'Five Stars! A most enjoyable read—particularly as a Central Coast resident and regular visitor to Palm Beach—which enabled me many vivid visualisations during many sections of the story. I was really torn by the fact that I found the book almost ‘unputdownable’ (as is said…) yet I wanted to prolong the time to enjoy the story so I deliberately stretched it over a week.
An engaging tale that I returned to each day with keen anticipation!' Graham, Reviewer
‘I received a copy of Michel’s book just before Xmas & have finished reading it tonight. I (genuinely) absolutely loved it! It’s been a while since I have read such a real “couldn’t put it down” book! I would love to meet the author some day.’ Steve McKenzie, Reviewer
'A great story. I read Where There is a Will in one night on my Kindle. Big surf, sun, a familiar East Coast of Australia and the demonstration that relationships, even when apparently distant, are rarely further away than a leg rope is to its board. The descriptions of the various locations are spot on, the protagonists are human, they are not heroes, but individuals dealing with an unusual situation. Spoiler alert? Certainly not, I let you enjoy Michel’s story by yourself, and hope to read more from him.' Antoine de Carne, Reviewer
‘A real page-turner! Would have been the perfect aeroplane book. I am very pleased that I purchased extra copies for my son and daughter. My son especially, will enjoy the surfing sections. A good Aussie yarn. I hope it is a huge success. Obviously, a huge amount of work went into this. I SO wish it were in French… could have been the perfect book for my French groups – short chapters, varied vocab, interesting locations, wide range of characters, heaps of action and, of course, suspense! It is certainly the perfect Christmas gift… My teenage grandkids will love it too.’ Lea, Retired University Lecturer
‘This debut novel by Michel Vimal du Monteil will not disappoint. It is beautifully written. The characters (although not all likeable) and their relationships are very believable. Full of suspense, right to the final paragraph, I could not put this book down. A thoroughly enjoyable read, this immersive story would make a great movie.’ Françoise, Reviewer
‘Compelling. Thought-provoking. Beautiful. The cover immediately drew me to this book—a great Aussie surfing tale… With an author name as intriguing sounding as Michel Vimal du Monteil I should have known the book would be so much more, and it is. Where There is a Will explores relationships: the bonds that link us, and those that disrupt us.’ Cate Sawyer, Author
'I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The plot is compelling and original and the writing is excellent. It was written with short punchy chapters which helped the credible story hum along and there was no flab (which you often see when writers are trying to show how clever they are). The hero evoked aspects of Don Corleone in respect of criminality and views of family, and of Jack Reacher in respect of sex and violence (neither overdone).’ Doug Galbraith, Reviewer
‘I really enjoyed this book. Pacey, easy to read, it races along in a most enjoyable fashion, with good characterisation and plot. I’m normally not a fast reader but this one bore me along in an enjoyable speedy fashion. I particularly liked the surfing passages. I recommend.’ Charles Pelham, Reviewer
‘This weekend I had the opportunity to actually read this book and I’m glad I did. I’m a big lover of Australian fiction and this didn’t disappoint. It’s had rave reviews and one of them suggested it would make a great TV series, which I agree it would. I’d love to meet all the characters, they feel like family.’ Lisa Nichols, Editor, Woopi News
‘I received an advance copy from Hawkeye in exchange for an unbiased review. I can imagine this as a TV series, and it’s certainly one I would watch.’ Jackie Morris, Reviewer
‘My five-star testimonial. An enthralling fast-paced novel with strong character development, descriptive writing, and a gripping plot. It nicely dovetails & counterpoints the mystery of the past life of the protagonist with the rest of “his family”. They all embark on a journey of discovery and self-discovery in different but interconnected ways. The character, landscape, and action descriptions are excellent. The seemingly coincidental interlocking of relationships and friendships dovetail nicely with the flow of the story. Importantly the plot drags you along anxious to find the answers to the many questions that are raised in the early chapters. I normally only read non-fiction but this work of fiction kept me entranced to the very end.’ Peter Donkin, Reviewer
‘Enjoyed this fast-paced book, which effortlessly captures the beauty and power of the Australian coast while introducing the reader to an intriguing collection of individuals grappling with a man’s disappearance while surfing. Book clubs will enjoy this read – lots to discuss regarding the strengths, flaws and reactions of the characters – each on their own journey, reconciling their place in the mystery that emerges. No doubt there will be an appetite for a sequel.’ Kathy, Reviewer
‘Wow! I really enjoyed your book. Such an intriguing story. Your descriptions of scenes had me right there. I read it in one sitting – I had to know what happened next. Can’t wait for your next one!’ Jenny Davies, Retired School Librarian
‘Where There is a Will is a good fast-moving read containing brilliant descriptions of surfing big waves, big game fishing, and diving written by an author who loves everything connected to the sea. The novel is part family saga built around a mystery that keeps the reader gripped right to the end. There is something for everyone; a road trip right up the east coast of Australia written with a deep appreciation of landscape, thrills, and even a little romance. Highly recommended.’ John Rosley, Author
'"The ocean arched its back….” This line in the opening chapter of Michel Vimal du Monteil’s first novel makes it a winning read at the beach – or on a clifftop because there’s a catch. The line is compelling and terrifying. A cyclone has whipped up the sea and Paul Lambert, a man whose previous life in the finance industry means he’s no stranger to risk, is out there on a surfboard. Paul is a Frenchman, living in Australia. Surfing has become his passion since he retired. Facing ‘the rising, bulging wall of water,’ he takes his chances with a mountainous wave. The next minute, he’s gone. Immediately, the scene changes to the fevered atmosphere of a New York dealing room and traders under pressure. It’s a clever, masterly start to a story that revolves around Paul’s disappearance, although the tale is equally about the value of friendships, people’s true colours, and their corresponding morality. A sense of Australia and its coastline is one of the novel’s strengths. Another is the poignant ending – a poignancy owed in part to the simplicity of the final, three sentences, as well as to the echo left by one of life’s curveballs whose quiet entrance into the story had come just a short time earlier. ‘ Nikki Barrowclough, Author
'Your novel was a very enjoyable read. I loved it. It made you want to get to the next page all the time. It would be a good one for our book club to discuss. When the library asks for suggestions, I’ll be sure to mention it.' Celia, Reviewer
And from Celia’s daughter (see above quote):
You tell that fellow… send the book to Bryan Brown!! Memories of a summer at Palm Beach in my misspent youth 😀 Congratulations to Michel. Mother really enjoyed it… she sneaked off with it to get away from this month’s book club read.' Julia, retired teacher
‘Last night, I finished reading your Where There Is A Will, which I enjoyed reading very much. Rob and Cheryl presented me with your book as a belated Father’s Day present. I thought it was a great story, cleverly written and showing an in-depth knowledge of surfing, banking, Australian geography, psychotherapy and matters ‘sexuelles”, as well as an extensive vocabulary.' Hans, Reviewer
‘Very much liked your book. Intriguing story; whereas I prefer to read historical biographies, I find reading your book interesting and particularly the ending….particularly that it leaves room for a continuation of the story.’ Werner, Reviewer
‘Where There is a Will is a gripping page-turner with authentic and endearing characters. If you love Australia, family stories, surfing, food, wine and adventures, you will enjoy this book as much as I did!’ Antoine, Reviewer
‘Bonjour Michel, I got your book this weekend and I just finished reading it right now. I LOVED it! I am vey impressed by what you did!’ Dominique, Reviewer
'Emerald beach resident Michel Vimal du Monteil has published his first novel entitled Where There is a Will, and I hope it’s not his last. It’s an excellent read and I highly recommend it.' Neil Matthews, Reviewer
'I used to be an avid reader but since starting my own business 6 years ago I have not finished one single book. I purchased this book recently purely from the cover. I knew nothing about it. I read it in 3 nights after long days at work. It totally captivated me. And then found out that the author lives 15 minutes up the road from me. We have been in contact and I look forward to reading many more of his books as he writes them. Thank you Michel for reigniting my passion for reading.' Linda Saggus, Reviewer
'I’m in the middle of reading. So far it is absolutely brilliant. So so proud of our very own EB Author. Congrats Michel.' Jodie Janco, Reviewer
'This is a very good yarn that you’ve written. I do like the style of short, sharp chapters. Nice work Michel.' Peter, Reviewer
'Salut Michel, I started your novel this morning. Read 65 pages before taking a breath. A great yarn. Enjoying it.' Jonathan, Reviewer
'Michel, I had to call you. I love your book. I’m halfway through it. I have to work now but I wish I could sit down instead and just keep reading.' John, Reviewer
