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Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder
Lenny Marks is excellent at not having a life.
She bikes home from work at exactly 4pm each day, buys the same groceries for the same meals every week, and owns thirty-six copies of The Hobbit (currently arranged by height). The closest thing she has to a friendship is playing Scrabble against an imaginary Monica Gellar while watching Friends reruns.
And Lenny Marks is very, very good at not remembering what happened the day her mother and stepfather disappeared when she was still a child. The day a voice in the back of her mind started whispering, You did this.
Until a letter from the parole board arrives in the mail—and when her desperate attempts to ignore it fail, Lenny starts to unravel. As long-buried memories come to the surface, Lenny’s careful routines fall apart. For the first time, she finds herself forced to connect with the community around her, and unexpected new relationships begin to bloom. Lenny Marks may finally get a life—but what if her past catches up to her first?
Equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, Kerryn Mayne’s stunning debut is an irresistible novel about truth, secrets, vengeance, and family lost and found, with a heroine who's simply unforgettable.
She bikes home from work at exactly 4pm each day, buys the same groceries for the same meals every week, and owns thirty-six copies of The Hobbit (currently arranged by height). The closest thing she has to a friendship is playing Scrabble against an imaginary Monica Gellar while watching Friends reruns.
And Lenny Marks is very, very good at not remembering what happened the day her mother and stepfather disappeared when she was still a child. The day a voice in the back of her mind started whispering, You did this.
Until a letter from the parole board arrives in the mail—and when her desperate attempts to ignore it fail, Lenny starts to unravel. As long-buried memories come to the surface, Lenny’s careful routines fall apart. For the first time, she finds herself forced to connect with the community around her, and unexpected new relationships begin to bloom. Lenny Marks may finally get a life—but what if her past catches up to her first?
Equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, Kerryn Mayne’s stunning debut is an irresistible novel about truth, secrets, vengeance, and family lost and found, with a heroine who's simply unforgettable.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 21, 2023
About the author
Kerryn Mayne
2 books161 followersKerryn Mayne is an author, former wedding photographer, and current police officer. When not at work attempting to solve crime, she is writing about it or preparing an endless stream of snacks for her four children. Kerryn lives in the bayside suburbs of Melbourne with her husband, children and a highly suspect lovebird. She only owns 11 copies of The Hobbit (for now).
Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder is her debut novel.
Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,040 reviews
July 9, 2024
“Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder” might sound like it’s a COZY mystery-but it isn’t.
And, if you read the taglines- you might be expecting a thriller-but those taglines are misleading as well.
Lenny Marks is your latest neurodivergent character in search of acceptance after a traumatic childhood, which she doesn’t quite remember, and this is HER story.
Expect a well written DEBUT by Australian author Kerrin Mayne, more in line with “Elenor Oliphant is Completely Fine”.
It builds a bit SLOWLY as we get to know Lenny and her World, but has more “action” in the second half.
Routines help Lenny to stay CALM.
She bikes home from work at exactly 4pm each day, eats the same meals every week, and owns thirty-six copies of The Hobbit (currently arranged by height). She loves “FRIENDS” reruns, and a favorite pastime is playing Scrabble against an imaginary “Monica Gellar”.
She may NOT be good at reading people, or making friends, but she is VERY good with words.
Lenny is thriving as a 5th grade teacher at Selby South Primary School until a letter arrives in the mail from the Parole Board. She tucks it away in an attempt to ignore it but when that fails-Lenny starts to UNRAVEL.
Her BEST coping mechanism- rearranging the letters of words into as many anagrams as she can come up with isn’t working this time…(Maybe a bit overused but I was impressed at all the words she could scramble!) 🤓
“Parole Hearing: orangerie, orphanage, helping, reaping, roaring…”
And, for once, as her past catches up to her present, she may have to break out of her comfort zone, and learn to accept help from others! It’s a wonderful surprise for her when she discovers how many people actually want to rally around her!
I enjoy heartwarming characters driven novels, so I enjoyed getting to know Lenny Marks. And, as an added bonus, the book brought back fond memories of playing Scrabble with my own Grandmother! 👵🏻
3.5 ⭐️ rounded ⬆️
A buddy read with DeAnn and MarilynW. Be sure to check out their thoughts on Lenny too!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
And, if you read the taglines- you might be expecting a thriller-but those taglines are misleading as well.
Lenny Marks is your latest neurodivergent character in search of acceptance after a traumatic childhood, which she doesn’t quite remember, and this is HER story.
Expect a well written DEBUT by Australian author Kerrin Mayne, more in line with “Elenor Oliphant is Completely Fine”.
It builds a bit SLOWLY as we get to know Lenny and her World, but has more “action” in the second half.
Routines help Lenny to stay CALM.
She bikes home from work at exactly 4pm each day, eats the same meals every week, and owns thirty-six copies of The Hobbit (currently arranged by height). She loves “FRIENDS” reruns, and a favorite pastime is playing Scrabble against an imaginary “Monica Gellar”.
She may NOT be good at reading people, or making friends, but she is VERY good with words.
Lenny is thriving as a 5th grade teacher at Selby South Primary School until a letter arrives in the mail from the Parole Board. She tucks it away in an attempt to ignore it but when that fails-Lenny starts to UNRAVEL.
Her BEST coping mechanism- rearranging the letters of words into as many anagrams as she can come up with isn’t working this time…(Maybe a bit overused but I was impressed at all the words she could scramble!) 🤓
“Parole Hearing: orangerie, orphanage, helping, reaping, roaring…”
And, for once, as her past catches up to her present, she may have to break out of her comfort zone, and learn to accept help from others! It’s a wonderful surprise for her when she discovers how many people actually want to rally around her!
I enjoy heartwarming characters driven novels, so I enjoyed getting to know Lenny Marks. And, as an added bonus, the book brought back fond memories of playing Scrabble with my own Grandmother! 👵🏻
3.5 ⭐️ rounded ⬆️
A buddy read with DeAnn and MarilynW. Be sure to check out their thoughts on Lenny too!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
March 3, 2024
Don’t let the title and cover fool you! This book is amazing!! 🤩 In fact, Lenny Marks will probably be my favorite book character of the year!
If you were like me and wanted to bypass this book- because if I’m being honest, the title made me think this book was going to be a quirky, detective, rom-com, mixed bag type of story- don’t let the title and cover mislead you, because this book is anything but that! In fact, this book was emotional and even heartbreaking at times.
In this story we learn about the very routine life of Lenny Marks (formerly Helena Winters). Lenny is 37 years old, single, and is a school teacher. Her favorite television show is “Friends”, and her favorite book is “The Hobbit”. As we learn of Lenny’s childhood and past trauma, we begin to understand why Lenny has so many routines and is comfortable being alone. In fact, there were a few twists that I did not see coming.
All I know is that if I could reach through the pages I would give Lenny the biggest hug. I want to be Lenny’s friend. Which brings me to the point that Lenny’s character and this book will stick with me for a very long time.
This is the author’s debut novel, and I think she did a phenomenal job!! My only gripe with this book is that it seemed to drag on just a teeny bit, and for some reason I’m not liking the title and cover for this book (although it is fitting) 🤷🏻♀️ Otherwise, I highly recommend reading this book!
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: July 9, 2024.
Genre~ Women’s Fiction, General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
If you were like me and wanted to bypass this book- because if I’m being honest, the title made me think this book was going to be a quirky, detective, rom-com, mixed bag type of story- don’t let the title and cover mislead you, because this book is anything but that! In fact, this book was emotional and even heartbreaking at times.
In this story we learn about the very routine life of Lenny Marks (formerly Helena Winters). Lenny is 37 years old, single, and is a school teacher. Her favorite television show is “Friends”, and her favorite book is “The Hobbit”. As we learn of Lenny’s childhood and past trauma, we begin to understand why Lenny has so many routines and is comfortable being alone. In fact, there were a few twists that I did not see coming.
All I know is that if I could reach through the pages I would give Lenny the biggest hug. I want to be Lenny’s friend. Which brings me to the point that Lenny’s character and this book will stick with me for a very long time.
This is the author’s debut novel, and I think she did a phenomenal job!! My only gripe with this book is that it seemed to drag on just a teeny bit, and for some reason I’m not liking the title and cover for this book (although it is fitting) 🤷🏻♀️ Otherwise, I highly recommend reading this book!
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: July 9, 2024.
Genre~ Women’s Fiction, General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
June 10, 2024
Do not judge this book by it's cover!
The marketing of this book is so misleading, I almost passed on it. I don't know why it's presented as a 'cosy mystery', but it's definitely not.
To me this book is more in the vein of 'Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine' than anything else.
The main character, a socially awkward woman, slowly comes to terms with her traumatic past and take action to open up to others.
This story got a lot of heart and humour, and I really found myself rooting for Lenny. It's well constructed and kept me interested until the end.
I liked the narrator for the audiobook version, who helped a lot to give a light-hearted tone to the story even when difficult subjects were discussed.
If you like that kind of personal journey, give this book a chance.
The marketing of this book is so misleading, I almost passed on it. I don't know why it's presented as a 'cosy mystery', but it's definitely not.
To me this book is more in the vein of 'Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine' than anything else.
The main character, a socially awkward woman, slowly comes to terms with her traumatic past and take action to open up to others.
This story got a lot of heart and humour, and I really found myself rooting for Lenny. It's well constructed and kept me interested until the end.
I liked the narrator for the audiobook version, who helped a lot to give a light-hearted tone to the story even when difficult subjects were discussed.
If you like that kind of personal journey, give this book a chance.
May 25, 2023
This debut tells a serious story interwoven with the intricate internal struggles of a smart young neuro diverse woman. Very well written, Kerryn Mayne will be an author to keep a close eye on, as there is nothing at all that speaks of ‘new writer’.
Lenny is a quirky teacher of primary students, loves her routine, her bike, her own space. Simple things keep her life chugging along; it is all she seems to need. Scrabble with her imaginary flat mate, watching her favourite show Friends when stressed, and a routine of the same meals set for each day of the week. All these things while maintaining a job she loves and simple interactions with the people she comes across in life. Usually less is more, and she is quite content.
