The Butler
After 25 years as a butler to the ultra-wealthy, Baxter has seen it all… until a guest is found dead in the glittering pool of Villa Sérénité, in the South of France. A good butler is expected to see everything and say nothing… but what if he too becomes a target?
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?
Join the conversation
For exclusive extras and early event notifications, sign up to Clare's mailing list, and join a community of booklovers. You'll receive a free short story as a welcome gift.