Review of FIVE BY FIVE by Claire Wilson

 3 Stars

I’m not a regular reader of prison dramas; Orange is the New Black, for instance, did not impress me at all. I picked up Five by Five, however, because The Guardian described this debut novel as “tense, chilling and distinctive.” Unfortunately, I must disagree.

Kennedy Allardyce is an intelligence analyst in a Scottish prison; she monitors both prisoners and staff to prevent violent incidents and the movement of drugs and other contraband into the prison. She is attacked and comes to learn that she is in danger from someone nicknamed Scout. Is he an inmate or a corrupt prison officer? It is imperative that Kennedy uncover Scout’s identity. Kennedy’s life is further complicated by her attraction to a new officer, Molly Rana, but comes to realize that perhaps Molly cannot be trusted.

The novel has a dual narrative. Some chapters are from Kennedy’s point of view whereas others are from the perspective of Adrian Maddox, a prisoner who is trying to be the top dog, though he keeps making rash decisions that do not help his status. Adrian’s point of view does add to the suspense and certainly helps portray life in a prison, but I questioned the author’s decision to have him narrate Chapter 43. Considering how the chapter ends, his being the narrator is unrealistic.

Obviously the character of Kennedy is developed. What stands out for me is her determination. Unfortunately, though she is supposed to be intelligent, she seems to make some stupid, illogical choices. Her negative attitude to Jacob, her new co-worker, seems to have no basis in reality. She doesn’t trust him but trusts Molly?

What the novel does do well is portray the brutality of prison life. Crime and violence permeate the facility. The claustrophobia, boredom, filth, and smells of the prison are evoked so strongly that I was not surprised to learn that the author has a day job as an intelligence analyst in a Scottish prison. At the beginning there is a glossary of Scottish prison terminology. The problem is that there is prison slang that is not explained. The reader has to determine the meaning of gaff and screw. What is a plastic gangster? And why include words in that glossary that are not used in the novel? Then there are the acronyms: Kennedy asks her boss for some TOIL, admits she breaches RIP(S)A and is told that the Ops FLM will walk her to her car. Yes, these abbreviations add realism, but the reader needs some explanation.

I have some other issues with writing style. Ten times Kennedy refers to licking her lips!? Five other characters (Ellie, Adrian, Officer McCredie, Victor, and Kyle) also lick their lips? The use of the umbrella towards the end is a weak device since it has not been sufficiently established as identifying Kennedy to everyone besides Molly and Ellie. And intelligence people within the prison system are unaware of the connection between Maddox and Filan? This seems incredible, considering Filan’s reputation. A full profile and association chart would be produced only after a prisoner’s transfer? Then there’s the unsatisfactory ending with its abruptness and many unanswered questions. Obviously a sequel must be in the works.

Readers who like dark and gritty fiction may enjoy this; personally, I was underwhelmed.