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The Will
'If you're a fan of the TV series Succession , you'll love this gripping story.' CloserThe Mordaunts aren't like most families . . .For one, their family home is Roxborough Hall - a magnificent, centuries-old mansion in the Norfolk countryside. For another, the house isn't passed down from parent to child - but rather to the family member deemed most worthy.Cecily Mordaunt is dead. On the evening of her funeral, her family will gather for dinner and each will be given a letter, revealing who is the next custodian of Roxborough Hall.The house is a burden, a millstone, a full-time job . . . but they all want it. And some are willing do anything to get it.One family. Eight letters. Who will get what they deserve?_________________________________Everyone is talking about The Will !'I loved this twisty, stylish study of contemporary posh types.' Daily Mail'There are plenty of twists in this entertaining thriller and the tension builds brilliantly.' Good Housekeeping'It's been dubbed Knives Out meets Gossip Girl , and that's a fair summation of this nifty little read.' Belfast Telegraph'Rebecca Reid's addictive novel is brimming with scandal, black humour and palpable suspense.' Woman's Own'If you were on the edge of your seat with crime novels from Adele Parks and Lisa Jewell, you'll need to add this book to your collection.' Chat Magazine'An addictive novel full of suspense.' Bella Magazine' The Will is that rare kind of book that draws you so deeply into its world, that you start believing the characters are your real life acquaintances, and wondering what they're up to. Perhaps that's why I raced through to find out. Rebecca's protagonists are complex, deliciously flawed, and utterly addictive.' Jemma Wayne
352 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2022
58 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
February 1, 2026
3.5⭐
Genre ~ domestic fiction, family drama
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ November 3, 2022
Publisher ~ Transworld Digital
Est Page Count ~ 343
Audio length ~ 9 hours 13 minutes
Narrator ~ Polly Edsell
POV ~ multiple 3rd, omnipresent
Featuring ~ multiple timelines
Cecily has passed away and it's time for the 200 acre estate, and all of the responsibilities that go along with it, to be passed down to one lucky family member. As tradition states, Cecily will pick who will get it. Some want it and some don't.
Character info:
Cecily's children are:
David, Grant & Elspeth
Their children are Willa, Lizzy & Jonty
Esmond is Cecily's husband
Violet is Cecily's long time caretaker/best friend/lover
We, also, hear from David's wife, Bryony, who is annoying, and their young son, Lucca. Grant's current girlfriend, Angelique, is along for the ride.
Well, this took me almost a month to read, which is unheard of, however, I didn't hate it. It was just slow moving at times for me, with some gross bits, if I'm honest. Not a thriller by any means, just straight up domestic/family drama fiction, and dysfunctional at that.
Through the many different timelines we get a look at who Cecily really was, why things were happening, and the reasoning behind why some choices were made. I thought they worked well to give us the whole picture of this dysfunctional lot.
Overall, I liked the premise and I was very intrigued with how it would all play out. I could see this being a movie that I'd probably watch.
✔️ed another old one off the list...it only took me 3 1/2 years! 🤣
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the above info for reference. However, I gotta say I would not have been happy listening with only one narrator. This one definitely would benefit with having a full cast, especially since it's told in omnipresent.
Genre ~ domestic fiction, family drama
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ November 3, 2022
Publisher ~ Transworld Digital
Est Page Count ~ 343
Audio length ~ 9 hours 13 minutes
Narrator ~ Polly Edsell
POV ~ multiple 3rd, omnipresent
Featuring ~ multiple timelines
Cecily has passed away and it's time for the 200 acre estate, and all of the responsibilities that go along with it, to be passed down to one lucky family member. As tradition states, Cecily will pick who will get it. Some want it and some don't.
Character info:
Cecily's children are:
David, Grant & Elspeth
Their children are Willa, Lizzy & Jonty
Esmond is Cecily's husband
Violet is Cecily's long time caretaker/best friend/lover
We, also, hear from David's wife, Bryony, who is annoying, and their young son, Lucca. Grant's current girlfriend, Angelique, is along for the ride.
Well, this took me almost a month to read, which is unheard of, however, I didn't hate it. It was just slow moving at times for me, with some gross bits, if I'm honest. Not a thriller by any means, just straight up domestic/family drama fiction, and dysfunctional at that.
Through the many different timelines we get a look at who Cecily really was, why things were happening, and the reasoning behind why some choices were made. I thought they worked well to give us the whole picture of this dysfunctional lot.
Overall, I liked the premise and I was very intrigued with how it would all play out. I could see this being a movie that I'd probably watch.
✔️ed another old one off the list...it only took me 3 1/2 years! 🤣
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the above info for reference. However, I gotta say I would not have been happy listening with only one narrator. This one definitely would benefit with having a full cast, especially since it's told in omnipresent.
March 7, 2022
4+
Well, that was a highly entertaining, never a dull moment read! Let me take you to Roxborough Hall in Norfolk, a traditional stately home in every way bar one… Yes, of course, The Will. This house is always bequeathed to the one deemed the most worthy and a letter is given to those in line to inherit the Mordaunt estate explaining why or why not they’ve been selected or rejected. On Cecily’s death in 2022 will it be her pompous son David and his ghastly second wife headteacher Bryony or their rather odd nine-year-old son Lucca? Maybe it’s the youngest son, ageing playboy Grant, definitely his Ma’s favourite, who has a much younger French girlfriend Angelique hanging on his arm. Perhaps the grandchildren, Lizzie or Willa, David‘s daughters by his first marriage or Jonty, Grant’s adopted son. Overseeing proceedings is Cecily‘s loyal friend and companion Violet who has looked after Cecily since her 21st birthday in 1958. Heaven forfend it should go to her, a servant! Shock horror! The story is told in the present from several perspectives and via various different timelines to fill in some utterly delicious or maybe some scandalous gaps. These different points of view works so well as it keeps things very interesting!
What an enjoyable few hours spent with this dysfunctional lot! The characterisation is excellent, they’re very definitely a mixed bag and they’re certainly not dull that’s for sure. The only thing I become invested in is that David and Bryony will not get their hands on it but I’m not telling if my wish comes true! The atmosphere is fabulous with assumptions, presumptions, deviousness, secretiveness and many resentments and issues abounding. All is most definitely not what it seems. The tension and suspense builds as we head to the reading of the Will with the author using the atmosphere of the house to add an extra level of anticipation. There are numerous twists, it’s darkly humorous it makes me smile as we head to the very unexpected denouement.
What fun!
