In this debut novel, Lenny is a woman of routine, finding comfort in her structured days and her imaginary friend. Her life revolves around small, predictable rituals, like playing Scrabble and watching *Friends* reruns, which help her avoid the trauma of her mother and stepfather’s disappearance. But when a letter from the parole board forces her to confront her past, Lenny’s carefully built world begins to unravel. As her buried memories resurface, she starts to connect with others in meaningful ways, discovering a new sense of belonging.

The book offers a heartwarming exploration of memory, healing, and self-discovery, with a protagonist whose neurodivergence and love of order make her both relatable and endearing. While the story's mystery element unfolds nicely, the ending wraps up a little too neatly, which felt at odds with the messier, more nuanced journey. Still, the side characters help bring Lenny’s growth to life, and the overall experience is engaging.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC which I received in exchange for my honest review.

Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder was such a good read. It wasn't what I was expecting from the title but so enjoyable. I loved Lenny and her quirkiness. Highly recommend adding to your TBR.

Such a fun adventure. Nothing like what I thought it would be. The audio was excellent. Loved the characters.

Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder is a contemporary fiction novel about a young woman who is forced to face her traumatic childhood and find the community around her.

Lenny Marks is a thirty-seven-year-old teacher in a small town with only her former foster mother and old episodes of Friends as companions. But she’s trying to put herself out there and befriend the “cool” teachers, the quirky friendly grocer, Ned, and she even rescues a dog from an abusive owner. The letters from the parole board keep coming and it’s time for Lenny to face what happened to her family all those years ago.

This is a heartfelt novel about childhood trauma and how it’s never too late to grow up and make your world a little larger. This book is full of sweet moments with a main character who has a unique way of looking at the world but also about the more serious issues around domestic abuse and mental health. I highly recommend it to readers wanting a character they can root for.


🎧 audiobook notes: Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder is narrated by Annie Maynard. She does an excellent job and brings authenticity to the voice of Lenny and her inner dialogue.

I received an audiobook ARC of Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder Macmillan and NetGalley for review purposes

Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Kerry Mayne

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: 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?

My Thoughts: For a debut novel, this was outstanding. This is a twist on cozy mystery that meets neurodivergent protagonist with some thriller elements. I thought it was brilliantly written for a debut novel and cannot wait to see how Mayne develops in future novels. Lenny Marks cannot read people well and has a fantastic play on scrambling words. Lenny has buried the past when her stepfather and mother disappeared. When the parole board attempts to get in touch with Lenny through various methods, she begins to unravel when long-buried memories begin to surface. Just as she finally starts to begin “getting a life,” her past may catch up with her.

The story is narrated solely by Lenny Marks. Lenny is eccentric, neurodivergent, routine oriented fifth grade teacher. Upon learning of Lenny’s past trauma, it is understanding why she is routine-oriented. Her favorite TV show is “Friends” and her favorite book is “The Hobbit,” so much so that she has over 30 copies, each being unique from another. The characters were well developed with depth, mystery, creative, and intriguing. The supporting characters did an outstanding job of uplifting our protagonist. The author’s writing style was complex, multifaceted, twisty, unpredictable, and just brilliant. The way the author portrays this character will really stick with me for some time.

I had the pleasure of having the digital and audio versions of the ARC. The narrator, Annie Maynard, did an amazing job with voice variation with character distinction. The pitch and flow were excellent and allowed me to listen at 2x speed with no issues keeping up. This story was a perfect balance of heart-wrenching and heartwarming. The author approaches the mental health aspect with such grace, really a well-done job. We will see great things from this author. I highly recommend picking up this story!

DNF at 32%.

Unfortunately, this one was not for me. Just another socially awkward person that gets herself into uncomfortable situations with a group of toxic people. There are little hints that something happened in Lenny’s past, but at 1/3 of the way, I am still not interested enough to find out.

The audiobook narrated by Annie Maynard fits this book based on setting. She is also understood at faster speeds.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and author Kerryn Mayne for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for an advance listener’s copy of Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder!

Lenny Marks is a very calculated person - she does the same things at the same time, she rarely socializes (though tells people that she does), and she’s quite happy with her life.

However when she receives a letter in the mail, her life begins to crumble around her as she begins to remember pieces of a night from a long time ago - the night when her mother and stepfather disappeared.

In attempting to distract herself from this latest development, she starts to explore life differently, creating relationships, and maybe even enjoying these new endeavors. She just has to pray that her past stays right where it belongs

I mean, what can I say, I adored this book.

While this is marketed as a mystery, I would say the mystery is not the star of the show - it’s definitely getting to know and love Lenny. She is honestly such a gem of a character. You cannot help but root for her. It’s heartbreaking and also hopeful.

It’s cozy while having heavier themes that you’ll find in contemporary fiction. So not quite cozy but not quite a mystery which is why I personally market it as contemporary.

I loved the narration. Annie really brought Lenny to life and painted a perfect picture of her in my head.

I cannot wait to see what Kerryn does next.

When I started listening to this audiobook, I thought I had signed up to read a lighthearted, cozy mystery novel, but that is not what this is. Rather, this novel is about a neurodivergent 5th grade teacher who has few friends, is prepared for absolutely anything, and finds great contentment in routine. The reader is taken through Lenny's daily life, meeting mean-girl co-workers, quirky grocers, and elderly neighours. At the same time, Lenny's mysterious childhood is slowly revealed and in a very surprising turn of events (to this reader) her childhood is laden with trauma. I highly recommend checking trigger warnings before reading this novel if you are a reader sensitive to trauma events.
While the topics and themes of this novel took me by surprise, the novel itself was enjoyable and following Lenny as she begins to make connections with others as well as connecting the dots about her past was very entertaining.
The audiobook narrator, Annie Maynard, was lovely to listen to and offered a tone and pace that made this an easy listen.
Many thanks go to the publisher, to Netgalley, and to Macmillan Audio who provided me an ARC in exhange for an honest review.
3.5 stars

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the copies to review.

I enjoyed this one, and Lenny was a very endearing character, quirks and all. I enjoyed her journey, she has experienced a great deal of trauma, not sure if that accounts for her quirkiness or not (I don’t think all of it but perhaps some), and how she worked through this trauma throughout the book. This is a heartwarming read with humor worked in, and I was sad when this was over, I was not ready for it to end. The audio was great, the narrator did a wonderful job with Lenny and this story.

Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for the audiobook!

With the cute book cover and fun book title, LENNY MARKS GETS AWAY WITH MURDER, it sounds like it’s a cozy, silly mystery novel, but it’s not. There is so much more to it - depth, heart, humor, sadness, and unexpected moments of I need a hug feeling. It has an excellent neurodivergent character, Lenny Marks, as the lead, reminiscent of Molly the Maid and Eleanor Oliphant. Kerryn Mayne has written an outstanding debut novel with a character you want to root for and ultimately be friends and play chess with.

Annie Maynard is the perfect narrator for this novel. I adored her as Lenny and being the voice inside Lenny’s head. I think listening to the book made me love it more than if I read it with my eyes. I still would have adored it, but hearing Lenny come to life was a beautiful experience.

I also get so surprised when I find out books like this are authors' debut novels because if this is how they start, I’m so excited for what comes next!

Lenny is so special to me. Reading the book felt like getting to know a friend better, and I was sad to say goodbye when it was over. But it’s definitely a book I will reread!


Content warnings: domestic abuse, child abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, child death, familial death, grief, gaslighting, animal cruelty, violence, injury detail, toxic friendship

I enjoyed this one but felt like it dragged on more than necessary in the middle. It’s a good, unique story with some humor mixed with some heavy themes. I think if you enjoy The Maid by Nita Prose you’ll enjoy this one too.

I did not love this one as much as I thought I would. The story was a bit slow and I was expecting it to have more of a thriller vibe than what I got from it.

I thought this was going to be more of a lighthearted read but this dealt with some really tough topics. I loved Lenny’s character and could totally identify with her in many ways (hello Friends addiction!) Her character had some excellent growth and I loved seeing the world through Lenny’s lens. I was stunned to see this was a debut because it was so well done!

Really enjoyed this book, Lenny is quirky and lovable. The story moves along at a steady pace, and the ending was quite satisfying. A fun read, and I love a happy ending!

Traumatic Past Shapes Woman’s Life

Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder is Kerryn Mayne's debut novel, which centers around Lenny Marks, a quirky and reclusive primary school teacher. Lenny has spent her life avoiding the painful memories of her childhood, particularly the day her mother left her. Her carefully constructed routine begins to crumble when a letter from the parole board arrives, forcing her to revisit her troubled past and confront long-buried secrets.

Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder is a notable debut that combines heart, humour, and suspense. Kerryn Mayne's skillful storytelling and deep understanding of her characters make this a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction. The novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of facing one’s past to move forward.

Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder is a character driven novel with elements of a psychological thriller and mystery. We meet Lenny Marks, a teacher trying to live an ordinary, simple life, but whose past has caught up to her. I really enjoyed Lenny as a character, and was interested in her story and growth. This book has heavy themes and on-page trauma, which to be honest I wasn't expecting to be so heavy, but I also found there to be plenty of lighter moments to balance this. Sometimes it felt a little disjointed to me, but I also think that represents Lenny suppressing her trauma as well. I enjoyed the themes of reclaiming one's life and the wit in the writing throughout. Overall, this was a thought-provoking and satisfying read for fans of crime fiction with heart. The narration suited the story and was well done.
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the copy through NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder is one of my recent audiobook listens.

I really enjoyed this story about Lenny, who is forced to unearth some painful memories and work through some childhood trauma around the day her mother and stepfather disappeared as her stepfather comes up for parole. As pointed out in the book’s description, this story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

Overall, I thought this was a great debut novel and thought the audiobook narrator was excellent as well. My favorite part of the book were Lenny’s relationships with her elderly neighbor and the guy from the grocery store. I also really loved how brave Lenny was as she regained her memories and leaned the truth about that traumatic day. I also admired the personal growth she experienced throughout the novel as well.

This is the author’s debut novel, and I think she did a great job. I have to admit that I was expecting a cozy mystery-ish book and this was definitely not that. Overall it was a solid read although there were times it felt like it was dragging for me. There were definitely some sad and hard hitting subjects. I would recommend this book to others looking for a mystery read. Thanks NetGalley for the eArc.

In the realm of contemporary fiction, it is a rare gem that manages to weave together a tapestry of emotions ranging from the depths of heartbreak to the peaks of warmth. Kerryn Mayne’s debut novel, “Lenny Mark Gets Away With Murder,” does just that, presenting readers with an unforgettable journey through the life of its protagonist, Lenny Marks.

Lenny Marks is a character etched in routine and simplicity. Her life is a series of meticulously timed events, from her punctual bike rides home from work to her unwavering grocery list that never deviates from the norm. The peculiar detail of owning thirty-six copies of “The Hobbit” arranged by height adds a layer of intrigue to her character, hinting at a depth waiting to be explored. Lenny’s existence is solitary, her only semblance of companionship being the imaginary Scrabble games with Monica Gellar from “Friends.”
However, beneath this facade of predictability lies a turbulent past. Lenny has mastered the art of suppressing the memories of her mother and stepfather’s mysterious disappearance during her childhood—a trauma that left a whispering voice in her mind, accusing her of being responsible. It is not until a letter from the parole board arrives that the walls she has built around herself begin to crumble.

Mayne masterfully captures Lenny’s internal struggle as she confronts her past. The unraveling of her memories coincides with the disintegration of her routines, propelling her into a world where she must engage with those around her. This shift marks the beginning of new relationships and a sense of community that Lenny had long evaded.
As a reader, I found myself deeply invested in Lenny’s character. She is endearing in her quirks and resilience, making it impossible not to root for her. The plot of the novel is a captivating blend of mystery and drama, with a twist that leaves one reeling. The portrayal of Lenny’s interactions with her coworkers ranges from infuriating to heartening, particularly with one coworker who extends the hand of friendship.

Witnessing Lenny’s blossoming relationship is a highlight of the story, offering a glimpse into her potential for growth and happiness. It is a testament to Mayne’s storytelling prowess that she can guide us through such a transformation in a way that feels both organic and profound.

“Lenny Mark Gets Away With Murder” is more than just a novel; it is an experience that tugs at the heartstrings and provokes thought about the complexities of human nature. It is a special story that resonates with the reader long after the final page is turned. In Lenny Marks, Mayne has created a character that is not only memorable but also emblematic of the strength and resilience that lies within all of us when faced with the ghosts of our pasts.

In conclusion, Kerryn Mayne’s stunning debut is a celebration of life’s unpredictability and the power of facing one’s demons. It is a book that deserves a spot on every reader’s shelf, promising an emotional rollercoaster that is both harrowing and uplifting. Lenny Marks may have been trying to get away with murder, but in doing so, she finds a life worth living—and that is the most beautiful twist of all.

Lenny Marks keeps her life small, confined, manageable, and comfortable for herself. She recognizes that she's different - she enjoys her work with students as a teacher, but she's much less comfortable in the teachers' lounge. The woman who was a foster mother to her encourages her to try to socialize more and develop some friendships, but it isn't easy for Lenny. Then she receives a letter from the parole board asking for a "victim statement", and the mystery of Lenny's past begins to be slowly revealed. And I don't say "slowly" lightly - this is a slow burn of a book in terms of learning what happened in Lenny's past. As Lenny is trying to establish new relationships and navigate the changes those bring to her once-orderly life, she's also beginning to come to terms with her past. I enjoyed this book - I liked Lenny, and it was easy to empathize with her need to reconcile her present with her past in order to move on with her life. Kerry Mayne writes with heart and humor, and much like real life, she's surrounded Lenny with a mixed bag of characters - some are squarely in her corner and working for her best interests, some are not, and some are just confounded by her and can't be bothered to try to figure her out. I had the Kindle version and the audiobook, and while I read a bit of this on my Kindle, I mostly listened to the audiobook and was happy I had it - Annie Maynard's narration was excellent, and helped keep my head in the Australian setting where it belonged for the duration of this most enjoyable book.
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing copies for an unbiased review.