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