Playing Nice: A Novel
What if you found out that your family isn’t yours at all? How far would you go to protect them? A gripping new psychological thriller from the bestselling author of The Girl Before. . . .
Don’t miss the BritBox streaming series Playing Nice!
“[JP] Delaney takes domestic suspense beyond its comfort zone.”—Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review
Pete Riley answers the door one morning and lets in a parent’s worst nightmare. On his doorstep is Miles Lambert, a stranger who breaks the devastating news that Pete’s son, Theo, isn’t actually his son—he is the Lamberts’, switched at birth by an understaffed hospital while their real son was sent home with Miles and his wife, Lucy. For Pete, his partner Maddie, and the little boy they’ve been raising for the past two years, life will never be the same again.
The two families, reeling from the shock, take comfort in shared good intentions, eagerly entwining their very different lives in the hope of becoming one unconventional modern family. But a plan to sue the hospital triggers an official investigation that unearths some disturbing questions about the night their children were switched. How much can they trust the other parents—or even each other? What secrets are hidden behind the Lamberts’ glossy front door? Stretched to the breaking point, Pete and Maddie discover they will each stop at nothing to keep their family safe.
They are done playing nice.
Don’t miss the BritBox streaming series Playing Nice!
“[JP] Delaney takes domestic suspense beyond its comfort zone.”—Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review
Pete Riley answers the door one morning and lets in a parent’s worst nightmare. On his doorstep is Miles Lambert, a stranger who breaks the devastating news that Pete’s son, Theo, isn’t actually his son—he is the Lamberts’, switched at birth by an understaffed hospital while their real son was sent home with Miles and his wife, Lucy. For Pete, his partner Maddie, and the little boy they’ve been raising for the past two years, life will never be the same again.
The two families, reeling from the shock, take comfort in shared good intentions, eagerly entwining their very different lives in the hope of becoming one unconventional modern family. But a plan to sue the hospital triggers an official investigation that unearths some disturbing questions about the night their children were switched. How much can they trust the other parents—or even each other? What secrets are hidden behind the Lamberts’ glossy front door? Stretched to the breaking point, Pete and Maddie discover they will each stop at nothing to keep their family safe.
They are done playing nice.
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Community Reviews
Playing Nice was a book I genuinely enjoyed from beginning to end. The story kept me fully engaged, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see what would happen next. One of the things I liked most was how unpredictable it was. It wasn’t a typical storyline, which made it feel fresh and unique. The characters and plot were well developed, and the suspense kept building throughout the book. Overall, Playing Nice was an entertaining and well-written read that I would definitely recommend to others who enjoy stories with unexpected twists.
This was a great fast read about a family whose lives are torn apart by a stranger knocking on their door and telling them the child they are raising is not really your son but his. This is a psychological thriller with twists and turns that forces us to look at our fears and how far would we go to protect our children. You do need to suspend belief a bit as Pete and Maddie were too trusting. I wanted to shake them both at times. They eventually do realize that Miles and Lucy aren't playing nice. This domestic suspense has power, control and ruthless characters who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
"Playing Nice" is a gripping read that will leave you utterly captivated and on the edge of your seat. The author, Dalaney, expertly crafts a charismatic antagonist that is both charming and deeply unsettling, making for an unforgettable character. The premise immediately drew me in, and I was eager to see how the plot would unfold.
The story itself is remarkably well-structured, with impressive character development that resonates throughout. As tensions rise and chaos ensues, I found myself increasingly anxious, eagerly turning pages to uncover what would happen next. The stakes feel real, and the narrative keeps you guessing until the very end. Overall, this novel is a masterclass in suspense and character-driven storytelling, leaving readers both satisfied and craving more. Highly recommended!
This book hooked me right from the start and kept a nice pace the whole time. Great story and great writing
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