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Where There is a Will
A massive cyclone swell on Sydney’s beaches claims a big wave surfer, leaving his long-term partner without a body to mourn. His four adult godchildren from far and wide gather for the reading of his will. A mystery girl from Tasmania joins them.
Down the coast, a man is pulled from the water and abandoned to his fate with a head injury and amnesia. He sets out on an odyssey along the east coast of Australia in search of his identity.
Will he like what he finds?
Down the coast, a man is pulled from the water and abandoned to his fate with a head injury and amnesia. He sets out on an odyssey along the east coast of Australia in search of his identity.
Will he like what he finds?
253 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 19, 2021
Michel Vimal du Monteil’s debut novel, Where There Is A Will, is a definite a page turner.
Set on the east coast of Australia, the story revolves around Paul, a Frenchman, living in Sydney, who goes missing while surfing in a wild storm.
As the title suggests, when Paul disappears, family members from as far away as New York, are summoned to a reading of the will.
Twists and turns, familial bonds stretched, secrets revealed…a gripping tale into people’s morality, motivation and what leads them to the life choices they make.
The writing is excellent and the settings real and vivid. Compelling.
I wanted to read and learn more about the children, so hopefully there’ll be a sequel!
Set on the east coast of Australia, the story revolves around Paul, a Frenchman, living in Sydney, who goes missing while surfing in a wild storm.
As the title suggests, when Paul disappears, family members from as far away as New York, are summoned to a reading of the will.
Twists and turns, familial bonds stretched, secrets revealed…a gripping tale into people’s morality, motivation and what leads them to the life choices they make.
The writing is excellent and the settings real and vivid. Compelling.
I wanted to read and learn more about the children, so hopefully there’ll be a sequel!
June 13, 2021
Where There Is A Will
Testimonial by Nikki Barrowclough
“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. -
Testimonial by Nikki Barrowclough
“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. -
June 11, 2021
V gripping stuff. You feel you are out there surfing with him. Highly recommended page turner. Ideal book for a beach vacation!
April 12, 2022
‘Where there is a will’ provides the clue to the story of Paul Lambert, a keen surfer who disappears in monstrous waves off the NSW coast. Presumed dead, his wife, Jill, gathers their family of godchildren from around Australia and overseas. The circumstances surrounding the godchildren’s relationships with Paul and Jill and each other are complex, adding crucial layers to the story.
Though Paul survives his surfing misadventure, he is left with memory problems and a nagging dread about incidents in the past. One thread of the story concerns his search for identity, involving a journey up the east coast of Australia. The other thread revolves around Jill and the godchildren at her home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
The writing is excellent – descriptions of place and action are engaging and well-crafted. It is obvious the author knows his way around a surfboard, swells, currents, fishing, boats, in fact, every water-based activity described in the book. The opening chapters, involving Paul’s dip in an ocean whipped up by cyclonic forces, is dramatic and tense. In contrast, there is warmth and domesticity to the scenes where characters prepare food and drink. When at Jill’s beachside home, I particularly liked the good-humoured descriptions of the two dogs, their antics and behaviour natural both to each other and their doting human companions.
An enjoyable read.
Though Paul survives his surfing misadventure, he is left with memory problems and a nagging dread about incidents in the past. One thread of the story concerns his search for identity, involving a journey up the east coast of Australia. The other thread revolves around Jill and the godchildren at her home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
The writing is excellent – descriptions of place and action are engaging and well-crafted. It is obvious the author knows his way around a surfboard, swells, currents, fishing, boats, in fact, every water-based activity described in the book. The opening chapters, involving Paul’s dip in an ocean whipped up by cyclonic forces, is dramatic and tense. In contrast, there is warmth and domesticity to the scenes where characters prepare food and drink. When at Jill’s beachside home, I particularly liked the good-humoured descriptions of the two dogs, their antics and behaviour natural both to each other and their doting human companions.
An enjoyable read.
August 4, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful novel. The story builds in momentum, through a series of events and real characters, with all their dimensions. I found it hard to put down and there were aspects shared that could only have come through real life experience. The mystery surrounding certain characters is slowly solved as their life paths are gently revealed. Without going too much into the plot to prevent any spoilers, I can just say that is a very Australian novel, though still holds a litle of the international landscape in the background. As the first novel from this author, it is very impressive and I look forward to more of his works.
September 23, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I found the characters interesting, along with their various interactions. The fact that I grew up in a large family may have been a factor: I almost recognised some of the characters as members of my family and their friends.
The various settings in the book are beautifully described. At times it was easy to imagine being there.
The plot is well constructed, although I found the ending a little predictable. Even so, I agree with one of the reviewers that this book could well become the basis of a popular TV series.
The various settings in the book are beautifully described. At times it was easy to imagine being there.
The plot is well constructed, although I found the ending a little predictable. Even so, I agree with one of the reviewers that this book could well become the basis of a popular TV series.
August 7, 2022
A great story. I read 'When 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.
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.
September 14, 2021
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.
September 30, 2021
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).
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).
December 31, 2021
Of my festive season reads, this was the most enjoyable of the lot. The book was a more than enjoyable way to spend a cold, rainy summer's day reading in a caravan. An intriguing cast of characters with a common thread, are all drawn together following the disappearance of a senior surfer during cyclonic weather. The end leaves one wanting more - especially to know the details of what the surfer did in his youth. Hopefully, a sequel will follow.
March 4, 2022
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.
August 6, 2022
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!
An engaging tale that I returned to each day with keen anticipation!
March 25, 2026
Paul goes for a surf, he goes missing. His partner, their four adult god children and a mystery girl from Tasmania come together for the reading of his will. A man turns up on the south coast with amnesia. Can't say anymore you have to read the book.
Loved the book. The story hooked me and I just had to finish it to know the outcome. Read it in two sessions (8 hours).
Can't wait to read Michel's next book 'Where to Now'
Loved the book. The story hooked me and I just had to finish it to know the outcome. Read it in two sessions (8 hours).
Can't wait to read Michel's next book 'Where to Now'
September 20, 2021
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.
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.
June 20, 2022
A well-paced story of what it means to be family and confront your past. No ridiculous cliff-hangers but the growing tension had you trying to puzzle the mysteries out and connect the dots. Beautiful descriptions of the east coast of Australia that had you wanting to swim, drive and feel the people and landscape. A great read!
June 25, 2022
Excellent yarn. If you want at taste of Sydney's Northern Beaches, the South Cost and a bit of far North Coast Queensland (FNQ) this is for you. A wonderful story about the power of family with a road trip up the East Coast of Australia thrown in to keep it fun. Jason Bourne will a happy ending. A fun, fast read.
November 19, 2022
This is a very enjoyable novel. Pure escapism on the rugged Coast of New South Wales and Queensland. The story is compelling, the descriptions picturesque and the characters endearing. A wholesome novel. Now what about translating it in French Mr Vimal du Monteil? I am sure there would be a good audience for it in your natal country.
August 23, 2021
Wow! I really enjoyed "Where There's a Will". Such an intriguing story. Michel's descriptions of scenes had me right there. I read it in one sitting - I had to know what happened next. Can't wait for his next one!
September 29, 2021
Where There is a Will is a gripping page turner with authentic & endearing characters.
If you love Australia, family stories, surfing, food, wine and adventures, you will enjoy this book as much as i did!
If you love Australia, family stories, surfing, food, wine and adventures, you will enjoy this book as much as i did!
November 3, 2021
A great read. Picked it up one day and had read 65 pages before I looked up. Finished in just a few days. Would be great reading for a beach holiday or a long journey. Good original storyline with informative sections about surfing and other topics.
December 29, 2021
Very enjoyable fast reading book. The author takes you through a patchwork of lifes and sceneries accross rebounding events ending unexpectedly. In the meantime you discover the beauty of Australia' east cost.
André - retired french banker
André - retired french banker
February 4, 2024
A great page turner!
Particularly appealing to anyone familiar with Australia and particularly the Sydney Northern beaches. Having been to all the spots where the action takes place, I could really immerse myself in the book thanks to Michel's accurate descriptions.
Particularly appealing to anyone familiar with Australia and particularly the Sydney Northern beaches. Having been to all the spots where the action takes place, I could really immerse myself in the book thanks to Michel's accurate descriptions.
May 20, 2025
You must pack this book when planning or travelling the east coast of Australia. Perfect observations and descriptions of characters, places and meals! All tied up in a fast pace, easy to digest and very enjoyable tale. Looking forward to the authors next title.
September 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from page one and it was smooth sailing all the way to the end. Interesting, absorbing, well written and nicely paced, I highly recommend it.
October 1, 2021
Michel’s debut novel, “Where There is a Will”, is a great read. Each chapter adds fun, excitement, adventure, mystery, and food on occasion, to deliver a fantastic story. Enjoy.
November 14, 2021
I loved this book . It is an action packed story which had me hooked from the first page .Every chapter revealed a new twist . A great entertaining read .
July 26, 2022
Enjoyable, fast paced read with great characters and development. Loved the descriptions of Sydney's northern beaches!
December 20, 2023
This book was excellent! I really enjoyed the story and once I got started I couldn't put it down.
Looking forward to the next book from Michel!
Looking forward to the next book from Michel!
October 1, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! Each chapter kept me wanting to read more. Loved getting insight of all the characters!
October 8, 2021
A wonderful yarn, full of twists and surprises that will keep a reader engrossed over a lazy summer weekend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews