Super unique premise, protagonist and unpredictable storyline. However, I found this title a little slow to start and that pushed me backward. Lenny is a different read and one that will certainly stay with me.

Tricky tricky title... You expect Eleanor Oliphant like Lenny Marks to get away with legit murder and you are going to be tasked to figure out how she did it. If that's what you are hoping, slowly put the book down and pick another one. But if you are into whimsical stories, this will work.

Lenny was a Scrabble master; she could come up with many many words in a second for given letters. But also she played Scrabble against Monica form Friends. Lenny loved The Hobbit, and she had 36 copies of it. Lenny loved to cook but only the same dishes. She was like our beloved Eleanor Oliphant and Nina the Maid. She was literal in everything she did. She thought she wasn't supposed to cross certain lines. She lost her mother and stepfather when she was little. One day she was at home, next day she was at her grandmother's house. Now she started to remember what happened on the day her life changed and she was afraid.

Lenny "grew up" into a different person by the end of this book. I know people fall in love with characters like her in books, but usually look away or show no patience when they meet likes of Lenny in real life. I hope this will change their perspective in real life too

Excellent story that I was intrigued by from start to finish. Unexpected elements that enriched the story and had me rooting for Lenny throughout. Definitely not the story you would predict by the cover, but better, with depth and heart.

Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by Kerryn Mayne.

Lenny is an eccentric teacher who tries to make friends with her coworkers but also wants to keep to herself. She enjoys watching Friends reruns and playing Scrabble with her "friend, " Monica.

Lenny has blocked out much of her childhood until a letter from the parole board arrives. Is murder ever acceptable? As Lenny remembers moments of her childhood, she needs to rely on others around her.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the early copy!

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for my free audiobook for review.

The audio narration by Kerryn Mayne truly brought this story to life for me. What initially sounded like a read about a quirky character has evolved into something much deeper. Our heroine, Lenny, is someone I found myself wanting to give a comforting hug. Beneath her unconventional exterior, she is filled with unresolved trauma, and the narrative skillfully explores the lengths the mind goes to suppress a painful and tragic past. I enjoyed the unexpected curve balls that emerged throughout the story, keeping me engaged and invested.

Listening to the audiobook provided the perfect medium to experience Lenny's journey. Kerryn Mayne's narration gave me a richer, more immersive understanding of Lenny as she gradually unravels and shares her story. I particularly appreciated how the narrator captured Lenny's deep-seated love of reading - she epitomizes the notion that you can never have enough editions of a beloved book.

As the story progresses, I witness Lenny finding her voice and cultivating the courage to come to terms with her past, correct her misconceptions, and move toward a more hopeful future. This multifaceted character development was highly compelling and resonated with me. Overall, the audiobook format enhanced my enjoyment and engagement with this complex and layered narrative.

What an interesting book. I loved the story, the characters, the narration. It is just a must read or must listen to book! Don’t skip over this one!

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 is a neurodivergent 5th grade teacher with a mysterious past.

And by mysterious, I mean, really terrible things happened to her as a young girl and her recollection of those events is murky at best and completely lost at worst.

Most fervently, she doesn’t remember what happened the day her mother and stepfather disappeared. But when a letter arrives in the mail, memories of the terrible things that happened in her past begin to slowly make themselves known.

Lenny has made a comfortable if contained life for herself with her 36 editions of The Hobbit, Scrabble games with her pretend roommate Monica Gellar, and comfort watching episodes of Friends.

It’s the tension created by this ordered, careful life juxtaposed against the chaos of her childhood that drives the engaging narrative.

It’s important to go into this one knowing nothing more than I’ve given. Don’t poke around or read too many reviews because this one ever so slowly unfolds revealing piece after piece - sometimes sad, sometimes shocking.

I loved narrator Annie Maynard’s Aussie accent - brilliant and engaging. Her voice alone would classify this one as a cozy mystery.

Lenny is a fantastic storyteller, with her tale unfolding in both the present as she tries to navigate friendships and social situations, and the past as she slowly places each piece of the jigsaw until the pieces are all finally in place.

Be aware the book deals with heavy, traumatic topics and some graphic violence, all in service to the plot.

At times it felt like a bit too much - some coincidences and circumstances feel a little forced - but overall I enjoyed it and highly recommend the audiobook.

Thanks to @netgalley @stmartinspress and @macmillanaudio for the audiobook ARC. This one comes out July 9, 2024.

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.

The narrator did an amazing job with this story! I really enjoyed listening to this narrator.

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 Macmillan Audio***

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.

The Narration was done well.

Lenny Marks leads a quiet life filled with routines and playing scrabble against an imaginary friend Monica Gellar. She does not have many friends, has 36 copies of The Hobbit, and does not remember what happened the day her mother and step father disappeared.

As per usual, I did not remember the blurb of this book between the time I obtained the book (or audiobook in this case) and the time I listened to it. So when I started reading, I was not aware of the ride I was in for. This starts with a socially awkward, neurodivergent, women satisfied with her life but wishing to branch out. This book, however, takes a sudden turn when a childhood trauma becomes unlocked and we learn about Lenny’s past and the mystery it holds. Mayne does a great job at slowly peeling back the layers to reveal just enough to keep the pace of the book moving and leaving the reader wanting more until the final twist. I appreciated her character development of the main character especially for a debut novel. I would not go into this book thinking it is a mystery, it is more a personal story, that is filled with heart, and trauma, and healing, wrapped in a mystery.

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.

Audio: The novel is narrated by Australian actress Annie Maynard. I love that an Aussie narrator was selected to stay true to the book (set in Australia) and she does a FABULOUS job. She IS Lenny. If you decide to pick this one up, I’d recommend the audiobook.

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.

Kerryn Mayne’s debut novel is pleasantly enjoyable. A quirky and charming story about Lenny Marks, a young lady who grew up in trauma and now lives a very particular life. At times heart breaking and at times heartwarming. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

Bonus is Annie Maynard’s delightful narration in her lovely Aussie accent.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Wonderful book! The neurodivergent main character was lovable, quirky, and fun. The amount that this character went through was staggering. She dealt with abuse and trauma and a very complicated family history. I read this book so fast!

Due out July 9th

What we know is that Lenny is 37, a schoolteacher, a scrabble whiz and genius at word games, a lover of Friends, a caring neighbor, and that she follows a careful routine for her clothing, transportation, and eating.

What we learn is that Lenny struggles to make friends, but is largely seen as friendly and a good teacher. Her only family is a foster mother who encourages her to put more effort into trying to be a bit more outgoing.

Lenny's world is thrown off kilter when she receives a letter in the mail, forcing her to either confront her past or continue avoiding it. And it's an enjoyable journey.

Narrated by Annie Maynard, who made an exquisite Lenny.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC and audio ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Kerryn Mayne's debut novel, Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder, is a compelling mix of mystery and emotional exploration. The protagonist, Lenny Marks, is an intriguing character with her rigid routines and eccentric habits, such as owning thirty-six copies of The Hobbit and playing Scrabble against an imaginary Monica Gellar. These quirks add a unique charm to the story and provide a relatable insight into her carefully controlled world.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Lenny receives a letter from the parole board, triggering the resurfacing of long-buried memories related to her mother's and stepfather's mysterious disappearance. Mayne skillfully unravels Lenny's past, interweaving it with her present-day struggles and the gradual breakdown of her meticulously structured life. The tension between Lenny's need for control and the chaos of her resurfacing memories is palpable, making for a gripping read.

However, the novel sometimes falters in pacing. The buildup to the core mystery feels slow at times, with prolonged focus on Lenny's day-to-day activities. While these details are essential to understand her character, they occasionally detract from the main plot. The climax, though impactful, could have been more tightly woven to maintain a consistent level of suspense throughout.

Mayne's portrayal of Lenny's journey towards connection and self-discovery is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The development of new relationships and the sense of community that emerges as Lenny's life unravels add depth to the narrative. The supporting characters, while endearing, sometimes feel underdeveloped, leaving readers wanting more insight into their backgrounds and motivations.

Overall, Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder is a promising debut that offers a unique blend of mystery and heartfelt storytelling. Despite some pacing issues and occasional character development shortcomings, Lenny's story is compelling and emotionally resonant. It's a novel that reminds us of the power of facing our past and the importance of human connections, earning it a solid three stars.

Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder is the story of a quirky and quite damaged woman who has been through it all and back again. It's quite funny and sad with a little romance mixed in. This book has something for everyone. If you listen to the audio version, you will hear a delightful narrator named Annie Maynard. Her New Zealand/Australian accent is rather intense but is lovely once you get used to it. I recommend this novel. Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc in exchange for an honest review.

Lenny Marks lives a very regimented life that brings her comfort. She had a traumatic childhood she only remembers pieces of it particularly her abusive stepfather.

Suddenly though her life is thrown out of its routine when she gets notice her stepfather is up for parole and suddenly she’s doing very un-Lenny like things.

What will happen as new relationships take root, old ones come back around, and Lenny tries new things?

I love characters like Lenny, so this was a great book for me. I appreciate how things fall into place by the end and the support she finds around her.

What a special book!! Lenny is a delightfully different main character, and I loved learning more about her. It’s clear from the start that Lenny thinks about things differently than those around her, and it was very enjoyable learning more and more as the story progressed. If you enjoyed The Maid by Nita Prose, I think that you’ll really enjoy this story. The only reason that I didn’t give this a solid five stars is because I just felt like I didn’t fully get to know Lenny until much further into the book. I would have liked to understand why she viewed the world the way she did a bit earlier on so that I could enjoy her actions more. Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ARC of the fabulously done audiobook in exchange for an honest review!