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The Pact
PRE-ORDER NOW'Pacy, twisty and layered revenge tale' Joanna Barnard
Tess enters the prestigious and exclusive Ravensthorpe Writing College with dreams of literary greatness, but soon discovers that ambition comes at a cost.
Drawn into a tight-knit group with fellow writers Ethan, Theo, and Jaz, Tess’s world is upended when their charismatic tutor is found dead. Believing someone in their circle is responsible, Tess flees the elite literary world and abandons the future she once craved.
Three years later, an enigmatic invitation to walk the Camino de Santiago offers Tess a chance to uncover the truth. Reunited with her former friends, including Ethan, now a literary star, Tess realises the past isn’t finished with her. Someone knows what really happened that night, and they’ll do anything to keep it buried.
Tess enters the prestigious and exclusive Ravensthorpe Writing College with dreams of literary greatness, but soon discovers that ambition comes at a cost.
Drawn into a tight-knit group with fellow writers Ethan, Theo, and Jaz, Tess’s world is upended when their charismatic tutor is found dead. Believing someone in their circle is responsible, Tess flees the elite literary world and abandons the future she once craved.
Three years later, an enigmatic invitation to walk the Camino de Santiago offers Tess a chance to uncover the truth. Reunited with her former friends, including Ethan, now a literary star, Tess realises the past isn’t finished with her. Someone knows what really happened that night, and they’ll do anything to keep it buried.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2026
64 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Walker
10 books72 followersLisa writes fiction for adults and young adults. Her eighth novel, and her first psychological suspense, 'The Pact' will come out in January 2026. Other novels are - 'Trouble is My Business', 'The Girl with the Gold Bikini', 'Paris Syndrome', 'Melt', 'Sex, Lies and Bonsai', ‘Liar Bird’, and ‘Arkie’s Pilgrimage to the Next Big Thing'.
Lisa's half-hour radio play 'Baddest Backpackers' aired on ABC Radio National in 2008. She was a finalist in the ABC Short Story Award and winner of the Byron Bay Writers Festival short story award. Her writing has been published in The Age, The Guardian, The Big Issue, The Sydney Morning Herald, Griffith Review and the Review of Australian Fiction.
Lisa grew up in Fiji and spent her teenage years in Brisbane. She has worked as a wilderness guide, park ranger and tertiary lecturer, and is now a full-time writer. She has a degree in zoology and a PhD in creative writing.
In her spare time she surfs and explores wild places. She lives on the far north coast of New South Wales, Australia.
www.lisawalker.com.au
Lisa's half-hour radio play 'Baddest Backpackers' aired on ABC Radio National in 2008. She was a finalist in the ABC Short Story Award and winner of the Byron Bay Writers Festival short story award. Her writing has been published in The Age, The Guardian, The Big Issue, The Sydney Morning Herald, Griffith Review and the Review of Australian Fiction.
Lisa grew up in Fiji and spent her teenage years in Brisbane. She has worked as a wilderness guide, park ranger and tertiary lecturer, and is now a full-time writer. She has a degree in zoology and a PhD in creative writing.
In her spare time she surfs and explores wild places. She lives on the far north coast of New South Wales, Australia.
www.lisawalker.com.au
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 15, 2026
With its first-person narration by the outsider, a select group of college students, a death and an eventual unravelling, ‘The Pact’ seemingly falls into Tartt territory at first glance. But, wait, there’s the Camino pilgrimage to add to the mix too, along with a few creative writing takeaways. And a donkey.
Imaginative and highly enjoyable, this is a real crowd-pleaser crafted with insight, skilful plotting and characterisation.
And if the Camino is on your wish list or travel itinerary, this is an unlikely but highly recommended addition to your reading for both atmosphere and orientation.
Imaginative and highly enjoyable, this is a real crowd-pleaser crafted with insight, skilful plotting and characterisation.
And if the Camino is on your wish list or travel itinerary, this is an unlikely but highly recommended addition to your reading for both atmosphere and orientation.
February 4, 2026
The Pact is a slow-burning, atmospheric mystery. Lisa Walker masterfully brings the walk of the Camino de Santiago to life. The well-developed characters give depth and motivation to their actions in the past and present. The plot has an undercurrent of uneasiness and danger. It’s suspenseful, unpredictable, and original. The conclusion was both unexpected and satisfying. Olivia Dowd’s skillful narration adds a layer of intrigue and emotion to this layered, and puzzling story. Thank you, NetGalley, and HarperCollins UK Audio, for my audiobook.
November 24, 2025
A good read, 3.5 rounded up
November 15, 2025
The Pact is a twisty novel, a bit of a slow burn but the atmosphere of both now and then was powerful enough to draw me in and keep me engaged. A group of ambitious literary students are drawn back together to complete a pilgrimage, while we initially believe the pilgrimage is a memorial, each of them is there for a different reason.
The perfect addition to your 2026 tbr.
Dark. tense, intriguing!
Huge thanks to HarperCollins U.K. audio for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
The perfect addition to your 2026 tbr.
Dark. tense, intriguing!
Huge thanks to HarperCollins U.K. audio for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
April 20, 2026
This book started off with plenty of promise as I was excited by this dual timeline and murder mystery. However, I found the book was too long in the end and lost pace by about half way through. Once I had finished it, I had grown to care little about the mystery of Lula’s death and the anonymous stalker.
The book moves from present day where ex-Ravensthorpe student, Tess, is embarking on a famous Spanish pilgrimage – Camino de Santiago. Except, Tess is not completing this for spiritual reasons, but to deliberately reunite with the other students who were with Tess the night that their tutor, Lula, died. Tess is convinced that one of their group is hiding something and is determined to track down the others, even though she is significantly under prepared for this extensive hiking trip.
Personally, I wished that less attention had been given to the pilgrimage. I thought it made the story lethargic in places, not helped by Tess’s exhaustion as she racks up the miles each day. Instead, I wanted more development of Tess’s time as Lula’s student. These memories felt few and far between and whilst I got to appreciate the heady atmosphere mixed in with creative rivalries, I was wanting this aspect extended to help feed into the mystery in present day.
That being said, I liked the plot development and could not foresee how the events of that fateful night had unfolded. However, I think I became more partial to the donkey, completely sympathising with this animal who is caught up in a tale of rivalries and jealousy.
Overall, I don’t think was the strongest of thrillers. Maybe it was the pilgrimage that put me off, but I found the story lacking in tension and more in aching legs and burning feet.
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book moves from present day where ex-Ravensthorpe student, Tess, is embarking on a famous Spanish pilgrimage – Camino de Santiago. Except, Tess is not completing this for spiritual reasons, but to deliberately reunite with the other students who were with Tess the night that their tutor, Lula, died. Tess is convinced that one of their group is hiding something and is determined to track down the others, even though she is significantly under prepared for this extensive hiking trip.