With thanks to Random House UK/Transworld/Penguin for that much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Well, that was a highly entertaining, never a dull moment read! Let me take you to Roxborough Hall in Norfolk, a traditional stately home in every way bar one… Yes, of course, The Will. This house is always bequeathed to the one deemed the most worthy and a letter is given to those in line to inherit the Mordaunt estate explaining why or why not they’ve been selected or rejected. On Cecily’s death in 2022 will it be her pompous son David and his ghastly second wife headteacher Bryony or their rather odd nine-year-old son Lucca? Maybe it’s the youngest son, ageing playboy Grant, definitely his Ma’s favourite, who has a much younger French girlfriend Angelique hanging on his arm. Perhaps the grandchildren, Lizzie or Willa, David‘s daughters by his first marriage or Jonty, Grant’s adopted son. Overseeing proceedings is Cecily‘s loyal friend and companion Violet who has looked after Cecily since her 21st birthday in 1958. Heaven forfend it should go to her, a servant! Shock horror! The story is told in the present from several perspectives and via various different timelines to fill in some utterly delicious or maybe some scandalous gaps. These different points of view works so well as it keeps things very interesting!
What an enjoyable few hours spent with this dysfunctional lot! The characterisation is excellent, they’re very definitely a mixed bag and they’re certainly not dull that’s for sure. The only thing I become invested in is that David and Bryony will not get their hands on it but I’m not telling if my wish comes true! The atmosphere is fabulous with assumptions, presumptions, deviousness, secretiveness and many resentments and issues abounding. All is most definitely not what it seems. The tension and suspense builds as we head to the reading of the Will with the author using the atmosphere of the house to add an extra level of anticipation. There are numerous twists, it’s darkly humorous it makes me smile as we head to the very unexpected denouement.
What fun!
With thanks to Random House UK/Transworld/Penguin for that much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
November 29, 2022
EXCERPT: Roxborough House is an enormous house. Too big, really. Every person who has lived there in the last two hundred years has claimed that they will be the last, that no one could possibly want to be saddled with this place. Fifteen bedrooms. Servants' quarters. A library, two kitchens, a small sitting room, a large sitting room, a drawing room, a dining room - the list goes on. Running Roxborough is no joke. It's a full-time job. A burden. A millstone. Inheriting it means tying one's entire life to the place.
And yet, they all want it.
ABOUT 'THE WILL': The Mordaunts aren't like most families . . .
For one, their family home is Roxborough Hall - a magnificent, centuries-old mansion in the Norfolk countryside. For another, the house isn't passed down from parent to child - but rather to the family member deemed most worthy.
Cecily Mordaunt is dead. On the evening of her funeral, her family will gather for dinner and each will be given a letter, revealing who is the next custodian of Roxborough Hall.
The house is a burden, a millstone, a full-time job . . . but they all want it. And some are willing do anything to get it.
One family. Eight letters. Who will get what they deserve?
MY THOUGHTS: I found The Will to be compelling reading. I became totally immersed in the relationships and machinations of the Mordaunt family and read this book in less than twenty four hours.
This is my first book by author Rebecca Reid, but it certainly won't be the last. Next on my to do list after writing this review is to track down copies of her other books.
There characters in this book are brilliantly depicted from the sweet and gentle Violet who, as it turns out, has hidden depths, to the overachieving Briony who envisages her husband's family home as an exclusive girl's school with herself at the helm.
The story of this family told over several timelines, non-linear, but beautifully executed. Not once did I feel confused. The timelines range from the recently deceased matriarch Cecily's childhood through to the present time encompassing her funeral and the entailment of the family homestead.
Grant is the favoured younger son, an aging playboy with a taste for much younger women. Grant's adopted son Jonty is a vet and the only family member who lives locally. David is Cecily's elder son, weighed down by his successful second wife's expectations, a desire to do right by his two daughters from his first marriage, and perplexed by a son he doesn't understand, the result of his second marriage. Willa, a lawyer who has an eating disorder her family prefers to ignore, and Lizzie, a free spirit, are David's two daughters and Cecily's adored granddaughters. Cecily's own daughter, Elspeth, has been estranged from her mother for many years. And finally there is Violet, Cecily's constant companion and friend since Cecily turned twenty-one. One of these people will inherit Roxborough Hall. But who? And why?
The narrative of this tale is full of amazing revelations - secrets, so many secrets! There are secret liaisons, relationships, desires and dreams.
I was enormously entertained throughout this fun read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheWill #NetGalley
I: @rebeccacnreid @randomhouseuk @transworld @penguinuk
T: @RebeccaCNReid @RandomHouseUK @Transworld @PenguinUK
#contemporaryfiction #familysaga #fivestarread #friendship #historicalfiction #mystery
THE AUTHOR: Rebecca Reid is a journalist based in London. She is a columnist for the Telegraph women’s section and for Metro. She writes regularly for Marie Claire, The Guardian, Telegraph online, the Saturday Telegraph, The Independent, Grazia, Stylist, and the iPaper, and she appears regularly on Good Morning Britain, where she argues with everyone from Piers Morgan to Jameela Jamil about gender politics, social class, and sex and relationships.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld, Penguin via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Will by Rebecca Reid for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
And yet, they all want it.
ABOUT 'THE WILL': The Mordaunts aren't like most families . . .
For one, their family home is Roxborough Hall - a magnificent, centuries-old mansion in the Norfolk countryside. For another, the house isn't passed down from parent to child - but rather to the family member deemed most worthy.
Cecily Mordaunt is dead. On the evening of her funeral, her family will gather for dinner and each will be given a letter, revealing who is the next custodian of Roxborough Hall.
The house is a burden, a millstone, a full-time job . . . but they all want it. And some are willing do anything to get it.
One family. Eight letters. Who will get what they deserve?
MY THOUGHTS: I found The Will to be compelling reading. I became totally immersed in the relationships and machinations of the Mordaunt family and read this book in less than twenty four hours.
This is my first book by author Rebecca Reid, but it certainly won't be the last. Next on my to do list after writing this review is to track down copies of her other books.
There characters in this book are brilliantly depicted from the sweet and gentle Violet who, as it turns out, has hidden depths, to the overachieving Briony who envisages her husband's family home as an exclusive girl's school with herself at the helm.
The story of this family told over several timelines, non-linear, but beautifully executed. Not once did I feel confused. The timelines range from the recently deceased matriarch Cecily's childhood through to the present time encompassing her funeral and the entailment of the family homestead.
Grant is the favoured younger son, an aging playboy with a taste for much younger women. Grant's adopted son Jonty is a vet and the only family member who lives locally. David is Cecily's elder son, weighed down by his successful second wife's expectations, a desire to do right by his two daughters from his first marriage, and perplexed by a son he doesn't understand, the result of his second marriage. Willa, a lawyer who has an eating disorder her family prefers to ignore, and Lizzie, a free spirit, are David's two daughters and Cecily's adored granddaughters. Cecily's own daughter, Elspeth, has been estranged from her mother for many years. And finally there is Violet, Cecily's constant companion and friend since Cecily turned twenty-one. One of these people will inherit Roxborough Hall. But who? And why?
The narrative of this tale is full of amazing revelations - secrets, so many secrets! There are secret liaisons, relationships, desires and dreams.
