Book review: The Butler by Clare Mackintosh

I read The Butler by Clare Mackintosh in a sitting (though it is quite short at just over 200 pages). I’ve long been a fan of Mackintosh, ever since a twist in her 2015 debut novel I Let You Go almost made me drop my iPad into the bathtub (where I read). Here, what starts as a somewhat tense week-long birthday celebration in a luxurious mansion in the French Riveria, becomes a whodunnit and I very much liked the way Mackintosh pairs amateur sleuth and butler (Baxter) up with an unlikely but surprisingly canny partner when unpicking clues, motives and means to uncover the murderer.

About the book

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?

My thoughts

This all unfolds from the point of view of Baxter so we meet him on his arrival at Villa Sérénité to find the Australian caretakers kinda drunk/high and somewhat debaucherous. (Sooooo not at all like young Aussie’s abroad 🙄 ). He sacks them and brings in a French couple (known to him) as housekeeper and chef.

We learn Baxter left his previous employment under a bit of a cloud which is what his employer holds over his head when asking him to get some dirt on the weekend’s host, the wealthy but unpleasant and lecherous Alec Prescott. He’s there with his girlfriend Kaitlyn (three decades his junior), along with his ex-wife (Sylvie) who’s unaware Kaitlyn is joining the 21st birthday celebrations of their son Carter. We learn Alec is yet to meet Carter’s girlfriend Jade (but it’s obvious when they do meet there’s some past connection) and rounding out the weekend are Carter’s godparents. Film director Damien and his actress wife, Francesca who are also in Cannes to promote their latest film, one Alec helped fund.

So… lots of tension and simmering anger afoot. I really enjoyed the way Mackintosh paces this and the way she doesn’t skimp on the detail of the luxurious weekend, from the food the guests are served, to the table settings and flower arrangements to the chocolate truffles placed in bedrooms and folding of (full roles only) of toilet paper. I also enjoyed our visits to Cannes and into its markets. It doesn’t weigh down or dilute the narrative but adds texture while reaching the scenes of the book’s prologue – a body discovered after a night of raucous behaviour, harsh words and exposed secrets.

Baxter then switches into amateur detective mode. Inadvertently, more than anything. We know that the guests were all exposed to some non-toxic gas nights before the murder and repeated the same night, which was assumed to be attempted robbery thwarted by the house’s security systems. Now Baxter wonders if the events are linked and starts to consider the guests’ motives for the murder… and forced to also consider whether the couple he employed might be involved.

I very much enjoyed where Mackintosh takes this and found Baxter (and later his offsider) really engaging, and as this is labelled #1, look forward to their next outing.

The Butler by Clare Mackintosh will be published by Podium Publishing in mid June.

I recieved an electronic copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.