Playing Nice is the fourth standalone psychological thriller by bestselling author J P Delaney.
The novel was published in 2020 and became a Sunday Times bestseller and a Richard and Judy Book Club 2021 Spring List pick.
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Plot
A couple’s seemingly normal life is interrupted by the revelation their son was switched at birth by the hospital where their child was born. The two families attempt to become the ultimate in modern parenting and attempt to raise their children together.
However, their plan to sue the hospital triggers an official investigation that reveals some disturbing questions about the night their children were switched. Stretched to the breaking point, Pete and Maddie discover they will each stop at nothing to keep their family safe.
Playing Nice Book Review
I found it to be a really thought-provoking read. It really is every parent’s nightmare to find out the child they have loved and raised isn’t theirs. It raises so many questions and I found myself wondering what I would do in the same situation. There’s clearly so much more to love than just genetics.
It was clearly very well researched and the legal sections, though tedious in places, seemed entirely plausible. I found the two main characters, Pete and Maddie, to be extremely naive, almost irritatingly so. They seemed to accept what these strangers were saying without a second thought. I found Pete to be particularly annoying.
Having said that, I loved how the novel moved along with increasing tension and suspense. There were so many red flags and I found myself second-guessing how the story would end.
The characters were flawed and pretty unlikeable and yet I found myself wanting to know what happened. I enjoyed the twists and despite thinking I had it all figured out, there were unexpected developments all the way to the end.
This book was featured as a Richard and Judy Book Club pick. Click here to find more books chosen for the Richard and Judy book club.
What to read next
If you enjoyed Playing Nice, I would suggest reading more J.P. Delaney books such as Believe Me. You may also enjoy The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell and The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena.