Death in a Scottish Tower: A totally gripping and unputdownable historical cozy mystery set in the Scottish Highlands

Lady Poppy Proudfoot #3

by Lydia Travers

One body falling from a tower could be considered an accident, but two is definitely murder… And Lady Poppy Proudfoot is determined to find the culprit!

Scotland, 1924: When Lady Poppy Proudfoot is invited to Glasgow University to celebrate a scholarship she generously established, she’s excited to return to her old stomping grounds. But the delightful champagne reception is interrupted by screams when a body plunges from the tower to the ground below…

While everyone exclaims at the tragic death of the young student, Poppy is instantly suspicious. Just moments before the body fell, tutor Mary Christie told her a student died falling from the very same tower eighteen years ago. Convinced another death is no accident, Poppy and the distractingly handsome Inspector MacKenzie begin to investigate.

As they do, they discover the murderer left behind clues – a threatening note referring to the death eighteen years ago, and a replica of the previous victim’s dress. Could it be Malcolm Kennedy, the porter with a grudge against privileged students? Or Mrs Lorimer, the jealous wife of a professor, who has a deft hand with a needle and thread? Or perhaps Mary Christie, who told Poppy about the first death, and might know more than she’s letting on?

When another young female student is found dead, Poppy knows that time is running out. And when she receives an anonymous note, asking her to climb the tower at midnight, she is terrified of what she might find. Can Poppy unveil the murderer before she, too, plunges to her certain death?

A gripping and page-turning whodunnit, this historical cozy crime novel is perfect for fans of the mysteries of Helena Dixon, Verity Bright, T.E. Kinsey and Catherine Coles.

Readers love Death in a Scottish Tower:

‘Totally gripping and unputdownable… The ending completely blew me away. I raced through the pages as fast as I could… Brilliant.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Made me gasp out loud before I’d even settled into my favorite reading chair… I loved… Wonderful… Perfect.’ bookscoffeebrews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely worth picking up!… Loved this!!… A light-hearted, wonderful story!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What readers say about the Lady Poppy Proudfoot

‘I truly loved loved loved this book!!… I can’t wait for more!’ coffeeandfaebles, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I had to force myself to put the book down at times, I was so sucked into the plot.’ (e)Book Nerd Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I inhaled this amazing book over one weekend and resented everything that kept me away from it!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I just loved this book! I loved the story and the characters I just couldn&

Genres: Cozy, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2026

Reviews

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The Lady Poppy books are a nice addition to the post-World War I entitled female sleuth genre. She is in the Phryne Fisher mode with a little less lustful activity. Her humor, good nature, and intelligence are always on display and she is a fun main character with a knack for getting people to open up to her. The addition of hunky Inspector MacKenzie adds to the fun.

Lady Poppy is a rare graduate with a law degree at this time, and she sets up a scholarship for another deserving young woman. While at a related event, she is approached by someone from the college about a long ago death that might have been murder. When another similar death occurs, Poppy decides to find out what happened. As is often the case, Poppy is not always prudent about involving herself in dangerous situations as she is a very determined woman.

I thought the mystery plot elements were well done but when all is said and done, the motive remained a bit obscure. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia Travers’s Death in a Scottish Tower made me gasp out loud before I’d even settled into my favorite reading chair, and I mean that quite literally. Published by Bookouture, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.

There is something uniquely chaotic about a champagne reception turning into a crime scene in the span of a heartbeat. One moment Lady Poppy Proudfoot is being honored at Glasgow University for founding a scholarship, smiling politely beneath glittering chandeliers, and the next there are screams and a body lying far below the university tower. If that doesn’t yank you straight into a story, I don’t know what will.

This third installment in the Lady Poppy Proudfoot series feels richer and more layered than ever. The setting alone adds depth. Returning Poppy to her old university gives the mystery an intimate edge. These aren’t strangers in a remote manor house. These are professors, tutors, staff, and students navigating ambition, resentment, and reputation within the hallowed stone walls of academia. The past lingers here, especially when Poppy learns another young woman died from the very same tower eighteen years earlier.

What I loved most is how the mystery unfolds through character rather than spectacle. Poppy herself continues to be a joy. She is sharp without being showy, compassionate without being naïve. Her instinct that something isn’t right never feels forced. It feels earned. She notices small inconsistencies, listens closely, and refuses to let grief or social niceties shut down her questions. There’s a warmth to her that makes her easy to root for, but there’s steel there too.

Inspector MacKenzie is becoming one of my favorite parts of this series. He is steady where Poppy is impulsive, cautious where she is daring. Yet he never underestimates her. Their dynamic is subtle and delicious. It’s in the way he watches her carefully when danger edges too close, or how he listens when she voices a theory others might dismiss. The slow burn between them is handled with restraint, and that restraint makes it all the more satisfying. I am fully invested.

The supporting characters are wonderfully textured. Mary Christie, the tutor who reveals the earlier death, carries a quiet tension that made me question her motives at every turn. Malcolm Kennedy, the porter with an obvious grudge against privileged students, radiates frustration that feels both justified and suspicious. Mrs. Lorimer, polished and precise with her needlework, gives off that unsettling sense that she notices more than she says. Even the students feel distinct, their ambitions and insecurities shaping the atmosphere.

As clues begin to surface, from a threatening note to a replica of a long-dead girl’s dress, the story tightens its grip. I kept trying to solve it ahead of Poppy. I failed. More than once. Which, frankly, is exactly how I like my mysteries. There’s a line that lingered with me: “One body might be an accident. Two is a pattern.” That sense of pattern, of history repeating itself, creates a low hum of dread beneath the cozy surface.

When Poppy receives the anonymous note asking her to climb the tower at midnight, my heart actually sped up. I wanted to shake her and cheer for her at the same time. That’s the magic of this series. It balances comfort and tension beautifully.

★★★★★ 4.5 stars

If you adore historical cozy mysteries with intelligent heroines, layered suspects, and a romance that simmers rather than shouts, this book will feel like coming home. It’s perfect for readers who love clever puzzles, richly drawn characters, and a setting that feels alive with secrets.

Now tell me honestly, would you have climbed that tower at midnight… or would you have left the mystery unsolved?

#DeathinaScottishTower #LadyPoppyProudfoot #LydiaTravers #HistoricalMystery #CozyMystery #BookReview #NetGalley #ARCReview #MysteryBooks #ScottishFiction #Bookstagram #Whodunnit

[Tzia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eighteen years ago a young woman fell to her death from a bell tower at Glasgow University. While on campus to announce her new scholarship for a female student to study Law, history repeats itself and Lady Poppy Proudfoot gets drawn right into the middle of the investigation. She, her long-suffering maid Elspeth, and handsome Inspector James MacKenzie are on the case - but who's the culprit? And is the same person behind both incidents?

I had so much fun with this one, I really enjoyed stepping into the word of 1920s Glasgow. This is the 3rd in a series and while references are made to events from the previous books, you don't need any prior knowledge to get into this one. Lady Poppy is an adorable character, and I love that she doesn't do what so many female protagonists in cozy mysteries do - she doesn't throw herself into danger, she doesn't take an 'end justifies the means' mentality, and she doesn't pretend not to have feelings for her male counterpart (in fact, she very much encourages them - it's refreshing!). She does conduct proper investigations rather than being underfoot too, the story isn't one which could unfold without her.

The author does a good job of keeping the killer and the motive under wraps until the tail end of the book and unusually, rather than having several suspects who all have a strong motive, here we have several suspects with very unclear motives - so the reader has to work just as hard as the characters to piece things together. There is a good mix of character too, there is one you kind of want to be the killer because they're so unlikeable and another you actively don't want to be the killer because they're sympathetic.

There are a couple of holes, for instance there are a few times when Poppy realises he hasn't told the Inspector something she found out and then...still doesn't appear to tell him....and there were a couple of times when she seemed to make out-of-character poor decisions - but honestly that didn't dampen my enjoyment of this. Definitely one to pick up if you like your cozies, and I'm looking forward to book 4 already!

- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -

[M. K. French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Poppy Proudfoot is visiting Glasgow University to celebrate the scholarship endowment she set up when a body falls from the tower. She instantly suspects it's murder because there had been a similar death eighteen years before. As she and Inspector MacKenzie investigate, they find clues and echoes of the prior death. While there are suspects, the timetable accelerates after another body is found. Poppy soon gets a note telling her to be at the tower. Will she be the next victim?

Death in a Scottish Tower is the third Poppy Proudfoot novel. She's as irrepressibly cheerful and determined to investigate as ever, and a little clearer in her affections for Inspector MacKenzie now. She's observant and takes in the details that aren't offered up to the police: the notes written to the victims, a mockup of the dress that the victim eighteen years before had written, and the groups of young women who are looking at Mary Queen of Scots. Poppy has her notebook and methodically goes through her list of suspects and motives, revising it as she goes back to question the people on her list. The Inspector is well aware of her antics now; while he doesn't exactly approve, he doesn't try to scare her away from investigating as he used to. This also means that she discusses her thoughts with him and asks for his help, which gets her further and safer than she would have been otherwise.

I enjoyed reading this and raced through to find out how Poppy would help catch the killer. She flirts more with the Inspector, and he sometimes flirts back with her. While he maintains his professional stance, the two trade ideas as equals without the initial distance and suspicion he had in the first book. It's fun to see how the two of them connect and work together to track down the killer. This is a lovely third volume in the series of mysteries.

[Julie Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suspect I might have gotten more out of this book if I had read the earlier installments in the series. I still enjoyed it, but I definitely felt the gap of not fully knowing the characters’ backstories.

Lady Poppy Proudfoot is an educated young woman with a law degree from the University of Glasgow. When she returns to the university to celebrate a scholarship she has endowed, she finds herself drawn into a mystery involving a recent death (literally a woman falls from a tower and lands almost at Poppy's feet) and a long-buried cold case. The story centers on the question of how the deaths of women—nearly two decades apart—might be connected.

Unfortunately, I figured out the villain fairly early on, which took some of the suspense out of the mystery. Still, I appreciated the Scottish setting, and I’m always a sucker for mysteries set on university campuses. As someone with an undergraduate degree in history but not much background in Scottish history, I especially enjoyed learning about the Four Marys, which added an interesting historical thread.

There is also a continuing romantic storyline between Poppy and Inspector Mackenzie, though I didn’t feel particularly invested in that aspect of the plot.

Overall, this was a light, cozy, and quick read. I tend to enjoy a bit more 1920s atmosphere in historical mysteries, but readers who are already familiar with the series will likely appreciate revisiting these characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is 1920s Glasgow, and Lady Poppy Proudfoot is attending a gala to announce a new scholarship for a female student. The celebratory atmosphere shifts in an instant when a young woman falls to her death.

Quite naturally, Poppy intends to find out what happened. Imagine her surprise when she discovers that this exact scenario occurred nearly twenty years earlier. Not one to believe in coincidences, Poppy begins digging for answers. As before, she finds herself working alongside the charming Inspector James MacKenzie.

Like the previous two books in the series, this latest installment is a true delight. I felt immersed in the investigation as Poppy followed each lead with determination and intelligence. I especially enjoy the way she carries herself. She excels when it comes to asking the right questions, noticing the details that matter, and refusing to be dismissed. The historical elements add an extra layer of richness to the story, and I love that Poppy is a woman who fully knows her own mind.

This is absolutely a series I plan to continue. Beyond the compelling mysteries, I’m invested in Poppy herself, as I can easily imagine her growth, her instincts, and her independence. And, of course, I can’t help but be curious about what might develop between Poppy and Inspector MacKenzie. With its engaging blend of intrigue, atmosphere, and character, this series continues to charm, and I’m eager to see where it goes next.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Acantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a highly entertaining, engaging read.

While it was the first one in the series that I read, I didn't feel lost or left behind. The characters slotted easily into the world and everything made sense within a few pages. It helped that the book leapt pretty much straight into the action, Poppy visits her old university to fund a scholarship and lunch isn't even served before a body literally drops from the sky.

It was a fun mystery that delved ever so slightly into history, giving it that romantic historical slant that only Mary Queen of Scots can really offer, sprinkling her tragedy across the pages and echoing out into this book where tragedy after tragedy befalls Mary's of a new generation.

