Member Review

Title & Author: The Butler by Clare Mackintosh

Rating: 4stars

Genre: Mystery / Murder

Release Date: 16th June
Publisher: Podium Publishers

If you love a locked room mystery with a twist of glamour & mischief, The Butler by Clare Mackintosh is a fun ride. Set in a luxurious rented Cannes mansion, the story brings together a wealthy host & a cast of mostly unlikeable guests (prime territory for murder.)
At the heart of it all is Baxter, the ever watchful butler, alongside a maid, a chef, & the wildcard Red, a pickpocket who may end up stealing more than just wallets. Together Baxter & Red make for an engaging duo with hints this could be the start of a compelling new series.
This is a light, entertaining whodunnit with Agatha Christie vibes, sprinkled with clues & red herrings that keep you guessing without ever feeling too heavy.
I found it effortlessly readable, perfect when you want intrigue & escapism in equal measure. While it doesn’t always dive as deeply into character development as I might have liked (likely due to its shorter length), the pacing keeps things moving.
I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys classic style murder mysteries with a modern, humorous twist. especially if you like lovable sidekicks.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the ARC.