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Five by Five
Brought to you by Penguin.
What if the killer she's hunting turns out to be the woman she's falling for?
A gripping debut thriller in a unique location from a major new talent in Scottish crime.
******
Just because the most dangerous criminals in society are caught and locked up, doesn’t mean they stop committing crime.
That’s where Kennedy Allardyce comes in – monitoring not just the prisoners, but also the staff.
And she’s just stumbled across her most dangerous foe yet – rumours of a corrupt guard with lethal influence. And what’s worst, it seems they’ve already realised Kennedy is on their tail.
At least one thing is giving her joy – a blossoming relationship with Molly, a beautiful, enigmatic new guard.
Wouldn’t it be awful if the killer she’s hunting turned out to be the woman she’s falling for?
2024 Claire Wilson (P)2024 Penguin Audio
What if the killer she's hunting turns out to be the woman she's falling for?
A gripping debut thriller in a unique location from a major new talent in Scottish crime.
******
Just because the most dangerous criminals in society are caught and locked up, doesn’t mean they stop committing crime.
That’s where Kennedy Allardyce comes in – monitoring not just the prisoners, but also the staff.
And she’s just stumbled across her most dangerous foe yet – rumours of a corrupt guard with lethal influence. And what’s worst, it seems they’ve already realised Kennedy is on their tail.
At least one thing is giving her joy – a blossoming relationship with Molly, a beautiful, enigmatic new guard.
Wouldn’t it be awful if the killer she’s hunting turned out to be the woman she’s falling for?
2024 Claire Wilson (P)2024 Penguin Audio
Audible Audio
Published August 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
April 4, 2024
HMP Forth Valley in Scotland holds 850 high security male prisoners and intelligence analyst Kennedy Allardyce monitors not just them but also the staff. A successful operation has serious consequences for Kennedy and it’s apparent that it’s an inside job. Who can Kennedy trust? In this hostile environment trust is everything, but she wants to know who has set her up and she finds the courage to start fighting back. It becomes imperative that she finds who the corrupt string puller is, known as ‘Scout’. Is she able to trust her new friend in prison officer Molly Rana? is her company something she can enjoy or must she keep her wits about her? The story is narrated principally by Kennedy.
I really enjoy the prison setting of this novel, which makes it a bit different from other mystery/thrillers, and if you enjoy prison based TV series, such as the recent one on British television or Prisoner Cell Block H then you might enjoy this debut novel. It pulls absolutely no punches about prison life, the overriding presence of organised crime, the gang hatreds, the hierarchy of the prisoners, and the inevitable violence as a consequence. This feels very authentically portrayed in this fast-paced plot, and some of the characters make your blood run cold as they try to disrupt the system. It’s dark, hard hitting especially as violence on the various wings escalates. The plot is suspenseful throughout, and there are some scenes where the tension is palpable.
I really like the central character of Kennedy and the Intel gathering techniques (the Five by Five of the title) that the IMU (Intelligence Management Unit) deploy to try to stay one step ahead. Kennedy is well portrayed, she’s ambitious, tenacious and very brave. Her inner most thoughts are pertinent and revealing on both prison officers and inmates. She has a very dangerous anonymous foe and her attempts to unmask them as they manipulate situations takes the storytelling through many twists and turns.
Although the ending is dramatically good, it does end on a cliffhanger, so clearly another book is in the pipeline and I will definitely want to read it as hopefully we’ll learn what we need to know!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I really enjoy the prison setting of this novel, which makes it a bit different from other mystery/thrillers, and if you enjoy prison based TV series, such as the recent one on British television or Prisoner Cell Block H then you might enjoy this debut novel. It pulls absolutely no punches about prison life, the overriding presence of organised crime, the gang hatreds, the hierarchy of the prisoners, and the inevitable violence as a consequence. This feels very authentically portrayed in this fast-paced plot, and some of the characters make your blood run cold as they try to disrupt the system. It’s dark, hard hitting especially as violence on the various wings escalates. The plot is suspenseful throughout, and there are some scenes where the tension is palpable.
I really like the central character of Kennedy and the Intel gathering techniques (the Five by Five of the title) that the IMU (Intelligence Management Unit) deploy to try to stay one step ahead. Kennedy is well portrayed, she’s ambitious, tenacious and very brave. Her inner most thoughts are pertinent and revealing on both prison officers and inmates. She has a very dangerous anonymous foe and her attempts to unmask them as they manipulate situations takes the storytelling through many twists and turns.
Although the ending is dramatically good, it does end on a cliffhanger, so clearly another book is in the pipeline and I will definitely want to read it as hopefully we’ll learn what we need to know!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
January 4, 2025
1.5 rounded up. Geez, this was dire. If I weren't reading it for my book club, I definitely would've DNF'd. I don't typically read crime so I was hopeful that this would encourage me to branch out... Unfortunately, it has largely put me off the genre, and I can only hope that most crime books aren't of this poor quality.
For a start, I absolutely hated Kennedy, she was boring and inconsistent, and her main character arc is that she eventually decides to take her antidepressants. Literally, her rock bottom is looking at her packet of Sertraline and deciding to take one. She's horrid to pretty much everyone around her and the only relationship that gets any development is with Molly. She starts the book living awkwardly with her ex and ends the book living awkwardly with her ex. The other officers at her job hate her at the start of the book and hate her at the end of the book.She dislikes the openly gay guy for being openly gay and only begins to tolerate him when she learns he's not actually in a relationship with the governor. The internalised homophobia is rampant in this book and basically never gets challenged. Ellie, her ex, kind of calls her out on it in a text one time and then they literally never talk about it. There was a real opportunity here for discussing how homosexuality is perceived and treated within the prison system by both staff and prisoners, but for some reason it just never happens.
Her relationship with Molly was just awfully written. I fear Wilson googled "romance clichés" and then just used every single one of them; "her perfume was intoxicating" like please say anything else. I also hated how their relationship progressed. Not only was it obvious from the get go that Molly was corrupt and involved in the stabbing, but their relationship progressed so quickly, like Molly texting "I'm falling for you" after their second date?? And the worst thing is, they call it out as lovebombing in the book!!! And for some reason, this isn't what makes usually overly distrustful Kennedy realise that something's wrong?? And just when I thought Kennedy was finally going to make a good decision, Molly gets shot and it's like it all never happened. Nevermind the fact that we've spent the whole book hearing about how much Kennedy hates corrupt officers and cares about keeping everyone safe, once her girlfriend gets shot, that key aspect of her character goes out the window.
The ending was also absolutely ridiculous and incredibly rushed. Molly gets shot, we get a funeral fake-out for no narrative purpose other than to make us think for 2 pages that Molly died, then 3 page epilogue. We don't even find out who Scout is?? The main mystery of the book isn't solved!! It was an incredibly dissatisfying end to an already disappointing story.
The entire book was a slog to get through, largely due to the incredibly simplistic writing style. Girly took one writing class and said "ooh, short sentences build tension, let me only use short sentences", I guess. It was honestly painful to read at times; "I'm soon in front of her red front door. Red for danger". I could not believe that I'd read that in an actual published book. Also, Molly wears gold contacts (because of course) and in this otherwise completely naturalistic book, no one seems to think it's weird that she has fucking gold eyes? Kennedy is surprised to find out she wears contacts like her eyes weren't actually FUCKING GOLD????
I've ranted enough about this book, but I will just say that I was really disappointed with the representation of both prisoners and prison staff. All of the staff were either god's gift to the prison system, absolutely flawless and selfless, could do no wrong, or they were corrupt and abusive, only looking to gain power over prisoners and money, while every single one of the prisoners were presented as drug addicted "trash" who deserved what they got regardless of the circumstances that got them there. The new governor is weak willed and poorly suited to the job simply because he believes... Prisoners should have rights??? There was no commentary on the societal failings that led to the prisoners committing their crimes, no discussion about rehabilitation and reintegration. We even have chapters from Adrian's (one of the prisoners) perspective that only serve to reinforce the notion that anyone in prison is a hot-headed drug addict with no impulse control.
There was so much I was hoping this book would do or discuss, and it just missed every single mark.
For a start, I absolutely hated Kennedy, she was boring and inconsistent, and her main character arc is that she eventually decides to take her antidepressants. Literally, her rock bottom is looking at her packet of Sertraline and deciding to take one. She's horrid to pretty much everyone around her and the only relationship that gets any development is with Molly. She starts the book living awkwardly with her ex and ends the book living awkwardly with her ex. The other officers at her job hate her at the start of the book and hate her at the end of the book.She dislikes the openly gay guy for being openly gay and only begins to tolerate him when she learns he's not actually in a relationship with the governor. The internalised homophobia is rampant in this book and basically never gets challenged. Ellie, her ex, kind of calls her out on it in a text one time and then they literally never talk about it. There was a real opportunity here for discussing how homosexuality is perceived and treated within the prison system by both staff and prisoners, but for some reason it just never happens.
