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Five by Five
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  • Published: 18 November 2025
  • ISBN: 9781405964463
  • Imprint: Michael Joseph
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $24.99

Five by Five

Formats & editions
Paperback
18 Nov 2025
EBook
25 July 2024
Audiobook
25 July 2024
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What if the killer she's hunting turns out to be the woman she's falling for? Line of Duty meets Orange
is the New Black in this gripping debut from a major new talent in Scottish crime writing.

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 guard 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…
  • Published: 18 November 2025
  • ISBN: 9781405964463
  • Imprint: Michael Joseph
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $24.99
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Praise for Five by Five

Brilliantly plotted and so tense I forgot to breathe in places

Lisa Hall, author of Between You and Me

Raw, brutal, claustrophobic, fast and impossible to put down. Written by someone who's walked the walk and seen the prison system close up

Neil Lancaster, bestselling author of Dead Man’s Grave

A significant crime debut. Authoritatively authentic, irresistibly pacey and nerve-shreddingly tense

Chris Brookmyre

Five by Five is an assured debut by former prison officer Claire Wilson, taking us inside the claustrophobic and offtimes gladitorial setting of a modern prison. With the dodgy guards and vicious cons, this is a topical dive into the darker aspects of our penal system. Terrifyingly authentic.

Vaseem Khan

I really enjoyed this gritty crime thriller... feels like a blend of Orange is the New Black and Line of Duty

Roxie Key, author of The Deadly Spark

A bloody good read

Val McDermid

Tense, chilling and distinctive, this is a one-sitting read

Guardian

A very satisfying blend of grit and humanity

Ian Rankin

Raw, brutal, claustrophobic, fast and impossible to put down. Written by someone who's walked the walk and seen the prison system close up.

Neil Lancaster, bestselling author of Dead Man’s Grave
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