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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
This was a brilliant domestic suspense novel, I was truly hooked from the very first page. The book is brilliantly written and has enough little twists to keep you guessing how it’s going to go all the way through.
This pulse-pounding story is any parent’s worst nightmare. Pete answers the doorbell one day to two men who inform him that his two-year-old son, Theo, was swapped with another baby at birth and they have DNA evidence to prove it. One of the men, Miles, bears a striking resemblance to Theo, confirming that he is indeed Theo’s biological father. He and his wife have been caring for Pete’s biological and medically-complex child, David. The families strike up an amicable relationship, keeping their children’s best interests at heart; however, deceitful motives are soon revealed and the relationship between the families quickly devolves into one of high tension and antagonism. The story is perfectly paced and absolutely riveting. I found myself compulsively devouring this book even though my nerves were spiraling out of control as I flipped from page to page. In comparison to many books belonging to the thriller/suspense genre, Playing Nice is incredibly realistic, making it all the more unsettling. The characters are complex, flawed, and believable. I guarantee you will fly through this one quickly but the feelings it evokes will stick with you for much longer.
It took me such a long time to finish this audiobook but that’s not because I didn’t like it. I usually listen to audiobooks on my way home from work but thanks to the pandemic I’m “stuck” at home more often than not. I know I can listen at home too but it’s just not the same.
As for the book: A few characters frustrated the hell out of me all the way through but the ending felt like gently tearing the plastic cover off your new phone.
So satisfying.
As for the book: A few characters frustrated the hell out of me all the way through but the ending felt like gently tearing the plastic cover off your new phone.
So satisfying.
It was too predictable for me and a little unbelievable.
4.5 Glorious Stars!!!
Wowza!!!! Do NOT pick up this book is you have things you need to do, because you will be neglecting said things!
I will not spoil any of the fun by giving anything away. This book opens with Pete, a stay-at-home-dad, whose world is shattered when a stranger knocks on his door to tell him that their sons were switched at the hospital the day they were born. This new friendship starts off wonderfully, bringing the two families together, but soon tensions arise and everything goes sideways.
I loved the constant tension that this book brought. The whole time reading it, I was on the edge of my seat with a knot in my stomach, waiting to see what happened.
I'm looking forward to reading more of JP Delaney!
A special thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and JP Delaney for providing me with an ARC.
Wowza!!!! Do NOT pick up this book is you have things you need to do, because you will be neglecting said things!
I will not spoil any of the fun by giving anything away. This book opens with Pete, a stay-at-home-dad, whose world is shattered when a stranger knocks on his door to tell him that their sons were switched at the hospital the day they were born. This new friendship starts off wonderfully, bringing the two families together, but soon tensions arise and everything goes sideways.
I loved the constant tension that this book brought. The whole time reading it, I was on the edge of my seat with a knot in my stomach, waiting to see what happened.
I'm looking forward to reading more of JP Delaney!
A special thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and JP Delaney for providing me with an ARC.
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A premature and difficult birth and a challenging adjustment - but commercial producer Maddie and stay at home freelancer Pete are managing OK with 2 year old challenging and willful Theo. They learn that Theo is not their biological child - Brain damaged David, who lives with Miles and Lucy is! Apparently they were switched while in the NICU. What starts as as an amicable approach between the four parents quickly devolves. Told in alternating chapters by Maddie and Pete the author skillful reveals their individual perspectives on the unfolding events and the reader feels their despair as they realize that no matter what they do, it doesn’t look good. I won’t say more other than to say that this was a good story well told. (Though you may wonder - as I did - how a two year old manages to articulate some key phrases so well.) I wondered how things were going to improve as they continued to move toward what looks like a logical conclusion. There are some blind alleys and good twists in the last 25% of the novel.