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, Murder Mystery, Crime, Horror

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2025

Reviews

[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.

[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

[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.

[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!

[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 !!!

[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.

[Veturi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really need to stop taking book recommendations from Instagram.

[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.

[Kapil Adatiya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just finished The Fifth Hour by Rahul Jain, and honestly, I have mixed feelings — mostly disappointment.

The beginning really pulled me in. The early plotlines had tension, mystery, and that “one more chapter” feeling. It felt like the story was building toward something big and layered. But as I kept reading, the spark slowly faded. The narrative became predictable, and the twists felt obvious long before they arrived. Instead of rising, the story flattened out.

Character-wise, things didn’t work for me either. I really struggled with Shikha. She felt poorly written and hard to empathize with. Her choices didn’t feel natural, and at times she just seemed there to push the plot rather than live in it.

Vipin was even more frustrating. His ogling of Rati made me uncomfortable and came across as immature and unprofessional. It cheapened what could have been a solid character. He had the potential to add depth to the story, but that angle made him feel shallow and unnecessary.

And the epilogue… easily the weakest part. Multiple grammatical mistakes and sloppy writing broke whatever immersion was left. For a finished book, that lack of polish was surprising and disappointing.

Overall, this felt like a half-baked idea. Great premise, promising start, but weak execution. With tighter writing, stronger character development, and better editing, this could have been much better.

[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.

[Val · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sloppy ass story. Awful writing. Predictable as fuck “plot twist” pick a struggle.

[Anamika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two sidenotes:
1. Firstly, I’m glad that I don’t dismiss books just by looking at their Goodreads rating.
2. Secondly, this is the third book by an Indian author that I’ve found on Kindle Unlimited; and I’m so happy that I did.

This book has been popping up on my feed for a while now, and when I read the synopsis, the thriller sucker in me was of course intrigued. It’s such a fast read, easily something you can finish in one sitting. I couldn’t, thanks to other chores, but when I finally did get through it, I was anything but disappointed.

Here’s the thing about thrillers: once you’ve read enough of them, they tend to become predictable. So my goal isn’t just to find stories where I can’t guess what’s going to happen; it’s to find ones with a satisfying ending and solid logic throughout, even if I do see it coming.

You know those hill-station mystery movies and shows that come out once in a while, the kind that completely hook you because you need to know the what, who, why, and how? This book could easily be adapted into one of those. Throughout, it felt like I was watching a gripping thriller set against those eerie, quiet backdrops; I just couldn’t hit pause or put the book down.

Rahul Jain did a great job. And as I mentioned earlier, this is my third Kindle Unlimited read by an Indian author, and all three have been so good that I’ll forever be on the lookout now.

[Aishath Nadha · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing in this book is insane. In the worst way. I highlighted ““My mind was still afresh from our adventure in the car, and I felt a tickling on my dick’s tip again.”…what? Why was this being recommended all over the internet

[Thulasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thriller by an Indian author that completely exceeded my expectations. Short, gripping, and impossible to put down—I was hooked till the very end.

Worth reading ⭐

[Anupama C K(b0rn_2_read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Madeeha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐
It was a short read.The ending was predictable.I seriously don't understand what's up with those names? they don't seem indian. Vipin was a creep, the way he describes women-Ugh.

[Ujwal Prasad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging but predictable!!

[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 🌤️

[Aakanksha · Rating 3 out of 5]

🔍What if the person you love vanished, and the entire world insisted they never existed? When Rati wakes up in a remote Himalayan resort, her boyfriend Ayaan is gone; but the chilling part is that no one remembers him being there.
As Inspector Vipin digs into the case, he’s met with a wall of fractured families and shifting motives. Is Rati losing her mind to paranoia, or is she the victim of a massive, deadly deception? This is a mind-bending psychological thriller that forces you to question everything, especially the reliability of memory. Is the thing in front of everyone real or fake? The entanglement of minds with illusion sometimes makes it seem like there is no way out.
🔍The start of the book was really gripping. It made me intrigued, and such starts in thrillers really help in moving forward as you just crave the story more and more, wanting to untangle every thread of the mystery. I think it's the thrill of putting ourselves in the shoes of the investigator and wanting to solve the case even before the book does, having that "aha" moment saying, "See, I knew it!"
🔍That said, despite the solid start, I felt a bit uncomfortable in the middle of the story, mainly due to Vipin and his internal thoughts around women. It felt creepy, and this aspect wasn't for me in a thriller book. The concept is really good and engaging but, as I said earlier in the review about finding the truth before the investigator, it became true, and this made the ending predictable for me.
🔍Despite all of this, I liked how the topic of the unpredictability of the mind and the depth of situations that we overlook because our senses are not always correct is incorporated into the story. It's a short read, and you can give this a try when you want to explore a book that wants you to think beyond what you can see and makes you wonder if everything is real or not in a crisp manner.

