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The Five of Us
An unsettling, propulsive thriller where home is not a sanctuary, isolation looms, and the future has evaporated. All that’s left is fear, frustration, and an anger that won’t go away.
Meet Crow, Goldfinch, Starling, Wren, and Cuckoo—five girls who will never tell you their real names. They’re the brightest students at an underfunded, inner-city Bristol school, pushing toward opportunity despite the odds stacked against them. They believe they’re on the cusp of something better … until the world abruptly shuts down. Exams are cancelled, their plans collapse, and the future dissolves into a fog of uncertainty.
With long nights, a city under curfew, and nothing left to lose, the girls slip into a world of dark possibility. Each illicit outing becomes its own kind of dangerous magic. Their choices spiral—from reckless to ruthless—and by the end of a strange, suspended summer, more than one person will be dead.
Seven years later, the survivors have not spoken since. But someone knows what happened. Someone who has been watching. Hunting. Taunting. As they stumble through an adulthood they were never prepared for—and reckon with all the wounds of a generation left behind—the rage that bound them together in the past resurfaces with lethal force.
They broke the rules. And now the rules may end up breaking them.
Meet Crow, Goldfinch, Starling, Wren, and Cuckoo—five girls who will never tell you their real names. They’re the brightest students at an underfunded, inner-city Bristol school, pushing toward opportunity despite the odds stacked against them. They believe they’re on the cusp of something better … until the world abruptly shuts down. Exams are cancelled, their plans collapse, and the future dissolves into a fog of uncertainty.
With long nights, a city under curfew, and nothing left to lose, the girls slip into a world of dark possibility. Each illicit outing becomes its own kind of dangerous magic. Their choices spiral—from reckless to ruthless—and by the end of a strange, suspended summer, more than one person will be dead.
Seven years later, the survivors have not spoken since. But someone knows what happened. Someone who has been watching. Hunting. Taunting. As they stumble through an adulthood they were never prepared for—and reckon with all the wounds of a generation left behind—the rage that bound them together in the past resurfaces with lethal force.
They broke the rules. And now the rules may end up breaking them.
11 pages, Audible Audio
Published August 25, 2026
About the author
Sian Gilbert
4 books887 followersSian Gilbert is a thriller author in the United Kingdom. She is represented by Helen Heller at the Helen Heller Agency.
Her debut thriller SHE STARTED IT (June 13th 2023) was a Book of the Month Main Selection, and an Amazon Editors' Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense. Her second thriller I DID WARN HER (June 18th 2025) received a starred review from Booklist.
Sian's third novel, THE FIVE OF US, is coming August 2026.
Follow Sian on Instagram, TikTok and X: @sianmgilbert
Find Sian on Facebook:
Sian Gilbert - Author
Her debut thriller SHE STARTED IT (June 13th 2023) was a Book of the Month Main Selection, and an Amazon Editors' Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense. Her second thriller I DID WARN HER (June 18th 2025) received a starred review from Booklist.
Sian's third novel, THE FIVE OF US, is coming August 2026.
Follow Sian on Instagram, TikTok and X: @sianmgilbert
Find Sian on Facebook:
Sian Gilbert - Author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I quite enjoyed this story from Sian Gilbert, and the narrator was top notch and helped bring the story to life.
5 young girls band together as loners. With a taste of mischief that arises from COVID boredom, they keep upping the ante until they are over their heads. And one of them pays the ultimate price.
I enjoyed the characters and their friendship and the way they developed and changed based on the world around them. I found their actions to be believable and compelling, and I loved how they took care of each other. They are not perfect people, but they absolutely care about each other.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Sian Gilbert, and Blackstone Publishing for my ARC of this audiobook.
5 young girls band together as loners. With a taste of mischief that arises from COVID boredom, they keep upping the ante until they are over their heads. And one of them pays the ultimate price.
I enjoyed the characters and their friendship and the way they developed and changed based on the world around them. I found their actions to be believable and compelling, and I loved how they took care of each other. They are not perfect people, but they absolutely care about each other.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Sian Gilbert, and Blackstone Publishing for my ARC of this audiobook.
August 27, 2026
It’s beginning to look alot like… spooky 👻 season!! 🖤 I know.. I know.. I am super early.😂 I just can’t wait!! Thank you so much @blackstonepublishing #partner for the gorgeous gifted copy! It’s SO good to be a part of #blackstoneinsiders 🖤🫶Also thank you @blackstonepublishing for the AMAZING audiobook!! 🎧🎧🎧
Soo back to spooky season..😂 This book is a great one to add to that list.Just saying. 😉Listen to this..
5 girls… Coming of age.. Covid style.. Yep it’s 2020 and you are suddenly.. HOME. ALL of the time. OMG I don’t know about you but I can’t imagine being on lockdown during high school. These five didn’t like it either. SO… what did they do?? See below ⬇️
They snuck out.. ventured into places they shouldn’t be… played drinking games.. stole alcohol.. Umm seems pretty normal right?!! Until of course.. that murder. 😳
Shocking..😳 … Compelling.. and not everyone will make it out alive. WHAT?! I know right?!!
This has a whole dark academia vibe. If it were a movie you would hear the sinister music in the background. It was a slow burn building up.. until it wasn’t. It turns into a gasp worthy WTFFF moment. 👏👏 Actually several moments like this! I loved how this wrapped up!!
I jumped back and forth between the audiobook and the physical. The audio was so good!! Usually I would struggle with these many characters but not this time. Their personalities were so strong that I easily kept track.
This is my second book by @sianmgilbert and now I need to grab I Did Warn Her! I already read She Started It which I really enjoyed.
Soo back to spooky season..😂 This book is a great one to add to that list.Just saying. 😉Listen to this..
5 girls… Coming of age.. Covid style.. Yep it’s 2020 and you are suddenly.. HOME. ALL of the time. OMG I don’t know about you but I can’t imagine being on lockdown during high school. These five didn’t like it either. SO… what did they do?? See below ⬇️
They snuck out.. ventured into places they shouldn’t be… played drinking games.. stole alcohol.. Umm seems pretty normal right?!! Until of course.. that murder. 😳
Shocking..😳 … Compelling.. and not everyone will make it out alive. WHAT?! I know right?!!
This has a whole dark academia vibe. If it were a movie you would hear the sinister music in the background. It was a slow burn building up.. until it wasn’t. It turns into a gasp worthy WTFFF moment. 👏👏 Actually several moments like this! I loved how this wrapped up!!
I jumped back and forth between the audiobook and the physical. The audio was so good!! Usually I would struggle with these many characters but not this time. Their personalities were so strong that I easily kept track.
This is my second book by @sianmgilbert and now I need to grab I Did Warn Her! I already read She Started It which I really enjoyed.
April 4, 2026
I’m a big fan of Sian Gilbert now. I love her storytelling and the reveals that pop up here and there. I really loved the friendship of these girls and I was excited to be on that journey with them (despite the murders).
Thank you NetGalley for this arc!
