This book should be so much bigger than it is. Lent is so lovable and quirky and fun and you would forget at parts that you were reading a mystery type of book. It kept me captivated and the base of the story is learning to cope with trauma. It is so believable that someone would handle it this way and it wrapped up wonderfully.

Lenny Marks is truly one of a kind. Haunted by a tough childhood that she’s mostly blocked out, Lenny has built a measured, controlled and routine life that makes her feel safe. In doing so, she’s also built walls to protect herself and keep everyone out, leaving her shockingly alone at 37.

As Lenny is forced to come to terms with the events of her past, she finds herself relying on her community and building relationships that slowly start to chip away at the walls she’s so carefully constructed.

Full of quirks and charm, this book is really unique and kept me guessing. It took me a while to get into, but once I did, I didn’t want to put it down. It was refreshing to read something outside of my usual genre, and especially from a debut author.

Lenny Marks has a well organized life. She's a teacher and she rides her bike home every day at 4 pm. Two days a week, she shops at the same store for the same groceries for the same meals. She's trying to make friends with 2 other women at her school and feels she's making good progress. She almost never thinks about where her mother and stepfather after they disappeared when she was a child. Until Lenny receives a letter in the mail that threatens to upend her carefully regulated life.

This wasn't what I expected. If you think this is a light-hearted fun novel, think again. It's in fact very deep and heart-wrenching. I struggled with reviewing this because I liked the premise of the story, but the presentation of Lenny was complicated. It at first felt like the author was trying to portray Lenny as being on the ASD spectrum, but I think it was more that she was traumatized. Because of this, I had a hard to figuring Lenny out, as well as those people closest to her.

I would give this a solid 3-1/2 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Publishing Group for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Available July 9, 2024.

If you liked Molly the Maid and Eleanor Oliphant, then you will like Lenny Marks.

Lenny is a late 37 year old primary school teacher that loves the show Friends, playing Scrabble, and riding her bike everywhere. She had a very traumatic childhood where she does not remember anything and now, after she receives a letter from the Parole Board, her memories are starting to resurface. What did Lenny do in her past, why did her mom and stepfather leave, and why can't she remember anything?

Lenny is predictable, lacks solid friendships, and is unbelievably kind. I loved Lenny and wanted only the best for her. There were some characters that I felt strongly about, which is how you know the character development was great! The one thing that I felt was a little overdone is that Lenny has a pretty specific trait, where when she is overwhelmed or anxious, she solves anagrams from words that describe the situation she is in in that moment. It was endearing at first, but then seemed more like a distraction. But, I truly enjoyed this book and liked that it was more a mystery than it was contemporary fiction. Please do yourself a favor and read this book!

the premise of this one was SO fun and I loved our main character, Lenny. She’s almost 40 years old and she’s a teacher who loves her routines (as do i, Lenny🤣). there were some twists I didn’t necessarily expect - which I deeply admire - and i enjoyed how things were revealed and trauma was explored, thus giving us a better understanding of why Lenny is comfortable with her life the way it is and her daily routines.

Lenny is one of the most relatable characters I’ve come across in a while, with being a ‘Friends’ and ‘Hobbit’ fan, and again with her schedules. 🤪 I love a story with a highly likable character!

4-4.5 stars
Mystery set in Australia, whose protagonist is a neurodivergent woman. I enjoy settings and characters that are different and I quite enjoyed this one. Heartwarming, character-driven. Hard to believe this is a debut novel.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

Can a book be whimsical, as well as emotional and thought provoking? Of course it can! And this book pulls off the combination with ease.

I loved Lenny’s character. She’s quirky, socially awkward, and kind-hearted. As the story unfolds, we gradually learn why Lenny is such a loner, and that maybe she isn’t as alone as she thought.

This story tackles some unexpectedly complex topics, while keeping the overall tone light and witty. We’re left with a lot to think about, but not a lot of weight to carry.

I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by Annie Maynard. I thought she did a fantastic job bringing Lenny’s character to life.

Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder is hard to put in a single category but the reader gets a touch of mystery, drama, thriller and even a glimmer or romance.
Lenny Marks is a unique character who is very likeable as her past is unraveled to reveal the secrets to her current woes. A highly enjoyable read that keeps you hooked until the end.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC! "Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder" by Kerryn Mayne is a thrilling and darkly humorous novel that captivates readers with its unique premise and engaging narrative. The story follows Lenny Marks, an ordinary man who finds himself entangled in an extraordinary situation when he's accused of a crime he didn't commit. Mayne's writing is sharp and witty, blending suspense with a touch of humor that keeps the tone lively. The characters are well-drawn, with Lenny's relatable and everyman persona making him a compelling protagonist. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on their toes and eagerly turning the pages. Overall, "Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder" is a thoroughly enjoyable read, perfect for fans of clever mysteries and dark comedies.

Kerryn Mayne's Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder is a cozy crime-fiction-mystery that unfolds at a slow pace.

Lenny Marks leads a meticulously ordered life, disrupted only by a haunting past she can't quite remember. When a parole board letter stirs dormant memories, Lenny's carefully constructed world begins to unravel. The narrative, a slow burn that picks up around 65% and then it was wonderfully paced and I couldn’t put it down. It carefully sets the stage for Lenny's journey of self-discovery and community connection.

