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Murder On The Camino
MURDER ON THE CAMINO
The bet? Walk 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago.
The hitch? Zero contact with the outside world.
The problem? One accidental murder.
Twenty-seven-year-old James Pollock, unemployed and lacking direction in London, accepts a bet to walk the Camino without his phone or social media.
The challenge comes at exactly the right time for James after sleeping with the woman he’s in love with — Jessica, his brother’s girlfriend.
However, when James meets a wild pilgrim who forces him into a dare, his life changes forever.
As rumours of a Camino murder become front-page news, can James reach Santiago before the Spanish police and other pilgrims catch him, or will his own demons find him first?
Murder On The Camino is a gripping adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way to Santiago.
Grab your backpack, but watch your back!
BOOK 1 IN THE JAMES POLLOCK TRAVEL THRILLER SERIES
The bet? Walk 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago.
The hitch? Zero contact with the outside world.
The problem? One accidental murder.
Twenty-seven-year-old James Pollock, unemployed and lacking direction in London, accepts a bet to walk the Camino without his phone or social media.
The challenge comes at exactly the right time for James after sleeping with the woman he’s in love with — Jessica, his brother’s girlfriend.
However, when James meets a wild pilgrim who forces him into a dare, his life changes forever.
As rumours of a Camino murder become front-page news, can James reach Santiago before the Spanish police and other pilgrims catch him, or will his own demons find him first?
Murder On The Camino is a gripping adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way to Santiago.
Grab your backpack, but watch your back!
BOOK 1 IN THE JAMES POLLOCK TRAVEL THRILLER SERIES
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2024
About the author
Will Bidder
1 book4 followersWill Bidder is a British writer, based in northern Spain. He originally trained as a lawyer in London but after a series of fortunate events, ended up in a beautiful, historic, bewitching and sometimes peculiar city, which motivated him to take up writing.
Murder On The Camino was inspired by a month walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail across Spain, and a strange encounter which gave him the idea for the novel.
Will has an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. He spends most mornings writing in an old cafe where he should be paying more for rent than just breakfast.
Murder On The Camino is his first novel.
Sign up to Will’s mailing list for more, including news on future releases.
Murder On The Camino was inspired by a month walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail across Spain, and a strange encounter which gave him the idea for the novel.
Will has an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. He spends most mornings writing in an old cafe where he should be paying more for rent than just breakfast.
Murder On The Camino is his first novel.
Sign up to Will’s mailing list for more, including news on future releases.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 10, 2024
Walking the legendary Camino de Santiago has long been on my bucket list so when I was lucky enough to be given an advanced reading copy, I jumped at the chance. This book does not disappoint. The mystery-suspense and thriller elements blend seamlessly with the beautifully described setting. This book is a must-read for any mystery lover who appreciates intriguing characters and a well-crafted story with a vivid backdrop. Highly recommended!
March 28, 2025
'Murder on the Camino' is a solid debut novel from British writer Will Bidder. The plot twists and turns more than a steep switchback on Spain's world-famous Camino trail, which the protagonist walks over the course of nearly a month during a particularly challenging period of his life. Along the way, he experiences setbacks and makes choices that, for better or worse, shape his fate on the Camino.
The novel begins with an inspiring set-up: A character, wishing to prove to himself and others that his life has purpose, sets off on a life-changing journey. What happens on the Camino promises to alter his life forever, and the seemingly simple set-up quickly becomes an intriguing mystery. The story never shies away from providing context and depth, with vulnerability a recurring theme throughout the novel. That said, the protagonist's torments and circuitous thinking often resemble a torrent of personal information. Sometimes, our confessions are best saved for the end of a journey rather than the beginning.
'Murder' hits its stride just as the protagonist finds the strength to carry on and continue walking the Camino. His story becomes one of resilience, stamina, and self-worth as he works to outfox suspicious pilgrims, wary hospitaleros, and even the Spanish National Police. A large supporting cast of colorful, secondary characters float in and out of the protagonist's view as he walks westward through the Spanish countryside, haunted by a life-altering experience in the early stages. The eccentric depictions of other pilgrims were no doubt inspired by Bidder's actual experiences on the Camino. The characterizations are often rich in their portrayals, though I sometimes questioned the speed with which characters arrived at their suspicions.
Bidder's storytelling is at its best when it explores the implications of a character's decision-making and provides space for the reader to reflect on character motivations. On multiple occasions I was struck by the subtle conclusions that followed certain passages. Bidder also evokes the Spanish countryside beautifully, embracing the less savory side of Spain and its people just as much as he underlines their positive traits. The novel's inclusion of some Spanish dialogue is a nice touch that lends authenticity to many of the protagonist's interactions.
While the novel reads a bit predictably at times, the final chapters crescendos to a "twist" ending that few will see coming. The protagonist who sets off on the Camino in trainers (sneakers) and no prior training arrives at his destination a completely different person. This is a story of the power of change through adversity, and of our innate ability to push beyond our perceived limits.
If the novel had left a bit more open to interpretation and more closely guarded its characters' secrets, it would easily approach a 5/5. Despite these small critiques, it is an entertaining and absorbing story. Bravo!
The novel begins with an inspiring set-up: A character, wishing to prove to himself and others that his life has purpose, sets off on a life-changing journey. What happens on the Camino promises to alter his life forever, and the seemingly simple set-up quickly becomes an intriguing mystery. The story never shies away from providing context and depth, with vulnerability a recurring theme throughout the novel. That said, the protagonist's torments and circuitous thinking often resemble a torrent of personal information. Sometimes, our confessions are best saved for the end of a journey rather than the beginning.
