This book was such a surprise…not at all what I expected, given the title. Lenny Marks made me laugh, cry, gasp, and ultimately feel such an urge to protect her, all within the pages of this book. Having worked with many children with emotional challenges, her compulsions stole my heart immediately. I so appreciated her success in the classroom setting, but truly wish that more people had a Lenny Marks in their own lives so they would be more understanding and accepting of those who are a bit different than themselves. Routines play a necessary role as coping techniques in many people’s lives. We all have our own routines and can usually function if they are somehow interrupted, but this can truly be challenging for others.
Kerry’s Mayne has written such a unique book that readers everywhere will appreciate. Her writing usually flows and is easy to read.
Many thanks to Kerryn Mayne, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read an arc of this recently published book.

This book was unlike anything I've read before. Throughout the read, I kept thinking that Lenny was either autistic, like myself and the rest of my family, or extremely traumatized. My husband - who is always peppered with tidbits of books - reminded me you can definitely be both. In the end, I think that might be the case. Either way, in all her quirky glory, despite her feelings on the matter, Lenny is a beloved character, and will probably be one of my most beloved of the year. While we have very little actually in common - though there are some similarities - I related to her on a visceral level. Something about the way she was written reached out to me. And that's what good writing does. It makes a fictional character feel like a friend. IYKYK.

I wanted to be in this sweet lady's world and to be her friend. To show her that she was worthy of that friendship. And, maybe, to remind myself I was, too. If you've had trauma in your life, be careful with your soul. I always recommend that. There are a lot of trigger warnings in these pages, and Lenny's journey isn't easy. But if you can handle them, it's a journey I enjoyed. My mind is still filled with her story. I kept wanting to read more long after I turned the last page - always a sign that the book was wonderful.

If you're looking for a unique next read, this one is it. It is a heart-breaking, healing, journey following a woman as she finds a life. Don't let the title fool you, this book is much more about life than it is about death.

Oh, and boy did I love me some Ned!! I was rooting for that guy from day 1. He is a big ol' nerdy bucket of loveable. But I'm married to a computer programmer. Okay, and I might be a big-time board gamer myself.

Content Warnings: Death, Child and Parent Loss, Foster Care System, Dissassociate Disorder/Break, Infidelity, Cruel/Hostile Workplace, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Animal Cruelty, Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse, Child Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Homophobia, Murder, Violence

This was a great book! I loved all the complexities of dealing with trauma as an adult and what that does to you. Lenny was a great character with lots of layers and it was great to see her development throughout the book. The story had a great ending as well.

The title of this book makes it seem like a mystery, but in reality, it's a journey of self-discovery and recovery. Lenny is reclusive and introverted. She likes control and has trouble with social situations. At first, I wanted to compare her to Molly in The Maid, but Lenny was just harder to like. Once there was some context as to why Lenny was the way she was, it became easy to fall in love with her character. Lenny couldn't remember her childhood for the longest time, and when she does, we are treated to a heartbreaking and emotional journey of healing. If you loved The Maid, this one is for you.

I struggled to get into this book and I kept going because I was hoping the last half would make up for the slow start. I went into this book thinking it was a cozy mystery because if he title but it was not. This book is more of a “coming to terms with yourself”, “finding out who you really are” book.

The first half was more of an introduction to Lenny and we get some clues about what happened in her past but we don’t find out until the last half. I did enjoy the last half of the book. It definitely made me feel better that I continued on. I think had I been in the mood for a book of this kind I would’ve enjoyed it more but I’m a mood reader and I was really wanting a mystery. I think the title is very misleading, however it makes more sense after reading the book.

I’m rating this book 3.5 stars. I did enjoy the last part and I would be interested to read more from the author.

This story starts with a character type we have seen often, (Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, The Maid, etc.). The woman who is a little odd, obviously neurodivergent, trying to make her way in the world . This novel is different though, as Lenny's back story is dark and explains much of her behavior. While the book certainly has some disturbing moments it never feels like too much, as there is humour as well. I really enjoyed this one and loved Lenny. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reading copy. 4/5!

Lenny fills her days teaching at the local primary school, and her nights playing Scrabble with her pretend housemate. She also enjoys watching reruns of Friends and rearranging her thirty-six copies of The Hobbit. She rides her bike too work and stops at a market on the days that she needs groceries. One day, she notices a dog being treated cruelly and steals the dog. She worries that there will be an article about the missing dog but there isn’t. She is relieved. Her coworkers cause her to go out to a bar for “trivia night.” At first, she is uncomfortable but becomes comfortable after some wine. When she arrives home, she ends up falling asleep on her couch. Picking up the mail, she is shocked to find a letter with her old name she finds out that a convict is up for parol. She can’t deal with it. It tells her that she can write a letter telling them why he should or should not be paroled. She doesn’t want to remember about her incident. What will she do?

The author has written.an intricate mystery tale. It is an astute story of engrossing and highly entertaining. I loved how the novel. It has layers of a compelling story of toxic relationships and the path of healing. It's humorous and heartbreaking, with layers of secrets that I didn’t expect. It’s a good mystery!

(rounded up from 3.5)
Lenny (nickname for Helena) is a socially awkward woman, an introvert without any real friends, so at first I thought this was going to be a book similar to some others out there. But gradually we find out that she has suffered several traumas when she was a child, and that is the basis for her adult behavior.

Lenny is in her late 30s and is a teacher in an elementary school in Australia. The events of the story start with Lenny receiving a letter from the Parole Board telling her that her stepfather is being considered for parole and asking if she wants to make a statement to them.

I enjoyed watching Lenny come to grips with what happened when she was a child. I loved the humorous touches throughout; the author treats Lenny’s particular characteristics with sensitivity. Lenny has a collection of 36 editions of The Hobbit and watches and rewatches episodes of Friends, going so far as to name an imaginary roommate Monica, after one of the main characters in that TV show.

There were a few very interesting twists/reveals towards the end of the book, but I felt there were too many coincidences for my liking.

All in all, a lovely debut novel by this author. I switched between reading it and listening to the audiobook, which was nicely narrated by Annie Maynard.

CW: domestic abuse, child abuse, animal cruelty, child death

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

🎧 Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder

✍️ By: Kerryn Mayne-debut author

🗣️ Narrator: Annie Maynard voiced all characters. The narrators' voices fit the characters with standouts from Lenny, Ned, and Faye. Lenny's mind was going a mile a minute, Ned was a calm presence in her life, and Faye was the mother Lenny needed. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story . The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along with the E-book and audiobook.

📃 Page Count: 352

🏃🏾‍♀️Run Time: 9:42

🗓️ Publication Date: 7-9-24 | Read: 7-26-24

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for this ARC and ALC ❤️! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Genre: Women's/Adult Fic, Mystery/Suspense

🌏Setting: Australia

Tropes:
❤️family drama
❤️friends to lovers
❤️h illness-has DID
❤️hidden truths
❤️mental health
❤️found family

⚠️ TW: child abuse, DV, murder-death of parent and sibling, bullying

POV: 3rd

💭 Summary 💭
Lenny Marks leads a very routine life as a self-proclaimed introvert. She doesn't have any friends, rides her bicycle everywhere, and watches Friends at The Treehouse. She receives a letter from the parole board that upends her life as she tries to stay in control.

Heroine: Helena "Lenny" Winters/Marks(37) has been a middle school teacher for 15 years. She collects copies of The Hobbit

Side cast: Ned McKnight-the local grocer who talks to Lenny about Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Faye and Robert Winters-Lenny's foster parents; Amy and Ashley-coworkers and Amy dates Ned; Tammy-Lenny's biological mother; Fergus Sullivan-Lenny's stepfather who served 25 years in prison; Maureen-an elderly neighbor Lenny befriends; Malcolm-Lenny's dog;


My Thoughts: This book reminded me of a few others with an unreliable heroine. The novels One of Us Knows and The Other Mistress took me on a ride as Lenny Marks did as she attempted to keep in charge of her version of normalcy. Gradually the truth came out about her family and she had new found friends to support her. Her friendship/relationship with Ned was complicated by him dating Amy-one of the "cool kids" at work. They had things in common that allowed Lenny to trust him. Maureen was another new found friend after she revealed who she was to Lenny. Faye was an understanding and caring woman who just wanted to see Lenny happy. Fergus faced karma and got what he deserved with Lenny out for a little vengeance.

Range of emotions: 😬🤔🙄
🌶️: Spice 1/5-not until the end
🎧:Narration 4/5
😭: Emotion 4/5
❤️: Couple 3/5-Ned loses points for dating a "mean girl"
⭐️: Rating 4/5

Thank you netgalley!
If yo loved Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, I think you'll love this. The main character Lenny is socially awkward, regimented, best friends with a fake version of Monica from Friends, and definitely a bit on the spectrum. It has a ton of heart and humor and you really find yourself connecting to Lenny even if you know nothing about her lifestyle. Lenny has to deal with past trauma, and this definitely lingers on the side of literary fiction.

I do think this is marketed poorly. The title and cover definitely swing you, and I think could pull people from this.

Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder is the debut novel by Australian author Kerry Mayne. She mentions in her acknowledgements that a number of times she said she’d like to write a book. Finally, a fellow author said “well, just do it” and so she did.

The result is an extremely well-written and thoughtful book about a woman who has never quite fit in with any group and has unknowingly suppressed childhood memories. Her teaching job has grounded her.

The story starts out slowly, which made me decide somewhat prematurely that this book wouldn’t be very interesting or compelling. But boy, was I wrong. After several chapters the pace picked up, the characters became even more interesting as did their interactions, and the plot took off, with plenty of surprises. That’s when I started promising myself “just one more chapter”. Definitely the sign of a good book.

I found Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder to be vastly entertaining and I’m so very glad I kept reading. NetGalley provided an advance copy.

Well this one was definitely a surprise. A case of judging a book by the cover and being so very wrong. I thought this would be your cozy little murder mystery about Lenny Marks, but no. Lenny has some depth to her. I loved how we are introduced to her quirkiness in the beginning. Then, there is a point where it turns serious and we truly come to know who Lenny is and what shaped her.

This book was heartbreaking and heartwarming as it’s described. I recommend giving it a try and going in blind. That element of surprise is what gets you is this one for sure!

! This was a pleasant surprise and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of the book drew me in but once I started reading it, I just couldn’t get into it at all.
I wish the author, publisher and all those promoting the book much success and connections with the right readers.

The write-up on this book makes it sound really good. (They had me at "Friends.") But this book isn't a clear cut as that blurb. But, I believe Lenny is a neurodiverse individual with a lot of past trauma, so nothing happens how the reader thinks it "should."

I will say that the book had a certain slow pace to it that suddenly changed. About this time, Lenny's personality and how she dealt with stressors changed a lot. So, when it was time to deal with the climactic part of the story,I personally hated how she handled it. It helped the character resolve her past trauma, I guess, but it didn't make sense to me how she did it. It seemed out of character and out of place.

All of that being said, I did still enjoy this book. There were some difficult topics and personal traumas that were hard to read. And I tend to stay away from emotional/dramatic books, but, like I said, this wasn't exactly what the blurb led me to believe it was. Still, I gave this 3.5 stars rounded up to 4⭐️.

As always, I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to have an advanced ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of this book from NetGalley for free in exchange for my honest review. What drew my interest in this book was the synopsis, so I was happy to be approved to get a copy in my hands before the general public!

At first, the main character, Lenny Marks, got on my nerves and was just super annoying. It wasn't until I was approximately 3/4's of the way into the story that we find out her entire back story and why she is the way she is. From that point on, Lenny wasn't quite so annoying, and I found myself liking the character a lot more. The main character is somewhat of an unreliable narrator, so there were some twists and turns . . . a couple of them surprised me in a big way.

This is not a cozy mystery in the least as I was expecting. It's a suspense story that is a slow burn. Not a lot of action takes place in the first half, and I found myself a bit bored and was sure it would be a three star read. However, the second half is full of action, and I found myself rushing through at that point. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen! The difference between the halves couldn't have been more different.

Going into the story, I thought it might be similar to Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano. Boy, was I ever wrong! However, if you liked that book, you should like Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by Kerryn Mayne. Four out of five stars is what I gave this book.

Kerryn Mayne has created a nuanced, relatable and loveable character in Lenny Marks and it was a joy getting to know her. Lenny is socially awkward and has an obsessive personality. She tends to replay social interactions in her head and her anxiety sometimes spirals out of control. Although she doesn’t realise it, Lenny is quite lonely, spending most of her time outside work with her imaginary housemate Monica.

A rollercoaster of emotions, this book gave me all the feels. It explored some dark and possibly triggering topics, but did so with sensitivity and hope. The story was both heartfelt and heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting and I could not put it down.

I thought this was going to be a cozy mystery, but instead I got to read a story about an extremely relatable neurodivergent girl (Lenny) as she comes to terms with traumatic childhood that she has no memory of.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for accepting my request to read and review Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder, A Novel, by Kerryn Mayne on NetGalley.

Published: 07/09/24

Stars: 4

Years ago there was a television series, Ugly Betty; immediately and throughout the book Lenny reminded me of the show.

The cover is misleading. Lenny is whimsical and light-hearted but her life and story are not. She has deep-rooted scarring from childhood that at age 37 continues to influence every decision she makes.

She doesn't have the social skills or wherewithal to help herself heal, but does work as a teacher. She needs a friend. Her life is too complicated to be a cozy mystery. And Lenny is too special not to be respected.

This is a mature audience story.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.

I really enjoyed this novel and I really enjoyed getting to know Lenny. I appreciated her growth and her character development as well as her relationships. This book had some fun twists as well. Really a great read.

I quite liked Lenny Marks. Her kind heart and (likely) neurodivergent brain were so relatable. I loved her relationship with her adoptive mother and watching her grow throughout the novel. Some of the twists were a bit obvious, but to me this book was primarily about Lenny's journey forward, rather than what happened to her before. There was enough suspense to keep it interesting, and the romantic and social bits were handled well.

I listened to this one and loved the Australian narrator.

This was the perfect mix of heartwarming and challenging, and I will recommend it liberally.

Thank you NetGalley and LibroFM for the ARC.