Thank you NetGalley for this arc!
November 1, 2026
📌New Review
Thank you partner @librofm for my gifted ALC.
🆕 Release❗️
🎧:The Five of Us
✍️:Sian Gilbert
🖨️:Blackstone Publishing
📈:4⭐️
🔪:Dark Academia/ Thriller
📝”The five of us…I can’t believe what we turned into...”
Best friends with nicknames for one another that originated from a youth bird-watching field trip : Cuckoo, Goldfinch, Crow, Wren & Starling. They’re the brightest students, just trying to get through high-school & become something more despite their odds. But when the pandemic hits, everything goes haywire.
“The world has gone crazy. All the rules are changing; any semblance of structure has vanished.”
“It’s my ticket; how I pass to the next stage. It feels bizarre to leave it like this.”
No finals, no last day, no last summer of freedom. Everything they’ve looked forward to has been canceled. Times are daunting; their strategically planned futures now unknown.
“We’re protected under the cover of darkness that makes [us] feel like we could do anything.”
Bored, they start thinking about the perfect murder they were studying in class before shutdown. The girls realize that now would be the easiest time to kill someone. No witnesses. Suddenly, the good kids choose to make up for lost time & peer pressure is at its ugliest.
“It’s better to be in than out.”
As the girls carefully plan how to frighten their first target, things get carried away & more than one person will turn up “missing.”
“You thought you were the only monster in the room…our talons are sharp!”
They may get away for it now, but years later when a “magpie” gets involved their once carefully covered tracks have gone awry.
This was quite a ride! I never knew what the flock’s next move would be! Once again Sian Gilbert has written a thriller with such a compelling narrative it forced me into the world & wouldn’t let me go until I finished! I read this book in a single sitting & was anxious to get back to it whenever I had to pause! I also loved the bird reference because I have tattoos of birds that represent people that I’ve lost!
💭What bird would you choose to represent you?
🏷️
#newreleasetuesday #newreleasebooks #thriller #thrillerbooks #bookstagram
Thank you partner @librofm for my gifted ALC.
🆕 Release❗️
🎧:The Five of Us
✍️:Sian Gilbert
🖨️:Blackstone Publishing
📈:4⭐️
🔪:Dark Academia/ Thriller
📝”The five of us…I can’t believe what we turned into...”
Best friends with nicknames for one another that originated from a youth bird-watching field trip : Cuckoo, Goldfinch, Crow, Wren & Starling. They’re the brightest students, just trying to get through high-school & become something more despite their odds. But when the pandemic hits, everything goes haywire.
“The world has gone crazy. All the rules are changing; any semblance of structure has vanished.”
“It’s my ticket; how I pass to the next stage. It feels bizarre to leave it like this.”
No finals, no last day, no last summer of freedom. Everything they’ve looked forward to has been canceled. Times are daunting; their strategically planned futures now unknown.
“We’re protected under the cover of darkness that makes [us] feel like we could do anything.”
Bored, they start thinking about the perfect murder they were studying in class before shutdown. The girls realize that now would be the easiest time to kill someone. No witnesses. Suddenly, the good kids choose to make up for lost time & peer pressure is at its ugliest.
“It’s better to be in than out.”
As the girls carefully plan how to frighten their first target, things get carried away & more than one person will turn up “missing.”
“You thought you were the only monster in the room…our talons are sharp!”
They may get away for it now, but years later when a “magpie” gets involved their once carefully covered tracks have gone awry.
This was quite a ride! I never knew what the flock’s next move would be! Once again Sian Gilbert has written a thriller with such a compelling narrative it forced me into the world & wouldn’t let me go until I finished! I read this book in a single sitting & was anxious to get back to it whenever I had to pause! I also loved the bird reference because I have tattoos of birds that represent people that I’ve lost!
💭What bird would you choose to represent you?
🏷️
#newreleasetuesday #newreleasebooks #thriller #thrillerbooks #bookstagram
October 27, 2026
Big thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the ALC!! This one is out today!
This was an entertaining, twisty read that kept me intrigued! I loved the premise of a group of friends with secrets, complicated relationships, and plenty of reasons not to trust one another.
There was a good amount of drama, tension, and suspicion throughout, and I enjoyed trying to piece everything together. Some parts were more compelling than others, and while I wouldn't say I was completely blown away by the twists, there was enough going on to keep me invested.
I listened to the audiobook, which made for an enjoyable listening experience. The narration helped bring the characters and their messy dynamics to life and elevated the story for me.
Overall, a solid psychological thriller with messy friendships, secrets, and a whole lot of questionable decisions. Not quite a standout for me, but definitely an enjoyable read!
This was an entertaining, twisty read that kept me intrigued! I loved the premise of a group of friends with secrets, complicated relationships, and plenty of reasons not to trust one another.
There was a good amount of drama, tension, and suspicion throughout, and I enjoyed trying to piece everything together. Some parts were more compelling than others, and while I wouldn't say I was completely blown away by the twists, there was enough going on to keep me invested.
I listened to the audiobook, which made for an enjoyable listening experience. The narration helped bring the characters and their messy dynamics to life and elevated the story for me.
Overall, a solid psychological thriller with messy friendships, secrets, and a whole lot of questionable decisions. Not quite a standout for me, but definitely an enjoyable read!
September 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audio for the gifted ALC.
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t really work for me. I thought the premise was interesting, but I struggled with the slow pacing and kept waiting for the story to really pick up. I also had a hard time connecting with the characters, and I wanted more depth from them.
I listened to this primarily as an audiobook while I was working, which definitely helped me get through it. Being able to have it playing in the background made it easier to keep going, and if I hadn’t had the audiobook, I’m not sure I would have finished it.
There were some interesting ideas here, but ultimately I never felt invested enough in the story or characters for it to really work for me.
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t really work for me. I thought the premise was interesting, but I struggled with the slow pacing and kept waiting for the story to really pick up. I also had a hard time connecting with the characters, and I wanted more depth from them.
I listened to this primarily as an audiobook while I was working, which definitely helped me get through it. Being able to have it playing in the background made it easier to keep going, and if I hadn’t had the audiobook, I’m not sure I would have finished it.
There were some interesting ideas here, but ultimately I never felt invested enough in the story or characters for it to really work for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.8 ⭐️ 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Five brilliant teenage girls, known only by bird nicknames, break curfew during the COVID lockdown and make a series of reckless choices that end in tragedy.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
With multiple POVs, each of the 5 main characters had her own narrator. The casting was done well, as the voices really matched the personalities of the girls. I also liked how, 7 years later, their voices had matured, again matching their personalities.
I do wish production had them all speak in the same accent. It may not be obvious to non UK listeners, but to my London born ears, it didn’t make sense.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This was an entertaining exploration of friendship, guilt and the “lost generation” shaped by lockdown. The vibe is coming-of-age, with the last third of the book moving into thriller territory.
I do enjoy coming-of-age stories, but for a thriller fan, this part was too long and too slow paced for me. I loved the premise of the smart girlies breaking curfew and watching their behavior escalate, but it took too long to get there and didn’t feel thrillery enough.
