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The Butler: A Thriller: The Butler, Book 1
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jun 26From 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?
Audible Audio
Expected publication June 16, 2026
923 people want to read
About the author
Clare Mackintosh
27 books11.8k 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 67 reviews
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.
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.
February 2, 2026
This may not be the longest book in the world, coming in at just around the 200 page mark, but in the hands of Clare Mackintosh, they are pages packed with mystery and misdeeds. Family feuds, fraught friendships, oh, and the small matter of a murder. The stars of this show, Butler for hire, Baxter, and local pickpocket, Red, who, some might say ill advisedly, he takes under his wing. That is, Baxter comes to find he has a use for Red's particular talents at the Prescott family and friends holiday, arranged by patriarch Alec Prescott, to celebrate the twenty first birthday of sole son, and heir, Carter.
Even though this is a novella, rather than a full length novel, it has all the twists and tension that I have grown to expect, and love, from a Clare Mackintosh novel. She sets the tone of the book from the very beginning, delivering. a perfect sense of place, and of the characters we are likely to meet, starting with Baxter, the man who will guide us through the course of the book. I really liked Baxter as a character. Whilst he comes across as somewhat officious, you quickly learn this is just his years of training and the very thing that makes him not only the perfect Butler, but the perfect narrator. He sees all and acts accordingly, but never in a way that feels intrusive to either the guests, or us as voyeurs of the tensions that are sure to arise.
Then there is Red. She is sassy and strong willed, and from the moment Baxter intercepts her as she plies her trade down in the town, you know that there is going to be something magical happening here. Sure, she is rough around the edges, but if you were to think of her as a female version of Aladdin, without the magical lamp and cave of secrets, you get the feeling for the kind of personality in play here. She is stealing to survive, but there is a heart of gold in there really. Red and Baxter make for a perfect duo and I really do hope that this is the start of something more as they work brilliantly together, as does the transient nature of Baxter's role as Butler via agency work rather than of a fixed abode, as it were.
As for the party, and the tensions between the Prescotts and their guests, well, you can feel the animosity seep from the page, particularly between the Alec Prescott and his former wife, Sylvie, and Alec's new partner, Kaitlyn, who, age if not quite personality wise, has more in common with Carter than she does Alec ... You can see where this is all leading. But that is just a snapshot of the tension within the party, and with money and misogyny being a key focus of the weekend, everything is there to guarantee a pretty intense few days between them all.
When the inevitable happens, probably two thirds of the way through the story, a brilliant use of misdirection, and a cast of characters who all have reasons for potentially wanting to do the dirty deed, really does keep the guilty party hidden right until the perfect moment for the reveal. Sure, the clue are all there and you could, as Baxter tries to, puzzle it all out for yourself, but the fun is in the reading and with pitch perfect pacing, there really is no need to race ahead. A fun but brief read that fans of Clare Mackintosh will really enjoy.
Even though this is a novella, rather than a full length novel, it has all the twists and tension that I have grown to expect, and love, from a Clare Mackintosh novel. She sets the tone of the book from the very beginning, delivering. a perfect sense of place, and of the characters we are likely to meet, starting with Baxter, the man who will guide us through the course of the book. I really liked Baxter as a character. Whilst he comes across as somewhat officious, you quickly learn this is just his years of training and the very thing that makes him not only the perfect Butler, but the perfect narrator. He sees all and acts accordingly, but never in a way that feels intrusive to either the guests, or us as voyeurs of the tensions that are sure to arise.
Then there is Red. She is sassy and strong willed, and from the moment Baxter intercepts her as she plies her trade down in the town, you know that there is going to be something magical happening here. Sure, she is rough around the edges, but if you were to think of her as a female version of Aladdin, without the magical lamp and cave of secrets, you get the feeling for the kind of personality in play here. She is stealing to survive, but there is a heart of gold in there really. Red and Baxter make for a perfect duo and I really do hope that this is the start of something more as they work brilliantly together, as does the transient nature of Baxter's role as Butler via agency work rather than of a fixed abode, as it were.
As for the party, and the tensions between the Prescotts and their guests, well, you can feel the animosity seep from the page, particularly between the Alec Prescott and his former wife, Sylvie, and Alec's new partner, Kaitlyn, who, age if not quite personality wise, has more in common with Carter than she does Alec ... You can see where this is all leading. But that is just a snapshot of the tension within the party, and with money and misogyny being a key focus of the weekend, everything is there to guarantee a pretty intense few days between them all.
When the inevitable happens, probably two thirds of the way through the story, a brilliant use of misdirection, and a cast of characters who all have reasons for potentially wanting to do the dirty deed, really does keep the guilty party hidden right until the perfect moment for the reveal. Sure, the clue are all there and you could, as Baxter tries to, puzzle it all out for yourself, but the fun is in the reading and with pitch perfect pacing, there really is no need to race ahead. A fun but brief read that fans of Clare Mackintosh will really enjoy.
February 15, 2026
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!*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First. Clare Mackintosh is already publishing another book next month. How? Wow! Talented.
OK. So The Butler is a short and sweet, fast-paced murder mystery that takes place in Southern France during the Cannes film festival.
The Butler (Baxter) is definitely the main character and narrator of this well-written book. The scenes and characters (yes it reads like a script - cue Netflix) are descriptive. There were times when my senses were activated: seeing a dress, hearing an argument, smelling good food being served.
As the "murder" was introduced, I found myself in the usual position - questioning who did it? when? why? And as usual, the answer came at the very end. Which by the way left room for a sequel. Yeah!
The maid in the dining room with poison
The ex in the car with a tire iron
The girlfriend in the bedroom...
Or was it a ghost? Or the Butler?
This book is due out mid June 2026. A not too heavy mystery thriller that's easy to read and follow.
A special thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the very talented, prolific author for the advanced copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
OK. So The Butler is a short and sweet, fast-paced murder mystery that takes place in Southern France during the Cannes film festival.
The Butler (Baxter) is definitely the main character and narrator of this well-written book. The scenes and characters (yes it reads like a script - cue Netflix) are descriptive. There were times when my senses were activated: seeing a dress, hearing an argument, smelling good food being served.
As the "murder" was introduced, I found myself in the usual position - questioning who did it? when? why? And as usual, the answer came at the very end. Which by the way left room for a sequel. Yeah!
The maid in the dining room with poison
The ex in the car with a tire iron
The girlfriend in the bedroom...
Or was it a ghost? Or the Butler?
This book is due out mid June 2026. A not too heavy mystery thriller that's easy to read and follow.
A special thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the very talented, prolific author for the advanced copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I hope this is a new series that Mackintosh is planning to write! I loved Baxter and the cast of characters—especially Baxter’s quiet confidence, his ability to remain unruffled by the chaos around him, and, at the same time, his soft spot for Red.
I also thought she did a particularly good job with the dysfunctional, wealthy group staying at the house. The way they interacted, and the fact that they all had believable motives to be the killer, was very well thought out.
My one criticism is the length of the book. I read it in one sitting in under two hours. Her other books are typically much longer. While it was a fun, fast-paced read, the pacing felt a bit off after the murder. I would have loved more investigation and discovery. As well as more interaction between Baxter and Red as they worked to solve the crime.
Overall, I absolutely love Clare Mackintosh and would definitely recommend this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
I also thought she did a particularly good job with the dysfunctional, wealthy group staying at the house. The way they interacted, and the fact that they all had believable motives to be the killer, was very well thought out.
My one criticism is the length of the book. I read it in one sitting in under two hours. Her other books are typically much longer. While it was a fun, fast-paced read, the pacing felt a bit off after the murder. I would have loved more investigation and discovery. As well as more interaction between Baxter and Red as they worked to solve the crime.
Overall, I absolutely love Clare Mackintosh and would definitely recommend this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you Netgalley for an advance review copy!
with reading it digitally, I either didn't know or forgot it was just over 200 pages. while some books need less, I feel this book needed more! So much build up with getting to know characters for the ultimate mystery/whodunnit reveal to fall very very flat.
it was a very Poirot lite type of book.....and that was disappointing
with reading it digitally, I either didn't know or forgot it was just over 200 pages. while some books need less, I feel this book needed more! So much build up with getting to know characters for the ultimate mystery/whodunnit reveal to fall very very flat.
it was a very Poirot lite type of book.....and that was disappointing
February 1, 2026
ARC copy - Audiobook via NetGalley
A cosy little murder mystery that will make a great series. Can’t wait to keep reading…
A cosy little murder mystery that will make a great series. Can’t wait to keep reading…
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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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As the sun rises in the hills above Cannes, casting its vivid glow on the luxury villas, all is quiet after the previous nights film festival celebrations. A taxi makes its way towards Villa Sérénité, its solitary passenger is Baxter, an outstanding Butler with 25 years experience. His arrival is perhaps a harbinger of what’s to come as the house is in total disarray as the caretakers have clearly not been doing a lot of care. They are unceremoniously sacked and Baxter swings into action, preparing for the arrival of Alec Prescott and his party, there to celebrate his son‘s birthday. However, despite the beauty of the setting and the fabulous weather, dark clouds are on the horizon as the celebrations descend into bickering backstabbing and way worse. Baxter is determined that he will get to the bottom of what’s going on, Hercule Poirot style.
This is a very enjoyable read from Clare Mackintosh and proof positive you don’t need 400 pages to create an entertaining novel in which the author manages to cram a lot in!
First of all, the vibe is very Christiesque, it follows the ‘rules’ in every way even down to the retro cover which I really like. As in any atmospheric golden age novel you have plenty of suspects because as to whether anyone actually likes the victim is a moot question. Assembled at the luxury Villa are a bunch of liars and cheats, they have many reasons to dislike each other which is masked with a lot of insincerity and in addition, many of them have a multitude of secrets. The characters are mostly unlikeable which obviously makes for a much more delicious read and I find that I can’t be that sorry with the way that things pan out!
Now as for Baxter, he’s fantastic. I love his amusing thoughts which alleviate the obvious escalating tension between the guests. He’s capable, unflappable and funny. During the course of his stay in Cannes, he meets Red, now she’s an interesting one, giving the author of plenty of scope there!
The plot is good, it’s creative and it’s all told at a brisk pace. It’s a quick and very compelling, satisfying read.
Overall, when you want to read more about Baxter and Red then you’re obviously onto a winner! Recommended to fans of both the author and the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Podium Publishing for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
This is a very enjoyable read from Clare Mackintosh and proof positive you don’t need 400 pages to create an entertaining novel in which the author manages to cram a lot in!
First of all, the vibe is very Christiesque, it follows the ‘rules’ in every way even down to the retro cover which I really like. As in any atmospheric golden age novel you have plenty of suspects because as to whether anyone actually likes the victim is a moot question. Assembled at the luxury Villa are a bunch of liars and cheats, they have many reasons to dislike each other which is masked with a lot of insincerity and in addition, many of them have a multitude of secrets. The characters are mostly unlikeable which obviously makes for a much more delicious read and I find that I can’t be that sorry with the way that things pan out!
Now as for Baxter, he’s fantastic. I love his amusing thoughts which alleviate the obvious escalating tension between the guests. He’s capable, unflappable and funny. During the course of his stay in Cannes, he meets Red, now she’s an interesting one, giving the author of plenty of scope there!
The plot is good, it’s creative and it’s all told at a brisk pace. It’s a quick and very compelling, satisfying read.
Overall, when you want to read more about Baxter and Red then you’re obviously onto a winner! Recommended to fans of both the author and the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Podium Publishing for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Clare Mackintosh, The Butler, Podium Entertainment, June 2026.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
The Butler sets a pace that is quite different from Clare Mackintosh’s previous novels, and I had to adapt to the pace and tone. Once having done so, I was impressed with this writer’s ability to craft an engaging narrative in a new (to me) style. The butler, Baxter, has recently had to put himself on the market for short term engagements. This makes him vulnerable to his agent and her demands – he must provide information to her on his current employer, Alec Prescott. A glamourous setting in a mansion, complete with swimming pool, in Cannes provides the background to intrigue, infidelity, and eventual murder. Baxter, warming to his Hercule Poirot role investigates and solves the mystery.
Baxter’s arrival at the villa is preceded with excellent characterisation – he is a figure to whom I immediately warmed – and a jolt to the senses: noisy music, broken glass, dirty dishes, upturned furniture, and a couple dancing on an expensive table. Each character is introduced with their public and personal personas developed to provide the maximum appeal – or its opposite. The young characters’ development in the short time they are at the villa – Jade’s secret and Carter Prescott’s reaction, Red’s arrogant pickpocketing and her vulnerability and even Kaitlyn’s stereotypical attraction to an older man – is contrasted with the jaded presence of the older inhabitants. Interaction between possible competitors is often comic at the same time as cutting. Clues to the murderer are provided with Agatha Christie seeming ambiguity. However, like Christie, Mackintosh is honest in her cues. Likewise, the plotting is smart, the character development works so that challenging characters logically progress to those for whom there is sympathy, and the solution is sound.
I always enjoy Clare Mackintosh’s work, and The Butler is no different. It is an enjoyable read and a successful diversion from earlier works. This novel provides the possibility of exciting teamwork between Baxter and Red, which I hope will be an outcome of their sympathetically wrought relationship in The Butler.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
The Butler sets a pace that is quite different from Clare Mackintosh’s previous novels, and I had to adapt to the pace and tone. Once having done so, I was impressed with this writer’s ability to craft an engaging narrative in a new (to me) style. The butler, Baxter, has recently had to put himself on the market for short term engagements. This makes him vulnerable to his agent and her demands – he must provide information to her on his current employer, Alec Prescott. A glamourous setting in a mansion, complete with swimming pool, in Cannes provides the background to intrigue, infidelity, and eventual murder. Baxter, warming to his Hercule Poirot role investigates and solves the mystery.
Baxter’s arrival at the villa is preceded with excellent characterisation – he is a figure to whom I immediately warmed – and a jolt to the senses: noisy music, broken glass, dirty dishes, upturned furniture, and a couple dancing on an expensive table. Each character is introduced with their public and personal personas developed to provide the maximum appeal – or its opposite. The young characters’ development in the short time they are at the villa – Jade’s secret and Carter Prescott’s reaction, Red’s arrogant pickpocketing and her vulnerability and even Kaitlyn’s stereotypical attraction to an older man – is contrasted with the jaded presence of the older inhabitants. Interaction between possible competitors is often comic at the same time as cutting. Clues to the murderer are provided with Agatha Christie seeming ambiguity. However, like Christie, Mackintosh is honest in her cues. Likewise, the plotting is smart, the character development works so that challenging characters logically progress to those for whom there is sympathy, and the solution is sound.
I always enjoy Clare Mackintosh’s work, and The Butler is no different. It is an enjoyable read and a successful diversion from earlier works. This novel provides the possibility of exciting teamwork between Baxter and Red, which I hope will be an outcome of their sympathetically wrought relationship in The Butler.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Butler, is the first book in a new series by Clare Mackintosh. The lead character is Baxter, a butler who is very professional and observant.
This short novel is set in South of France, Villa Sérénité in Cannes. Baxter has spent twenty-five years catering to the ultra-wealthy with a spotless reputation, but Alec Prescott’s post-Cannes Film Festival party is a different beast entirely.
The guest list is a full of suspects, all with motives, Alec, the wealthy patriarch, is surrounded by: Sylvie (the ex-wife), who is having a secret affair with Damian. Kaitlyn (the “lady friend”), Faking a pregnancy to secure her future. Damian (the producer) & Francesca (the washed-up actress): A couple whose professional and personal lives are crumbling. Carter (the son): About to be cut off financially by Alec and Jade (the son’s girlfriend): A law student with a secret side job that Alec—and only Alec—knows about.
The tension breaks after a disastrous night where Alec returns drunk following a fight over Kaitlyn’s phantom pregnancy. The next morning, Alec is found at the bottom of the villa’s pool. Because Alec managed to offend almost everyone, from pinching the maid, Miriam, to threatening his son’s livelihood. There is no shortage of suspects and even the chef, Thierry, had a reason to kill him.
What makes the investigation unique is Baxter’s partnership. While the gendarmes do their work, Baxter teams up with “Red,” a teenage pickpocket he caught in town. I really enjoyed the novel and look forward to another book in this series,
“A good butler sees everything and says nothing—but when the butler starts talking, the whole house of cards comes falling down.”
The characters are well developed and although there are plenty of characters they are easy to distinguish. Even the staff have deep layers; Baxter himself is haunted by a past dismissal after falling in love with a former male employer.
This was an amusing whodunnit that kept me guessing.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Podium Entertaining for supplying this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This short novel is set in South of France, Villa Sérénité in Cannes. Baxter has spent twenty-five years catering to the ultra-wealthy with a spotless reputation, but Alec Prescott’s post-Cannes Film Festival party is a different beast entirely.
The guest list is a full of suspects, all with motives, Alec, the wealthy patriarch, is surrounded by: Sylvie (the ex-wife), who is having a secret affair with Damian. Kaitlyn (the “lady friend”), Faking a pregnancy to secure her future. Damian (the producer) & Francesca (the washed-up actress): A couple whose professional and personal lives are crumbling. Carter (the son): About to be cut off financially by Alec and Jade (the son’s girlfriend): A law student with a secret side job that Alec—and only Alec—knows about.
The tension breaks after a disastrous night where Alec returns drunk following a fight over Kaitlyn’s phantom pregnancy. The next morning, Alec is found at the bottom of the villa’s pool. Because Alec managed to offend almost everyone, from pinching the maid, Miriam, to threatening his son’s livelihood. There is no shortage of suspects and even the chef, Thierry, had a reason to kill him.
What makes the investigation unique is Baxter’s partnership. While the gendarmes do their work, Baxter teams up with “Red,” a teenage pickpocket he caught in town. I really enjoyed the novel and look forward to another book in this series,
“A good butler sees everything and says nothing—but when the butler starts talking, the whole house of cards comes falling down.”
The characters are well developed and although there are plenty of characters they are easy to distinguish. Even the staff have deep layers; Baxter himself is haunted by a past dismissal after falling in love with a former male employer.
This was an amusing whodunnit that kept me guessing.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Podium Entertaining for supplying this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Baxter left his previous position under less-than-perfect circumstances and desperately needs this post… even if it means compromising his ethics. Burglary and murder, however, are more than he bargained for.
If you want to know whether the butler did it in The Butler, you’ll have to read it yourself. I will say that the setting is magnificent. Clare Mackintosh brings the sun, sea, and luxury to life — a little window into the lives of the ultra-rich and the resilient souls who cater to their whims and moods.
This crowd — Alec, Damian, Sylvie, Francesca, Kaitlyn, Carter, and Jade — has the entitlement, self-indulgence, and misogyny well-covered…yet, some of them are almost endearing. When one of their number is thinned out, two actually mourn the loss.
Baxter, the butler, Thierry, the chef, Miriam, the housekeeper, and Red, a pickpocket turned maid, live in another world — one filled with personal failings, quiet heartbreak, opportunistic predation, and financial stress. Theirs is the heart of this story — where compassion, love, loyalty, and diligence mingle with suspicion.
Mackintosh’s style is sharp and elegant; the mystery, brazen. In hindsight, the solution feels obvious — the clues were always there. I just got caught up in the contrasts, the private dramas, and the amateur sleuthing. They were worthy distractions — a soap opera on the Riviera.
The Butler is as well-furnished, textured, and rich in detail as any luxury villa. If you enjoy the finer things in life — a good puzzle, a grisly murder, maybe some wine or chocolate, and a view, this is for you!
Thank you, Podium Entertainment, for the opportunity to read The Butler. I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley, and I am writing this review voluntarily.
If you want to know whether the butler did it in The Butler, you’ll have to read it yourself. I will say that the setting is magnificent. Clare Mackintosh brings the sun, sea, and luxury to life — a little window into the lives of the ultra-rich and the resilient souls who cater to their whims and moods.
This crowd — Alec, Damian, Sylvie, Francesca, Kaitlyn, Carter, and Jade — has the entitlement, self-indulgence, and misogyny well-covered…yet, some of them are almost endearing. When one of their number is thinned out, two actually mourn the loss.
Baxter, the butler, Thierry, the chef, Miriam, the housekeeper, and Red, a pickpocket turned maid, live in another world — one filled with personal failings, quiet heartbreak, opportunistic predation, and financial stress. Theirs is the heart of this story — where compassion, love, loyalty, and diligence mingle with suspicion.
Mackintosh’s style is sharp and elegant; the mystery, brazen. In hindsight, the solution feels obvious — the clues were always there. I just got caught up in the contrasts, the private dramas, and the amateur sleuthing. They were worthy distractions — a soap opera on the Riviera.
The Butler is as well-furnished, textured, and rich in detail as any luxury villa. If you enjoy the finer things in life — a good puzzle, a grisly murder, maybe some wine or chocolate, and a view, this is for you!
Thank you, Podium Entertainment, for the opportunity to read The Butler. I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley, and I am writing this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Butler is a sleek, sun-soaked murder mystery set among the ultra-wealthy at a glamorous French villa just after Cannes. There is a body, there are secrets, and there is plenty of champagne. It is the kind of setup that practically begs you to read it in one sitting with something sparkling in hand.
For me, it leaned a little too cozy. I tend to like my crime fiction darker and more intense, and this one keeps things polished and controlled. No one is exactly twirling a mustache, but the tension never quite spirals into delicious chaos either. I kept waiting for it to go just a bit more feral.
Baxter is both wonderfully described and slightly underdeveloped at the same time, which is an odd combination but somehow true. He is intriguing, observant, and clearly hiding depths. Yet I finished the book still wanting more from him. That said, I genuinely loved his growing self-awareness as he essentially appoints himself detective. Watching the butler quietly size up the guests and think, “Well, clearly I must solve this,” was one of the most entertaining parts of the story. Amateur sleuth energy looks very good in formalwear.
I do wish this had been expanded into a more developed novel. The setting, the dynamics, and the characters all felt like they had more to give. There is a richness here that could easily have supported additional layers of tension and backstory.
Overall, I enjoyed the central mystery and the clever unraveling of secrets. It is a polished, engaging read with strong series potential. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment, mostly because I want to spend more time getting to know Baxter. He deserves a little more spotlight, and I suspect he has far more up his impeccably tailored sleeve.
For me, it leaned a little too cozy. I tend to like my crime fiction darker and more intense, and this one keeps things polished and controlled. No one is exactly twirling a mustache, but the tension never quite spirals into delicious chaos either. I kept waiting for it to go just a bit more feral.
Baxter is both wonderfully described and slightly underdeveloped at the same time, which is an odd combination but somehow true. He is intriguing, observant, and clearly hiding depths. Yet I finished the book still wanting more from him. That said, I genuinely loved his growing self-awareness as he essentially appoints himself detective. Watching the butler quietly size up the guests and think, “Well, clearly I must solve this,” was one of the most entertaining parts of the story. Amateur sleuth energy looks very good in formalwear.
I do wish this had been expanded into a more developed novel. The setting, the dynamics, and the characters all felt like they had more to give. There is a richness here that could easily have supported additional layers of tension and backstory.
Overall, I enjoyed the central mystery and the clever unraveling of secrets. It is a polished, engaging read with strong series potential. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment, mostly because I want to spend more time getting to know Baxter. He deserves a little more spotlight, and I suspect he has far more up his impeccably tailored sleeve.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've been a huge fan of Clare's since her very first book and she never disappoints! I'm so grateful for this eARC for The Butler, which I read in two short sittings and thoroughly enjoyed.
This murder mystery is set in the south of France and is full of rich people behaving questionably on their holidays. Baxter The Butler has just been hired for another job, and when he arrives at the French villa, Villa Sérénité, it is in complete disarray. He wastes no time in taking matters into his own hands, hiring his own staff and preparing it for the Prescott family's arrival.
