A dead body and a missing sapphire pendant? Lady Poppy Proudfoot is on the case!
Scotland, 1924: When Lady Poppy Proudfoot is invited to her friend’s hotel on the Isle of Skye, she is looking forward to a holiday. But all thoughts of relaxing vanish when she discovers the body of a strangled woman in a church.
The police believe the widow’s death was a robbery gone wrong, as a pendant was stolen from the scene. But Poppy is sure it’s murder. Ignoring the police’s warnings to keep her nose out, she enlists her friend Inspector MacKenzie, and her loyal Labrador, Major, to unpick the case.
Poppy suspects one of the hotel’s guests knows more about the murder than they are willing to admit. Could it be Miss Buccleugh, the avid button collector? Or the travelling guru, who conveniently disappeared just after the murder? Or was it Mr Henderson, so desperate for money he was driven to murder?
When Poppy sees the victim’s sapphire pendant on the neck of another guest, she is convinced the killer is targeting widows in the hotel, and luring them in with jewellery. But to prove her theory, she will have to offer herself up as bait. It’s risky, but her only way of catching the killer… Can Poppy con a con-man, and make it out alive? Or will she be the next wealthy widow on the killer’s list?
An addictive and gripping whodunnit, this historical cozy crime novel is perfect for fans of the mysteries of Verity Bright, T.E. Kinsey, Helena Dixon and Catherine Coles.
Readers love Murder on a Scottish Island:
‘Beautiful… I was absolutely tearing through this amazing novel… Wonderful… I love how the mystery all came together at the end.’ (e)Book Nerd Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This cozy mystery was such a delight! With serious Agatha Christie vibes it felt like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day… This one kept me guessing until the end!’ diane.likes.to.read ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I love this series… Fantastic… Beautiful… Charming… I can wait for the next adventure!’ Book After Book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘So much fun!… Nail-biting… Kept me turning the pages way past my bedtime… A terrific sleuth, a gorgeous setting and plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing.’ Bookish Jottings
‘What a joy… Pour a cup of tea, pull up your coziest blanket, and get ready to be whisked away to the Scottish Highlands.’ Bookscoffeebrews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Loved… I felt as if I was on the Isle of Skye in the 1920s… Makes me want to curl up in a plush chair on a rainy Scottish day and get lost in the story.’ rachel.s.shelf ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘The best kind of cozy mystery!… Charming… Poppy and her team had my heart from the first book!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐
I thought this was a bit of a slowing moving story. Poppy seems to always be looking for a murder case. It’s a nice cosy little mystery which will keep you guessing to the end.
The reason I love this series is that it feeds on my Scottish obsession and it has a strong and independent heroine. I really loved the first book in the series, Death at the Highland Loch, and I have been looking forward to reading more adventures set in 1920s Scotland and featuring Lady Poppy Proudfoot and her loyal Labrador Major.
In Murder on a Scottish Island, Poppy and Major are going on holiday on the Isle of Skye and, despite her assurances to Inspector MacKenzie to stay away from murder investigations, she is yet again involved in one. Because, in spite of what the police believes, Poppy is convinced that the widow found strangled is not a simple case of a robbery gone wrong and that there is more to the story and, armed with her notebook, curiosity, and attention to detail, she has every intention to find out what it is.
Murder on a Scottish Island is another fantastic cozy mystery featuring a tenacious and clever heroine determined to discover the truth and a dog stealing the scene any chance he gets. The mystery is intriguing and well-paced, with a good number of suspects and suspense, and there are a few quirky characters that add humor to the novel. Add the beginning of a slow-burn romance between Poppy and Inspector MacKenzie and the atmospheric and beautiful Scottish setting with a charming hotel and a cast of unconventional guests full of secrets and you have an enthralling and entertaining cozy historical mystery. I can wait for the next adventure!
3.5 stars. I do enjoy a cosy historical mystery with a budding romance, so this one definitely delivers on those points. It was fairly obvious as to what was going on with the murder and mystery here, so it’s an easy read which is sometimes what you need! The only real reason I rounded down and not up, was partly the ease of the solving, and partly that Poppy goes off to the bothy without proper support, and the whole explanation she gives to the crowd at the end - it felt like it really should be the police leading and her maybe helping, instead of the Poppy show.
If you like light, cosy mysteries where you suspend a certain amount of disbelief over how much of a backseat the police are willing to take (offset by a budding romance), then this will be an enjoyable read, and I’m already looking forward to the next outing for Poppy and the Inspector.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
Book review: Lydia Travers’ Murder on a Scottish Island (Lady Poppy Proudfoot Book 2). Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
What a joy it is to be back with Lady Poppy Proudfoot. Lydia Travers has done it again—delivered a cozy historical mystery that wraps you in charm, mystery, and a bit of danger, all set against the atmospheric backdrop of 1920s Scotland. This time, Poppy is invited to spend a relaxing holiday at her friend’s hotel on the Isle of Skye. Naturally, with Poppy involved, the trip doesn’t stay quiet for long. Before the scones have cooled, she discovers a strangled widow in the village church and a priceless sapphire pendant has gone missing. It should be a simple matter—at least, that’s what the local police want to believe. But Poppy, ever observant and never content to leave a case unsolved, is convinced this was no simple robbery.
This series continues to be the perfect blend of classic mystery and light-hearted charm. Poppy is a character you can’t help but adore—she’s curious without being nosy, brave but not reckless, and always guided by a strong sense of justice (and impeccable manners). Major, her loyal Labrador, once again steals every scene he’s in. And the return of Inspector MacKenzie gives the story a grounding energy and a gentle tug of slow-burn chemistry that I hope keeps growing throughout the series.
The hotel itself is a character all its own. You can practically hear the creak of floorboards and feel the sea breeze brushing through the corridors. Travers paints the setting in warm, rich detail—from tea served in porcelain cups to fires crackling in stone hearths, every scene feels wrapped in cozy elegance. But there’s also an undercurrent of tension. This time, danger hides in plain sight among a cast of eccentric guests who each seem to be keeping secrets of their own.
From Miss Buccleugh, the uptight button collector, to the guru who vanishes just after the murder, each character brings their own unique quirks to the mystery. One moment I thought I had it all figured out, and then—just like that—Travers would toss in a new clue or an offhand remark that made me doubt everything. The pacing is spot on: fast enough to keep you engaged, but never rushed. I found myself savoring it, chapter by chapter, like a good pot of Earl Grey.
One quote that really stayed with me: “You can tell a great deal about a person by what they leave behind—and even more by what they try to take.” It captures the subtle intelligence of this book. It’s not flashy or overly dramatic; it’s clever and measured, with a strong moral heart and a sharp sense of humor.
As the mystery unfolds, Poppy begins to suspect that the murderer might be targeting wealthy widows, using jewelry as bait. And in true Poppy fashion, she doesn’t hesitate to put herself on the line to catch the culprit. That final act—where she sets a trap and offers herself as bait—is as tense as anything in a modern thriller, yet it stays completely in line with the cozy tone. No gore, no gratuitous drama, just smart storytelling and character-driven suspense.
What really makes this book shine is how it respects its reader. Travers doesn’t rely on tricks or outlandish twists. Instead, she builds a world so rich and characters so vivid that solving the mystery feels like spending time with old friends—albeit in slightly more dangerous circumstances. The emotional beats land softly but with meaning. There’s humor, but also moments of quiet reflection, especially when Poppy considers the loneliness of some of the widowed guests. It’s this emotional layering that elevates the story beyond just a puzzle to solve.
By the time I turned the final page, I felt that warm, contented feeling you only get from a truly satisfying cozy mystery. Everything was wrapped up, but not too neatly—just enough to make you hope another case is right around the corner. I’m already looking forward to whatever Lady Poppy and her little circle get tangled up in next.
If you’re a fan of historical mysteries with heart, strong female leads, adorable animal sidekicks, and just the right dash of danger, Murder on a Scottish Island is your next perfect read. Pour a cup of tea, pull up your coziest blanket, and get ready to be whisked away to the Scottish Highlands with a heroine who never backs down from a mystery—or a well-buttered scone.
Lydia Travers delivers another delightful cozy historical mystery with Murder on a Scottish Island, the second installment in the Lady Poppy Proudfoot series. Set in 1924 Scotland, this book has all the charm and intrigue you’d expect: a spirited amateur detective, a loyal dog, a dash of romance, and a murder to unravel.
