Discover products with sustainability features this Earth month
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 5 million titles. Learn more
Prime Reading
This title is also available to read for free with Prime. Learn More
OR
$4.95 with 65 percent savings
Print List Price: $13.95

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

  • The Wizard's Butler

Follow the author

Get new release updates & improved recommendations
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Wizard's Butler Kindle Edition


"He thinks he's a wizard," they said. For five grand a month and a million dollar chaser, Roger Mulligan didn't care how crazy the old geezer was. All he had to do was keep Joseph Perry Shackleford alive and keep him from squandering the estate for a year. They didn't tell him about the pixies.

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 2 books in this series.
This option includes 2 books.

Customers also bought or read

Loading...

Product details

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Nathan Lowell
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

About the time I was in sixth grade, back in rural Maine, I remember telling my grandmother, "When I grow up, I wanna have a house under ground and that's where I'll keep my computer."

She asked, "What will you do with it?"

"I don't know. It hasn't been built yet."

My grandparents, being wise in the ways of young boys, nodded sagely and changed the subject.

That was 1965.

Now, half a century later, I'm sitting in my cellar--halfway across the country from my roots on the rock-bound coast--typing this on my computer.

I wasn't particularly prescient in my prediction, rather it grew from my love of all things science fiction.

Through all the changes wrought through politics, climate, and age, my love of science fiction literature remained constant. It brought me through wars, storms, sickness, health, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, failure, and success. My love for technology--which initially grew from the tiny seeds planted by Heinlein and Norton, Bradbury and Asimov, Simak and Pohl--blossomed with the advent of the internet and found full bloom with the world wide web.

Late in 2004, I discovered podcasting and the community of content creators that this new distribution channel enabled. In 2007, I joined it when I released my first science fiction novel, Quarter Share, at Podiobooks.com. Now--more than twenty novels later--I find myself a full-time novelist, happy in a career I never thought might be possible.

Welcome to my world.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
16,924 global ratings

Customers say

Customers enjoy this book's whimsical plot with a satisfying conclusion, describing it as a magical slice of life and a great standalone novel. The writing style is brilliant, with one customer comparing it to Agatha Christie's style, and customers find the pacing enjoyable, with one noting it reads fast. They appreciate the wonderful characters and find it deeply satisfying, with one review highlighting the surprising twist at the end.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

