Nursing can bring out the worst as well as the very best of human relationships and there is a need to enhance effective communication whatever the setting, stage or level of care involved. Every situation has the potential to be 'difficult' and in her new book Joy Duxbury has provided a wealth of personal experience, both good and bad, that illustrates the practical application of the principles outlined in "Difficult Patients". Experience has led the author to develop a 'set of rules' for dealing with difficult situations and these form an extremely useful framework for all nurses and healthcare professionals likely to find themselves in a 'difficult' situation. "Difficult Patients" is an extremely relevant book in today's current climate, and should be an essential purchase for all nurses as well as other healthcare professionals who deal with people in stressful situations.