I thought this book was a cozy, lighthearted take on mystery. Set in 1924 in Scotland, Lady Poppy Proudfoot is determined to disregard classic gender roles and solve a slew of murders herself. I did not expect to like this book as much as I did, as I don’t typically relish stories set the past (which is weird as a social studies teacher, I know).

Poppy is fun, ingenious and a wholly likable character. I would love to read more from her adventures and Im hoping her story includes a romance with a certain inspector.

Thank you to Bookouture, Lydia Travers and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions stated are my own.

Move over, Inspector—Lady Poppy Proudfoot is on the case, and she’s about to steal the spotlight.

Set in the Scottish Highlands in the summer of 1924, Death at the Loch is the first in a charming new historical mystery series by Lydia Travers. With sharp writing, a glamorous setting, and a heroine you’ll want to follow for many books to come, this novel is a perfect blend of cozy crime and classic whodunnit.

Lady Poppy Proudfoot arrives at Balfour House expecting a delightful midsummer party among aristocrats and artists, not a dead body washed up beside the loch. But Poppy, armed with her Oxford law degree and an unstoppable sense of curiosity, is convinced it’s murder—even if the local police aren’t. Inspector James MacKenzie is gruff, dismissive, and not at all interested in Poppy’s theories. But that won’t stop her from investigating.

With the loyal Major (her trusty black Labrador) at her side and a quick wit to match her sharp instincts, Poppy begins to peel back the genteel layers of Balfour House. When a priceless diamond and emerald bracelet vanishes and a woman who looks uncannily like Poppy is attacked, things get even more dangerous. Could the murder and the theft be connected? Is someone at the party hiding a deadly secret? And how far will they go to keep it buried?

Travers builds a vivid world full of elegant gowns, whispered rumors, and the shadow of scandal. The atmosphere crackles with 1920s charm—from glittering soirées to moonlit gardens—and the pacing keeps the tension humming without ever losing the light, witty tone that makes this series debut so irresistible.

Poppy is everything a reader wants in an amateur sleuth: smart, bold, a little rebellious, and a lot of fun. Her chemistry with the reluctant Inspector MacKenzie adds sparks to the story, and the promise of future tension between them is just as exciting as the mystery itself.

With red herrings, clever twists, and a heroine you’ll root for from page one, Death at the Loch is the kind of book that’s made to be read with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket. It’s also a perfect pick for fans of Helena Dixon, Verity Bright, Catherine Coles, and anyone who loves their murder mysteries with a side of elegance and attitude.

This is a fantastic start to what promises to be a brilliant new series. Lady Poppy Proudfoot has arrived—and I can’t wait to follow her next adventure

Set in Scotland in the 1920s, this story introduces us to Lady Poppy Proudfoot. She decides to be a detective when a body is found by the loch near the house she is visiting. Naturally the local inspector tells her to leave the detection to the police, but she is to curious to let it go.
The characters were well written and the local played nicely in my mind (although I have never been to Scotland.) I enjoyed reading the methods and ideas Lady Poppy used in her investigation.
This is certainly an enjoyable read. Thanks to the author and publisher.

Move over, Inspector! Lady Poppy Proudfoot is here to solve her very first case.
Cancel all plans while reading - I inhaled this amazing book over one weekend and resented everything that kept me away from it! The writing was top notch and the characters were very real.

This was such an interesting story. I didn't see who did it until it was revealed. Poppy is a very interesting character and I love how she was working the case when she wasn't supposed to be. Major is such a cute pup and I love that he is involved in the book. Inspector MacKenzie also grows on you through the book. Very quick interesting read.

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!


Oh what a joy to know that this fabulous author has yet another series out! Lady Poppy takes up the baton for lady detectives in this new series by Lydia Travers. As always this is a terrific murder mystery set in the glamorous world of the landed gentry in beautiful Scotland. As a novice detective Poppy has to use her wits, charm and some cunning to arrive at the truth and she manages to do so despite the handsome detective James McKenzie accusing her of interfering. I guarantee if you love cozy historical crime novels, this is a keeper. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read Death at the Loch.