Have you ever picked up a book expecting a cozy weekend read, only to find yourself at the edge of your seat, heart pounding, as you devour each page? The Five by Maureen Anne Meehan is precisely that book.

From the moment the story begins, Meehan masterfully sets the stage with a gruesome crime that reverberates through the small town of Douglas, Wyoming. The narrative quickly transports us to the serene yet potentially sinister Rocky Mountains, where Mary MacIntosh (Mac) and her college friends gather at her family’s historic cabin, Kilkenny-Kerry. What starts as a seemingly relaxing reunion among friends rapidly becomes a harrowing ordeal.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its character development and psychological exploration. Each of the five friends, particularly the central character, Mac, is vividly portrayed with layers of emotional and psychological depth. Meehan delves into their inner turmoil and suspicions, skillfully weaving a narrative that keeps you guessing about each character’s motives and secrets.

The introduction of the disheveled stranger at the cabin door and the subsequent shocking events thrust the friends into a dire and suspenseful situation. The novel expertly builds tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the women navigate their harrowing predicament. The thriller’s psychological complexity is heightened as the narrative explores the characters’ fears and doubts about their situation and the potential involvement of their husbands.

At its core, The Five is a gripping exploration of trust, betrayal, and the hidden depths of human relationships. The suspicion that one of the husbands might be involved in a sinister plot adds tension and uncertainty, making it impossible to put the book down. Meehan deftly examines the fragility of trust and the consequences of betrayal within marriages and friendships.

The Five is a masterfully crafted thriller that combines atmospheric settings, complex characters, and a gripping plot filled with twists and turns. Maureen Anne Meehan has created a story that not only entertains but also provokes thought about the nature of trust and the hidden agendas that can lurk beneath the surface of relationships.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.