This debut novel from author Kerryn Mayne was an unexpected triumph. I anticipated a cozy murder mystery (which I generally enjoy), but LENNY MARKS GETS AWAY WITH MURDER is so much more than a murder mystery. Kerryn Mayne crafted a unique character in Lenny Marks; her story is memorable.

Lenny Marks’s life is perfectly organized and comfortable, thank you very much. She knows what she’ll be doing, with whom, where, when, and why every day of the week. Her schedule is dominated by trips to the local market to pick up the exact same groceries every week, games of Scrabble against her “roommate,” Monica, and reruns of Friends. Lenny is a creature of habit and routine, and she really does not enjoy unexpected complications–like a letter from the Australian parole board or phone calls from a victim’s advocate. This wrinkle of complexity will turn out to be the one thing that will unravel absolutely everything about Lenny’s life.

The character created by Kerryn Mayne is brilliant. She is richly complicated and deeply endearing. A neurodivergent young woman with a complex trauma history who embodies what it means to be resilient, there is so much I admire about Lenny Marks. The writing is wonderful, as well: witty and wry, with touches of humor throughout. Each chapter pulls readers into the story more fully, pacing out bits and pieces of plot detail at the perfect pace to keep you hooked. LENNY MARKS GETS AWAY WITH MURDER is one of my favorite reads of the year!

I thank NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

LENNY MARKS GETS AWAY WITH MURDER will be published on July 9, 2024.