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The Butler
From the
New York Times
-bestselling A glamorous French villa. A carefully curated guest list. A body in the pool.
The South of France is stunning, though not without its imperfections, from pickpockets to burglars to the occasional cold-blooded killer. But in his twenty-five years of service, Baxter—with a spotless reputation as a polished, well-mannered butler—has never run into any issues catering to the ultrawealthy. Until now.
Baxter's latest assignment is at Villa Sérénité, where Alec Prescott is hosting a colorful cast of characters, including his ex-wife, his much younger lady friend, and some Hollywood hotshots, after the Cannes Film Festival. But it doesn't take long for a week of sun, wine, and a family birthday celebration to devolve into bickering and backstabbing. And soon, secrets aren't the only thing floating to the surface . . .
When one of the guests is found dead in the villa's glittering pool, the unflappable Baxter must assist the gendarmes in determining who's responsible. With some standing to gain and others motivated to take it away, fingers are pointed in all directions. A good butler is expected to see everything and say nothing—but what if he too becomes a target?
The South of France is stunning, though not without its imperfections, from pickpockets to burglars to the occasional cold-blooded killer. But in his twenty-five years of service, Baxter—with a spotless reputation as a polished, well-mannered butler—has never run into any issues catering to the ultrawealthy. Until now.
Baxter's latest assignment is at Villa Sérénité, where Alec Prescott is hosting a colorful cast of characters, including his ex-wife, his much younger lady friend, and some Hollywood hotshots, after the Cannes Film Festival. But it doesn't take long for a week of sun, wine, and a family birthday celebration to devolve into bickering and backstabbing. And soon, secrets aren't the only thing floating to the surface . . .
When one of the guests is found dead in the villa's glittering pool, the unflappable Baxter must assist the gendarmes in determining who's responsible. With some standing to gain and others motivated to take it away, fingers are pointed in all directions. A good butler is expected to see everything and say nothing—but what if he too becomes a target?
208 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2026
About the author
Clare Mackintosh
34 books12.9k followersWelcome to my Goodreads profile! Whether you're new to my work, or a hard-core fan, it's lovely to see you here. My latest book is OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES, the third book in my DC Ffion Morgan series. Like THE LAST PARTY and A GAME OF LIES, this is designed to be read as a standalone, but if you've followed Ffion and Leo from the beginning, I think you'll love seeing where OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES takes them.
If this is the first time we're meeting, welcome! In addition to the books above, I'm the author of I LET YOU GO, I SEE YOU, LET ME LIE and HOSTAGE - page-turning thrillers that have sold more than three million copies across 40 countries, and hit bestseller lists including The Sunday Times and The New York Times. I also wrote the emotional rollercoaster, AFTER THE END: a family drama about an impossible choice that threatens to tear a couple apart. It's the most personal novel I've written, and I've loved hearing from readers who have connected with it. In 2024 I released a memoir, I PROMISE IT WON'T ALWAYS HURT LIKE THIS, based on my experiences of navigating grief following the loss of my son eighteen years ago. It's a book to offer hope when you feel as though there's none to be had; a book to give to a friend when you don't know what to say.
Coming in 2026 is what I'm boldly going to tell you is my best book yet... a standalone thriller with a twist that'll knock your socks off! It's called IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK, and I would love you to add it to your shelf right now!
I love connecting with my readers, and there are plenty of ways you can get a sneak peek at what's going on behind the scenes. My Facebook group offers reading recommendations and exclusive extras to members (just search online for 'The Clare Mackintosh Book Club'), or if it's general chit chat you're after, please do follow me on Instagram, where I go to avoid writing, and to share snippets of my life in rural Wales, complete with three spaniels and Pete the goat. I'm also on TikTok, much to the dismay of my three teenagers...
* * *
With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, number one bestseller Clare Mackintosh is the multi-award-winning author of I Let You Go, which was a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller and the fastest-selling title by a new crime writer in 2015. It also won the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year in 2016. She has since written seven more bestselling novels. Together, her books have been translated into 40 languages and spent more than sixty-five weeks in The Sunday Times bestseller lists.
Clare is patron of the Silver Star Society, a charity based at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford, which supports parents experiencing high-risk or difficult pregnancies.
* * *
For more information find Clare on Facebook, Instagram, Threads or TikTok at @ClareMackWrites
#ILetYouGo #ISeeYou #LetMeLie #AftertheEnd #HostageBook #TheLastParty #AGameOfLies #IPromise #OtherPeoplesHouses #ItsNotWhatYouThink
If this is the first time we're meeting, welcome! In addition to the books above, I'm the author of I LET YOU GO, I SEE YOU, LET ME LIE and HOSTAGE - page-turning thrillers that have sold more than three million copies across 40 countries, and hit bestseller lists including The Sunday Times and The New York Times. I also wrote the emotional rollercoaster, AFTER THE END: a family drama about an impossible choice that threatens to tear a couple apart. It's the most personal novel I've written, and I've loved hearing from readers who have connected with it. In 2024 I released a memoir, I PROMISE IT WON'T ALWAYS HURT LIKE THIS, based on my experiences of navigating grief following the loss of my son eighteen years ago. It's a book to offer hope when you feel as though there's none to be had; a book to give to a friend when you don't know what to say.
Coming in 2026 is what I'm boldly going to tell you is my best book yet... a standalone thriller with a twist that'll knock your socks off! It's called IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK, and I would love you to add it to your shelf right now!
I love connecting with my readers, and there are plenty of ways you can get a sneak peek at what's going on behind the scenes. My Facebook group offers reading recommendations and exclusive extras to members (just search online for 'The Clare Mackintosh Book Club'), or if it's general chit chat you're after, please do follow me on Instagram, where I go to avoid writing, and to share snippets of my life in rural Wales, complete with three spaniels and Pete the goat. I'm also on TikTok, much to the dismay of my three teenagers...
* * *
With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, number one bestseller Clare Mackintosh is the multi-award-winning author of I Let You Go, which was a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller and the fastest-selling title by a new crime writer in 2015. It also won the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year in 2016. She has since written seven more bestselling novels. Together, her books have been translated into 40 languages and spent more than sixty-five weeks in The Sunday Times bestseller lists.
Clare is patron of the Silver Star Society, a charity based at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford, which supports parents experiencing high-risk or difficult pregnancies.