Her relationship with Molly was just awfully written. I fear Wilson googled "romance clichés" and then just used every single one of them; "her perfume was intoxicating" like please say anything else. I also hated how their relationship progressed. Not only was it obvious from the get go that Molly was corrupt and involved in the stabbing, but their relationship progressed so quickly, like Molly texting "I'm falling for you" after their second date?? And the worst thing is, they call it out as lovebombing in the book!!! And for some reason, this isn't what makes usually overly distrustful Kennedy realise that something's wrong?? And just when I thought Kennedy was finally going to make a good decision, Molly gets shot and it's like it all never happened. Nevermind the fact that we've spent the whole book hearing about how much Kennedy hates corrupt officers and cares about keeping everyone safe, once her girlfriend gets shot, that key aspect of her character goes out the window.
The ending was also absolutely ridiculous and incredibly rushed. Molly gets shot, we get a funeral fake-out for no narrative purpose other than to make us think for 2 pages that Molly died, then 3 page epilogue. We don't even find out who Scout is?? The main mystery of the book isn't solved!! It was an incredibly dissatisfying end to an already disappointing story.
The entire book was a slog to get through, largely due to the incredibly simplistic writing style. Girly took one writing class and said "ooh, short sentences build tension, let me only use short sentences", I guess. It was honestly painful to read at times; "I'm soon in front of her red front door. Red for danger". I could not believe that I'd read that in an actual published book. Also, Molly wears gold contacts (because of course) and in this otherwise completely naturalistic book, no one seems to think it's weird that she has fucking gold eyes? Kennedy is surprised to find out she wears contacts like her eyes weren't actually FUCKING GOLD????
I've ranted enough about this book, but I will just say that I was really disappointed with the representation of both prisoners and prison staff. All of the staff were either god's gift to the prison system, absolutely flawless and selfless, could do no wrong, or they were corrupt and abusive, only looking to gain power over prisoners and money, while every single one of the prisoners were presented as drug addicted "trash" who deserved what they got regardless of the circumstances that got them there. The new governor is weak willed and poorly suited to the job simply because he believes... Prisoners should have rights??? There was no commentary on the societal failings that led to the prisoners committing their crimes, no discussion about rehabilitation and reintegration. We even have chapters from Adrian's (one of the prisoners) perspective that only serve to reinforce the notion that anyone in prison is a hot-headed drug addict with no impulse control.
There was so much I was hoping this book would do or discuss, and it just missed every single mark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2024
Debut novel from this author and it certainly packs a punch
We find ourselves in a male prison where Intelligence Officer Kennedy Allardyce is returning to work after a brutal attack whilst shopping….and almost immediately is onto ‘Scout’, someone within the prison who is making things difficult and starts to make things very difficult for Kennedy
The story is then told alternately by Kennedy and by a prisoner re what is escalating inside the prison and also for Kennedy outside in her very tricky personal life
It is a detailed look into the role of the Prison Intelligence Service and what they do and also the daily lives of those involved and the prisoners they are trying to catch out
Prison life is not sanitised in the book and the writing is uncompromising in its realism
I did enjoy the book, I liked Kennedy, fault’s and all including her vulnerability which she knew yet struggled with
My only small point is the ending, as it was left on a cliffhanger but will definitely read the next one for sure as want to know what happens next 😎
A good debut
October 13, 2024
I did not enjoy this novel. The writing was choppy and confusing. The author often wrote multi-page conversations but never identified the speakers within the dialogue, so it was hard to keep up. There was also so much slang (there is even a glossary) that I got tired of trying to decipher the slang. Example:
"It's not long before I'm melted. There's
something about being on this rule that's keeps
me insane - like I'm dubbed-up for my own
protection. Unable to leave my gaff except for
appointments... My hatch is pulled sharply.
Some of this may be common British or Scottish slang, but it just became annoying to have to stop and decipher words/phrases so often when reading.
Next, I hated the FMC. She is a lesbian who has not embraced her sexuality yet is hateful to other LGBTQ+ people. She wonders why they aren't fired for wearing a rainbow lanyard, and she makes snide comments like, "Elton John called and wants his spectacles back..." She also makes poor, unethical, illogical choices, often breaking company policies and commenting about how she will be fired if she is caught. She was also very manipulative and obnoxious, badgering her "love interest" to spill work secrets, then questioning why they told her and threatening to report them. I can't, for the life of me, understand how anyone would have wanted to be with the FMC. I thought she was awful.
Finally, the story was so boring! It revolves around violent, mafia prisoners who are trying to kill each other and the secret person behind the scenes that is pulling the strings (is it a prison guard? is it her love interest? is it a mafia boss?). That is supposed to be the "tense" and "nail-biting" story. Who cares? I couldn't have cared less about these violent thugs. There was zero tension because the characters were all horrible. Also, there is NO ending. The author obviously plans to write a sequel because none of the storylines are resolved. It just ends.
Overall, this was a really disappointing read.
"It's not long before I'm melted. There's
something about being on this rule that's keeps
me insane - like I'm dubbed-up for my own
protection. Unable to leave my gaff except for
appointments... My hatch is pulled sharply.
Some of this may be common British or Scottish slang, but it just became annoying to have to stop and decipher words/phrases so often when reading.
Next, I hated the FMC. She is a lesbian who has not embraced her sexuality yet is hateful to other LGBTQ+ people. She wonders why they aren't fired for wearing a rainbow lanyard, and she makes snide comments like, "Elton John called and wants his spectacles back..." She also makes poor, unethical, illogical choices, often breaking company policies and commenting about how she will be fired if she is caught. She was also very manipulative and obnoxious, badgering her "love interest" to spill work secrets, then questioning why they told her and threatening to report them. I can't, for the life of me, understand how anyone would have wanted to be with the FMC. I thought she was awful.
Finally, the story was so boring! It revolves around violent, mafia prisoners who are trying to kill each other and the secret person behind the scenes that is pulling the strings (is it a prison guard? is it her love interest? is it a mafia boss?). That is supposed to be the "tense" and "nail-biting" story. Who cares? I couldn't have cared less about these violent thugs. There was zero tension because the characters were all horrible. Also, there is NO ending. The author obviously plans to write a sequel because none of the storylines are resolved. It just ends.
Overall, this was a really disappointing read.
September 30, 2024
Just because the most dangerous criminals in society are caught and locked up, doesn’t mean they stop committing crime...
OK, I admit. I was one of those who thought the book title was in reference to the size of the prison cell but in actual fact it is the nickname for the intelligence reports submitted by officers to the intelligence unit. Something Claire knows a lot about in her job as an intelligence analyst within the Scottish prison service. Now this is not normally my type of book but I opted to read it as I'm friends with her mum and admittedly, after reading an article about the new release, I was intrigued. So I grabbed myself a copy and I read it in a day. I stayed up in the wee hours of the night just to finish it...and then it ended where it did!
Kennedy Allardyce's job as an intelligence analyst at HMP Forth Valley was meant to be rewarding. Instead it almost gets her killed. She has picked up some intel regarding not just prisoners but the possibility of a corrupt officer on the wing and she will stop at nothing to uncover their identity. But does that also mean at the cost of her life? Is it really worth it? Kennedy thinks so, much to the annoyance of her ex-girlfriend/best friend Ellie with whom she still shares a flat.
And then Kennedy meets Molly, an officer on one of the wings. But Kennedy doesn't mix business with pleasure (though she states it a little less eloquently a few times) and yet that still doesn't stop her from getting involved with Molly. But almost from the outset Kennedy is suspicious. Why is Molly suddenly paying her so much attention? And what role does Molly play on the wing that houses some of the most violent offenders? Worst of all, Kennedy thinks she's falling for this woman who could well be her downfall?
Suited and booted with lashings of violence, corruption and with a taste of "Line of Duty", this debut which is the first in the series (of which there are to be eight, I believe) packs a hell of a punch and is not for the fainthearted. Not a fan of the excessive language, though I know that's all in a day's work at a prison, and the cliffhanger ending left me feeling a little off kilter. I'm not a fan of cliffhanger endings as I prefer everything resolved (even in series) and also usually when the next book comes out I've forgotten where the previous one ended. But then, I remember the makers of Line of Duty left fans hanging as to the identity of The Caddy for three seasons which spread over about four years! I hope we don't have to wait that long to find out who Scout is. I have my suspicions so we'll see.
