The Pact

An unmissable psychological dark academia thriller: Saltburn meets Lucy Clarke's The Hike 'Beautiful scenery, well-plotted secrets and a pace that is conducive to losing your entire day' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Clever and twisty' Jackie Kabler

They all share a secret. But only one knows the truth. 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. Readers love The Pact: 'Couldn't put it down. Mystery was excellent and kept me guessing 'till the last moment'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I loved this intriguingly unique and dark tale. It has everything I need as a reader' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A dark and twisty story of the consequences of toxic ambition that will keep you guessing until the very end' Kayte Nunn

'Written with an effervescent, irreverent humour, this mystery thriller is also rich in twists and shocks' Morning Star

'This quirky and unpredictable suspense is as twisty as Spain's Camino de Santiago!' Allie Reynolds

'The path to Santiago is never straight — and neither is the truth in this gripping, twist-filled murder mystery' Donna M Cameron

'Pacy, twisty and layered revenge tale' Joanna Barnard

© 2026 HQ Digital (Audiobook): 9780008772499

Release date

Audiobook: 29 January 2026