The Prescotts, Alec and Sylvie, are celebrating their son Carter's 21st birthday, but Alec and Sylvie aren't together anymore. Both Alec and Carter's girlfriends have joined them, along with two friends who are Hollywood 'hot shots'. Fame, wealth, relationships... what could go wrong?
We know about the murder early on in this short story, so watching it all unfold was really fun. Baxter becomes an amateur detective for more reasons than one, and takes on local pickpocket Red to help him uncover the truth at Villa Sérénité, all while maintaining a high level of service and trying to avoid upsetting any of his guests.
It was gripping story with plenty of funny moments and I'm really excited to see/hear/read what comes next for this series! Clare is such a talented writer and whether it's thrillers or cosy mysteries, she nails it every time!
Thank you so much NetGalley and Podium Entertainment / Podium Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
The Butler will be out on 16th June, 2026!
This murder mystery is set in the south of France and is full of rich people behaving questionably on their holidays. Baxter The Butler has just been hired for another job, and when he arrives at the French villa, Villa Sérénité, it is in complete disarray. He wastes no time in taking matters into his own hands, hiring his own staff and preparing it for the Prescott family's arrival.
The Prescotts, Alec and Sylvie, are celebrating their son Carter's 21st birthday, but Alec and Sylvie aren't together anymore. Both Alec and Carter's girlfriends have joined them, along with two friends who are Hollywood 'hot shots'. Fame, wealth, relationships... what could go wrong?
We know about the murder early on in this short story, so watching it all unfold was really fun. Baxter becomes an amateur detective for more reasons than one, and takes on local pickpocket Red to help him uncover the truth at Villa Sérénité, all while maintaining a high level of service and trying to avoid upsetting any of his guests.
It was gripping story with plenty of funny moments and I'm really excited to see/hear/read what comes next for this series! Clare is such a talented writer and whether it's thrillers or cosy mysteries, she nails it every time!
Thank you so much NetGalley and Podium Entertainment / Podium Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
The Butler will be out on 16th June, 2026!
February 6, 2026
This was excellent. A fast-paced, captivating thriller full of wealthy, toxic characters, stunning scenery, and an endearing protagonist. Once I picked this book up
I couldn’t put it down—it’s addicting and had me hooked from the start.
Baxter, a professional butler, has just arrived in Cannes to manage the new guests of Villa Sérénité for a week. Alec Prescott, a top client of Baxter’s agency, has rented the villa to celebrate his son Carter’s 21st birthday. They will be joined by Carter’s girlfriend Jade, Carter’s mother / Alec’s ex-wife Sylvie, and Carter’s godparents, Francesca and Damien. To the shock of everyone, Alec has also invited his 25 year old girlfriend, Kaitlyn.
Upon the arrival of all the guests, chaos ensues instantly. There is constant bickering, blatant adultery, and open hostility towards one another. Not even the murder of one of their own can put a stop to this toxic family dynamic. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has a motive.
I loved how twisty this book was without being too scary. The characters are all so horrible that’s it’s impossible to predict who the murderer is. With the exception of Jade, I loved to hate them. Jade is so fiery and confident and all of her interactions made me laugh or smile. I’m also obsessed with Baxter and his unlikely accomplice Red and really hope I get to read more about them in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment | Podium Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn’t put it down—it’s addicting and had me hooked from the start.
Baxter, a professional butler, has just arrived in Cannes to manage the new guests of Villa Sérénité for a week. Alec Prescott, a top client of Baxter’s agency, has rented the villa to celebrate his son Carter’s 21st birthday. They will be joined by Carter’s girlfriend Jade, Carter’s mother / Alec’s ex-wife Sylvie, and Carter’s godparents, Francesca and Damien. To the shock of everyone, Alec has also invited his 25 year old girlfriend, Kaitlyn.
Upon the arrival of all the guests, chaos ensues instantly. There is constant bickering, blatant adultery, and open hostility towards one another. Not even the murder of one of their own can put a stop to this toxic family dynamic. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has a motive.
I loved how twisty this book was without being too scary. The characters are all so horrible that’s it’s impossible to predict who the murderer is. With the exception of Jade, I loved to hate them. Jade is so fiery and confident and all of her interactions made me laugh or smile. I’m also obsessed with Baxter and his unlikely accomplice Red and really hope I get to read more about them in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment | Podium Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Butler by Clare Mackintosh
This is a glamorous, tightly plotted whodunnit set against the glittering backdrop of a luxury villa on the French Riviera. After the excess of the Cannes Film Festival, a group of wealthy, entitled guests gather for an exclusive weekend and it isn’t long before simmering tensions surface. When one of them is found dead in the swimming pool, the façade of privilege begins to crack.
At the centre of it all is Baxter, the impeccably composed butler whose professionalism masks a sharp intelligence and keen observational skills. Through his measured, almost forensic attention to detail, the story unfolds with controlled precision. Baxter’s restraint and quiet competence make him a compelling protagonist he sees everything, reveals little, and understands far more than those around him realise.
Set against him is Red, whose energy and perspective act as an effective foil. Where Baxter is controlled and discreet, Red brings a more instinctive, emotionally reactive edge to the investigation. The dynamic between them adds texture to the narrative, creating both tension and balance as secrets begin to unravel.
The mystery itself is cleverly structured, with enough misdirection to keep you engaged without tipping into implausibility.
While a few tropes of the closed-circle mystery are familiar the character work, particularly Baxter’s layered presence. Stylish, sharp and entertaining, The Butler is a polished addition to the genre and an enjoyable four-star read.
This is a glamorous, tightly plotted whodunnit set against the glittering backdrop of a luxury villa on the French Riviera. After the excess of the Cannes Film Festival, a group of wealthy, entitled guests gather for an exclusive weekend and it isn’t long before simmering tensions surface. When one of them is found dead in the swimming pool, the façade of privilege begins to crack.
At the centre of it all is Baxter, the impeccably composed butler whose professionalism masks a sharp intelligence and keen observational skills. Through his measured, almost forensic attention to detail, the story unfolds with controlled precision. Baxter’s restraint and quiet competence make him a compelling protagonist he sees everything, reveals little, and understands far more than those around him realise.