* * *
For more information find Clare on Facebook, Instagram, Threads or TikTok at @ClareMackWrites
#ILetYouGo #ISeeYou #LetMeLie #AftertheEnd #HostageBook #TheLastParty #AGameOfLies #IPromise #OtherPeoplesHouses #ItsNotWhatYouThink
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 624 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Butler, A Thriller by Clare Mackintosh
It's me, not her (the author, Clare Mackintosh). I love this author's stories but I'm not all that fond of the type of Agatha Christie mystery that she brings to mind here. Even the butler, Baxter, likens his sleuthing to Hercule Poirot, because someone needs to figure out who might have killed one of the guests at Villa Sérénité. Baxter had a permanent position in another household but despite the impeccable work he has always done, one very massive mistake led to his becoming a roving butler for hire.
Like Christie's work, we have the fancy abode, the hired servants, the rich and pompous guests, and a murder. The word "thriller" is included in the title of the book but I consider this more a cozy mystery than a thriller. It's well written but as with Christie's work, I have trouble caring for any of the characters other than Baxter, who will continue on in this series. The rest of the characters play the cliched parts in this mystery and any one of them could be the murderer, until Baxter spells everything out for us in the end.
Overall, a nice story for what it's meant to be but this isn't my favorite type of cozy mystery. Seriously, I have read so many books ABOUT Agatha Christie and only one book that she wrote. I'm fascinated by HER while finding Christie's work a bit boring (so embarrassing to admit). I read this story with Jayme and DeAnn so be sure to check out their reviews.
Publication June 16, 2026
Thank you to Podium Entertainment | Podium Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC
It's me, not her (the author, Clare Mackintosh). I love this author's stories but I'm not all that fond of the type of Agatha Christie mystery that she brings to mind here. Even the butler, Baxter, likens his sleuthing to Hercule Poirot, because someone needs to figure out who might have killed one of the guests at Villa Sérénité. Baxter had a permanent position in another household but despite the impeccable work he has always done, one very massive mistake led to his becoming a roving butler for hire.
Like Christie's work, we have the fancy abode, the hired servants, the rich and pompous guests, and a murder. The word "thriller" is included in the title of the book but I consider this more a cozy mystery than a thriller. It's well written but as with Christie's work, I have trouble caring for any of the characters other than Baxter, who will continue on in this series. The rest of the characters play the cliched parts in this mystery and any one of them could be the murderer, until Baxter spells everything out for us in the end.
Overall, a nice story for what it's meant to be but this isn't my favorite type of cozy mystery. Seriously, I have read so many books ABOUT Agatha Christie and only one book that she wrote. I'm fascinated by HER while finding Christie's work a bit boring (so embarrassing to admit). I read this story with Jayme and DeAnn so be sure to check out their reviews.
Publication June 16, 2026
Thank you to Podium Entertainment | Podium Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC
July 29, 2026
The Butler
by Clare Mackintosh is a locked-room cozy mystery novel set in a villa in the hills above Cannes, France during and after the film festival. My understanding is that this will be the first book in a new series. The protagonist is Baxter, a professional butler who is used to catering to the ultrawealthy. Wealthy businessman Alec Prescott has rented the villa to celebrate his hon Carter’s 21st birthday. The guest list includes Alec’s girlfriend Kaitlyn, his estranged wife, Sylvie, Carter and his girlfriend Jade, and Carter’s godparents Damian and Francesca. Along with Baxter, there is a chef and a housekeeper to keep the villa running smoothly. However, it isn’t long until one of the guests is found dead in the swimming pool and Baxter starts investigating.
Baxter is precise, discrete, and works to impose order on chaos. He’s perceptive and hides his backstory from others. Alec is arrogant, abrasive, and insults his guests as well as harasses the staff. Kaitlyn’s presence creates friction with the other guests. Sylvie is bitter, sharp-tongues, and resentful. Francesca is an aging actress while Damian is a film producer. They need Alec to invest in their next project. Carter is attempting to launch a tech startup and is heavily dependent on Alec’s funding. Jade is ambitious and protective of Carter’s interests.
This reminded me somewhat of Agatha Christie novels starring Hercule Poirot. Both have a type of locked-run lavish setting. Both tend to use a “follow the money” theme, and both have a big reveal where the surviving suspects are gathered for a theatrical climax. However, there are some differences. Baxter leverages his organizational, observational, and logistics skills while Poirot relies heavily on psychological profiling. One other difference is in their sidekicks.
The author does a great job with setting and atmosphere and using a butler as an undercover sleuth is a fresh twist on the detective trope. However, while many have found this fast-paced, I found the book to be anything but that. Additionally, it had predictable archetypes that seemed somewhat formulaic.
Overall, this was an entertaining and quick read. I believe I would enjoy the author’s dark and gritty thrillers more than this one and would like to try one of them.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was June 16, 2026.
-----------------
My 3.19 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
Baxter is precise, discrete, and works to impose order on chaos. He’s perceptive and hides his backstory from others. Alec is arrogant, abrasive, and insults his guests as well as harasses the staff. Kaitlyn’s presence creates friction with the other guests. Sylvie is bitter, sharp-tongues, and resentful. Francesca is an aging actress while Damian is a film producer. They need Alec to invest in their next project. Carter is attempting to launch a tech startup and is heavily dependent on Alec’s funding. Jade is ambitious and protective of Carter’s interests.
This reminded me somewhat of Agatha Christie novels starring Hercule Poirot. Both have a type of locked-run lavish setting. Both tend to use a “follow the money” theme, and both have a big reveal where the surviving suspects are gathered for a theatrical climax. However, there are some differences. Baxter leverages his organizational, observational, and logistics skills while Poirot relies heavily on psychological profiling. One other difference is in their sidekicks.
The author does a great job with setting and atmosphere and using a butler as an undercover sleuth is a fresh twist on the detective trope. However, while many have found this fast-paced, I found the book to be anything but that. Additionally, it had predictable archetypes that seemed somewhat formulaic.
Overall, this was an entertaining and quick read. I believe I would enjoy the author’s dark and gritty thrillers more than this one and would like to try one of them.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was June 16, 2026.
-----------------
My 3.19 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was one of those irresistible, one-sitting reads — a classic locked-room, whodunit-style mystery in the grand tradition of Agatha Christie, written by one of my favorite thriller authors. Clare Mackintosh delivers a clever, fast-paced novella that promises pure entertainment, and it absolutely delivers. I was completely hooked from start to finish, and I already know I want more adventures with Baxter and the delightful little thief Red, who turned out to be two of the most charming and lovable characters in the book.
Because this is a novella, it feels quite different from Mackintosh’s darker, more psychologically layered novels. You won’t find the same deep emotional trauma or unsettling mind games that define her full-length thrillers, but that’s actually part of the charm here. This story is a joyful tribute to classic British mysteries, very much in the spirit of Poirot and Miss Marple — right down to the satisfying “everyone in the room” style reveal at the end. You get the fun of trying to spot the killer, guessing the motive, and soaking in the glamorous setting of a luxurious villa in Cannes… all while secretly hoping you won’t end up floating face-down in the pool or dodging burglars in the night.
The story centers on Baxter, a dignified, highly professional British butler with twenty-five years of experience, who now works short-term assignments across Europe after losing his long-term post — a loss that shattered not just his job, but his entire sense of home and stability. When the story opens, Baxter is preparing Villa Sérénité in Cannes during the chaos of the film festival, when the city is overflowing with celebrities, tourists, and, unfortunately, criminals eager to prey on wealthy visitors. With luxury villas becoming prime targets for burglary, tension hangs in the air even before anything goes wrong.
To help manage the villa and its demanding guests, Baxter hires Miriam and Thierry. The property has been rented by wealthy businessman Alec Prescott, who is hosting a birthday celebration for his son, Carter. But Baxter has another secret reason for being there: his agency has quietly asked him to keep an eye on Alec’s finances, which appear to be dangerously unstable. From the very first pages, we know someone will end up dead in the swimming pool — and as the simmering hostilities between the guests become clearer, it doesn’t take long to see that several of them might have good reason to want that death.
Alec arrives with his much younger girlfriend, Kaitlyn, who brings a revelation that sends shockwaves through the entire group. His ex-wife Sylvie is there, along with their glamorous friends — film producer Damian and his actress wife Francesca. Carter joins them with his girlfriend Jade, an aspiring actress who is also studying law, adding yet another layer of ambition and secrets to an already volatile gathering.
The atmosphere inside the villa grows thick with tension — the kind you could cut with a knife. Long-buried resentments, lies, and betrayals bubble to the surface, threatening to destroy relationships that have lasted for years. When someone finally dies, there is no shortage of suspects, each with something to gain. The mystery isn’t just who the killer is, but whether Baxter himself can survive, as he slowly realizes that he may be in danger too.
Overall, this is a delightfully fast and entertaining read, with twists that are clever even when they’re a little predictable — just the way classic whodunits should be. I can never resist the charm of a locked-room mystery, especially when it’s done in such a playful, stylish Agatha Christie-inspired way, and Clare Mackintosh pulls it off beautifully. If you love cozy mysteries, whodunits, or are already a fan of the author, this one is an absolute treat.
A very huge thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment / Podium Publishing for sharing this intriguing thriller novella’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Because this is a novella, it feels quite different from Mackintosh’s darker, more psychologically layered novels. You won’t find the same deep emotional trauma or unsettling mind games that define her full-length thrillers, but that’s actually part of the charm here. This story is a joyful tribute to classic British mysteries, very much in the spirit of Poirot and Miss Marple — right down to the satisfying “everyone in the room” style reveal at the end. You get the fun of trying to spot the killer, guessing the motive, and soaking in the glamorous setting of a luxurious villa in Cannes… all while secretly hoping you won’t end up floating face-down in the pool or dodging burglars in the night.
The story centers on Baxter, a dignified, highly professional British butler with twenty-five years of experience, who now works short-term assignments across Europe after losing his long-term post — a loss that shattered not just his job, but his entire sense of home and stability. When the story opens, Baxter is preparing Villa Sérénité in Cannes during the chaos of the film festival, when the city is overflowing with celebrities, tourists, and, unfortunately, criminals eager to prey on wealthy visitors. With luxury villas becoming prime targets for burglary, tension hangs in the air even before anything goes wrong.
To help manage the villa and its demanding guests, Baxter hires Miriam and Thierry. The property has been rented by wealthy businessman Alec Prescott, who is hosting a birthday celebration for his son, Carter. But Baxter has another secret reason for being there: his agency has quietly asked him to keep an eye on Alec’s finances, which appear to be dangerously unstable. From the very first pages, we know someone will end up dead in the swimming pool — and as the simmering hostilities between the guests become clearer, it doesn’t take long to see that several of them might have good reason to want that death.
Alec arrives with his much younger girlfriend, Kaitlyn, who brings a revelation that sends shockwaves through the entire group. His ex-wife Sylvie is there, along with their glamorous friends — film producer Damian and his actress wife Francesca. Carter joins them with his girlfriend Jade, an aspiring actress who is also studying law, adding yet another layer of ambition and secrets to an already volatile gathering.
The atmosphere inside the villa grows thick with tension — the kind you could cut with a knife. Long-buried resentments, lies, and betrayals bubble to the surface, threatening to destroy relationships that have lasted for years. When someone finally dies, there is no shortage of suspects, each with something to gain. The mystery isn’t just who the killer is, but whether Baxter himself can survive, as he slowly realizes that he may be in danger too.
Overall, this is a delightfully fast and entertaining read, with twists that are clever even when they’re a little predictable — just the way classic whodunits should be. I can never resist the charm of a locked-room mystery, especially when it’s done in such a playful, stylish Agatha Christie-inspired way, and Clare Mackintosh pulls it off beautifully. If you love cozy mysteries, whodunits, or are already a fan of the author, this one is an absolute treat.
A very huge thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment / Podium Publishing for sharing this intriguing thriller novella’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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June 17, 2026I received a physical ARC from Podium Entertainment.
The Butler was a fun, quick murder mystery and a really easy read. It had enough intrigue to keep me interested without becoming overly complicated or heavy.
Baxter backstory made him more interesting, and I definitely want to know what else is going on with him. That alone makes me want to continue with the series.
The mystery moved fast and kept things entertaining. This was more of a light, straightforward murder mystery than a dark thriller, which made it a nice change of pace.
There wasn’t anything that seriously didn’t work for me. It simply landed as a solid read rather than one that completely blew me away, and that was fine for the kind of story it was telling.
Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable mystery with an intriguing main character. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy shorter murder mysteries, lighter suspense, interesting investigators, easy pacing, and stories that leave enough unanswered about the main character to make you want the next book.