I was enormously entertained throughout this fun read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheWill #NetGalley
I: @rebeccacnreid @randomhouseuk @transworld @penguinuk
T: @RebeccaCNReid @RandomHouseUK @Transworld @PenguinUK
#contemporaryfiction #familysaga #fivestarread #friendship #historicalfiction #mystery
THE AUTHOR: Rebecca Reid is a journalist based in London. She is a columnist for the Telegraph women’s section and for Metro. She writes regularly for Marie Claire, The Guardian, Telegraph online, the Saturday Telegraph, The Independent, Grazia, Stylist, and the iPaper, and she appears regularly on Good Morning Britain, where she argues with everyone from Piers Morgan to Jameela Jamil about gender politics, social class, and sex and relationships.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld, Penguin via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Will by Rebecca Reid for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 3, 2022
With a cast of upward of 11 main characters,most of who give their Points Of View and narrative throughout this book needs a ‘Cast List’ at the beginning,I managed without but did take me a good 25% to remember who was who and who had done what with who and how they were all related,that aside it is a good drama surrounding a stately home that is bequest to a family member on the death on the current owner,it doesn’t go on hierarchy or age just on who the present owner feels would benefit from the house on their departure from the world……you can imagine the chaos,bad feeling and resentment this causes ( it’s all done via a meal where letters are given to each person who could be in line to get the house )
The books approaches very sensitive subjects head on and sometimes without resolution,however this is very true to life,not all awkward and unpleasant situations do have a rosy outcome,it was very true to life in this respect and I liked how the author didn’t tie all these things up to be ‘sorted’
All round an interesting,at times dramatic read that had an not OTT ending that made sense of everything that had gone before
The books approaches very sensitive subjects head on and sometimes without resolution,however this is very true to life,not all awkward and unpleasant situations do have a rosy outcome,it was very true to life in this respect and I liked how the author didn’t tie all these things up to be ‘sorted’
All round an interesting,at times dramatic read that had an not OTT ending that made sense of everything that had gone before
October 22, 2022
Who doesn't want to live in a very big stylish English manor house? Roxborough Hall in Norfolk is such a house, and although it's often filled with people, there are times that only one or two people call it their home.
Although most members of the extended Mordaunt family know how much work (and money!) the upkeep of Roxborough Hall may cost, they secretly hope that they will be the person Cecily left it to. Cecily's been living in Roxborough Hall since the fifties, together with her husband and three children, and not to forget her best friend Violet.
Now, Cecily is dead, the family is summoned to come over for the reading of the will, and of course one of them will learn they inherited 'the big prize'.
The story is being told from various viewpoints and set over several years. It soon becomes clear that there is absolutely no one who has nothing to hide, and the story is full of surprises. Not all of them pleasant. On the contrary.
I just loved this book because of the original story, the characters, the tension building up during the story and the many surprises, up until the end.
Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.
Although most members of the extended Mordaunt family know how much work (and money!) the upkeep of Roxborough Hall may cost, they secretly hope that they will be the person Cecily left it to. Cecily's been living in Roxborough Hall since the fifties, together with her husband and three children, and not to forget her best friend Violet.
Now, Cecily is dead, the family is summoned to come over for the reading of the will, and of course one of them will learn they inherited 'the big prize'.
The story is being told from various viewpoints and set over several years. It soon becomes clear that there is absolutely no one who has nothing to hide, and the story is full of surprises. Not all of them pleasant. On the contrary.
I just loved this book because of the original story, the characters, the tension building up during the story and the many surprises, up until the end.
Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.
November 3, 2022
The Will is a clever twist on the traditional “lots of rich folk in a mansion” suspense novel, in that it’s not a murder mystery, but rather an intriguing drama about which family member will inherit Roxborough Hall, the ancestral home, and why. I’ve been avoiding the “psychological” genre, as they all got too samey, but this had lots of positive reviews and I’m glad I took a chance on a new-to-me author. This would make a fantastic TV mini-series!
The Mordaunt family have an unusual way of handing down their large elegant Norfolk home: rather than going to the first-born son, the current owner picks the successor they deem most worthy, who finds out by letter in a ceremony they have been repeating since the 1700s. Now that charming, flighty matriarch Cecily Mordaunt has died, her descendants have gathered - each with their own reasons for wanting the beautiful house that means more to them than anything - but only one can keep it.
This twisty character-driven “whogetsit” introduces a vivid cast of hopefuls - from ageing playboy Grant, the favoured younger son, to beautiful feckless Lizzie, the granddaughter most at home at Roxborough. Or will Cecily shock them all by leaving it to steadfast Violet, the maid turned carer who has looked after her all her adult life? I was surprised by how invested I became in finding out! I liked the multiple perspectives and flashbacks to the past where successive secrets are revealed, most of which surprised me, and thought the ending was perfect. Highly enjoyable, so I’ll be looking out for more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK/Transworld for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. The Will is published on November 10th.
The Mordaunt family have an unusual way of handing down their large elegant Norfolk home: rather than going to the first-born son, the current owner picks the successor they deem most worthy, who finds out by letter in a ceremony they have been repeating since the 1700s. Now that charming, flighty matriarch Cecily Mordaunt has died, her descendants have gathered - each with their own reasons for wanting the beautiful house that means more to them than anything - but only one can keep it.
This twisty character-driven “whogetsit” introduces a vivid cast of hopefuls - from ageing playboy Grant, the favoured younger son, to beautiful feckless Lizzie, the granddaughter most at home at Roxborough. Or will Cecily shock them all by leaving it to steadfast Violet, the maid turned carer who has looked after her all her adult life? I was surprised by how invested I became in finding out! I liked the multiple perspectives and flashbacks to the past where successive secrets are revealed, most of which surprised me, and thought the ending was perfect. Highly enjoyable, so I’ll be looking out for more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK/Transworld for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. The Will is published on November 10th.
November 4, 2022
For one, their family home is Roxburgh Hall - a magnificent, centuries old mansion in the Norfolk countryside. For another, the house isn't passed down from parent to child - but rather to a family member deemed most worthy. Cecily Mordaunt is dead. On the evening of her funeral, her family will gather for dinner, and each will be given a letter, revealing who's the next custodian of Roxburgh Hall. The house is a burden, a milestone, a full-time job, but they all want it. And some are willing to do anything to get it.
I was drawn into this book by the end of the first page. This is a really good family drama. The characters are well developed and complex. The pace is fast, the plotline mysterious, and I never knew what direction it would make next. I do like a story that has a dysfunctional family in it, but there's quite a few characters to try and remember. The outcome is surprising.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandonHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and the author #RebeccaReid for my ARC of #TheWill in exchange for an honest review.
I was drawn into this book by the end of the first page. This is a really good family drama. The characters are well developed and complex. The pace is fast, the plotline mysterious, and I never knew what direction it would make next. I do like a story that has a dysfunctional family in it, but there's quite a few characters to try and remember. The outcome is surprising.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandonHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and the author #RebeccaReid for my ARC of #TheWill in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2022
A must read twisted book!
I love family feuds and dramas and this story is ticking all the boxes in my cards.
Extensive family, rich members, Forbidden romance, a tension that builds and builds until the end and a twisted truth.
I can’t say I got to keep parts with any of the characters, but I kind of loved them all in their separate ways.
The different POVs worked so smoothly here and made it for a great experience to keep up with everything and still remember who is who and what they are.
Usually in a will story, you would expect more rivalries and greediness. I’m not saying there aren’t any in here, but it actually surprises me how everything comes together and the fireplace incident made me think my theories weren’t so on it.
Loved every second!
It comes out this summer, so look it up because this one is a must.
I love family feuds and dramas and this story is ticking all the boxes in my cards.
Extensive family, rich members, Forbidden romance, a tension that builds and builds until the end and a twisted truth.
I can’t say I got to keep parts with any of the characters, but I kind of loved them all in their separate ways.
The different POVs worked so smoothly here and made it for a great experience to keep up with everything and still remember who is who and what they are.
Usually in a will story, you would expect more rivalries and greediness. I’m not saying there aren’t any in here, but it actually surprises me how everything comes together and the fireplace incident made me think my theories weren’t so on it.
Loved every second!
It comes out this summer, so look it up because this one is a must.
February 27, 2022
[Thank you NetGalley for an eARC]
This book is absolutely made for the screen, with engaging characters, plenty of revelations, and an amazing setting.
The Will is about a family coming together to find out who has inherited a family estate as part of a generational tradition of passing on the house through letters to the family after the previous owner's funeral. Each Mourdant has a reason they'd like to inherit the house, as well as a reason why they shouldn't.
The book switches POVs and timelines seamlessly, allowing us to get a fuller understanding and history of most of the characters. I found a lot of the twists unexpected, but overall what I enjoyed about this book was the ability of the author to steadily build a narrative and keep us on our toes with a wide ranging cast of characters.
Overall, if you like"whodunnits" without a grisly murder, this book is for you!
This book is absolutely made for the screen, with engaging characters, plenty of revelations, and an amazing setting.
The Will is about a family coming together to find out who has inherited a family estate as part of a generational tradition of passing on the house through letters to the family after the previous owner's funeral. Each Mourdant has a reason they'd like to inherit the house, as well as a reason why they shouldn't.
The book switches POVs and timelines seamlessly, allowing us to get a fuller understanding and history of most of the characters. I found a lot of the twists unexpected, but overall what I enjoyed about this book was the ability of the author to steadily build a narrative and keep us on our toes with a wide ranging cast of characters.
Overall, if you like"whodunnits" without a grisly murder, this book is for you!
December 30, 2022
3.5/5
It wasn’t really my cup of tea ( I didn’t love this book ), although I enjoyed reading the book, in the end I was hoping for something sinister to happen.
Don’t get me wrong I did enjoy the writing style and flashbacks to different decades of history across the family which was incredibly easy to follow. The consistent pacing to ensure that the plot did not dip in interest showcases the depth of writing.
The twist / reveal is a nice touch but I won’t be jumping off the roof recommending this book. If you like a slow consistent pace family drama with splashes of twist intertwined this is the book for you.
It wasn’t really my cup of tea ( I didn’t love this book ), although I enjoyed reading the book, in the end I was hoping for something sinister to happen.
Don’t get me wrong I did enjoy the writing style and flashbacks to different decades of history across the family which was incredibly easy to follow. The consistent pacing to ensure that the plot did not dip in interest showcases the depth of writing.
The twist / reveal is a nice touch but I won’t be jumping off the roof recommending this book. If you like a slow consistent pace family drama with splashes of twist intertwined this is the book for you.
June 28, 2023
There’s nothing better than a juicy story about a tense family reunion, but Reid spices her tale up even more by throwing in the last will and testament of the family’s matriarch, Cecily, which will decide who gets to inherit the family’s estate Roxborough Hall. The Mordaunts have never held with the tradition of bequeathing the estate to the eldest son. Instead, after the death of the latest custodian, the family must gather for supper, when each member will receive a letter telling them whether they are the lucky recipients of the family fortune. It could be anyone, and every single member of the Mordaunt family secretly hopes that it will be them. Some of them will even be prepared to fight for the privilege …
I found THE WILL utterly compelling and unputdownable, as the eight Mordaunt siblings and their spouses gather to find out who will be the next custodian of Roxborough Hall. The dynamics between the siblings were fascinating, and it wasn’t long before all the skeletons came dancing out of the family’s closets. Jumping back and forth between the past and the present, we soon get a first-row insight into this family’s complicated past, including those things they had wished would stay forever hidden.
Each person is vividly drawn and complex, and there were so many surprises in store that I could not tear myself away until I found out who matriarch Cecily had found worthy to bequeath the old mansion to. The answer was also quite unexpected! Reid writes with insight and a vitality that made this story come to life for me, and I can’t wait to read more from her in future.
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
I found THE WILL utterly compelling and unputdownable, as the eight Mordaunt siblings and their spouses gather to find out who will be the next custodian of Roxborough Hall. The dynamics between the siblings were fascinating, and it wasn’t long before all the skeletons came dancing out of the family’s closets. Jumping back and forth between the past and the present, we soon get a first-row insight into this family’s complicated past, including those things they had wished would stay forever hidden.
Each person is vividly drawn and complex, and there were so many surprises in store that I could not tear myself away until I found out who matriarch Cecily had found worthy to bequeath the old mansion to. The answer was also quite unexpected! Reid writes with insight and a vitality that made this story come to life for me, and I can’t wait to read more from her in future.
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
February 14, 2022
Rebecca Reid’s “The Will” is a deliciously macabre whodunnit in the same vein as “The Cat and the Canary”, in which the various members of one family all vie to be the one who inherits the family mansion after the matriarch dies.
Extremely well-written and crafted, Reid creates a palpable atmosphere of suspense that builds throughout the book and a nice twist/revelation at the end. Varying timelines and narrative perspectives keep things interesting, and the fully-rounded characters’ mostly unpleasant personalities place the novel firmly in black comedy territory, making for a gruesomely fun romp.
A cut above usual novels in this vein, I thoroughly enjoyed “The Will”.
Extremely well-written and crafted, Reid creates a palpable atmosphere of suspense that builds throughout the book and a nice twist/revelation at the end. Varying timelines and narrative perspectives keep things interesting, and the fully-rounded characters’ mostly unpleasant personalities place the novel firmly in black comedy territory, making for a gruesomely fun romp.
A cut above usual novels in this vein, I thoroughly enjoyed “The Will”.
August 31, 2023
The Mordaunts are not like most families ... For one their family home is Roxborough Hall an old mansion in the Norfolk countryside. The other thing is The Will, with this family's tradition the house doesn't just get passed from parent to child - but to the family member deemed most worthy!! And everyone wants it and they are willing to do anything to get it.
This was such a compelling read .The story is told from several people's POV's and over several years and it draws you in and doesn't let go until the end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a compelling read .The story is told from several people's POV's and over several years and it draws you in and doesn't let go until the end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2022
My second novel by Rebecca Reid, the story centres around the Mordaunts whose family home is Roxborough Hall - a mansion in the Norfolk countryside. In 1958 Cecily Maudant turned 21; jump forward in time to 2022 and she has died. Roxborough Hall has been left to someone. The property has an entail, a limitation on the circumstances by which a property may be passed on. In this case, the owner must pass the property to the person whom they believe will be worthy and who will ensure Roxborough Hall's survival. The decision is at the discretion of the current owner who is Cecily. Her lifelong companion, Violet, is taking care of all the arrangements. A dinner is planned and letters have been given to all invitees, so who might it be? A truly terrific family drama.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Random House UK, Transworld, Penguin via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Random House UK, Transworld, Penguin via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 17, 2022
I almost ate this book! I settled down to begin reading and before I knew it, I was half way through. It pulls the reader in and doesn't let go. Filled with characters who make up the most dysfunctional of families, and revolving around a grand country house, this is fast moving and utterly engaging.
The house in question is Roxborough Hall, nestled deep in the Norfolk countryside and has been in the Mordaunt family for generations. The inheritance of the house is unusual. It doesn't automatically pass to the eldest child when the current owner dies. Instead, the next owner is chosen, by the current one, and it could be anyone in the family.
Cecily, matriarch of the Mordaunt family has died and her family have gathered for the 'entail'. This is a lavish dinner where individual letters are given out, informing the recipient if they are the next owner, or not.
Like all families, the Mordaunts are a mixed bunch. There are Cecily's three children and their assorted offspring, and added to this, we have Violet. Originally Cecily's maid, she became her constant companion, there when she died and runs the house like clockwork. Violet knows everything about this family, she knows more about them than they know about themselves.
Oh, it's a twisty, action-packed thrill of a read. The author flashes back to Cecily's early years, and events that have changed the family dynamics over the years and the reader begins to know more about the Mordaunts too.
Watching the characters develop, as each one of them tries to assure themselves that they don't really want Roxborough, and will be happy for the person who does get it, and then 'listening in' on their private thoughts and conversations and realising that there are so many old scores to settle. There are also long-hidden secrets that are going to have a huge impact on family members, tearing them apart and shocking them to the core.
This is a great read. I loved the eclectic mix of characters and the wonderfully grand house. It certainly kept me on my toes. Highly recommended.
The house in question is Roxborough Hall, nestled deep in the Norfolk countryside and has been in the Mordaunt family for generations. The inheritance of the house is unusual. It doesn't automatically pass to the eldest child when the current owner dies. Instead, the next owner is chosen, by the current one, and it could be anyone in the family.
Cecily, matriarch of the Mordaunt family has died and her family have gathered for the 'entail'. This is a lavish dinner where individual letters are given out, informing the recipient if they are the next owner, or not.
Like all families, the Mordaunts are a mixed bunch. There are Cecily's three children and their assorted offspring, and added to this, we have Violet. Originally Cecily's maid, she became her constant companion, there when she died and runs the house like clockwork. Violet knows everything about this family, she knows more about them than they know about themselves.
Oh, it's a twisty, action-packed thrill of a read. The author flashes back to Cecily's early years, and events that have changed the family dynamics over the years and the reader begins to know more about the Mordaunts too.
Watching the characters develop, as each one of them tries to assure themselves that they don't really want Roxborough, and will be happy for the person who does get it, and then 'listening in' on their private thoughts and conversations and realising that there are so many old scores to settle. There are also long-hidden secrets that are going to have a huge impact on family members, tearing them apart and shocking them to the core.
This is a great read. I loved the eclectic mix of characters and the wonderfully grand house. It certainly kept me on my toes. Highly recommended.
October 17, 2022
Family secrets, squabbles and drama all mixed in with mystery and deceit...
I hugely enjoyed The Will and found it very hard to put down. The characters are certainly not all likeable but they're all interesting and make you want to read on to find out what they're hiding.
The story focuses on the family of Cecily Mordaunt, a rich lady who owns a huge estate including the desirable mansion called Roxborough Hall. After Cecily dies, on the night before her funeral, her family is summoned to the Hall for the traditional dinner where they'll find out who Cecily has left the hall to. But, of course, things don't run as smoothly as expected...
I loved the elements of history tied into each character's storyline. We flick between various characters in different moments in history as we learn more about what they intend to do if they inherit the hall, and realise not everyone has good intentions for the beautiful building! It takes a bit of getting used to all the names, as there's quite a few characters to keep track of, but they're all so different that this soon becomes easy.
There are surprises throughout the book in the characters' chequered histories, some interfering spouses, and a very devoted companion and lady's maid, Violet, and watching them all engage - and clash - makes for a brilliant read. I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping domestic thriller.
Many thanks to the publisher, Transworld, for providing a copy of this novel, on which I chose to write an honest review.
4.5 stars bumped to 5/5.
More books reviews on www.snazzybooks.com.
I hugely enjoyed The Will and found it very hard to put down. The characters are certainly not all likeable but they're all interesting and make you want to read on to find out what they're hiding.
The story focuses on the family of Cecily Mordaunt, a rich lady who owns a huge estate including the desirable mansion called Roxborough Hall. After Cecily dies, on the night before her funeral, her family is summoned to the Hall for the traditional dinner where they'll find out who Cecily has left the hall to. But, of course, things don't run as smoothly as expected...
I loved the elements of history tied into each character's storyline. We flick between various characters in different moments in history as we learn more about what they intend to do if they inherit the hall, and realise not everyone has good intentions for the beautiful building! It takes a bit of getting used to all the names, as there's quite a few characters to keep track of, but they're all so different that this soon becomes easy.
There are surprises throughout the book in the characters' chequered histories, some interfering spouses, and a very devoted companion and lady's maid, Violet, and watching them all engage - and clash - makes for a brilliant read. I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping domestic thriller.
Many thanks to the publisher, Transworld, for providing a copy of this novel, on which I chose to write an honest review.
4.5 stars bumped to 5/5.
More books reviews on www.snazzybooks.com.
June 1, 2022
The Will
By Rebecca Reid
Release date: 11/10/2022
Cecily Mordaunt is dead. On the evening of her funeral, her family will gather for dinner, and each will be given a letter revealing who is the next custodian of Roxborough Hall. The house is a burden, a millstone, a full-time job . . . but they all want it. And some are willing do anything to get it. One family. Eight letters. Who will get what they deserve?
This is a complex family full of greed. Not one doesn’t want the house; they’ve come to gather after their granny passes away to read their letter to find out who gets it. Each character has a different plan—some worse than others.
