The Fifth Hour - The Moment You Can't Escape

by Rahul Jain

What if the truth is the most dangerous illusion?

When Rati wakes up in a secluded Himalayan resort, her boyfriend, Ayaan, is gone. No one—not the staff, not the guests, not a single soul—remembers Ayaan ever being there. Is Ayaan real, or has Rati’s mind conjured him from her darkest fears? Inspector Vipin arrives to investigate, but the deeper he digs, the more the case spirals into chaos. A fractured family with dark secrets, souls with shifting motives, and Rati’s haunting memories weave a tangled web of deception and paranoia.

Was Ayaan ever real? Does Vipin solve the quagmires? And why every answer leads to more questions?

In this mind-bending psychological thriller, every possibility unravels into a chilling twist. When nothing is certain, how do you trust even your own mind?

Dare to question everything you believe?

The Fifth Hour review in The Times of India

“The Fifth Hour is the mind-bending thriller of the year, that will leave you breathless.”

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Horror

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2025

Reviews

[Pooja Banga · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last quarter of the book ruined it completely. Despite loving more than the half of the book I just hated how this book ended. The ending was meh for me tbh!

[RAMYA Ramakrishna · Rating 1 out of 5]

How are people liking this book?
I had a lot of expectations because of the hype. It was so predictable from the beginning. The writing and characterization was subpar. It was giving me the ick when the author was describing Vipin- the police officer's male gaze. What did the author want the reader to feel? Romance Fantasy ? Or just what I felt! Ew and uncomfortable! It's like an amateur teenage boy writing a weird fantasy using big English words. Pass

[Rashi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The story did have potential however I did not like how the author built an unnecessary love story between two characters. Also the internal monologue of the police officer about women was making me very uncomfortable and his whole personality felt extremely unprofessional.
Also I felt the story could have been executed better and could have been more coherent.

[Hriti · Rating 1 out of 5]

what the heck? every scenery and infrastructure and normal items are described more than the story itself. even the climax sucked.. instead of over explanation we could've focused on story building. the motive the plan everything was just so bogus. waste of time.

[Abhisikta Basu · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5
Engaging read which kept me hooked but after a point it was predictable. Full review will be up soon.

[Meera · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another crime thriller. Predictable. Did not live up to the hype of social media. I finished reading because I was curious enough to see if my predictions are true. Also at some places the author used some uncommon English words in dialogue and narration which did not sit well with the style. It’s felt like the vocabulary is forced to make it look fancy.

[Prerna S · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was DNF for me. i couldn’t get through the first two chapters because the writing was just not necessary at some points. a lot of the characterizations and all were just not needed and felt weird.

[Ujwal Prasad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging but predictable!!

[Yash Anjankar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely pathetic book. The cover of the book says mind bending twist but the reality was startlingly different.
Really don’t understand why this book is even being hyped.
Pathetic !!!

[Sameer Gudhate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever woken up from a dream so vivid, so convincing, that it took you a while to figure out what was real? Now imagine never quite finding that clarity.

That’s exactly where Rahul Jain’s The Fifth Hour takes you—a psychological labyrinth where truth is slippery, memories feel like illusions, and paranoia isn’t just a feeling but a character in itself.

Rahul Jain, though not new to the literary scene, has truly upped his game with this one. Known for his nuanced storytelling, he delivers a mind-bending experience that doesn't just entertain—it lingers, pokes, and questions your own grip on reality.

It all begins with Rati, who wakes up at a remote Himalayan resort only to find her boyfriend, Ayaan, missing. Here’s the twist—nobody else remembers him. Not the guests, not the staff, not even a passing mention on CCTV. What starts as a disappearance quickly spirals into something far darker and deeper.

And then enters Inspector Vipin—emotionally jaded, stuck in a sleepy town, but suddenly thrown into the wild whirlwind that is Rati’s unraveling world.

So, was Ayaan ever real? Or is Rati’s mind betraying her?

Rahul’s writing doesn’t just tell a story—it immerses you. The prose is simple yet evocative, accessible yet layered. I especially loved how he describes emotions—not just through what the characters say, but through silence, gestures, and the icy air of the Himalayas that seems to mirror Rati’s state of mind.

His pacing is deliberate in the beginning—some may find it slow—but it serves a purpose. Like a fog lifting over a valley, the story reveals its layers one by one. By the time you’re midway, you’re in too deep to stop.