The Butler was a fun, quick murder mystery and a really easy read. It had enough intrigue to keep me interested without becoming overly complicated or heavy.
Baxter backstory made him more interesting, and I definitely want to know what else is going on with him. That alone makes me want to continue with the series.
The mystery moved fast and kept things entertaining. This was more of a light, straightforward murder mystery than a dark thriller, which made it a nice change of pace.
There wasn’t anything that seriously didn’t work for me. It simply landed as a solid read rather than one that completely blew me away, and that was fine for the kind of story it was telling.
Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable mystery with an intriguing main character. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy shorter murder mysteries, lighter suspense, interesting investigators, easy pacing, and stories that leave enough unanswered about the main character to make you want the next book.
September 7, 2026
3.5⭐
Genre ~ Mystery & Crime
Setting ~ France
Publication date ~ June 16, 2026
Est Page Count ~ 208 (p+ 28 chapters)
Audio length ~ 4 hours 16 minutes
Narrator ~ Matthew Wolf
POV ~ single 3rd
Featuring ~ murder, infidelity
Baxter is our butler and narrator. What a great and fitting name for a butler. His latest job is to spend the weekend catering to family and friends of Carter for his 21st birthday. Not only that, but the homeowner has asked him to do a little spying on the guests.
Some of these characters were awful, and I don't think I liked any of them. Alec is still married to Sylvie, but brings along his half his age girlfriend, Kaitlyn, and that causes some drama. Carter is mad when his father tells him he'll be cutting off his gravy train. Bruh, you're 21 you should have a plan in place by now. Also, in attendance are Jade, Carter's girlfriend, and friends of the family, Damian and Francesca.
Then we have a murder with plenty of suspects to go around.
Overall, I liked Baxter and his sneaky, stealthy and helpful ways. Also, liked the plot with Red. I wonder if this duo will be in future books. A steadily paced whodunit.
Narration notes:
He did a great job. He's British and even did fine American and French accents.
Series notes:
Looks like this is the beginning of a new series.
Genre ~ Mystery & Crime
Setting ~ France
Publication date ~ June 16, 2026
Est Page Count ~ 208 (p+ 28 chapters)
Audio length ~ 4 hours 16 minutes
Narrator ~ Matthew Wolf
POV ~ single 3rd
Featuring ~ murder, infidelity
Baxter is our butler and narrator. What a great and fitting name for a butler. His latest job is to spend the weekend catering to family and friends of Carter for his 21st birthday. Not only that, but the homeowner has asked him to do a little spying on the guests.
Some of these characters were awful, and I don't think I liked any of them. Alec is still married to Sylvie, but brings along his half his age girlfriend, Kaitlyn, and that causes some drama. Carter is mad when his father tells him he'll be cutting off his gravy train. Bruh, you're 21 you should have a plan in place by now. Also, in attendance are Jade, Carter's girlfriend, and friends of the family, Damian and Francesca.
Then we have a murder with plenty of suspects to go around.
Overall, I liked Baxter and his sneaky, stealthy and helpful ways. Also, liked the plot with Red. I wonder if this duo will be in future books. A steadily paced whodunit.
Narration notes:
He did a great job. He's British and even did fine American and French accents.
Series notes:
Looks like this is the beginning of a new series.
June 26, 2026
Bravo, Ms. Mackintosh, on quite the fun, little read! Coming in at just under 200 pages, The Butler was an Agatha Christie-esque escapade into murder, scandal, drama, and intrigue. With an endearing butler reminiscent of Niles from The Nanny, a house full of side-eye-worthy suspects with a whole host of motives, and a motley crew of root-for-able amateur sleuths digging for the truth, it was a grin-inducing read that I finished in just one single sitting. I mean, how could I not love this series starter? Filled with suspicious characters and a fast-moving plot, it was the perfect modern twist on a classic murder mystery. Granted, it was one that had a somewhat more lighthearted tone than most crime fiction stories. If, however, you love cozy-ish mysteries with a Hercule Poirot-meets-The White Lotus feel, be sure to check out this first in a series. Perfectly set up for the continuing exploits of this compelling narrator, I’m going to be on pins and needles until I can get my hands on a copy of book two as soon as it’s available. Rating of 4.75 stars.
Read if you love:
- Rich people behaving badly
- Quick, easy reads
- An exotic setting
- Dark humor
- Plenty of drama and scandal
- Amateur sleuths
- An Agatha Christie-esque feel
- Murder mysteries
- Novellas that feel complete
- A cozy-ish vibe
- Golden Age-style dénouements
- Short chapters
- Suspicious characters
SYNOPSIS:
The South of France is stunning, though not without its imperfections, from pickpockets to burglars to the occasional cold-blooded killer. But in his twenty-five years of service, Baxter―with a spotless reputation as a polished, well-mannered butler―has never run into any issues catering to the ultrawealthy. Until now.
Baxter’s latest assignment is at Villa Sérénité, where Alec Prescott is hosting a colorful cast of characters, including his ex-wife, his much younger lady friend, and some Hollywood hotshots, after the Cannes Film Festival. But it doesn’t take long for a week of sun, wine, and a family birthday celebration to devolve into bickering and backstabbing. And soon, secrets aren’t the only thing floating to the surface…
When one of the guests is found dead in the villa’s glittering pool, the gendarmes turn to the unflappable Baxter to help determine who’s responsible. A good butler is expected to see everything and say nothing―but what if he too becomes a target?
Thank you Clare Mackintosh and Podium Entertainment for my complimentary physical copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 16, 2026
Content warning: theft, sexual assault, sexual content, blackmail, infidelity, sexism, mention of: miscarriage, murder
Read if you love:
- Rich people behaving badly
- Quick, easy reads
- An exotic setting
- Dark humor
- Plenty of drama and scandal
- Amateur sleuths
- An Agatha Christie-esque feel
- Murder mysteries
- Novellas that feel complete
- A cozy-ish vibe
- Golden Age-style dénouements
- Short chapters
- Suspicious characters
SYNOPSIS:
The South of France is stunning, though not without its imperfections, from pickpockets to burglars to the occasional cold-blooded killer. But in his twenty-five years of service, Baxter―with a spotless reputation as a polished, well-mannered butler―has never run into any issues catering to the ultrawealthy. Until now.
