This is a wonderful, endearing, and cosy murder mystery book, and I loved listening to the audiobook. The narrator, Sarah Barron is absolutely wonderful. For a story set in the Highlands of Scotland, it's fantastic to have a Scottish narrator as it aids the story wonderfully. Sarah has wonderful voices and accents that she uses for all the characters making the book a joy to listen to.

The story itself is fantastic, and kept me guessing right through to the end. I love the relationship between Poppy and Inspector MacKenzie. Poppy herself is a wonderful character, and I can't wait to listen/read more books in this series.

This was a fun start to a new cozy mystery series. It's set in the highlands of Scotland and as usual, the descriptions are gorgeous. Every book about Scotland makes me itch to visit. The mystery itself was decent. It's creative and not the usual path these mysteries take. It definitely kept me guessing for a while. I also loved the inclusion of Major, Poppy's dog. As a dog owner, it's always nice to see a dog in cozy mysteries as opposed to the usual cat.

Overall, this is a solid start to a new cozy mystery series, and I'll be looking forward to book two!

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio, for the audio ARC!

Death at the Highland Loch is the first book I've read by Lydia Travers. It is set in the Scottish Highlands in the 1920's, It feels like a historical cozy mystery. The narrator did a great job with the different accents and kept me engaged. It was a little bit predictable but quite predictable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the advance copy. All opinions are my own honest review.

What a fun read! This was my first book from this author and I look forward to the next installment in this series. I listened to the audiobook version. The pacing of the story kept me engaged and guessing the whole time. The cast of characters was large as this took place at a house party but not at all confusing to follow. I was all here for the Downton Abbey vibes, DOGS!, and the potential love interest. The banter between the FMC and MMC was great! He had so much patience for her antics! I can't wait to see their relationship play out in the future.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC audiobook. The opinions in this post are my own honest review.

Death at the Highland Loch is a delightful cozy mystery set in the Scottish HIghlands. I adored Poppy’s tenacious personality and her refusal to let Inspector MacKenzie’s disapproval of a lady’s assistance to impede her own investigations. I found the collection of characters to be a great blend of differences that added some depth and layers to the story. I loved the setting and found the addition of the Americans to be a special touch that took it outside the norm. I love that the story focuses on the mystery, stays clean, and has a subtle hit of romance for Poppy (the addition of all the dogs was quite fun as well). I am looking forward to more sleuthing escapades from Poppy and Inspector MacKenzie. I had the bonus privilege of listening to the audiobook version and enjoyed Sarah Barron’s narration.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

A historical cosy mystery that had me so excited to listen to as I live in the highlands. I really enjoyed the story, characters and the narration. The story came to life with the narrator and I really enjoyed listening to wing to every minute.

4.25

I have no excuse. I’ve never read or listened to “The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency” even though somebody physically gave me the book. In my defense, my kindle app and audiobooks are more friendly for ADHD and pain management and I haven’t read a physical book in years.

I was starting fresh with Lady Poppy and this first book launches a spinoff series. Who doesn’t love a historic mystery, especially set in Scotland? This has many of the hallmarks of a series in the genre and I never know whether to complain about the repetition—or even near clones—or celebrate the opportunity to feed my addiction.

In some respects, I found this refreshing because Poppy is wealthy. It seems like every other female sleuth in the 1920s and 30s has an aristocratic (or aristocratic adjacent) background but is now dirt poor. There are enough stresses about money these days that I prefer to focus on the murder.

This is a tangled web of a story and I thought it clever and I liked Poppy if for no other reason than she has a fantastic lab and appreciates him (and other dogs). Of course, Major Charlie (extra points for the awesome name) saves the day a time or two. Oh and Poppy having a law degree, even when women couldn’t practice law, was a great asset and very cool. That said, if she wasn’t a Lady and very attractive, she would not have gotten away with her brazen interference (even in comparison to other amateur sleuths).

In terms of the audiobook version, the narrator was good in most respects. The voice of the handsome inspector (among other male characters) was so deep and low that it drove me a little crazy. Lady Constance also sounded masculine and I had to stop and think every time I heard that voice which was contrary to the character. Overall, she did a good job on the various Scottish accents, including Poppy’s sophisticated mix of the King ‘s English and a Scottish lilt.

Otherwise, this mystery was clever and I’m sad that I have to wait for the next one. I would wait for several so that I could finally binge them, but I’m not that strong.

P.S. Apparently, neither Lydia Travers nor “The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency” are even recognized by Libby (which recognizes practically every author) and the books are only available through Kindle Unlimited or buying them or the audiobooks, thus the reason I have not read them. Maybe one day!

Thank you to Lydia Travers, NetGalley, and Bookouture/Bookouture Audio for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book and audiobook for my unbiased review.

#DeathattheHighlandLoch #NetGalley #bookreview #ADHDreader #lydiatravers #Scottishladydetective #Scotland #historicmystery

Death at the Highland Loch is the first book I've read by Lydia Travers. It is a fun cozy mystery set in the Scottish Highlands. I guess you could call it a historical cozy mystery, which I'm learning is something I really enjoy. The narrator did a great job with the different accents, which definitely helped me keep all the characters straight as I was listening. This was a fun, light read and a good introduction to the series. Some aspects were a bit predictable, but not any more than I would expect for a cozy mystery. I would probably give this 3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the advance copy. All opinions are my own honest review.

3.5 Stars
Lady Poppy Proudfoot is at a midsummer party/stay at Lady Constance Balfour’s house in the Scottish Highlands. There’s a varied collection of guests at the estate, an American film producer and an actress, as well as Lady Balfour’s brother and wife. When a body is discovered on the property several of the guests brush it off as an accident, but it soon becomes apparent that it’s murder.

Poppy decides she’d like to try and put her law degree to use and help solve the murder, much to the dismay of Detective McKenzie the man assigned to the case. Poppy’s also asked by Lady Balfour to discreetly track down a bracelet bought by her late husband that she’s unable to locate.

Death at the Highland Loch was a light cozy mystery with Poppy intent on solving both mysteries. She tries to be methodical in her approach, but it’s apparent she’s very green. I admired her determination and pluck, even if it stretched believability. Detective McKenzie humored Poppy’s attempts at detecting which I found a bit unrealistic, but it made for an entertaining way to see these two spark off of each other and lay the foundation for a potential romance.

I alternately listened to and read an audio and e-copy of Death at the Highland Loch. I thought Sarah Barron did well with the various accents, but she dragged out words making some of the characters sound a bit overly dramatic, IMO. Still, it was an enjoyable listen.

🎧 Audiobook Review: Death at the Highland Loch by Lydia Travers
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ✨(3.5 rounded to 3 stars) - a historical cozy that offers an escape to a charming time and place, lovable dogs 🐶, and a bold, budding detective
Thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy.

I was interested in this book for the Scottish country estate setting and the cover. This is the first book I've read by Lydia Travers, and she definitely delivered on atmosphere. From the very beginning, with the description of Poppy and Elspeth in the car on the way to a friend’s country house, I felt transported.

The author did a fantastic job painting a vivid setting, weaving in detailed descriptions and historical facts, especially about changing laws at the time, which added context and interest to the book. 📚 I enjoyed listening to the variety of Scottish accents too—the subtle differences and nuances really added authenticity and kept me entertained. 🇬🇧🐾

The mystery kept me guessing with plenty of suspects and motives, and I liked solving it alongside Poppy. She’s bold and funny, and the light romantic tension with the inspector was a nice, not-too-much touch. ❤️ Plus, the dogs! I loved how much they featured in the story. 🐕🐕

Narrator Sarah Barron did a solid job with the accents and voices, though I wasn’t a fan of the American accent. I was nervous I wouldn't enjoy the book because the voices for the American characters were a bit grating, but luckily, they didn't feature too heavily.

Overall, I enjoyed the immersive setting and characters, but I felt the book was a bit longer than it needed to be. With that said, I’d definitely be interested in reading the next book in the series to see how Poppy's detective ambitions unfold!

#DeathAtTheHighlandLoch #audiobook #ALC #ARC #historicalmystery #cozymystery #mystery #ScottishMystery #dogs #Bookouture #NetGalley

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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 is the brand new series from Lydia Travers. Poppy Proudfoot is a young widow in Scotland. She is visiting a friend when a dead body turns up. Then her friend Lady Constance is missing an expensive bracelet. Are the two events related? And this is all going on while actors from America are there. We get to meet Poppy’s friends, and her adorable dog Major.
Poppy’s journey as an amateur detective was charming and believable, and I loved seeing her navigate the challenges of being an educated, independent woman in the 1920s. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#DeathAtTheHighlandLoch #LydiaTravers #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInScotland #NewMystery #CozyMystery

This turned out to be fairly delightful.
It took a little while to get into the story - there were a lot of annoying people crammed in for seemingly no other reason than it’s a mystery and you need red herrings. The writing was a bit cliched and on the nose at times, especially at the start - the author was determined to illustrate that this was THE ROARING TWENTIES which got a little tiresome, but when the narrative took off it became more seamless. For a good deal of the story, I thought the mystery was pretty pedestrian, and that Lady Poppy was being unreasonably obtuse, but by the last third there were a lot of twists and turns and it ended in a way I wasn't expecting. Would read the next in the series.

As for the audio, though irksome at times, was mostly well done.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC

Book Review: Death at the Highland Loch by Lydia Travers

As a devoted fan of cozy mysteries, I thoroughly enjoyed Lydia Travers' Death at the Highland Loch. Set in the Scottish Highlands of 1924, the story introduces Lady Poppy Proudfoot, a spirited amateur sleuth who embarks on her first case during a midsummer gathering. When a body washes up beside the loch, Poppy, armed with her law degree and accompanied by her loyal Labrador, Major, is determined to uncover the truth, despite the local inspector's dismissive attitude.
Travers crafts an engaging mystery filled with intriguing characters and a vivid historical setting. The narrative balances suspense with lighthearted moments, making it a delightful read for fans of the genre. The audiobook version, narrated by Helen McAlpine, is particularly noteworthy; her performance brings the characters to life and enhances the overall experience.
Overall, Death at the Highland Loch is a charming addition to the cozy mystery genre. I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

Scotland, 1924: When Lady Poppy Proudfoot travels to the Highlands for a midsummer party, the last thing she and her fellow guests expect is for a body to wash up beside the loch.
Despite protests that it could have been an accident, Poppy is convinced it’s murder and decides to dust off her law degree and hunt for clues. But when the police arrive, the grumpy Inspector MacKenzie dismisses her evidence, insisting a crime scene is no place for a Lady. The nerve!

Another series from the clever pen of Lydia Travers featuring another feisty female, meet Lady Poppy Proudfoot! This book is the first of a new series as Poppy practices sleuthing - her secret desire to be a private investigator like her heroine Maude now Lady Farquahar. At a house party in the country a body is found and Poppy gets cracking. The narrator is brilliant and uses her talents to define the characters. I love this author, her descriptions of the Scottish countryside are vivid and her writing so humorous, I highly recommend either book or audiobook. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to listen to Death at the Highland Loch.

Death at the Highland Loch is a delightful and satisfying cozy mystery that truly hit the mark. I loved the charming setting, the clever pacing, and most of all, the sharp detective work by Poppy. She’s a fantastic lead—smart, determined, and easy to root for.

The mystery itself was well-plotted, with just the right amount of red herrings and twists to keep things interesting without feeling overcomplicated. One of the things I appreciated most was that it didn’t leave any loose ends—every question I had was answered, and the resolution felt earned and believable.

The story kept me engaged from start to finish, and the narration in the audiobook added an extra layer of charm that made it even more enjoyable. The setting, the characters, and the mystery all came together so well. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series and can’t wait to see what mystery Poppy solves next!

I don't usually love the first book in a new cozy mystery series (I often skip them), but this one was pretty enjoyable. I listened to the audiobook which I'm glad I did since it is set in Scotland and I can't ever get the Scottish burr right in my head.