A clever part of this book is Lenny’s penchant for retreating to words in times of stress. Reaching for breaking down words by way of calming and shutting down intrusive and uncomfortable thoughts. The author makes this an interesting word game and takes un into Lenny’s complicated mind.
The thing is she has every reason to struggle and reach for calming devices, as Lenny is a woman who has suffered extreme adversity, and this is shown through insights and memories of her life when she was a child at the hands of disturbed and dark upbringing in a dysfunctional environment. Lenny was not given the opportunity to thrive.
Every word on the pages provides oomph and strength to Lenny’s resilience (which she does not at all recognise). She has come a remarkable distance as an eleven-year-old child having seen things no one ever should.
Extremely private and hard to warm to others, it is assumed Lenny is weak and many take advantage. Socialisation is not something she can do in the assumed way of today’s society, and of course heartbreaking when colleagues treat her poorly. But beautifully when we see others love her and treat her with kindness.
This book is a unique one, which take us on the path of neurodiversity with gentleness and sensitivity, and of a woman who learns of an unknown capacity for personal growth leading to a new level of satisfaction in her life. It also gives the reader a glimpse into ways others struggle, although ultimately succeed and flourish.
A lovely, provoking, sad and at many times, funny book. Absolutely recommended to all. I am sorry I waited this long to get to know Lenny Marks.
Lenny is a quirky teacher of primary students, loves her routine, her bike, her own space. Simple things keep her life chugging along; it is all she seems to need. Scrabble with her imaginary flat mate, watching her favourite show Friends when stressed, and a routine of the same meals set for each day of the week. All these things while maintaining a job she loves and simple interactions with the people she comes across in life. Usually less is more, and she is quite content.
A clever part of this book is Lenny’s penchant for retreating to words in times of stress. Reaching for breaking down words by way of calming and shutting down intrusive and uncomfortable thoughts. The author makes this an interesting word game and takes un into Lenny’s complicated mind.
The thing is she has every reason to struggle and reach for calming devices, as Lenny is a woman who has suffered extreme adversity, and this is shown through insights and memories of her life when she was a child at the hands of disturbed and dark upbringing in a dysfunctional environment. Lenny was not given the opportunity to thrive.
Every word on the pages provides oomph and strength to Lenny’s resilience (which she does not at all recognise). She has come a remarkable distance as an eleven-year-old child having seen things no one ever should.
Extremely private and hard to warm to others, it is assumed Lenny is weak and many take advantage. Socialisation is not something she can do in the assumed way of today’s society, and of course heartbreaking when colleagues treat her poorly. But beautifully when we see others love her and treat her with kindness.
This book is a unique one, which take us on the path of neurodiversity with gentleness and sensitivity, and of a woman who learns of an unknown capacity for personal growth leading to a new level of satisfaction in her life. It also gives the reader a glimpse into ways others struggle, although ultimately succeed and flourish.
A lovely, provoking, sad and at many times, funny book. Absolutely recommended to all. I am sorry I waited this long to get to know Lenny Marks.
May 29, 2024
What a wonderful debut novel! I found this book to be well written and thought provoking. Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder also evokes emotion. I could not help but root for Lenny the entire book. This book was equal parts entertaining, captivating, and hard to put down. I love having a character to root for and Lenny fits the bill!
Lenny Marks is such an interesting character. She is a teacher who enjoys solitude, order, and routine. She has things she enjoys doing such as watching Friends, playing Scrabble, and utilizing self-soothing word games/anagrams in times of stress. When a letter arrives from the parole board addressed to Helena Winters, Lenny's life of order begins to get messy.
"You did this."
As the plot unfolds, more and more of Lenny's past comes to light. Lenny was raised by foster parents after she suffered loss and trauma in her childhood. As Lenny tries to make changes in her life, I cheered her on with a smile on my face. This book had me thinking of the quote from Winnie the Pooh “You’re braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think.” It is hard to make changes, begin relationships/friendships, and Lenny made a tremendous effort in her own unique way while memories of her past began to surface.
As I mentioned, I did a lot of feeling and cheering for Lenny throughout the book. I enjoyed her journey and growth throughout the book. There were some twists and turns along the way which made for an enjoyable read. If you enjoy books where characters grow, overcome, and are resilient, then this book might be for you!
I'll say it again, this was a wonderful debut novel which had me feeling all kinds of emotions. I look forward to more books by Kerryn Mayne in the future. I also appreciate how the author tackled difficult subjects in this book.
*I had both the book and audiobook version of this book and thought the narrator of the audiobook did a great job bringing this book to life.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Lenny Marks is such an interesting character. She is a teacher who enjoys solitude, order, and routine. She has things she enjoys doing such as watching Friends, playing Scrabble, and utilizing self-soothing word games/anagrams in times of stress. When a letter arrives from the parole board addressed to Helena Winters, Lenny's life of order begins to get messy.
"You did this."
As the plot unfolds, more and more of Lenny's past comes to light. Lenny was raised by foster parents after she suffered loss and trauma in her childhood. As Lenny tries to make changes in her life, I cheered her on with a smile on my face. This book had me thinking of the quote from Winnie the Pooh “You’re braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think.” It is hard to make changes, begin relationships/friendships, and Lenny made a tremendous effort in her own unique way while memories of her past began to surface.
As I mentioned, I did a lot of feeling and cheering for Lenny throughout the book. I enjoyed her journey and growth throughout the book. There were some twists and turns along the way which made for an enjoyable read. If you enjoy books where characters grow, overcome, and are resilient, then this book might be for you!
I'll say it again, this was a wonderful debut novel which had me feeling all kinds of emotions. I look forward to more books by Kerryn Mayne in the future. I also appreciate how the author tackled difficult subjects in this book.
*I had both the book and audiobook version of this book and thought the narrator of the audiobook did a great job bringing this book to life.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
July 9, 2024
Happy Publication Day! (July 2, 2024)
4.25⭐
Thirty-seven-year-old Lenny Marks lives her life in adherence to a set routine – riding her bike to school where she teaches fifth-grade, shopping from the same grocery store, and spending her free time rearranging her book collection comprising thirty-six (and counting) copies of the “The Hobbit, watching reruns of “Friends” and playing scrabble with her favorite fictional character from the show. She doesn’t have much of a social life and her interactions are limited to her colleagues and the people she meets in the course of her day. Though she would like to have more friends, she isn't too good at reading people or interpreting social cues. Whenever she feels overwhelmed, she copes by playing a game of anagrams.
When Lenny receives a letter from the Parole Board, she is forced to revisit her traumatic past and the childhood memories she has repressed – events that have contributed to Lenny’s worldview and the way she chooses to live her life. But as her past comes back to haunt her, she finds herself compelled to step out of her comfort zone. As the narrative progresses, we follow Lenny’s journey as she slowly begins to emerge from her shell and effect changes in her life.
Revolving around themes of trauma and healing, resilience, friendship and kindness and personal growth, Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne is a beautiful story. Shared from Lenny’s perspective, the narrative is well-paced and engaging. Lenny is an endearing character and I appreciated the author’s respectful and sensitive depiction of neurodiversity. The supporting characters are well thought out and I appreciated how the author has depicted how Lenny’s interactions with each of them - her pleasant and unpleasant experiences- help in her journey of self-discovery.
Please note that the title of this book is a tad misleading. This is not exactly a light-hearted cozy mystery that is implied, but an emotional story about a neurodivergent individual with a traumatic past who, with the help of those who care for her, embarks on a journey of healing and self-acceptance. The author injects a fair dose of humor, a few surprises and a sweet romantic track (which is well-woven into the narrative and does not distract from the primary plotline) to prevent the story from becoming too heavy. I did have to suspend disbelief at certain points in the story, but this in no way detracted from my overall experience.
I adored Lenny and wanted to spend more time with her! Exceptionally well-written, at times heartbreaking yet hopeful, full of heart and humor, this is an impressive debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this talented new author in the future.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Annie Maynard, who has done a brilliant job of capturing Lenny’s sweetness and resilience, her moods and emotions, and breathing life into this story. I couldn’t recommend the audiobook enough!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
4.25⭐
Thirty-seven-year-old Lenny Marks lives her life in adherence to a set routine – riding her bike to school where she teaches fifth-grade, shopping from the same grocery store, and spending her free time rearranging her book collection comprising thirty-six (and counting) copies of the “The Hobbit, watching reruns of “Friends” and playing scrabble with her favorite fictional character from the show. She doesn’t have much of a social life and her interactions are limited to her colleagues and the people she meets in the course of her day. Though she would like to have more friends, she isn't too good at reading people or interpreting social cues. Whenever she feels overwhelmed, she copes by playing a game of anagrams.
When Lenny receives a letter from the Parole Board, she is forced to revisit her traumatic past and the childhood memories she has repressed – events that have contributed to Lenny’s worldview and the way she chooses to live her life. But as her past comes back to haunt her, she finds herself compelled to step out of her comfort zone. As the narrative progresses, we follow Lenny’s journey as she slowly begins to emerge from her shell and effect changes in her life.
Revolving around themes of trauma and healing, resilience, friendship and kindness and personal growth, Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne is a beautiful story. Shared from Lenny’s perspective, the narrative is well-paced and engaging. Lenny is an endearing character and I appreciated the author’s respectful and sensitive depiction of neurodiversity. The supporting characters are well thought out and I appreciated how the author has depicted how Lenny’s interactions with each of them - her pleasant and unpleasant experiences- help in her journey of self-discovery.
Please note that the title of this book is a tad misleading. This is not exactly a light-hearted cozy mystery that is implied, but an emotional story about a neurodivergent individual with a traumatic past who, with the help of those who care for her, embarks on a journey of healing and self-acceptance. The author injects a fair dose of humor, a few surprises and a sweet romantic track (which is well-woven into the narrative and does not distract from the primary plotline) to prevent the story from becoming too heavy. I did have to suspend disbelief at certain points in the story, but this in no way detracted from my overall experience.
I adored Lenny and wanted to spend more time with her! Exceptionally well-written, at times heartbreaking yet hopeful, full of heart and humor, this is an impressive debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this talented new author in the future.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Annie Maynard, who has done a brilliant job of capturing Lenny’s sweetness and resilience, her moods and emotions, and breathing life into this story. I couldn’t recommend the audiobook enough!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
September 2, 2023
3.5~4★
“Lenny ran her fingers over the smoothness of the envelope. Adult Parole Board Victoria was emblazoned proudly in the top right corner, as if this was a regular and not at all concerning place from which to receive mail.”
It���s not only the sender that’s concerning, it’s the name and address of the receiver. It’s addressed to Helena Winters and arrived at the school where Lenny Marks teaches. It’s for Lenny.
I enjoyed the beginning of this book, meeting Lenny and trying to figure out her character and personality. She has many quirks, and it’s hard to know how many are natural and how many were shaped by her childhood. It doesn’t really matter.
She is quiet and private, but not particularly shy. She can be outspoken, but generally prefers not to call attention to herself. When she’s nervous, she latches onto a word someone has said and starts making mental anagrams of it, which seem to uncover some of her current feelings.
“Parole hearing: orangerie, orphanage, helping, reaping, roaring
Silenced: declines, denies, sliced, need
Scared: raced, sear, read, arc, scar
Nightmares: streaming, rightens, nastier, shaming, garish”
She has had a troubled childhood and there are hints of something she has buried and refuses to remember.
“And she’d shelved that period of her life, in a box, sealed tight. She had no intention of reopening it.”
She’s now 37, and her foster mother, Fay, insists she stay in touch, come for dinner, and play with whatever children Fay is currently fostering. Fay is proud she’s now a teacher, but she worries about Lenny living so alone with such strict routines. Fay is a loving constant in her life, the only one.
“When Lenny arrived at Fay and Robert’s she had been barely an outline of a thirteen-year-old girl. The mere fact she was in yet another new home had made her conclude, once and for all, that she was the problem.”
Lenny still thinks she’s the problem – why her mother abandoned her to go with her abusive stepfather, why her grandmother abandoned her, why the only place she’s ever felt safe is tucked into the corner of her wardrobe, hiding under her doona. Even as an adult, the feeling still comes over her.
“Wardrobe: arbored, broader, bared, robed, bear”
It’s not clear whether “bear” refers to her beloved teddy bear, which she still has and won’t part with, or whether it means she can bear whatever is bothering her if she sits in there. It doesn’t matter, and it could be both.
She has strict routines, rides her bike to the shop on the same days, buys the same foods, eats the same meals, has the same TV shows running in the background, particularly “Friends”, all of whom she thinks of as her friends. She knows they aren’t – she just likes to think about them as if they are real.
People definitely see her as ‘different’, which she understands, but we can’t tell at first whether this is an innate neurodiverse issue or a protective mechanism she developed to cope with whatever the trauma was. Again, it doesn’t matter, and it could be both.
She lives her adult life as she chooses, mostly, but when someone from her childhood suddenly reappears as a parent of one her students at the parent-teacher meeting, she feels panicky again. Will he recognise her?
“Suddenly, Lenny was at a loss as to how to begin and pictured herself picking up one of the small chairs and throwing it out the window just to shift everyone’s focus.
‘Diversion: derision, visioned, roved, drove, void, rid’”
I understood what was going on before she did, but there were still a couple of surprising reveals that kept me reading. Although the action picked up at the end, I didn’t feel the result was plausible and the wrap-up was a little too neat for me. Perhaps, as I said several times earlier, that doesn’t really matter, does it?
I know there are many readers who will love that part, and because I enjoyed the story overall, I am happy to overlook my cynical reaction. I liked Aussie author Mayne’s style and the Australian setting (not the bush). I should mention I listened to some of the audio, which was pretty good, too.
A book I enjoyed more, which this reminded me of, is Ginny Moon, by Benjamin Ludwig. You might like to have a look at that one, too. Ginny is a little girl with autism who is also moving between foster families because of some past trauma. But she hasn’t grown up yet.
My review of Ginny Moon
“Lenny ran her fingers over the smoothness of the envelope. Adult Parole Board Victoria was emblazoned proudly in the top right corner, as if this was a regular and not at all concerning place from which to receive mail.”
It���s not only the sender that’s concerning, it’s the name and address of the receiver. It’s addressed to Helena Winters and arrived at the school where Lenny Marks teaches. It’s for Lenny.
I enjoyed the beginning of this book, meeting Lenny and trying to figure out her character and personality. She has many quirks, and it’s hard to know how many are natural and how many were shaped by her childhood. It doesn’t really matter.
She is quiet and private, but not particularly shy. She can be outspoken, but generally prefers not to call attention to herself. When she’s nervous, she latches onto a word someone has said and starts making mental anagrams of it, which seem to uncover some of her current feelings.
“Parole hearing: orangerie, orphanage, helping, reaping, roaring
Silenced: declines, denies, sliced, need
Scared: raced, sear, read, arc, scar
Nightmares: streaming, rightens, nastier, shaming, garish”
She has had a troubled childhood and there are hints of something she has buried and refuses to remember.
“And she’d shelved that period of her life, in a box, sealed tight. She had no intention of reopening it.”
She’s now 37, and her foster mother, Fay, insists she stay in touch, come for dinner, and play with whatever children Fay is currently fostering. Fay is proud she’s now a teacher, but she worries about Lenny living so alone with such strict routines. Fay is a loving constant in her life, the only one.
“When Lenny arrived at Fay and Robert’s she had been barely an outline of a thirteen-year-old girl. The mere fact she was in yet another new home had made her conclude, once and for all, that she was the problem.”
Lenny still thinks she’s the problem – why her mother abandoned her to go with her abusive stepfather, why her grandmother abandoned her, why the only place she’s ever felt safe is tucked into the corner of her wardrobe, hiding under her doona. Even as an adult, the feeling still comes over her.
“Wardrobe: arbored, broader, bared, robed, bear”
It’s not clear whether “bear” refers to her beloved teddy bear, which she still has and won’t part with, or whether it means she can bear whatever is bothering her if she sits in there. It doesn’t matter, and it could be both.
She has strict routines, rides her bike to the shop on the same days, buys the same foods, eats the same meals, has the same TV shows running in the background, particularly “Friends”, all of whom she thinks of as her friends. She knows they aren’t – she just likes to think about them as if they are real.
People definitely see her as ‘different’, which she understands, but we can’t tell at first whether this is an innate neurodiverse issue or a protective mechanism she developed to cope with whatever the trauma was. Again, it doesn’t matter, and it could be both.
She lives her adult life as she chooses, mostly, but when someone from her childhood suddenly reappears as a parent of one her students at the parent-teacher meeting, she feels panicky again. Will he recognise her?
“Suddenly, Lenny was at a loss as to how to begin and pictured herself picking up one of the small chairs and throwing it out the window just to shift everyone’s focus.
‘Diversion: derision, visioned, roved, drove, void, rid’”
I understood what was going on before she did, but there were still a couple of surprising reveals that kept me reading. Although the action picked up at the end, I didn’t feel the result was plausible and the wrap-up was a little too neat for me. Perhaps, as I said several times earlier, that doesn’t really matter, does it?
I know there are many readers who will love that part, and because I enjoyed the story overall, I am happy to overlook my cynical reaction. I liked Aussie author Mayne’s style and the Australian setting (not the bush). I should mention I listened to some of the audio, which was pretty good, too.
A book I enjoyed more, which this reminded me of, is Ginny Moon, by Benjamin Ludwig. You might like to have a look at that one, too. Ginny is a little girl with autism who is also moving between foster families because of some past trauma. But she hasn’t grown up yet.
My review of Ginny Moon
July 8, 2024
What she couldn't change, she would forget. What she couldn't forget she would come to terms with.
This new release about Lenny Marks is an endearing character study. Early chapters suggest she is somewhere on the spectrum. Read on and you will realize what a trooper she is. A 5th grade teacher and thirty-something homeowner who has dealt with some major trauma. Here are four things I loved about this book:
🚴♂️She is organized with her daily routines clocked out and a weekly rota for meals. Lenny also helps out with yard maintenance for her next door neighbor.
🤗Watching 'Friends' is her comfort zone. An imaginary Monica is her favorite Scrabble partner. Her "housemate Monica" comes up often in conversation and helps Lenny to feel less alone.
🐕Malcolm the rescued Rottweiler is a wonderful addition to Lenny's household. Our family had a female Rottweiler in the 90's, so we are a bit partial to the breed.
🎧Annie Maynard is a brilliant narrator for this down under drama. I felt like I was there!
👎There were some ethical dilemmas in this one that I found a bit troubling. So, not a five-star read for me personally.
If you enjoyed books like Ginny Moon and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, then I think you will also want to try this one.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review
This new release about Lenny Marks is an endearing character study. Early chapters suggest she is somewhere on the spectrum. Read on and you will realize what a trooper she is. A 5th grade teacher and thirty-something homeowner who has dealt with some major trauma. Here are four things I loved about this book:
🚴♂️She is organized with her daily routines clocked out and a weekly rota for meals. Lenny also helps out with yard maintenance for her next door neighbor.
🤗Watching 'Friends' is her comfort zone. An imaginary Monica is her favorite Scrabble partner. Her "housemate Monica" comes up often in conversation and helps Lenny to feel less alone.
🐕Malcolm the rescued Rottweiler is a wonderful addition to Lenny's household. Our family had a female Rottweiler in the 90's, so we are a bit partial to the breed.
🎧Annie Maynard is a brilliant narrator for this down under drama. I felt like I was there!
👎There were some ethical dilemmas in this one that I found a bit troubling. So, not a five-star read for me personally.
If you enjoyed books like Ginny Moon and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, then I think you will also want to try this one.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 7, 2024
I totally didn't see this coming, but this book is seriously the unexpected gem of the century! Like, I started reading it without any expectations, and bam! It hits you right in the feels with every page turn.
Let's start with our protagonist, Lenny Marks. She's the queen of routines, guys - like, seriously: she bikes home from work every day at precisely 4 PM, buys the exact same groceries week after week for her meals, and has a collection of "The Hobbit" that could rival a bookstore (and they're arranged by height - how cool is that?). But here's the kicker - she's haunted by this deep-seated mystery from her childhood, where her mom and stepdad vanished without a trace. And she's like, totally convinced that she had something to do with it. Can you imagine carrying that kind of guilt around?
Then, out of nowhere, a letter from the parole board shows up, and suddenly, all those buried memories start bubbling to the surface. It's like watching a pot of water boil over, except instead of water, it's memories, and instead of a pot, it's Lenny's mind. But here's the thing - even though it's not your typical fast-paced thriller, I was totally sucked in, desperate to uncover the truth alongside Lenny.
And Lenny herself? She's such a fascinating character, you guys. Sure, she's socially awkward and can't read social cues to save her life, but she's also incredibly intelligent and well-intentioned. As she navigates the murky waters of her past, you can't help but root for her every step of the way.
This was an absolute blast to read. It's Kerryn Mayne's debut novel, which is seriously impressive, and you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be keeping an eye out for more from her in the future. Trust me, guys - this is one book you don't want to miss!
Let's start with our protagonist, Lenny Marks. She's the queen of routines, guys - like, seriously: she bikes home from work every day at precisely 4 PM, buys the exact same groceries week after week for her meals, and has a collection of "The Hobbit" that could rival a bookstore (and they're arranged by height - how cool is that?). But here's the kicker - she's haunted by this deep-seated mystery from her childhood, where her mom and stepdad vanished without a trace. And she's like, totally convinced that she had something to do with it. Can you imagine carrying that kind of guilt around?
Then, out of nowhere, a letter from the parole board shows up, and suddenly, all those buried memories start bubbling to the surface. It's like watching a pot of water boil over, except instead of water, it's memories, and instead of a pot, it's Lenny's mind. But here's the thing - even though it's not your typical fast-paced thriller, I was totally sucked in, desperate to uncover the truth alongside Lenny.
And Lenny herself? She's such a fascinating character, you guys. Sure, she's socially awkward and can't read social cues to save her life, but she's also incredibly intelligent and well-intentioned. As she navigates the murky waters of her past, you can't help but root for her every step of the way.
This was an absolute blast to read. It's Kerryn Mayne's debut novel, which is seriously impressive, and you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be keeping an eye out for more from her in the future. Trust me, guys - this is one book you don't want to miss!
February 18, 2023
You are going to love Lenny Marks. She is a wonderful character that you won't be able to stop thinking about. She will make you laugh, and she will make you cry. She has a big heart and is very misunderstood. You have to meet her.
Lenny Marks is a 37-year-old primary school teacher. She loves her job, The Hobbit and her favourite TV show Friends. She had an unhappy childhood, most of which she has blocked out. It wasn't until she was fostered that she was truly happy. Now her foster mother is telling her she needs to get a life, make some friends, go out more. And she tries, she really does. But her social skills are not great, and she struggles. And then she receives a letter from the parole board, and her life really begins to spiral.
I loved watching Lenny navigate life. She says things like she sees them and is happy with her own company for the most part. Her story is sad, but she has come through to the other side. You just have to read this to understand.
Thanks to Penguin Books Australia for my advanced copy of Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder to read. It publishes in Australia this week.
Lenny Marks is a 37-year-old primary school teacher. She loves her job, The Hobbit and her favourite TV show Friends. She had an unhappy childhood, most of which she has blocked out. It wasn't until she was fostered that she was truly happy. Now her foster mother is telling her she needs to get a life, make some friends, go out more. And she tries, she really does. But her social skills are not great, and she struggles. And then she receives a letter from the parole board, and her life really begins to spiral.
I loved watching Lenny navigate life. She says things like she sees them and is happy with her own company for the most part. Her story is sad, but she has come through to the other side. You just have to read this to understand.
Thanks to Penguin Books Australia for my advanced copy of Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder to read. It publishes in Australia this week.
March 5, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
My fabulous book blogger friends and author Sally Hepworth have all been raving about Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder so I made it my mission to read Kerryn Mayne’s novel as soon as it arrived on my doorstep. An exceptional, astute, engrossing and highly entertaining read, Kerry Mayne has produced a crowning debut.
Primary school teacher Lenny Marks loves her job, she thrives on order, routine and stability. Lenny is a solo act, she prefers her own company than trying to fit in with others. Lenny is content with her job at a local primary school, her nightly scrabble games, watching Friends reruns and admiring her collection of books. But Lenny has a troubled past and she has tried very hard to put this difficult part of her life behind her. Lenny’s mother went away over two decades ago, but the pain remains. Lately Lenny has felt the need to make her foster mum happy and branch out a little in her social life. But this is met by an ominous letter that Lenny cannot cast aside. Lenny then begins to recall key moments from her past and when her mother left her. Will Lenny finally make peace with the past?
Author Kerryn Mayne is a current police officer and she has also worked as a wedding photographer. Now this Melbourne based author can add writer to her credentials thanks to the amazing success of Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder. This smart, heart-warming and intricate mystery tale is one you need to purchase if you spot it in bookstores.
I generally avoid making comparisons between books and characters. However, I will say that the main protagonist of Kerryn Mayne’s debut definitely sits in the same camp as Eleanor Oliphant from Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Molly Gray from The Maid and Susan Green from The Cactus. I have loved all these books and characters which is why I am linking Lenny Marks to these memorable leads. Lenny Marks is a woman who will not leave your side, even after you have read the final page of Kerryn Mayne’s dynamic first novel. Like many of these types of characters, I spent my sweet time trying to analyse and diagnose Lenny. I will admit that Lenny is very different from the norm, but she is so endearing. I found an instant connection to Lenny based on her occupation and approach to life. Kerryn Mayne has done an excellent job of bringing this unique character’s life to the limelight for us to enjoy.
Mayne also brings us an eclectic set of outer cast members. These protagonists range from Lenny’s colleagues, to her foster family, her stepfather, new friends and pets. I think Mayne should be very proud of her efforts in the character department, as it has been very hard for me to forget this ensemble! What I loved about Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder was the mystery and family history side of the tale. Mayne sends the reader on a journey, where she imparts some clues and information about the backstory of her lead. This was gently dropped into the overall narrative in a way that encouraged the reader to continue on with unlocking Lenny’s past in an addictive manner. It is easy to let your emotions run wild while reading Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder, you will feel sad, angry, disgusted, appalled, bereft, happy, fearful and relieved as our principal character negotiates many obstacles in her life as it stands. Mayne is careful and methodical in her approach to these issues, she never amplifies sensitive topics, or degrades her characters. I was thoroughly impressed by Mayne’s treatment of mental illness, trauma, domestic abuse and loss. I have the greatest respect for Kerryn Mayne and her Lenny.
The last third of the novel really grabbed me and lifted Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder to five star status by the conclusion. My sincere congratulations to Kerryn Mayne, a star on the rise in the Australian contemporary fiction field. I’m excited to see what Kerryn Mayne brings us next!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
My fabulous book blogger friends and author Sally Hepworth have all been raving about Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder so I made it my mission to read Kerryn Mayne’s novel as soon as it arrived on my doorstep. An exceptional, astute, engrossing and highly entertaining read, Kerry Mayne has produced a crowning debut.
Primary school teacher Lenny Marks loves her job, she thrives on order, routine and stability. Lenny is a solo act, she prefers her own company than trying to fit in with others. Lenny is content with her job at a local primary school, her nightly scrabble games, watching Friends reruns and admiring her collection of books. But Lenny has a troubled past and she has tried very hard to put this difficult part of her life behind her. Lenny’s mother went away over two decades ago, but the pain remains. Lately Lenny has felt the need to make her foster mum happy and branch out a little in her social life. But this is met by an ominous letter that Lenny cannot cast aside. Lenny then begins to recall key moments from her past and when her mother left her. Will Lenny finally make peace with the past?
Author Kerryn Mayne is a current police officer and she has also worked as a wedding photographer. Now this Melbourne based author can add writer to her credentials thanks to the amazing success of Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder. This smart, heart-warming and intricate mystery tale is one you need to purchase if you spot it in bookstores.
I generally avoid making comparisons between books and characters. However, I will say that the main protagonist of Kerryn Mayne’s debut definitely sits in the same camp as Eleanor Oliphant from Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Molly Gray from The Maid and Susan Green from The Cactus. I have loved all these books and characters which is why I am linking Lenny Marks to these memorable leads. Lenny Marks is a woman who will not leave your side, even after you have read the final page of Kerryn Mayne’s dynamic first novel. Like many of these types of characters, I spent my sweet time trying to analyse and diagnose Lenny. I will admit that Lenny is very different from the norm, but she is so endearing. I found an instant connection to Lenny based on her occupation and approach to life. Kerryn Mayne has done an excellent job of bringing this unique character’s life to the limelight for us to enjoy.
Mayne also brings us an eclectic set of outer cast members. These protagonists range from Lenny’s colleagues, to her foster family, her stepfather, new friends and pets. I think Mayne should be very proud of her efforts in the character department, as it has been very hard for me to forget this ensemble! What I loved about Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder was the mystery and family history side of the tale. Mayne sends the reader on a journey, where she imparts some clues and information about the backstory of her lead. This was gently dropped into the overall narrative in a way that encouraged the reader to continue on with unlocking Lenny’s past in an addictive manner. It is easy to let your emotions run wild while reading Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder, you will feel sad, angry, disgusted, appalled, bereft, happy, fearful and relieved as our principal character negotiates many obstacles in her life as it stands. Mayne is careful and methodical in her approach to these issues, she never amplifies sensitive topics, or degrades her characters. I was thoroughly impressed by Mayne’s treatment of mental illness, trauma, domestic abuse and loss. I have the greatest respect for Kerryn Mayne and her Lenny.
The last third of the novel really grabbed me and lifted Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder to five star status by the conclusion. My sincere congratulations to Kerryn Mayne, a star on the rise in the Australian contemporary fiction field. I’m excited to see what Kerryn Mayne brings us next!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
March 9, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Lenny in this wonderful debut, Lenny is different, caring and finds it hard to make friends, but there is a really good reason for Lenny to be like this and I highly recommend that you get to know her and the other fabulous characters that are part of the story.
For twenty five years she has done her best to not think about the day her mother left her when she was just eleven years old the last words her step father said to her were “you did this” and it replays over and over even to this day, she then spent some time living with her grandmother and then she was moved to her foster parents Fay and Robert, where she lived happily although she never spoke about her past.
Lenny is thirty seven years old and teaches grade five at Selby South primary school, she likes order and a quiet life that runs the same she doesn’t like change very much, she has thirty six copies of The Hobbit, she watches re-runs of Friends and plays scrabble with her pretend housemate and loves her teaching job.
Her life changes when a letter from the parole board arrives at the school and Lenny’s life unravels big time, memories are coming back all while she is trying her best to make her mother, Fay happy by trying to get a life which means bringing people into her quiet orderly life. Sometime of work is needed maybe she can work through everything that is happening.
This is such a great story, there is a lot happening as we see Lenny’s life change as she finally remembers everything from her past, unlocking those memories is filled with emotion what she went through was terrible but her strength through it all shows, I loved seeing her react to other people add to that the characters that are there for her this story is compelling and so well told, I do highly recommend this one it is sure to keep any reader entertained.
My thanks to Penguin AU for my copy to read and review.
For twenty five years she has done her best to not think about the day her mother left her when she was just eleven years old the last words her step father said to her were “you did this” and it replays over and over even to this day, she then spent some time living with her grandmother and then she was moved to her foster parents Fay and Robert, where she lived happily although she never spoke about her past.
Lenny is thirty seven years old and teaches grade five at Selby South primary school, she likes order and a quiet life that runs the same she doesn’t like change very much, she has thirty six copies of The Hobbit, she watches re-runs of Friends and plays scrabble with her pretend housemate and loves her teaching job.
Her life changes when a letter from the parole board arrives at the school and Lenny’s life unravels big time, memories are coming back all while she is trying her best to make her mother, Fay happy by trying to get a life which means bringing people into her quiet orderly life. Sometime of work is needed maybe she can work through everything that is happening.
This is such a great story, there is a lot happening as we see Lenny’s life change as she finally remembers everything from her past, unlocking those memories is filled with emotion what she went through was terrible but her strength through it all shows, I loved seeing her react to other people add to that the characters that are there for her this story is compelling and so well told, I do highly recommend this one it is sure to keep any reader entertained.
My thanks to Penguin AU for my copy to read and review.
February 1, 2024
“Lenny Marks seldom found herself unprepared.”
I love triumph over adversity stories as much as I love supporting debut authors!
At first, 37-year-old Lenny Marks appears to be a competent Grade 5 teacher at Selby South Primary School who just prefers living alone and is disinterested in a busy social calendar. You’ll soon discover that she’s found tremendous peace in organization because it’s stable and reliable - unlike happiness. Lenny has carefully curated her world to protect herself: Thai carryout on Saturdays, Friends reruns and groceries on Mondays and Thursdays, rearranging her 36 volumes of The Hobbit, and endless Scrabble games with an imaginary opponent, Monica from Friends. At first, these idiosyncrasies brought a smile to my face and I wondered if perhaps she was on the spectrum, and then I felt saddened when I realized that her unique personality had been shaped by her repressed, traumatic past.
“There was something very wrong with Lenny, and she wasn’t sure it was repairable.”
When a letter arrives for Lenny, memories of her past threaten the ordered lifestyle she’s curated and she appears to remember what drove her to a life of order over happiness. As the author slowly reveals bits of Lenny’s mysterious past, readers are left wondering if Lenny can cope with the new direction she’s taken
“You did this.”
Three words. Three syllables. Lenny’s world comes crashing down around her….
Kerryn Mayne’s examination of survivors and their coping mechanisms highlights mental illness, grief, family, friends and happiness. You’ll agree that justice is served.
If you loved Eleanor Oliphant or Molly Gray you’ll enjoy this one.
I promise you, Lenny Marks will leave an impression. You’ll be thinking of her for days afterward.
I love triumph over adversity stories as much as I love supporting debut authors!
At first, 37-year-old Lenny Marks appears to be a competent Grade 5 teacher at Selby South Primary School who just prefers living alone and is disinterested in a busy social calendar. You’ll soon discover that she’s found tremendous peace in organization because it’s stable and reliable - unlike happiness. Lenny has carefully curated her world to protect herself: Thai carryout on Saturdays, Friends reruns and groceries on Mondays and Thursdays, rearranging her 36 volumes of The Hobbit, and endless Scrabble games with an imaginary opponent, Monica from Friends. At first, these idiosyncrasies brought a smile to my face and I wondered if perhaps she was on the spectrum, and then I felt saddened when I realized that her unique personality had been shaped by her repressed, traumatic past.
“There was something very wrong with Lenny, and she wasn’t sure it was repairable.”
When a letter arrives for Lenny, memories of her past threaten the ordered lifestyle she’s curated and she appears to remember what drove her to a life of order over happiness. As the author slowly reveals bits of Lenny’s mysterious past, readers are left wondering if Lenny can cope with the new direction she’s taken
“You did this.”
Three words. Three syllables. Lenny’s world comes crashing down around her….
Kerryn Mayne’s examination of survivors and their coping mechanisms highlights mental illness, grief, family, friends and happiness. You’ll agree that justice is served.
If you loved Eleanor Oliphant or Molly Gray you’ll enjoy this one.
I promise you, Lenny Marks will leave an impression. You’ll be thinking of her for days afterward.
January 13, 2024
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Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by Kerryn Mayne. (2023).
Lenny Marks is good at not remembering: she has spent the last 20 plus years not thinking about the day her mother left but she's never forgotten her stepfather's parting words, 'you did this'. Now 37, Lenny prefers contentment and order over the unreliability of happiness and the messiness of relationships. She's a primary school teacher who plays Scrabble with an imaginary housemate, watching Friends and rearranging her 36 copies of The Hobbit. But to appease her foster mum, she's going to 'get a life'. Then a letter arrives from the Adult Parole Board and when her desperate attempts to ignore it fail, she starts to unravel and worse, remember...
This is a great debut novel for the author. The storyline focuses on Lenny, a quirky and intelligent woman who I would say is implied to be neurodivergent. It becomes quickly clear that something traumatic has happened in her childhood which resulted in her living with a supportive foster family in her teens with her still being connected to her foster mother who has some concerns about the way Lenny is living her life. Just as Lenny starts attempting to make some changes such as trying to make friends, she receives a letter from a parole board which immediately has a detrimental effect on her. The storyline is quite the combination of light and dark moments and when Lenny finally remembers everything that has happened in her childhood it is quite confronting. There is a wide-ranging cast of characters with my favourite standouts being the immediately loveable grocery store worker Ned, the kind-hearted colleague Kirra and the beautiful rescue dog Malcolm.
Overall: a great read with an unforgettable and unique lead in Lenny.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by Kerryn Mayne. (2023).
Lenny Marks is good at not remembering: she has spent the last 20 plus years not thinking about the day her mother left but she's never forgotten her stepfather's parting words, 'you did this'. Now 37, Lenny prefers contentment and order over the unreliability of happiness and the messiness of relationships. She's a primary school teacher who plays Scrabble with an imaginary housemate, watching Friends and rearranging her 36 copies of The Hobbit. But to appease her foster mum, she's going to 'get a life'. Then a letter arrives from the Adult Parole Board and when her desperate attempts to ignore it fail, she starts to unravel and worse, remember...
This is a great debut novel for the author. The storyline focuses on Lenny, a quirky and intelligent woman who I would say is implied to be neurodivergent. It becomes quickly clear that something traumatic has happened in her childhood which resulted in her living with a supportive foster family in her teens with her still being connected to her foster mother who has some concerns about the way Lenny is living her life. Just as Lenny starts attempting to make some changes such as trying to make friends, she receives a letter from a parole board which immediately has a detrimental effect on her. The storyline is quite the combination of light and dark moments and when Lenny finally remembers everything that has happened in her childhood it is quite confronting. There is a wide-ranging cast of characters with my favourite standouts being the immediately loveable grocery store worker Ned, the kind-hearted colleague Kirra and the beautiful rescue dog Malcolm.
Overall: a great read with an unforgettable and unique lead in Lenny.
January 28, 2024
Lenny lives by a routine. A strict routine. She has an imaginary friend, and they play Scrabble and watch Friends reruns.
One thing Lenny excels at is forgetting what happened the day her mother and her stepfather disappeared.
When a letter from the parole board arrives, Lenny is forced to deal with her past. As the memories surface, Lenny’s routines begin to fall apart. However, for the first time, she finds herself beginning to connect to the community around her and new relationships begin to surface.
This book made me think of Strange Sally Diamond. I enjoyed it, it just had similar vibes, not in a bad way. Lenny really came into herself over the course of this book. Yes she’s a little neurodivergent, yes she is a little orderly, but routine is okay. I’m with Lenny, I like routine. I like to wake up at the same time, and then from there things go on a schedule, I get angsty when things diverge from it. So, for me, Lenny was utterly relatable. I do struggle at times with cozy mysteries because they seem to be a little neat for me and this one ended up in that boat, but that’s okay, the journey was fun. I enjoyed how the side characters helped shape Lenny’s character and really bring her to life. I do think that the ending wrapped up a little too neatly for my liking and it didn’t really fit the rest of the book.
This book was a lot of fun. I particularly enjoyed that it was a debut!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, @StMartinsPress and Netgalley @Netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
Publication Date: July 9, 2024
One thing Lenny excels at is forgetting what happened the day her mother and her stepfather disappeared.