Baxter’s latest assignment is at Villa Sérénité, where Alec Prescott is hosting a colorful cast of characters, including his ex-wife, his much younger lady friend, and some Hollywood hotshots, after the Cannes Film Festival. But it doesn’t take long for a week of sun, wine, and a family birthday celebration to devolve into bickering and backstabbing. And soon, secrets aren’t the only thing floating to the surface…
When one of the guests is found dead in the villa’s glittering pool, the gendarmes turn to the unflappable Baxter to help determine who’s responsible. A good butler is expected to see everything and say nothing―but what if he too becomes a target?
Thank you Clare Mackintosh and Podium Entertainment for my complimentary physical copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 16, 2026
Content warning: theft, sexual assault, sexual content, blackmail, infidelity, sexism, mention of: miscarriage, murder
August 13, 2026
Beneath the glamorous veneer of Villa Sérénité is a web of lies, grudges and secrets, and apparently enough motives for murder to go around.
Luckily for Baxter, being a butler puts him in the perfect position to witness all that drama. The wealthy guests are well aware he's there, but there are times when he almost becomes part of the furniture, with arguments, gossip and little secrets slipping out in front of him while he quietly takes everything in. I liked how Clare Mackintosh used that to give us a different perspective on everything unfolding around him.
The guests at the villa were mostly an insufferable bunch, but I think that worked in the book's favour. Pretty much everyone, from the victim's family to the staff, has some reason to want him dead, so I had fun with the whodunit and trying to work out whose motive was finally going to push them over the edge.
I did get the culprit wrong, though, which I'll happily take. Mackintosh did a good job with the misdirection because I was pretty confident in my theory and she still managed to fool me. In hindsight, there were a few details I probably should have picked up on, so my reaction was basically, well duh, that's what you get for not paying attention.
I still had a fun time with The Butler, and I'm intrigued enough by Baxter to come back for more. Next up, a yacht party in Santorini, I see. Surely there’s a man overboard situation waiting to happen.
Luckily for Baxter, being a butler puts him in the perfect position to witness all that drama. The wealthy guests are well aware he's there, but there are times when he almost becomes part of the furniture, with arguments, gossip and little secrets slipping out in front of him while he quietly takes everything in. I liked how Clare Mackintosh used that to give us a different perspective on everything unfolding around him.
The guests at the villa were mostly an insufferable bunch, but I think that worked in the book's favour. Pretty much everyone, from the victim's family to the staff, has some reason to want him dead, so I had fun with the whodunit and trying to work out whose motive was finally going to push them over the edge.
I did get the culprit wrong, though, which I'll happily take. Mackintosh did a good job with the misdirection because I was pretty confident in my theory and she still managed to fool me. In hindsight, there were a few details I probably should have picked up on, so my reaction was basically, well duh, that's what you get for not paying attention.
I still had a fun time with The Butler, and I'm intrigued enough by Baxter to come back for more. Next up, a yacht party in Santorini, I see. Surely there’s a man overboard situation waiting to happen.
July 31, 2026
This was a short quick read. I love cozy mysteries. This one definitely falls into that category.
Baxter was funny yet very well put together character. Can’t wait to read more of his adventures. Next book will take place in Greece! Sooo excited!!
I wish the book was a little bit longer and more developed, however I still enjoyed it tremendously.
Happy Reading 🍷
Baxter was funny yet very well put together character. Can’t wait to read more of his adventures. Next book will take place in Greece! Sooo excited!!
I wish the book was a little bit longer and more developed, however I still enjoyed it tremendously.
Happy Reading 🍷
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐
While this wasn’t the psychological thriller that I’m used to enjoying from Clare Mackintosh, it was still a decent whodunnit novella. Mackintosh nailed the blueprint for a great mystery, taking me on a journey through La Californie, a rarified neighbourhood in Cannes, where she set the scene of intrigue at Villa Serenite and highlighted the lifestyles of the ultrawealthy. Baxter brought a unique perspective; his sense of elegance and sophistication, as well as his loyalty, had me quickly trusting his insights. Mackintosh’s cast of characters added depth to the mystery, and their actions carried subtle messages the author needs us to consider.
This is the initial installment in the series debut.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
While this wasn’t the psychological thriller that I’m used to enjoying from Clare Mackintosh, it was still a decent whodunnit novella. Mackintosh nailed the blueprint for a great mystery, taking me on a journey through La Californie, a rarified neighbourhood in Cannes, where she set the scene of intrigue at Villa Serenite and highlighted the lifestyles of the ultrawealthy. Baxter brought a unique perspective; his sense of elegance and sophistication, as well as his loyalty, had me quickly trusting his insights. Mackintosh’s cast of characters added depth to the mystery, and their actions carried subtle messages the author needs us to consider.
This is the initial installment in the series debut.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
February 2, 2026
This is a well written mystery with some darkly funny moments. I’ve enjoyed every novel from Clare Mackintosh.
The Butler would make for a great movie. Giancarlo Esposito is who I pictured as Baxter. The core of the story is a who-dunnit with the rich behaving badly, but the author puts her own spin on it and I loved it! I’m looking forward to listening to the audiobook when it’s released. The ending does leave it open for a sequel or series and I sure hope so! Highly recommend.
The Butler would make for a great movie. Giancarlo Esposito is who I pictured as Baxter. The core of the story is a who-dunnit with the rich behaving badly, but the author puts her own spin on it and I loved it! I’m looking forward to listening to the audiobook when it’s released. The ending does leave it open for a sequel or series and I sure hope so! Highly recommend.
August 10, 2026
"A bite-sized thriller that you can easily devour in a single sitting by the pool."
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great Novella! Clue for the ultra-rich. 🔎✨
At around 200 pages, this was almost a full-length book but without all the unnecessary filler. Clare Mackintosh delivers a sharp, modern "whodunnit" that moves at a breakneck pace while paying a brilliant homage to classic Golden Age detective fiction.
The setup is deliciously messy: wealthy businessman Alec Prescott rents a glamorous luxury villa in the South of France to host a dysfunctional family gathering for his son's 21st birthday. But the party ends abruptly when a guest's body is discovered dead. I loved how this flips the classic mystery cliché "the butler did it"—instead, we get a highly observant, witty butler who solves the crime! If you want a quick locked-room mystery that you can devour in a single afternoon, absolutely pick this up. I can't wait to see what villa Baxter cleans up next!
I listened to this with Hoopla Audio, around 3.5 hours at 1.3 speed. Audio was done well!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great Novella! Clue for the ultra-rich. 🔎✨
At around 200 pages, this was almost a full-length book but without all the unnecessary filler. Clare Mackintosh delivers a sharp, modern "whodunnit" that moves at a breakneck pace while paying a brilliant homage to classic Golden Age detective fiction.
The setup is deliciously messy: wealthy businessman Alec Prescott rents a glamorous luxury villa in the South of France to host a dysfunctional family gathering for his son's 21st birthday. But the party ends abruptly when a guest's body is discovered dead. I loved how this flips the classic mystery cliché "the butler did it"—instead, we get a highly observant, witty butler who solves the crime! If you want a quick locked-room mystery that you can devour in a single afternoon, absolutely pick this up. I can't wait to see what villa Baxter cleans up next!
I listened to this with Hoopla Audio, around 3.5 hours at 1.3 speed. Audio was done well!
June 18, 2026
The Butler #1
The South of France is stunning, though not without its imperfections, from pickpockets to burglars to the occasional cold-blooded killer. But in his twenty-five years of service, Baxter - with a spotless reputation as a polished, well-mannered butler - has never run into any issues catering to the ultrawealthy. Until now. Baxter's latest assignment is at Villa Serenite, where Alex Prescott is hosting a colourful cast of characters, including his ex-wife, his much younger lady friend, and some Hollywood hotshots, after the Cannes Film Festival. But it doesn't take long for a week of sun, wine and a family birthday party celebration to dissolve into bickering and backstabbing. And soon, secrets aren't the only thing floating to the surface.
This is a quick and totally enjoyable whodunnit. I liked Baxter the butler who also narrates the story for us. The pace is steady and the characters are well-developed. Baxter finds an unusual assistant in Red, a professional pickpocket. Every character had a motive, everyone was a suspect. I liked the author's writing style and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
#KindleUnlimited
The South of France is stunning, though not without its imperfections, from pickpockets to burglars to the occasional cold-blooded killer. But in his twenty-five years of service, Baxter - with a spotless reputation as a polished, well-mannered butler - has never run into any issues catering to the ultrawealthy. Until now. Baxter's latest assignment is at Villa Serenite, where Alex Prescott is hosting a colourful cast of characters, including his ex-wife, his much younger lady friend, and some Hollywood hotshots, after the Cannes Film Festival. But it doesn't take long for a week of sun, wine and a family birthday party celebration to dissolve into bickering and backstabbing. And soon, secrets aren't the only thing floating to the surface.
This is a quick and totally enjoyable whodunnit. I liked Baxter the butler who also narrates the story for us. The pace is steady and the characters are well-developed. Baxter finds an unusual assistant in Red, a professional pickpocket. Every character had a motive, everyone was a suspect. I liked the author's writing style and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
#KindleUnlimited
September 2, 2026
A tale of murder and money!
Set in the South of France, Baxter a butler for twenty-five years has been hired by Alec Prescott who is hosting a colourful cast of characters after the Cannes Film Festival.
After a week of drink, fun and birthday celebration the bickering begins and someone is found dead in the villa's pool.
A butler is expected to watch everything and say nothing but what if he too becomes a target?
A quick and clever mystery!
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment/Podium Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Set in the South of France, Baxter a butler for twenty-five years has been hired by Alec Prescott who is hosting a colourful cast of characters after the Cannes Film Festival.
After a week of drink, fun and birthday celebration the bickering begins and someone is found dead in the villa's pool.
A butler is expected to watch everything and say nothing but what if he too becomes a target?
A quick and clever mystery!
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment/Podium Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
January 26, 2026
The Butler by Clare Mackintosh is a smart, fast-paced murder mystery that makes for a perfect quick read. Set in France, the story has an elegant, slightly eerie atmosphere that adds to the intrigue and keeps the pages turning. Mackintosh wastes no time pulling the reader into the mystery, and the tight pacing makes it ideal for reading in one or two sittings.
August 11, 2026
My 6th book by this author, and it was exactly what I needed — a quick palate cleanser between the Booker longlist titles I'm working my way through.
It was entertaining and an easy, enjoyable read, although I did find myself missing the characters from the DC Morgan series. I see this is the introduction to a new series, though, so hopefully I'll grow just as fond of these characters as the series progresses.
The Story: A butler working at a glamorous French villa finds himself drawn into a murder investigation when a guest is found dead. As secrets emerge among the wealthy guests, he must work out who can be trusted.
It was entertaining and an easy, enjoyable read, although I did find myself missing the characters from the DC Morgan series. I see this is the introduction to a new series, though, so hopefully I'll grow just as fond of these characters as the series progresses.
The Story: A butler working at a glamorous French villa finds himself drawn into a murder investigation when a guest is found dead. As secrets emerge among the wealthy guests, he must work out who can be trusted.
June 24, 2026
3.5 stars
Enjoyed the story overall but had a heck of a time keeping all the characters straight.
Enjoyed the story overall but had a heck of a time keeping all the characters straight.
January 28, 2026
I absolutely LOVED Baxter as a main character and can’t wait to see if he and Red team up again for another mystery. I kept picturing him as a cross between Hercule Poirot and Niles from The Nanny, which made him even more fun to read. This was a quick, suspenseful story that I finished in just a couple of sessions. The Butler is a proper whodunnit, with every character having a motive and no shortage of suspects.
September 16, 2026
A gathering of rich people near Cannes. Baxter is the ever-present butler whose job is to make sure that there are no problems.
There are lots of family issues among the guests. A rich older man, supposedly divorced, and his young beautiful girlfriend. The rich older man's wife and son. None of them are happy that he is with a young girl. There is lots of drama.
Red, a young woman is probably the most interesting character. A short but interesting book.
There are lots of family issues among the guests. A rich older man, supposedly divorced, and his young beautiful girlfriend. The rich older man's wife and son. None of them are happy that he is with a young girl. There is lots of drama.
Red, a young woman is probably the most interesting character. A short but interesting book.
Read
June 11, 2026Read my full review, with Jen's Quick Take to help you decide if the book is for you Jen Ryland Reviews
Fun and light cozy mystery featuring Baxter, a butler who has to solve a murder mystery when one of the guests at the Cannes villa he is working in ends up dead.
This is not a fast-paced book (the murder doesn't happen until around halfway through the story) but I think it will be perfect for fans of cozies, classic Agatha Christie-style mysteries, and series like The Maid by Nita Prose.
Baxter is an intriguing character with a backstory I wanted more of, so it's great to see that he will be assigned by his agency to a new house and have a new murder to solve!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Fun and light cozy mystery featuring Baxter, a butler who has to solve a murder mystery when one of the guests at the Cannes villa he is working in ends up dead.
This is not a fast-paced book (the murder doesn't happen until around halfway through the story) but I think it will be perfect for fans of cozies, classic Agatha Christie-style mysteries, and series like The Maid by Nita Prose.
Baxter is an intriguing character with a backstory I wanted more of, so it's great to see that he will be assigned by his agency to a new house and have a new murder to solve!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
July 14, 2026
I’ve been waiting for my Libby hold for The Butler to finally become available, and a glamorous villa just outside Cannes, a wealthy family & a suspicious death made for a very entertaining listen!
Rather than the psychological thrillers Clare Mack is typically known for, The Butler is a locked-room whodunnit, and I really enjoyed the change of pace! At just over 200 pages (or around four hours on audio), it’s a very easy one-sitting read or listen. Baxter was undoubtedly the standout for me. I loved his calm, observant nature and the way he quietly noticed the things everyone else missed.
I listened to this on audio, and Matthew Wolf was the perfect choice to narrate Baxter. His polished, measured delivery suited Baxter so well & made this a really enjoyable listening experience.
I’m already looking forward to following Baxter & his ‘niece’ to Greece in book two!
Rather than the psychological thrillers Clare Mack is typically known for, The Butler is a locked-room whodunnit, and I really enjoyed the change of pace! At just over 200 pages (or around four hours on audio), it’s a very easy one-sitting read or listen. Baxter was undoubtedly the standout for me. I loved his calm, observant nature and the way he quietly noticed the things everyone else missed.
I listened to this on audio, and Matthew Wolf was the perfect choice to narrate Baxter. His polished, measured delivery suited Baxter so well & made this a really enjoyable listening experience.
I’m already looking forward to following Baxter & his ‘niece’ to Greece in book two!
June 20, 2026
This is an amusing short mystery novella about a butler and a bunch of unpleasant rich people gathered at a rented house in Cannes. We know from the start that there will be a murder, and there are certainly enough candidates both as suspects and potential victims. Nothing massively unique or extra ordinary here, works well as beach read. I enjoyed it!
July 23, 2026
4.5/5 stars
The Butler is a locked room mystery set in Cannes in the French Riviera. It is a whodunit with cozy mystery vibes. The narrator is Baxter. He is a freelance butler who is spending the week working at a luxury villa.
This is a fun whodunit. The prologue starts with a body being found. We don’t know who it is. Then we go back a few days when a group of people arrive to stay at at the villa. The butler is in charge of everything. Baxter is a wonderful character. This is listed as being the first book of a new series. It’s 200 pages, but does feel like a complete story.
The book features rich people behaving badly. There is a lot of family drama and everyone has secrets. The guests are: Alec, his girlfriend Kaitlyn, his ex-wife Sylvie, his son Carter, Carter’s girlfriend Jade, filmmaker Damian and his actress wife Francesca. The staff are Thierry and Miriam. And there is a thief (a girl named Red).
I loved this novella so much. It features amateur detectives and has major Agatha Christie vibes. It is a quick amazing read. I am obsessed with the butler. But I also thought that Red was such an awesome side character. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next.
Audiobook thoughts: Performed by Matthew Wolf.
Matthew is a wonderful actor who is very good as Baxter. When reading I often forgot that the butler is British. So this helped with that. Plus because he did each voice with the character’s accent it made it easier to remember who was British, American or French.
However because of the accents I had to listen to the audiobook at 1.2, which is slower than I usually listen. Also because of the main character’s British accent I found it easier to follow the audiobook by having the ebook in front of me while listening. So because of this I ended up just reading much of the novella.
The Butler is a locked room mystery set in Cannes in the French Riviera. It is a whodunit with cozy mystery vibes. The narrator is Baxter. He is a freelance butler who is spending the week working at a luxury villa.
This is a fun whodunit. The prologue starts with a body being found. We don’t know who it is. Then we go back a few days when a group of people arrive to stay at at the villa. The butler is in charge of everything. Baxter is a wonderful character. This is listed as being the first book of a new series. It’s 200 pages, but does feel like a complete story.
The book features rich people behaving badly. There is a lot of family drama and everyone has secrets. The guests are: Alec, his girlfriend Kaitlyn, his ex-wife Sylvie, his son Carter, Carter’s girlfriend Jade, filmmaker Damian and his actress wife Francesca. The staff are Thierry and Miriam. And there is a thief (a girl named Red).
I loved this novella so much. It features amateur detectives and has major Agatha Christie vibes. It is a quick amazing read. I am obsessed with the butler. But I also thought that Red was such an awesome side character. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next.
Audiobook thoughts: Performed by Matthew Wolf.
Matthew is a wonderful actor who is very good as Baxter. When reading I often forgot that the butler is British. So this helped with that. Plus because he did each voice with the character’s accent it made it easier to remember who was British, American or French.
However because of the accents I had to listen to the audiobook at 1.2, which is slower than I usually listen. Also because of the main character’s British accent I found it easier to follow the audiobook by having the ebook in front of me while listening. So because of this I ended up just reading much of the novella.
June 25, 2026
I'm a big fan of this author so I was really looking forward to reading this, and I really enjoyed it!
This whole story is packed FULL of rich people drama, which is one of my favourite tropes, and this book absolutely nailed it.
I liked the setting of a villa in the south of France (Villa Serenite, a funny play on words) and it played such a huge role in the story.
The characters whilst at times did feel slightly stereotypical, were all likeable/enjoyable to read about. I especially liked our MC Baxter. Which is just as well, as the whole story is told through his POV.
This was such an easy, fun, light hearted, read in one sitting type of book and I absolutely did fly through it in one sitting. The writing is great, as per usual with this author, and the plot is fast paced and this is a definite page turner.
Although this is only just over 200 pages, so I guess it is more of a novella than a full book, the plot felt well rounded and the fact that this was shorter than the authors usual work, didn't spoil my enjoyment at all.
This was such an enjoyable read, I really hope this becomes a series, as I would love to read more.
Thanks to Podium Entertainment for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
This whole story is packed FULL of rich people drama, which is one of my favourite tropes, and this book absolutely nailed it.