'Murder' hits its stride just as the protagonist finds the strength to carry on and continue walking the Camino. His story becomes one of resilience, stamina, and self-worth as he works to outfox suspicious pilgrims, wary hospitaleros, and even the Spanish National Police. A large supporting cast of colorful, secondary characters float in and out of the protagonist's view as he walks westward through the Spanish countryside, haunted by a life-altering experience in the early stages. The eccentric depictions of other pilgrims were no doubt inspired by Bidder's actual experiences on the Camino. The characterizations are often rich in their portrayals, though I sometimes questioned the speed with which characters arrived at their suspicions.
Bidder's storytelling is at its best when it explores the implications of a character's decision-making and provides space for the reader to reflect on character motivations. On multiple occasions I was struck by the subtle conclusions that followed certain passages. Bidder also evokes the Spanish countryside beautifully, embracing the less savory side of Spain and its people just as much as he underlines their positive traits. The novel's inclusion of some Spanish dialogue is a nice touch that lends authenticity to many of the protagonist's interactions.
While the novel reads a bit predictably at times, the final chapters crescendos to a "twist" ending that few will see coming. The protagonist who sets off on the Camino in trainers (sneakers) and no prior training arrives at his destination a completely different person. This is a story of the power of change through adversity, and of our innate ability to push beyond our perceived limits.
If the novel had left a bit more open to interpretation and more closely guarded its characters' secrets, it would easily approach a 5/5. Despite these small critiques, it is an entertaining and absorbing story. Bravo!
November 26, 2024
This book is very different from most murder mysteries, in that we know who the murderer is from the outset. Because he is so likeable, we cannot help being on his side as he tries to escape justice. Our murderer is a man with a conscience. This so troubles him that we watch his descent into paranoia; he increasingly imagines that everyone suspects him and, moreover, that his victim is haunting him. Basically, he is an honest man who is unused to misleading people. Consequently, trying to avoid capture, he makes up both a false identity and unlikely explanations for his behaviour. His lies become increasingly convoluted until he is firmly tied up in a web of deceit. Readers who are well organised and carefully plan their lives might dismiss his sudden decisions and lack of foresight as a plot device, yet those of us with more chaotic life styles will understand his motivation.
The setting is the wonderful Camino pilgrim trail, some 500 miles (800 kilometres) across Spain ending at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Along the way, our murderer meets a magnificent variety of fellow walkers. The more notable characters are very well drawn, notably for me, the obnoxious Luc. The author is so good at descriptions that we can feel the stone caught in our walking boots, the searing heat crossing the desert-like Meseta, and the pain of the ant bites. Reaching the end of the book we find the most satisfying twist. Overall, a very good read.
The setting is the wonderful Camino pilgrim trail, some 500 miles (800 kilometres) across Spain ending at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Along the way, our murderer meets a magnificent variety of fellow walkers. The more notable characters are very well drawn, notably for me, the obnoxious Luc. The author is so good at descriptions that we can feel the stone caught in our walking boots, the searing heat crossing the desert-like Meseta, and the pain of the ant bites. Reaching the end of the book we find the most satisfying twist. Overall, a very good read.
December 9, 2025
Will creates a gripping atmosphere in which you dive into James Pollock's mind. It's amazing how well his feelings are described and how unlucky he is during his journey to Santiago.
Will knows how to write a tense book. The descriptions written are so good that you can feel right by James' side all the time. Another character that I would highlight is, for instance, Joseph. He is that kind of person who leaves a print instantly in your mind.
This book is really suitable for those who like exploring beyond their limits, those who love hiking and having a murder at the same track, or those who want to empathize with James' sorrows.
Looking forward to Will's next book. Being a writer these days, surrounded by IA, makes one feel authentic. Congratulations.
Will knows how to write a tense book. The descriptions written are so good that you can feel right by James' side all the time. Another character that I would highlight is, for instance, Joseph. He is that kind of person who leaves a print instantly in your mind.
This book is really suitable for those who like exploring beyond their limits, those who love hiking and having a murder at the same track, or those who want to empathize with James' sorrows.
Looking forward to Will's next book. Being a writer these days, surrounded by IA, makes one feel authentic. Congratulations.
January 20, 2026
What a magnificent read! Absolutely loved this, it brought back so many memories from my Camino experiences. And of course has left me planning the next one…
Very well crafted story, with such intricate details and Camino references. Had me hooked from the first chapter…let’s see if I can rein my bedtime back in now I’m finished. Highly recommended.
Very well crafted story, with such intricate details and Camino references. Had me hooked from the first chapter…let’s see if I can rein my bedtime back in now I’m finished. Highly recommended.
November 13, 2025
I read this till the end, but it was a struggle. It was very disjointed, as if the author wasn't sure where to go next with the story. The description of the murder, which wasn't a murder, was very poor. I knew all along that James was innocent and all would be well when he completed the Comeno.
February 21, 2026
It was a joy to return to familiar places on the Camino but the story didn’t resonate truthfully for me. Ah well, each Camino is individual, right?
March 7, 2026
Honestly I couldn’t have cared less what happened
July 29, 2026
Really repetitive... Not a lot of substance and takes away the magic of the Camino. Honestly didn't work as a book could have been a screen play at a push.
September 11, 2026
Entertaining but definitely not ground breaking
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews