What do you think?
Rate this book
Mad Mabel
From Sally Hepworth, the New York Times bestselling author of The Soulmate and The Good Sister, comes a twist-filled, darkly funny mystery about the two kinds of people no one ever expects to be murderers: little girls and old ladies.
Meet Mad Mabel.
Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is eighty-one years old. She's lived on her idyllic street, Kenny Lane, for sixty years--longer than anyone else. Aside from being a curmudgeon who minds everyone else's business, few would suspect that Elsie has a past that she has worked exceedingly hard at concealing. Because when it comes to murder, no one ever suspects little girls or old ladies. And Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, once a little girl and now an old lady, has a strange history of people in her life coming to a foul end.
When a new little girl (talkative, curious, nosy) moves into the neighborhood and stops at nothing to befriend Elsie, her carefully-constructed life threatens to come crashing down as the secrets in Elsie's past start coming to light. Who was "Mad Mabel" fifty years ago? Who is Elsie Fitzpatrick today? And if the past has a habit of repeating itself, who has the most to lose?
Told with Sally Hepworth's twists, humor, charm, and heart, MAD MABEL is novel that weaves past and present together--through the power of justice and redemption, and all the way to its stunning conclusion.
Meet Mad Mabel.
Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is eighty-one years old. She's lived on her idyllic street, Kenny Lane, for sixty years--longer than anyone else. Aside from being a curmudgeon who minds everyone else's business, few would suspect that Elsie has a past that she has worked exceedingly hard at concealing. Because when it comes to murder, no one ever suspects little girls or old ladies. And Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, once a little girl and now an old lady, has a strange history of people in her life coming to a foul end.
When a new little girl (talkative, curious, nosy) moves into the neighborhood and stops at nothing to befriend Elsie, her carefully-constructed life threatens to come crashing down as the secrets in Elsie's past start coming to light. Who was "Mad Mabel" fifty years ago? Who is Elsie Fitzpatrick today? And if the past has a habit of repeating itself, who has the most to lose?
Told with Sally Hepworth's twists, humor, charm, and heart, MAD MABEL is novel that weaves past and present together--through the power of justice and redemption, and all the way to its stunning conclusion.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2025
About the author
Sally Hepworth
23 books49.7k followersSally Hepworth is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels, most recently Darling Girls. Sally’s novels have been called “darkly charming” and praised by authors Emily Giffin and Liane Moriarty as “totally absorbing” and “fiction at its finest.”
Sally's novels are available around the globe in English and have been translated into over 30 languages. She has sold over two million books worldwide.
Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia with her family.
Sally's novels are available around the globe in English and have been translated into over 30 languages. She has sold over two million books worldwide.
Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,034 reviews
April 22, 2026
Hepworth is, without question, my reigning Australian thriller queen (sorry, Liane Moriarty—Sally has absolutely earned this crown!). With her latest novel, she doesn’t just deliver another solid story—she delivers her masterpiece. From the moment I finished it, I wanted to stand on the rooftops and shout, “All rise for Queen Sally!” because this book has officially become my favorite of hers.
It’s everything I love about Hepworth’s writing: a perfectly balanced mystery that teases and twists until the very end, layers of questions that keep forming in your mind, and, this time, a tidal wave of emotion that caught me completely off guard. For the first time in a Hepworth novel, I found myself teary-eyed, glassy-eyed even, overwhelmed by the tenderness and heartbreak woven into the suspense. Beyond the thrills, it’s a story about friendship, honesty, resilience, and the power of a community that holds each other close—even when secrets threaten to tear everything apart.
At the heart of the novel is Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, one of the most fascinating characters I’ve encountered in years. She’s 81 years old, whip-smart, sarcastic, sturdy, resilient, and unapologetically grumpy in a way that makes her unforgettable. But she’s also a woman who has lived her entire life under the shadow of a cruel legend: Mad Mabel. As a child, after surviving a tragic accident, Elsie’s appearance and aloofness made her an easy target. Whispers grew into gossip, gossip hardened into myth, and soon she was the neighborhood scapegoat—a girl supposedly cursed, dangerous, unstable. It’s heartbreaking to see how her story was twisted by others, how she was villainized from such a young age. But as readers, we’re left wondering: was Elsie ever “mad” at all? Or was she simply misunderstood, punished because people needed someone to blame for their own fears and weaknesses?
In the present day, Elsie has been living peacefully for six decades, content to keep to herself—until everything comes crashing down again. A neighbor who always treated her coldly dies mysteriously, and Elsie is the one to find the body. Suddenly, she’s thrust back into the spotlight, her old nickname dragged up and her reputation shredded once more. This time, though, Elsie is determined not to be silenced. She decides to tell her own story, choosing two bold young podcasters as her confidants—the only ones brave enough to sit across from her and listen. And through her voice, we’re forced to ask ourselves: is she the monster the town has always painted her to be, or the tragic heroine of her own misunderstood life?
The beauty of this book lies in the way Hepworth refuses to make it simple. Elsie is complicated, contradictory, deeply human. Why do her neighbors adore her if she’s truly as dangerous as they say? Why does little Persephone never leave her side? Why would a supposedly cold woman open her home to a barking dog she once despised, simply because he lost his owner? Every act of kindness, every sharp remark, every moment of vulnerability adds to the puzzle, forcing us to confront whether she’s truly capable of the darkness people have long accused her of—or whether she’s simply been carrying a false narrative for decades.
This is not just a thriller—it’s a character study, a meditation on truth, bias, and the stories communities tell about those who don’t fit the mold. It’s haunting, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s undeniably gripping. Hepworth delivers action and mystery, yes, but she also gives us one of the most emotional, deeply felt stories she has ever written. By the final chapters, I was shaken to my core, napkin in hand, heart pounding.
So buckle up for this ride. This is Sally Hepworth at the very height of her powers, blending sharp suspense with raw, emotional depth. I can confidently say this is one of the best books of 2026 and deserves not just five stars but five gazillion stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this marvelous book from one of my all-time favorite authors in exchange for my honest thoughts. I loved every single page, and I will be talking about Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick for a long, long time.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
instagram
facebook
twitter
It’s everything I love about Hepworth’s writing: a perfectly balanced mystery that teases and twists until the very end, layers of questions that keep forming in your mind, and, this time, a tidal wave of emotion that caught me completely off guard. For the first time in a Hepworth novel, I found myself teary-eyed, glassy-eyed even, overwhelmed by the tenderness and heartbreak woven into the suspense. Beyond the thrills, it’s a story about friendship, honesty, resilience, and the power of a community that holds each other close—even when secrets threaten to tear everything apart.
At the heart of the novel is Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, one of the most fascinating characters I’ve encountered in years. She’s 81 years old, whip-smart, sarcastic, sturdy, resilient, and unapologetically grumpy in a way that makes her unforgettable. But she’s also a woman who has lived her entire life under the shadow of a cruel legend: Mad Mabel. As a child, after surviving a tragic accident, Elsie’s appearance and aloofness made her an easy target. Whispers grew into gossip, gossip hardened into myth, and soon she was the neighborhood scapegoat—a girl supposedly cursed, dangerous, unstable. It’s heartbreaking to see how her story was twisted by others, how she was villainized from such a young age. But as readers, we’re left wondering: was Elsie ever “mad” at all? Or was she simply misunderstood, punished because people needed someone to blame for their own fears and weaknesses?
In the present day, Elsie has been living peacefully for six decades, content to keep to herself—until everything comes crashing down again. A neighbor who always treated her coldly dies mysteriously, and Elsie is the one to find the body. Suddenly, she’s thrust back into the spotlight, her old nickname dragged up and her reputation shredded once more. This time, though, Elsie is determined not to be silenced. She decides to tell her own story, choosing two bold young podcasters as her confidants—the only ones brave enough to sit across from her and listen. And through her voice, we’re forced to ask ourselves: is she the monster the town has always painted her to be, or the tragic heroine of her own misunderstood life?
