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The Fifth Lock
In the sun-soaked streets of San Diego, Detective Delilah Jackson battles demons both real and imagined. Haunted by the ghosts of her past that she has long since forgotten and her father's untimely battle with cancer, Delilah grapples with the shadows lurking within her own mind. But as the city's pulse quickens with fear, a new darkness emerges.
A serial killer stalks the coastal paradise, leaving behind a trail of twisted clues that lead straight to Delilah's doorstep. Each victim bears a chilling connection to her late father, plunging Delilah into a harrowing race against time and memory. With her grip on reality slipping, she must confront the ghosts of her past to unmask the killer before they strike again.
In a city where the line between justice and vengeance blurs, Delilah must confront her own demons to bring a killer to justice. But as the darkness closes in, will she emerge triumphant, or will she become the very thing she fears most?
"The Fifth Lock" is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final, heart-stopping revelation. Join Detective Delilah Jackson on a journey through the darkest corners of the human psyche, where the only certainty is that nothing is as it seems.
A serial killer stalks the coastal paradise, leaving behind a trail of twisted clues that lead straight to Delilah's doorstep. Each victim bears a chilling connection to her late father, plunging Delilah into a harrowing race against time and memory. With her grip on reality slipping, she must confront the ghosts of her past to unmask the killer before they strike again.
In a city where the line between justice and vengeance blurs, Delilah must confront her own demons to bring a killer to justice. But as the darkness closes in, will she emerge triumphant, or will she become the very thing she fears most?
"The Fifth Lock" is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final, heart-stopping revelation. Join Detective Delilah Jackson on a journey through the darkest corners of the human psyche, where the only certainty is that nothing is as it seems.
- GenresEbooks
196 pages, Hardcover
Published June 9, 2025
About the author
Becca Lynne
6 books26 followersBecca Lynne is a 30something year old, neurospicy, chronically ill, queer, mother of 4 living her best life in rural Southern California. By day she is a virtual English tutor and by night she is mother, author, and cozy game streamer and content creator. Along side her sister, Becca Lynne also owns a homemade witchy and mythological candle shop called Lore of the Pomegranate.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 15, 2025
Becca Lynne’s The Fifth Lock is a haunting, powerful descent into the darkest corners of the human psyche. From the very first page, I was on the edge of my seat, gripped by a story that is as emotionally raw as it is psychologically complex.
Following Detective Delilah Jackson, the narrative plunges into a world shaped by trauma, abuse, and the scars that never fully fade. Delilah is a compelling, deeply human protagonist—brilliant yet vulnerable. As the layers peel back, it becomes clear that this is not just a mystery to be solved, but a profound exploration of PTSD, mental illness, and survival.
The plot unfolds with precision and tension, leading to a twist that is nothing short of genius. Knowing that the author wrote this novel as part of her own healing journey makes the story even more impactful. Becca Lynne’s bravery in confronting such painful material head-on is evident on every page, and it lends the book an authenticity that lingers long after the final chapter.
The Fifth Lock is not an easy read—but it’s an essential one. It’s a stark reminder of the strength it takes to live with trauma, and the courage it takes to write about it. Becca Lynne has done both, and in doing so, has created something unforgettable.
Following Detective Delilah Jackson, the narrative plunges into a world shaped by trauma, abuse, and the scars that never fully fade. Delilah is a compelling, deeply human protagonist—brilliant yet vulnerable. As the layers peel back, it becomes clear that this is not just a mystery to be solved, but a profound exploration of PTSD, mental illness, and survival.
The plot unfolds with precision and tension, leading to a twist that is nothing short of genius. Knowing that the author wrote this novel as part of her own healing journey makes the story even more impactful. Becca Lynne’s bravery in confronting such painful material head-on is evident on every page, and it lends the book an authenticity that lingers long after the final chapter.
The Fifth Lock is not an easy read—but it’s an essential one. It’s a stark reminder of the strength it takes to live with trauma, and the courage it takes to write about it. Becca Lynne has done both, and in doing so, has created something unforgettable.
April 22, 2025
OH MY GAWDDDD.
I've been so excited for this book since reading Becca's short story.
I'm not usually one for crime/thriller books, but I had to read this.
the depictions of delilah, and the trauma she goes through is so well described that you can physically picture each. and. every. scene. it is so heartbreaking!
the dedication I can sense from becca lynne for this novel is insane. Incredible writing, formatting, and graphics that are included in the novel. you can tell she has poured her heart and soul into EVERY aspect.
the story ends on a cliffhanger. so I can only assume there will be a book 2. (please let there be a book 2).
overall, I cannot recommend this book enough. GET IT NOW.
job more than well done becca. I take my hat off to you. and I'm sending SO much love 💖💖
I've been so excited for this book since reading Becca's short story.
I'm not usually one for crime/thriller books, but I had to read this.
the depictions of delilah, and the trauma she goes through is so well described that you can physically picture each. and. every. scene. it is so heartbreaking!
the dedication I can sense from becca lynne for this novel is insane. Incredible writing, formatting, and graphics that are included in the novel. you can tell she has poured her heart and soul into EVERY aspect.
the story ends on a cliffhanger. so I can only assume there will be a book 2. (please let there be a book 2).
overall, I cannot recommend this book enough. GET IT NOW.
job more than well done becca. I take my hat off to you. and I'm sending SO much love 💖💖
June 19, 2025
The Fifth Lock by Becca Lynne
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Fifth Lock is a book I won’t forget for a long time.
From the start, I highly recommend getting a physical copy. The quality is stunning: thick, color pages and a design that feels intentional and intimate.
Becca Lynne’s ability to create atmosphere and emotional depth is remarkable; you don’t just read this story—you live in it.
What truly stood out to me was the author’s care for her readers. Trigger warnings are listed thoughtfully both at the beginning of the book and before the most intense chapter, alongside crisis hotline numbers.
And the twist? Completely blew my mind. I did not see it coming, and it elevated the entire story in a way that was both shocking and satisfying.
This book was nearly impossible to put down. I’m already looking forward to whatever Becca Lynne writes next—because if it’s anything like The Fifth Lock, it’s going to be unforgettable.
The Fifth Lock is a book I won’t forget for a long time.
From the start, I highly recommend getting a physical copy. The quality is stunning: thick, color pages and a design that feels intentional and intimate.
Becca Lynne’s ability to create atmosphere and emotional depth is remarkable; you don’t just read this story—you live in it.
What truly stood out to me was the author’s care for her readers. Trigger warnings are listed thoughtfully both at the beginning of the book and before the most intense chapter, alongside crisis hotline numbers.
And the twist? Completely blew my mind. I did not see it coming, and it elevated the entire story in a way that was both shocking and satisfying.
This book was nearly impossible to put down. I’m already looking forward to whatever Becca Lynne writes next—because if it’s anything like The Fifth Lock, it’s going to be unforgettable.
June 10, 2025
Wow. This was an amazing crime/psychological thriller with a twist that you won't see coming. There is some hard stuff to read in there regarding abuse to a child, but the author gives a warning before getting into that part of the story so you're prepared. I really enjoyed this. Delilah is a detective, who's on the search for why her biological parents gave her up. She had a pretty traumatic childhood and has blocked out a lot of what happened. Her adoptive parents never gave her answers and both pass away before she ever gets them. But upon her father's passing, she finds boxes detailing her case. She has some form of OCD where she has to do things a specific number of times like lock and unlock doors and I think things like this little detail really give the characters extra life because it makes them seem so much more real! Anyway... with all that going on, there's a serial unaliver in the area and this person seems to be leaving clues right on Delilah's door step, with each victim having some sort of connection to her late father. This really had me biting my nails wondering what was going to happen next. Some parts of the story regarding her traumatic past is absolutely heartbreaking, but it also shows how brave and courageous she is now. It also sort of leaves off on a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to see what's next. Great read. I recommend it if you like crime thrillers with a twist!
June 8, 2025
This book kept me reading and I finished it in one sitting. Delilah's past was rough but compelling and the story was fast paced. It covers some heavy topics but Becca Lynne handled them well and gives some warning so that you are not blindsided. Pick it up for a good, engaging story.
February 10, 2026
I have great respect for writers, writing a book takes an enormous amount of effort, creativity, and persistence.
That said, I really disliked this book. If I were someone who DNF’d books, I likely would have. The story suffers from several issues, but the primary one is something I often see with newer writers: a lack of trust in the reader.
The prologue explicitly tells us that Delilah, the main character, was abused as a child. Because of this, the later reveal involving the “neighbor girl” she hears crying for help carries no emotional weight because we already know it’s her. This pattern repeats throughout the book. Jimmy, another officer, is repeatedly described as a misogynistic asshole, but we’re told this rather than shown it through his actions. The same applies to Delilah’s father: we’re constantly told how great he is, without the narrative allowing us to experience it organically.
Delilah is also sexually assaulted at one point, yet she seems to be “over it” within days. The same thing happens with her father’s death, she is initially inconsolable, then suddenly fine. These moments are treated with very little emotional follow-through. Additionally, Delilah’s OCD and her compulsion to lock things five times are introduced but never meaningfully tied back into the story. There’s no explanation for why this compulsion changes over the course of the book, and it ultimately feels like a superficial character trait used mainly to annoy her coworkers rather than add depth.
The final twist revealing the killer was extremely predictable. On top of that, San Diego is written as though it’s a small town with a single police precinct. It’s also hard to believe that Delilah, at 35, would suddenly start randomly running into the men who abused her as a child after not seeing them for years.
I would not recommend this book.
That said, I really disliked this book. If I were someone who DNF’d books, I likely would have. The story suffers from several issues, but the primary one is something I often see with newer writers: a lack of trust in the reader.
The prologue explicitly tells us that Delilah, the main character, was abused as a child. Because of this, the later reveal involving the “neighbor girl” she hears crying for help carries no emotional weight because we already know it’s her. This pattern repeats throughout the book. Jimmy, another officer, is repeatedly described as a misogynistic asshole, but we’re told this rather than shown it through his actions. The same applies to Delilah’s father: we’re constantly told how great he is, without the narrative allowing us to experience it organically.
Delilah is also sexually assaulted at one point, yet she seems to be “over it” within days. The same thing happens with her father’s death, she is initially inconsolable, then suddenly fine. These moments are treated with very little emotional follow-through. Additionally, Delilah’s OCD and her compulsion to lock things five times are introduced but never meaningfully tied back into the story. There’s no explanation for why this compulsion changes over the course of the book, and it ultimately feels like a superficial character trait used mainly to annoy her coworkers rather than add depth.
The final twist revealing the killer was extremely predictable. On top of that, San Diego is written as though it’s a small town with a single police precinct. It’s also hard to believe that Delilah, at 35, would suddenly start randomly running into the men who abused her as a child after not seeing them for years.
I would not recommend this book.
June 1, 2026
Psychological suspense, emotional depth, and gripping mystery. The Fifth Lock by Becca Lynne is a dark psychological thriller that blends a serial killer investigation with a deeply personal journey through grief, trauma, and memory.
Detective Delilah Jackson is already struggling with the emotional weight of her father’s illness and death when a killer begins leaving behind clues connected to her family. As the investigation intensifies, Delilah finds herself questioning not only the evidence but also her own memories and perception of reality.
What makes this story especially compelling is the way the mystery intertwines with Delilah’s personal struggles. The emotional stakes feel just as important as the hunt for the killer, creating a story that is both suspenseful and psychologically engaging.
✨ What stood out:
* Psychological thriller elements
* Serial killer investigation
* Strong female detective
* Family secrets and trauma
* Grief and loss themes
* Twists and red herrings
* Unreliable memory elements
* Fast-paced suspense
The deeper Delilah digs, the more unsettling the truth becomes, leading to a conclusion that keeps the tension high until the very end.
⚠️ Content Warnings
* Murder
* Serial killer themes
* Cancer and terminal illness
* Grief and loss
* Psychological distress
* Violence
* Trauma and memory issues
Detective Delilah Jackson is already struggling with the emotional weight of her father’s illness and death when a killer begins leaving behind clues connected to her family. As the investigation intensifies, Delilah finds herself questioning not only the evidence but also her own memories and perception of reality.
What makes this story especially compelling is the way the mystery intertwines with Delilah’s personal struggles. The emotional stakes feel just as important as the hunt for the killer, creating a story that is both suspenseful and psychologically engaging.
✨ What stood out:
* Psychological thriller elements
* Serial killer investigation
* Strong female detective
* Family secrets and trauma
* Grief and loss themes
* Twists and red herrings
* Unreliable memory elements
* Fast-paced suspense
The deeper Delilah digs, the more unsettling the truth becomes, leading to a conclusion that keeps the tension high until the very end.
⚠️ Content Warnings
* Murder
* Serial killer themes
* Cancer and terminal illness
* Grief and loss
* Psychological distress
* Violence
* Trauma and memory issues
January 6, 2026
Read this back in September when I received a copy from the author at an event and forgot to leave a review (s0rry). So what did I do? I re-read it! This is a very short book, under 200 pages but do not think this is an easy read. There are many trigger warnings, and the author lets you know throughout the book also. This book is so twisty and filled with many OMG moments, I lost track early. A petite female detective is the bad-ass heroine in this suspense thriller but she has a very horrific/sad past and I was rooting for her to have some long overdue justice....
I do not want to spoil anything. I sure hope there is a sequel because of the ending! Highly recommended!
Thank you Becca Lynne for signing my copy of this book! I also love my candle.
I do not want to spoil anything. I sure hope there is a sequel because of the ending! Highly recommended!
Thank you Becca Lynne for signing my copy of this book! I also love my candle.
December 2, 2025
A serial murderer stalks the streets of San Diego. Ties between the deceased and a young child they all raped leaves the reader wondering, "Who could possibly be behind the murders? "
As time goes by, the rape victim spins further and further out of control, and her mental illness takes over her life.
All of these interesting events take place, hidden behind a police investigation into the murders. It's complicated! It's very complicated.
A great read for anyone who can cope with the stories of sexual abuse of a young child.
As time goes by, the rape victim spins further and further out of control, and her mental illness takes over her life.
All of these interesting events take place, hidden behind a police investigation into the murders. It's complicated! It's very complicated.
A great read for anyone who can cope with the stories of sexual abuse of a young child.
April 30, 2026
not a bad book by any means! just didn’t really do it for me. i liked that it was set in SD. could be very triggering for some
Did Not Finish
May 25, 2026Dnf @22%
October 28, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
I received this as a birthday gift from a friend. The story started out pretty good, as we follow Detective Delilah Jackson on the job and in her personal life. You can tell from the start that she has mental issues. But she’s holding it together pretty well for the first two murders. Then things start falling apart. Unfortunately the big reveal at the end was not a surprise. The plot alternated from excitement to boredom and I didn’t feel invested in the story.
I received this as a birthday gift from a friend. The story started out pretty good, as we follow Detective Delilah Jackson on the job and in her personal life. You can tell from the start that she has mental issues. But she’s holding it together pretty well for the first two murders. Then things start falling apart. Unfortunately the big reveal at the end was not a surprise. The plot alternated from excitement to boredom and I didn’t feel invested in the story.
July 11, 2025
This book kept me on the edge of my seat! I never knew what was going to happen! The story is a well written, fast paced suspenseful crime thriller that keeps you engaged from the first page to the last. If you can handle some triggers (they are stated at the beginning of the book) then this book is for you! Becca, please don't stop writing! I need more!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews