THE launch of Michel Vimal Du Monteil’s action/mystery thriller “Where to Now” on Friday 7 November at the Coffs Harbour Golf Club, was both informative and entertaining.
A short promotional video set the tone for the intriguing tale of a jaded Australian investment banker with a cosmopolitan background flush with hijinks, subterfuge, double crossing and drama on the high seas – spanning Pittwater to the flood-bound Northern Rivers and through Sumatran jungles to the Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean.
The cast of characters plumb the vagaries of the human condition from villains to heartless opportunists, to flawed heroes and everyday punters – all trying to make sense of their circumstances.
The playful repartee between the MC Peter Donkin (former investment banker with only scant resemblance to any character in the book) and the author (a former investment banking colleague and close friend) gave the afternoon a festive tone.
Leola Gilliland told News Of The Area, “It was an absolutely wonderful book launch, a time of light heartedness, positive vibes and fun for everyone. The loveliest book launch I have been to anywhere in the country”.
Over 80 guests were suitably engaged in the lively exchange, which included the publisher’s glowing endorsement.
Carolyn Martinez, director of Hawkeye Publishing, affirmed Michel as a marketable writer with rousing reviews on Amazon and Good Reads for both his debut novel and this recent release.
Julie and Jiya Cameron from Coffs Harbour Book Warehouse (where the book is available locally) were in attendance, with the author signing sold copies of his work.
Michel told News Of The Area, “I felt humbled by the support of the guests attending the launch; I was so happy with the way things turned out [it was] even better than expected.”
He also gave a heartfelt tribute to wife Annemieke for her contribution to the proofing and editing process, as well as her flair for organising events.
By Kim SATCHELL
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