Personally, I wished that less attention had been given to the pilgrimage. I thought it made the story lethargic in places, not helped by Tess’s exhaustion as she racks up the miles each day. Instead, I wanted more development of Tess’s time as Lula’s student. These memories felt few and far between and whilst I got to appreciate the heady atmosphere mixed in with creative rivalries, I was wanting this aspect extended to help feed into the mystery in present day.
That being said, I liked the plot development and could not foresee how the events of that fateful night had unfolded. However, I think I became more partial to the donkey, completely sympathising with this animal who is caught up in a tale of rivalries and jealousy.
Overall, I don’t think was the strongest of thrillers. Maybe it was the pilgrimage that put me off, but I found the story lacking in tension and more in aching legs and burning feet.
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2026
4.5/5
A masterfully crafted Dark academia x psychological thriller
I need many more books like this asap. A twisty mystery and revenge fuelled and shrouded journey, with 4 writers hungry for more, a veiled past and a donkey walking the Camino de Santiago!
Set via a dual timeline, the story unfolds deliciously, this book has so much to offer - the obsessive nature and fine line between love and hate for their mentor. The atmospheric unravelling of their minds and setting. The subplots were very well played out too - hints of romance, messy pasts, different snippets into deep regrets of actions made previously. The main plot line was superbly fractured on the way and branched out into a multitude of layers that weaved together whilst keeping you on your toes.
The psychological element was fantastic, paired with the spiritual… you really didn’t know what to trust, was it real, was it imagined and who’s truth. I questioned the protagonist a lot, as supplied with hints of an unreliable narrator which made it all the more fun to read as you never really knew what you would get. The motives of the others, that made the suspicions rise.
It reminded me a lot of the spiritual and romanticised journey aspects from ‘Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes’ travel writing by Robert L. Stevenson, considering it was the pilgrimage walk and spiritual awakening combined with ‘When we were monsters’ by Jennifer Niven.
the writing style was fluid and swept you away, the pacing didn’t feel clunky with the back and forth but just right with yearning for the truth to unfold. This also applies to the characters, I wanted to know more about their pasts, what drives them, their actual truths and agendas. The characters being subjected to so much manipulation, it was hard to tell whether they were honest in their friendships or if was another ploy, and I love how Walker did this to make me constantly question them. The author did a brilliant job!
I really enjoyed this book, it has a pure sense of allure to it. The ending was a pleasant surprise, I found myself very connected to the characters by the end and was routing for them considering the truths that came out.
Thank you so much to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book, it was a fabulous reading experience!
A masterfully crafted Dark academia x psychological thriller
I need many more books like this asap. A twisty mystery and revenge fuelled and shrouded journey, with 4 writers hungry for more, a veiled past and a donkey walking the Camino de Santiago!
Set via a dual timeline, the story unfolds deliciously, this book has so much to offer - the obsessive nature and fine line between love and hate for their mentor. The atmospheric unravelling of their minds and setting. The subplots were very well played out too - hints of romance, messy pasts, different snippets into deep regrets of actions made previously. The main plot line was superbly fractured on the way and branched out into a multitude of layers that weaved together whilst keeping you on your toes.
The psychological element was fantastic, paired with the spiritual… you really didn’t know what to trust, was it real, was it imagined and who’s truth. I questioned the protagonist a lot, as supplied with hints of an unreliable narrator which made it all the more fun to read as you never really knew what you would get. The motives of the others, that made the suspicions rise.
It reminded me a lot of the spiritual and romanticised journey aspects from ‘Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes’ travel writing by Robert L. Stevenson, considering it was the pilgrimage walk and spiritual awakening combined with ‘When we were monsters’ by Jennifer Niven.
the writing style was fluid and swept you away, the pacing didn’t feel clunky with the back and forth but just right with yearning for the truth to unfold. This also applies to the characters, I wanted to know more about their pasts, what drives them, their actual truths and agendas. The characters being subjected to so much manipulation, it was hard to tell whether they were honest in their friendships or if was another ploy, and I love how Walker did this to make me constantly question them. The author did a brilliant job!
I really enjoyed this book, it has a pure sense of allure to it. The ending was a pleasant surprise, I found myself very connected to the characters by the end and was routing for them considering the truths that came out.
Thank you so much to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book, it was a fabulous reading experience!
February 7, 2026
A thriller with a dark academic theme, The Pact charts the progress of four estranged friends who reconvene to walk the Camino, a Spanish pilgrimage. We travel the route with Tess, who has always felt like she didn’t quite fit in with the others.
Following a hallucinogenic experience at writing college which ended in tragedy, the group fractured, all except one abandoning their dreams of a literary career.
Now, a mysterious force has reunited them, but they each carry their own secret.
Tess is out for revenge after the loss of her mother, something she believes is a direct result of the events that took place on that dreadful night. But who can she trust? Is it really a coincidence that the police woman who investigated their tutor’s death is also on the same pilgrimage? And who’s the author of the strange notes she keeps receiving?
Atmospheric and uncomfortable in places, The Pact will keep you guessing right to the end of the trail, and it’s just as twisty as the pilgrimage itself.
Olivia Dowd narrates beautifully.
Five stars for a gripping tale.
With thanks to Harper Collins UK audio and NetGalley, for the chance to listen to an ARC/ALC. The Pact released on 29 January.
Following a hallucinogenic experience at writing college which ended in tragedy, the group fractured, all except one abandoning their dreams of a literary career.
Now, a mysterious force has reunited them, but they each carry their own secret.
Tess is out for revenge after the loss of her mother, something she believes is a direct result of the events that took place on that dreadful night. But who can she trust? Is it really a coincidence that the police woman who investigated their tutor’s death is also on the same pilgrimage? And who’s the author of the strange notes she keeps receiving?
Atmospheric and uncomfortable in places, The Pact will keep you guessing right to the end of the trail, and it’s just as twisty as the pilgrimage itself.
Olivia Dowd narrates beautifully.
Five stars for a gripping tale.
With thanks to Harper Collins UK audio and NetGalley, for the chance to listen to an ARC/ALC. The Pact released on 29 January.
March 17, 2026
A group of students meet for the first time in several years after going there a separate way shortly after the tutors untimely death. What secrets are they all hiding?
Following an email from another tutor, they are invited to join the Camino de Santiago in memory of Lula the tutor who died. Only four students turn up these four students are the four students that were with Lula on the night she died.
Told from the perspective of Tess one of those students in two timelines now as she walks the Camino and then, the period of time which leads up to what happened that fateful night.
There is also inserts from an another party anonymous who is anonymous and what do they know about the night? Lula died?
This was an interesting story. I didn’t grow to love the characters and I didn’t grow to Love the storyline. I enjoyed the emotional tension but to me the story unfolded too slowly and then felt rushed towards the end and there were bits that to me just didn’t quite gel properly
That said I am interested to hear more from this author and I felt that the narrator did a fantastic job of allowing the story to unfold
Following an email from another tutor, they are invited to join the Camino de Santiago in memory of Lula the tutor who died. Only four students turn up these four students are the four students that were with Lula on the night she died.