I liked the setting of a villa in the south of France (Villa Serenite, a funny play on words) and it played such a huge role in the story.
The characters whilst at times did feel slightly stereotypical, were all likeable/enjoyable to read about. I especially liked our MC Baxter. Which is just as well, as the whole story is told through his POV.
This was such an easy, fun, light hearted, read in one sitting type of book and I absolutely did fly through it in one sitting. The writing is great, as per usual with this author, and the plot is fast paced and this is a definite page turner.
Although this is only just over 200 pages, so I guess it is more of a novella than a full book, the plot felt well rounded and the fact that this was shorter than the authors usual work, didn't spoil my enjoyment at all.
This was such an enjoyable read, I really hope this becomes a series, as I would love to read more.
Thanks to Podium Entertainment for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
August 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️.5
Entertaining rich people drama story.
Entertaining rich people drama story.
August 13, 2026
Clare Mackintosh channels her inner Agatha Christie and redeems the butler-did-it stereotype. A cast of characters descends on a rental in Cannes, and it soon becomes apparent they all have their secrets. This held me captive from beginning to end.
He was beginning to wonder if there was anyone at all at Villa Sérénité who actually liked Alec Prescott. 25%
#TheButler #NetGalley.
Publication Date 16/06/26
Goodreads Review 12/08/26
Thanks to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment | Podium Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
* I did also read the title on Kindle Unlimited and so my quotes are from that published edition. *
He was beginning to wonder if there was anyone at all at Villa Sérénité who actually liked Alec Prescott. 25%
#TheButler #NetGalley.
Publication Date 16/06/26
Goodreads Review 12/08/26
Thanks to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment | Podium Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
* I did also read the title on Kindle Unlimited and so my quotes are from that published edition. *
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 rounded up.
It's a sweltering summer morning in Cannes; the South of France is glimmering with locals and tourists alike for the annual Film Festival, and a butler has just arrived to Villa Sérénité to prepare it for his forthcoming guests. From perfectly folded bed linens to ice-chilled seafood atop towers of silver and the finest Champagne a constant flow into spotless crystal glasses, everything must be perfect for Alec Prescott--guest of honor.
And fortunately for Mr. Prescott, Baxter has decades of service under his belt and is most suitably prepared for anything the raucous group of guests may bring.
Well, almost anything.
I was initially intrigued by "The Butler" because I read "I Let You Go" by Clare Mackintosh years ago and remember it as a standout thriller, even now. I knew going into this cozy novella that this would be an entirely different reading experience, but Mackintosh's rich, descriptive writing still carried this well. There's little left untouched in the cozy mystery/butler character sub-genre and therefore hard to write something truly standout, but what Mackintosh has done here is create a sophisticated, nicely-flowing story with a good payoff in the end. Great as a short palette cleanser before your next big read, "The Butler" has a gorgeous setting and a main character to adore.
*Many thanks to Podium Publishing & NetGalley for my advanced review copy of this title!*
It's a sweltering summer morning in Cannes; the South of France is glimmering with locals and tourists alike for the annual Film Festival, and a butler has just arrived to Villa Sérénité to prepare it for his forthcoming guests. From perfectly folded bed linens to ice-chilled seafood atop towers of silver and the finest Champagne a constant flow into spotless crystal glasses, everything must be perfect for Alec Prescott--guest of honor.
And fortunately for Mr. Prescott, Baxter has decades of service under his belt and is most suitably prepared for anything the raucous group of guests may bring.
Well, almost anything.
I was initially intrigued by "The Butler" because I read "I Let You Go" by Clare Mackintosh years ago and remember it as a standout thriller, even now. I knew going into this cozy novella that this would be an entirely different reading experience, but Mackintosh's rich, descriptive writing still carried this well. There's little left untouched in the cozy mystery/butler character sub-genre and therefore hard to write something truly standout, but what Mackintosh has done here is create a sophisticated, nicely-flowing story with a good payoff in the end. Great as a short palette cleanser before your next big read, "The Butler" has a gorgeous setting and a main character to adore.
*Many thanks to Podium Publishing & NetGalley for my advanced review copy of this title!*
July 28, 2026
I really enjoyed this. I love Baxter and want to follow on all his adventures. The setting was very well done and the characters pretty vivid. It was a good summer read.
August 31, 2026
Delicious fun, with a very proper British butler, Baxter, setting up a French villa for a group of wealthy visitors for a stay in Cannes. There are pickpockets and thieves targeting the rich and famous in the Riviera, and when a murder takes place at the villa, there are also plenty of suspects who have personal reasons for wanting to get rid of the victim. Was there a break in where he surprised burglars in the process of stealing, or did he die at the hands of someone he knew well? This is a short novel, a juicy page-turner that might remind the reader of an updated, 21st-century Agatha Christie novel. Perfect beach read.
August 5, 2026
4 Stars💫
Thank you, Podium Entertainment, for the physical ARC and ALC!🩵
Going into reading The Butler, I was excited because I hadn't read a good murder mystery in a bit! This was a fun read! I loved Baxter, the butler. He was witty, and overall, a character that kept me intrigued. It was fun trying to solve the mystery (I did not, in fact, solve it. I almost never predict or read the clues correctly.😂) Overall, I do think the mystery was slower in the sense of how the events played out, but it is a quick read! Did that make sense? Anyway, I did enjoy the book, and I'm very interested in the next one when it comes out!
Shout out to Matthew Wolf who did an absolutely wonderful job narrating this story!<3
Thank you, Podium Entertainment, for the physical ARC and ALC!🩵
Going into reading The Butler, I was excited because I hadn't read a good murder mystery in a bit! This was a fun read! I loved Baxter, the butler. He was witty, and overall, a character that kept me intrigued. It was fun trying to solve the mystery (I did not, in fact, solve it. I almost never predict or read the clues correctly.😂) Overall, I do think the mystery was slower in the sense of how the events played out, but it is a quick read! Did that make sense? Anyway, I did enjoy the book, and I'm very interested in the next one when it comes out!
Shout out to Matthew Wolf who did an absolutely wonderful job narrating this story!<3
October 11, 2026
С одной стороны, как детектив книга слабая, но с другой, герой обрёл псевдодочернюю фигуру в виде сайдкика.
Как открывашка серии пойдёт.
Как открывашка серии пойдёт.
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