It’s heavily character-based, and I enjoyed all 5 girls and their relationships with each other. I also enjoyed their growth, which is often missing in thrillers.
The final act was easily my favorite part. Lots of action, fast-paced, with some great reveals.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
If stories set during COVID aren’t for you, best avoid this. It’s definitely more coming-of-age than thriller, so this may be a great read for new adults who enjoy character-driven suspense.
Thank you Blackstone Publishing, Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Kate Walsh, Lucy Rayner, Imogen Church, Marisa Calin, Billie Fulford-Brown & Ella Lynch
📖 Release 08•25•26 | 🎧 Release 10•27•26|
336 pages | 11h
Five brilliant teenage girls, known only by bird nicknames, break curfew during the COVID lockdown and make a series of reckless choices that end in tragedy.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
With multiple POVs, each of the 5 main characters had her own narrator. The casting was done well, as the voices really matched the personalities of the girls. I also liked how, 7 years later, their voices had matured, again matching their personalities.
I do wish production had them all speak in the same accent. It may not be obvious to non UK listeners, but to my London born ears, it didn’t make sense.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This was an entertaining exploration of friendship, guilt and the “lost generation” shaped by lockdown. The vibe is coming-of-age, with the last third of the book moving into thriller territory.
I do enjoy coming-of-age stories, but for a thriller fan, this part was too long and too slow paced for me. I loved the premise of the smart girlies breaking curfew and watching their behavior escalate, but it took too long to get there and didn’t feel thrillery enough.
It’s heavily character-based, and I enjoyed all 5 girls and their relationships with each other. I also enjoyed their growth, which is often missing in thrillers.
The final act was easily my favorite part. Lots of action, fast-paced, with some great reveals.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
If stories set during COVID aren’t for you, best avoid this. It’s definitely more coming-of-age than thriller, so this may be a great read for new adults who enjoy character-driven suspense.
Thank you Blackstone Publishing, Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Kate Walsh, Lucy Rayner, Imogen Church, Marisa Calin, Billie Fulford-Brown & Ella Lynch
📖 Release 08•25•26 | 🎧 Release 10•27•26|
336 pages | 11h
July 10, 2026
Thank you Net Galley for an Advance Reader Copy of this book!
I have been looking forward to reading this book since Sian Gilbert first announced it. I have read She Started and really enjoyed it, and I own I Did Warn Her and I am excited to pick it up. I have like Gilbert's writing style and the fresh and interesting stories she brings to the genre. With that being said, I think the expectation I had for The Five of Us was set fairly high, and I think this book rose to that expectation for me.
This story follows five 17-18 year old girls in the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic experimenting with freedom and rebellion who end up taking it too far. Their lives all change and they have to learn how to move on while also keeping each other's secrets.
I think that the atmosphere of this book was done very well. I was a little hesitant at first when I realized that this book was set in 2020 during lockdown. That's a time that feels so many people try to avoid. I have read two books in the past that were set during lockdown and found them to leave me feeling very icky. The Five of Us, however, did not give me the same feeling. This book focuses on the isolation of the pandemic, but also the new freedom, exploration, and rebellion during this time. I believe Gilbert did a great job of using lockdown as a setting, but not focusing too much on it as a plot point.
I did find myself struggling at the start of this book to care about the characters and to become invested of the story. The "action" didn't start until around the 35-40% mark for me. So I do believe the first quarter dragged on a bit for me. However, I was hooked on the story from that point until the very end. I definitely enjoyed the second half more than the first half because it felt faster paced.
Overall, I found this book to be fun to read, a fresh story, and gripping after the story got started.
I have been looking forward to reading this book since Sian Gilbert first announced it. I have read She Started and really enjoyed it, and I own I Did Warn Her and I am excited to pick it up. I have like Gilbert's writing style and the fresh and interesting stories she brings to the genre. With that being said, I think the expectation I had for The Five of Us was set fairly high, and I think this book rose to that expectation for me.
This story follows five 17-18 year old girls in the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic experimenting with freedom and rebellion who end up taking it too far. Their lives all change and they have to learn how to move on while also keeping each other's secrets.
I think that the atmosphere of this book was done very well. I was a little hesitant at first when I realized that this book was set in 2020 during lockdown. That's a time that feels so many people try to avoid. I have read two books in the past that were set during lockdown and found them to leave me feeling very icky. The Five of Us, however, did not give me the same feeling. This book focuses on the isolation of the pandemic, but also the new freedom, exploration, and rebellion during this time. I believe Gilbert did a great job of using lockdown as a setting, but not focusing too much on it as a plot point.
I did find myself struggling at the start of this book to care about the characters and to become invested of the story. The "action" didn't start until around the 35-40% mark for me. So I do believe the first quarter dragged on a bit for me. However, I was hooked on the story from that point until the very end. I definitely enjoyed the second half more than the first half because it felt faster paced.
Overall, I found this book to be fun to read, a fresh story, and gripping after the story got started.
Did Not Finish
August 2, 2026This one just wasn’t for me. The premise immediately caught my attention, but the story never delivered the way I was hoping. It felt very slow, and I kept waiting for something to really pull me in, but it never happened. I also thought it leaned much more juvenile than adult, which made it harder for me to connect with the story. Also, the characters felt flat and didn’t have the depth I usually look for, so I never became invested in what happened to them.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for the advance listener copy. This review reflects my own opinion and was shared in exchange for the advance listener copy. I’d recommend this for young adults. This story had an interesting idea, but the execution just didn’t work for me.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for the advance listener copy. This review reflects my own opinion and was shared in exchange for the advance listener copy. I’d recommend this for young adults. This story had an interesting idea, but the execution just didn’t work for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Five of Us follows the increasingly heightened escapades of five friends—Crow, Goldfinch, Starling, Wren, and Cuckoo—as the pandemic closes their school, cancels their exams, and snatches their future possibilities.
Left with isolation, frustration, and an uncertain future, the five friends begin to break the new rules. Starting small at first, they increasingly move to more daring activities. That is, until an event that summer changes everything.
Seven years later, the estranged friends reconnect, the emotional trauma not yet dealt with. Just as they begin to move forward, they are abruptly forced to face the past: someone knows what happened.
Each still dealing with their own trauma, the friends work together to find out the truth.
Emotionally tense and class-sensitive, The Five of Us speaks to all those left behind. With the pandemic, young adults' future plans were stolen, forced to move on like nothing had changed. The book portrays this resentment masterfully and its corruptible influence.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing, Sian Gilbert, and NetGalley for an early arc!
Left with isolation, frustration, and an uncertain future, the five friends begin to break the new rules. Starting small at first, they increasingly move to more daring activities. That is, until an event that summer changes everything.
Seven years later, the estranged friends reconnect, the emotional trauma not yet dealt with. Just as they begin to move forward, they are abruptly forced to face the past: someone knows what happened.
