MoMoBookDiary

Claire Wilson

About the book:

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 – working in one of Scotland’s toughest prisons, 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, nicknamed Scout, with lethal influence. And what’s worst, it seems they’ve already realised Kennedy is on their tail. Despite her growing fear, there is one thing going right for Kennedy. The enigmatic new prison officer Molly is beautiful and ready to sweep her off her feet. But Kennedy can’t afford to let her guard down. Because with Scout hiding very close by, her next mistake might just be her last . . .

My thoughts:

“Five by Five” by Claire Wilson is an intensely gripping debut crime thriller that immerses readers in the harsh reality of a modern Scottish prison. With Wilson’s background as an Intelligence Analyst in a Scottish prison, the authenticity shines through—from the brutal power struggles between guards and inmates to the claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps you constantly on edge.

The rawness of the prison setting is both terrifying and fascinating, with every page delivering a punch of gritty realism. This is a story that grabs you by the throat from the first page and refuses to let go. At times, I had to pause just to calm my racing heart—it’s that intense.

Wilson’s expertise shines through in every detail, bringing a unique and chilling insight into the darker corners of Scotland’s prison system. The vivid characters and fast-paced, dramatic plot make this an unputdownable read, even though I found myself needing breaks to catch my breath.

Brilliantly plotted, unbearably tense, and emotionally powerful, this is a debut that’s as gripping as it is affecting. I haven’t read a prison-based thriller like this before, and it’s left a lasting impression. If you’re looking for a novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat, “Five by Five” is it. What a cracking debut!

and more…

The Author, Claire Wilson, is from central Scotland. Her debut novel, Five by Five, was the inaugural winner of the Penguin Michael Joseph Undiscovered Writers’ Prize 2023. It is based on her day job as an Intelligence Analyst in a Scottish Prison.

Claire Wilson was selected as a Crime In The Spotlight author at Bloody Scotland, Scotland’s Crime Writing Festival, held annually in Stirling. This year, Claire introduced her debut novel, Five by Five, to both the live audience and online viewers at the Albert Halls on Saturday, 14th September, ahead of Abir Mukherjee and Chris Whitaker. The event, is available to watch online until 30th September.

Claire Wilson can be found on Instagram and Threads

The Publisher Penguin Michael Joseph can also be found on Instagram and Threads

This book had me tense before I even downloaded it to my Kindle! I was lucky enough to hear Claire Wilson read from her debut novel on the ‘Crime in the Spotlight’ podium at Bloody Scotland 2024. I’d been following Claire on social media for a while and was intrigued by what I’d seen about Five by Five, but to be honest, the Kindle price (£7.99) gave me pause. As a fast reader who devours books daily, I usually avoid the higher-priced ones—the hardback was even more expensive, and the paperback’s release is still a while off. But after hearing Claire reading, I knew I had to have it, I bought it right there and then! Thanks Claire! …. now, about that tattoo…

All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts thereof, may also be published on my social medial channels – find me everywhere as momobookdiary – and book websites, such as Amazon, Goodreads, LoveReading, StoryGraph, and Waterstones. All links are correct at the time of publication.

Tags: #FiveByFive #ClaireWilson #Debut #BloodyScotland #CrimeInTheSpotlight #Stirling #MoMoBookDiary #ScottishPrison