★★★★★ 4
This spin-off debut is a satisfying fix my fellow cozy flapper-era amateur-sleuth addicts!
Format: Kindle
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!
I am reviewing advanced copies of this book and audiobook given to me by the publisher. All views are strictly my own. .
#DeathattheHighlandLoch #NetGalley #bookreview #ADHDreader #lydiatravers #Scottishladydetective #Scotland #historicmystery
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2025