Each still dealing with their own trauma, the friends work together to find out the truth.
Emotionally tense and class-sensitive, The Five of Us speaks to all those left behind. With the pandemic, young adults' future plans were stolen, forced to move on like nothing had changed. The book portrays this resentment masterfully and its corruptible influence.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing, Sian Gilbert, and NetGalley for an early arc!
August 6, 2026
Moody and atmospheric, The Five of Us perfectly captures the intense isolation of the early days of the pandemic and the struggles of a generation left unmoored. The future is uncertain, what was once promised is no longer guaranteed, but the possibilities are endless.
I loved Gilbert’s two previous novels, but this is the one that truly showcases her range as a writer. This is a story that mixes the suspense and literary genres in a way that leaves you both unsettled and yet hungering for the next page. The way Gilbert conveys emotion through all her characters is extremely well done. I felt their anger, their fear, and the stirrings of wonder that came with sudden freedom. I could not put it down!
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Gilbert’s two previous novels, but this is the one that truly showcases her range as a writer. This is a story that mixes the suspense and literary genres in a way that leaves you both unsettled and yet hungering for the next page. The way Gilbert conveys emotion through all her characters is extremely well done. I felt their anger, their fear, and the stirrings of wonder that came with sudden freedom. I could not put it down!
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2026
Crow, Goldfinch, Starling, Wren, and Cuckoo are five girls that don;t go by their real names rather the birds that they spotting on an outing. When COVID ends their last year of school before college the five girls decide to sneak out at night an meet to have some fun. What was going to be only the one time is now a nightly things where they meet at a location and wander the streets of their English village. They always seem to end up at Bishop's House, a run down mannor that has been abandoned for years and things were left behind. Each night they explore a different part of the house except one where the door wont open. After taking revenge on the person that killed Cuckoo's mother, they decide to drink and dance on the roof of the old house. When Goldie accidently falls the remaining girls must do the unthinkable and decide that they will not contact each other ever again. Seven years later they all get a text from Wren, whose mother is a real estate agent and has finally sold the Bishop House. The four of them must meet up and decide what to do next about Goldie before the whole house and land are razed. When they can't find Goldie they now have a bigger problem then they ever thought they would. I would like to thank both Edelweiss and Blackstone Publishing for letting me read to an advance copy of this book.
Did Not Finish
October 28, 2026DNF 30% I was hoping the bit that took place when they were young wasn’t going to last so long but it’s still going and it’s not interesting no matter how hard it tries
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What happens when five high school seniors are taken out of school, told they can't leave their house and will not be going back? This book offers a unique perspective into the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic on our youth. These five young women, had their hopes and dreams shattered, the course of their futures as they saw it completely derailed. This book looks into the theory that anyone can become a murderer given the right circumstances. It offers a fresh dive into peer pressure and loss, grief and the human need for revenge.
Though the first part is quite slow and felt at times like the story is not progressing fast enough, once I reached the first big incident, the book took a surprisingly dark and twisty direction. I became invested in the group dynamics and the unique personalities of the girls, and the suspense built progressively to the surprising ending.
Despite the slow start, I think this psychological thriller is worth reading and investing your time in. Thank you, Netgalley and Blackstone publishing for the eARC and ALC of this book.
3.75 stars rounded up.
Though the first part is quite slow and felt at times like the story is not progressing fast enough, once I reached the first big incident, the book took a surprisingly dark and twisty direction. I became invested in the group dynamics and the unique personalities of the girls, and the suspense built progressively to the surprising ending.
Despite the slow start, I think this psychological thriller is worth reading and investing your time in. Thank you, Netgalley and Blackstone publishing for the eARC and ALC of this book.
3.75 stars rounded up.
October 27, 2026
Thank you Blackstone Publishing - Audio and Netgalley for the #gifted advanced copy of this audiobook and to Blackstone Publishing #BlackstoneInsiders for sending this #gifted ARC...this is my honest review.
🎧📖 The Five of Us 📖🎧
Author: Sian Gilbert
Pub Date: August 25, 2026/October 27, 2026
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Audiobook Publisher: Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks
Narrators: Kate Walsh, Lucy Rayner, Imogen Church, Marisa Calin, Billie Fulford-Brown, & Ella Lynch
Length: 11 hours
MY RATING: 4.5/5⭐
The Five of Us, the latest book from Sian Gilbert, is an unhinged, dark, and slow-burning thriller about a group of five teenage girls coming of age during the initial unsettling chaos of the COVID lockdown in 2020 and who are keeping some pretty massive secrets as a result of that time in their lives.
The book is split into two parts: Part One takes place in 2020 and Part Two takes place in 2027. The story is told through multiple POVs in alternating chapters, which kept the pacing consistent and the suspense building. We meet Crow, Goldfinch, Starling, Wren, and Cuckoo - five friends from an underfunded boarding school who will never tell you their real names. They're all pushing for something better in their lives and nearing graduation -- until the abrupt shutdown of the world because of COVID.
The majority of this book was a slow burn, with a focus on character-driven plotlines that gave YA vibes. Gilbert did SUCH a fabulous job of recreating that sense of unease and uncertainty that became so palpable at the start of the lockdown in 2020. The characters of the five girls so perfectly captured all the emotions experienced during that time in our lives. The way things escalated in the most unhinged of ways and how their lives spiraled was a compelling representation of the chaos during those years. The tension surrounding the secrets that connected these five friends felt almost claustrophobic as I read, and the anonymity created by their nicknames seemed to fuel the mob mentality vibes surrounding some of their decisions. The way Gilbert used these nicknames to anonymously empower the girls so masterfully captured the heightened - and often unhinged - emotions of lockdown that were fueled by our fears of the unknown and the sense of isolation.
I read this as a combo of the physical book and the audiobook, and I loved both! I was grateful to have the book initially as I got to know each of the characters, but once I became familiar with each of them, I LOVED the audiobook with its multiple narrators. The accents and the individual traits each narrator brought to their characters was brilliant!
There was an almost-feral quality to this story that really captivated me. I was truly invested in what happened to these characters and how the whole story would resolve itself. I genuinely enjoyed the twists and turns of this book and would recommend it to fans of slow-burning, character-driven, and unhinged thrillers.
#TheFiveOfUs #SianGilbert #BlackstonePublishing #ARC #BlackstoneInsiders #BlackstonePublishingAudio #eALC #audiobooks #thrillerreads #thrillerlover #thrilleraddict #bookrecs #bookreviews #bookrecommendations
🎧📖 The Five of Us 📖🎧
Author: Sian Gilbert
Pub Date: August 25, 2026/October 27, 2026
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Audiobook Publisher: Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks
Narrators: Kate Walsh, Lucy Rayner, Imogen Church, Marisa Calin, Billie Fulford-Brown, & Ella Lynch
Length: 11 hours
MY RATING: 4.5/5⭐
The Five of Us, the latest book from Sian Gilbert, is an unhinged, dark, and slow-burning thriller about a group of five teenage girls coming of age during the initial unsettling chaos of the COVID lockdown in 2020 and who are keeping some pretty massive secrets as a result of that time in their lives.
