Lenny Marks has a carefully ordered life. Her routine brings her contentment, which she prefers over the unreliability and instability of happiness. It soon becomes clear this regimented routine is essential for Lenny to be able to function.

But it is about to be upset. First, a letter for Lenny from the parole board arrives. Then, after she confesses to her foster mother, Fay, that she is lonely, Fay insists that Lenny make some friends or see a psychologist.

Lenny tries – she joins the teacher team at the local trivia night and rescues a dog.

But the time bomb of her past is ticking louder. When a worker from the Victim Support Unit eventually manages to make contact, Lenny’s suppressed memories of her traumatic childhood are reawakened, exploding into the present. Lenny starts to unravel – but can she finally find her voice and lay the past to rest?

This story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The novel deals with some deep, and sadly, all-too-real issues, but there are many lighthearted moments and the unforgettable voice of Lenny is a counterpoint to the tragedy.

Reviewed by Melinda Woledge

READ AN EXTRACT

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kerryn Mayne is an author, former wedding photographer, current police officer and terrible (but enthusiastic) tennis player. When not at work attempting to solve crime, she is writing about it or preparing an endless stream of snacks for her four children. Kerryn lives in the bayside suburbs of Melbourne with her husband, children and a highly suspect lovebird. She only owns 11 copies of The Hobbit (for now).

Kerryn’s debut novel Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder has been described by Candice Fox as “a brilliant combination of light and dark, charm and suspense”. It introduces us to Lenny, who has spent her life NOT remembering the childhood day her mother left her, until an unexpected letter disrupts her routine.