I loved Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder, but I especially loved Lenny Marks. I’m not sure if I could have enjoyed this novel any more than I did. It surprised me somewhat. Not because I didn’t think it was going to be good, because the synopsis certainly piqued my interest, but because it exceeded my expectations and gave me so much more.

I know there are still a few months until the end of the year, but I already know that this book will be making my list of favorite books of 2024. There, I said it. Lenny Marks was a wonderful character. Kerryn Mayne did an incredible job of creating Lenny, with all of her neurodivergent qualities. She was intelligent, regimented, straightforward, and she had lived a difficult life. I wanted nothing more than for Lenny to be happy and secure in life. In my opinion, she deserved only good things.

This story has a mix of heartbreak, humor, mystery, and romance. There were times when it was difficult to read because I could feel Lenny’s pain in the pit of my stomach, but then it had lighter moments where I found myself laughing out loud. However, at the core of the story was a mystery of what had actually happened the day that Lenny’s mother and stepfather disappeared from her life.

We get to witness Lenny in her work life as a teacher. We see her interactions with coworkers, some of whom aren’t the nicest. We see her following her daily schedule, and we even get to see her smitten with a man. We know that she needs routine in order to be comfortable, that she loves Friends, and she has an aptitude for Scrabble. Throughout all of my literary interactions with Lenny, I knew that she was a lovable character whose resilience shone through.

If you are looking for a well-rounded reading experience, please do yourself a favor and pick up this novel. I promise that you will not be disappointed. I am already looking forward to reading Kerryn Mayne’s next novel.

*5 Stars