Let’s talk about Rati first. She's not your typical thriller heroine. She's confused, scared, stubborn, and painfully human. Her emotional rollercoaster is exhausting—but in a good way. You feel her desperation. You want to believe her.

Inspector Vipin is another stand-out. A man with his own inner demons, thrown into a mess that makes him question everything he thought he knew about evidence, logic, and truth.

Even the side characters—the resort staff, the guests—aren’t cardboard fillers. They add texture and unpredictability to the story. Everyone feels like they’re hiding something, which only fuels the paranoia.

Now, this is where the book really shines. Every time you think you’ve figured it out, Rahul throws a curveball. And not the cheap, shock-for-shock’s-sake kind. These twists are thoughtful, crafted, and they sting.

The structure is layered like a good mystery should be. Flashbacks blend with real-time events, and just when you think the story’s veering into fantasy, Rahul pulls you right back into a chillingly believable reality.

At its core, The Fifth Hour isn’t just a thriller—it’s a haunting study of how fragile the human mind is. Themes of trauma, identity, and emotional isolation are subtly but powerfully handled. It doesn’t scream "mental health" but rather lets you live it through Rati’s fragmented lens.

There’s also a beautiful metaphor running throughout—the idea that truth can sometimes be the most dangerous illusion of all.

I’ll be honest, there were moments that hit me hard. Especially when Rati starts doubting her own memories. I found myself reflecting on moments in my own life where I clung to something I believed, only to be gaslit into questioning it.

And the climax? Let’s just say it left me staring at the ceiling long after I turned the final page.

The Himalayan setting is not just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself. Isolated, cold, breathtaking, and eerie. Combine that with Rahul’s emotionally intelligent writing and you’ve got a winner.

Also, the way he balances emotion with suspense is nothing short of brilliant. He doesn’t just want you to guess what happens next—he wants you to feel it.

The only hiccup, if I had to nitpick, is the slightly slow beginning. But it’s intentional. It sets the tone, builds the atmosphere, and lays the groundwork for what’s to come. Stick with it. Trust me, it pays off in spades.

I’m a sucker for psychological thrillers, especially the ones that make you question everything you believe in. The Fifth Hour did exactly that. At one point, I even started questioning if I had missed something in my reality. That’s how immersive it is.

This book didn’t just entertain me—it unsettled me in all the right ways.

If you're someone who enjoys stories that mess with your head, tug at your emotions, and keep you guessing till the last page, The Fifth Hour is your next obsession.

It’s smart, it’s eerie, and it’s so much more than your typical whodunit.

[♡ Diyasha ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐑
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: 𝐑𝐀𝐇𝐔𝐋 𝐉𝐀𝐈𝐍
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: 𝐌𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐘, 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑, 𝐌𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐘

✦ Personally I'm always a 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐧 - if you're thinking about murder mystery then yes, you can include that too. But more than that I typically find 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞. Until now, after reading this particular book. I'm not kidding if I say, I got 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐬 and 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬. No way that I'm not opening up about my current read to you! 

✦ So now listen, even if you wonder which new book you've to 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬, then don't search just get this one. Okay, let me just give you a mini summary of what I'm talking about -

• So, here the protagonist is 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢 (what a cute name, you know) - but everything here is not about 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢. From the starting of the chapters Rati is giving us the details of her psychic trails. She needs some space from her surroundings, herself and from her past. So she and her boyfriend decide to go for a trip. Her boyfriend chose a spot which is mostly desolate. 

• But he was unaware of the fact that he, himself, was getting into a trap which was unbearable. If you're thinking what's impressive in this then stop there. You're also getting on the wrong side of the journey. I'm still getting chills. 

✦ I'm showering 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 and 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐥 at the same time. But this book hooked me till the last page. I couldn't believe what I read. Still I'm in shock too. There's no connection between the victim and the culprit. You even can't determine what to feel at the last page. It's suspicious but also the happy moment that a person is getting what he wants but actually the point is - what he is getting on his plate? 

✦ I love the 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 of this plot as well as the characters. The plot twist is amazing and extra too little to dissolve at the same time. But I'm getting on the point that the cheater was trying to get it all but nah nah! That's not that easy. 

✦ I'm here after all to force you to read this mystery. With a proper judgement, this book needs a tight hug 🌤️

[Soniya Redij · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Premise

The story centers on a high-profile case that goes beyond a simple "whodunnit." It explores the intricacies of the Indian legal system while weaving in a ticking-clock element that keeps the tension high. The title itself refers to that critical, often overlooked window of time where truths are either buried or brought to light.