Overall, a cracker of a debut with snappy chapters and a fast pace that kept me turning the pages into the night until I finished it.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
OK, I admit. I was one of those who thought the book title was in reference to the size of the prison cell but in actual fact it is the nickname for the intelligence reports submitted by officers to the intelligence unit. Something Claire knows a lot about in her job as an intelligence analyst within the Scottish prison service. Now this is not normally my type of book but I opted to read it as I'm friends with her mum and admittedly, after reading an article about the new release, I was intrigued. So I grabbed myself a copy and I read it in a day. I stayed up in the wee hours of the night just to finish it...and then it ended where it did!
Kennedy Allardyce's job as an intelligence analyst at HMP Forth Valley was meant to be rewarding. Instead it almost gets her killed. She has picked up some intel regarding not just prisoners but the possibility of a corrupt officer on the wing and she will stop at nothing to uncover their identity. But does that also mean at the cost of her life? Is it really worth it? Kennedy thinks so, much to the annoyance of her ex-girlfriend/best friend Ellie with whom she still shares a flat.
And then Kennedy meets Molly, an officer on one of the wings. But Kennedy doesn't mix business with pleasure (though she states it a little less eloquently a few times) and yet that still doesn't stop her from getting involved with Molly. But almost from the outset Kennedy is suspicious. Why is Molly suddenly paying her so much attention? And what role does Molly play on the wing that houses some of the most violent offenders? Worst of all, Kennedy thinks she's falling for this woman who could well be her downfall?
Suited and booted with lashings of violence, corruption and with a taste of "Line of Duty", this debut which is the first in the series (of which there are to be eight, I believe) packs a hell of a punch and is not for the fainthearted. Not a fan of the excessive language, though I know that's all in a day's work at a prison, and the cliffhanger ending left me feeling a little off kilter. I'm not a fan of cliffhanger endings as I prefer everything resolved (even in series) and also usually when the next book comes out I've forgotten where the previous one ended. But then, I remember the makers of Line of Duty left fans hanging as to the identity of The Caddy for three seasons which spread over about four years! I hope we don't have to wait that long to find out who Scout is. I have my suspicions so we'll see.
Overall, a cracker of a debut with snappy chapters and a fast pace that kept me turning the pages into the night until I finished it.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
May 24, 2024
Five by five by Clare Wilson is the author debut novel.
After failing to become a prison officer Kennedy Allardyce works as an Intelligence officer for the Scottish Prison service at HMP Forth Valley. She loved her job and wants t to get to the top of her career. But she doesn’t have any friends as she spends her day not only monitoring the inmates but the staff too. As there is rumours of corruption in the ranks and drugs being smuggled into the prison. She doesn’t know who she can trust in the prison until she falls for one of the Prison officers Molly Rana. Can she trust Molly and is she who she says she is? As Kenedy has suspicions that she may not be who she says she is.
I like the premise of this story. I thought that this is a great start for a debut novel. The story is atmospheric and a believable setting of in a Prison setting. But with so many characters I struggled throughout to connect to the characters and the ending was a bit disappointing. 3.5 stars from me.
After failing to become a prison officer Kennedy Allardyce works as an Intelligence officer for the Scottish Prison service at HMP Forth Valley. She loved her job and wants t to get to the top of her career. But she doesn’t have any friends as she spends her day not only monitoring the inmates but the staff too. As there is rumours of corruption in the ranks and drugs being smuggled into the prison. She doesn’t know who she can trust in the prison until she falls for one of the Prison officers Molly Rana. Can she trust Molly and is she who she says she is? As Kenedy has suspicions that she may not be who she says she is.
I like the premise of this story. I thought that this is a great start for a debut novel. The story is atmospheric and a believable setting of in a Prison setting. But with so many characters I struggled throughout to connect to the characters and the ending was a bit disappointing. 3.5 stars from me.
April 9, 2024
Thankyou to Claire Wilson, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced readers copy.
If you’re interested in crime this is the book for you. I really loved the setting of this book, it was filled with tense moments, gangs and corruption.
The emotions of the main character really came through and made me questions everyone’s intentions.
WHO IS SCOUT !?!? and will Kennedy be able to find out the intel needed to bring them down?
If you’re interested in crime this is the book for you. I really loved the setting of this book, it was filled with tense moments, gangs and corruption.
The emotions of the main character really came through and made me questions everyone’s intentions.
WHO IS SCOUT !?!? and will Kennedy be able to find out the intel needed to bring them down?
April 29, 2024
I really, really enjoyed this gritty crime thriller that feels like a blend of Orange is the New Black and Line of Duty. It was a different read for me, as I don’t come across fiction set in prisons that often. Plus, it’s queer, which is a win-win for me. I can’t wait to see what Claire writes next!
August 30, 2024
Kennedy Allardyce has criminals to catch.
What a cracking debut thriller. Claire Wilson writes with a fast paced authority that immediately gains and holds the reader’s attention. I loved Five by Five because it provides a completely fresh perspective. Whilst other police procedural stories might concentrate on catching criminals and putting them behind bars, here they are already in prison and not all the criminals are conscripts. It’s as if Claire Wilson lifts the skin of the justice system and invites the reader right to its beating heart.
I had no idea that the role Kennedy fulfils actually exists so that Five by Five not only entertained me completely, it gave me real insight that felt authentic and fascinating. The depiction of prison life is hugely unsettling and there’s a creeping sense of tension and menace underpinning the narrative that I found highly effective. There’s violence and a considerable number of expletives in the story, but they all feel placed naturally and realistically in the prison setting. With Kennedy in danger so cleverly depicted, I found myself viewing those I encountered in the street with great suspicion and wariness!
Kennedy is a really interesting character. She’s dogged to the point of stubbornness. She’s flawed and believable. She’s also self-aware and vulnerable so that I finished Five by Five feeling as if I’d been in the presence of a real person, not just a character in a story. Her developing relationship with Molly and her life with Ellie both add a softness to Kennedy’s character belied by her public persona at work and give a real sense of same sex attraction that is completely convincing. I’m so glad that the end of Five by Five suggests there’s more to come about her.
But for me, the absolute success of Five by Five is the sense of corruption and betrayal that is depicted on so many levels. I loathe unfairness and corruption with a passion so that Claire Wilson made me rage and fume. I found the story made me livid. The nepotistic, self-serving attitude of so many in all layers of society who are prepared to betray and hurt others for their own gains makes Five by Five a book that seeps into the reader’s brain until they can’t stop wondering how the narrative will end and how far retribution might be served. It makes for a fascinating book.
With its fast pace, vivid characters and dramatic plot, Five by Five is gritty, compelling and surprisingly affecting. I thoroughly enjoy it and have a feeling Claire Wilson is going to be an author to watch!
What a cracking debut thriller. Claire Wilson writes with a fast paced authority that immediately gains and holds the reader’s attention. I loved Five by Five because it provides a completely fresh perspective. Whilst other police procedural stories might concentrate on catching criminals and putting them behind bars, here they are already in prison and not all the criminals are conscripts. It’s as if Claire Wilson lifts the skin of the justice system and invites the reader right to its beating heart.
I had no idea that the role Kennedy fulfils actually exists so that Five by Five not only entertained me completely, it gave me real insight that felt authentic and fascinating. The depiction of prison life is hugely unsettling and there’s a creeping sense of tension and menace underpinning the narrative that I found highly effective. There’s violence and a considerable number of expletives in the story, but they all feel placed naturally and realistically in the prison setting. With Kennedy in danger so cleverly depicted, I found myself viewing those I encountered in the street with great suspicion and wariness!
Kennedy is a really interesting character. She’s dogged to the point of stubbornness. She’s flawed and believable. She’s also self-aware and vulnerable so that I finished Five by Five feeling as if I’d been in the presence of a real person, not just a character in a story. Her developing relationship with Molly and her life with Ellie both add a softness to Kennedy’s character belied by her public persona at work and give a real sense of same sex attraction that is completely convincing. I’m so glad that the end of Five by Five suggests there’s more to come about her.
But for me, the absolute success of Five by Five is the sense of corruption and betrayal that is depicted on so many levels. I loathe unfairness and corruption with a passion so that Claire Wilson made me rage and fume. I found the story made me livid. The nepotistic, self-serving attitude of so many in all layers of society who are prepared to betray and hurt others for their own gains makes Five by Five a book that seeps into the reader’s brain until they can’t stop wondering how the narrative will end and how far retribution might be served. It makes for a fascinating book.
With its fast pace, vivid characters and dramatic plot, Five by Five is gritty, compelling and surprisingly affecting. I thoroughly enjoy it and have a feeling Claire Wilson is going to be an author to watch!
January 5, 2026
Claire Wilson works as an Intelligence Analyst within the Scottish prison system. She pitched her debut novel at the Pitch Perfect event during the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival in 2022, and in 2023 she went on to win the Penguin Michael Joseph Undiscovered Writers Prize. Five by Five was published by Penguin Michael Joseph in 2024.
Five by Five is a fast-paced, gripping thriller set deep inside the Scottish prison system. I was particularly appreciative of the glossary of Scottish prison terminology included at the beginning of the book. These terms add authenticity and depth to the story while also teaching the reader a thing or two, whether we’ll ever need to know them in real life is another matter entirely!
The lead character, Kennedy Allardyce, is a brilliantly crafted protagonist. Flawed and vulnerable at times, she is nonetheless fiercely dedicated to her work as an intelligence analyst and determined not to let the prisoners run the prison. Kennedy is essentially a spy: listening in on prisoners’ phone calls, decoding their coded language, and trying to prevent trouble before it erupts.
Drugs are circulating inside the prison, and Kennedy knows the supplier goes by the name Scout. After a violent incident leaves her both physically and psychologically scarred, she comes to a chilling realisation; Scout is an insider, a fellow officer.
Struggling to trust anyone, Kennedy grows close to officer Molly Rana. There is undeniable attraction between them, but the question lingers: is Kennedy opening herself up to something genuine, or walking straight into a trap? Only time will tell.
Claustrophobic, dark, and brimming with tension, this is the kind of novel that has you holding your breath for pages at a time. A triumph of sharp writing and clever plotting, Five by Five is a compelling, masterfully executed thriller that I highly recommend. Bring on book two!
Five by Five is a fast-paced, gripping thriller set deep inside the Scottish prison system. I was particularly appreciative of the glossary of Scottish prison terminology included at the beginning of the book. These terms add authenticity and depth to the story while also teaching the reader a thing or two, whether we’ll ever need to know them in real life is another matter entirely!
The lead character, Kennedy Allardyce, is a brilliantly crafted protagonist. Flawed and vulnerable at times, she is nonetheless fiercely dedicated to her work as an intelligence analyst and determined not to let the prisoners run the prison. Kennedy is essentially a spy: listening in on prisoners’ phone calls, decoding their coded language, and trying to prevent trouble before it erupts.
Drugs are circulating inside the prison, and Kennedy knows the supplier goes by the name Scout. After a violent incident leaves her both physically and psychologically scarred, she comes to a chilling realisation; Scout is an insider, a fellow officer.
Struggling to trust anyone, Kennedy grows close to officer Molly Rana. There is undeniable attraction between them, but the question lingers: is Kennedy opening herself up to something genuine, or walking straight into a trap? Only time will tell.
Claustrophobic, dark, and brimming with tension, this is the kind of novel that has you holding your breath for pages at a time. A triumph of sharp writing and clever plotting, Five by Five is a compelling, masterfully executed thriller that I highly recommend. Bring on book two!
September 11, 2024
I had the pleasure of meeting Claire Wilson at the Harrogate Crime Festival in July, where in addition to the NetGalley ARC I won a signed proof.
This is a great debut novel from Claire, I thoroughly enjoyed it. If I have one criticism it is the cliffhanger ending. However, having said that the book had me wanting to turn the pages again and again.
You could tell she was writing about a subject she knew well.
I was grateful for the table at the beginning of the book which gave the meaning of most of the Scottish terminology used however, there were still a couple of words I didn’t know the meaning of.
I look forward to reading Claire’s next novel which I hope will bring this whodunnit to a conclusion.
This is a great debut novel from Claire, I thoroughly enjoyed it. If I have one criticism it is the cliffhanger ending. However, having said that the book had me wanting to turn the pages again and again.
You could tell she was writing about a subject she knew well.
I was grateful for the table at the beginning of the book which gave the meaning of most of the Scottish terminology used however, there were still a couple of words I didn’t know the meaning of.
I look forward to reading Claire’s next novel which I hope will bring this whodunnit to a conclusion.
March 10, 2024
Kennedy works in the prison service helping criminals to lead a clean life when the come out. She does find it difficult as the guards are corrupt aswell which nearly gets her killed. She has fallen for a woman who may not be the woman she believes she is.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK for an ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK for an ARC
April 2, 2024
The story is based around Kennedy Allardyce, who works as an intelligence analyst in a prison in Scotland. As well as keeping her eye on the prisoners, she’s also keeping an eye on the staff. There are rumours of a corrupt and very dangerous guard working in the prison, but it appears that they might have already realised that Kennedy is on to then. Add to this Kennedy starting to fall for a woman who may not be all she seems.
A very good debut novel from this author, and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Thank you to NetGalley, Michael Joseph, and Penguin Random House for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
A very good debut novel from this author, and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Thank you to NetGalley, Michael Joseph, and Penguin Random House for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
September 21, 2025
Thank you for the author & LBT for allowing me to tour this book.
What can I say about this one.. it starts pretty quick into the action, with the main FMC Kennedy having gone through a traumatic experience whilst at her job at HMP Forth Valley in Scotland. After the event she has to figure out how and why the event happened.
With a jump between Kennedy & Adrian (inmate), it’s a fascinating read seeing the ins and out of the system. I’ve not been well so I couldn’t finish this as quickly as I’d have liked to, but it did keep me intrigued throughout. The different dynamics of the story, the good, the bad and the ugly moments kept you sucked into the story.
By the last 20% everything is tense, so many things are going on and I’m all over the place thinking one thing and then the opposite happens. I really enjoyed this read and I have already recommended it to others and would be happy to do so more!
What can I say about this one.. it starts pretty quick into the action, with the main FMC Kennedy having gone through a traumatic experience whilst at her job at HMP Forth Valley in Scotland. After the event she has to figure out how and why the event happened.
With a jump between Kennedy & Adrian (inmate), it’s a fascinating read seeing the ins and out of the system. I’ve not been well so I couldn’t finish this as quickly as I’d have liked to, but it did keep me intrigued throughout. The different dynamics of the story, the good, the bad and the ugly moments kept you sucked into the story.
By the last 20% everything is tense, so many things are going on and I’m all over the place thinking one thing and then the opposite happens. I really enjoyed this read and I have already recommended it to others and would be happy to do so more!
September 8, 2024
You’re hunting a killer, you’re falling in love.
Kennedy works for prison intelligence, she is the eyes and ears of every day life inside the prison and even though criminals are being monitored daily it doesn’t stop them committing crimes. Even more worrying Kennedy also monitors the staff and she discovers rules are being broken and lines are being crossed…even by her.
I enjoyed this book and although a novel I felt like I got a taste of prison life which is great testament to the setting. Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
#FiveByFive
#ClaireWilson
Kennedy works for prison intelligence, she is the eyes and ears of every day life inside the prison and even though criminals are being monitored daily it doesn’t stop them committing crimes. Even more worrying Kennedy also monitors the staff and she discovers rules are being broken and lines are being crossed…even by her.
I enjoyed this book and although a novel I felt like I got a taste of prison life which is great testament to the setting. Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
#FiveByFive
#ClaireWilson
October 15, 2024
I didn’t enjoy this book at all. Generously giving it a 3 star but really more like 2.5
March 3, 2024
An interesting perspective from the point of view of an intelligence unit within the Scottish Prison Service. Kennedy Allardyce is an intriguing protagonist. It will be interesting to learn more of her backstory and see how her relationship with Ellie evolves. I did find the ending somewhat frustrating, in that we are clearly being hooked in for the next book and are left with lots of unanswered questions. ‘Five by Five’ is something of a Scottish ‘Line of Duty’ in that regard.
August 27, 2024
Five By Five is a brilliant debut novel by Claire Wilson. Her debut is set within the prison system in Scotland, told from the point of view of prison officer, Kennedy. Claire Wilson was also a prison officer herself, so I loved the ring of authenticity this brought to her book, and I really felt, as the reader, that I was stepping into Kennedy’s world.
Kennedy certainly isn’t given an easy start. While out shopping, she is brutally attacked, left for dead, and is hospitalised for several days. Upon her return to work she finds that someone new is working with her, Jacob, and Kennedy isn’t exactly pleased about the idea, and she has to try and not show this. But tensions are simmering within the prison, and it appears that Kennedy’s colleagues aren’t as clean cut as she would like them to be.
I loved how Claire Wilson kept upping the tension in the book, both in Kennedy’s private life and within the prison. In her personal life, Kennedy is falling in love with a woman, Molly, who is a police officer, but there is something stopping Kennedy from pursuing a relationship with her. I found this part of Kennedy’s life really fascinating. I wanted her to trust Molly, but I could also see why she was beginning to doubt if a relationship between them could ever possibly work. It did make me wonder, as Kennedy struggles with this part of her life, how this would affect her work. I really liked Molly, and I could see how much she wanted to be with Kennedy, but, like Kennedy, I too struggled to trust her.
