female leads and a charming setting, this one’s for you. It’s the perfect escape read!
🔍 Perfect for fans of:
📚 Agatha Christie
📚 Rhys Bowen
📚 Jessica Ellicott
🔍 Mood: 🧶 Wholesome | 🕵️ Curious | 🫖 Cozy
🔍 Read if you like:
🏴☠️ Mysteries in historical settings
🐾 Animal sidekicks
💐 Slow-burn character growth
🕯️ Low-stakes, comforting mysteries
Set against the stunning backdrop of Scotland, Death at the Highland Loch follows Lady Poppy Proudfoot, a recent widow, as she attempts to find her footing after WWI. 🩷 When she travels to a friend’s estate in the Highlands with her loyal dog, Major, she stumbles upon a suspicious death, and her sleuthing instincts kick in. 😏
🔍 What did you love the most?
This cozy mystery was such a delight! With serious Agatha Christie vibes, it felt like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day. ☔ Poppy’s journey as an amateur detective was charming and believable, and I loved seeing her navigate the challenges of being an educated, independent woman in the 1920s. 😎
🔍 What to expect:
👀 Amateur detective with pluck
🐶 Lovable dog sidekick
🏞️ Scottish estate setting
🧳 Historical post-war backdrop
🔍 Do I need to read the series in order?
Nope! There are character cameos from Travers’ other series, but I had no problem following the plot or enjoying the story without prior context.
🔍 How was the romance?
There’s an innocent, sweet flirtation between Poppy and a fellow guest that adds just the right amount of charm without overpowering the mystery. 🥰 The banter was perfect for the tone of a cozy mystery.
🔍 Do you recommend this book?
Absolutely. If you enjoy light, clever whodunits with strong female leads and a charming setting, this one’s for you. It’s the perfect escape read!
🔍 Perfect for fans of:
📚 Agatha Christie
📚 Rhys Bowen
📚 Jessica Ellicott
🔍 Mood: 🧶 Wholesome | 🕵️ Curious | 🫖 Cozy
🔍 Read if you like:
🏴☠️ Mysteries in historical settings
🐾 Animal sidekicks
💐 Slow-burn character growth
🕯️ Low-stakes, comforting mysteries
May 26, 2025
This has a nice flow and writing style, I feel like I was able to breeze right through it. I also liked Poppy. I think that Lydia did a masterful job of giving us a character that pushed the boundaries of the social conventions of her time, but held to some of the traditions so that it still FELT like a period piece. I can't quite recall exactly, but I feel like Poppy did or said something that was very posh, bordering on snooty, and it was unlikeable. And I think it's great to see authors not afraid to give the characters unlikable traits.
I thought the mystery was pretty good, but I do feel like there were themes of class that could have been explored a lot better. I also feel like there were a lot of odd motifs that weren't fully explored. Poppy questions the validity of nearly every clock or watch and the one time she forgets, Inspector McKenzie calls her on it. Are clocks so unreliable in Scotland? Everyone has a dog, nearly everyone anyway! I love dogs and I think dog characters can be useful plot devices. Freddy the footman has the job of walking Lady Balfour's dog, which puts him in play on various parts of the estate a footman otherwise wouldn't go. Great. But when it extends to then I think it comes across as contrived to the degree of being hokey. Whether or not Morag was on drugs, whether or not the American's new Lord Balfour, etc. I feel like these things were maybe set up as red herrings? When the novel ended, it ended abruptly without tying up any loose ends, which just find unsatisfying.
I thought the mystery was pretty good, but I do feel like there were themes of class that could have been explored a lot better. I also feel like there were a lot of odd motifs that weren't fully explored. Poppy questions the validity of nearly every clock or watch and the one time she forgets, Inspector McKenzie calls her on it. Are clocks so unreliable in Scotland? Everyone has a dog, nearly everyone anyway! I love dogs and I think dog characters can be useful plot devices. Freddy the footman has the job of walking Lady Balfour's dog, which puts him in play on various parts of the estate a footman otherwise wouldn't go. Great. But when it extends to then I think it comes across as contrived to the degree of being hokey. Whether or not Morag was on drugs, whether or not the American's new Lord Balfour, etc. I feel like these things were maybe set up as red herrings? When the novel ended, it ended abruptly without tying up any loose ends, which just find unsatisfying.
May 15, 2025
Death at the Highland Loch is a Historical Cozy Mystery set in the Scottish Highlands in the 1920s where a body is discovered during a house party on an estate by the loch. Lady Poppy Proudfoot takes it upon herself to assist the detective in solving the murder. Overall, I found this to be a very compelling and enjoyable start to a series. For me the highlight of the book was Lady Poppy herself. I found her a really entertaining main character. I also thought the conclusion of the mystery to be very satisfying. This is by no means the perfect murder mystery. I wish there had been more clues involved throughout. I also felt that some of the side characters played no real role and the story and felt a bit superfluous. Despite those flaws I had such a great time reading this book and am excited to continue the series.
I did want to write a quick note about how this is technically a continuation of Lydia Travers's first series, the Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency. I was not aware of this going in and I felt that you can definitely read this without reading her other series. Though characters from the previous series do make an appearance, none actually play a major role in the narrative of this story. I would take this with a grain of salt, however, as I have yet to read the original series and might have overlooked spoilers from that series that might become more apparent when I start that series.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC Audiobook of this book!
I did want to write a quick note about how this is technically a continuation of Lydia Travers's first series, the Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency. I was not aware of this going in and I felt that you can definitely read this without reading her other series. Though characters from the previous series do make an appearance, none actually play a major role in the narrative of this story. I would take this with a grain of salt, however, as I have yet to read the original series and might have overlooked spoilers from that series that might become more apparent when I start that series.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC Audiobook of this book!
May 21, 2025
In 1924, Scotland, a body washed up in a loch during a garden party. While some think it's an accident, Lady Poppy Proudfoot feels it was murder. Inspector MacKenzie dismisses the evidence, and there are too many possible suspects for a theft that also occurred. When a woman resembling Poppy is attacked, it seems that perhaps she wasn't so far off the mark after all.
This is the first book in the Lady Poppy Proudfoot series. She's a young widow who recently met the acquaintance of another widow and was invited to the party. With a background in law, nursing soldiers during the Great War, and insatiable curiosity, Poppy can't help but investigate. She's clever and determined, not taking no for an answer. In addition, she uses her title and lady's maid to ask questions of staff and shopkeepers that police would never get. She was fun to follow around the estate and village, and into Edinburgh. She has not only the murder to deal with, but a potential theft and the attack on her friend who had borrowed her coat. Poppy is realistic about some of her skills, a little inflated in others. Her kind heart and good nature meant people were generally willing to speak with her, getting her closer to the truth.
I enjoyed Poppy as a sleuth. She isn’t too proud to accept help from the Inspector or ignore all his warnings, and it was actually cute to see their interactions. The mutual frustration soon gave way to respect and interest, so it will be fun to see them together again in future volumes of the series.
This is the first book in the Lady Poppy Proudfoot series. She's a young widow who recently met the acquaintance of another widow and was invited to the party. With a background in law, nursing soldiers during the Great War, and insatiable curiosity, Poppy can't help but investigate. She's clever and determined, not taking no for an answer. In addition, she uses her title and lady's maid to ask questions of staff and shopkeepers that police would never get. She was fun to follow around the estate and village, and into Edinburgh. She has not only the murder to deal with, but a potential theft and the attack on her friend who had borrowed her coat. Poppy is realistic about some of her skills, a little inflated in others. Her kind heart and good nature meant people were generally willing to speak with her, getting her closer to the truth.
I enjoyed Poppy as a sleuth. She isn’t too proud to accept help from the Inspector or ignore all his warnings, and it was actually cute to see their interactions. The mutual frustration soon gave way to respect and interest, so it will be fun to see them together again in future volumes of the series.
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