What Worked for Me

• The Pacing: Jain excels at keeping the reader on their toes. The chapters are lean, and the transitions between the courtroom and the backstories of the characters are seamless.
• Authentic Atmosphere: As an author who clearly understands the legal landscape, Jain brings a level of authenticity to the trial scenes that feels grounded and realistic, rather than overly "Hollywood-ized."
• Character Depth: While the plot is the driver, the protagonist’s internal struggle—balancing professional duty with personal ethics—adds a layer of relatability that elevates the book above a standard procedural.
What Could Be Better
• Supporting Cast: While the lead is well-developed, a few of the secondary characters felt a bit archetypal. I would have loved to see a bit more complexity in the motivations of the antagonists.
• The Climax: Without giving away spoilers, the ending is a whirlwind. Some readers might find it a bit abrupt, though it certainly leaves you thinking long after the final page.

Final Verdict

The Fifth Hour is a sharp, intelligent thriller that marks Rahul Jain as an author to watch in the contemporary Indian fiction scene. It’s perfect for fans of John Grisham or Vish Dhamija.

Key Takeaway: A thought-provoking look at the grey areas of justice. It’s not just about what is legal, but what is right.

[Sulagna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It follows the story of Rati, a troubled young woman who wakes up to an empty bed in a resort in the remote hill station of Dzongu in Sikkim. When she asks the staff and everyone if anyone has seen her boyfriend Ayaan, everyone gives her the same answer— Rati came to the resort all alone.

As we rewind back to unravel the mystery behind Rati and Ayaan, the skeletons in the closet come out one by one. Rati and Ayaan's relationship has more depths and layers than anyone can fathom. With the help of Vipin, a police inspector posted in Dzongu as a punishment and who cannot help but be deeply attracted to Rati, Rati uncovers the mystery behind the missing Ayaan.

What worked for me in this book was the story. But what didn't work for me was the way the book was narrated. I would have preferred if the mysteries were uncovered through the police-work but instead the characters in the book just narrated to the readers what they did. It took away the fun of being surprised.

Also the characterizations were very sloppy and there were no redeemable characteristics that would make them likable. I don't know if that was the author's intentions or not, but having a perverted character rationalising why it's wrong to objectify a woman did not help at all.

The writing was crisp and it was an entertaining read for sure.

[Shivangi Mohite]

**No Spoilers**
I picked up The Fifth Hour because the premise sounded intriguing. A woman goes on a vacation to Dzongu with her boyfriend, and one day he goes missing, no one seems to have seen him, and the silence around his disappearance becomes the central mystery. This setup felt like a strong hook and promised a gripping psychological thriller.

However, this initial hook dissolves within the first few pages. What initially feels like a tense mystery quickly gives way to a predictable narrative. Midway through the book, a major spoiler is revealed, which significantly dulls the impact of the ending. As a result, the climax fails to surprise, even though the story seems to build toward one.

The story itself is relatively small and straightforward, but it is stretched out through repeated situations and reiteration of the same emotional beats. This made the book feel longer than necessary. In my opinion, The Fifth Hour would have worked much better as a crisp 50-page story. The core idea is okay-ish and has potential, but the execution lacks tightness. There are also several loose ends that are never fully addressed, which left me feeling unsatisfied as a reader.

Character depth is another area where the book falls short. Several characters feel shallow and underdeveloped, making it difficult to emotionally connect with them. A notable example is Vipin, the police officer. His internal monologue initially paints him as unlikeable, almost a caricature. Later, we briefly learn that a past incident led to his posting in Dzongu, but this revelation is not explored in any meaningful way. Given that he is one of the key drivers of the story, the lack of depth in his character arc feels like a missed opportunity.

That said, for someone who is new to the thriller or mystery genre, The Fifth Hour might still be a decent entry point. The language is accessible, the setting is interesting, and the plot is easy to follow. However, for readers who are already familiar with well-crafted thrillers and mysteries, this book may not offer much in terms of suspense, complexity, or emotional payoff.

Overall, The Fifth Hour has an interesting idea at its core, but it struggles with pacing, character development, and narrative depth. It’s a passable read for beginners, but not one I would recommend to seasoned thriller readers.

[Bhargavi Chandrashekar · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book starts on a solid note. The whole “Ayaan is missing but no one remembers him” setup is genuinely intriguing and instantly pulls you in. The writing in the initial chapters flows smoothly, and the author does a good job of planting doubt, making you constantly question whether Rati is imagining things or if something far more sinister is at play. That psychological uncertainty is clearly the book’s strongest point.