555 customers mention story, 511 positive, 44 negative
Customers enjoy the story of this book, finding it whimsical with a satisfying conclusion, and one customer mentions a surprising twist at the end.
This is a fun, quick read with a interesting and great story. I listened to most of it and the audiobook was top notch and really well done. Loved it!Read more
...Is there a lot of action? No Snarky attitude?No a good story that pulls you in and makes you stay up late when you have to work in the morning? YES....Read more
The topic, the writing were page turners... wonderful story and so different from any witchy series....i would love to see a continuation of the...Read more
Interesting plot well developed characters delightful setting no sex no violence little if any bad language it appealed to a wide range of age groups.Read more
493 customers mention content, 461 positive, 32 negative
Customers find the book delightful and heartwarming, describing it as a magical slice of life.
This was a great book. It kept me up late and I couldn’t put it down which amazes me because it wasn’t your usual paranormal story....Read more
It was a very well written novel. Entertaining and delightful up until the very last word! I couldn't put it down!Read more
...It’s not a fast-paced, high action story- but it was charming and left me smiling. I hope to see more of Shackleton house and Mulligan in the future.Read more
A wonderful, magical and original story. I've read it twice and wish there were more on the adventures of Shackleford House, Mulligan and the pixies.Read more
441 customers mention readability, 437 positive, 4 negative
Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an intriguing and quick read that keeps them engaged.
Fine suspension of disbelief and a great read that was never boring. My second reading. Nice blend of a variety of people and life stories.Read more
...'s. I would recommend this for book for anyone that likes a good read that is both grounded in reality, but also likes a hint of plausible magic.Read more
Satisfying, comfortable, enjoyable; all fair descriptors of this low-key, realistic urban fantasy. No high adventure and no need for it....Read more
Enjoyable read. Not my usual shoot-em-up book, but it managed to drag me down the “what’s next” path completely....Read more
428 customers mention character, 411 positive, 17 negative
Customers enjoy the characters in the book.
I really enjoyed this book. Great characters and plot. Left me wishing for more even though the story was complete. Highly recommend.Read more
...It was unexpected and kept my interest. Good plot, interesting characters. A satisfying ending but I’d enjoy reading some more like this one.Read more
...I really enjoyed the story, characters, and I seriously hope the author is considering more adventures at Shackleford House. Absolutely a fun read.Read more
...However, I’ve come away amazing. Just amazed. Great storyline, wonderful characters, fluid writing style. Just read it. You won’t be disappointed.Read more
393 customers mention enjoyment, 377 positive, 16 negative
Customers find the book delightful and deeply satisfying, with fun magic elements that kept their interest throughout the entire story.
This is a fun, quick read with a interesting and great story. I listened to most of it and the audiobook was top notch and really well done. Loved it!Read more
This was really entertaining, and definitely a fun read. It’s been sitting on my shelf for a while, and now I regret not having read it sooner....Read more
...The characters are few, but for the most part credible and interesting. The story is complete in itself, but there's plenty of room for a sequel.Read more
...The Wizard’s Butler was perfect. The characters are well fleshed and engaging, the plot line with its magical twists fun and entertaining without...Read more
189 customers mention writing style, 187 positive, 2 negative
Customers praise the writing style of the book, finding it brilliant and pleasant to read, with one customer noting its practical approach and another comparing it to Agatha Christie's style.
This book was fun to read and well written. I'm looking forward to further books in this series and hopefully an audiobook will be released too.Read more
Very well written. Great character development. I had a difficult time putting the book down. Would recommend it to anyone. Magic fan or not.Read more
...This is a quiet little book with intriguing people and excellent writing. No explosions. The characters are engaging and very real....Read more
...It isn't a fast paced shoot em' up, but it was so well written that I Han a hard time putting it down. I wanted to just sit back and read and read....Read more
173 customers mention pacing, 142 positive, 31 negative
Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as nicely flowing and calm, with one customer noting how it reads quickly.
...I can't even tell you why I enjoyed it so much. It was relaxing and entertaining. I loved the characters and hope another is coming in the series.Read more
I really enjoyed this book. It is a bit of a slow burn - Roger learning his role as butler and then the slow awakening to magic in the world and...Read more
...Calm, polite, and detail minded. These traits are particularly suitable when the character is a butler.Read more
...No big terror or tensions, more like a lovely bubble bath, comforting, yet interesting. The character development does not depend on trauma....Read more
90 customers mention concept, 82 positive, 8 negative
Customers appreciate the book's unique premise, describing it as an intriguing fantasy with a highly imaginative world.
Fun book, interesting premise. I’d read other books by Lowell and enjoyed them but this was definitely not his standard space opera fare.Read more
There was an entire chapter devoted to getting WiFi installed .....great concept but damn it was boring. There was little action and no adventure.Read more
...the story and excellent characters with just enough magic and fantasy....Read more
This is an absolutely delightful book. Great premise, engaging and believable characters....Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2026
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Great story line, character development and curiosity for the next book. Moving on to book two without delay. Happened upon this book by referral from a friend. Did not disappoint.
    15 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2026
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I had just gotten over reading a series of thrillers and murder mysteries and needed something to settle my dreams. The Wizard’s Butler was perfect. The characters are well fleshed and engaging, the plot line with its magical twists fun and entertaining without being heavy handed, and the main character’s settling in after three combat tours was effective and hopeful. I recommend the book highly and will venture into more by this author.
    12 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I bought this because Nathan Lowell was recommended to me as an author, and I wanted to try something as a standalone novel rather than commit to a long series. I thought the premise of an outsider's view of a magical word sounded interesting and I really liked the idea of mature characters facing life at their own particular crossroads.

    I really enjoyed how Lowell melded the mundane plot (spoilers, but for anyone who needs to hear, it's about attempted elder abuse) with the supernatural elements. This felt to me like the end of a wonderful action/adventure pulp comic, where the Intrepid Explorer has reached the end of his career and now has to see about his remaining years. The titular butler's last name is 'Mulligan' which I found very amusing since all the characters involved in this story are 'trying again' either through new careers or new stages in their lives.

    I think Lowell is a writer with a gift for discussing serious matters with humor and a gentle hand. Nothing felt overwhelming or heavy-handed and a story dealing with a niece attempting to rob her uncle and have him declared incompetent has the potential for real visceral horror. That Lowell did not dip into melodrama is to his credit.

