At a lavish villa in Northern Italy, a very prim British butler finds himself immersed in a very messy murder in this deliciously twisting novel of psychological suspense from the 2-time Lefty Award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of Devil’s Chew Toy and the Harriet Morrow Investigates novels.

The modern butler lives by a code: Whatever is required, whatever is desired. Whether that involves a perfect margarita, a crisply ironed shirt, or a sit-down banquet for dozens, he does it all—with discretion. I should know. Clive Humphrey, butler par excellence, at your service . . .

My current task: to help settle New York-based billionaires Leo and Allison Armstrong and their two young daughters into their lavish new summer home. Palatial Villa Serena lives up to its name—a breathtaking, tranquil residence with views of Lake Como and the majestic mountains beyond, every inch speaks of luxury. For the next 4 months, it will be my professional domain.

Unfortunately, not everyone at Villa Serena is as devoted as I am to preserving peace and family harmony.

The staff includes a morose nanny, a gossipy housekeeper, a gorgeous but lazy gardener, and an abrasive new chef. Then there is Mrs. Armstrong’s rough-around-the-edges sister, Amber, who has long outstayed her welcome. But nothing I learned at the British Butler Academy prepared me for the dark turn of events that follow a sumptuous dinner party. In its aftermath, I’ll face the greatest challenge of my career: to unravel a mystery and protect the Armstrongs from ruinous scandal.

Yet who better to watch, unobserved, and glean information? Anticipating others’ motivations and desires is what I’ve dedicated my life to doing. Still, even a man trusted to safeguard his clients’ secrets may harbor his own . . .