However, once the story crosses the halfway mark, the narrative begins to drag. The tension that was so well built in the beginning slowly fizzles out, and the writing starts to feel repetitive and, at times, boring. Instead of tightening the screws, the plot takes predictable turns. By the time the climax arrives, it’s hard not to see it coming from a distance. For a psychological thriller, the lack of surprise in the final act is a big letdown.

Overall, The Fifth Hour had the ingredients for a gripping mind-bender but doesn’t fully deliver. It starts strong, raises expectations, and then settles for a fairly safe and predictable resolution. I enjoyed the first few chapters much more than the book as a whole, which makes the disappointment sharper.

An okayish read with a promising premise, but the execution loses steam and the climax fails to pack a punch.

[Salankara · Rating 3 out of 5]

And this is exactly why I don't read Indian authors as much 🥲🙏🏼.
The unnecessary need to set the entire plot in the very first two chapters via internal monologues is probably the biggest sign of not up to the mark writing.
Surprisingly, the plot wasn't the worst part of the book. It was the characters and their overflowing and sullied horniness. Reading their internal monologues made feel like I'm invading their privacy; not the mention the lead detective in this thriller being a total creep. Dude, some thoughts shouldn't even be inside thoughts wtf.
There's also one more point to add. Why do "feminist" female side characters in books like this all have the same blueprint ? All they seem to do in these books is be excessively horny, bitchy and absolutely insufferable. The fetishization of feminist women in male-written novels to fit their prejudiced and narrowly researched narrative needs to be studied.
It wasn't completely a bad read though. However, if you are an avid reader already, prepare to be rage-baited at every other turn. I wish I picked Indian authors a little more like Jhumpa Lahiri and a little less like Chetan Bhagat 🙏🏼

[nb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay first of all...
What in the world were people thinking when they were hyping up this book??

I am sorry but what was that? I had to FORCE myself to sit down and read through it. LIKE- NO!!
The plot was okay-ish, meh at best. It had a LOT of potential.

I cannot fathom HOW the author thought of making a policeman who's investigating the disappearance of the female lead's boyfriend, simp over HER??? does it even make sense? that whole angle made me want to put this book down. He kept getting "hard" during odd situations because he apparently COULDN'T stop thinking about the female lead.

Putting aside the fact that maybe it's just me being angry about that fact. The author's way of narrating women is so "Oh- I'm a teenage boy who's touch deprived" coded. I just can't.

There is no depth in the characters and everything's just MEH- you don't feel like reading through it after the initial three four chapters. It honestly felt like a daily soap serial.

I expected a lot from this novel, again it might be that I'm being harsh because of my high expectations.

[Rt_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a book! From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The story starts with such a strong hook: Rati wakes up, alone, and her boyfriend, Ayaan, is gone. But the real kicker? Nobody remembers him! The setting, a secluded resort in the Himalayas, is perfect, adding this layer of isolation and unease.

The mystery of Ayaan's disappearance is so well-crafted. I found myself constantly questioning everything, trying to piece together what really happened. Inspector Vipin's arrival brought a sense of structure, but the story quickly spirals into a complex web of secrets and shifting loyalties. The author does an amazing job building suspense. And those "haunting memories" of Rati? They added such a powerful emotional layer.

Honestly, it's a book that's stayed with me. And, I'm so happy to say, it pulled me right out of a major reading slump! The ending? Absolutely mind-blowing. I highly recommend it!

[rukaiyareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rahul Jain's "The Fifth Hour" is a psychological thriller that centres on Rati, the main character. Rati and her companion Ayaan take a trip to Dzongu, which is in northern Sikkim. However, when Ayaan disappears, the vacation she had been looking forward to becomes a nightmare.

Here, the narrative gains up speed as the author eloquently conveys the unfiltered feelings that Rati experiences as she continues to solve the puzzle of Ayaan's search. The most startling thing, though, is that nobody recalls Ayaan, and it appears that he is merely Rati's fantasy, yet to her, he seems very real—someone she spent her entire life with. Every reader of psychological thrillers should read Rati's enigmatic tale, which is torn between fantasy and reality. The book is really gripping and leaves you wanting to read more.

[Rabab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rati is the main character in the psychological thriller, “The Fifth Hour” by Rahul Jain. Northern Sikkim’s Dzongu is a travel destination Rati and her boyfriend Ayaan intend to visit. However, the planned trip turns to a disaster after Ayaan goes missing.

At this point in the book, the plot catapults, as the author very wonderfully articulates the raw feelings that Rati grapples with as she tries to put the pieces of Ayaan’s search puzzle together. Most surprising of all is the fact that Ayaan seems to remember no one, and to Rati, he is a figment of her imagination, yet to her, he exists—someone who lived with her throughout her lifetime. Readers are left wondering whether Rati’s story is one that every psychological bombshell needs to read—straddling the line between imagination and reality. The book is extremely captivating and gives you that hunger to read more.

[Rithika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoiler Alert

Although the book begins on a promising note, the plot gradually becomes predictable as the story unfolds. The characterization lacks depth, which makes it difficult to fully connect with the characters. The role of the cop, in particular, feels largely insignificant, as the case is ultimately solved more by the team’s collective efforts than through any meaningful investigation.

Repeated phrases like “We found something” lose their impact because readers can often anticipate the revelation well in advance. While the book maintains a fast-paced narrative, it leaves several loose ends unresolved by the conclusion. Additionally, the author’s attempt to portray Shyam as a psychotic character feels underdeveloped and unconvincing, diminishing the overall impact of the story.

[Ishanika_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a psychological rollercoaster that keeps you guessing till the very last page. When Rati wakes up in a remote Himalayan resort to find her boyfriend Ayaan missing—and no one remembering he ever existed—the story plunges into a maze of paranoia, secrets, and lies. Inspector Vipin’s investigation only deepens the mystery, revealing fractured relationships and motives that constantly shift. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the plot throws another curveball that leaves you stunned. The twists were absolutely jaw-dropping—each one more chilling and unexpected than the last. A gripping, mind-bending thriller that will make you question everything you believe.

[Swapna Peri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fifth Hour by Rahul Jain is a gripping psychological thriller that had me hooked from the very first page. Centered around a mysterious resort in the Himalayas, the story follows Rati’s desperate search for her boyfriend Ayaan, with layers of emotion, suspense, and unforgettable characters like the introspective Inspector Vipin. Rahul's writing is vivid and immersive, especially in how he captures raw emotions. The plot twists are seamless, and the climax—absolutely brilliant. A must-read for anyone who loves intense, emotionally charged thrillers.

[Shipra Arora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an intense psychological thriller that promises to keep you glued to the edge of your seat. With its intricate characters, hidden secrets, and jaw-dropping plot twists, this book takes you on a wild ride from beginning to end. Rati's frantic quest to find Ayaan will have you questioning what's real and second-guessing everything you thought you knew. It's an ideal pick for anyone who enjoys suspenseful tales that keep you guessing right up to the last page. If you're a fan of a good mystery, this one is definitely a must-read!

[Muskan Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked right from the very first page! 🤌 I picked it up late at night and ended up finishing it in a single sitting because it was simply impossible to put down. The blurb itself had me intrigued, and the story delivered even more than expected. The writing is crisp and engaging, making it so easy to slip into the world the author created. And that ending? Absolutely brilliant. ❤️🔥I was silently screaming while the rest of my family slept.😂

[Krati · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writer tried hard to connect us with the characters but it didn't work at all. If you like to watch movies and shows like me you will be able to guess the plot in like 50% of the book. You will know who the killer is. The thing I hated the most here was how the infatuation of Vipin, the police officer, was shown for the female character. I felt disgusted! It made me so uncomfortable, I had to keep the book aside for a minute to calm myself down!!!

[Shruti · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot had so much potential and could have been great, but turned out to be good nonetheless.

The writing was abysmal. There were grammatical mistakes, the sentence construction was weird, and big words used where not needed.

If there are so many mistakes that the reader is taken out of the story, there is something seriously wrong with the writing.

[Snithi Dilip · Rating 1 out of 5]

Picked up with such huge expectation after looking forward to read it for so long. Throughout the book, I was hoping this gets interesting with a twist you'd never see coming and at different points, I could come up with hundred different ways that this could be written better and what would be a good twist that no one would see coming only to be disappointed in the end.

[vasavi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Mostly the book was predictable and cliché. The only thing that kept me going was the setting of the book–Sikkim, oozing suspense and thrill. And definitely the twist at last, although I did see it coming… but overall it was a decent read

[Ramendra Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting thriller

An interesting story which moves at a tepid pace. Well crafted and shrouded in mystery.The epilogue brings lot of clarity which should have been the part of the story, otherwise.