The novel is also told from the point of view of another character, a prison guard and I found these scenes really tense, particularly as Claire Wilson delves into his character. I could really see what was driving him as the plot of the novel progresses and this is what makes him really dangerous.
I was hooked right from the first page of this book and I did not want to put it down. Claire Wilson takes Kennedy on a fascinating journey. I am really hoping Claire Wilson has more plans for Kennedy as I can’t wait to see what happens to her next. I highly recommend Five By Five.
Kennedy certainly isn’t given an easy start. While out shopping, she is brutally attacked, left for dead, and is hospitalised for several days. Upon her return to work she finds that someone new is working with her, Jacob, and Kennedy isn’t exactly pleased about the idea, and she has to try and not show this. But tensions are simmering within the prison, and it appears that Kennedy’s colleagues aren’t as clean cut as she would like them to be.
I loved how Claire Wilson kept upping the tension in the book, both in Kennedy’s private life and within the prison. In her personal life, Kennedy is falling in love with a woman, Molly, who is a police officer, but there is something stopping Kennedy from pursuing a relationship with her. I found this part of Kennedy’s life really fascinating. I wanted her to trust Molly, but I could also see why she was beginning to doubt if a relationship between them could ever possibly work. It did make me wonder, as Kennedy struggles with this part of her life, how this would affect her work. I really liked Molly, and I could see how much she wanted to be with Kennedy, but, like Kennedy, I too struggled to trust her.
The novel is also told from the point of view of another character, a prison guard and I found these scenes really tense, particularly as Claire Wilson delves into his character. I could really see what was driving him as the plot of the novel progresses and this is what makes him really dangerous.
I was hooked right from the first page of this book and I did not want to put it down. Claire Wilson takes Kennedy on a fascinating journey. I am really hoping Claire Wilson has more plans for Kennedy as I can’t wait to see what happens to her next. I highly recommend Five By Five.
April 10, 2024
What a debut novel from this writer Claire Wilson. Kennedy Allardyce is monitoring prisoners and staff for criminal activities- is it her new love interest Molly?
I love the ending was such a cliffhanger leaving it open to a sequel. Great read I couldn’t put it down. The main character is brave ambitious and so likeable.
Thank you to Net gallery for the advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
I love the ending was such a cliffhanger leaving it open to a sequel. Great read I couldn’t put it down. The main character is brave ambitious and so likeable.
Thank you to Net gallery for the advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
March 4, 2025
1.5⭐️ i really didn’t enjoy this, too many characters, unlikable protagonist, the most false chemistry between the love interests, cringe texting/dialogue, suspense wasn’t built and things were rushed. i think there was potential with this premise but it missed the mark. and the cliffhanger meant i didn’t even get any answers so not sure it was worth finishing.
March 18, 2024
This is an incredible book. The characters are believable and relatable. I loved the setting, I haven’t read many set in a prison. The action hit from the first page and kept me gripped throughout. Nothing was quite what it seemed and the twists and turns kept me on my toes.
December 30, 2024
I’m not a regular reader of prison dramas; Orange is the New Black, for instance, did not impress me at all. I picked up Five by Five, however, because The Guardian described this debut novel as “tense, chilling and distinctive.” Unfortunately, I must disagree.
Kennedy Allardyce is an intelligence analyst in a Scottish prison; she monitors both prisoners and staff to prevent violent incidents and the movement of drugs and other contraband into the prison. She is attacked and comes to learn that she is in danger from someone nicknamed Scout. Is he an inmate or a corrupt prison officer? It is imperative that Kennedy uncover Scout’s identity. Kennedy’s life is further complicated by her attraction to a new officer, Molly Rana, but comes to realize that perhaps Molly cannot be trusted.
The novel has a dual narrative. Some chapters are from Kennedy’s point of view whereas others are from the perspective of Adrian Maddox, a prisoner who is trying to be the top dog, though he keeps making rash decisions that do not help his status. Adrian’s point of view does add to the suspense and certainly helps portray life in a prison, but I questioned the author’s decision to have him narrate Chapter 43. Considering how the chapter ends, his being the narrator is unrealistic.
Obviously the character of Kennedy is developed. What stands out for me is her determination. Unfortunately, though she is supposed to be intelligent, she seems to make some stupid, illogical choices. Her negative attitude to Jacob, her new co-worker, seems to have no basis in reality. She doesn’t trust him but trusts Molly?
What the novel does do well is portray the brutality of prison life. Crime and violence permeate the facility. The claustrophobia, boredom, filth, and smells of the prison are evoked so strongly that I was not surprised to learn that the author has a day job as an intelligence analyst in a Scottish prison. At the beginning there is a glossary of Scottish prison terminology. The problem is that there is prison slang that is not explained. The reader has to determine the meaning of gaff and screw. What is a plastic gangster? And why include words in that glossary that are not used in the novel? Then there are the acronyms: Kennedy asks her boss for some TOIL, admits she breaches RIP(S)A and is told that the Ops FLM will walk her to her car. Yes, these abbreviations add realism, but the reader needs some explanation.
I have some other issues with writing style. Ten times Kennedy refers to licking her lips!? Five other characters (Ellie, Adrian, Officer McCredie, Victor, and Kyle) also lick their lips? The use of the umbrella towards the end is a weak device since it has not been sufficiently established as identifying Kennedy to everyone besides Molly and Ellie. And intelligence people within the prison system are unaware of the connection between Maddox and Filan? This seems incredible, considering Filan’s reputation. A full profile and association chart would be produced only after a prisoner’s transfer? Then there’s the unsatisfactory ending with its abruptness and many unanswered questions. Obviously a sequel must be in the works.
Readers who like dark and gritty fiction may enjoy this; personally, I was underwhelmed.
Please check out my blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) or substack (https://doreenyakabuski.substack.com/) for over 1,100 of my book reviews.
Kennedy Allardyce is an intelligence analyst in a Scottish prison; she monitors both prisoners and staff to prevent violent incidents and the movement of drugs and other contraband into the prison. She is attacked and comes to learn that she is in danger from someone nicknamed Scout. Is he an inmate or a corrupt prison officer? It is imperative that Kennedy uncover Scout’s identity. Kennedy’s life is further complicated by her attraction to a new officer, Molly Rana, but comes to realize that perhaps Molly cannot be trusted.
The novel has a dual narrative. Some chapters are from Kennedy’s point of view whereas others are from the perspective of Adrian Maddox, a prisoner who is trying to be the top dog, though he keeps making rash decisions that do not help his status. Adrian’s point of view does add to the suspense and certainly helps portray life in a prison, but I questioned the author’s decision to have him narrate Chapter 43. Considering how the chapter ends, his being the narrator is unrealistic.
Obviously the character of Kennedy is developed. What stands out for me is her determination. Unfortunately, though she is supposed to be intelligent, she seems to make some stupid, illogical choices. Her negative attitude to Jacob, her new co-worker, seems to have no basis in reality. She doesn’t trust him but trusts Molly?
What the novel does do well is portray the brutality of prison life. Crime and violence permeate the facility. The claustrophobia, boredom, filth, and smells of the prison are evoked so strongly that I was not surprised to learn that the author has a day job as an intelligence analyst in a Scottish prison. At the beginning there is a glossary of Scottish prison terminology. The problem is that there is prison slang that is not explained. The reader has to determine the meaning of gaff and screw. What is a plastic gangster? And why include words in that glossary that are not used in the novel? Then there are the acronyms: Kennedy asks her boss for some TOIL, admits she breaches RIP(S)A and is told that the Ops FLM will walk her to her car. Yes, these abbreviations add realism, but the reader needs some explanation.
I have some other issues with writing style. Ten times Kennedy refers to licking her lips!? Five other characters (Ellie, Adrian, Officer McCredie, Victor, and Kyle) also lick their lips? The use of the umbrella towards the end is a weak device since it has not been sufficiently established as identifying Kennedy to everyone besides Molly and Ellie. And intelligence people within the prison system are unaware of the connection between Maddox and Filan? This seems incredible, considering Filan’s reputation. A full profile and association chart would be produced only after a prisoner’s transfer? Then there’s the unsatisfactory ending with its abruptness and many unanswered questions. Obviously a sequel must be in the works.
Readers who like dark and gritty fiction may enjoy this; personally, I was underwhelmed.
Please check out my blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) or substack (https://doreenyakabuski.substack.com/) for over 1,100 of my book reviews.
August 28, 2024
I do love a Scottish crime debut and Claire Wilson’s Five by Five has been on my ‘highly anticipated’ list for some considerable time. I’m delighted to report the wait was well worthwhile. Five by Five is dark and full of grit. It casts an fascinating fresh light on working in the prison service as it is told from the point of view of an experienced Prison Intelligence Analyst.
