This is a VERY solid debut novel. It is well written and has an excellent cast of characters. I really enjoyed Lenny as a character and I think would be perfect for fans of Finlay Donovan or the Thursday Murder Club which are in the cozy mystery genre. It's a book with a mystery that is interesting, but also is pretty character driven as we learn more about Lenny and what has lead her to make certain decisions in life. I definitely enjoyed her character arc.

I'm hoping this is a successful book and becomes a series! Definitely would love to read more about Lenny!

Lenny Marks is a fifth grade teacher, a rule follower, and a bit of a loner who likes to watch episodes of Friends. She likes her life and keeps a bit of distance from others until one day she steps out with fellow educators for a Trivia Night. She enjoys her evening and helps the group knowing so many answers. She even rescues a dog she sees being abused. Life is good for Lenny, until... she finds out her stepfather is being released from prison. Muddled memories start to come back. She begins to question what is real and what isn't. The reader doesn't fully know what is going on but the writing compelled me to keep reading to know what happened in Lenny's past.

As I read this, I thought of fellow Aussie Sally Hepworth's books; and as I read the Author's Note, I learned that Sally encouraged author Kerryn Mayne to write this book! It was a story that kept me turning the pages (and listening to the wonderful Australian narration) to figure out what happened.

I learned about this author from author Emma Grey (The Last Love Note) who shared in an author chat other Australian authors she recommended. A great debut from Kerryn Mayne!

My thanks to Net Galley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillian Audio for advanced copies of the e-book and audiobook.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC of this title in exchange for my honey review.

To be honest I accidentally requested this audiobook when I was late night looking for a few audio books to set me up for a few days, but I am glad I did.

The narration was well delivered. I always enjoy International (to me) books where so can hear other accents. It really adds to the enjoyment when reading a book outside of my country (US) and allows you to be present geographically.

It took me a bit to full start paying attention as the beginning was slow. A lot of the book is just describing Lenny’s day to day as her life. While it never says it outright, she is written as an autistic individual and the plethora of stereotypes that go along with it. I’m not sure how I feel about using neurodivergency as a literary trope as it gives a very skewed picture of an individual. But I guess at least there is representation?

Over all the book was enjoyable. There are some possible triggering topics as she unfolds her past.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

This is the story of Lenny Marks, a school teacher who had created a very small world for herself with her routines. Why she is this way is told throughout the novel. Don't let the name and the cover fool you; this is a serious book with a character to root for. If you liked Elinor Oliphant, you my love this one.