Joy Moody is out of Time
- Judith D Collins
- Aug 21
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 22
By: Kerryn Mayne
Narrator: Annie Maynard
Macmillan Audio
ISBN: 9781250340504
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: 08/19/2025
Format: Other
My Rating: 4.5 Stars (ARC) (ALC)
From the author of the beloved novel Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder comes another quirky and irresistible new crime novel
Strange things are happening behind the bright pink facade of Bayside’s premier laundromat, Joyful Suds; home to Joy Moody and her twin daughters.
For much of their lives, Joy has been lying to Cassie and Andie. What started as a colorful tale to explain how the twins came to live with her grew over the years and was always something she meant to set straight. Joy really did think she had more time. Worse still, Joy is struggling to define the truth from the lies.
The girls have long believed they are vital to the future and must stay hidden to stay safe. Joy has told them that their impending 21st birthday is significant; they will step into their roles as daughters of the future revolution and life as they know it will change. Joy was right - everything will change, just not in the way the expected. On Andie and Cassie’s birthday, Joy Moody is found dead and her girls face a world they are not prepared for without their mother. Joy Moody is out of time… in more ways than one.
My Review
From the acclaimed bestselling author Kerryn Mayne, known for her captivating work Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder (5 stars), comes a delightful and unconventional new crime mystery novel that weaves together elements of family drama, time travel, and the complexities of motherhood—JOY MOODY IS OUT OF TIME.
Prepare to embark on a thrilling rollercoaster ride filled with quirky characters and unexpected twists, as Mayne invites readers into a world where intrigue, tragedy, and heartwarming moments collide.
About...
2023: Meet Joy Moody, a dedicated mother and the spirited owner and operator of Bonbeach's Premier Laundromat, Joyful Suds. With her twin daughters, Cassie and Andie, in tow, she has crafted a life filled with joy, laughter, and a touch of mystery.
Joy runs her household and business with a firm but loving hand, opting for homeschooling to nurture her girls’ intellect and imagination. She enforces a strict no-electronics policy, believing that the vibrant world around them holds far more value. Each day, the trio can be found laughing, working, and exploring the eclectic tapestry of friends and neighbors who frequent the laundromat, weaving a sense of community into their lives.
Yet beneath this idyllic surface, Joy harbors a secret that looms heavy over them all. She has spun an elaborate tale for Cassie and Andie, convincing them that they hold a unique destiny intertwined with the future of the world (2050).
Joy often tells them they must remain hidden, their true importance concealed for their protection. The anticipation builds as they approach their 21st birthday, a day they have been led to believe will be monumental—a threshold into their roles as pivotal players in a forthcoming revolution. It is a fantasy that has shaped their childhood, filling it with purpose and excitement.
However, fate takes a devastating turn. On the day of their long-awaited birthday, a dark cloud descends when tragedy strikes: Joy Moody is found dead. Suddenly, Cassie and Andie are thrust into a harsh reality, left to navigate a world that is foreign and frightening without the guiding light of their mother.
As an investigation unfolds, the fragile threads of their existence begin to unravel. The twins find themselves grappling not only with loss but also with a newfound reality that forces them to confront the truth about who they are and what lies ahead.
Joy Moody has run out of time, and her daughters now stand at the precipice of change, facing a fate they never could have imagined.
My thoughts...
In a delightful blend of dark humor and originality, Kerryn Mayne's JOY MOODY IS OUT OF TIME presents an engrossing reading experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. At first glance, the charming front cover invites you into what appears to be a lighthearted comedy.
However, as you delve deeper, layers of intrigue and shadows begin to emerge, revealing a narrative woven with secrets, deception, mystery, and the promise of unexpected twists that will leave you breathless.
Unlike Joy's memory, which was not orderly or consistent over time, her deceit had fused into truth, and she was about to realize what Andie had figured out weeks ago—they were going nowhere. There would be no trip through time, and they would remain in their small courtyard behind the building that was both their home and livelihood.
The story unfolds across four distinct parts:
1. Life in a Laundromat
2. Death in a Laundromat
3. Dear Customer
4. Under New Management
Concluded with an epilogue titled *JOY*.
"Perhaps, though, this was exactly how it was with mothers everywhere. The line between monster and mother blurred until either side was almost indistinguishable. The right things for the wrong reasons, and the wrong things for the right reasons."