Lady Poppy Proudfoot is back, eager to prove her sleuthing skills despite only having experience from the first book. When she discovers a murdered woman while on a holiday at a hotel on the Isle of Skye, she immediately begins investigating, much to the consternation of Inspector MacKenzie. Poppy’s energy and confidence—sometimes bordering on overzealous—drive the story forward, and her determination to solve the crime while navigating her growing attraction to the inspector adds a lively, if occasionally impatient, spark to the narrative.
Major, Poppy’s loyal Labrador, continues to be an absolute delight, adding humor and heart to the story. Her lady’s maid, Elspeth, provides a grounded counterpoint, gently keeping Poppy in check while offering moments of amusement. The supporting cast of hotel guests—ranging from a nosy widow to a gregarious salesman and a mysterious yogi—keeps readers guessing and adds depth to the cozy mystery atmosphere.
While the central whodunnit is somewhat predictable for seasoned mystery readers, the journey is highly enjoyable. Travers excels at crafting a richly atmospheric setting: the Scottish Isles come alive through her detailed descriptions of landscapes, local customs, and period-appropriate social interactions. The blend of historical context, humor, and intrigue makes the story feel both authentic and entertaining.
My only minor reservations are Poppy’s overly forward romantic interest in Inspector MacKenzie and her sometimes reckless approach to sleuthing. However, these quirks are part of her charm and do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment.
Overall, Murder on a Scottish Island is a fun, engaging read that cozy mystery fans—and anyone who enjoys spirited heroines, charming period settings, and clever plot twists—will adore. Travers has crafted a story that is both light-hearted and suspenseful, and I’m already eager for the next adventure in the Lady Poppy Proudfoot series.
Here we are with another Poppy Proudfoot mystery on our hands, and I’m pretty sure that at this point this series is bad for my health, or should I say my wallet.
Because as I’m reading this amazing series, I have to stop myself from booking the next flight to Scotland for a tour around the beautiful cities and landmarks that Poppy and her friends describe in the book. The author really puts you right in the middle of, in this book “the Highlands and Islands,” and I could almost see the beautiful scenery as I was absolutely tearing through this amazing novel.
This really has become one of my favorite cozy mystery series, as much for the mysteries themselves as for the wonderful cast of characters that dot each book. (Major Lewis remains a favorite, of course!) I find myself not only flipping pages trying to see how everything’s going to turn out, because the author drops hints carefully in order to raise the suspense to the maximum, but also to see what is going to happen between certain characters (cough cough!)
I love how the mystery all came together at the end, and how there were a few nice twists thrown in there to keep us on our toes.
And while this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone if you are thinking of just diving into the series starting with this one. But you will definitely want to read the first after completing it, just be warned. Oh, and like me, you’ll be feverishly waiting for the third in the series.
I can’t wait to see where Poppy is going to wind up next and what situation she is going to get herself tangled up in. And let’s just say, a certain inspector better be involved.
If you’re into cozy mysteries and being swept off to beautiful locations, pick up this series, you won’t regret it!
On the heels of solving her first murder case, our favorite female detective, Poppy Proudfoot, is off for holiday on the Isle of Skye. Warned by the grumpy Inspector MacKenzie to stay out of trouble, Poppy naturally finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation her first night away.
A young widow is found strangled, with her sapphire pendant and handbag missing. The local police believe it to be a robbery gone wrong. With rumors of a mysterious male companion, Poppy believes it to be of a more personal nature. Inspector MacKenzie is called, and “joins” Poppy in the investigation.
As the case heats up, Poppy realizes this widow may not be the only victim. And as a widow herself, is she being targeted? Can she and Inspector MacKenzie catch the killer before more innocent lives are lost?
Poppy Proudfoot has quickly become one of my favorite characters. I fell more in love with her throughout this book. She is tenaciously confident in her detective skills (never-mind that this is only her second case). The banter between she and Elspeth, her ladies maid, kept me laughing throughout the story. I loved seeing Inspector MacKenzie slowly loosen up and accept that Poppy might actually make a good detective. And I giggled at Poppy’s inner-dialogue over the very handsome and distracting Inspector.
I loved the historical aspect of the book, and you can tell Lydia Travers has researched extensively. I felt as if I was on the Isle of Skye in the 1920s. I love Travers’ humor with her characters and plot. While it is a murder mystery, it’s a cosy read that makes me want to curl up in a plush chair on a rainy Scottish day and get lost in the story. I can’t wait for the next adventure with Poppy!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC! All opinions are my own
I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy of Murder on a Scottish Island. All opinions and comments are my own.
Lady Persephone Proudfoot, Poppy to her nearest and dearest, finds herself involved in another deadly investigation in Murder on a Scottish Island, the second in an entertaining post-WWI series that brings together portrayal and plot to ensure a satisfying read for historical mystery fans.
There’s lots of lovely description in this one, as Poppy (and her outspoken maid Elspeth) embark upon their journey to the Isle of Skye, with a first stop in the village of Plockton, where from the get-go there’s news of a missing woman -- the body is conveniently found by Poppy and her nosy pooch. The local constabulary are of no help, of course, so Poppy does the next best thing -- she places a call to her favorite Scotland Yard Inspector. And the hunt is on for a killer, while the two of them -- Lady Poppy and “her” Inspector Mackenzie -- continue their little dance of romance. Author Lydia Travers does a very good job with both.
Murder on a Scottish Island is a fun, cozy story, with an eager Poppy showing to best advantage (well, maybe just a tad over the top) while Elspeth acts as her rather unenthusiastic Watson. There’s plenty of suspects, a lot of shady goings-on, and more than one murder to whet a reader’s appetite. The plot gets moved along nicely including the love affair, making it a definite comfort read for fans of the genre.
Lady Poppy Proudfoot is invited to her friend's hotel on the Isle of Skye. Her thoughts of a vacation evaporate when she discovers the body of a strangled woman in a church. While local police feel it's a robbery gone wrong, Poppy is sure it's murder. Enlisting her friend Inspector MacKenzie and her dog Major, she begins to investigate. She thinks it's someone targeting widows at the hotel, and plans to use herself as bait. Can she find the conman and make it out alive?
Intrepid Lady Poppy and her maid Elspeth are back. She's glad to visit Skye, since it's been a while since she's seen Catriona, but of course, she's always on the lookout for a mystery to solve. Finding the body en route with her dog Major, she has good observation skills and can deduce likely scenarios better than the initial constable on the scene. The local police don't want her help, but why would that stop her?
In this book, Elspeth gets in on the action in spite of herself, which was fun. Poppy's enthusiasm for investigating is catching, and the Inspector on holiday as well adds to the observations. They work well together, and the flirtatious banter is here as well. They take different tactics to question people, and there are many who don't mind speaking to Poppy, thinking she's no more than a titled woman on her own. In this case, the targets are widows who seem to have money. She goes through her suspects and finds the truth. The finale is dramatic and very much in keeping with her style. It's a great follow-up for this series, and I look forward to the next one.
Everyone enjoys a holiday, and that’s exactly what Lady Poppy Proudfoot is looking forward to. Her friend has invited her to visit her hotel on the Isle of Skye, and Poppy is accompanied by her loyal Labrador, Major. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she discovers the murdered body of a woman in a church.
As it is 1924, Poppy must adhere to strict social conventions, which can be a challenge at times. Despite her desire for a bit of respite, solving the murder becomes her top priority, even over her hopes of enjoying a holiday. Poppy is determined to uncover the identity of the murderer and their possible motive.
Poppy’s friendship with Inspector Mackenzie gives her hope for help, and she is also smitten with the charming Inspector. Her true goal is to become a private investigator, and this murder case presents her with the perfect opportunity to achieve that. While Poppy’s determination can be frustrating for the Inspector, she is relentless in her pursuit of justice.
As Poppy eliminates suspects one by one, it’s a thrilling and entertaining experience. However, digging deep into the case also brings its own set of challenges and dangers.