Told from the perspective of Tess one of those students in two timelines now as she walks the Camino and then, the period of time which leads up to what happened that fateful night.
There is also inserts from an another party anonymous who is anonymous and what do they know about the night? Lula died?
This was an interesting story. I didn’t grow to love the characters and I didn’t grow to Love the storyline. I enjoyed the emotional tension but to me the story unfolded too slowly and then felt rushed towards the end and there were bits that to me just didn’t quite gel properly
That said I am interested to hear more from this author and I felt that the narrator did a fantastic job of allowing the story to unfold
February 2, 2026
Thank you to HQ Stories for a copy of The Pact in return for an honest review. This book is such a clever, twisty psychological thriller that had me hooked. The story flips between two timelines - Tess’s past at the elite Ravensthorpe Writing College, where she and fellow writers Ethan, Theo and Jaz bond over ambition and creativity, and the present, where they’re reunited walking the Camino de Santiago years after their tutor Lula’s death.
The Camino chapters beautifully capture the long days on foot, pilgrim accommodations, shared meals and quiet moments that force these once-friends to confront buried tension and old resentments. In the flashbacks, their friendships feel intense and competitive. In the present, every step seems to shake loose more secrets about that night no one can quite explain.
If you love atmospheric settings, complex characters with messy pasts, and plots that slowly untangle into juicy reveals, this is for you. Perfect for fans of dark academia vibes, psychological suspense and books that feel like a walking retreat with a side of unsettling truth.
The Camino chapters beautifully capture the long days on foot, pilgrim accommodations, shared meals and quiet moments that force these once-friends to confront buried tension and old resentments. In the flashbacks, their friendships feel intense and competitive. In the present, every step seems to shake loose more secrets about that night no one can quite explain.
If you love atmospheric settings, complex characters with messy pasts, and plots that slowly untangle into juicy reveals, this is for you. Perfect for fans of dark academia vibes, psychological suspense and books that feel like a walking retreat with a side of unsettling truth.
January 19, 2026
Enjoyable read. 3.5 stars rounded up.
The Pact by @lisawalkerwriter is a literary revenge thriller that I found enjoyable. With dual timelines, it’s a dark and twisty read that slowly unfurls and has you guessing right to the end.
This is a story of toxic ambition that I found unique and with a strong emotional undercurrent. The dual timelines allow you to see the characters emotional growth over the years, evolving from young and power hungry, to broken and lost at the start of the Camino.
I can’t say I overly liked some of the characters to start. Walker controls the narrative in such a way that it has you questioning everyone and their motives. It was really well done in that sense.
Thank you to @harlequinaus for a copy to read.
The Pact by @lisawalkerwriter is a literary revenge thriller that I found enjoyable. With dual timelines, it’s a dark and twisty read that slowly unfurls and has you guessing right to the end.
This is a story of toxic ambition that I found unique and with a strong emotional undercurrent. The dual timelines allow you to see the characters emotional growth over the years, evolving from young and power hungry, to broken and lost at the start of the Camino.
I can’t say I overly liked some of the characters to start. Walker controls the narrative in such a way that it has you questioning everyone and their motives. It was really well done in that sense.
Thank you to @harlequinaus for a copy to read.
February 27, 2026
Thank you HQ Australia & Lisa Walker for this read!
This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me. Looking at it's strengths - it was a twisty read, that is told through past and present tense. It also has narration from an outsider looking in at the protagonists, which added to it's mystery and actually made it creepy in some ways. For me it lacked the pace I was craving. While I love a good slow burn, in some chapters I felt the pace really did drag and it could have been cut a bit shorter. The ending was not exactly a jaw dropper and did feel a bit rushed in the last few chapters for me. However, I feel that some readers will love this style and overall it was a twisty thriller!
3.5/5
This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me. Looking at it's strengths - it was a twisty read, that is told through past and present tense. It also has narration from an outsider looking in at the protagonists, which added to it's mystery and actually made it creepy in some ways. For me it lacked the pace I was craving. While I love a good slow burn, in some chapters I felt the pace really did drag and it could have been cut a bit shorter. The ending was not exactly a jaw dropper and did feel a bit rushed in the last few chapters for me. However, I feel that some readers will love this style and overall it was a twisty thriller!
3.5/5
February 21, 2026
3.75⭐️ - This dark academia slow burn follows Tess and flips between the past and present. In the past, Tess and a group of writing students at an elite college are caught up in ambition, competition, and the death of their teacher, Lula. Years later, they reunite to walk the Camino trail in her memory, and it becomes clear that what happened back then is not as straightforward as it seemed. I really liked the tension between the characters and the way old resentments bubble back up. The story explores revenge, consequences, identity, and ultimately finding yourself. It focuses more on the emotional fallout and the weight of secrets than constant shocks, which really worked for me. I enjoyed the way the truth slowly unravelled, especially as Tess starts questioning everything she thought she knew.
A huge thank you to @harlequinaus and @harpercollinsaustralia for gifting me this one. This was the HQ Thriller BOTM Club pick for February.
A huge thank you to @harlequinaus and @harpercollinsaustralia for gifting me this one. This was the HQ Thriller BOTM Club pick for February.
November 9, 2025
Thank you Lisa and Netgalley for this ARC.
The Pact is an engaging story about revenge, ambition, and ultimately finding oneself. I really enjoyed the emotional tension and the way the characters grappled with identity and consequence. However, the reveal and ending felt a bit rushed, with too many threads wrapped up a little too neatly to feel entirely believable. Despite that, it’s an enjoyable and thought provoking read that kept me turning the pages.
The Pact is an engaging story about revenge, ambition, and ultimately finding oneself. I really enjoyed the emotional tension and the way the characters grappled with identity and consequence. However, the reveal and ending felt a bit rushed, with too many threads wrapped up a little too neatly to feel entirely believable. Despite that, it’s an enjoyable and thought provoking read that kept me turning the pages.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you HQ and Netgalley for the ARC of The Pact by Lisa Walker.
This is a dual timeline thriller which follows students of a prestigious writing school called Ravensthorpe leading up to the death of their teacher Lula. The other timeline is the present where they have been invited along to walk The Camino trail from France to Spain in memory of the dead teacher. Our narrator, Tess, is hounded by messages from an anonymous source who seems to know what happened the night Lula died.
The characters are well develop as the story progresses. Initially I felt the level of detail of the journey was a little excessive but it narratively made sense to ensure the story was not rushed. Having read that the author has done that trail the detail makes sense. Generally the plot was well done with the exception of the Beltane scene which seemed forced and honestly a little cliché. Reveals were done slowly with the backstory helping support these reveals. The big reveal was a summation of smaller reveals and whilst the reasons for what happened I absolutely sympathise with, I never find it truly satisfying when those responsible for bad actions seemingly get away with it. I read the book in 3 days which is the sign of a good book as I was eager to see what happens. The final 10% was a bit disappointing compared with the rest of the book which is why it's 4.5 (4 on Goodreads) instead of 5 stars
Shout out to the donkey and having a good ending for her. I didn't expect to be so invested in her throughout!
The story explores some quite hard topics including addiction, eating disorders, drug use, attempted sexual assault and narcissistic abuse. It's important if you read the book that you are comfortable with these topics and you may need to take a few breaks in some of the stronger parts.
Overall a good read, I learned a lot about the Camino and was eager to see what happened. It's a good read for fans of the genre and doesn't feel as long as it is which again is the mark of a well written book.
This is a dual timeline thriller which follows students of a prestigious writing school called Ravensthorpe leading up to the death of their teacher Lula. The other timeline is the present where they have been invited along to walk The Camino trail from France to Spain in memory of the dead teacher. Our narrator, Tess, is hounded by messages from an anonymous source who seems to know what happened the night Lula died.
The characters are well develop as the story progresses. Initially I felt the level of detail of the journey was a little excessive but it narratively made sense to ensure the story was not rushed. Having read that the author has done that trail the detail makes sense. Generally the plot was well done with the exception of the Beltane scene which seemed forced and honestly a little cliché. Reveals were done slowly with the backstory helping support these reveals. The big reveal was a summation of smaller reveals and whilst the reasons for what happened I absolutely sympathise with, I never find it truly satisfying when those responsible for bad actions seemingly get away with it. I read the book in 3 days which is the sign of a good book as I was eager to see what happens. The final 10% was a bit disappointing compared with the rest of the book which is why it's 4.5 (4 on Goodreads) instead of 5 stars
Shout out to the donkey and having a good ending for her. I didn't expect to be so invested in her throughout!
The story explores some quite hard topics including addiction, eating disorders, drug use, attempted sexual assault and narcissistic abuse. It's important if you read the book that you are comfortable with these topics and you may need to take a few breaks in some of the stronger parts.
Overall a good read, I learned a lot about the Camino and was eager to see what happened. It's a good read for fans of the genre and doesn't feel as long as it is which again is the mark of a well written book.
February 8, 2026
The Pact by Lisa Walker is a clever, dark and twisty psychological revenge thriller that completely hooked me. Told through dual timelines, the story moves between Tess’s past at the elite Ravensthorpe Writing College, where she forms an intense, competitive friendship with fellow writers Ethan, Theo and Jaz under the guidance of their tutor Lula… and the present, where they are reunited years later while walking the Camino de Santiago after Lula’s death.
The Camino chapters were especially atmospheric, beautifully capturing the long days of walking, shared meals, pilgrim accommodation and the quiet, reflective moments that force these former friends to confront old resentments and buried tensions. In contrast, the flashbacks to Ravensthorpe are charged with toxic ambition and rivalry, and the friendships feel both creative and deeply unhealthy.
As the two timelines slowly unfold, more secrets begin to surface about the night no one can fully explain, and the story keeps you guessing right to the end. I didn’t particularly like some of the characters at first, but that only added to the tension, Walker skilfully controls the narrative in a way that makes you question everyone and their motives. The dual timeline structure also allows you to clearly see the characters’ emotional growth, shifting from young, power-hungry writers to people who are broken, guarded and lost by the time they begin the Camino.
If you enjoy dark academia vibes, messy and complex characters, and psychological suspense that slowly untangles into satisfying, unsettling revelations, this is a highly atmospheric and emotionally charged read that’s well worth picking up.
The Camino chapters were especially atmospheric, beautifully capturing the long days of walking, shared meals, pilgrim accommodation and the quiet, reflective moments that force these former friends to confront old resentments and buried tensions. In contrast, the flashbacks to Ravensthorpe are charged with toxic ambition and rivalry, and the friendships feel both creative and deeply unhealthy.
As the two timelines slowly unfold, more secrets begin to surface about the night no one can fully explain, and the story keeps you guessing right to the end. I didn’t particularly like some of the characters at first, but that only added to the tension, Walker skilfully controls the narrative in a way that makes you question everyone and their motives. The dual timeline structure also allows you to clearly see the characters’ emotional growth, shifting from young, power-hungry writers to people who are broken, guarded and lost by the time they begin the Camino.
If you enjoy dark academia vibes, messy and complex characters, and psychological suspense that slowly untangles into satisfying, unsettling revelations, this is a highly atmospheric and emotionally charged read that’s well worth picking up.
January 12, 2026
The Pact by Lisa Walker is a book about writers and writing... which always appeals to me. However, anyone who's done the Camino de Santiago walking trail or wants to do it will very certainly love this because it's narrated by Tess, a writer walking the Camino to reconnect with former friends, albeit with the aim of seeking vengeance on those she holds responsible for ruining her life. As a result Walker includes A LOT of detail about the trail. I knew very little about it so found the inclusion of information about the accommodation, and everything from meals to religious services, not to mention the terrain and challenges of the different stages all quite fascinating. I mean, it didn't tempt me to go and do it (indeed, I'd rather poke myself in the eye with a sharp stick) but Walker has either done it, or undertook significant research allowing her to confidently share this level of detail.
Tess is our narrator in the past and present. She's walking the trail as she and the other three members of her (former) study group at Ravensthorpe all received invitations from a tutor. Supposedly. Tess hasn't been in contact with the group since leaving the prestigious Ravensthorpe under a cloud and Walker slowly ekes about the events precipitating that.
I liked the way this ultimately unfolds as (in the past) we reach the final days the group spent together and learn exactly what took place the night Lula died. And in the present, more secrets are revealed.
3.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
Tess is our narrator in the past and present. She's walking the trail as she and the other three members of her (former) study group at Ravensthorpe all received invitations from a tutor. Supposedly. Tess hasn't been in contact with the group since leaving the prestigious Ravensthorpe under a cloud and Walker slowly ekes about the events precipitating that.
I liked the way this ultimately unfolds as (in the past) we reach the final days the group spent together and learn exactly what took place the night Lula died. And in the present, more secrets are revealed.
3.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
January 16, 2026
3.5⭐️💫 Tess enters the prestigious and exclusive Ravensthorpe Writing College with dreams of literary greatness, but soon discovers that ambition comes at a cost. Drawn into a tight-knit group with fellow writers Ethan, Theo, and Jaz, Tess’s world is upended when their charismatic tutor is found dead. Believing someone in their circle is responsible, Tess flees the elite literary world and abandons the future she once craved. Three years later, an enigmatic invitation to walk the Camino de Santiago offers Tess a chance to uncover the truth. Reunited with her former friends, including Ethan, now a literary star, Tess realises the past isn’t finished with her. Someone knows what really happened that night, and they’ll do anything to keep it buried.