When a letter from the parole board arrives, Lenny is forced to deal with her past. As the memories surface, Lenny’s routines begin to fall apart. However, for the first time, she finds herself beginning to connect to the community around her and new relationships begin to surface.
This book made me think of Strange Sally Diamond. I enjoyed it, it just had similar vibes, not in a bad way. Lenny really came into herself over the course of this book. Yes she’s a little neurodivergent, yes she is a little orderly, but routine is okay. I’m with Lenny, I like routine. I like to wake up at the same time, and then from there things go on a schedule, I get angsty when things diverge from it. So, for me, Lenny was utterly relatable. I do struggle at times with cozy mysteries because they seem to be a little neat for me and this one ended up in that boat, but that’s okay, the journey was fun. I enjoyed how the side characters helped shape Lenny’s character and really bring her to life. I do think that the ending wrapped up a little too neatly for my liking and it didn’t really fit the rest of the book.
This book was a lot of fun. I particularly enjoyed that it was a debut!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, @StMartinsPress and Netgalley @Netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
Publication Date: July 9, 2024
July 9, 2024
This book reminds me of several other books but is unique in it's own way. I really liked Lenny as a character and I definitely see why she manages her time/life the way she does. I love that she steps out of her comfort zone whether by choice or not and decides to do things out of her norm.
At first I could not tell if perhaps she was on the spectrum or if she was suffering from PTSD or just really regimented but as soon as that letter arrived I knew something was amiss.
I did find the end of the book a bit predictable but it was still quite an enjoyable read.
I think this book would be a great read for fans of books like "Eleanor Oliphant", "Where'd You Go Bernadette" and possibly even "Convenience Store Woman".
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Kerryn Mayne for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 7/9/24
At first I could not tell if perhaps she was on the spectrum or if she was suffering from PTSD or just really regimented but as soon as that letter arrived I knew something was amiss.
I did find the end of the book a bit predictable but it was still quite an enjoyable read.
I think this book would be a great read for fans of books like "Eleanor Oliphant", "Where'd You Go Bernadette" and possibly even "Convenience Store Woman".
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Kerryn Mayne for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 7/9/24
Want to read
November 9, 2023"She owns thirty-six copies of The Hobbit, arranged by height."
Say no more.
Say no more.
May 31, 2024
Synopsis:
Lenny is a school teacher who lives alone and has a very regimented lifestyle. She has suffered past trauma that she doesn’t fully remember and we follow her in that discovery and her attempts at recovery.
Review:
I thought this was a lovely debut. The character of Lenny is well developed and done with respect to trauma victims and those who are neurodivergent. That’s not always the case, so I appreciate that.
I liked Lenny’s use of anagrams in stressful situations and the Friend’s references. The story has its own unique take on a main character who has suffered from past trauma and is doing their best to move forward. There were times when the pace felt a bit slow and some suspension of disbelief is needed to enjoy the story.
One thing I find disappointing in reviews is comparison. The publisher’s and book seller’s are guilty of this. I understand they are trying to sell books, but it’s very misleading. It’s unfair to the author and also the consumer. Lenny Marks is being compared to Eleanor Oliphant, Bernadette and Meredith when in reality she is nothing like those characters, their stories and their trauma. All female main characters should not be painted with the same broad brush. We do not do that comparison nearly as often with male main characters or authors. These are individual women with very different lives and trauma. All women are not the same. It reminds me of so many blurbs that compare every mystery/thriller to Gone Girl. I’ve read nothing that is truly comparable to it, yet a female writer and a female main character in a thriller will often be labeled as “the next Gone Girl.” The authors and the readers deserve better in my opinion.
3.5/5 rounded up.
Lenny is a school teacher who lives alone and has a very regimented lifestyle. She has suffered past trauma that she doesn’t fully remember and we follow her in that discovery and her attempts at recovery.
Review:
I thought this was a lovely debut. The character of Lenny is well developed and done with respect to trauma victims and those who are neurodivergent. That’s not always the case, so I appreciate that.
I liked Lenny’s use of anagrams in stressful situations and the Friend’s references. The story has its own unique take on a main character who has suffered from past trauma and is doing their best to move forward. There were times when the pace felt a bit slow and some suspension of disbelief is needed to enjoy the story.
One thing I find disappointing in reviews is comparison. The publisher’s and book seller’s are guilty of this. I understand they are trying to sell books, but it’s very misleading. It’s unfair to the author and also the consumer. Lenny Marks is being compared to Eleanor Oliphant, Bernadette and Meredith when in reality she is nothing like those characters, their stories and their trauma. All female main characters should not be painted with the same broad brush. We do not do that comparison nearly as often with male main characters or authors. These are individual women with very different lives and trauma. All women are not the same. It reminds me of so many blurbs that compare every mystery/thriller to Gone Girl. I’ve read nothing that is truly comparable to it, yet a female writer and a female main character in a thriller will often be labeled as “the next Gone Girl.” The authors and the readers deserve better in my opinion.
3.5/5 rounded up.
February 19, 2023
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A smart, fun and very enjoyable debut that will warm your heart, stimulate your mind and entertain your soul.
Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder is everything and so much more.
Lenny is a primary school teacher, loves watching Friends, has 36 copies of The Hobbit and enjoys playing Scrabble with herself.
She can’t remember her childhood but does remember her stepfather’s mean words.
Now her loving foster mum has suggested a goal for Lenny, get a life! (in the most affectionate way).
One day, Lenny gets a letter from the parole board, asking a difficult question.
Soon she begins to remember her past and her life slowly starts to unfold.
In four easy words, I adored this book, there’s a lot to love here.
First of all, at it’s core is Lenny Marks, a character you won’t be able to forget.
Misunderstood, intelligent, astute and she says how it is.
I’m so excited for you all to meet her.
The plot is riveting, funny, sombre, spectacular, inspiring with a twist or two and a splash of mystery.
It’s a story that’s totally addictive.
Top notch, memorable, captivating, heartwarming and I found myself grinning sporadically.
If this is what we get from a dazzling debut, then I can’t wait to see what Kerryn gives us next.
A smart, fun and very enjoyable debut that will warm your heart, stimulate your mind and entertain your soul.
Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder is everything and so much more.
Lenny is a primary school teacher, loves watching Friends, has 36 copies of The Hobbit and enjoys playing Scrabble with herself.
She can’t remember her childhood but does remember her stepfather’s mean words.
Now her loving foster mum has suggested a goal for Lenny, get a life! (in the most affectionate way).
One day, Lenny gets a letter from the parole board, asking a difficult question.
Soon she begins to remember her past and her life slowly starts to unfold.
In four easy words, I adored this book, there’s a lot to love here.
First of all, at it’s core is Lenny Marks, a character you won’t be able to forget.
Misunderstood, intelligent, astute and she says how it is.
I’m so excited for you all to meet her.
The plot is riveting, funny, sombre, spectacular, inspiring with a twist or two and a splash of mystery.
It’s a story that’s totally addictive.
Top notch, memorable, captivating, heartwarming and I found myself grinning sporadically.
If this is what we get from a dazzling debut, then I can’t wait to see what Kerryn gives us next.
May 16, 2023
This is a delightful story that tracks the fortunes of Lenny Marks who is a survivor of childhood abuse and has forged a life for herself working as a primary school teacher. Her whole life revolves around a series of coping mechanisms as she continues to deal with traumatic experiences she suffered more than 20 years ago as an 11 year old.
She lives alone, enjoys arranging and rearranging her collection of 36 volumes of The Hobbit, plays regular games of Scrabble with her imaginary opponent Monica, and watches endless reruns of Friends on Netflix. She’s content and prefers to be left alone, although she has high hopes of becoming friends with Amy and Ashleigh, a couple of prep teachers at the school where she works.
Her ordered life is disturbed by the arrival of a letter from the parole board which serves to bring back floods of memories from her past. Under threat of losing the simple orderly lifestyle she has long enjoyed, Lenny slowly begins to do some of the things she has always shied away from. Things like socialising with others. It’s the kind of thing her foster mother has been trying to get her to do for years and it’s a slow and difficult process.
At first glance Lenny Marks is an intelligent, diligent primary school teacher who is quiet and unassuming and very content with her ordered lifestyle. Her idiosyncrasies are fun, a harmless quirk that makes her unique and unusual. But as we get to know her, there is a deeper, sadder and darker undercurrent to her. Her personality has been shaped by a turbulent past, a lot of which has been repressed.
We slowly become more aware of her past moving from vague and enigmatic references before becoming more sharply defined, giving cause for unease and concern. The big question we’re faced with is how Lenny will deal with the many new challenges she’s suddenly forced into facing. Some of these challenges are good, others are not but there is a magical quality to the way in which she grows and prospers.
What begins as a seemingly pleasant account of a happy young woman becomes a story of triumph over adversity.
To be honest, this is not the type of story that I go looking for, but there are so many high points that I’m really glad I stumbled onto it. Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder is a richly devised story that deals with a difficult subject extremely thoughtfully. All of the main characters are given great depth and can be easily related back to real life individuals.
This is a quality debut novel that offers up the occasional twist that serves to load up on uncertainty and danger along with all of the positive aspects that ultimately shine through. Very much highly recommended.
She lives alone, enjoys arranging and rearranging her collection of 36 volumes of The Hobbit, plays regular games of Scrabble with her imaginary opponent Monica, and watches endless reruns of Friends on Netflix. She’s content and prefers to be left alone, although she has high hopes of becoming friends with Amy and Ashleigh, a couple of prep teachers at the school where she works.
Her ordered life is disturbed by the arrival of a letter from the parole board which serves to bring back floods of memories from her past. Under threat of losing the simple orderly lifestyle she has long enjoyed, Lenny slowly begins to do some of the things she has always shied away from. Things like socialising with others. It’s the kind of thing her foster mother has been trying to get her to do for years and it’s a slow and difficult process.
At first glance Lenny Marks is an intelligent, diligent primary school teacher who is quiet and unassuming and very content with her ordered lifestyle. Her idiosyncrasies are fun, a harmless quirk that makes her unique and unusual. But as we get to know her, there is a deeper, sadder and darker undercurrent to her. Her personality has been shaped by a turbulent past, a lot of which has been repressed.
We slowly become more aware of her past moving from vague and enigmatic references before becoming more sharply defined, giving cause for unease and concern. The big question we’re faced with is how Lenny will deal with the many new challenges she’s suddenly forced into facing. Some of these challenges are good, others are not but there is a magical quality to the way in which she grows and prospers.
What begins as a seemingly pleasant account of a happy young woman becomes a story of triumph over adversity.
To be honest, this is not the type of story that I go looking for, but there are so many high points that I’m really glad I stumbled onto it. Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder is a richly devised story that deals with a difficult subject extremely thoughtfully. All of the main characters are given great depth and can be easily related back to real life individuals.
This is a quality debut novel that offers up the occasional twist that serves to load up on uncertainty and danger along with all of the positive aspects that ultimately shine through. Very much highly recommended.
March 3, 2023
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
You have to read this book!
What a delectable package this was! Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by [author:Kerryn Mayne|23045995 was perfectly crafted and I couldn’t get enough of Lenny Marks. What a gorgeous debut and a perfect combination of suspense and charm.
I love Lennys character, she has dissociative disorder and uses anagrams to calm her thoughts and shut them down. She’s a teacher at the local primary school and spends her evenings with her ‘imaginary’ mates from the TV show Friends, playing scrabble with Monica and rearranging her thirty plus editions of The Hobbit.
Lenny hasn’t had the best childhood, her foster mother is telling Lenny affectionately that she needs to get a life. Unexpectedly Lenny receives a letter from the parole board and it triggers some bad past memories ….. and she slowly starts to remember!
This is a clever and uplifting story with some unexpected twists that I can’t recommended high enough, exceptional! A must read!!! I can’t wait to see what this author brings us next!
Publication Date 21 February 2023
Publisher Bantam Australia
Thank you so much to the fab team Penguin Books Australia for sending me a copy of the book to read.
You have to read this book!
What a delectable package this was! Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by [author:Kerryn Mayne|23045995 was perfectly crafted and I couldn’t get enough of Lenny Marks. What a gorgeous debut and a perfect combination of suspense and charm.
I love Lennys character, she has dissociative disorder and uses anagrams to calm her thoughts and shut them down. She’s a teacher at the local primary school and spends her evenings with her ‘imaginary’ mates from the TV show Friends, playing scrabble with Monica and rearranging her thirty plus editions of The Hobbit.
Lenny hasn’t had the best childhood, her foster mother is telling Lenny affectionately that she needs to get a life. Unexpectedly Lenny receives a letter from the parole board and it triggers some bad past memories ….. and she slowly starts to remember!
This is a clever and uplifting story with some unexpected twists that I can’t recommended high enough, exceptional! A must read!!! I can’t wait to see what this author brings us next!
Publication Date 21 February 2023
Publisher Bantam Australia
Thank you so much to the fab team Penguin Books Australia for sending me a copy of the book to read.
July 9, 2024
You will fall in love with Lenny right from the start, and then your heart will break for her as you continue through the book.
Her sweet, naive, always-follow-the-rules personality will endear you to her.
And her repeated comment about nothing could fix what I'd done keeps you intrigued about what this gentle soul could have done.
We meet Lenny as she bicycles to her teaching job where she does her job, goes home, and does the same things over and over again.
She had some childhood trauma that makes her the way she is.
Everything needs to stay the same.
The trauma from her childhood returns every once in a while, and it came back full force when she received a letter from the parole board asking her what she thinks about Fergus her stepfather being released from prison.
She doesn't want to do anything...she just wants to forget.
We follow Lenny as chapters go back and forth from past to present.
A truly touching, but heartbreaking book you won't want to put down, and with Lenny being someone you would love to befriend and help bring out of her shell.
A marvelous debut with great descriptions, a heartfelt storyline, and wonderful characters.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Her sweet, naive, always-follow-the-rules personality will endear you to her.
And her repeated comment about nothing could fix what I'd done keeps you intrigued about what this gentle soul could have done.
We meet Lenny as she bicycles to her teaching job where she does her job, goes home, and does the same things over and over again.
She had some childhood trauma that makes her the way she is.
Everything needs to stay the same.
The trauma from her childhood returns every once in a while, and it came back full force when she received a letter from the parole board asking her what she thinks about Fergus her stepfather being released from prison.
She doesn't want to do anything...she just wants to forget.
We follow Lenny as chapters go back and forth from past to present.
A truly touching, but heartbreaking book you won't want to put down, and with Lenny being someone you would love to befriend and help bring out of her shell.
A marvelous debut with great descriptions, a heartfelt storyline, and wonderful characters.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
June 13, 2024
3.5 Stars
I was invited to read this one by the publisher since I had previously enjoyed the character of Fern in Sally Hepworth's The Good Sister, a sympathetic and likeable character who was "on the spectrum". This also reminded me of the main character in Gail Honeyman's Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, a book I had also enjoyed.
A 38-year old children's teacher named Lenny Marks is the main character in this book. I immediately get triggered by a little annoyance I have when authors use ambiguous names for their characters. This character's real name is Helena but she goes by the nickname of Lenny. I like to be able to visualize a character clearly and these kinds of things trip me up when I'm reading. I very much enjoyed reading about the daily routines in Lenny's life such as riding her bicycle for transportation, her self-reliance, love of reading, and introvert tendencies (a trait I share). These idiosyncracies always seem to be a problem with everyone else, even though the person is completely fine in their own comfortable habitat. But it's interesting to "watch" these other characters always try to pierce the veil of such a dug in personality.
There is psychological and physical trauma in Lenny's youth that has built her personality and blocked her from facing some horrors in her past. These were slowly revealed throughout the book. While I was interested in the mundane practices of Lenny's daily life and her awkward interactions with others, I shied away from the mystery/murder elements of the book. As a rule, I do not enjoy murder mysteries or thrillers, so this wasn't surprising. Luckily the bulk of the book was more of an interesting character study, so this held my interest and enjoyment of the book.
Thank you to the publisher St. Martin's Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
I was invited to read this one by the publisher since I had previously enjoyed the character of Fern in Sally Hepworth's The Good Sister, a sympathetic and likeable character who was "on the spectrum". This also reminded me of the main character in Gail Honeyman's Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, a book I had also enjoyed.
A 38-year old children's teacher named Lenny Marks is the main character in this book. I immediately get triggered by a little annoyance I have when authors use ambiguous names for their characters. This character's real name is Helena but she goes by the nickname of Lenny. I like to be able to visualize a character clearly and these kinds of things trip me up when I'm reading. I very much enjoyed reading about the daily routines in Lenny's life such as riding her bicycle for transportation, her self-reliance, love of reading, and introvert tendencies (a trait I share). These idiosyncracies always seem to be a problem with everyone else, even though the person is completely fine in their own comfortable habitat. But it's interesting to "watch" these other characters always try to pierce the veil of such a dug in personality.
There is psychological and physical trauma in Lenny's youth that has built her personality and blocked her from facing some horrors in her past. These were slowly revealed throughout the book. While I was interested in the mundane practices of Lenny's daily life and her awkward interactions with others, I shied away from the mystery/murder elements of the book. As a rule, I do not enjoy murder mysteries or thrillers, so this wasn't surprising. Luckily the bulk of the book was more of an interesting character study, so this held my interest and enjoyment of the book.
Thank you to the publisher St. Martin's Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
February 21, 2024
3.5. If you loved Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine you will love this book as well. A somewhat socially awkward woman is a teacher who spends much of her time alone watching reruns of Friends and sticks to a routine. She was put in the foster system as a young child after her step dad kills her mother. The first part of this book was a bit slow for me and redundant at times but it really did pick up toward that latter part and became a very enjoyable book so rounded up. Some of the quirks this gal had drove me crazy though I have to say and im not a fan of the title.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kerryn Mayne and St Martin’s Press for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kerryn Mayne and St Martin’s Press for the ARC.
October 2, 2023
Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by Aussie author Kerryn Mayne is a fabulous debut novel. We often come across characters that we love for various reasons and Lenny is one of them for me. A few words that come to mind when I think of Lenny is quirky and unforgettable.
This was a very enjoyable heartfelt story about grief, loss and friendship and if you want to know if Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder you’ll have to read this great book to get the answer. Well worth the read to find out. Highly recommended.
This was a very enjoyable heartfelt story about grief, loss and friendship and if you want to know if Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder you’ll have to read this great book to get the answer. Well worth the read to find out. Highly recommended.
July 7, 2024
This was SOO different than how I thought it was going to be. I read the synopsis as being similar to the Maid by Nita Prose. This is not that at all. I ended up reading this in almost one setting (it was a 5 hour car ride) but once I got into this I couldn't stop reading it. There are so many layers to peel back here. This book is about Lenn Marks, a woman who has experienced HORRIBLE trauma in her childhood and after receiving a piece of mail that references what happened, her whole world starts to fall apart. She has never truly grieved or acknowledged even what happened. She has been suppressing her emotions about the event her whole life. This has contributed to her being very particular about the order of things. She has a routine and she sticks to it. But now she is going outside of her comfort zone and for MOST of those experiences, she starts to realize what she has been missing. While also realizing at the same time, that she has people in her life who are not going to leave her. They truly care and want her to be happy. I would definitely check out the TW before diving into this one. There are some heavy topics.
Lenny Marks is set in life. She has her routine. She has Friends. She has decided she is going to ignore the letter she received written to her old name of Helena Winters. The one from the parole board referencing her stepfather. What she is not going to ignore is her foster mom's advice to start making friend. She wants to get out there a little bit more. The problem is that she has never been the best at reading people. She says what she thinks without thinking sometimes which can be construed as rude. She isn't the best at reading a room. She doesn't feel like she can be her true self around people so she acts a little differently. The one person she does feel like herself around (other than Fay her foster mom) is Ned from her local grocery store. After a night out with some coworkers, she can't ignore the letter anymore. She realizes it is the parole board asking her as a victim if she would testify to why her stepfather Fergus should stay in prison longer. But Fergus didn't do anything wrong from what she can remember right? But now she is not so sure. She is starting to remember things differently. Like the abuse her mother endured. The shed that she was put in during Fergus's rages. The fact that Malcolm was actually her little brother, not an imaginary friend. Now her life is upside down. She doesn't know how to get back to her routine. All she can do is tell everyone that she is fine even though she doesn't even believe it. But then her people show up for her. And Fergus is out of prison and her backyard. That is when she decides that all bets are off. She will NOT let what happened before be repeated.
This was a book about a woman overcoming a lot. She is just realizing how strong she is and how much she truly has endured in her short life. She opens up her bubble and starts to let people in that she didn't before. And now she has true friends and people that care about her and her well being. She realizes everything can't be planned but it is how you respond that matters. Like I said, this book caught me completely by surprise but in a WONDERFUL way. I can't recommend it enough!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Lenny Marks is set in life. She has her routine. She has Friends. She has decided she is going to ignore the letter she received written to her old name of Helena Winters. The one from the parole board referencing her stepfather. What she is not going to ignore is her foster mom's advice to start making friend. She wants to get out there a little bit more. The problem is that she has never been the best at reading people. She says what she thinks without thinking sometimes which can be construed as rude. She isn't the best at reading a room. She doesn't feel like she can be her true self around people so she acts a little differently. The one person she does feel like herself around (other than Fay her foster mom) is Ned from her local grocery store. After a night out with some coworkers, she can't ignore the letter anymore. She realizes it is the parole board asking her as a victim if she would testify to why her stepfather Fergus should stay in prison longer. But Fergus didn't do anything wrong from what she can remember right? But now she is not so sure. She is starting to remember things differently. Like the abuse her mother endured. The shed that she was put in during Fergus's rages. The fact that Malcolm was actually her little brother, not an imaginary friend. Now her life is upside down. She doesn't know how to get back to her routine. All she can do is tell everyone that she is fine even though she doesn't even believe it. But then her people show up for her. And Fergus is out of prison and her backyard. That is when she decides that all bets are off. She will NOT let what happened before be repeated.
This was a book about a woman overcoming a lot. She is just realizing how strong she is and how much she truly has endured in her short life. She opens up her bubble and starts to let people in that she didn't before. And now she has true friends and people that care about her and her well being. She realizes everything can't be planned but it is how you respond that matters. Like I said, this book caught me completely by surprise but in a WONDERFUL way. I can't recommend it enough!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
February 21, 2023
I assumed Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by Kerryn Mayne was going to be cosy crime fiction. Given the title. But it isn't. It's actually an at-times funny but also bittersweet story about loss, grief and abandonment as well as friendship, joy and acceptance. The book's namesake, Lenny (Helena), is an absolute delight in the same way Eleanor Oliphant, Grace Atherton and Susan Green all were.
I was smitten from the very first line, sharing the opening chapter on social media because I was deep in like. And an oversharer.
Though desperately sad at times Lenny's story also gives readers that warm sense that all is right in the world and the underdogs and 'underestimateds' will have their day after all.
This book is about loss and grief. It's about friendship and trust. It's about having faith in yourself with a reminder how easily our views are tainted by others and shaped by events around us. I LOVED this book and am sure that those like me who adored Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine will feel the same about Lenny Marks.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
I was smitten from the very first line, sharing the opening chapter on social media because I was deep in like. And an oversharer.
Though desperately sad at times Lenny's story also gives readers that warm sense that all is right in the world and the underdogs and 'underestimateds' will have their day after all.
This book is about loss and grief. It's about friendship and trust. It's about having faith in yourself with a reminder how easily our views are tainted by others and shaped by events around us. I LOVED this book and am sure that those like me who adored Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine will feel the same about Lenny Marks.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
April 7, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 9, 2024
T/W: domestic violence, animal cruelty, infanticide
Lenny Marks lives a quiet, predictable life. She bikes to and from work as a school teacher every day. She plays Scrabble and watches “Friends” on a loop. She thinks she has it all together, until her life slowly starts to unravel. A letter from the parole board to tell her that her stepfather is being released from jail unleashes the memories Lenny didn’t know she was holding on to, which leads to a downward spiral in both her personal and professional lives. Now it is up to Lenny to connect with those around her for the help she desperately needs, but at what cost?
“Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder” is the debut novel by Kerryn Mayne. Like “The Maid” or “Strange Sally Diamond” or even “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Lenny Marks is a neurodivergent protagonist, whose routines and schedules keep her on an even keel, and help manage her traumatic past. Lenny is full of eccentricities and with the inability to understand and interpret social cues, she finds herself unsure of who to trust, which leads to a life of isolation and solitude.
“Murder” is a very touching story, but it is not a light read by any means, when it comes to subject matter. Lenny has been through a lot in her young life, and she has come out the other side, which makes her an easy character to root for. As she explores the complexities of human relationships, the reader is along for the ride, following all of the emotional ups-and-downs that Lenny experiences firsthand.
Mayne’s debut fits nicely in the widely growing genre of “neurodivergent protagonist”, but it also flows through the entire emotional gamut- laughing, crying, cheering, and everything in between. As a debut, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Mayne definitely has what it takes to be an author to watch. I hope she returns with more novels and, more specifically, more Lenny, because I will be first in line to read them!
Expected publication date: July 9, 2024
T/W: domestic violence, animal cruelty, infanticide
Lenny Marks lives a quiet, predictable life. She bikes to and from work as a school teacher every day. She plays Scrabble and watches “Friends” on a loop. She thinks she has it all together, until her life slowly starts to unravel. A letter from the parole board to tell her that her stepfather is being released from jail unleashes the memories Lenny didn’t know she was holding on to, which leads to a downward spiral in both her personal and professional lives. Now it is up to Lenny to connect with those around her for the help she desperately needs, but at what cost?
“Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder” is the debut novel by Kerryn Mayne. Like “The Maid” or “Strange Sally Diamond” or even “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Lenny Marks is a neurodivergent protagonist, whose routines and schedules keep her on an even keel, and help manage her traumatic past. Lenny is full of eccentricities and with the inability to understand and interpret social cues, she finds herself unsure of who to trust, which leads to a life of isolation and solitude.
“Murder” is a very touching story, but it is not a light read by any means, when it comes to subject matter. Lenny has been through a lot in her young life, and she has come out the other side, which makes her an easy character to root for. As she explores the complexities of human relationships, the reader is along for the ride, following all of the emotional ups-and-downs that Lenny experiences firsthand.
Mayne’s debut fits nicely in the widely growing genre of “neurodivergent protagonist”, but it also flows through the entire emotional gamut- laughing, crying, cheering, and everything in between. As a debut, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Mayne definitely has what it takes to be an author to watch. I hope she returns with more novels and, more specifically, more Lenny, because I will be first in line to read them!
February 10, 2024
Lenny is a bit odd. She likes order and quiet. Some might say isolation. She is an almost 40 year old introverted 5th grade teacher. She spends her days rewatching Friends and playing scrabble against her imaginary roommate Monica. As I’m reading this I’m thinking is this woman on the spectrum? Is she just a bit odd? She goes to visit her foster mom. Her foster mom says “Lenny you need to get a life”. Lenny makes real strides to get out of her comfort zone and make friends and reinvent herself. She is trying to come to terms with the abuse she endured in childhood. I found myself really rooting for Lenny. She was such a smart, sweet, endearing likable character.
While this book does discuss childhood abuse and traumatic experiences I wouldn’t consider it a thriller. More a story about reinvention and overcoming. I thought the characters were well drawn and incredibly relatable. I really enjoyed this book. I recommend it for anyone that has ever felt a little bit different.
Thank you to netgalley and to the published for an advanced copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely mine.
While this book does discuss childhood abuse and traumatic experiences I wouldn’t consider it a thriller. More a story about reinvention and overcoming. I thought the characters were well drawn and incredibly relatable. I really enjoyed this book. I recommend it for anyone that has ever felt a little bit different.
Thank you to netgalley and to the published for an advanced copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely mine.
March 3, 2024
At points, Lenny Marks frustrated the hell out of me, but I was rooting for her the entire time.
Lenny Marks loves routines. Who doesn't? But Lenny takes it to the extreme; she leaves work at 4pm every day, she watches the same TV show over and over again, and she owns 36 (soon to be 37) copies of The Hobbit. That is until an unexpected letter from a parole board throws her careful routines off balance. She's forced to remember her past, including the day her mother and stepfather disappeared, leaving her alone. Was it her fault?
Mayne does an amazing job of placing the reader in the mind of Lenny. You feel sad when she feels sad and excited when she feels excited. There were parts of the book that were predictable, but I think this was intentional. It allowed the reader to recover Lenny's memories at the same time that she did. And even once the bigger secrets were revealed, I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
Thanks to the author, St. Martin's Press, and Goodreads Giveaways for the ARC. I can't wait to read more from Mayne.
Lenny Marks loves routines. Who doesn't? But Lenny takes it to the extreme; she leaves work at 4pm every day, she watches the same TV show over and over again, and she owns 36 (soon to be 37) copies of The Hobbit. That is until an unexpected letter from a parole board throws her careful routines off balance. She's forced to remember her past, including the day her mother and stepfather disappeared, leaving her alone. Was it her fault?
Mayne does an amazing job of placing the reader in the mind of Lenny. You feel sad when she feels sad and excited when she feels excited. There were parts of the book that were predictable, but I think this was intentional. It allowed the reader to recover Lenny's memories at the same time that she did. And even once the bigger secrets were revealed, I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
Thanks to the author, St. Martin's Press, and Goodreads Giveaways for the ARC. I can't wait to read more from Mayne.
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