KOKOMO

Victoria Hannan

HACHETTE, $30

Mina is living in London with a good job and a seriously sexy almost-lover when the text comes through. Her mum, Elaine, has left the house for the first time since Mina’s dad died – 12 years ago. Mina drops everything and rushes home, to discover her mother won’t talk about what’s happened, especially while the game shows are on TV. Mina makes up for lost time with her best friend Kira and starts reconnecting with her old circle – with varying success – as she deals with a disturbing silence from London. Well into the book, the perspective switches to Elaine. At the time, I resented the change, as I was deeply invested in Mina’s trials and tribulations, but Elaine soon becomes a powerful story in her own right. It’s both a beautiful examination of a motherdaughter relationship and a funny coming-ofage tale about a woman in her 30s. There are some big secrets and even bigger mistakes, and a sweet and perceptive look at love. It’s a remarkably accomplished debut novel by the Melbourne-based writer.

CORINNA HENTE Terrific debut

PLAYING NICE

J.P. Delaney

QUERCUS, $33

At its most basic level, this is a custody battle between two couples over two little boys mixed up soon after birth. That’s heartbreaking in itself, but with master British thriller writer J.P. Delaney at work, it’s so much more complex – and so addictive. It’s also a compelling tale of human nature encompassing a smiling psychopath, postpartum psychosis, mental health, parenting challenges, disability, relationships and legal technicalities. The saga begins when unsuspecting stay-at-home dad Pete Riley opens the door to smooth-talking, wealthy Miles Lambert and a private detective who inform Pete his much-loved but challenging toddler Theo is not actually his flesh and blood. He was somehow switched with the Lamberts’ son David as a baby. With DNA proof, that opens the door for an unexpected and unconventional relationship between two families that were previously strangers. Of course, everyone has the children’s interests at heart. But can everyone play nice? With so much at stake, talented Delaney ensures you won’t be able to put this book down.

Game on

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