LibraryNinja Book Reviews

published 6/16/26

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 gone wrong. 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.

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