The book is split into two parts: Part One takes place in 2020 and Part Two takes place in 2027. The story is told through multiple POVs in alternating chapters, which kept the pacing consistent and the suspense building. We meet Crow, Goldfinch, Starling, Wren, and Cuckoo - five friends from an underfunded boarding school who will never tell you their real names. They're all pushing for something better in their lives and nearing graduation -- until the abrupt shutdown of the world because of COVID.
The majority of this book was a slow burn, with a focus on character-driven plotlines that gave YA vibes. Gilbert did SUCH a fabulous job of recreating that sense of unease and uncertainty that became so palpable at the start of the lockdown in 2020. The characters of the five girls so perfectly captured all the emotions experienced during that time in our lives. The way things escalated in the most unhinged of ways and how their lives spiraled was a compelling representation of the chaos during those years. The tension surrounding the secrets that connected these five friends felt almost claustrophobic as I read, and the anonymity created by their nicknames seemed to fuel the mob mentality vibes surrounding some of their decisions. The way Gilbert used these nicknames to anonymously empower the girls so masterfully captured the heightened - and often unhinged - emotions of lockdown that were fueled by our fears of the unknown and the sense of isolation.
I read this as a combo of the physical book and the audiobook, and I loved both! I was grateful to have the book initially as I got to know each of the characters, but once I became familiar with each of them, I LOVED the audiobook with its multiple narrators. The accents and the individual traits each narrator brought to their characters was brilliant!
There was an almost-feral quality to this story that really captivated me. I was truly invested in what happened to these characters and how the whole story would resolve itself. I genuinely enjoyed the twists and turns of this book and would recommend it to fans of slow-burning, character-driven, and unhinged thrillers.
#TheFiveOfUs #SianGilbert #BlackstonePublishing #ARC #BlackstoneInsiders #BlackstonePublishingAudio #eALC #audiobooks #thrillerreads #thrillerlover #thrilleraddict #bookrecs #bookreviews #bookrecommendations
October 22, 2026
This was quite a surprise for me... right up until the very end with an ultimate surprise ending that brought me (personally) to tears.
This is the story of 5 girls. You know, the girls who are on the outskirts of everything that's happening around them. The ones who are not so much seen... they just exist. Yet, they are the brightest of the bright in an underachieving school in a not so great neighborhood. They quickly band together as friends... and are finally making a name for themselves... kind of... and then Covid hits. And everything shuts down... including, what looks like their futures.
Exams and classes are cancelled. The whole world is put on hold. And they are stuck indoors for what feel like forever, as a kid. Until one day, one of them decides to BREAK the rules. Not something they have ever done. But, they get together... outside. Against the rules. And they are ok. They actually like it!
So, the sneaking out at night becomes a mainstay. And they all look forward to it!
And they become more and more daring as they go...
And then, things quickly go off the rails. What have they done? Does anyone know? Can they hide it.... cover it up??
And life slowly changes for each of them. They start to grow up. Get jobs. Continue on in life... even though none of them really want to. And years go on. And they are not in touch....
UNTIL... a text message comes to all of them and scares the living crap out of them!! Does someone know??
This will keep you turning the pages and hanging on for dear life! There are lots of twists and tidbits thrown out there along the way that will totally mess you up!
Terrific story! 4 great big, bright, bird-like stars for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#TheFiveOfUs by @SianGilbert and narrated wonderfully by @KateWalsh, @LucyRayner, @ImogenChurch, @MarisaCalin, @BillieFulfordBrown and @EllaLynch.
This one HAS NOT been released yet! Look 👀 for it on 10/27/26!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @BlackstonePublishing and @BlackstoneAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
This is the story of 5 girls. You know, the girls who are on the outskirts of everything that's happening around them. The ones who are not so much seen... they just exist. Yet, they are the brightest of the bright in an underachieving school in a not so great neighborhood. They quickly band together as friends... and are finally making a name for themselves... kind of... and then Covid hits. And everything shuts down... including, what looks like their futures.
Exams and classes are cancelled. The whole world is put on hold. And they are stuck indoors for what feel like forever, as a kid. Until one day, one of them decides to BREAK the rules. Not something they have ever done. But, they get together... outside. Against the rules. And they are ok. They actually like it!
So, the sneaking out at night becomes a mainstay. And they all look forward to it!
And they become more and more daring as they go...
And then, things quickly go off the rails. What have they done? Does anyone know? Can they hide it.... cover it up??
And life slowly changes for each of them. They start to grow up. Get jobs. Continue on in life... even though none of them really want to. And years go on. And they are not in touch....
UNTIL... a text message comes to all of them and scares the living crap out of them!! Does someone know??
This will keep you turning the pages and hanging on for dear life! There are lots of twists and tidbits thrown out there along the way that will totally mess you up!
Terrific story! 4 great big, bright, bird-like stars for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#TheFiveOfUs by @SianGilbert and narrated wonderfully by @KateWalsh, @LucyRayner, @ImogenChurch, @MarisaCalin, @BillieFulfordBrown and @EllaLynch.
This one HAS NOT been released yet! Look 👀 for it on 10/27/26!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @BlackstonePublishing and @BlackstoneAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
October 26, 2026
Thank you to the author, Sian Gilbert, Publisher Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book. I received a gifted copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.
…It was a domino effect and it was better to be in than out…
The smart girls at school but you’ll only know them as Cuckoo, Crow, Goldfinch, Starling, Wren. Despite the odds stacked against them, these girls are on the cusp of something better until the world shuts down!
Reckless during lockdown has tragic consequences for a group of teens in this coming of age thriller set during the COVID pandemic. Life is so uncertain especially after that summer, before they turned monstrous.
A distinct before and after to their lives, now seven years later - someone knows what happened. They broke the rules, now the rules may break them.
Will any of them be able to soar above the truth?
Kate Walsh, Lucy Rayner, Imogen Church, Marisa Calin, Billie Fulford-Brown, and Ella Lynch narrate the various characters and I love how they gave a unique voice to each one. A multicast narration fit perfectly in this dark academia story.
I enjoyed the variation to each of the characters, their personalities, story and their growth. While it took me a bit to get into the new adult feel of the book, I did enjoy the overall story when everything panned out. I really liked the bird names, like code names it gave more of an air of mystery while reading.
…It was a domino effect and it was better to be in than out…
The smart girls at school but you’ll only know them as Cuckoo, Crow, Goldfinch, Starling, Wren. Despite the odds stacked against them, these girls are on the cusp of something better until the world shuts down!
Reckless during lockdown has tragic consequences for a group of teens in this coming of age thriller set during the COVID pandemic. Life is so uncertain especially after that summer, before they turned monstrous.
A distinct before and after to their lives, now seven years later - someone knows what happened. They broke the rules, now the rules may break them.
Will any of them be able to soar above the truth?