This isn't a fast-paced read but a character-driven story where Lenny, with her endearing quirks and vulnerabilities, shines brightly. The novel's strength lies in Lenny who is very charming and the colorful cast of characters who bring humor and heart to the story.

Thank you to @stmartinspress, @netgalley and the author for an arc of this story in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: July 9, 2024

I kept hearing about this book, but didn’t read the description before starting it. And I’m glad I didn’t! I really was t sure what I was in for but I had heard so many good things about it already I wanted to take a chance.

I ended up really enjoying this book. I loved Lenny’s personality. She’s quirky and different. She was one of those characters you just wanted to reach into the book and give a hug. She has gone through so many things and the majority of it she is still carrying into her adult life. After her “breakthrough”, I think we see a positive change in Lenny, which made me really happy for her.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, the writing was good and I enjoyed the story too! NThe narrator did a great job as well.

***Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press***

Thank you St. Martin's Press for the gifted digital ARC!

As I'm sure you've seen if you've followed the early reviews for this one, this is much, much darker than the cover would lead you to believe. There was a particular part about the big reveal that really gutted me.

I absolutely loved Lenny as a character, and I think Kerryn Mayne did such a fantastic job of writing her. Getting to be along for the ride for her journey was great, it really felt like she was a real life person.

I enjoyed how this one wrapped up and there were a couple smaller twists I was not expecting. I will definitely be reading more of this author in the future.

Pub date: July 9.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book but the title made me curious.

At first I was drawn into the story waiting to see how it will unfold. Then I just got kind of confused what was going on. Thought it would come all together in the end but felt there were loose ends at the end and I’m still confused.

I liked Lenny as a character and felt she had a lot of potential.

While the novel has humorous moments, it's a very powerful story. As Lenny's background unfolds, readers discover that not everything is as "fine" as Lenny insists it is. She has been firmly intent on forgetting the past and moving forward. A notice from the parole board brings everything back, and Lenny's carefully cultivated world starts to crumble little by little.
I don't want to give spoilers because the unfolding of the story is well done and important to the enjoyment of the story. Suffice it to say that this is a well-written story of past, repressed trauma surfacing when you least expect it and the toll that takes. It's a great story and I highly recommend it.

Thanks to St. Martin's and Macmillan Audio for the gifted ebook and audiobook.

I liked this book. It’s entertaining and generally well written. I didn’t love it though, and here’s why:
- I went in with the wrong expectation - I was expected Finlay Donovan and got Eleanor Oliphant. Not BAD, but unexpected. I also think the “oddball” trope is a bit overdone these days. My expectations were based in large part on the title, but the “gets away with murder” aspect doesn’t happen until the end of the book and isn’t the primary driver of the plot or character behavior.
- The book deals with some heavy topics and includes one scene of graphic violence that I had to sort of dissociate from while listening to not get upset.

Before picking this up, I’d recommend reading the synopsis to make sure you’re in the mood for it (I really think I was in the mood for something else) and review content warnings to keep yourself safe.

If you liked "The Maid" by Nita Prose or like reading about implied neurodivergent characters, this one'll be right up your alley. I thought I'd like this one a bit more than I did? Like, don't get me wrong, I liked it, but it's not entirely what I expected. Special thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy.

Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne is a captivating and poignant tale that is both beautiful and painful. This story follows an unlikely heroine who triumphs over the deepest of wounds, leaving readers completely satisfied. Lenny's character will linger in my thoughts for a long time to come.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!!
If you’re a fan of “The Maid” I really think this would be book for you. The first 3-5 chapters were a little hard to get into, just slow and 3rd person POV.. but once I was in this story - I was so in. Rooting for Lenny, wanting her to find herself and her friends, and wanting to yell at the mean girls who were just taking advantage of her. This book had a couple of “gasp” moments and I really enjoyed it!!

Lenny Marks is a teacher who likes to play scrabble and keep to herself. She’s fine with her life the way it is, until she receives a letter from the parole board. Lenny must come to terms with the secrets she’s been keeping from everyone, even herself.

In this surprisingly dark book, Lenny is a ray of light. Her personality is quirky and her background will make you feel so much empathy for her. This is such an impressive debut and I can’t wait to read the author’s next book. This novel reminds me a bit of Eleanor Oliphant and Strange Sally Diamond. It references darker topics and themes, but is a very powerful and engrossing read.

Thank you to Kerryn Mayne and St. Martin’s Press for an early digital copy and chance to review this book.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary copy of this novel.
Lenny Marks is a unique and interesting character. Lenny is a teacher and everything in her life is ordered. She dare not stray from the order she’s created. She bikes to and from work and to get groceries, has very few friends if any, loves to watch reruns of Friends, and plays scrabble with her imaginary friend Monica. But when Lenny receives a letter addressed to Helena Winters from the parole board, her entire life gets turned upside down. Lenny’s past that she has mentally blocked out begins to unfold. Her traumatized childhood slowly begins to come back to her and memories she has blocked out slowly come back to her. Now she must deal with her past and overcome that trauma once and for all.
What a wonderful debut novel by Kerryn Mayne!!! I love the character of Lenny Marks and you can’t help but cheer for her fictional character in this novel! Definitely Recommend!!! 4 stars for me. AVAILABLE July 9, 2024