I really liked the main character Lady Poppy Proudfoot. While she isn't exactly a trained private investigator, she is more professional than your typical amateur cozy mystery sleuth. She would like to be a true PI, and she has a law degree.

At first, I thought it was strange that there were so many young widows but then I remembered that it is 1924 and there were a lot of young widows at that time because of the Great War. I also kept thinking of Downton Abbey while listening to the story. It wasn't just the time period that gave me that vibe but also because there were American movie people staying at the Balfour estate (if you've seen the Downton Abbey movies then you know why I made the connection).

At first I thought the voices for the Americans were obnoxious but after a bit I think that was supposed to be the point. They were loud and used excessive slang.

If you like a little romance in your cozy mystery, I think there is a very good chance one will transpire between Poppy and the Inspector. I liked the Inspector - he doesn't immediately dismiss Poppy especially when she brings him information he didn't have. There interactions reminded me of Eleanor Swift and Instpecitor Hugh Sheldon except Poppy and Mackenzie don't butt heads nearly as much as those two did in the beginning.

This series is off to a very promising start, and though I don't really have room for another cozy mystery series, I will be very tempted to read the next book in the series.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Wednesday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2025/05/the-games-afoot-can-you-solve-these.html

I listened to the audible version of this book and enjoyed the narration and the story. I'm always looking for a new series and found this one enjoyable. Lady Poppy was widowed during the Great War and seems ready to re-engage with the world and move forward. While attending a house party hosted by a relative new acquaintance, a body is found in the loch and despite warnings not to get involved, she investigates and helps solve the case. Poppy and supporting characters were fun and I'm looking forward to book 2.

Death at The Highland Loch is a murder mystery that takes place in hte roaring 1920's. While Lady Poppy is attending a Midsomer party when a body is found washed up on the loch's shore. She is determined to use her detective skills to help crack the case, much to the inspector's dismay


What a lovely historyical-fiction mystery book, it was perfectly light and not intense. You will think you know who did it, just for the book to keep you guessing. I enjoyed that the ending was not predictable. I will definitely be reading more of Lydia Traver's books in the future!!

- Cozy Murder Mystery
- Whodunnit
- Historical Fiction

I listened to Death at The Highland Loch audiobook and I absolutely loved this version. Sarah Barron was an excellent narrator to tell this story. I enjoyed the way she brought the story to life. Her voice is very easy to listen to and understand, and she went at the perfect pace.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and __ for this ALC / ARC.

Excitement coursed through Lady Poppy Proudfoot’s veins as she set out on a trip to the Highlands in 1920s Scotland. A titled young lady with a law degree, Poppy was eager to enjoy herself at a party. However, her plans took an unexpected turn when a body was discovered at a loch.

Shocked by the discovery, Poppy is determined to uncover the truth. From the outset, Poppy was certain that the woman’s death was no accident. Despite the inspector on the case’s skepticism, Poppy decided to take matters into her own hands and solve the case.

But Poppy’s investigation didn’t end there. The party’s host’s valuable diamond bracelet had also gone missing, adding another layer of intrigue to the mystery. Poppy was determined to find both the bracelet and to discover what happened to the young woman, and wonders if both circumstances were somehow connected.

Ever since hearing about Maud McIntyre’s success as an investigator, Poppy had been inspired. Could she do the same? Determined to prove herself, Poppy took matters into her own hands. Before long, when a young woman was attacked, and she bore a striking resemblance to Poppy, so Poppy immediately wonders if she herself might have been the target. Now she just knew she was on the right track to solving these cases.

This cozy mystery series begins with a delightful and engaging read. Having enjoyed Lydia Travers’ previous cozy mystery series, I was delighted to see that this book retained the same flair. Poppy’s spunky personality and inquisitive nature were a joy to witness as she embarked on her investigative adventures. I eagerly anticipate her next escapade and look forward to sitting back and enjoying her pursuits.

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

Loved! This was a fun murder mystery. It had me on my toes the whole book with suspects. I love a good ole grumpy detective and bubbly amateur sleuth attraction too. I’m excited that this is going to be a series, I can’t wait for the next one.