I could totally see this being a Netflix special, designed around each letter , as their own episode. The book jumps from different pov , along with gong back and forth from past to present
🌟🌟🌟🌟4 S҉҉T҉҉A҉҉R҉҉S҉҉
#bookstagrammers #bookworm #bookcommunity #booklover #booknerd #booksofinstagram #booktography #toberead #bookblog#booknerd #booknerdigan #randomhouseuk #randomhouse #netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #rebeccareid #thewill #familydramabook
By Rebecca Reid
Release date: 11/10/2022
Cecily Mordaunt is dead. On the evening of her funeral, her family will gather for dinner, and each will be given a letter revealing who is the next custodian of Roxborough Hall. The house is a burden, a millstone, a full-time job . . . but they all want it. And some are willing do anything to get it. One family. Eight letters. Who will get what they deserve?
This is a complex family full of greed. Not one doesn’t want the house; they’ve come to gather after their granny passes away to read their letter to find out who gets it. Each character has a different plan—some worse than others.
I could totally see this being a Netflix special, designed around each letter , as their own episode. The book jumps from different pov , along with gong back and forth from past to present
🌟🌟🌟🌟4 S҉҉T҉҉A҉҉R҉҉S҉҉
#bookstagrammers #bookworm #bookcommunity #booklover #booknerd #booksofinstagram #booktography #toberead #bookblog#booknerd #booknerdigan #randomhouseuk #randomhouse #netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #rebeccareid #thewill #familydramabook
June 29, 2023
The Will
Cecily Mordaunt is dead. On the evening of her funeral, her family gathers for dinner to be given a letter, revealing who is the next to inherite Roxborough Hall.
The house is a burden, a millstone, a full-time job . . . but they all want it. And some are willing to do anything to get it.
One family. Eight letters. Who will get what they deserve?
This book had me hooked from the start. The twists I did not see coming, and I flew through this book. The flip between timelines and different perspectives kept me wanting to keep reading. Would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley, Random House UK, and Rebecca Reid for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cecily Mordaunt is dead. On the evening of her funeral, her family gathers for dinner to be given a letter, revealing who is the next to inherite Roxborough Hall.
The house is a burden, a millstone, a full-time job . . . but they all want it. And some are willing to do anything to get it.
One family. Eight letters. Who will get what they deserve?
This book had me hooked from the start. The twists I did not see coming, and I flew through this book. The flip between timelines and different perspectives kept me wanting to keep reading. Would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley, Random House UK, and Rebecca Reid for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2022
Really enjoyed this book, plenty of twists and turns throughout in trying to get to the point of finding out who is the next owner of Roxborough house. Great character development and lots of devious behaviour - finished it in a couple of readings, which is always a good sign. Will be keeping an eye out for this author in the future. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
November 15, 2022
The writing had me hooked from fairly near the beginning. Whilst it took me a moment to work out that the chapters without a date meant that we were back in the present day, I was soon in the swing of it. There were also a lot of characters in the book, so it was helpful to have a family tree at the beginning showing who was who.
The chapters were fairly short and those that went back in time were dated. As I mentioned above I would have preferred it if the numbered chapters had the title of present so that I knew where I was. The short chapters however gave a good pace to the story and it was always moving.
The characters were excellent. There were some unlikeable characters, and weak characters, but that made the story for me. The outcome was unexpected. I enjoyed the way that you hopped around different character's perspectives. They did have a chapter to themselves when this was happening so I was able to keep up with what was going on. It was nice to get everyone's point of view at least at some point in the story.
Lastly the settings. There was only one main setting and that was the house itself. It was described as another character really. I enjoyed what description there was, but it was primarily a book based on the characters and their thoughts and actions.
Overall an unputdownable book for me. I highly recommend it!
The chapters were fairly short and those that went back in time were dated. As I mentioned above I would have preferred it if the numbered chapters had the title of present so that I knew where I was. The short chapters however gave a good pace to the story and it was always moving.
The characters were excellent. There were some unlikeable characters, and weak characters, but that made the story for me. The outcome was unexpected. I enjoyed the way that you hopped around different character's perspectives. They did have a chapter to themselves when this was happening so I was able to keep up with what was going on. It was nice to get everyone's point of view at least at some point in the story.
Lastly the settings. There was only one main setting and that was the house itself. It was described as another character really. I enjoyed what description there was, but it was primarily a book based on the characters and their thoughts and actions.
Overall an unputdownable book for me. I highly recommend it!
November 14, 2022
This was an enjoyable family drama. Roxborough House has been in the one family for generations and the house is inherited not by the next in line, but by the person the current owner deems worthy of it. When the latest owner Cecily dies her eight heirs turn up hoping they each will inherit. However when they each open their letter from Cecily naming the new owner a furore ensues. Great family drama with plenty of secrets and skeletons in the closet.
November 8, 2022
The Will is a slow burner, but you know it's definitely building up to something and the pace will pick up.
It's a well plotted mystery thriller and although I had my suspicions as to who was going to inherit Roxborough I was wrong.
The characters are dysfunctional, yet credible. The plot is twisty and suspenseful. There are secrets, lies and a parrot called Bertha. I couldn't stop reading as I needed to know who was going to inherit the family home...it wasn't the person I'd guessed it was.
Definitely a book to lose yourself in for several hours and easily recommendable.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's a well plotted mystery thriller and although I had my suspicions as to who was going to inherit Roxborough I was wrong.
The characters are dysfunctional, yet credible. The plot is twisty and suspenseful. There are secrets, lies and a parrot called Bertha. I couldn't stop reading as I needed to know who was going to inherit the family home...it wasn't the person I'd guessed it was.
Definitely a book to lose yourself in for several hours and easily recommendable.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 25, 2023
Wonderful
November 7, 2025
Definitely not the story I expected, and I wouldn't have bothered with it if the marketing of it had been more honest - this is a stuffy, slow-paced domestic read, not the high-stakes mystery it paints itself to be. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 just because of the sentimental ending.
November 11, 2022
Roxborough Hall in Norfolk is a mansion that has existed for centuries that belongs to the Mordaunt Family. It has been passed down through the family from generation to generation but with a twist. The mansion is not inherited by the direct descendants of the owner rather it is passed to the family member that deserves it the most. The current owner Cecily Mordaunt, inherited the house from her uncle but she has now passed and the mansion is once again awaiting a new owner. Arriving at Roxborough Hall are Cecily’s oldest son David, his wife Bryony and their young son Lucca together with Willa and Lizzie, David’s daughters from his first marriage to the late Cordelia. Next is Cecily’s second son Grant, his new girlfriend Angelique and Grant’s son Jonty. Last to arrive is Cecily’s youngest and only daughter Elspeth. Following Cecily’s funeral and as dictated by tradition the potential beneficiaries including Violet (Cecily’s house keeper, friend and so much more) gather in the dining room where they are presented with an envelope that will reveal their fate and the new owner of Roxborough Hall. Who is the new owner? Who did Cecily choose to inherit Roxborough Hall?