The wheels started to fall apart a little at the climax of this book. Poppy started acting out of character and making really silly choices, which stood out all the more because she had been so smart and savvy up until that point. It's a small enough thing, it didn't detract from the whole book but it did bring it down slightly for me.

Cool motive, still murder. Well different type of motive at least, something I've not read in a while. It was a lot of fun and I'm glad I got it, this was so much fun. Looking forward to book four and finding out what happens next, very entertaining.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Laur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death in a Scottish Tower by Lydia Travers, is a cozy historical mystery. that combines an 18-yr old Cold Case of a death unexplained, coupled with another victim's current death. Poppy (who has a law degree and graduated from this University, just happened to be present at the Glasgow University to celebrate a scholarship she herself generously established. A woman summons her to be able to have a word in private, but within minutes, a dead body of a girl lies on the grass. Now the real questions start... Are these Suicides? Accidents? Murder? The place and manner of death between the victims are much the same (but wait...there's another interesting similarity....

So then, is there an unknown dangerous killer out there? If so, is it related to the old Cold Case? And can we expect more deaths similar to these events to come?

The story features a handful of suspects, but not much in the way of solid or believable motives (not even the final reveal.) I felt in only a few parts of the story, it didn't quite make sense according to character or motive - either being confusing, or vague.

Overall, it was an interesting read and a good mystery to solve. It definitely classifies as a cozy whodunnit.
3.5 Stars

My thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in a Scottish Tower is the third book in the Lady Poppy Proudfoot mystery series. This time, Poppy finds herself with another dead body while visiting Glasgow University, where she has set up a scholarship for women. She quickly throws herself into investigating and assists the charming and handsome Inspector MacKenzie, whom she is quickly falling for.
I like the balance of murder, historical setting and romance in these books. It's obvious that eventually something is going to happen between Lady Poppy and her Inspector (who asks her to call him James), and I enjoy this element of the story as well as the mystery side.
I didn't think that this one was too hard to solve, and I got to the bottom of things before either Poppy or Inspector MacKenzie. That's half the fun with these kinds of reads, though. I much prefer those that I can at least try to solve.
I'm sure that we'll be back with Poppy and her handsome inspector before long, and I'll be interested to see what she has to solve next and if she manages to progress her romance with the inspector. I'm sure that anyone who enjoys a good murder mystery would enjoy Death in a Scottish Tower.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scotland, 1924: When Lady Poppy Proudfoot is invited to Glasgow University to celebrate a scholarship she generously established, she’s excited to return to her old stomping grounds. But the delightful champagne reception is interrupted by screams when a body plunges from the tower to the ground below. While everyone exclaims at the tragic death of the young student, Poppy is instantly suspicious. Just moments before the body fell, tutor Mary Christie told her a student died falling from the very same tower eighteen years ago. Convinced another death is no accident, Poppy and the distractingly handsome Inspector MacKenzie begin to investigate.

The third outing for Poppy & another thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery. I love Poppy, she’s impulsive, modern, intelligent & full of life & is a perfect foil for Inspector James MacKenzie, he’s upright, a bit dour & steady. The chemistry between them is a bit sizzling. I loved how Poppy & James gradually work out the links between the eighteen year old case & the present day one. There are a few suspects some I disliked & some I liked. There are of course twists, tuns, danger & mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Ashley Gillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! It’s filled with mystery, drama, a hint of humor a just a dash of romance - the perfect ingredients for a great cozy mystery!

With this being the third in the series, if you’ve read the others, as I have, you’re familiar with Poppy Proudfoot, but this book can certainly be read as a standalone, and won’t spoil the other two.

This one turns things up a notch by bringing in a past crime and adding in a bit of a historical mystery, which was very interesting. I was turning over everything in my head trying to figure out how it all came together. The author does a great job at creating a complex mystery with a bunch of twists and turns that kept our heroine and her loyal and handsome detective friend, Inspector Ian MacKenzie, moving throughout the story.

Speaking of Inspector MacKenzie, this book was so rife with romantic tension! Ahhh! So good! I was on pins and needles throughout waiting for the next move in their relationship. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

This is one of my favorite cozy series and I am excited to see where it goes from here. Poppy is such a fun heroine and hopefully she many more adventures ahead of her!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy of Death in a Scottish Tower. All opinions and comments are my own.

In between batting her eyes at Inspector MacKenzie, Lady Persephone AKA Polly Proudfoot manages to uncover the killer of not only a decades-old but also some modern-day murders. All in a day’s work for the daring, fashion-conscious lady “detective.” Author Lydia Travers once again has her characters well in hand, from Elspeth the maid to the young women scholars at the University of Glasgow who are at the heart of the mystery. And when you throw in references to Mary, Queen of Scots, well, attention must be paid.

There are secrets to be sniffed out, and suspects to be followed, one by one. The book moves along at a fairly lively pace, all while Polly is pursing the handsome inspector as well as a murderer who has no intention of being found. And even though the ending almost includes a “too stupid to live” moment, I’ll forgive Polly this time. Because things with the braw Inspector James MacKenzie are looking up, which, for fans of a historical mystery with a slow-building romance thrown in, is good.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poppy is at it again and I mean this in the best way possible. She is such a fun, lighthearted character that it is just a joy to read her sleuthing adventures. Know that the story is clean, cozy, humorous and no gory details. Just enough information is given to provide context to the situation. Scotland 1920 is the perfect setting for her character as it perfectly draws out antagonism to those steeped in culture and societal expectations. She’s not having it as she knows she is smart and able to contribute where a need is identified and does not allow others to put her off or dismiss her. I love her creative ways of not taking no for an answer or for always having a perfectly logical explanation for being where she is not supposed to be. She’s such a great balance for Inspector Mackenzie who is learning to appreciate that sometimes a woman’s touch is exactly what is needed. The slow emergence of a friendship between them is being set up perfectly for an eventual romance and I just love their interactions. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Emma Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

1924 - Poppy investigates a murder at Glasgow University while visiting her alma matter to set up a scholarship.

Really a 3.5 which is such a shame as mysteries in academic settings is one of my absolute catnip niche genres. I LOVED the plot about the four Marys, female History students who find themselves the target of threats and murder similar to a 18-year-old cold case. The mystery had enough Glasgow and 20s flavour to be historical (though it’s never enough for me) and I thought the investigation was so gripping.

What let me down so much was the romance between Poppy and the Inspector - I don’t know what she finds in him and it’s completely one-sided for 90% of the book - and the solution which was so obvious and disappointing. There’s barely any resolution and it was so rushed. Finding out who the culprit was was a non-event. I thought I’d missed a whole chunk of the book (this was a digital ARC so I don’t think so?)

This is a real shame because again, the mystery was great.

My endless thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve really loved the previous two books in the series so I was so excited to get the advanced copy of the latest Poppy Proudfoot mystery. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me as well as the others.

While Poppy’s inclusion in the latest case is believable as she was on hand at the university when the murder occurred, and I did enjoy the inclusion of the cold case, the mystery seemed to fall flat. The reasons for the murder being committed weren’t very strong or well explained, with minimal detail given. The ending also felt very rushed with none of the post mortem of the mystery you would expect.

However, the relationship between Poppy and Inspector Mackenzie was a delight and the steps forward were a big part of my enjoyment in this book. I’m hopeful that some of the rushed bits of the story will be worked out in the final edit and I will still eagerly wait for the next in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy! All opinions are entirely my own.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the previous books in this series, and Lydia Travers’ previous series, The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency, so I was thrilled to get my hands on Death in a Scottish Tower.

This time, Poppy is at Glasgow University for a commemoration ceremony, when she is consulted by a former student about an old mystery. Before she knows it, she’s tripping over bodies again.

I had a wonderful time reading this book. Poppy is as entertaining and full of determination as ever. I like her, she’s lighthearted, but also gets on with the job of solving the crime.

The mystery was an intriguing and slightly confusing one. I really had no idea of what was going on (in terms of motive) until right at the end. The quantity of deaths began to seem slightly excessive by the end.

As well as the mystery, I enjoyed seeing some progress in the relationship between Poppy and the inspector.

Overall, this was another entertaining and intriguing murder mystery. I can’t wait for the next one!

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in a Scottish Tower by Lydia Travers was a quick, satisfying read. The pacing kept me turning pages, and I genuinely found myself trying to piece together the clues before the big reveal. (I was wrong… more than once. Which is always a good sign in a mystery.)

What I loved most was the way the story weaves together present-day Marys with the history of Mary, Queen of Scots. The historical notes layered into the mystery added depth without slowing the plot. It felt cozy, but still clever.

Poppy was such a fun lead! Feisty, persistent, and not afraid to push when something didn’t sit right. She made the story feel lively and grounded at the same time. And the subtle spark brewing between Poppy and Inspector MacKenzie? I am officially invested. The tension was just enough to leave me rooting for more.

If you enjoy historical cozy mysteries with a touch of suspense and a slow-burn hint of romance, this one is absolutely worth picking up!

[Hana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast-paced, character-driven mystery that kept me guessing—and rooting—until the very end! 3.5 ⭐️

​I thoroughly enjoyed this read; the pacing was excellent, particularly in the final 40% where the tension ramped up so much I couldn't put it down. The standout element for me was the dynamic between Poppy and Inspector Mackenzie. Their conversations were a highlight, Poppy’s humor brought a wonderful lightness to the story, and watching them team up to crack the case was incredibly satisfying.

​While I managed to identify the culprit a bit earlier than the protagonists did, it didn't take away from my enjoyment. If anything, it shifted my focus to the "how" rather than the "who," making it even more engaging to watch the characters piece the clues together.

​If you’re a fan of the genre, I highly recommend picking this one up for the chemistry and the brisk plot.

​Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Beachcomber · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know I love a cosy historical mystery, with a potential love story thrown in… this is the third in the Lady Poppy Proudfoot series, very much in the same vein as the previous books if you’ve read and enjoyed those, although here we begin to see tentative steps towards a potential future romance between Poppy and the Inspector… I do hope this continues! ❤️

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cold case and a new suspicious death: accident or murder? Poppy is determined to find out. This third installment is just as strong as the previous books in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining historical murder mystery set in Scotland. The characters are wonderfully well developed, the storyline is engaging, and the suspense keeps you turning the pages. Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy via NetGalley/Bookouture and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Samantha Hatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a cozy mystery, but I solved it rather quickly and had to wait for the characters to catch up. It was like reading a Murder, She Wrote episode. I like the chemistry between Lady Poppy and the Inspector; in fact, it was my favorite part of the book. While it was a cute book, I had to push my way through since I already figured it out. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys slow Sunday afternoon mysteries, but it really wasn't for me.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this unique story in the Lady Poppy Proudfoot series, set at the heart of Scotland's academia. It showcases the prejudice against women and differing social classes whilst entertaining with a clever mystery and a likeable amateur sleuth. I invested in the characters and liked the dynamic between Poppy and Inspector MacKenzie. It has humour, mystery, poignancy and romance and is a good cosy mystery.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Barbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy historical mystery that weaves together a current murder and a past one. The characters and the setting were interesting and the storyline kept everything moving. Typical cozy mystery wrap up, but I enjoyed the book. I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, but didn't feel like I missed anything.

Thanks for the ARC NetGalley.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lydia Travers for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death in a Scottish Tower coming out March 19, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This author is one of my favorites! I love cozy Scottish mysteries. The mystery was super fun. I love the Highlands. I’m definitely excited about more books in this series!

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great mystery novel in the vein of Agatha Christie but with modern sensibilities. I absolutely loved this book and the characters. I always love when a mystery novel gives enough clues that you can make an educated guesses to solve the mystery and this one delivers. This is a slam dunk 5 of 5 stars.

[Tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great book. I really loved the mystery and the growing relationship between Poppy and the inspector.

The only thing I wish would have been better was that both characters should have taken better care when they thought someone's life was in danger.

[Cathie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Has some great humor. Poppy is in her usual form. Her relationship with the Inspector is growing. Plot and storyline were fun. I love Major. He definitely has some humor to add to the story. Some good suspense. Highly recommend.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

We need books whose characters have names like "Lady Poppy Proudfoot" now more than ever.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the latest installment in this series. Poppy is once again embroiled in a murder mystery. She’s like a murder mystery magnet. Things are definitely heating up with her Inspector too.