Set against him is Red, whose energy and perspective act as an effective foil. Where Baxter is controlled and discreet, Red brings a more instinctive, emotionally reactive edge to the investigation. The dynamic between them adds texture to the narrative, creating both tension and balance as secrets begin to unravel.
The mystery itself is cleverly structured, with enough misdirection to keep you engaged without tipping into implausibility.
While a few tropes of the closed-circle mystery are familiar the character work, particularly Baxter’s layered presence. Stylish, sharp and entertaining, The Butler is a polished addition to the genre and an enjoyable four-star read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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?
This in no way compares to Clare Mackintosh's thrillers but it's a pleasant enough read. Fairly shallow with lots of stereotypical rich people and a wealth of detail about the duties of a butler.
My thanks to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
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?
This in no way compares to Clare Mackintosh's thrillers but it's a pleasant enough read. Fairly shallow with lots of stereotypical rich people and a wealth of detail about the duties of a butler.
My thanks to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I can highly recommend The Butler (The Butler #1) a fast paced whodunnit thriller by Clare Mackintosh kept me at the edge of my seat all the way through.
Baxter the protagonist, has been assigned as Butler at an affluent villa in the South of France, alongside Miriam who deals with housekeeping, and Thierry the chef.
Alec Prescott brings a group of close friends, including his ex wife and a very young girlfriend in order to celebrate his son Carter's birthday and also the Cannes film festival.
After a week of bickering and tensions running high, a guest is found dead in the swimming pool. Baxter calls in the gendarmes who are still trying to work out if it was an accidental fall or not. Baxter is not convinced it was accidental and takes on the role of Poirot to delve deeper into all the guests motives.
All the guests have secrets and one of them is a murderer. Baxter's brain cells are working overtime as he is closing in on the suspect and his life is also in danger. He also encounters a very young pickpocket called Red when he was running errands in the town whom he takes pity on and brings her to the villa where she is an asset in helping him find proof of wrong doing.
The killer is eventually revealed as the mystery unfolds. There are feelings of resentment, financial woes, tension, backstabbing, jealousy and murder in this whodunnit thriller.
Baxter the protagonist, has been assigned as Butler at an affluent villa in the South of France, alongside Miriam who deals with housekeeping, and Thierry the chef.
Alec Prescott brings a group of close friends, including his ex wife and a very young girlfriend in order to celebrate his son Carter's birthday and also the Cannes film festival.
After a week of bickering and tensions running high, a guest is found dead in the swimming pool. Baxter calls in the gendarmes who are still trying to work out if it was an accidental fall or not. Baxter is not convinced it was accidental and takes on the role of Poirot to delve deeper into all the guests motives.
All the guests have secrets and one of them is a murderer. Baxter's brain cells are working overtime as he is closing in on the suspect and his life is also in danger. He also encounters a very young pickpocket called Red when he was running errands in the town whom he takes pity on and brings her to the villa where she is an asset in helping him find proof of wrong doing.
The killer is eventually revealed as the mystery unfolds. There are feelings of resentment, financial woes, tension, backstabbing, jealousy and murder in this whodunnit thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Butler, by Clare Mackintosh, is a delightful locked-door mystery set amongst an ultra-wealthy family during the Cannes Film Festival. A self-absorbed and vapid family rents a house to celebrate their son’s birthday. The cast of characters are the worst stereotypes of selfish, bored, rich people: Hollywood stars, production financiers and children living off their parents. Enter Baxter, the ultimate butler, whose job it is to look after this family while they are staying there. The alcohol flows, the conversations are tenuous, and before you know it, a terrible tragedy has occurred. Or was it?
With the help of a common thief, a housekeeper and a cook, Baxter tries to figure out what's going on. Along the way, terrible secrets are revealed and money schemes are uncovered, showing that life on the French Riviera is not all glamour and glitter. The story moves quickly, the behind-the-scenes dialogue of the staff is hilarious, and the family is extremely dysfunctional. This is the perfect summer beach read.
Thank you to Podium Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#ClareMackintosh #TheButler #NetGalley #libraryninja📚
With the help of a common thief, a housekeeper and a cook, Baxter tries to figure out what's going on. Along the way, terrible secrets are revealed and money schemes are uncovered, showing that life on the French Riviera is not all glamour and glitter. The story moves quickly, the behind-the-scenes dialogue of the staff is hilarious, and the family is extremely dysfunctional. This is the perfect summer beach read.
Thank you to Podium Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#ClareMackintosh #TheButler #NetGalley #libraryninja📚
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 3.0/5
I have been an admirer of Clare Mackintosh's work for some time, but the style of this cosy novella, set in the south of France, is hard to recognise as coming from the same writer's stable. If the cover had omitted the name of the author I would never have guessed that it had been penned by Clare Mackintosh.
"The Butler" is a perfectly decent cosy mystery. The writing is fluent and the setting works well. In the crowded cosy mystery marketplace, having an engaging central character who can stand out from the pack is essential. Baxter, the eponymous butler, fits the bill and the combination of quintessential Englishness from a bygone age operating in a high-end modern day environment is an unusual but effective juxtaposition. The mystery itself is fine, if not outstanding and it ticks the boxes that it needs to for the cosy genre. Overall, this is pleasant enough, but I wouldn't say that I derived as much reading pleasure from it as I have from some of this author's non-cosy work.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
I have been an admirer of Clare Mackintosh's work for some time, but the style of this cosy novella, set in the south of France, is hard to recognise as coming from the same writer's stable. If the cover had omitted the name of the author I would never have guessed that it had been penned by Clare Mackintosh.
"The Butler" is a perfectly decent cosy mystery. The writing is fluent and the setting works well. In the crowded cosy mystery marketplace, having an engaging central character who can stand out from the pack is essential. Baxter, the eponymous butler, fits the bill and the combination of quintessential Englishness from a bygone age operating in a high-end modern day environment is an unusual but effective juxtaposition. The mystery itself is fine, if not outstanding and it ticks the boxes that it needs to for the cosy genre. Overall, this is pleasant enough, but I wouldn't say that I derived as much reading pleasure from it as I have from some of this author's non-cosy work.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
‘The Butler’ by Clare Mackintosh is a departure from her well-known and rightly plauded psychological thrillers. This novel is much more of a Agatha Christie for modern times, set in the south of France and peopled by a mix of the indulged, the vulnerable and the wealthy.
