I love Poppy Denby and Fiona Veitch-Smith mysteries which are well plotted and intriguing. There's an interesting, well researched historical background and a spiritual evolution of Poppy and her choices.
This is the first in the series: well plotted, solid, highly entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Poppy Denby arrives in London in 1920 with a dream of making her own way in life. She's been invited by her former suffragette, wheelchair-bound Aunt Dot to be Dot's companion. But, Aunt Dot disabuses her of the idea, saying this was a ploy to get the smart young woman away from her home and traditional parents so she could forge a bright, interesting path in London, rather than tend to Dot. Aunt Dot lives with Grace Wilson, also a former suffragette and now accountant. They're both supportive of Poppy, who decides she wants to be a reporter.

After a short interview with the unconventional editor at the Daily Globe, Rollo Rolandson, she's hired on as his editorial assistant, which at first means cleaning up his office. But, with the sudden death of political editor Bert Isaacs, Poppy is put on to the story he was investigating, which entailed determining what had happened to Elizabeth Dorchester, also a former suffragette and colleague of her Aunt Dot and Grace. Bert's story had the potential to implicate people outspoken against the suffragettes in the past, and who now hold influential positions, so there's some question whether Bert's death was due to natural causes.

We find out Elizabeth has been confined for years at an asylum, and neither her industrialist-politician father, Lord Melvyn Dorchester, nor her arrogant brother, Viscount Alfie Dorchester, are eager to see her release. Melvyn is looking to invest in Marie Curie's work, and word of Elizabeth's situation, and his actions against suffragettes could quickly sour the deal with the scientist, who is keen on the rights of women.

Poppy also makes the acquaintance of the captivating actor Delilah Marconi, whose mother was also a suffragette, and colleague of Elizabeth, Dot and Grace, but whose death in 1910 was deemed a suicide.

Poppy is a naïve, earnest and forthright woman. She quickly realizes that though Dot brought her to London under false pretenses, she has a tremendous opportunity, which she grabs with both hands.

Rollo sees that Poppy has potential, and soon finds she also has good instincts. One of the newspaper photographers, Daniel Rokeby, sees the same, but also is attracted to the young woman, as she is to him. Interestingly, Rokeby also served with Alfie Dorchester during the recent war, and has no respect for the bullying, privileged and cowardly man.

Poppy investigates, and soon begins building a case of domestic abuse, political and police interference, wrongful incarceration, and a secret about a particular wartime action.

Though the pacing is a little slow, I loved all the historical details of this post-war period, as well as the differing political views of the characters. Poppy, though quite sheltered at the beginning, gains an education over the course of her investigation, and a more realistic assessment about the people she's met in London.

I liked this first Poppy Denby mystery, and look forward to reading more of her adventures.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Bonnier Books UK for this ARC in exchange for my review.

**3.5-stars**

I really enjoyed A Front-Page Murder, which is the first installment of the Poppy Denby Investigates series. I felt like in comparison to other Cozy Mysteries I've read lately, it's quite simplistic, but there's nothing wrong with keeping it simple and I mean that. I had mistakenly believed this was the start to a new series, but it's actually an older series being rereleased. Luckily, since it takes place in a historical time period, it didn't feel dated, as it may have with a more modern backdrop.

This is set in 1920s-London and follows an aspiring female reporter, Poppy Denby. At the start, Poppy is moving to London from her quiet Northern town to live with her Aunt Dot, a once successful former stage actress. At 22-years old, this is the first time Poppy has forged out on her own, away from her parents. She's excited, but also a little nervous about starting her new life.

Poppy isn't afraid to go after what she wants though, and the ambitious young woman quickly lands a job with the Daily Globe as an Editorial Assistant. On her first day, one of the Globe's veteran reporter, Bert Isaacs, falls from a balcony within their office building, plunging to his death. This occurs moments after he's received a mysterious note related to his current project.

Isaacs was looking into the death of a local suffragette some 7-years earlier. Due to her Aunt's ties to that movement, Poppy is assigned to help complete the article. As Poppy begins to investigate, she is thrust headfirst into a dangerous world she never expected to end up in. The more she learns, the deeper she wants to dig. There's a lot to uncover, involving a lot of powerful people, who grow wise quickly to Poppy's lurking about. The public, and the innocent people involved, have the right to know the truth, and Poppy is determined to get to the bottom of it; to expose the bad actors involved. Justice has just gained a new ally.

