THE FIFTH HOUR BY RAHUL JAIN (2025)

THE FIFTH HOUR

What happens when the line between dream and reality blurs and unmasks the ulterior motives of those whom you trusted the most? This is what The Fifth Hour explores through its thrilling narrative riddled with nightmares, paranoia and a dangerous killer on the loose!

Rati’s life turns upside down when her longtime boyfriend Ayaan mysteriously disappears during their staycation in Sikkim. She tries to locate him, but surprisingly no one claims to have seen him with her! Now the question stands: was Ayaan ever real, or was everything just a figment of her imagination?

Rati refuses to give up and files a police complaint. The man in charge of the case, Inspector Vipin tries to get to the bottom of his case to reclaim his lost glory after being stationed in the remote town of Dzongu, but the journey is far from easy, as he has to grapple with his own inner demons along the way.

This is a well-written novel that cleverly utilizes multiple POV's to add depth to the narrative, allowing the readers to uncover the mystery with the help of varied perspectives. Rahul Jain knew when to include which characters POV and flashback for context, and that makes all the difference when the reader reaches the climax. Even the supporting characters are fleshed out really well, and their presence becomes integral to the story. One thing I really liked in particular is that the main character Rati, is really smart and vulnerable. Some thrillers I've read this year really dumbed down the characters before the climax, just to move the story, but that's not the case with Rat, as she is really perceptive and that was refreshing to read. Inspector Vipin also turns out to be an endearing character even though he spends most of the novel lusting over Rati, which is quite creepy. The story wants the readers to root for them to a certain degree, but it also does not shy away from highlighting the underlying creepiness of their dynamic.

At its core, 'The Fifth Hour' is an unputdownable thriller with a dark love story, well-crafted twists and a jaw dropping climax that will stay with long after you close the book. Eerie, dark and twisted, I'd like to give this story a rating of 4.5 on 5.