Joy Moody Is Out of Time by Kerryn Mayne, published by St. Martin's Press is the second book I read by this azthor. The first one is Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder and I totally did a reread and still loved it like the first read through.
But back to book 2.
Joy Moody owns a laundromat, a place where strange things happen. But nothing is as it seems at first sight, nothing. A twisty read full of very unexpected turns that I greatly enjoyed reading.

I really enjoyed Lenny Marks last year so when I was given the opportunity by NetGalley and Macmillan audio to read this one I jumped!!

I did not like this one as much as Lenny Marks… that said this isn’t a bad book, I just think I wanted more of a true mystery and less of a human interest story. It felt like something you’d watch a crime documentary on. Like watching a report on Gypsy Rose. If those shows are your cup of tea then you’ll love this one.

The authors writing style, voice, and choice of narrators is again top tier! So 3 stars for story and 5 stars for narration so overall 4 stars!

This book is a delightful, quirky crime novel that combines mystery with unexpected emotional depth. I loved how the author slowly peeled back the layers of deception, leaving me questioning what was truth and what was simply a carefully constructed story. The dynamic between the sisters, their journey of self-discovery, and the overarching mystery made this a fun, engaging read that I couldn’t put down. If you’re into clever crime stories with unpredictable twists , this one’s a must-read.

A Twisty Tale of Family, Secrets, and the Future

Joy Moody Is Out Of Time is actually a bizarre book! The novel follows the story of twins Cassiopeia (Cassie) and Andromeda (Andie) as they approach their 21st birthday. Their mother, Joy, has always told them that they are destined to be an important part of the future's future. The twins have been raised under strict guidance, prepared for what they believe is an impending journey to the year 2050 to save the world. Joy has always been cryptic, knowing more than she lets on, and the twins have learned to trust that their mother has a plan—even if they don't fully understand it.

But when Joy suddenly disappears, Cassie and Andie are left alone, forced to reckon with the reality of what their upbringing was truly about. Without Joy to guide them, they begin to question everything they believed about their purpose, their future, and the supposed mission to save the world. As they dig deeper, they uncover secrets that change their perspective on the past and the truth of their mother’s intentions.

What makes this book truly captivating is the relationships between the characters. The twins share an unbreakable bond, shaped by their unusual upbringing, and the relationships with their quirky neighbors add a warm, small-town element to the story. Despite the futuristic, science-fiction twist, it is the human connection—the complex love between family, friends, and neighbors—that takes center stage and makes the story resonate.

I especially loved the dynamics between the twins and the neighbors, and even Joy herself, with all her flaws and secrets. The relationships felt real, and their warmth was a wonderful counterpoint to the more mysterious and suspenseful elements. Personally, I found these relationships more compelling than the science-fiction narrative, making this a bittersweet yet heartwarming book that I enjoyed immensely. If you love stories about family bonds, strange but endearing neighbors, and the idea that everything can change in an instant, then this is the book for you! It's cozy, quirky, and full of surprises.

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