As mentioned above, I did enjoy this one quite a bit. Though simple, I did find it compelling enough and I really enjoyed Poppy as a main character. I liked that this was her first time out on her own. She had a lot to learn, but grew so much more over the course of the story. Though she started out a bit unsure and self-conscious, by the conclusion she's a confident young lady with the world as her oyster.

I would be interested in continuing on with this series. I feel like this has the potential to make me quite attached to these characters. Poppy does have a love interest and I would like to see how that turns out as well.

Thank you to the publisher, Embla Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I hope the rest of the series is rereleased with this style of cover. It's perfectly-fitting for this story and I can't wait to pick the rest up!

Poppy Denby is a bright young woman who dreams of being a journalist in 1920. Women may have the vote but there is hardly equality so when she gets handed the opportunity to go after a big story, she jumps in with both feet. She is going to require all the pluck and cunning when she goes up against a powerful misogynistic peer and his toady son who are as determined to kill the story as Poppy is to bring it press along with the many of misuses and abuses of power in which they play a part. They relentlessly pursue her using all means at their disposal. Poppy refuses to give up and gets not only the story she sought but several other juicy scandals.

But there is a cost to pay for truth and justice. It is going to take some unexpected victims, some of whom are close to home for Poppy. The story clips along at a good pace as she surmounts one challenge after another. It makes for an enjoyable read. Five purrs and two paws up.

This was a fun cozy mystery that had enough action to keep the story moving. I was able to make a good guess on the murderer and ended up being right but there were enough mis-directions to keep me guessing. The characters were fun and made the story interesting. I understand this is a reprint of a book that was published several years ago and there are others in the series, I'm not sure if I will read more but I did enjoy this one.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This historical fiction cozy was very enjoyable. I loved that the author included some real people from history alongside the fictional characters. I also appreciated the details about women's rights and the inclusion of LGBTQ characters. The historical setting details were fun and never jarringly inaccurate as is the case in some other books (I'm never a stickler for complete historical accuracy but my reading experience can be disrupted when there's a major, unintentional anachronism).

I love that Poppy is given the chance to work on a story and prove herself even as she works through barriers to do so. I recommend this cozy if you want a fun, 1920s-inspired mystery! :)

(A big thank you to NetGalley for supplying a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!)

Poppy Denby comes to London from the countryside and gets a job at a newspaper in 1920 in Fiona Veitch Smith's Front Page Murder Poppy falls over a story about a woman locked in an asylum because her father hated her involvement in the suffragette movement. Poppy starts to investigate and falls afoul of the woman's father Lord Dorchester and his dastardly son Lord Alfie. Shenanigans follow as Poppy is run down on the street. There is a corrupt cop and a dirty deal the Dorchester with Madame Curie's institute. Read and get the feel for the period. Great historical mystery.

This NEW cozy mystery series was full of complex characters and an action-filled plot. I especially loved Poppy’s character and her tenacity to figure out all the connections. I enjoyed her love interest with the photographer Dan Rokeby. I am interested to see where their relationship goes. This book is perfect for Agatha Christie fans! I can’t wait to see what mischief Poppy gets into next!

Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Poppy Denby is a character to keep reading again and again! She is curious, resourceful and charming.

This book is the first of the series starring Poppy Denby and her cast of family and friends and I intend to keep up to date with the series.
The series is set in 1920 among the post-war London, soldiers who have returned home looking for work, women who suddenly find themselves out of the work they have been doing and, pioneering suffragettes still fighting for some form of recognition or equality.

Poppy throws herself into the deep end and battles with corrupt police officers, war criminals, murder and the perils of too much champagne! I really liked Poppy, who has a heart of gold but a courageous one at that. She is compassionate and hard working and brings out the best in some people and the worst in others.

I enjoyed learning about what the Suffragettes had to go through and that slice of history was refreshing. There were loads of twists and turns and I enjoyed the chase very much.

Thanks to Netgalley, Bonnier Books UK and Fiona Veitch Smith, for, between them I got to read a stellar book and get invested in a great new series. All opinions given are my own.

Fiona you are my new favorite cozy mystery writer!!! Poppy is a true 1920s woman! A mixture of an adventurous heart and a sweetness that keeps the reader interested! I am a cozy mystery fanatic and for me finding a book especially in the 1920s has my attention immediately! 🧁

We follow Poppy who is sent to be a companion to her Aunt Dot! First off I really love Dot!! Her feistiness and fierce love will definitely be me when I'm older LOL she convinces Poppy to go get a job as times are changing for women and they deserve to be their own person! 📰

Poppy get yourself a job in a newspaper and meets incredibly interesting characters! She's tasked with an investigative adventure along the way and wants to find out who killed a senior editor? Was he on to the truth about a death about a suffragette a while back? Are there sinister forces that will stop anyone trying to scoop the truth? 🍩

She has a love interest who I want for myself LOL this mystery book has everything! Romance, historical intrigue, and most of all finding your own voice! Poppy is brave and the biggest sweetheart from the word go!! 🌹 I hope this series keeps continuing I will collect it in paperback and hardback!

Bravo!! 🎆

This is a little different to her past books. It was an interesting read but with lots of information which I find too much in a read. I enjoyed the christian content expect for the possible guy couple which spoils the whole story. I’m not sure if I will read anymore of this series. I preferred the earlier series. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

A Front-Page Murder by Fiona Veitch Smith is a Poppy Denby story, in fact, it looks like it has been republished under a new name and is, indeed, the first of the series. Poppy is an intrepid newspaper reporter who was born with a gift. This story gets very personal as it involves her aunt and her aunt’s companion, both famous suffragettes, until Poppy’s aunt, the famous actress, Dorothy Denby, was wounded in a protest and lost the use of her legs. That has stopped some aspects of her life but not all and she doesn’t hesitate to spirit Poppy away from her conservative parents and encourage her to get a job and make a life for herself. But, that also didn’t keep her from believing that her old friend’s daughter had deserved to be locked in a mental institution for seven years without looking any further.

Poppy got a job as an editorial assistant, which really meant glorified clerk, but she fell into it at a time when things were popping and she got sent out to cover a story. She also met a man, a news photographer, who she was wildly attracted to until she discovered he was married. She’s a fabulous character; the whole thing takes place in the early 1920s so there is plenty going one and Poppy wants to see it all. It turns out she was meant to be a reporter and despite knowing nothing, becomes a terrific one in a very short period of time. Also an intrepid question-asker, she manages to solve a couple of crimes along the way. It is a terrific book, with things happening that, thankfully, no longer happen. I can’t think of a better read than Poppy Denby.

I was invited by Bonnier Books UK. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BonnierBooksUK #FionaVeitchSmith #PoppyDenby #AFrontPageMurder

4.5 stars rounded down. This was an enjoyable read with characters I liked. I am a sucker for a good historical cosy mystery, so this was always going to be up my alley. If you can suspend a little belief that Poppy almost immediately falls into working as a journalist when she was hired as an editorial assistant to tidy the owner’s office, and that she ends up being sent to Paris on a story, and gets up to a few antics that a sheltered Methodist girl from Morpeth would have no experience with… then you’ll enjoy this. The final showdown fight (for want of a better word) was slightly clumsily written, but overall this is a great book and I will absolutely check out the future books in the series.

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

Fiona Veitch Smith is my favorite cozy mystery writer, and this premier to her latest series starring up-and-coming journalist Poppy Denby did not disappoint. In 1920, Poppy is fresh onto the London scene at a time when women are still struggling be accepted into the workforce. The suffragette movement of the early 1900s has paved the way for Poppy and she lands a dream job as an editor’s assistant. But on her first day, a senior reporter falls to his death moments after receiving a mysterious note. Poppy is tasked with finishing his article about the mysterious death of a suffragette years earlier. Her investigation will send her down a path into her past that she never expected.

Smith’s excellent writing and storycraft, her genuine and realistic characters, and the attention to detail she infuses into her historical fiction is utterly delightful. This story is engaging and mysterious without being scary. I love Poppy and the unique cast of characters around her, and I can’t wait to read more of the exciting world she inhabits.

Thank you to Bonnier Books UK | Embla Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was very interested in the storyline here. I am not a big history buff, but I thoroughly enjoyed the historical elements of the Women’s Suffrage Movement being woven throughout this story. I learned quite a bit and found myself reading other articles and information about aspects mentioned in this book.

Poppy is a very likable character and the story had my attention right from the start. I loved that there were multiple mysteries to solve and that it was layered in a way that felt very realistic and plausible. That said, this isn’t a particularly “twisty” or suspense-filled novel (not that it really claimed to be), but it still gave something that made you keep coming back to it. Maybe you wanted to just get to the bottom of it all and hoped the good-gals prevailed. Whatever it is, this book gets a solid 4 stars. There were some things that didn’t quite add up and that annoyed me at certain parts of the plot, but I won’t detail them here so as not to give any spoilers. Nevertheless and overall, it’s a good story and I look forward to ready more Poppy adventures. Thanks to NetGalley for this title in exchange for my review.

