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.

It’s always a pleasure to catch up with one of Lydia Travers’ books. I was really looking forward to catching up with book two in the Poppy Proudfoot series. These books always bring so much joy and life to the post World War One period, and this book didn’t disappoint. The small details that are included about fashion and a woman’s position in society make for an enjoyable read. Poppy, or should I say Lady Proudfoot is a great character.

I especially like her rapport with her maid, who is fast becoming her sidekick, and her relationship with the inspector as a storyline is progressing along nicely. Now, onto the plot – the book started off really well – I was immediately hooked into the murder mystery. For a while, Poppy seemed to be struggling to pick up on clues – yes, she is only at the beginning of her sleuthing career, so I forgave her for that.

By the midpoint of the story, I had worked it all out, and whilst it was great to see those red-herrings, they didn’t quite distract me from my initial deductions. I would have liked a few more twists and surprises along the way. However, Poppy did work it all out in the end, and the ending really built up my anticipation for catching the culprits. I also like the way the book left things, which leads nicely into more about Poppy’s personal story in the next book.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lady Persephone Proudfoot has found herself in the middle of another mystery in the second installment of the Lady Poppy Proudfoot series. While traveling through the Scottish Isles with her lady’s maid, Elspeth, Poppy and her loyal dog Major stumble upon the body of a strangled woman. Unable to quell her curiosity despite warnings from Inspector MacKenzie to keep out of trouble, Poppy begins to ingratiate herself to the guests at her hotel in the hopes of finding the killer. With a handful of clues about the deceased’s missing pendant and purse, Poppy continues her journey to the Isle of Skye. Once there, she finds that the mystery has followed her. Poppy encounters a nosy widow, a lonely spinster, a pushy finance man, a gregarious traveling salesman, and a supposedly-serene yogi as she seeks justice. When another dead body is discovered, will Poppy and Inspector MacKenzie be able to untangle all the tales they’ve heard and discover the culprit?

I love a good cozy mystery series, and this one fits the bill! Miss Travers has created endearing characters in Lady Poppy, Inspector MacKenzie, and Elspeth. The people our protagonists encounter along the way are varied and interesting, and the humor interspersed throughout kept me grinning. I also enjoyed the references to Miss Travers’s other cozy Scottish mystery series, The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency (which is also a great series to read!). The author always includes historical facts about Scotland and local language.

Killers and kilts abound in this entertaining book!

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.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All words and thoughts are my own.

When I saw Lydia Travers had a new book out, I just had to request this. I've read The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency and loved it! This book is the second in a new series featuring Lady Persephone Proudfoot but set in the same universe as TSLDA (there are references to it in this book!). I love when authors do wider world building like this, it adds to the experience of the series.

Murder on a Scottish Island is set in the Isle of Skye where Lady Persephone, on the way to visit a friend who owns a hotel there, finds (literally) a dead body, that of a strangled woman. Lady Persephone wouldn't be Lady Persephone if she didn't take it upon herself to investigate the death of the woman and the circumstances that led to her death assisted by Inspector McKenzie of the police force (Scotland Yard?)

The mystery itself in this book was fairly humdrum. There is a twist as such towards the end but if you're a keen mystery reader like me you'd have spotted that twist coming a mile off. It's fairly obvious whodunnit from the beginning and what the murderer's game is, so in that sense there is no true 'mystery' to investigate. What we witness is Lady P's process in investigating the crime and drawing closer and closer to the conclusion of who the murderer is, which is still an enjoyable romp.

What I loved about this book was just how atmospheric this book is. Either the author has done extensive research for these books or is a true native Scot, or she's both, because the descriptions of the landscape, the people, Scottish mannerisms, language, rituals, customs etc. are extremely well detailed. Having never been to Scotland, this was such a great insight into Scotland (advertisement for Scottish tourism, I guess?). Either way, I truly enjoyed the scene setting this book did in championing Scotland.

This is perhaps a bit prudish but one thing I personally didn't enjoy was the detailed descriptions of the sexual attraction Lady P had for Inspector McKenzie. It's almost a rite of passage for these historical mystery series to have the FMC fall in love with the police inspector and later marry them. However, in my opinion when I read a historical cozy mystery it's a bit jarring to have characters living in a certain decade (in this instance the 1920s) to be so open about their attraction to someone because that's just not how someone who lived in that time would have behaved. However, this is a minor issue I had with what was, overall, a very enjoyable read.

4 stars/5

Thank you to Net Galley, the publisher, and Lydia Travers for letting me read the book early. I have been enjoying the series. Lovely covers too! Looking forward to book three :) my review is in the link below and on my blog at ShellieLovesBooks.com

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.

I enjoyed the first book and I did enjoy this one. They are a fun, quick and super easy read. At times it's odd to see Poppy pretty much running the investigation instead of the detective. If your in the mood for a light read that's a historical mystery this is it.

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 story is very gripping and wow the ending is a big surprise. I thoroughly recommend this book, another thrilling read by this talented author

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.