The Wizard's Butler – Nathan Lowell

Joseph Shackleford thinks he’s a wizard. His niece hires Roger Mulligan to take care of the poor man until he can be placed in assisted living. It will not surprise the reader to learn that Joseph Shackleford really is a wizard.

And yes, he’s a very wealthy wizard, and his niece is hoping to have him declared incompetent. Having an elderly-but-competent wealthy relative declared incompetent is a common trope, but it is not really that easy to do. The niece would only be a minor nuisance if Shackleford weren’t stuck with a cursed amulet that eats memories.

As the title suggests, this is mostly Mulligan’s story. He becomes Shackleford’s butler because he needs the job but, to his surprise, the job grows on him, and he displays an aptitude.

A well-written book and a well-told yarn, without unnecessary plot devices. Except for the niece we encounter no unpleasant characters, and except for the amulet we encounter no unpleasant mysteries or surprises. A pleasant change of pace from most fantasy novels.