When I read the synopsis of this book I was very interested. The concept of the book captured my attention from the outset. The idea of a mansion being passed down to the worthiest family member rather than to the next direct descendent was intriguing. I found the story really interesting especially because there was so much intrigue and mystery around who may be chosen and why. It was hard not to try and guess as the story progressed who Cecily may have chosen as her successor.
The story is told from several different narratives including Cecily’s children, grandchildren and Violet. Although there were lots of characters each of them had their own unique voice so it was easy to differentiate between the characters and keep track of the story. Helpfully the author has also included a family tree at the beginning which could be used as a reference point. The characters were very interesting but in the end they were just a normal dysfunctional family with lots of secrets. Each character had a reason as to why they did or didn’t want to inherit Roxborough Hall. Their reasons varied based on their circumstances but also on their link to Cecily. The timeline in the story switches from past to present and we are given an insight into how Cecily inherited Roxborough Hall, set up a home there for her husband and children but also how she met Violet who was initially a maid but became so much more to Cecily on a personal level; eventually becoming her partner and companion in life. The reader is also given an insight into how Cecily would interact with all of the characters in the book including interacting with her children and grandchildren when they were young. Cecily appeared to have quite a steady relationship with David and Grant but her relationship with Elspeth is strained and this is obvious from the start when Elspeth sends a proxy to attend on her behalf until circumstances change and she has no choice but to attend in person. It becomes clearer later on in the book why their relationship broke down and it then starts to make sense why Elspeth doesn’t like to spend time at Roxborough Hall and she only returns out of necessity.
The storyline was well structured and full of family drama, mystery, and suspense. The more time the characters spend time together family secrets start to be uncovered making each character question who they are but also who Cecily was. There were one or two red herrings that appeared where I thought I knew what was happening but then the story would take a completely different turn. There was also a very clever plot twist which added more context to the story.
A book about family relationships, secrets and forbidden love.
When I read the synopsis of this book I was very interested. The concept of the book captured my attention from the outset. The idea of a mansion being passed down to the worthiest family member rather than to the next direct descendent was intriguing. I found the story really interesting especially because there was so much intrigue and mystery around who may be chosen and why. It was hard not to try and guess as the story progressed who Cecily may have chosen as her successor.
The story is told from several different narratives including Cecily’s children, grandchildren and Violet. Although there were lots of characters each of them had their own unique voice so it was easy to differentiate between the characters and keep track of the story. Helpfully the author has also included a family tree at the beginning which could be used as a reference point. The characters were very interesting but in the end they were just a normal dysfunctional family with lots of secrets. Each character had a reason as to why they did or didn’t want to inherit Roxborough Hall. Their reasons varied based on their circumstances but also on their link to Cecily. The timeline in the story switches from past to present and we are given an insight into how Cecily inherited Roxborough Hall, set up a home there for her husband and children but also how she met Violet who was initially a maid but became so much more to Cecily on a personal level; eventually becoming her partner and companion in life. The reader is also given an insight into how Cecily would interact with all of the characters in the book including interacting with her children and grandchildren when they were young. Cecily appeared to have quite a steady relationship with David and Grant but her relationship with Elspeth is strained and this is obvious from the start when Elspeth sends a proxy to attend on her behalf until circumstances change and she has no choice but to attend in person. It becomes clearer later on in the book why their relationship broke down and it then starts to make sense why Elspeth doesn’t like to spend time at Roxborough Hall and she only returns out of necessity.
The storyline was well structured and full of family drama, mystery, and suspense. The more time the characters spend time together family secrets start to be uncovered making each character question who they are but also who Cecily was. There were one or two red herrings that appeared where I thought I knew what was happening but then the story would take a completely different turn. There was also a very clever plot twist which added more context to the story.
A book about family relationships, secrets and forbidden love.
November 5, 2022
You don’t choose to own Roxborough Hall, the Hall chooses you to be its owner. For two centuries the vast Tudor mansion has been in the Mordaunt family, but not inherited by a conventional process. The property has an entail, a legal device which describes the limits and circumstances by which the property may be passed on. In this case, the owner must pass the property to the person whom they believe will benefit the most and who will ensure its survival. Although the new owner is most likely to be a member of the family this is not requisite, the decision is at the discretion of the current owner who, it is hoped, will pick the person who best fits the criteria. And that person will fit the criteria because of the way the Hall has moulded them.
Cecily, the eighty-five-year-old current owner, is dying, although her scattered family don’t know that yet. Her lifelong companion, Violet, is taking care of all the arrangements, as she has always done. Appointed as Cecily’s maid in 1958, she has grown with her, maturing into a personal assistant, household manager, constant companion, and always a keeper of secrets. And there have been lots of secrets over their nearly sixty-five years together. Violet’s last undertaking for her friend is to oversee the entailment process, after which the lawyers will take over and deal with the routine disposals of the will. The entailment process has become standardised over the years: the current owner writes a letter to each member of the family, plus anyone else who might have some expectations; all but one of the letters explains why the recipient has not been given the Hall, the exception explains to the recipient why they have been chosen. The letters are distributed at the start of a formal dinner, perhaps to give time to think over what has happened. The recipients will be Cecily’s two sons, David and Grant, David’s two daughters by his first wife, his second wife, Grant’s adopted son, a lawyer representing Cecily’s estranged daughter, and Violet, of course. Who will be the chosen one, and how will that effect their future relationships with the others?
A beautifully contrived situation, written in beautiful English, within an expertly structured exposition. Through a series of flashbacks, vignettes, slipped into the forward narrative of the story, we discover the history of all the characters, the role the Hall has played in their lives and their attitude to it, the expectations they have about the entailment, the incidents which have made them the people they are. All are properly developed, believable characters (even the minor ones). It’s a complicated story, but trying to second guess the plot twists (and the twists in the sub-plots), while weighing up the information to try and identify who will be chosen, I found hugely enjoyable.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Cecily, the eighty-five-year-old current owner, is dying, although her scattered family don’t know that yet. Her lifelong companion, Violet, is taking care of all the arrangements, as she has always done. Appointed as Cecily’s maid in 1958, she has grown with her, maturing into a personal assistant, household manager, constant companion, and always a keeper of secrets. And there have been lots of secrets over their nearly sixty-five years together. Violet’s last undertaking for her friend is to oversee the entailment process, after which the lawyers will take over and deal with the routine disposals of the will. The entailment process has become standardised over the years: the current owner writes a letter to each member of the family, plus anyone else who might have some expectations; all but one of the letters explains why the recipient has not been given the Hall, the exception explains to the recipient why they have been chosen. The letters are distributed at the start of a formal dinner, perhaps to give time to think over what has happened. The recipients will be Cecily’s two sons, David and Grant, David’s two daughters by his first wife, his second wife, Grant’s adopted son, a lawyer representing Cecily’s estranged daughter, and Violet, of course. Who will be the chosen one, and how will that effect their future relationships with the others?