Kate Walsh, Lucy Rayner, Imogen Church, Marisa Calin, Billie Fulford-Brown, and Ella Lynch narrate the various characters and I love how they gave a unique voice to each one. A multicast narration fit perfectly in this dark academia story.
I enjoyed the variation to each of the characters, their personalities, story and their growth. While it took me a bit to get into the new adult feel of the book, I did enjoy the overall story when everything panned out. I really liked the bird names, like code names it gave more of an air of mystery while reading.
September 17, 2026
I had an advanced reader copy but was not able to finish until tonight through net galley!! Summer was crazier than expected but I’m so glad I was able to finally finish this within two days of having the time and staying up bishop house late! I have read all of the authors books. She is a fantastic writer and all the characters in this book had their own quirks. Sometimes I felt confused and had to go back to see what characters chapter I was on. I didn’t really see what happened coming. I would have guessed Goldie didn’t really die and got away to a new life. I just didn’t know why anyone would set them up so the mystery of it all really was right there the entire time .. I just complicated it lol! One of my favorite parts of the story is - they are all very close friends but their home life they really keep protected. Truly we can never REALLY know someone and everything good/bad. The premise of this being during covid was genius and the first I have read with Covid being involved and a “perfect murder”. Would you be like cuckoo and want justice for your mom? I do wish we had gotten their real names because I wondered what they’d be!! I think Goldie would have been Gemma. Wren would be Willa. Starling would be Sarah. Cuckoo would be Cassandra. Crow would be Christen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2026
5 teenage girls that suddenly experience Covid lockdown in 2020 and sneak out together. At first, they just hang out, then they start venturing into reckless behavior -- playing games, drinking alcohol, destroying things, and eventually.... murder. The storytelling of these 5 friends slowly builds. Their relationships were interesting. It was a slow coming-of-age thriller that had a surprising twist about halfway through that I wasn't expecting. The ending was the best part of this book as things were revealed about what actually happened during the Covid-era events.
*Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book to read and review*
*Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book to read and review*
October 18, 2026
Thank you to #NetGalley and #BlackstonePublishingAufiobooks for the copy of #TheFiveOfUs by #SianGilbert. Five girls from school, Crow, Cuckoo, Starling, Goldfish and Wren, all have bright futures ahead of them. That is until everything shuts down during a pandemic. They start sneaking out and rebelling. It comes to an end when tragedy hits. Seven years later, somebody knows the truth of that night. Will it destroy them all?
September 12, 2026
A dark academia release just in time for your spooky TBR list to grow! Even more intriguing, a coming of age story during the Covid timeframe of 2020! Five teenage girls during lockdown who test the waters for rebellion and freedom with usual sneaking out and drinking games, until the murder. Keeping secrets and trying to maintain normalcy after their lives have been completely changed, yet again!
August 25, 2026
This book was well written, but didn't hold my attention. I wasn't attached to any of the characters. I'm sure others will love this book, but it's just not for me.
July 9, 2026
This book really had me in a chokehold from beginning to end! Five girls, the brightest students in an underfunded inner city school on the cusp of graduation get antsy when lockdown changes their whole world and potentially their futures.
Exams are cancelled and now their futures feel so uncertain to them. They start sneaking out at night to an abandoned house and that is where things go downhill. I felt that each character was so well developed where we got a feel for all of their motivations.
My jaw dropped several times during this book. Definitely a page turner for me!
Exams are cancelled and now their futures feel so uncertain to them. They start sneaking out at night to an abandoned house and that is where things go downhill. I felt that each character was so well developed where we got a feel for all of their motivations.
My jaw dropped several times during this book. Definitely a page turner for me!
September 20, 2026
Nope. Not for me. Slow and boring. I should have DNFed this book for sure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've been a fan of Sian's books since her debut novel, and by this third one, I definitely saw a lot of growth in her writing and in her character development. I feel like The Five of Us was drastically different from her two previous novels, which felt more like fun popcorn thrillers with catty characters. This novel had much slower pacing, and she spent a lot more time focusing on each of these girls and their lives, which in turn helped give me a deeper understanding of their actions. While this book still had "unlikable" characters, I think it's safe to say that even if you didn't like or agree with the choices they made, you can still have empathy for them and their situation. I think the twists were interesting and much less predictable than in her previous books, and I even felt a bit emotional by the end. While this was mostly a coming-of-age thriller novel, it was also a story about friendships and the circumstances surrounding those friendships - and how far you will go to protect those closest to you. It also has some satisfying revenge and healing from grief thrown into the mix. The ending was actually perfection and I think made me appreciate all the events leading up to the conclusion.
Sian has cemented herself as an auto-buy author for me at this point. I love to see the range and growth over the last couple of books. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with in the future. If you're a fan of Noelle W. Ihli, I think you'd enjoy this one. It's not quite as dark as her books are, but I was definitely on a similar emotional roller-coaster by the end!
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've been a fan of Sian's books since her debut novel, and by this third one, I definitely saw a lot of growth in her writing and in her character development. I feel like The Five of Us was drastically different from her two previous novels, which felt more like fun popcorn thrillers with catty characters. This novel had much slower pacing, and she spent a lot more time focusing on each of these girls and their lives, which in turn helped give me a deeper understanding of their actions. While this book still had "unlikable" characters, I think it's safe to say that even if you didn't like or agree with the choices they made, you can still have empathy for them and their situation. I think the twists were interesting and much less predictable than in her previous books, and I even felt a bit emotional by the end. While this was mostly a coming-of-age thriller novel, it was also a story about friendships and the circumstances surrounding those friendships - and how far you will go to protect those closest to you. It also has some satisfying revenge and healing from grief thrown into the mix. The ending was actually perfection and I think made me appreciate all the events leading up to the conclusion.
Sian has cemented herself as an auto-buy author for me at this point. I love to see the range and growth over the last couple of books. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with in the future. If you're a fan of Noelle W. Ihli, I think you'd enjoy this one. It's not quite as dark as her books are, but I was definitely on a similar emotional roller-coaster by the end!
September 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In true Sian Gilbert fashion, The Five of Us delivers a dark, unsettling, and atmospheric psychological thriller that turns dark academia completely inside out.
Crow, Goldfinch, Starling, Wren, and Cuckoo
five high-achieving girls at an underfunded inner-city Bristol school. Already bound by social class and family expectations, their futures are put on hold when the world abruptly shuts down during their final year. Pushed together in isolation, their innocent late-night outings quickly spiral into something dangerous, ruthless, and deadly.
Told through dual timelines, we catch up with the survivors seven years later. Did they accomplish what they dreamed of, or are they still trapped by the secrets of that suspended summer? And more importantly..who is watching them now?
This was the perfect atmospheric audiobook to accompany my morning walks! The multi-cast narration brought each distinct voice to life and kept the tension simmering from start to finish. A gripping exploration of female friendship, generational rage, and the choices we make when our futures disappear overnight.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing Audio and NetGalley for the gifted audio listening copy!
In true Sian Gilbert fashion, The Five of Us delivers a dark, unsettling, and atmospheric psychological thriller that turns dark academia completely inside out.
Crow, Goldfinch, Starling, Wren, and Cuckoo
five high-achieving girls at an underfunded inner-city Bristol school. Already bound by social class and family expectations, their futures are put on hold when the world abruptly shuts down during their final year. Pushed together in isolation, their innocent late-night outings quickly spiral into something dangerous, ruthless, and deadly.
Told through dual timelines, we catch up with the survivors seven years later. Did they accomplish what they dreamed of, or are they still trapped by the secrets of that suspended summer? And more importantly..who is watching them now?
This was the perfect atmospheric audiobook to accompany my morning walks! The multi-cast narration brought each distinct voice to life and kept the tension simmering from start to finish. A gripping exploration of female friendship, generational rage, and the choices we make when our futures disappear overnight.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing Audio and NetGalley for the gifted audio listening copy!
August 22, 2026
I read this book in one sitting, which probably says everything about how hooked I became. The beginning was a little slow for me as the story spent time establishing the friendship between Crow, Goldfinch, Starling, Wren, and Cuckoo, but once everything was in place, it really took off. Around the halfway point is when things started getting REALLY good.
I'm usually not a fan of books centered around COVID or the pandemic, but I liked how this one was done. Rather than feeling like the entire point of the book, the lockdown created this strange, isolated atmosphere that helped explain how the girls became caught up in increasingly reckless and dangerous choices.
Once the past and present storylines really started coming together, the tension kept building and I needed to know what actually happened. The twists at the end were things I never saw coming. This is an auto read author for me and another 5 star!
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for a digital ARC.
I'm usually not a fan of books centered around COVID or the pandemic, but I liked how this one was done. Rather than feeling like the entire point of the book, the lockdown created this strange, isolated atmosphere that helped explain how the girls became caught up in increasingly reckless and dangerous choices.
Once the past and present storylines really started coming together, the tension kept building and I needed to know what actually happened. The twists at the end were things I never saw coming. This is an auto read author for me and another 5 star!
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for a digital ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an interesting mix of messy female friendships, secrets, rage, and the lasting effects of choices made when you’re young. I really liked following these five girls during such an uncertain time in their lives and then seeing where they ended up seven years later.
The female friendships were definitely a standout. These girls are complicated, flawed, and sometimes incredibly frustrating, which made their dynamics even more interesting. I enjoyed slowly uncovering what happened that summer and how it continued to follow them into adulthood.
I listened to this on audio, and the full cast was FOR SURE a highlight. They really brought each character to life and added a lot to the overall experience.
This didn’t completely blow me away, but it kept me interested and I enjoyed watching the past and present slowly come together. 3.5 stars rounded up!
Thanks to NetGalley & Blackstone Publishing Audiobooks for the ALC!
The female friendships were definitely a standout. These girls are complicated, flawed, and sometimes incredibly frustrating, which made their dynamics even more interesting. I enjoyed slowly uncovering what happened that summer and how it continued to follow them into adulthood.
I listened to this on audio, and the full cast was FOR SURE a highlight. They really brought each character to life and added a lot to the overall experience.
This didn’t completely blow me away, but it kept me interested and I enjoyed watching the past and present slowly come together. 3.5 stars rounded up!
Thanks to NetGalley & Blackstone Publishing Audiobooks for the ALC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The Five of Us” by Sian Gilbert is one of those thrillers that feels less interested in shocking twists and more interested in exploring how guilt, loneliness, and one terrible decision can shape an entire life. Part dark academia, part psychological thriller, and deeply rooted in the strange reality of 2020, this is a slow-burning but emotionally powerful story about friendship, anger, and the long shadow of regret.
The story follows five exceptionally bright girls attending an underfunded school in Bristol. Known only by their bird nicknames—Crow, Goldfinch, Starling, Wren, and Cuckoo—they've built their identities around academic success and dreams of escaping their circumstances. Then the pandemic arrives, exams are canceled, their carefully planned futures suddenly disappear, and they're left isolated with nothing but uncertainty stretching ahead of them.
At first, the girls simply start breaking lockdown rules to spend time together. But boredom, frustration, and a growing sense that the world has abandoned them slowly push them toward increasingly reckless behavior. Something happens during that summer, something devastating enough to destroy their friendship forever.
Seven years later, the surviving girls are scattered, estranged, and carrying the emotional scars of what happened. Just as they've begun building separate lives, they discover that someone knows the truth about that summer. Forced back together, they're confronted with old secrets, unresolved trauma, and the possibility that the past may never stay buried.
What stood out to me most was how effectively the book captures the emotional atmosphere of 2020. Rather than focusing on the pandemic itself, the story examines the frustration, isolation, and hopelessness that many people experienced during that time. These girls had spent years working toward a future that suddenly vanished overnight. The resulting anger and recklessness feel believable, and the book does an excellent job showing how loneliness and uncertainty can push people toward choices they never would have made otherwise.
The friendship dynamics are easily the strongest part of the novel. Even when the girls are making terrible decisions, their bond feels genuine. The story spends a lot of time exploring loyalty, class differences, ambition, and the complicated ways friendships evolve under pressure. Watching these relationships fracture and later seeing the lingering effects years afterward gave the book much of its emotional weight.
I also really liked the choice to use bird nicknames rather than the girls' real names. At first I thought it sounded a little strange, but it ultimately adds another layer of mystery and symbolism to the story. The nicknames help create the feeling that these girls were once part of their own private world, one that no longer exists.
The book uses multiple points of view, which allows you to understand each girl's background and motivations. For me, this was both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, the rotating perspectives give the characters depth and help build empathy for all of them. On the other hand, there were definitely moments where I had to remind myself whose chapter I was reading, especially early on. Those who struggle with large casts may find the first half a bit challenging.
Speaking of pacing, this is very much a slow-burn thriller. The first half focuses heavily on character development, atmosphere, and building the emotional foundation of the story. In fact, I became so invested in the girls' lives during the 2020 timeline that I almost forgot there was still a present-day mystery waiting to unfold. The tension gradually simmers in the background before finally ramping up significantly in the later sections. Around the final stretch, the pace accelerates and the suspense becomes much more intense.
What I appreciated most is that beneath the mystery, this is really a story about consequences. It's about what happens when intelligent, ambitious young people lose faith in the future they've been promised. It's about the lingering effects of boredom, loneliness, grief, and anger. The thriller elements are compelling, but the emotional exploration of guilt and regret is what truly lingers.
Overall, “The Five of Us” is a thoughtful, atmospheric psychological thriller that blends mystery with a surprisingly sharp examination of friendship and adolescence during an extraordinary moment in history. If you enjoy character-driven mysteries, multiple perspectives, dark academia vibes, and stories that focus on the emotional fallout of long-buried secrets, this one is definitely worth picking up.
“The Five of Us” by Sian Gilbert is one of those thrillers that feels less interested in shocking twists and more interested in exploring how guilt, loneliness, and one terrible decision can shape an entire life. Part dark academia, part psychological thriller, and deeply rooted in the strange reality of 2020, this is a slow-burning but emotionally powerful story about friendship, anger, and the long shadow of regret.
The story follows five exceptionally bright girls attending an underfunded school in Bristol. Known only by their bird nicknames—Crow, Goldfinch, Starling, Wren, and Cuckoo—they've built their identities around academic success and dreams of escaping their circumstances. Then the pandemic arrives, exams are canceled, their carefully planned futures suddenly disappear, and they're left isolated with nothing but uncertainty stretching ahead of them.
At first, the girls simply start breaking lockdown rules to spend time together. But boredom, frustration, and a growing sense that the world has abandoned them slowly push them toward increasingly reckless behavior. Something happens during that summer, something devastating enough to destroy their friendship forever.
Seven years later, the surviving girls are scattered, estranged, and carrying the emotional scars of what happened. Just as they've begun building separate lives, they discover that someone knows the truth about that summer. Forced back together, they're confronted with old secrets, unresolved trauma, and the possibility that the past may never stay buried.
What stood out to me most was how effectively the book captures the emotional atmosphere of 2020. Rather than focusing on the pandemic itself, the story examines the frustration, isolation, and hopelessness that many people experienced during that time. These girls had spent years working toward a future that suddenly vanished overnight. The resulting anger and recklessness feel believable, and the book does an excellent job showing how loneliness and uncertainty can push people toward choices they never would have made otherwise.
The friendship dynamics are easily the strongest part of the novel. Even when the girls are making terrible decisions, their bond feels genuine. The story spends a lot of time exploring loyalty, class differences, ambition, and the complicated ways friendships evolve under pressure. Watching these relationships fracture and later seeing the lingering effects years afterward gave the book much of its emotional weight.
I also really liked the choice to use bird nicknames rather than the girls' real names. At first I thought it sounded a little strange, but it ultimately adds another layer of mystery and symbolism to the story. The nicknames help create the feeling that these girls were once part of their own private world, one that no longer exists.
The book uses multiple points of view, which allows you to understand each girl's background and motivations. For me, this was both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, the rotating perspectives give the characters depth and help build empathy for all of them. On the other hand, there were definitely moments where I had to remind myself whose chapter I was reading, especially early on. Those who struggle with large casts may find the first half a bit challenging.
Speaking of pacing, this is very much a slow-burn thriller. The first half focuses heavily on character development, atmosphere, and building the emotional foundation of the story. In fact, I became so invested in the girls' lives during the 2020 timeline that I almost forgot there was still a present-day mystery waiting to unfold. The tension gradually simmers in the background before finally ramping up significantly in the later sections. Around the final stretch, the pace accelerates and the suspense becomes much more intense.
What I appreciated most is that beneath the mystery, this is really a story about consequences. It's about what happens when intelligent, ambitious young people lose faith in the future they've been promised. It's about the lingering effects of boredom, loneliness, grief, and anger. The thriller elements are compelling, but the emotional exploration of guilt and regret is what truly lingers.
Overall, “The Five of Us” is a thoughtful, atmospheric psychological thriller that blends mystery with a surprisingly sharp examination of friendship and adolescence during an extraordinary moment in history. If you enjoy character-driven mysteries, multiple perspectives, dark academia vibes, and stories that focus on the emotional fallout of long-buried secrets, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Five of Us is an atmospheric, slow-burn mystery with a creative premise and one of the more unique approaches to character identity I’ve read recently.
I especially enjoyed the air of mystery surrounding the characters created by using their nicknames throughout the novel. Sian Gilbert does a great job of interweaving each character’s bird-species nickname with their individual personality traits, and I appreciated how consistently the bird metaphor was carried throughout the entire story. It gave the novel a distinctive identity and added another layer to the way the characters were presented.
Gilbert also captures the despair, loneliness, and isolation of the COVID lockdown particularly well, especially through the lens of teenagers who were already at such a complicated stage of their lives. At the same time, she thoughtfully explores the complexities of friendship and the importance of having people to lean on during periods of isolation. I especially appreciated how the novel examined the ways friendships can both support us and complicate our lives, particularly during a time when those connections felt more important than ever.
Where I struggled most was with the size and similarity of the cast. With several characters sharing similar traits, I frequently found myself going back and forth trying to remember who was who. I actually ended up highlighting details throughout the novel on my Kindle just to keep everyone somewhat straight. While the bird nicknames were creative and added to the mystery, they also made it a little harder for me to connect with the characters individually.
I went into this expecting a slow burn, but I wasn’t prepared for just how slowly the story would unfold. The plot didn’t really pick up for me until around the 70% mark, and while the increasing savagery of the group was intriguing, I didn’t feel as though the character development fully supported that progression. I’ve seen other readers praise the character arcs, but for me, most of the meaningful growth and change came in the final few chapters rather than developing steadily throughout the novel.
Overall, The Five of Us had a compelling atmosphere, a clever use of symbolism, and an interesting exploration of isolation, friendship, and group dynamics. While the pacing and large cast kept me from connecting with it as much as I’d hoped, I can see this working well for readers who enjoy very slow-burn, character-driven mysteries with an unsettling atmosphere and a unique central concept.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I especially enjoyed the air of mystery surrounding the characters created by using their nicknames throughout the novel. Sian Gilbert does a great job of interweaving each character’s bird-species nickname with their individual personality traits, and I appreciated how consistently the bird metaphor was carried throughout the entire story. It gave the novel a distinctive identity and added another layer to the way the characters were presented.
Gilbert also captures the despair, loneliness, and isolation of the COVID lockdown particularly well, especially through the lens of teenagers who were already at such a complicated stage of their lives. At the same time, she thoughtfully explores the complexities of friendship and the importance of having people to lean on during periods of isolation. I especially appreciated how the novel examined the ways friendships can both support us and complicate our lives, particularly during a time when those connections felt more important than ever.
Where I struggled most was with the size and similarity of the cast. With several characters sharing similar traits, I frequently found myself going back and forth trying to remember who was who. I actually ended up highlighting details throughout the novel on my Kindle just to keep everyone somewhat straight. While the bird nicknames were creative and added to the mystery, they also made it a little harder for me to connect with the characters individually.
I went into this expecting a slow burn, but I wasn’t prepared for just how slowly the story would unfold. The plot didn’t really pick up for me until around the 70% mark, and while the increasing savagery of the group was intriguing, I didn’t feel as though the character development fully supported that progression. I’ve seen other readers praise the character arcs, but for me, most of the meaningful growth and change came in the final few chapters rather than developing steadily throughout the novel.
Overall, The Five of Us had a compelling atmosphere, a clever use of symbolism, and an interesting exploration of isolation, friendship, and group dynamics. While the pacing and large cast kept me from connecting with it as much as I’d hoped, I can see this working well for readers who enjoy very slow-burn, character-driven mysteries with an unsettling atmosphere and a unique central concept.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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