Such a fun read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Poppy Denby from Morpeth goes to stay with her aunt Dot (a former suffragette) expecting she has a job for her. Little does she know, it’s only the start of her journey, soon she gets herself a job at The Daily Globe. Not long after, she investigates the death of a senior news reporter that could having something to do with the death of a friend of her aunt, a fellow suffragette seven years ago.
A fantastic blend of historical information and a whirlwind of a plot. Poppy was at the centre of this drama and we as readers were given a taste of London’s starry world. I liked that the poverty of the time was also acknowledged.

When the novel started, I was intrigued by Poppy’s story and then it just got better with an added layer to the narrative provided by Elizabeth. All the past and present crimes were cleverly interwoven. I love how we were given different generational voices that provided past and present experiences of being a woman at the time period and before the First World War. Although I was enjoying the story, when Poppy went over to Paris, the pace of the novel really picked up a gear and I couldn’t stop reading until the end. I can’t wait for a sequel to see more of Poppy’s adventures in London. I would definitely consider the book front page worthy! 4.5 stars.

This book was previously published as The Jazz Files.

When Poppy Denby arrives in London to stay with and assist her wheelchair-bound Aunt Dot she meets a dashing young press photographer named Daniel Rokeby in the train station. The encounter makes Poppy wonder what it would be like to be a journalist. So when Aunt Dot and her companion Grace Wilson, who were pioneering suffragettes before the First World War, encourage Poppy to look for a ‘real’ job, Poppy applies to the Daily Globe newspaper. Rollo Robinson, the owner and editor of the paper where Daniel is also employed takes Poppy on as his assistant but what initially was meant to be a secretarial job to organise and clear the files in Rollo’s office soon turns into an investigation when the political editor falls to his death on Poppy’s first day.

Convinced that the fall was no accident and encouraged by Rollo, Poppy dives into an investigation that is connected to her aunt’s past as a suffragette and the events that put her in a wheelchair. It will also take Poppy into London’s theatrical scene, bring her face to face with a lord who detests the suffragette movement, and will see her travel to Paris. And that’s just for starters. Poppy’s opportunity to prove herself as a journalist is a danger-filled rollercoaster both for her and for the reader.

I struggled a bit with that synopsis. There is a lot happening in this story and I’m not sure I could summarize it all without either spoiling the story and/or confusing readers of this review. There are also many characters to keep track of, both fictional and taken from real life. For example, Charlie Chaplin and Marie Curie make a supporting appearance on these pages. So, it is very helpful that the book starts with a list of characters, indicating whether they’re real or fictional, and that at about 70% into the story Poppy and Rollo, her boss, create and discuss a timeline that summarizes all the events both past and present that have come to pass up until that point.

This book is more crime-caper than mystery since most of the villains in this story are obvious from the start. What’s more, Poppy was a bit too much ‘do first, think later’ kinda girl for my liking, but the story flew across the pages and there wasn’t a boring paragraph.

Long review short: while I did roll my eyes on quite a few occasions while reading A Front Page Murder, I had a hard time putting this book down. This story is pure entertainment for anybody who enjoys their mysteries with a generous helping of shenanigans. And while I think I prefer the Miss Clara Vale mysteries by this author, I’m pretty sure I’ll return to Poppy Denby’s adventures before too long.

4.5 stars
As a fan of the Miss Clara Vale series from Fiona Veitch Smith, I jumped at the chance to read the first in the Poppy Fenby Investigates series.
This is a really enjoyable, fast-paced mystery. The links to the suffragette movement within the investigation Poppy finds herself involved in are fascinating.
Fiona has written such an intriguing story - full of great characters, strong women, and a great mystery to investigate- all set to the background of the rise in the fight for women’s rights.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Fiona Veitch Smith for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Front-Page Murder coming out September 24, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read a couple books by this author and I really love historical mysteries. I thought the references to Agatha Christie were fun. I love Christie’s novels. I love the time period and setting. Poppy was an interesting character who sometimes did some questionable things. She wasn’t completely likable to me. It seemed to jump back in time and it got slightly confusing. The ending felt like a lot of information at once. But overall, I really enjoyed it and I’d definitely read more books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical cozy mysteries!