A beautifully contrived situation, written in beautiful English, within an expertly structured exposition. Through a series of flashbacks, vignettes, slipped into the forward narrative of the story, we discover the history of all the characters, the role the Hall has played in their lives and their attitude to it, the expectations they have about the entailment, the incidents which have made them the people they are. All are properly developed, believable characters (even the minor ones). It’s a complicated story, but trying to second guess the plot twists (and the twists in the sub-plots), while weighing up the information to try and identify who will be chosen, I found hugely enjoyable.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
November 8, 2022
The synopsis is short but more than enough to convince me that I wanted to read this book. I mean, a death, a will, a large house and family, that in itself is a pot simmering waiting for the inevitable to happen.
The thought of owning a large house is great, but when you are one of several that want it then tensions arise. I will admit the Mordant family are not backstabbers, they come across as polite and civil, although not all of them are like that. There is some behind-the-scenes sniping and manipulating, but then it is what makes the story so interesting.
The author has set this story up brilliantly, the house is to be left to one of the family, and it is not passed down to the eldest son or anything as archaic as that. Instead, it is down to the wishes of the recently deceased Cecily.
The author swaps back and forth between the present family and Cecily's life growing up. I enjoyed both of the timelines but the present-day one is the one that takes precedence. Gradually the author lets you know about each of the family members, introducing them as such. They are a mix of siblings and their children.
With a reasonably large family group, it was easy to keep p with who was who. They each want the house, each one has their own plans for what they would like to do with it. The author works some brilliant subplots into this and I was never sure who was going to be the best one to own the house.
This is a mystery wrapped around the family group and it makes for a wonderful story. the characters are likeable on the whole, with the odd exception. This is a mix of contemporary fiction and mystery. It is a wonderful read and one that I would definitely recommend .
The thought of owning a large house is great, but when you are one of several that want it then tensions arise. I will admit the Mordant family are not backstabbers, they come across as polite and civil, although not all of them are like that. There is some behind-the-scenes sniping and manipulating, but then it is what makes the story so interesting.
The author has set this story up brilliantly, the house is to be left to one of the family, and it is not passed down to the eldest son or anything as archaic as that. Instead, it is down to the wishes of the recently deceased Cecily.
The author swaps back and forth between the present family and Cecily's life growing up. I enjoyed both of the timelines but the present-day one is the one that takes precedence. Gradually the author lets you know about each of the family members, introducing them as such. They are a mix of siblings and their children.
With a reasonably large family group, it was easy to keep p with who was who. They each want the house, each one has their own plans for what they would like to do with it. The author works some brilliant subplots into this and I was never sure who was going to be the best one to own the house.
This is a mystery wrapped around the family group and it makes for a wonderful story. the characters are likeable on the whole, with the odd exception. This is a mix of contemporary fiction and mystery. It is a wonderful read and one that I would definitely recommend .
November 8, 2022
Roxborough Hall in Norfolk plays at centre stage in this compelling novel. It’s home to the Mordaunt family and has been for generations. As part of the Mordaunt family tradition the house is bequeathed to a member of the family who is deemed most worthy, primogeniture is thrown out of the window and everyone is in with a chance of inheriting the hall. Letters are written to every member of the family detailing not only who is to be the next owner of Roxborough but also the reasons why the others have not inherited it.
On the death of Cecily Mordaunt, this dysfunctional family gathers from far and wide to discover who the next owner will be.
As speculation increases the tension rises keeping the reader glued to the pages as the story steadily unfolds. It’s told from multiple POVs and is punctuated with well placed flashbacks that give breathtaking glimpses into the back stories of the family. There are several eyebrow arching surprises and some big, gutsy plot twists along the way which will keep you guessing right to the end.
I found it an absolutely compelling and riveting read! Loved it!
On the death of Cecily Mordaunt, this dysfunctional family gathers from far and wide to discover who the next owner will be.
As speculation increases the tension rises keeping the reader glued to the pages as the story steadily unfolds. It’s told from multiple POVs and is punctuated with well placed flashbacks that give breathtaking glimpses into the back stories of the family. There are several eyebrow arching surprises and some big, gutsy plot twists along the way which will keep you guessing right to the end.
I found it an absolutely compelling and riveting read! Loved it!
December 28, 2022
"The Will" is a captivating mystery novel that follows a family as they navigate their way through a contentious battle over the inheritance of a beautiful property.
The plot is well-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat with twists and turns.
While I found it challenging to keep track of all the main and supporting characters and their relationships, I was still drawn in by the tension and intrigue of the story.
The ending could have been a bit stronger, but overall, I found "The Will" to be a unique and enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Random House UK for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The plot is well-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat with twists and turns.
While I found it challenging to keep track of all the main and supporting characters and their relationships, I was still drawn in by the tension and intrigue of the story.
The ending could have been a bit stronger, but overall, I found "The Will" to be a unique and enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Random House UK for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2022
I tore through this deliciously twisted tale of family secrets and loyalties.
Roxborough House has been in the same family for generations, but rather than being inherited by the oldest child, the current owner can decide who the next owner of Roxborough will be based on who they believe is the most deserving. No-one knows who it is going to be until after the death of the predecessor, when all potential inheritors receive a letter and have to open them together.
Cecily has lived in the House for over 50 years, bringing up her children there and often having her grandchildren to stay for extended holidays. The House means a lot to several members of the family and they are all hopeful that they might be the ones to inherit. When it is time for her to pass it on, the family gathers together, keen to see who it might be, but nervous that it might not be them. When they find out who it is, no-one is more surprised than the new owner - what does it mean?
There are multiple viewpoints and timelines, with secrets being spilt and bonds being forged across generations, which kept the story interesting and alive, The tension builds and builds, with futures depending on what the outcome is. There were some brilliantly unlikeable characters who must have been great fun to write - and some more pleasant ones too, thank goodness.
If you're looking for a page-turning tale of family intrigue and mystery, this is a great choice!
Roxborough House has been in the same family for generations, but rather than being inherited by the oldest child, the current owner can decide who the next owner of Roxborough will be based on who they believe is the most deserving. No-one knows who it is going to be until after the death of the predecessor, when all potential inheritors receive a letter and have to open them together.
Cecily has lived in the House for over 50 years, bringing up her children there and often having her grandchildren to stay for extended holidays. The House means a lot to several members of the family and they are all hopeful that they might be the ones to inherit. When it is time for her to pass it on, the family gathers together, keen to see who it might be, but nervous that it might not be them. When they find out who it is, no-one is more surprised than the new owner - what does it mean?
There are multiple viewpoints and timelines, with secrets being spilt and bonds being forged across generations, which kept the story interesting and alive, The tension builds and builds, with futures depending on what the outcome is. There were some brilliantly unlikeable characters who must have been great fun to write - and some more pleasant ones too, thank goodness.
If you're looking for a page-turning tale of family intrigue and mystery, this is a great choice!
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