[Aman Dhindsa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think The Fifth Hour by Rahul Jain and I almost had something.

It started off like the kind of book I love, the kind that makes you feel a little paranoid, a little unsettled, like maybe you shouldn’t trust your own memory either. A missing person that no one else remembers? That’s my brand of chaos. I was ready to spiral with Rati, question everything, lose my grip on reality for a bit.

And for a while, I did.

The first half had me hooked in that quiet, creeping way. Not loud twists, but that constant unease, like something is wrong, but you can’t quite name it yet. I kept waiting for that moment… the one where everything clicks and you sit there staring at the page like your life has changed.

But it never really came.

Instead, the story slowly started to feel… familiar. Like I was no longer chasing the plot, the plot was just walking beside me, a few steps too predictable. The tension that once felt sharp softened, and the twists didn’t hit as hard as they wanted to. I wasn’t shocked, I was just… confirming my suspicions.

And maybe that’s what disappointed me the most. Not that it was bad, but that it almost wasn’t.

The characters didn’t fully pull me in either. I wanted to feel them more, understand them more, be inside their heads, but I always felt like I was standing just outside the glass, watching instead of experiencing.

Still, I can’t ignore that I did enjoy parts of it. The concept? So good. The atmosphere? Genuinely eerie at times. And it’s the kind of book that makes you think, even if it doesn’t completely blow your mind.

So yeah… this was a 3-star read for me.
Not unforgettable, not terrible, just sitting right in that frustrating middle space of almost.

And honestly? Those are the ones that linger the longest.

[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.

[Manny · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had so much potential but it did not serve what I expected it to deliver!! There are sometimes somethings which piss me off real bad in books, and one such thing is when the professionalism of the character is not kept the way it is supposed to be kept and upheld!!

Starting off strong, the beginning of the story created the mystery and suspense which I enjoyed. But then few STUFFS which I read just gave me ick!! The characters lacked growth especially SHIKHA, I guess her character development did not matter at all!! VIPIN, oh my god, I HATE THIS GUY more than the actual killer!! THE KILLER had motive but this guy just fell in love with so called damsel in distress!!! It felt like he was a love sick teenager. The other lower officers whom he described to be dim wits are far more better than him.

The middle parts just got INTOLARABLE, it was just so pathetic and I still do not understand how can anyone trust a random guy (or anyone for that matter) so freaking blindly!!! Gosh, it was so hard to finish it but I did finish it cause I wanted to share with you all how bad it was!!

The story had potential but the execution was pathetic!!! NO offence to anyone who liked it but I PERSONALLY DID NOT ENJOY THIS BOOK AT ALL!!!

There was no thriller but a book full of psychos. Hopefully, I won't be disappointed with author's other works in future.

[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 🙏🏼

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Fifth Hour by Rahul Jain begins with an unsettling premise. Then it immediately pulls us into its psychological maze. Rati wakes up in a secluded Himalayan resort only to discover that her boyfriend, Ayaan, has vanished without a trace. The situation turns even more disturbing is that nobody around her remembers him ever existing. Inspector Vipin begins investigating the mystery, but the story spirals into paranoia, conflicting memories, hidden family secrets, and shifting truths. Every answer creates an even darker question.

The novel plays constantly with perception and reality, forcing both Rati and the reader to question whether Ayaan was ever real at all or merely a terrifying projection of fear and trauma. This book made me feel trapped inside a psychological labyrinth. There, nothing felt stable for quite some time. The atmosphere is eerie, and unsettling. But more because of the characters than the story itself. The characters could've been written better in my opinion. The twist was a bit predictable for me but for some it may work better, the chase is still worth a try.

[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.

[Vivek Raghavan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Fifth Hour by Rahul Jain - 2/5!

Genre: Psychological Thriller
Premise:
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?

Review:
A promising premise marred by unnecessary characterisations, over-drawn descriptions and a predictable climax.

This book came up in a lot of recommendations of Indian must-reads and frankly, I’m baffled. The writing is very cosmetic and the characterisation is below par. The internal monologue of the police officer about women and the protagonist is a romantic angle gone horribly wrong and very uncomfortable to read.

The story itself gets quite predictable in a bit and the vocabulary feels very forced. I only found myself finishing the book, to check if my predictions turned out to be true. The plot twist in the last chapter is in poor taste and mocks the reader - unacceptable.

A damp read overall. Swipe left!