Kennedy Allardyce is that analyst, based in HMP Forth Valley. Her job is to listen in to the prisoners’ phone calls; to make sense of the intelligence that is filtered through to her from the prison guards and from those prisoners who are hoping to win an advantage by informing on their prison mates. She also has to keep a watching eye on the guards who can sometimes be tempted to make some side money by smuggling in things they shouldn’t to the prisoners.
It should be a relatively safe job, because she doesn’t interact much with the prisoners, but when we meet her, Kennedy is recovering from a brutal attack in a public place. But Kennedy knows the attack was related to her prison work. So, she goes back to work earlier than she is really fit for, because she wants to find out who in the prison is gunning for her.
Claire Wilson combines the rough and violent nature of a men’s prison with a search for the key player, known as ‘Scout’; a corrupt officer who is regulating all the wrongdoing in the prison by being the conduit between the prisoners and the outside world. Adding a touch of romance – in the form of new prison officer Molly – and a thread of betrayal into the mix gives us a Kennedy Allardyce who is frayed at the edges, who mistrusts everyone and whose guard is up but who desperately needs a friend.
It’s a heady mix of danger and disaster and with no-one to trust, Kennedy sets out to undertake her own investigation, knowing it puts her, and those she loves, at risk.
Five by Five is fast paced, brutal and authentic. I learnt a lot about the role of a Prison Intelligence Analyst, an angle I hadn’t come across before and found absolutely fascinating. There was such authenticity to Kennedy’s story that I didn’t doubt her for a second and Claire Wilson brings in a lot of detail not just to bring the whole prison setting alive, but to ensure it sends the scary shivers up my spine as the prisoners prepare for an all-out riot.
With the capacity of prisons in the news every day, it is chilling to feel the claustrophobic nature of a prison cell and to understand the sense of lawlessness that can pervade as corrupt officers and vicious abusers and drug dealers seek to exploit the weaknesses in the penal system.
Verdict: Five by Five is a gripping thriller that kept me engaged and enthralled as I watched Kennedy, not immune to making mistakes, with my heart in my mouth. Five by Five is clearly just the start of Kennedy Allardyce’s story and I can’t wait for the next instalment. An excellent debut novel from a writer who understands her subject matter very well indeed.
Kennedy Allardyce is that analyst, based in HMP Forth Valley. Her job is to listen in to the prisoners’ phone calls; to make sense of the intelligence that is filtered through to her from the prison guards and from those prisoners who are hoping to win an advantage by informing on their prison mates. She also has to keep a watching eye on the guards who can sometimes be tempted to make some side money by smuggling in things they shouldn’t to the prisoners.
It should be a relatively safe job, because she doesn’t interact much with the prisoners, but when we meet her, Kennedy is recovering from a brutal attack in a public place. But Kennedy knows the attack was related to her prison work. So, she goes back to work earlier than she is really fit for, because she wants to find out who in the prison is gunning for her.
Claire Wilson combines the rough and violent nature of a men’s prison with a search for the key player, known as ‘Scout’; a corrupt officer who is regulating all the wrongdoing in the prison by being the conduit between the prisoners and the outside world. Adding a touch of romance – in the form of new prison officer Molly – and a thread of betrayal into the mix gives us a Kennedy Allardyce who is frayed at the edges, who mistrusts everyone and whose guard is up but who desperately needs a friend.
It’s a heady mix of danger and disaster and with no-one to trust, Kennedy sets out to undertake her own investigation, knowing it puts her, and those she loves, at risk.
Five by Five is fast paced, brutal and authentic. I learnt a lot about the role of a Prison Intelligence Analyst, an angle I hadn’t come across before and found absolutely fascinating. There was such authenticity to Kennedy’s story that I didn’t doubt her for a second and Claire Wilson brings in a lot of detail not just to bring the whole prison setting alive, but to ensure it sends the scary shivers up my spine as the prisoners prepare for an all-out riot.
With the capacity of prisons in the news every day, it is chilling to feel the claustrophobic nature of a prison cell and to understand the sense of lawlessness that can pervade as corrupt officers and vicious abusers and drug dealers seek to exploit the weaknesses in the penal system.
Verdict: Five by Five is a gripping thriller that kept me engaged and enthralled as I watched Kennedy, not immune to making mistakes, with my heart in my mouth. Five by Five is clearly just the start of Kennedy Allardyce’s story and I can’t wait for the next instalment. An excellent debut novel from a writer who understands her subject matter very well indeed.
July 27, 2025
I'm not quite sure how, or why, this book passed me by when it was first released in hardback. I was mind of aware of the book from other reviews, but I am glad I finally picked up the book and got stuck in. I love a crime thriller, and this book, told from the unique perspective of Prison Intelligence Analyst Kennedy Allardyce, really hit the spot for me. I think we're all probably used to the idea of the Prisoner Officer who are often portrayed as a tool to make any significant prisoner's life hell, but this very different role, a person whose sole purpose is to sniff out wrong doings or corrupt officers, is one that really made me think. And coming as it does from someone who has first hand experience of the role, it has an air of authenticity which really adds to thes tory, although I hope that the author's own experiences were somewhat less harrowing than Kennedy's turn out to be.
As is pointed out early on in the book, Kennedy's position within the prison is one that most of the general public really shouldn't know about. One dramatic interception of drugs into the prison, and an ill fated decision to head to a local supermarket to pick up a spot of lunch later, and it is very clear why Kennedy is the person noone outside of the POs should ever know about. Subject to a vicious attack, Kennedy soon learns of a mysterious character, Scout, who seems to want to take revenge on her, for reasons that are not entirely clear. As to their identity and whether they might be a prisoner or one of her fellow officers who is threatened by her role and the potential for her to sniff out their corruption, well that is the mystery that underpins the plot of this novel.
I liked the tension that plays throughout this book. I'll be honest, Kennedy is kind of a marmite character, and I don't just mean reader to reader. There were times in this novel I really liked her, and others where she left me frustrated by her actions. It is abundantly clear that her job means the world to her, and ensuring the prison remains as safe as any such establishment can be is what she lives for. But she makes some hairbrained decisions at times that had me shaking my head. I can't entirely condemn her though, or Claire Wilson's portrayal of the character, as given what she goes through, mistrust and paranoia are perhaps the least one might expect by way of a reaction.
One of the things that I did struggle with is Kennedy's reaction to various other characters in the book. She is actually quite spiky, some of it deservedly directed towards some of her colleagues, but then there are others, such as her new assistant, who is perhaps less deserving of her ire given she was the one initially asking for extra help. Then again, I know a few people like that so it carries a strange element of authenticity if not exactly giving me the warm and fuzzies about her personality.
There is a lot of tension in this book, some of which is driven by a second narrative perspective, that of inmate Adrian Maddox, who has his own side reason for acting in certain ways, but whether this relates to Kennedy and the mysterious Scout, remains to be seen. He was a character I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to be caught, or to see succeed, which is a strange position to be in given that he was, unquestionably, engaged in less than legal deeds. He is mixed up with a clearly corrupt PO, their identity hidden, although I have no doubt readers will have many suspects on this front through the course of the novel.
There is a romantic element in this book, with Kennedy finding herself attracted to a new Prison Officer, Molly. There is something in this match that I didn't quite settle with, my doubts mirrored by Kennedy whose suspicion about pretty much anyone, and anything, makes forming trusting relationships somewhat of a challenge. It leads to some intense moments in the book, as well as one of the books most shocking twists. And whilst the tension has been building throughout, in those final few chapters we see a lot of aggression played out on the page, with quite a few things I wasn't quite expecting. It all leads to a cliffhanger ending that I know will frustrate some and make others ultra keen to see what comes next.
I really enjoyed the authenticity of this novel, the feeling of a behind the scenes look at prison life that is seldom portrayed in literature or in films. It has a gritty feel, as well as a handy guide to prison slang for those who are unfamiliar. But with a very intriguing central character and a story arc which I really do need to see concluded, I'm very interested to see what comes next for Kennedy. A cracking debut that would play very well to a small screen adaptation too I feel. A note on the audiobook, the narration and storytelling was spot on and a thumbs up to Lois Chimimba and Angus King for really bringing the story to life.
As is pointed out early on in the book, Kennedy's position within the prison is one that most of the general public really shouldn't know about. One dramatic interception of drugs into the prison, and an ill fated decision to head to a local supermarket to pick up a spot of lunch later, and it is very clear why Kennedy is the person noone outside of the POs should ever know about. Subject to a vicious attack, Kennedy soon learns of a mysterious character, Scout, who seems to want to take revenge on her, for reasons that are not entirely clear. As to their identity and whether they might be a prisoner or one of her fellow officers who is threatened by her role and the potential for her to sniff out their corruption, well that is the mystery that underpins the plot of this novel.
I liked the tension that plays throughout this book. I'll be honest, Kennedy is kind of a marmite character, and I don't just mean reader to reader. There were times in this novel I really liked her, and others where she left me frustrated by her actions. It is abundantly clear that her job means the world to her, and ensuring the prison remains as safe as any such establishment can be is what she lives for. But she makes some hairbrained decisions at times that had me shaking my head. I can't entirely condemn her though, or Claire Wilson's portrayal of the character, as given what she goes through, mistrust and paranoia are perhaps the least one might expect by way of a reaction.
One of the things that I did struggle with is Kennedy's reaction to various other characters in the book. She is actually quite spiky, some of it deservedly directed towards some of her colleagues, but then there are others, such as her new assistant, who is perhaps less deserving of her ire given she was the one initially asking for extra help. Then again, I know a few people like that so it carries a strange element of authenticity if not exactly giving me the warm and fuzzies about her personality.
There is a lot of tension in this book, some of which is driven by a second narrative perspective, that of inmate Adrian Maddox, who has his own side reason for acting in certain ways, but whether this relates to Kennedy and the mysterious Scout, remains to be seen. He was a character I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to be caught, or to see succeed, which is a strange position to be in given that he was, unquestionably, engaged in less than legal deeds. He is mixed up with a clearly corrupt PO, their identity hidden, although I have no doubt readers will have many suspects on this front through the course of the novel.
There is a romantic element in this book, with Kennedy finding herself attracted to a new Prison Officer, Molly. There is something in this match that I didn't quite settle with, my doubts mirrored by Kennedy whose suspicion about pretty much anyone, and anything, makes forming trusting relationships somewhat of a challenge. It leads to some intense moments in the book, as well as one of the books most shocking twists. And whilst the tension has been building throughout, in those final few chapters we see a lot of aggression played out on the page, with quite a few things I wasn't quite expecting. It all leads to a cliffhanger ending that I know will frustrate some and make others ultra keen to see what comes next.
I really enjoyed the authenticity of this novel, the feeling of a behind the scenes look at prison life that is seldom portrayed in literature or in films. It has a gritty feel, as well as a handy guide to prison slang for those who are unfamiliar. But with a very intriguing central character and a story arc which I really do need to see concluded, I'm very interested to see what comes next for Kennedy. A cracking debut that would play very well to a small screen adaptation too I feel. A note on the audiobook, the narration and storytelling was spot on and a thumbs up to Lois Chimimba and Angus King for really bringing the story to life.
October 4, 2024
This is a dark and hard hitting debut from Claire Wilson, set in the unusual setting of a prison, an environment the author is well placed to write about as a former prison officer, lending the bleak narrative an all too real air of authenticity. The flawed Kennedy Allardyce is ambitious and stubbornly determined, living with Ellie, a former lover. She works as an intelligence analyst, monitoring both staff and inmates, at the Scottish HMP Forth Valley, holding over 800 men. This is a role that I admit I had little knowledge of, so this is a real eye opener, how many of us think beyond the justice system to the continuing crimes that may take place in prison by convicted criminals, gangs, and the corruption that may exist there?
This is a atmospheric, chilling, and insightful look at the brutality and violence that exists within prisons, something Kennedy has experience of, but this is not going to stop her doing her job. It is a lonely occupation, leaving her wondering who can she possibly trust in a place where there are worrying rumours about guards and the drug smuggling. Then there is Molly Rana, a prison officer that Kennedy finds herself falling for, but who exactly is she and can she be trusted? There is a shocking level of suspenseful drama and tension that makes this such a gripping read as Kennedy fights back, against a corrupt player known as 'Scout'. She is going to need to be on her guard and dig deep into her inner resources and resilence.
This is a fascinating, intriguing, emotionally impacting, and compelling read, full of twists and turns, although I was far from happy with the cliffhanger ending, this is the first in a series, and it has me keen and looking forward to reading the next book. At the same time, it is seriously disturbing in its content, prison is not an environment I would ever want to be in. Wilson creates a brilliant and complex character in Kennedy, tantalisingly vulnerable, with her informative inner thinking, and the novel throws a light on the intel gathering techniques utilised in the service. If you are looking for a gritty thriller and or are interested in prisons, I highly recommend this. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
This is a atmospheric, chilling, and insightful look at the brutality and violence that exists within prisons, something Kennedy has experience of, but this is not going to stop her doing her job. It is a lonely occupation, leaving her wondering who can she possibly trust in a place where there are worrying rumours about guards and the drug smuggling. Then there is Molly Rana, a prison officer that Kennedy finds herself falling for, but who exactly is she and can she be trusted? There is a shocking level of suspenseful drama and tension that makes this such a gripping read as Kennedy fights back, against a corrupt player known as 'Scout'. She is going to need to be on her guard and dig deep into her inner resources and resilence.
This is a fascinating, intriguing, emotionally impacting, and compelling read, full of twists and turns, although I was far from happy with the cliffhanger ending, this is the first in a series, and it has me keen and looking forward to reading the next book. At the same time, it is seriously disturbing in its content, prison is not an environment I would ever want to be in. Wilson creates a brilliant and complex character in Kennedy, tantalisingly vulnerable, with her informative inner thinking, and the novel throws a light on the intel gathering techniques utilised in the service. If you are looking for a gritty thriller and or are interested in prisons, I highly recommend this. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
August 28, 2024
I've been looking forward to reading this ever since I first heard about it and it didnt disappoint. The story of Kennedy, who works in a high security prison as an Intelligence Analyst, listening into prisoners' phone calls and CCTV to catch any untoward behaviours or plans. Kennedy is good at her job, spotting clues and body language that might give indications of what is going on. She is aware that she's not always popular with other prison staff as she has to report on corrupt prison officers as well as the prisoners. She's happy that she's largely anonymous though, and prisoners' family and friends dont know who she is.
When she helps to thwart a drugs delivery to the prison however, it turns out that she's more known than she thought. She is violently attacked in a supermarket by one of the prisoner's family members. Returning to work, Kennedy doesnt know who to trust or who may be involved in arranging the attack on her. The heightened suspicions mean that she can't trust anyone including her ex-girlfriend and flatmate Ellie. When she meets gorgeous prison officer Molly at a night out, Kennedy doesn't know what to do - its clear there's a spark there but she is so wary of being hurt again.
Alongside Kennedy's storyline we also have Adrian Maddox, wannabe top dog - he is aiming to take out the other contenders and run the show but just needs one more delivery in order to cement his position. He'll stop at nothing to get where he wants to be but knows that one false step could cost him everything.
The scenes inside the prison were hard to read at times, so violent and instant, there's no room for hesitation. The Prison Service doesn't come off lightly at all- officers are shown as overworked, worn down, underpaid and trying to cope with all that life throws at them. The author has worked in the Prison Service and has taken her personal knowledge and experience and woven it into something vicious and mesmerising.
When she helps to thwart a drugs delivery to the prison however, it turns out that she's more known than she thought. She is violently attacked in a supermarket by one of the prisoner's family members. Returning to work, Kennedy doesnt know who to trust or who may be involved in arranging the attack on her. The heightened suspicions mean that she can't trust anyone including her ex-girlfriend and flatmate Ellie. When she meets gorgeous prison officer Molly at a night out, Kennedy doesn't know what to do - its clear there's a spark there but she is so wary of being hurt again.
Alongside Kennedy's storyline we also have Adrian Maddox, wannabe top dog - he is aiming to take out the other contenders and run the show but just needs one more delivery in order to cement his position. He'll stop at nothing to get where he wants to be but knows that one false step could cost him everything.
The scenes inside the prison were hard to read at times, so violent and instant, there's no room for hesitation. The Prison Service doesn't come off lightly at all- officers are shown as overworked, worn down, underpaid and trying to cope with all that life throws at them. The author has worked in the Prison Service and has taken her personal knowledge and experience and woven it into something vicious and mesmerising.
September 21, 2025
Kennedy works as an intelligence officer at HMP Forth Valley in Scotland. When she is attacked at work she is sent a chilling message from someone called Scout. Rumours are rife within the prison that Scout is the alias of a corrupt guard. Can Kennedy reveal Scout’s true identity?
This was a really enjoyable book which I would describe as a slow burn read. But the slow pace really helped to build up the suspense and mystery surrounding who Scout was and Kennedy’s investigation into finding them. The storyline was filled with intrigue and mystery and from the first page I was very quickly thrown into Kennedy's world which was not only fascinating but very dangerous. Be prepared for some unexpected plot twists in the story.
I've read books where the story is based in a prison but I’ve never read one where the main character was an intelligence officer. That’s what made the story unique for me. Kennedy was a really interesting character with an even more interesting role. She is essentially the eyes and ears of the prison because she hears and sees everything that’s going on with the inmates and the guards. The prisoners see Kennedy as a prison guard but the other guards don’t really see her as one of them because Kennedy can find out their secrets too so she is a threat to them also. I thought that Kennedy was very brave returning back to her role in the same prison where she was attacked. Kennedy finds herself being very wary of her surroundings because she needs to work out who Scout is and if she’s in danger. Then the story takes a turn and becomes complicated when Kennedy meets new prison officer Molly and the lines between her professional and personal life start to blur. But Kennedy is suspicious of Molly and her intentions.
The story didn't end how I thought it would and ended on an unexpected cliffhanger. It left me with a few questions so I’m really hoping that there will be a sequel so I can find out what happens to Kennedy next.
This was a really enjoyable book which I would describe as a slow burn read. But the slow pace really helped to build up the suspense and mystery surrounding who Scout was and Kennedy’s investigation into finding them. The storyline was filled with intrigue and mystery and from the first page I was very quickly thrown into Kennedy's world which was not only fascinating but very dangerous. Be prepared for some unexpected plot twists in the story.
I've read books where the story is based in a prison but I’ve never read one where the main character was an intelligence officer. That’s what made the story unique for me. Kennedy was a really interesting character with an even more interesting role. She is essentially the eyes and ears of the prison because she hears and sees everything that’s going on with the inmates and the guards. The prisoners see Kennedy as a prison guard but the other guards don’t really see her as one of them because Kennedy can find out their secrets too so she is a threat to them also. I thought that Kennedy was very brave returning back to her role in the same prison where she was attacked. Kennedy finds herself being very wary of her surroundings because she needs to work out who Scout is and if she’s in danger. Then the story takes a turn and becomes complicated when Kennedy meets new prison officer Molly and the lines between her professional and personal life start to blur. But Kennedy is suspicious of Molly and her intentions.
The story didn't end how I thought it would and ended on an unexpected cliffhanger. It left me with a few questions so I’m really hoping that there will be a sequel so I can find out what happens to Kennedy next.
August 24, 2024
Prisons, by definition, are full of acknowledged criminals. But there are also staff, some of whom can be manipulated, coerced, corrupted; not many but always likely to be a few. Prisons are also hives of violence and rife with drugs, contraband smuggled in by all possible routes. Monitoring of everyone is necessary and expected, but “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes” has always been a concern. Kennedy Allardyce is the main Information Analyst at HMP Forth Valley, observing CCTV, looking at profiles of inmates and staff, listening to legal phone calls and scanning for illegal mobile phones. She is isolated in her special room because she will also be a potential target for prisoners and, to some extent, for staff. Now she has become an actual target of a crime gang, and her position is compromised because she has fallen for Molly, one of the custodians, but Molly increasingly looks like a suspect.
The author has worked within the prison system and the whole ambience of that, inside and outside, is clearly and viscerally exposed in the background in which this story unfolds. The writing is a bit raw, partly because this is the author’s debut, but mainly because it is hard-core (some might call it ‘nitty-gritty’ but it’s really the gritty -even grotty – aspects that predominate. It’s a difficult read for that reason. The characters are all well drawn, but Kennedy is a bit more erratic than one might believe, but she had returned to work after being stabbed so I think it’s excusable. The ending is scrappy but I think it might be setting up for a sequel. Difficult to categorise overall, but I think 4 stars is fair.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
The author has worked within the prison system and the whole ambience of that, inside and outside, is clearly and viscerally exposed in the background in which this story unfolds. The writing is a bit raw, partly because this is the author’s debut, but mainly because it is hard-core (some might call it ‘nitty-gritty’ but it’s really the gritty -even grotty – aspects that predominate. It’s a difficult read for that reason. The characters are all well drawn, but Kennedy is a bit more erratic than one might believe, but she had returned to work after being stabbed so I think it’s excusable. The ending is scrappy but I think it might be setting up for a sequel. Difficult to categorise overall, but I think 4 stars is fair.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
August 8, 2024
A Scottish prison set crime thriller debut from Claire Wilson but from the perspective of an Intelligence Analyst who is trying to uncover plots from within the prison whilst realising that there's no one around her who she can really trust.
I love a different take on a police procedural style thriller and following Kennedy Allardyce, our IA under threat, was a really intriguing premise and gave this book an edge over a number of others. Sadly for me it just didn't quite work. My main problem was the character of Kennedy. She made a number of decisions that just didn't read as logical or particularly smart but were needed in order to keep the story moving (returning to the prison after an attack at the start being one of them).
It is also a particularly brutal look at life inside a male prison and the attention to detail for the day to day routines and general life was interesting but as I was reading along I realised that it isn't something that I was enjoying reading about. When this was combined with our lead character's choices and her attitude towards others in the story (poor Jacob), I just found myself being more and more put off.
Genuinely a unique angle on a prison/police crime thriller and if you as a reader enjoy gritty prison settings and a bleaker, rougher procedural story then this will be ideal for you. Unfortunately the style, characters and ultimately the open ending (prepped for a sequel undoubtedly) didn't work for me but I feel that is mainly because of a realisation about my reading preferences rather than the quality of writing on offer.
2.25*
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for a digital review copy of "Five By Five" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
I love a different take on a police procedural style thriller and following Kennedy Allardyce, our IA under threat, was a really intriguing premise and gave this book an edge over a number of others. Sadly for me it just didn't quite work. My main problem was the character of Kennedy. She made a number of decisions that just didn't read as logical or particularly smart but were needed in order to keep the story moving (returning to the prison after an attack at the start being one of them).
It is also a particularly brutal look at life inside a male prison and the attention to detail for the day to day routines and general life was interesting but as I was reading along I realised that it isn't something that I was enjoying reading about. When this was combined with our lead character's choices and her attitude towards others in the story (poor Jacob), I just found myself being more and more put off.
Genuinely a unique angle on a prison/police crime thriller and if you as a reader enjoy gritty prison settings and a bleaker, rougher procedural story then this will be ideal for you. Unfortunately the style, characters and ultimately the open ending (prepped for a sequel undoubtedly) didn't work for me but I feel that is mainly because of a realisation about my reading preferences rather than the quality of writing on offer.
2.25*
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for a digital review copy of "Five By Five" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
September 10, 2024
An interesting debut novel. Based on a prison "intelligence" officer in a Scottish prison so expect choice language and several rather graphic violence moments.
Kennedy's job is to gather intelligence on potential lawbreakers within the prison system (both inmates and staff) which doesn't make her overly popular. Book starts off with her stopping a drugs handover which brings on "Scout's" radar and results in her being attacked and stabbed on civvy street. Thereafter her mission is to find out who Scout is and who she can trust. Almost everyone is a suspect!
The genre I chose to "read" is Kindle/Audible whispersync. Hearing the spoken "gritty scottish" word may be why I likened it to Ian Rankin Rebus series, which I also listen to.
I started reading mainly because the author is a relation and I wanted to support her but that soon went out the window when I quickly became engrossed in the drama unfolding and trying to work out good guys and bad guys hiding in shadows. Kennedy may be paranoid that several colleagues may be after her but that didn't mean she was wrong!!
As others state, there are a few loose ends which are semi tied up at the conclusion.... but there are still many more to be answered....mainly "Who Is Scout??"
Guess I gotta wait until the next installment is released to get the answers..... and see if my logical conclusions of the
"Bad guys" are anywhere close. (Admittedly most of the guys are 'bad' as they aren't in prison for being angels!!!)
Kennedy's job is to gather intelligence on potential lawbreakers within the prison system (both inmates and staff) which doesn't make her overly popular. Book starts off with her stopping a drugs handover which brings on "Scout's" radar and results in her being attacked and stabbed on civvy street. Thereafter her mission is to find out who Scout is and who she can trust. Almost everyone is a suspect!
The genre I chose to "read" is Kindle/Audible whispersync. Hearing the spoken "gritty scottish" word may be why I likened it to Ian Rankin Rebus series, which I also listen to.
I started reading mainly because the author is a relation and I wanted to support her but that soon went out the window when I quickly became engrossed in the drama unfolding and trying to work out good guys and bad guys hiding in shadows. Kennedy may be paranoid that several colleagues may be after her but that didn't mean she was wrong!!
As others state, there are a few loose ends which are semi tied up at the conclusion.... but there are still many more to be answered....mainly "Who Is Scout??"
Guess I gotta wait until the next installment is released to get the answers..... and see if my logical conclusions of the
"Bad guys" are anywhere close. (Admittedly most of the guys are 'bad' as they aren't in prison for being angels!!!)
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