Lenny Marks has carefully crafted her life, a life with no surprises. She bikes to work where she teaches elementary school. She plans her meals, shops at the local grocery store, and has the same meals each week. She sees her adopted mother regularly, the one person in her life who knows the truth about her past.

When a clue to Lenny's past arrives in the mail her carefully constructed life starts to fray. As her life begins to spiral out of her control, Lenny suddenly finds herself vulnerable. As Lenny begins to remember a past she has kept hidden from herself, she also opens herself up to new experiences - friends, kindness, and a new furry friend.

This mystery unfolds as Lenny is herself an unreliable narrator, refusing for a time to come to terms with trauma in her childhood. Quirky, delightful, and sad, this story is a most for those who love found-family and justice.

I tried reading this while I was sick and unfortunately I couldn’t get into it enough to keep going. I hate not finishing books but I just didn’t find it interesting enough.

I received an advanced copy from netgalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne
Overall Grade: B-
Plot: B
Characters: B+
Writing: B
Ending: B
Pacing: C
Setting: B
Best Aspect: Overall this was an interesting read.
Worst Aspect: Way too often I felt the story was going nowhere.
Recommend: Yes.

Lenny Marks lives a regimented life with her career as a teacher, her FRIENDS reruns, and her simple life at home. Her world is turned upside down with her stepfather’s release from prison and dark secrets from her past emerge.


With a rich cast of characters, past and present mysteries, and a found family trope that will fill your heart LENNY MARKS GETS AWAY WITH MURDER is not to be missed.

Debut Australian author Kerryn Mayne highlights the people that buoy us when life becomes completely disorienting. I loved the thoughtful neurodiversity representation and how the importance of living in community is for our human hearts.

Thank you to Emma Grey, author of THE LAST LOVE NOTE for introducing me to Lenny Marks.

Read this if you:
•Have used books to escape reality
•find comfort in watching FRIENDS reruns
•adore the found family trope

RATING: 4.5/5 stars rounded up
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This has to be the most intriguing book I’ve read in a long time and it’s very hard to put labels on. Lenny Marks lives a very structured, ordinary life largely because of a dreadful childhood trauma she suffered - much of which she’s buried deep in her mind as the only way to get through each day. As she starts to break out from her rigid, lonely existence – often unwillingly – Lenny starts to see new possibilities. The changes often terrify her and your heart will break for her over and over again, but you’ll be cheering for her on even more occasions. It’s hard to believe this is a debut book and I’ll definitely look out for the author’s next book!

Love Lenny! A must read debut that resonates long after the first page!!! Highly recommend this 5 star masterpiece.

Lenny Marks is an unconventional young woman. She lives an isolated life and doesn’t let anyone in. She likes her privacy, and she likes her organized life and schedule just as it is. So when a letter arrives from a parole board letting her know her step-father is being released, this throws a wrench into the pleasing life she’s built for herself and slowly begins to unravel forgotten childhood trauma.

To say Lenny Marks is a bit unconventional is putting it lightly, but that is what made her character more endearing. While reading this, I saw myself in Lenny’s mannerisms and characteristics frequently. The writing was so enjoyable and I really found myself entranced by all the inner-monologues that Lenny would have. Did Kerryn Mayne peek inside my brain? LOL. I appreciated the levity that was juxtaposed with the serious subject of childhood trauma, as I too use humor to deal with serious subject matters.The story was well executed and this is a book I recommend to anyone who is looking for a quirky, lovable, and messy main character.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for review!

US pub date: 7/9/24
Genre: mystery/suspense
Quick summary: Lenny Marks isn't like everyone else, but she's ok with that. The only problem: the memories from her past that have started to bubble up - is she in fact a murderer?

This was a bit of a hard read for me in that Lenny's issues felt almost too real. No, I don't know anyone involved in murder (or at least, I don't think I do), but her everyday struggles felt very close to home. I had the same problem with ELEANOR OLIPHANT and AMAZING GRACE ADAMS. I thought this book would be more on the lighthearted side a la FINLAY DONOVAN or THE MAID, and the first half was, but the second half quickly turned dark. It almost felt like two different books to me. If you enjoyed ELEANOR OLIPHANT, you'll probably like this one more than I did!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have seen people comparing this to Eleanor Oliphant's Is Completely Fine, but I haven't read that book yet, so I can't say whether this book has a similar plot. The beginning of the book drew me in as we were introduced to Lenny Marks, who is struggling with severe trauma and dissociation. The book did an excellent job of exploring mental health issues throughout its pages. However, I didn't find the story engaging, and the plot lacked coherence. I struggled to find the motivation to finish this story, and ultimately decided it wasn't for me at the end

Thank you to NetGalley and to ST. Martin Press for giving me a copy of the book.

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

This is a book that has you about a 1/3 of the way through. Once it does you can’t let it go. I often like books that are complicated, really make you stop and think, sometimes having to re-read portions to try to understand what the author is trying to get you to see, but I do like a quick and easy attention grabber too which is this book. I started this read while finishing two other books so I was slow at first but I knew early on I wouldn’t be disappointed.
I wasn’t sure where this was headed at first. The difficult past, then Ned, was he a predator too? I was so scared for her. At about half way on when the story became clear I cried and cried, remembering parts of my own past. I wasn’t sure I could continue. It was difficult for a while but I pushed forward, rooting for Lenny and feeling her power grow.
This story will likely hit home for many adults who experienced abuse and neglect and the foster care system. Many of us will feel satisfaction in the justice that was served the way we didn’t/couldn’t have in our own lives. I think I may have held my breath for a long time and was able to breathe in the end.
Looking at this book beyond the relatable events, the way it was told, the way a child’s memory works, the way the body protects itself, moving back and forth between now and then but not switching too often, keeping secrets from the readers as Lenny kept them from herself…it was such an amazing ride. I’m looking forward to what else the author might bring us.

Thank you #netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book

This is a very interesting story that revolved around our character, Lenny, a mid-thirties aged Primary School Teacher. Her role as
teacher is just a small part of her life, though to me it is the most important thing she accomplishes following a difficult life. Lenny
really struggles, and finds it hard to interact with those around her. Events of her early memories of childhood continue to haunt her.
This book is heartwarming and heartbreaking, and just so well written that it’s hard to believe this is the first novel written by Australian
Author, Kerryn Mayne.
I’m not going to share the conclusion because once it’s out, no matter who slips, the readers will lose just a bit of the build up and
anticipation.
I recommend this book! It’s going to be a long wait, but 23 July 2024 will be a great day for us all as this book hits shelves everywhere..
My thanks to St.Martin’s Press via NetGalley, for a download of this book for review purposes.

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.

"Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder" 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!

I did not know what to expect when I began to read Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder. The title of this debut novel should lead me to expect a murder, but in reading it, I began to wonder if the title was an allegory? Lenny Marks does not seem the sort of protagonist to commit murder. Kerryn Mayne's first novel is filled with surprises and complexity, and a slow and careful movement toward a bildungsroman novel of growth and maturity. At 37, it takes Lenny a long time to mature and leave her abusive childhood behind her.

Initially, I thought that Lenny was neurodivergent. She lacks maturity and is socially awkward. Her childhood created the type of child, who if she possessed the shell of a turtle, would never pull her head out of her shell. She is scared and unable to defend herself. The characters who surround Lenny are at turns selfish and thoughtless. But other characters are thoughtful and caring, if only Lenny can let them into her life. Lenny's neurodivergence is the result of her abusive stepfather and an unspeakable trauma. Mayne constructs Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder as a slow movement, with memories and reality always just out of reach, a gentle unfolding of a trauma so terrible and deep that it cannot be remembered.

I liked this novel very much. Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder is not an action film or a thriller novel. It is a slow unfolding of the past and a reawakening of a life. Readers should not expect a novel that opens with a dynamic event. Instead, Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder is a novel about why children need to be protected and loved. This is a terrific debut novel. I do totally recommend Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder.

Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley. I wish I could write this well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Lenny is a quirky and very troubled girl who despite all her poor choices, I was really cheering for her. Her personality at times reminded me of the main character from Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.,yet very original.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher St Martin’s Press for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

The Taco Bell Drive Through moved quicker than this book ( not to be mistaken for Taco Bell in your GI system which I wish this books pace had followed instead) I SLOGGED through this book.
I was expecting a fun "quirky" Lenny Marks to win me over with her innocent charm, almost like Molly the Maid , yet secretly "get away" with murder. This book was anything but.
Lenny lacked charm, charisma and winsomeness. She was too into herself and the book was too heavy for my liking. The writing style was very difficult to get into (See above mention of Slogging through). It was clunky. It did not flow. I desperatly wanted to skip over portions of text. It was at times confusing too about what was actually real or what Lenny told herself. But at about 70% I stopped caring because I was so bored. I just wanted to get to the end because I knew what was going to happen--which I was correct.
During the first part of the book I was okay with the slow burn because I thought it was building up to something grand....but the whole thing became so predictable, I was not shocked by anything.
I unfortunately cannot recommend this book. if you are looking for quirky, fun and murder, The Maid is a much better option.
Sorry, but not.

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to review this advanced copy read of Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder. I was not influenced or paid in exchange for this honest review.

Lenny Marks is one of my new favorite characters! She is a 37-year old teacher who is very content being organized and always prepared. She's in her comfort zone when she's playing Scrabble with her imaginary friend Monica and when she's watching reruns of Friends. Her favorite book is "The Hobbit" of which she has 36 copies.

Lenny had a traumatic childhood. Something happened when she was 11 that she's done a good job of forgetting but life is changing for Lenny. She receives something that triggers her memory and the details start to come back to her as we learn what happened. The characters supporting this story are real and wonderful.

There's so much more that I want to say but I don't want to spoil this amazing, beautifully written story. "Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder" by Kerryn Mayne has it all...a mystery, a love story, family drama and friendship drama. You won't want to put it down!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. I 100% recommend this book!

Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder is a super interesting book! Lenny is a character that reminded me a little of the main character from The Maid. I found her to be a pure delight. She’s funny and charming. The book was well written and entertaining. I definitely recommend it to other readers. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced electronic copy.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me a lot of The Maid by Nita Prose. The setting was absolutely very different but the main characters definitely had some parallels and similarities. I loved that book, so that is a huge compliment.

Lenny is an elementary school teacher who lives here life by a very strict routine. She doesn't last any one get too close to her and feels very overwhelmed by making friends and relationships in general. She has a crazy history in that her childhood was full of turmoil and control helpa her to thrive. I really enjoyed reading about her navigating her complicated and traumatic past and learning to let people in. The ending was sweet and I would absolutely read another book by this author. Thanks for the opportunity to review it.

I haven’t been this emotionally invested in a book in who knows how long. I don’t remember the last book that made me cry! I’m in love with Lenny Marks and I truly want all the best for her.

Since I adored this so much, I couldn’t take away a five-star even though a major plot point was very unnecessary and made rethink how much I enjoyed this book. There was also a couple “wrap-up” scenes that leaned towards the cheesy side. That aside, I felt ALL the emotions reading this book and need to read more by this author.

I was given this book by net galley in exchange for a review.