As ever, Mackintosh plots the narrative very effectively and the ‘whodunnit’ element keeps the reader engaged throughout. Everyone, other than Baxter the butler, could be culpable of the murder of odious businessman Alec Prescott. When the murderer is eventually revealed, everything makes sense and that’s all part of this rewarding read.
Choose this book if you want a quick, satisfying holiday read rather than a multi-layered exploration of individuals, relationships and circumstances which is what Mackintosh usually delivers. The end of ‘The Butler’ certainly leaves open the possibility of a series developing and, no doubt, there will be demand for this. Not my favourite type of crime fiction but, as ever, well written and expertly plotted.
My thanks to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
As ever, Mackintosh plots the narrative very effectively and the ‘whodunnit’ element keeps the reader engaged throughout. Everyone, other than Baxter the butler, could be culpable of the murder of odious businessman Alec Prescott. When the murderer is eventually revealed, everything makes sense and that’s all part of this rewarding read.
Choose this book if you want a quick, satisfying holiday read rather than a multi-layered exploration of individuals, relationships and circumstances which is what Mackintosh usually delivers. The end of ‘The Butler’ certainly leaves open the possibility of a series developing and, no doubt, there will be demand for this. Not my favourite type of crime fiction but, as ever, well written and expertly plotted.
My thanks to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
February 22, 2026
When I started this I thought oh here we go, someone cashing in on the popularity of Freida McFaddens Housemaid series. I should have known better as Clare MacKintosh is an excellent author and in her hands this has become a bit of fun.
The butler is Baxter. He has recently lost his job as a longtime butler to a couple in England, he was having an affair with the husband and the wife found out. Now he is to look after a group of friends and family at Villa Serenite east of Cannes. His detail to every little thing is what makes him an excellent butler and he’s about to be tested when the guests arrive. All of them are after something and no one is as they seem. They treat Baxter as a nobody so he see and hears things that perhaps he shouldn’t. When one of the party is found dead in the pool, Baxter (with the help of Red, a young girl living rough and making a living as a pickpocket) sorts through the clues to uncover a murderer.
The book finished with both of them setting off for a yacht party in Santorini where they will be once again at work and I am sure more detecting will be involved.
#The Butler. #NetGalley
The butler is Baxter. He has recently lost his job as a longtime butler to a couple in England, he was having an affair with the husband and the wife found out. Now he is to look after a group of friends and family at Villa Serenite east of Cannes. His detail to every little thing is what makes him an excellent butler and he’s about to be tested when the guests arrive. All of them are after something and no one is as they seem. They treat Baxter as a nobody so he see and hears things that perhaps he shouldn’t. When one of the party is found dead in the pool, Baxter (with the help of Red, a young girl living rough and making a living as a pickpocket) sorts through the clues to uncover a murderer.
The book finished with both of them setting off for a yacht party in Santorini where they will be once again at work and I am sure more detecting will be involved.
#The Butler. #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Butler is a fast-paced murder mystery set in Cannes. Do I need to say any more?? That alone got my attention! And told from the butler's perspective like the golden age of mysteries is just too good to be true.
Let's talk about what I liked:
The setting! At The beginning, I didn't really feel transported and I was a little bummed, but towards the end, it was woven in a lot more and felt like a great vacation book.
Red: I enjoyed her spunky character
Baxter: I'm sure it was on purpose, but he was a little too uptight in the first half of the book for me to like him, but by the second half I wanted to see where his story would end up.
Great pacing, easy read.
Now let's talk about what I didn't like:
Literally any of the other characters. It may be by design, because they aren't entirely likeable, but i really had no vested interest in what happened to anyone else in this book.
The plot had too many strings. It needed to be tightened up a bit more, and maybe polished a bit more.
Let's talk about what I liked:
The setting! At The beginning, I didn't really feel transported and I was a little bummed, but towards the end, it was woven in a lot more and felt like a great vacation book.
Red: I enjoyed her spunky character
Baxter: I'm sure it was on purpose, but he was a little too uptight in the first half of the book for me to like him, but by the second half I wanted to see where his story would end up.
Great pacing, easy read.
Now let's talk about what I didn't like:
Literally any of the other characters. It may be by design, because they aren't entirely likeable, but i really had no vested interest in what happened to anyone else in this book.
The plot had too many strings. It needed to be tightened up a bit more, and maybe polished a bit more.
February 16, 2026
The Butler by Clare Mackintosh is an engaging and cleverly plotted story that delivers exactly what you want from a mystery. The plot moves at a brisk pace and is genuinely easy to read, with short chapters and just enough twists to keep you hooked without feeling overwhelmed.
One of the standout elements is the likeable protagonist, whose mix of attention to detail, warmth, and determination makes it easy to invest in the investigation and the personal stakes behind it. The author does a great job balancing intrigue with character development, so you’re not just following clues, you’re rooting for the people involved (well, some of them!).
The setting and premise feel fresh, and there’s a satisfying resolution while still leaving room for future instalments. I fervently hope that this is the start of a series, it sets up an appealing world and a central character I want to spend more time with. I can see it as a Sunday night show too.
Overall, this is a strong, enjoyable mystery; polished, entertaining, and very moreish.
With thanks to NetGalley for an early copy.
One of the standout elements is the likeable protagonist, whose mix of attention to detail, warmth, and determination makes it easy to invest in the investigation and the personal stakes behind it. The author does a great job balancing intrigue with character development, so you’re not just following clues, you’re rooting for the people involved (well, some of them!).
The setting and premise feel fresh, and there’s a satisfying resolution while still leaving room for future instalments. I fervently hope that this is the start of a series, it sets up an appealing world and a central character I want to spend more time with. I can see it as a Sunday night show too.
Overall, this is a strong, enjoyable mystery; polished, entertaining, and very moreish.
With thanks to NetGalley for an early copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Clare Mackintosh--her Ffion Morgan series is one of my favorites, so I was thrilled to try her new thriller, The Butler.