Enjoy this second book in the series, but don’t miss the first book, Death at the Highland Loch, where Poppy solves her first case.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Scotland, 1924: When Lady Poppy Proudfoot is invited to her friend’s hotel on the Isle of Skye, she is looking forward to a holiday. But all thoughts of relaxing vanish when she discovers the body of a strangled woman in an open air church. The police believe the widow’s death was a robbery gone wrong, as a pendant was stolen from the scene. But Poppy is sure it’s murder. Ignoring the police’s warnings to keep her nose out, she enlists her friend Inspector James MacKenzie, and her loyal Labrador, Major, to unpick the case. When Poppy sees the victim’s sapphire pendant on the neck of another guest, she is convinced the killer is targeting widows. The second outing for Poppy & a well written, engrossing cosy mystery with a hint of romance. I love Poppy who is intelligent, inquisitive & determined to solve the murder. I also love James who whilst amused by some of Poppy’s thoughts he also listens. I love the chemistry between them & how they work together. They have a small supporting cast of Elspeth, Poppy’s disapproving maid & Major who steals every scene. The pace was good, there were twists & turns as well as some red herrings. I did guess who one of the villains was but not the extent of the villainy. I also loved the descriptions of the fashions, the scenery & the villages & hotel – the author really brought them to life. I look forward to more in the series I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
I received a copy of this book from the publisher; all opinions in this review are my own. Murder on the Scottish Island is the second tale to feature Lady Poppy Proudfoot. After the events of the first book, Poppy is traveling to the Isle of Skye to visit her old friend Catriona who runs a hotel. After experiencing car trouble while in route, Poppy insists on traveling to Plockton to spend the night with only her maid. While staying at a local in, she becomes aware that one of the other guests is missing and volunteers to help search with the assistance of her dog, Major. Unfortunately, she and Major find the guest deceased from what is obviously not natural causes. Unimpressed with the local police, Poppy insists they bring in Inspector MacKenzie who happens to be traveling to the Isle of Skye as well for a walking trip with a cousin and friend and feels the need to ensure the lady gets justice. I really enjoyed the banter between Poppy and the inspector and watching their relationship continue to blossom. I also thought the mystery in this second story was more developed then the first with some nice twists and turns. We learn a little bit more about what makes Poppy tick and her relationship with her dead husband. I'm looking forward to additional titles in this series as I also appreciate the Scottish setting during the inter-war period as a change of pace from London.
Lady Poppy finds herself in the middle of another death and mystery to solve while traveling with her maid and Labrador, Major. While staying at a hotel, they meet a variety of interesting and suspicious people. When a death occurs, the local police do not take Poppy seriously and so she reaches out to Inspector MacKenzie to come help with the case. We get to see the romance between these two start to get a bit more serious in this book, with a few dinners out together. Coincidentally, they are both due to travel to the Isle of Skye along with some of the people they met, so the mystery continues.
Poppy cycles through being sure of who might be guilty of different crimes, as there is also a series of swindles by a man preying on widows that becomes intertwined. Poppy finds herself befriending a widow and wants to protect her and discover whether she is in danger. Several people in the story are not who they say they are, which creates for more confusion.
Throughout the story, Poppy and her maid battle over the expectations of a "Lady," which at times are quite amusing. It is nice to have someone who is providing some balance to Poppy when she is not with the Inspector.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy.
Lady Poppy Proudfoot is back for another Scottish adventure! Picking up shortly after #DeathattheHighlandLoch, this time, en route to the Isle of Skye, Poppy, aided by trusty Labrador Major Lewis, discovers the body of a woman missing from the hotel she is staying at.
Stalwart and long-suffering maid Elspeth is always striving to keep Poppy within the bounds of propriety with limited success, regularly reminding Poppy that she never quite lives up to the sterling character of Elspeth's former employer, Lady MacCorkindale.
And, Inspector MacKenzie is once again bestowed with Poppy's determined assistance. Who murdered the respectable, impoverished widow? Poppy's social standing helps the police gain access to details, despite the Inspector's fruitless efforts to dissuade her involvement. Her exuberance is infectious, and despite her confidence in her detecting abilities occasionally exceeding her skill, Poppy has a knack for crime-solving.
I was delighted to visit Poppy and friends again, reading #MurderonaScottishIsland back-to-back with the first book in the series. It was that fun, and I look forward to future adventures for the trio! Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an eARC!
I really love the first book in the series, so I was very excited to join Lady Poppy on another adventure! This second book finds Poppy dropped into another mystery when she and her dog, Major Lewis, find a fellow guest of the hotel strangled and robbed. When she’s not taken seriously by the local constabulary, Poppy calls in the delightful Inspector Mackenzie and they once again team up to solve the crime. The case is further complicated by another murder and claims of fraud.
I liked that this one brought the duo together in a natural way and it’s clear that they become closer through the books. I also enjoyed that Poppy’s lady’s maid, who bothered me in the first book, is much more relaxed and understanding in this one. I also really like that this series takes on darker themes than a typical cozy, giving the reader more nuance. The one downside was that the mystery was a bit jumbled and confusing with the various names and characters, but it did come together in the end.
All in all, I love this series even more than her Scottish Ladies’ Detective Agency one (there are definitely some Easter eggs from that series in this one). I can’t wait to add this to my shelf and read the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this early arc! All opinions are my own.
2 1/2 stars. Overall a fun historical mystery set in Scotland in the 1920s. Poppy, a woman who studied law but can't practice because she is a women, runs into a suspicious death on her way to the Isle of Skye. After a bit of investigation she is convinced that it is murder, not just a robbery gone wrong. Getting no where with the police, she continues on to Skye where she finds another widow who is being courted by a too smooth man. Is there a pattern here? Poppy, with the help of an Inspector MacKenzie, is determined to bring the killer to justice.
Poppy can be a bit annoying in her assertiveness when there isn't always proof for want she believes. I get that she is a woman who is very intelligent and hates the restrictions put on her by her sex but sometimes she is a bit condescending. She also acts very stupidly when she confronts the killer alone in an isolated place. I just hate that behavior.
The culprit I thought was a bit obvious but there were lots of twists and turns in the story. The location was beautiful. Overall, I was entertained and enjoyed the slowly blossoming romance between Inspector MacKenzie--who can hold his own against Poppy--and Poppy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Murder on a Scottish Island is the second in the Lady Poppy Proudfoot series. There are all the elements here: A plucky, female amateur detective, a fun pet dog, a dashing male detective and a murder mystery to solve. Poppy is very keen to try and solve the mystery herself and starts to track down clues straight away when she discovers a dead body. She does seem to see herself as a professional detective, even though her previous experience is only what she gained in the previous book and her ability to accidentally find murder victims. I enjoyed this, but at the same time, there were a few little niggles for me. Poppy is a little bit too keen and full of her abilities. I also found her continual lusting after the inspector a little bit much. I prefer a slow burn romance in a murder mystery series, but Poppy seems ready to rip both of their clothes off and dive on him at any minute. Major, the dog is fantastic though. This is a good, solid, second book and I will be keen to read the next one, despite my misgivings. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
I very much enjoyed Death at the Highland Loch (the first in this series), so I was keen to read Murder on a Scottish Island. I was not disappointed.
This book was so much fun to read. Poppy is a very determined and engaging character. I like the fact that she cares about the (potential) victims of crimes, as well as solving the mystery.
I found her relationship with Inspector MacKenzie fun and her frustration with the other police officers who don’t listen to her all too understandable. The only thing I found a little distracting, was quite how often Poppy was lusting after him. It was amusing to start with, but cropped up a little too often for my taste.
The setting is a beautiful one, and sets off the story well. I enjoyed the little bits of description that Lydia Travers has included. They don’t distract at all from the story, but definitely add to the atmosphere.
Overall, this was a fun and intriguing mystery, that kept me interested and amused the whole way through. I can’t wait to read about what Poppy gets up to next.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
What a charming and engaging cozy mystery set in 1924! The heroine, Lady Persephone Proudfoot, is quite a character—bold, confident, independent, proactive, and ahead of her time. Can't help admire a vivacious woman who knows what she wants and does not hesitate to go after it, social conventions notwithstanding. This is my first mystery by this author and I definitely enjoyed this mystery, both the historical elements as well as the intrigue of the whodunnit. I did figure out the culprit midway but the author threw in enough red herrings to keep the readers guessing. Overall, a fun read for fans of this genre. I thank Bookouture and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Poppy is at it again and she is so fun! Scotland, 1924, is the setting, and the circumstances are set up brilliantly for a creative mystery. Poppy is quite charismatic and finds herself in the epicenter of another murder mystery. Or rather, she inserts herself into the mystery. Either way, she is very good at finding out the clues and unobtrusively working the case, much to the consternation of a certain inspector. I enjoyed seeing the two of them get to know each other a little more in this story. Poppy’s maid and Labrador continue to be great side characters who add some fun elements as well. I look forward to their next adventure. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
I find this an entertaining cosy mystery set in Scotland in the 1920s. Lady Poppy Proudfoot epitomises an emancipated woman of the 1920s. Her penchant for stumbling upon murders and the cast of cosy style characters makes this an engaging read. It's a gently paced cosy mystery with touches of humour and romance. The setting and characters are well-described, and it's an immersive read. I enjoyed the characters, the connection between Poppy and MacKenzie, the banter between Poppy and Elspeth, the maid and Poppy's charismatic Labrador, Major Lewis. I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
When Lady Proudfoot gets involved, there is always an element of surprise in the works. Going to Skye for a vacation, Lady Poppy did not expect to find a woman strangled in church but that is what happened and she makes sure that the handsome Inspector Mackenzie gets involved in her investigation.
What transpires is not a straightforward robbery and murder but a scam aimed at vulnerable women, lonely and preferably well heeled with an idea of robbing them of their wealth. If things got too complicated murder was also on the cards.
Set in an isolated location, the story unravels and is a wonderful cozy read. Similar to Verity Bright this was an enjoyable read.
This was an enjoyable mystery. I enjoy the collaboration between Poppy and Inspector MacKenzie; they have the right chemistry to keep me wondering if and when something will happen between them but also I’m not sure if I want that as they are perfect as “partners” in their investigation. The mystery was intriguing and there were a lot of different things going on to keep this story moving, but there were still some slow parts that should have been cut out to keep the story flowing as they just bogged the story down. Looking forward to the next in the series.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
A quick and easy read in which Lady Poppy Proudfoot, on her way to visit friends, tries to solve the murder of a stranger she encounters along the way. The mystery itself is fairly easy to solve, but the setting and characters make the story worth reading. Lady Poppy is determined to be a good detective and show up Inspector Mackenzie, leading her to sometimes take unwise risks in pursuit of information. Poppy is never quite as smart as she thinks she is, but she is determined and enthusiastic. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC.
In 1924 Scotland, Lady Poppy Proudfoot’s holiday on Skye turns deadly when she discovers a murdered woman. Ignoring police warnings, Poppy investigates, suspecting one of the hotel guests. Will she be the next victim of a killer targeting wealthy widows?
This is a light-hearted story with an intriguing mystery. The character relationships are rather superficial. The ending is a bit of a romp—fun rather than believable.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Do you like cozy historical mysteries? Well I guess you will like this cute series. This is an excellent addition and I really enjoyed it. It took me a little longer to get into the story compared to the previous book but after a little while I didn't want to stop reading anymore. So I recommend the book(s) and I’m looking forward to find out what happens next to Lady Poppy and Co. I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Bookouture and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I like the author's writing in general but this one just didn't hit that spot.
I guessed what was happening and who was involved quite early in the book and with so many clues, it felt that both Poppy and the Inspector should have reached the conclusion sooner.
I am enjoying the budding working relationship and the probable romantic relationship between the two and I did enjoy the growth in Elspeth's character.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lydia Travers for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder on a Scottish Island coming out September 8, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I really love this author! This is a fun second book to the series. I definitely love the setting. Poppy is an intelligent and fun character. I loved it. I would definitely check out more books in this series!
1920s cozy murder set ion. Scottish island. This book met expectations and kept me guessing to the end. Despite being the second in the series I could pick it up and read as a stand alone. I will go back and read the first in the series though and will look forward to the next adventure with Lady Poppy and Major.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy to review.
Once again the story and mystery are amazing. I love this series. I love that Poppy and major are great together and I love seeing the Sargent back in this book. Poppy is so much fun to watch as she figures out the mystery and what happened. I can't wait for the next book.