Playing Nice by J. P. Delaney

One of parents' greatest fears - a baby mix-up - is the story of Playing Nice. It focuses on the two couples, how they attempt to deal with it amicably themselves, how the process and perceptions develop and the strain it brings to their respective relationships.

The writing is a style I like: crisp, tight, to the point, cliche and waffle-free. Easy to read and slip into the story with no side shoots to lead astray. The characters are well rounded, and one of them reminded me so much of someone I know that I could predict how they would respond to certain situations.

Of course, in a situation like this being co-operative only works to a point, and eventually the authorities have to become involved. From the family courts, police and child welfare, all bodies are reflected accurately according to UK law and procedures. Not to mention the frustration that inevitably comes with all of this.

This is not a situation I have been in, thankfully, but it is something I have thought about from time to time and this book hones in on my own fears. Its major theme is reflected in the title and looks at the different ways we are all 'nice' or not.

Great, original read. Looking out for other work by JP Delaney.

Published by Quercus Books on 6 AUgust 2020.
​Advanced review copy supplied by the publisher.

​JP Delaney is a British writer of psychological suspense. His novel THE GIRL BEFORE was an instant New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller and sold over a million copies in 40 countries. The follow-up, BELIEVE ME, was also an international bestseller, as was his third, THE PERFECT WIFE. His fourth standalone psychological thriller, PLAYING NICE, will be published in summer 2020.

JP Delaney has previously written bestselling fiction under other names. The Carnivia Trilogy, a series of three standalone but interlinked thrillers set in present-day Venice and written under the name Jonathan Holt, was published in more than 20 countries.

For more information, visit www.jpdelaney.co.uk or follow @jpdelaneywriter on Facebook.