It's set in Cannes, which was perfect for the guests that the butler, Baxter, welcomes into the home. They're all in the movie industry in one way or another, and I loved seeing the tension simmer among them through the lens of Baxter.
He's a great main character, attentive and all about the proper way to do things while having his own mysterious backstory that slowly unravels as the book moves along.
The central mystery was great and kept me reading, but Baxter's character arc throughout the book is what made this a five star read for me. His interactions with other staff and the alliances he makes really propelled the story along--keeping me rooting for him, but also guessing, all the way through to the end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Podium Publishing for the advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
It's set in Cannes, which was perfect for the guests that the butler, Baxter, welcomes into the home. They're all in the movie industry in one way or another, and I loved seeing the tension simmer among them through the lens of Baxter.
He's a great main character, attentive and all about the proper way to do things while having his own mysterious backstory that slowly unravels as the book moves along.
The central mystery was great and kept me reading, but Baxter's character arc throughout the book is what made this a five star read for me. His interactions with other staff and the alliances he makes really propelled the story along--keeping me rooting for him, but also guessing, all the way through to the end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Podium Publishing for the advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Butler by Clare Mackintosh is a locked room murder mystery, with a hint of Agatha Christie.
Set in Cannes in the south of France Baxter has worked as Butler for over twenty-five years. He has a spotless reputation, and he is known to be observant and have a great eye for detail. But the latest ultra rich family the Prescott’s are a different kettle of fish with a couple of guests in toe.
When the next morning there is a body found in the pool of Andrew Prescott. Baxter uses his detective skills and with help of an ally to find out who killed him. But there is a lot of suspects, and each guest is hiding something and all of them may have wanted him dead.
This novel is quite different to what the author usually writes. But saying that I wasn’t disappointed. This is quick, easy read with well-developed eclectic group of characters. The storyline was very enjoyable to read. I hope there is more to come of Baxter and Red as it will make a great series. 5 stars from me.
Set in Cannes in the south of France Baxter has worked as Butler for over twenty-five years. He has a spotless reputation, and he is known to be observant and have a great eye for detail. But the latest ultra rich family the Prescott’s are a different kettle of fish with a couple of guests in toe.
When the next morning there is a body found in the pool of Andrew Prescott. Baxter uses his detective skills and with help of an ally to find out who killed him. But there is a lot of suspects, and each guest is hiding something and all of them may have wanted him dead.
This novel is quite different to what the author usually writes. But saying that I wasn’t disappointed. This is quick, easy read with well-developed eclectic group of characters. The storyline was very enjoyable to read. I hope there is more to come of Baxter and Red as it will make a great series. 5 stars from me.
February 7, 2026
I devoured this book. Admittedly I was unsure in the very beginning but once I got into this book I could not put it down. I felt like this book was the perfect length and had the right amount of suspense on who committed the crime.
I found Baxter to be a likeable character alongside Red and Jade. Whilst there were other characters I was less fond of that was the point! Set in a wealthy holiday home I felt it was the perfect backdrop for a murder mystery of this sort.
I did not predict who had done the crime (no spoilers in this review- I promise) which was refreshing, there were quite a few suspects!
I will definitely be reading other books by this author, especially thrillers!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found Baxter to be a likeable character alongside Red and Jade. Whilst there were other characters I was less fond of that was the point! Set in a wealthy holiday home I felt it was the perfect backdrop for a murder mystery of this sort.
I did not predict who had done the crime (no spoilers in this review- I promise) which was refreshing, there were quite a few suspects!
I will definitely be reading other books by this author, especially thrillers!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
Baxter is a butler with a spotless reputation. When he arrives at a villa in Cannes, he quickly realises that the guests, while rich, are spoiled and at each others throats. When there’s an attempted break in and then a murder, things spiral out of control. Baxter finds himself an unlikely partner to investigate.
This was a nice easy read. Perfect for being on holiday. A classic whodunnit with suspense and red herrings galore. Told completely from the pov of the butler, the guests came across as obnoxious, and uncaring and if I’m honest I didn’t like any of those characters. I found myself rooting for team staff! A sign of a good well written book, when I find my self passionate about the characters (good or bad!).
Definitely one that I would recommend by this fabulous author.
Baxter is a butler with a spotless reputation. When he arrives at a villa in Cannes, he quickly realises that the guests, while rich, are spoiled and at each others throats. When there’s an attempted break in and then a murder, things spiral out of control. Baxter finds himself an unlikely partner to investigate.
This was a nice easy read. Perfect for being on holiday. A classic whodunnit with suspense and red herrings galore. Told completely from the pov of the butler, the guests came across as obnoxious, and uncaring and if I’m honest I didn’t like any of those characters. I found myself rooting for team staff! A sign of a good well written book, when I find my self passionate about the characters (good or bad!).
Definitely one that I would recommend by this fabulous author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3⭐️ for me, but maybe a bit higher if you really like cosy mysteries.
I really enjoyed the main character, Baxter, and the POV of a travelling butler, flying in to cater at exclusive high end rentals. I wish it was more about him and less about the wealthy and arrogant guests.
The locked room style whodunnit was well done, but it did get a little snoozy in the middle of this book, plus the rich people behaving badly trope is just not what I want to spend my leisure time indulging in - there is enough of that going on in the real world at the moment.
Overall a pretty fun read, and I would likely try more with this main character. If you like slower burn, cozy mysteries with a splash of “good deeds” moments, then you might want to give this one a try.
Thanks to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for providing me with a ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the main character, Baxter, and the POV of a travelling butler, flying in to cater at exclusive high end rentals. I wish it was more about him and less about the wealthy and arrogant guests.
The locked room style whodunnit was well done, but it did get a little snoozy in the middle of this book, plus the rich people behaving badly trope is just not what I want to spend my leisure time indulging in - there is enough of that going on in the real world at the moment.
Overall a pretty fun read, and I would likely try more with this main character. If you like slower burn, cozy mysteries with a splash of “good deeds” moments, then you might want to give this one a try.
Thanks to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for providing me with a ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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