This was a really intriguing read and also really informative, especially in relation to the pilgrimage element, delving into how this experience could be for people.
The narration was superb, I really felt the tone of ‘Jess’ was conveyed perfectly and I definitely connected with the story more because of this. My only niggle is that there does seem to be quite a lot of repetition of facts, unsure if this is to plant clues in the readers mind but unfortunately it conveys astounding times as slightly unnecessary.
My intrigue was however kept level throughout, the prose alternating between the present day with Jess tackling the Camino trek, and the past with the introduction of Ravensthorpe and how all the characters met and uncovering the secrets they are all hiding. A slightly rushed conclusion does take away some of the tension built up throughout but overall it was an interesting, enjoyable, easy read/listen.
This was a really intriguing read and also really informative, especially in relation to the pilgrimage element, delving into how this experience could be for people.
The narration was superb, I really felt the tone of ‘Jess’ was conveyed perfectly and I definitely connected with the story more because of this. My only niggle is that there does seem to be quite a lot of repetition of facts, unsure if this is to plant clues in the readers mind but unfortunately it conveys astounding times as slightly unnecessary.
My intrigue was however kept level throughout, the prose alternating between the present day with Jess tackling the Camino trek, and the past with the introduction of Ravensthorpe and how all the characters met and uncovering the secrets they are all hiding. A slightly rushed conclusion does take away some of the tension built up throughout but overall it was an interesting, enjoyable, easy read/listen.
November 27, 2025
This was my first read by this author so wasn't sure what to expect - but the front cover really drew me in as I loved the contrasting light and dark images.
We follow this storyline over a then and now timeline and this unfolds gradually revealing secrets and lies and the tragic events that meant that this group of friends lost touch following their college years.
Now travelling the Camino De Santiago trail together we follow Tess as she tries to make sense of the events back then when their tutor was found dead after a confusing drug fuelled night.
Why does she feel like she's to blame and why will the others not talk to her about it.
This was not quite where I saw this story going at all from the cover and title, but as we flip back and forth between the trail and the college years, we learn more and more about the personalities of each of our main characters and the twists and turns keep coming.
This was quite a slow burn but I think that with a lot going on both in the past and the present, this kept me intrigued and wanting to keep turning those pages.
It's not the usual type of fast paced thriller I like to read, but I really was invested to the end and the characters were all well presented and developed in a way that I found immersive and intriguing.
This was an enjoyable first read and I'm keen to read more from this author in the future.
We follow this storyline over a then and now timeline and this unfolds gradually revealing secrets and lies and the tragic events that meant that this group of friends lost touch following their college years.
Now travelling the Camino De Santiago trail together we follow Tess as she tries to make sense of the events back then when their tutor was found dead after a confusing drug fuelled night.
Why does she feel like she's to blame and why will the others not talk to her about it.
This was not quite where I saw this story going at all from the cover and title, but as we flip back and forth between the trail and the college years, we learn more and more about the personalities of each of our main characters and the twists and turns keep coming.
This was quite a slow burn but I think that with a lot going on both in the past and the present, this kept me intrigued and wanting to keep turning those pages.
It's not the usual type of fast paced thriller I like to read, but I really was invested to the end and the characters were all well presented and developed in a way that I found immersive and intriguing.
This was an enjoyable first read and I'm keen to read more from this author in the future.
February 4, 2026
Tess fulfils her mother's dream and starts at the prestigious Ravensthorpe Writing College where she befriends Jaz, Ethan and Theo and falls under the spell of their charismatic teacher and a famous writer, Lula Thornton. After Lula's tragic death that breaks the friendship bonds Tess leaves the school and her dress of fame forever. Three years later she receives a mysterious invitation to take part in Camino de Santiago and decides to take part, so she can confront her friends about what actually happened. But during the pilgrimage weird and threatening things keep happening to Tess, and she is unsure who to trust.
This book is described as a dark academia thriller, but for me the story of Tess and her friends in Ravensthorpe wasn't as engaging as the chapters about Camino which were often much lighter despite the persistent threats awaiting the main character. The story concentrates on the spiritual journey the characters embark on as well as the mystery of Lula's death, and as the author herself took part in the Camino, these parts resonated the most with me. The other timeline, in which Tess tries to fit in at school and work towards becoming a famous writer, felt in comparison too dramatic. I wasn't a big fan of the last chapter which felt a bit too gimmicky. But as I love books about writers, mysterious schools and suspicious deaths, I thought it was fun and enjoyable read.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a free ecopy of the book.
This book is described as a dark academia thriller, but for me the story of Tess and her friends in Ravensthorpe wasn't as engaging as the chapters about Camino which were often much lighter despite the persistent threats awaiting the main character. The story concentrates on the spiritual journey the characters embark on as well as the mystery of Lula's death, and as the author herself took part in the Camino, these parts resonated the most with me. The other timeline, in which Tess tries to fit in at school and work towards becoming a famous writer, felt in comparison too dramatic. I wasn't a big fan of the last chapter which felt a bit too gimmicky. But as I love books about writers, mysterious schools and suspicious deaths, I thought it was fun and enjoyable read.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a free ecopy of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Pact is a slow burn of a read, I usually get bored with a slow burn but this kept me turning the pages as often as I could.
Tess, much to her mother’s pleasure is going to Ravensthorpe writing college. She is going to be the best writer she can be and please her mother. Tess settles in well until her tutor dies in mysterious circumstances. Tess thought she was in a tight knit group until the death and none of her supposed friends will talk to her. Tess leaves much to her mother’s dismay and tries to come to terms with what happened. Years later she gets an invitation to join others from the college to walk the Camino de Santiago but when she gets there only her past friends are there.
This was a decent read to kick off the new year, the book works really well with the then and now chapters. Then being the lead up to Tess leaving the college and the now chapters covering the feelings Tess gets when she rejoins her ex friends and tries to find out why she is disliked. The book is centred around revenge and ultimately finding yourself. Although revenge is centre to everything there is a lot of emotion running through it. The plot was decent although the ending felt rushed but I did enjoy this different read.
I would like to thank NetGalley and HQ Digital for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
Tess, much to her mother’s pleasure is going to Ravensthorpe writing college. She is going to be the best writer she can be and please her mother. Tess settles in well until her tutor dies in mysterious circumstances. Tess thought she was in a tight knit group until the death and none of her supposed friends will talk to her. Tess leaves much to her mother’s dismay and tries to come to terms with what happened. Years later she gets an invitation to join others from the college to walk the Camino de Santiago but when she gets there only her past friends are there.
This was a decent read to kick off the new year, the book works really well with the then and now chapters. Then being the lead up to Tess leaving the college and the now chapters covering the feelings Tess gets when she rejoins her ex friends and tries to find out why she is disliked. The book is centred around revenge and ultimately finding yourself. Although revenge is centre to everything there is a lot of emotion running through it. The plot was decent although the ending felt rushed but I did enjoy this different read.
I would like to thank NetGalley and HQ Digital for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ The Pact is a slow-burn debut that rewards patience, largely on the strength of its character work and the way their lives gradually knot together.
Early on, I’ll admit I was wary. The opening chapters flirt with a tone that feels adjacent to YA—lighter, simpler, almost too clean. But that impression doesn’t last. As the story deepens, so does its emotional maturity, and Walker steadily reveals a more complex, adult exploration of choice, loyalty, and consequence. The shift is subtle rather than dramatic, but it’s effective, and it reframes much of what comes before.
This isn’t a high-octane thriller, and it doesn’t aim to be. The tension here is quieter, more psychological. There are twists, but they’re woven into the narrative rather than deployed for shock value. What keeps the pages turning is the constant sense that there’s something just out of reach—some truth about the characters and their shared past that hasn’t yet surfaced.
The dual timeline structure does a lot of the heavy lifting. Moving between past and present allows the characters to unfold organically, layering motivation and misdirection in a way that feels considered rather than gimmicky. By the time the timelines converge, the emotional groundwork has been laid, and the story tightens with purpose. The final act turns up the heat, steering confidently toward its anticipated villain and delivering a conclusion that feels earned rather than rushed.
One of the book’s strengths is how effectively it invites reader participation. You’ll spend much of the novel trying to piece together who is really responsible, who can be trusted, and what has been deliberately left unsaid. That quiet engagement is where the novel shines.
For a debut—particularly one that marks a shift into a completely different genre—this is a confident, promising start. Walker demonstrates a clear understanding of pacing, structure, and character psychology, even when the suspense remains understated. A thoughtful, steadily gripping read that suggests strong things to come.
Early on, I’ll admit I was wary. The opening chapters flirt with a tone that feels adjacent to YA—lighter, simpler, almost too clean. But that impression doesn’t last. As the story deepens, so does its emotional maturity, and Walker steadily reveals a more complex, adult exploration of choice, loyalty, and consequence. The shift is subtle rather than dramatic, but it’s effective, and it reframes much of what comes before.
This isn’t a high-octane thriller, and it doesn’t aim to be. The tension here is quieter, more psychological. There are twists, but they’re woven into the narrative rather than deployed for shock value. What keeps the pages turning is the constant sense that there’s something just out of reach—some truth about the characters and their shared past that hasn’t yet surfaced.
The dual timeline structure does a lot of the heavy lifting. Moving between past and present allows the characters to unfold organically, layering motivation and misdirection in a way that feels considered rather than gimmicky. By the time the timelines converge, the emotional groundwork has been laid, and the story tightens with purpose. The final act turns up the heat, steering confidently toward its anticipated villain and delivering a conclusion that feels earned rather than rushed.
One of the book’s strengths is how effectively it invites reader participation. You’ll spend much of the novel trying to piece together who is really responsible, who can be trusted, and what has been deliberately left unsaid. That quiet engagement is where the novel shines.
For a debut—particularly one that marks a shift into a completely different genre—this is a confident, promising start. Walker demonstrates a clear understanding of pacing, structure, and character psychology, even when the suspense remains understated. A thoughtful, steadily gripping read that suggests strong things to come.
September 9, 2025
The Pact is one of those thrillers that quietly pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Lisa Walker blends literary ambition with slow-burning suspense, crafting a story that feels both intimate and unsettling.
Tess arrives at Ravensthorpe Writing College full of hope, ready to chase her dream of becoming a novelist. But the glittering promise of success quickly turns sour when her tutor dies under mysterious circumstances—and the tight-knit group of fellow writers she’s grown close to suddenly feels less like a support system and more like a trap. Years later, an invitation to walk the Camino de Santiago offers Tess a chance to confront the past, but the truth is slippery, and someone is determined to keep it buried.
Walker’s writing is quietly sharp, with a strong sense of place and emotional undercurrent. The literary setting adds a clever twist—ambition, envy, and the stories we tell ourselves all play a role. And the Camino backdrop brings a reflective, almost meditative tone to the unfolding mystery.
Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven thrillers with a touch of darkness and a literary edge. It’s smart, atmospheric, and just twisty enough to keep you guessing.
With thanks to Lisa Walker, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Tess arrives at Ravensthorpe Writing College full of hope, ready to chase her dream of becoming a novelist. But the glittering promise of success quickly turns sour when her tutor dies under mysterious circumstances—and the tight-knit group of fellow writers she’s grown close to suddenly feels less like a support system and more like a trap. Years later, an invitation to walk the Camino de Santiago offers Tess a chance to confront the past, but the truth is slippery, and someone is determined to keep it buried.
Walker’s writing is quietly sharp, with a strong sense of place and emotional undercurrent. The literary setting adds a clever twist—ambition, envy, and the stories we tell ourselves all play a role. And the Camino backdrop brings a reflective, almost meditative tone to the unfolding mystery.
Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven thrillers with a touch of darkness and a literary edge. It’s smart, atmospheric, and just twisty enough to keep you guessing.
With thanks to Lisa Walker, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Overall I enjoyed this, especially the narrator in the audiobook, but I felt there were moments that couldn't been developed more create more suspense or mysterious ambiance.
This story follows Tess who is walking a famous pilgram route through Spain in memory of her once-beloved creative writing tutor. There, she plans to find with her old classmates and seek her revenge for the ostricism imposed on her, following a mysterious event. However, soon she relises she might not be the only person there with a hidden motive.
Althought the plot sounded incredibly compelling, I think the story never fully delved too deeply into the 'dark academia' subtext that could have been very atmospheric for the reading and propelled the story. Although it was well set out, the characters were well developed, and had clear motives, I think sometimes the mystery lacked a sense of urgency and it read more as a contemporary fiction.
I did really enjoy the ending, especially the final ruminations on power dynamics and desire for success - but again this made it more of a contemplative piece about a woman common to terms with her need for revenge as opposed to an 'edge-of-your-seat' mystery. If that is what you are looking for however, then I would recommend!
This story follows Tess who is walking a famous pilgram route through Spain in memory of her once-beloved creative writing tutor. There, she plans to find with her old classmates and seek her revenge for the ostricism imposed on her, following a mysterious event. However, soon she relises she might not be the only person there with a hidden motive.
Althought the plot sounded incredibly compelling, I think the story never fully delved too deeply into the 'dark academia' subtext that could have been very atmospheric for the reading and propelled the story. Although it was well set out, the characters were well developed, and had clear motives, I think sometimes the mystery lacked a sense of urgency and it read more as a contemporary fiction.
I did really enjoy the ending, especially the final ruminations on power dynamics and desire for success - but again this made it more of a contemplative piece about a woman common to terms with her need for revenge as opposed to an 'edge-of-your-seat' mystery. If that is what you are looking for however, then I would recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really liked the idea behind this book, but it ended up being more of a slow, reflective read than something that pulled me in quickly. The pacing is quite gentle and it takes a while for the story to really get going, so it didn’t have that “can’t put it down” feeling for me.
The best part of the book was definitely the Camino de Santiago setting as I am keen to walk it! The detail about the walk, the stages, and the physical side of it felt very real and well researched. Those sections gave the story a strong sense of place and kept me interested. I also really enjoyed the literary references woven through the story, which added another layer and suited the theme of the book.
I liked the focus on long standing friendships and how complicated they can become over time, especially when there’s shared history and unspoken tension. That said, I felt it could have gone a bit deeper emotionally in places, and I wanted a bit more momentum overall.
In the end it’s a solid, thoughtful read with a great backdrop, but the slow build meant it landed at a 3 star for me rather than higher.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for approving my copy in exchange for an honest review.
The best part of the book was definitely the Camino de Santiago setting as I am keen to walk it! The detail about the walk, the stages, and the physical side of it felt very real and well researched. Those sections gave the story a strong sense of place and kept me interested. I also really enjoyed the literary references woven through the story, which added another layer and suited the theme of the book.
I liked the focus on long standing friendships and how complicated they can become over time, especially when there’s shared history and unspoken tension. That said, I felt it could have gone a bit deeper emotionally in places, and I wanted a bit more momentum overall.
In the end it’s a solid, thoughtful read with a great backdrop, but the slow build meant it landed at a 3 star for me rather than higher.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for approving my copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2026
The Pact is a book about secrets, ambition and revenge and what happens when they all collide.
I listened to the audiobook of this and really enjoyed it. The narrator was easy to listen to and fit the book well.
The book follows Tess who’s mom had a lifelong ambition for her to get into the prestigious writing school Ravensthorpe. When she gets in, Tess forms a group with Jaz, Ethan and Theo but after a disastrous night which results in the death of their tutor who happens to also be a famous author, she leaves.
Several years later, after receiving an invite, Tess is walking the Camino de Santiago to try and catch up with her old friends and uncover the truth about what happened that night but can she trust any of them?
I loved how many twists and turns this book had and as a reader, you don’t know who is lying and who to trust. The characters all seem very evasive and suspicious and I found myself unable to stop reading as I wanted to uncover the truth myself!
I liked how the book goes between the past and the present and you get a good picture of how competitive the school was and how even the tutors create tension and trouble between the students.
The settings were great. The school seemed dark and mysterious whereas the Camino de Santiago seemed bleak and full of interesting characters. The scenes were definitely set in my head.
I would definitely look out for more books by Lisa Walker and recommend this one to anyone who likes twisty thrillers set in a unique location.
I listened to the audiobook of this and really enjoyed it. The narrator was easy to listen to and fit the book well.
The book follows Tess who’s mom had a lifelong ambition for her to get into the prestigious writing school Ravensthorpe. When she gets in, Tess forms a group with Jaz, Ethan and Theo but after a disastrous night which results in the death of their tutor who happens to also be a famous author, she leaves.
Several years later, after receiving an invite, Tess is walking the Camino de Santiago to try and catch up with her old friends and uncover the truth about what happened that night but can she trust any of them?
I loved how many twists and turns this book had and as a reader, you don’t know who is lying and who to trust. The characters all seem very evasive and suspicious and I found myself unable to stop reading as I wanted to uncover the truth myself!
I liked how the book goes between the past and the present and you get a good picture of how competitive the school was and how even the tutors create tension and trouble between the students.
The settings were great. The school seemed dark and mysterious whereas the Camino de Santiago seemed bleak and full of interesting characters. The scenes were definitely set in my head.
I would definitely look out for more books by Lisa Walker and recommend this one to anyone who likes twisty thrillers set in a unique location.
March 1, 2026
HQ Thriller BOTM Club 2026
The Pact
✍️ @lisawalkerwriter
📚 @harlequinaus@harpercollinsaustralia
📅 Feb 2026
5 🌟
It's:
A slow burn,
Atmospheric,
Revenge psychological thriller,
Twists & turns,
Character-driven,
Camino de Santiago - a Spanish Pilgrimage,
Mystery,
Past & present timelines,
Suspenseful,
Immersive,
Secrets,
Unpredictable,
Full of tension,
Complex characters,
Dark academia vibes.
WHO WILL BE THE FIRST TO BREAK?
Tess enters the prestigious and exclusive Ravensthorpe Writing College with dreams of literary greatness, but soon discovers that ambition comes at a cost.
Drawn into a tight-knit group with fellow writers Ethan, Theo, and Jaz, Tess’s world is upended when their charismatic tutor is found dead. Believing someone in their circle is responsible, Tess flees the elite literary world and abandons the future she once craved.
Three years later, an enigmatic invitation to walk the Camino de Santiago offers Tess a chance to uncover the truth. Reunited with her former friends, including Ethan, now a literary star, Tess realises the past isn’t finished with her. Someone knows what really happened that night, and they’ll do anything to keep it buried.
❓️How is it the end of the month already - What are you finishing this month reading?
The Pact
✍️ @lisawalkerwriter
📚 @harlequinaus@harpercollinsaustralia
📅 Feb 2026
5 🌟
It's:
A slow burn,
Atmospheric,
Revenge psychological thriller,
Twists & turns,
Character-driven,
Camino de Santiago - a Spanish Pilgrimage,
Mystery,
Past & present timelines,
Suspenseful,
Immersive,
Secrets,
Unpredictable,
Full of tension,
Complex characters,
Dark academia vibes.
WHO WILL BE THE FIRST TO BREAK?
Tess enters the prestigious and exclusive Ravensthorpe Writing College with dreams of literary greatness, but soon discovers that ambition comes at a cost.
Drawn into a tight-knit group with fellow writers Ethan, Theo, and Jaz, Tess’s world is upended when their charismatic tutor is found dead. Believing someone in their circle is responsible, Tess flees the elite literary world and abandons the future she once craved.
Three years later, an enigmatic invitation to walk the Camino de Santiago offers Tess a chance to uncover the truth. Reunited with her former friends, including Ethan, now a literary star, Tess realises the past isn’t finished with her. Someone knows what really happened that night, and they’ll do anything to keep it buried.
❓️How is it the end of the month already - What are you finishing this month reading?
November 27, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK Audio and author Lisa Walker for the advanced audio copy of The Pact.
Tess, an aspiring writer enters the prestigious Ravensthorpe Writing College with a dream, but it turns out to be a nightmare. She meets Ethan, Theo and Jaz who all has the same goal - To be the chosen one. Years after leaving Ravensthorpe, Tess is invited to walk the amino de Santiago. She meets her former friends, and befriends a very cute donkey, and they uncovers what really happened that night everything changed.
I love Tess. She's creative, interesting and has a mind of her own. I felt a lot of grief and anger seeing the world from her POV. The narrator Olivia Dowd did a great job mediating those feelings and had a strong carrying voice.
I did not provide a full 5 star rating as I sometimes fell out of focus and things might have been slightly slow at times. If I had read this, I might have put it away and taken longer to complete. The ending was strong and glued it together well. The epilogue was a great end.
I still miss the donkey.
Great thriller, especially in audio format. Definitely recommend this one!
Tess, an aspiring writer enters the prestigious Ravensthorpe Writing College with a dream, but it turns out to be a nightmare. She meets Ethan, Theo and Jaz who all has the same goal - To be the chosen one. Years after leaving Ravensthorpe, Tess is invited to walk the amino de Santiago. She meets her former friends, and befriends a very cute donkey, and they uncovers what really happened that night everything changed.
I love Tess. She's creative, interesting and has a mind of her own. I felt a lot of grief and anger seeing the world from her POV. The narrator Olivia Dowd did a great job mediating those feelings and had a strong carrying voice.
I did not provide a full 5 star rating as I sometimes fell out of focus and things might have been slightly slow at times. If I had read this, I might have put it away and taken longer to complete. The ending was strong and glued it together well. The epilogue was a great end.
I still miss the donkey.
Great thriller, especially in audio format. Definitely recommend this one!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
love Lisa Walker's YA mystery books, so I was so excited to get sent her new adult thriller as the February HQ Thriller BOTM.
This is the type of thriller that draws you in with a creeping sense of menace building as you with every chapter.
Told in two timelines - 'Then' and 'Now' - the tension builds as Tess and her former friends make their way along the Camino de Santiago, tentatively re-connecting but still not trusting each other.
As a reader you are left wondering who you can trust, who you can believe, and just how far would someone go to realise their dreams of being a successful author?
The setting of this slow-burn thriller is as much a character as the group of estranged friends, and you can almost feel yourself walking alongside them on their journeys.
Each has a unique journey to complete - both on the Camino de Santiago, in their guilt for what happened at Ravensthorpe, and in their redemption.
I love a book where the setting is such an influence on the story, and this thriller is no exception.
If you are looking for a twisty, destination thriller, then get your hand on this book ASAP.
Thanks to the Publisher for a review copy of this book.
This is the type of thriller that draws you in with a creeping sense of menace building as you with every chapter.
Told in two timelines - 'Then' and 'Now' - the tension builds as Tess and her former friends make their way along the Camino de Santiago, tentatively re-connecting but still not trusting each other.
As a reader you are left wondering who you can trust, who you can believe, and just how far would someone go to realise their dreams of being a successful author?
The setting of this slow-burn thriller is as much a character as the group of estranged friends, and you can almost feel yourself walking alongside them on their journeys.
Each has a unique journey to complete - both on the Camino de Santiago, in their guilt for what happened at Ravensthorpe, and in their redemption.
I love a book where the setting is such an influence on the story, and this thriller is no exception.
If you are looking for a twisty, destination thriller, then get your hand on this book ASAP.
Thanks to the Publisher for a review copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thankyou HQ for an advance copy of this book
The Pact has an intriguing premise and one that I really wanted to love. However, I struggled to fully connect with this story. I felt dropped into the narrative quite abruptly and spent a fair amount of time feeling confused about what was happening, which made it harder to become immersed.
The writing leans heavily into reflection and emotional introspection, which will likely resonate with some readers, but for me it occasionally felt intense in a way that slowed the pacing. The shifting timelines also became confusing at times, and I never quite bonded with the characters enough to feel emotionally invested in their journeys.
That said, Lisa Walker’s research into the Camino is clearly thorough and thoughtfully done. I appreciated the level of detail, especially as it’s not something I was previously familiar with. Unfortunately, despite this strength, the book felt like a slog in places and didn’t quite deliver the engagement I was hoping for.
Overall, an interesting concept with clear effort behind it, but ultimately this one just wasn’t for me.
The Pact has an intriguing premise and one that I really wanted to love. However, I struggled to fully connect with this story. I felt dropped into the narrative quite abruptly and spent a fair amount of time feeling confused about what was happening, which made it harder to become immersed.
The writing leans heavily into reflection and emotional introspection, which will likely resonate with some readers, but for me it occasionally felt intense in a way that slowed the pacing. The shifting timelines also became confusing at times, and I never quite bonded with the characters enough to feel emotionally invested in their journeys.
That said, Lisa Walker’s research into the Camino is clearly thorough and thoughtfully done. I appreciated the level of detail, especially as it’s not something I was previously familiar with. Unfortunately, despite this strength, the book felt like a slog in places and didn’t quite deliver the engagement I was hoping for.
Overall, an interesting concept with clear effort behind it, but ultimately this one just wasn’t for me.
February 9, 2026
Messy, dark, twisty, psychological and a grippy thriller! The concept is unique and the story has been so well articulated! The themes of coercive control, manipulation and exploitation have been explored very closely and woven through the entire story. I really enjoyed it! The ending was not something I’d expected, and even though it was not a typical thriller ending, it was actually the best ending to this messy story! I kept thinking how the author is going to do it and she did it well. I also really enjoyed the inclusion of the religious aspects to the story, it made the story feel even more spooky!
Tess’s entire life had been about entering Ravensthorpe Writing College to become a published author. Ravensthorpe is mystical and a dream for everyone. And to be taught by the famous author Lula, no one can miss that chance. After being told that she doesn’t fit in, all her life, this is where she probably will fit in. And she does with her tight knit group of friends. Ravensthorpe soon turns out to be like a Mirage and after that one incident she drops off.
Three years later, she meets them again on a pilgrimage. But they are not alone there. Someone is there to take revenge from them of the incident that happened three years ago. And she has her own revenge to carry out! Will Tess get out of this unscathed?
What a way to highlight the dark underbelly of the publishing world! I am keen to explore more thrillers from this author! If you’re looking for something dark and trippy, this book would be perfect!
Thank you so much HarperCollins and Harlequin AUbfor sending me a copy of this book!!
Tess’s entire life had been about entering Ravensthorpe Writing College to become a published author. Ravensthorpe is mystical and a dream for everyone. And to be taught by the famous author Lula, no one can miss that chance. After being told that she doesn’t fit in, all her life, this is where she probably will fit in. And she does with her tight knit group of friends. Ravensthorpe soon turns out to be like a Mirage and after that one incident she drops off.
Three years later, she meets them again on a pilgrimage. But they are not alone there. Someone is there to take revenge from them of the incident that happened three years ago. And she has her own revenge to carry out! Will Tess get out of this unscathed?
What a way to highlight the dark underbelly of the publishing world! I am keen to explore more thrillers from this author! If you’re looking for something dark and trippy, this book would be perfect!
Thank you so much HarperCollins and Harlequin AUbfor sending me a copy of this book!!
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