Claire Wilson works as an Intelligence Analyst within the Scottish prison system. She pitched her debut novel at the Pitch Perfect event during the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival in 2022, and in 2023 she went on to win the Penguin Michael Joseph Undiscovered Writers Prize. Five by Five was published by Penguin Michael Joseph in 2024. Five by Five is a fast-paced, gripping thriller set deep inside the Scottish prison system. I was particularly appreciative of the glossary of Scottish prison terminology included at the beginning of the book. These terms add authenticity and depth to the story while also teaching the reader a thing or two, whether we’ll ever need to know them in real life is another matter entirely! The lead character, Kennedy Allardyce, is a brilliantly crafted protagonist. Flawed and vulnerable at times, she is nonetheless fiercely dedicated to her work as an intelligence analyst and determined not to let the prisoners run the prison. Kennedy is essentially a spy: listening in on prisoners’ phone calls, decoding their coded language, and trying to prevent trouble before it erupts. Drugs are circulating inside the prison, and Kennedy knows the supplier goes by the name Scout. After a violent incident leaves her both physically and psychologically scarred, she comes to a chilling realisation; Scout is an insider, a fellow officer. Struggling to trust anyone, Kennedy grows close to officer Molly Rana. There is undeniable attraction between them, but the question lingers: is Kennedy opening herself up to something genuine, or walking straight into a trap? Only time will tell. Claustrophobic, dark, and brimming with tension, this is the kind of novel that has you holding your breath for pages at a time. A triumph of sharp writing and clever plotting, Five by Five is a compelling, masterfully executed thriller that I highly recommend. Bring on book two!

“Five by Five” by Claire Wilson is an absolutely gripping and tense debut crime thriller that plunges readers deep into the gritty reality of a modern Scottish prison. Written by a former prison officer, the authenticity is palpable—from the brutal dynamics between guards and inmates to the suffocating, claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps you 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! Read more at momobookdiary

This gripping thriller grabbed my attention from the start and held it all the way through. I wasn’t sure I’d like this book, as some parts are more grisly than the usual cosy mysteries I read, but the violence is not gratuitous. Kennedy is an interesting main character and I thought the relationships were realistic. The book really describes prison life well, with a stomach clenching nervous atmosphere throughout. I definitely recommend this book.

Five by Five' is an explosive debut by Claire Wilson. Kennedy Allardyce works in one of Scotland's toughest prisons and works in a unit that deals with intelligence reports attempting to combat illegal activity within the prison and corruption. The book starts with Kennedy being assaulted and there are links to some of the work she has been completing. This assault leaves Kennedy on edge and determined to find who the mysterious 'Scout' is who is responsible for the hit on her. Kennedy has also met a new officer by the name of Molly and is struggling with her growing attraction to her and also the thought that she should not trust anyone. This book is an absolutely explosive debut and the writing is truly original. You get immediately pulled in and the atmosphere makes you feel uncomfortable as you read on to find out what happens. The character development is great and the characters jump out of the page. A truly gritty and addictive read and is one of my best reads of this year. Highly original and highly recommended. I can't wait to read more from this author.

I really enjoyed this fascinating fiction, obviously having never been detained by police Scotland- the whole book is great. Thank you so much for this advance reading copy in return for my honest unbiased opinion. Five stars all round! Five by five indeed.