    While I kind of understood that Shackleford, the wizard, was pretending to be mentally incompetent to cover up for his magically induced dementia, I did feel like I needed a better understanding of how his niece got into the house in the first place. I sort of felt as though she had insinuated herself after the death of the previous butler and then offered to take on the job of hiring a new one, but why Shackleford would have allowed that in the first place when he clearly had some sort of magical doyenne interested in service employment (who he sends the new guy to!) already... enh. It was a weird lapse for me as a reader.

    The magic in the story is very low-key and practical, which I rather enjoy. It made the magic feel like an organic part of the world that Mulligan was simply discovering, rather than something too othered for the reader to connect to. I loved to see him figuring things out in his new job and filling his world with duties and people to make life new again.

    I really did like the characters, and I truly loved their interactions. I thought the book as a whole was satisfying and the ending was clever. When I finished this book, I honestly thought to myself that I would enjoy reading another in the same universe.
    37 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2026
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Yes, it surprised me also. I am very stingy with my stars but I would have liked to give this one even a couple more! -- Such a well written story, great characters easy to identify with, a villain to dislike and a veteran who gets to be happy and at peace. -- Very well proofed as there were no misspelled or misplaced words. Good proofing is important to me. -- If you are looking for a very good, funny and happy read? You should let "the butler" open that door for you!
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2026
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Having greatly enjoyed Nathan Lowell's far-future science fiction stories about Ishmael Wang, I turned to "The Wizard's Butler," which is contemporary fantasy. As one would expect, this makes it quite a different beast. Yet not as different as one might guess.

    In common with most of the tales of Ishmael Wang, "The Wizard's Butler" is a slower-paced book with likable characters that includes more ordinary moments than dramatic scenes. Yes, there are bad actors and points of drama, but the book calmed me more than it agitated me. I very much liked the main character (the eponymous wizard's butler), and very much liked the whole tale.

    Four and a half out of five pixie stars.

    About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
    33 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2026
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What a wonderful story . Entertaining and sweet. Likable characters. I'm looking forward to the next book. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a pleasing story
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2026
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is remarkably easy read. The characters are interesting. The descriptions detailed enough to imagine the scenery, but not too much. The pace is slow with just that bit of tension that keeps things interesting. The magic is charming, more magical realism than fantasy. It is like a Harry Potter for grown ups who are not looking for excitement, but for a story in which the good should probably win, but it’s not done deal.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Alan K
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read, thoroughly enjoyable
    Reviewed in Australia on May 14, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A bit of a change in style than my normal book to read. This is more of a slice of life book as an ex-military and EMT changes his career by an offer he couldn’t refuse. Discovering magic does exist, from the owner of the house he becomes a butler for. No massive magic, magical fight or such, just a story from the prospective of the butler. Can’t say much more without giving away the plot line, so will gut say it was a very enjoyable read and I wonder if we get any more calm slice of life activity from this butler.
  • Baiba
    5.0 out of 5 stars delightfull
    Reviewed in Germany on August 18, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book was delightful, it’s so cosy and perfect for the autumn season. I completely forgot I was reading and the audiobook is really good too!
  • Sue
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating story by Natan Lowell
    Reviewed in Canada on January 24, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I don’t like to give books four stars just to save one for the absolutely incredible stories, but I really wish I had an extra star to give this book by Nathan Lowell.
    This book is a fascinating take on magic being in the world, but there isn’t that much magic done by humans and it’s mostly the mansion which is magical. This is a new to me author and I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from him. I felt a bit like Roger Mulligan as his is swept along by the mansion and looking after Joseph Shackleford while learning how to be a butler, cook, driver and more. We don’t learn much about Mulligan as a soldier and EMT , but it’s clear that he has been through some traumatic experiences and the house and job prove to be just what he needs.
    I am actually surprised looking back at reading this book how well Lowell was able to keep my attention even when he was describing things like making beds and getting cups of coffee. He has a way of describing things that just carries your mind along and balances enough exciting things into his tale to keep the narrative moving. I actually feel like I would know this house and these people if I came across them.
    As far as I can see there isn’t a follow up book yet. This book ends at a good place, but from the hints given there is more to this story. Very definitely worth reading.
  • Susan Hodge
    5.0 out of 5 stars very creative
    Reviewed in Brazil on September 13, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Enjoyed it throughly, because it is not the usual fast pace sorcerer book!
    Hope Nathan recovers soon and find Irvin Jim to give us a closing book!
  • R. Rogers
    5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful read!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 19, 2026
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a brilliant read - well crafted, fun, interesting I loved the characters. If you like light fantasy and character driven stories this is a win.

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?