Joy Moody is Out of Time

The irresistible new crime novel from the author of LENNY MARKS GETS AWAY WITH MURDER, that again perfectly balances light and dark, humour and suspense, with a quirky cast of unforgettable characters.

‘This book is incredible, it kept me guessing til the very end! Kerryn Mayne takes us on a rollercoaster ride of motherhood in the suburbs. As uplifting as it is dark, Joy Moody Is Out Of Time will knock your socks off.’ Sally Hepworth

‘Utterly original. An engrossing tale of lies and secrets that will keep you guessing to the very end.’ Amanda Hampson

On her twin daughters’ twenty-first birthday, Joy Moody – proprietor of Bayside’s premier laundromat – is found dead. Yet that is not the strangest thing happening behind the bright pink facade of Joyful Suds.

For much of their lives, Joy has been telling Cassie and Andie one big, fat lie- that they are from the future, and that when they turn twenty-one they will travel back to the year 2050.

What started as a colourful tale to explain how the girls came to live with her has now become a decades-long deception.

Worse still, Joy has started to believe it herself.

The big lie is certainly preferable to the truth she just can’t face – about what happened to the girls’ real mother, Britney, and how far Joy’s gone to keep them ‘safe’ . . .

With the twins’ twenty-first birthday fast approaching, and with Andie starting to have doubts – particularly when she discovers her ‘future’ is eerily similar to one of her mother’s favourite books – time is fast running out for Joy Moody.

In more ways than one.

‘Unique and quirky, this is a charming who-done-what mystery with a cast of original characters.’ Sarah Bailey

‘Mayne combines her signature dark humour with insightful observations about what it means to be a mother, to create a page turning suspense that will have readers guessing to the very last page.’ Lisa Ireland

‘Highly entertaining and with an incredibly unique premise, Kerryn Mayne has done it again – crafted a witty, gripping read with characters like no other.’ Holly Craig

Praise for LENNY MARKS GETS AWAY WITH MURDER
‘A contagious blend of light-hearted moments and dark action; it’s hard to believe this is a debut… Kerryn Mayne is just at the start of a long career.’ Weekend Australian

‘Brilliantly imagined . . . it’s the characters who make this book, each with a uniquely layered backstory that fits into the plot like a well-oiled machine.’ Herald Sun (five stars)

‘Such a brilliant combination of light and dark, charm and suspense. A debut you won’t forget!’ Candice Fox

‘Devilishly fun- top marks for Lenny Marks!’ Benjamin Stevenson

‘Kerryn Mayne makes a very grand entrance into the Australian literary scene. With humour, heart and characters you come to love, this is a book you will devour and keep thinking about later!’ Sally Hepworth

‘An incredible debut which will have you both laughing and crying.’ Petronella McGovern

Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
Imprint: Penguin Books AU
Publication date: 27/02/2024