This novel is a delectable concoction of fun and heartache, striking a perfect balance between warmth and sorrow. Mayne's skillful storytelling and brilliant characterization usher you into an unforgettable exploration of motherhood and family dynamics.
You’ll encounter a richly woven family drama that is equal parts charming, quirky, and humorous, yet tinged with tragedy. The narrative skillfully blends an intriguing mystery with a captivating cast of enigmatic characters, ensuring that each page is a thrilling invitation to uncover the deeper truths lurking beneath the surface.
Audiobook...
I had the distinct privilege of immersing myself in the book while also enjoying the audiobook, beautifully narrated by the incredibly talented Annie Maynard. Her chipper Austrian accent brought a vibrant energy to the story, infusing it with passion, emotion, and an infectious enthusiasm that made every moment feel alive. It was as though I was listening to my favorite author, Sally Hepworth, herself sharing the narrative, her voice resonating with warmth and sincerity.
Recs...
JOY MOODY is a captivating and unique read for enthusiasts of Kerryn Mayne's gripping novel, 'Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder.' This engaging story will also resonate with fans of renowned authors such as Sally Hepworth, whose poignant explorations of relationships leave a lasting impact; Liane Moriarty, celebrated for her sharp wit and intricate portrayals of family dynamics; and Elle Cosimano, known for her thrilling, humorous narratives filled with unexpected twists.
If you appreciate richly layered characters and compelling plots that delve into the complexities of suburban life, JOY MOODY IS OUT OF TIME is sure to enthrall you.
Thank you..
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and #MacAudio2025 for granting me the opportunity to delve into this captivating book through their advanced reading and listening copy. I am excited to share my sincere reflections on this literary journey.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Aug 18, 2025
Praise
"Heartbreaking and quirky ... Mayne interweaves a compelling mystery with an underlying bittersweet story about misguided love."
–Booklist, starred review
“As uplifting as it is dark, Joy Moody Is Out of Time will knock your socks off.”
–Sally Hepworth, New York Times bestselling author of Darling Girls
“Utterly original. An engrossing tale of lies and secrets that will keep you guessing to the very end.”
–Amanda Hampson, bestselling author of The Tea Ladies
“Unique and quirky, this is a charming who-done-what mystery with a cast of original characters.”
–Sarah Bailey, bestselling author of The Housemate
“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, author of The One and Only Dolly Jamieson
“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, author of #1 bestselling novel The Shallows
“Riveting family tale meets cracking crime mystery.”
–Elizabeth Coleman, author of A Routine Infidelity
“If you google ‘beautifully-crafted, enigmatic characters with too many secrets for one person to possibly keep,’ Joy Moody will pop up, right next to Lenny Marks. This is a gem of a novel.”
–Michael Thompson, award-winning author
“Mayne's skillful storytelling and brilliant characterisation will take readers on an unforgettable journey - a must-read for fans of Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth.”
–Kelly Rimmer, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
“By turns quirky and suspenseful, and always keeping the reader wrong-footed, this book is for readers who liked Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder, the suburban edginess of Liane Moriarty, or the deep characterisation of Paula Hawkins.”
–Books & Publishing
About the Author
Photo credit: Kelly Dwyer Portraiture
Kerryn Mayne is an author, former wedding photographer and current police officer. When not at work attempting to solve crime, she is writing about it or preparing an endless stream of snacks for her children. Kerryn lives in the Melbourne suburbs with her husband, four children and a highly suspect lovebird. She only owns 12 copies of The Hobbit (for now).
Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder was her debut novel, released in February 2023. Lenny Marks was shortlisted for a Ned Kelly debut crime award and shortlisted for an Indie Booksellers Award.
Lenny has also been shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers 2024 Best New Novel award and an ABIA award for Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year 2024.
Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder will be released in the USA with St Martins Press on 9th July 2024.
Joy Moody Is Out Of Time is her second novel and was released with Penguin Random House Australia on 27th February 2024.
Kerryn is still in disbelief that she is a real life, actual, published author.
You can find her attempting to be hilarious on Instagram as @kerrynmayneauthor. She forgets about Facebook, but is sometimes there as well. Don’t ask her about X or Tik Tok, she has no idea.