The beauty of this book lies in the way Hepworth refuses to make it simple. Elsie is complicated, contradictory, deeply human. Why do her neighbors adore her if she’s truly as dangerous as they say? Why does little Persephone never leave her side? Why would a supposedly cold woman open her home to a barking dog she once despised, simply because he lost his owner? Every act of kindness, every sharp remark, every moment of vulnerability adds to the puzzle, forcing us to confront whether she’s truly capable of the darkness people have long accused her of—or whether she’s simply been carrying a false narrative for decades.
This is not just a thriller—it’s a character study, a meditation on truth, bias, and the stories communities tell about those who don’t fit the mold. It’s haunting, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s undeniably gripping. Hepworth delivers action and mystery, yes, but she also gives us one of the most emotional, deeply felt stories she has ever written. By the final chapters, I was shaken to my core, napkin in hand, heart pounding.
So buckle up for this ride. This is Sally Hepworth at the very height of her powers, blending sharp suspense with raw, emotional depth. I can confidently say this is one of the best books of 2026 and deserves not just five stars but five gazillion stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this marvelous book from one of my all-time favorite authors in exchange for my honest thoughts. I loved every single page, and I will be talking about Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick for a long, long time.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
August 22, 2025
What a story!
So happy I got to know Mabel! I'm not ever going to call her "Mad Mabel" either!! 💞
She is eighty-one and her real name is Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick. She seems to be a sour, cranky and cantankerous lady. She also has a terrific, sarcastic sense of humor that had me rolling with laughter over and over again! 😂
The story touched my heart at many levels. This isn't what I was expecting, but I had laughs, chills, and eyes full of tears! Whether you think she is the crazy murderer lady or just a misunderstood soul, you will be thinking about Mabel after the end!
Oh, also I can't close without mentioning the precious child, Persephone. She stole my whole heart. ❤️
Thanks to ST Martin's Press for my ARC! It isn't out until April 2026, BUT you can request on NG!
So happy I got to know Mabel! I'm not ever going to call her "Mad Mabel" either!! 💞
She is eighty-one and her real name is Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick. She seems to be a sour, cranky and cantankerous lady. She also has a terrific, sarcastic sense of humor that had me rolling with laughter over and over again! 😂
The story touched my heart at many levels. This isn't what I was expecting, but I had laughs, chills, and eyes full of tears! Whether you think she is the crazy murderer lady or just a misunderstood soul, you will be thinking about Mabel after the end!
Oh, also I can't close without mentioning the precious child, Persephone. She stole my whole heart. ❤️
Thanks to ST Martin's Press for my ARC! It isn't out until April 2026, BUT you can request on NG!
April 21, 2026
NOW AVAILABLE!!
“When it comes to murder, no one ever suspects little girls or old ladies”-Unless, apparently, your name is Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick.
According to her “loving” father-she was responsible for the first death when she was just three years old. And, after a series of other “unfortunate” incidents, fifteen year old Mabel Waller became the youngest Australian in history to be convicted of MURDER becoming known as MAD MABEL around the World.
Now, living under her new name, the 81 year old becomes a “person of interest” when she is the one to find her 93 year old neighbor dead, and Police find out who “Elsie” really is…
But is she guilty of EVERYTHING she was accused of? Is she guilty of ANY of it? And, most importantly, is she Mad?
(A double entendre for sure!)
The story alternates between THEN chapters-to fill in the past, and NOW chapters-where Elsie (Mabel) agrees to be interviewed for the first time, for ADLIB-a YouTube channel, hosted by Libby Conquest and Adeem Anand. The only constant in the two timelines-her enduring friendship with Daphne.
This story wasn’t at all what I was expecting based on the book blurb-it sounded like it would be yet another book this year about a senior citizen who slays, but it really isn’t.
What you CAN expect is a story about a dysfunctional childhood in THEN, and found family and community support in the NOW chapters.
It took awhile to capture my interest but by about 35%, I was all in.
Stealing every scene in the present day, is Mabel’s 7 year old neighbor, Persephone and a yappy dog named Nugget, who both manage to bring out her softer side.
I wish the last chapter had been different-
It could be the latest LOVE IT or HATE IT ending that Sally Hepworth has written. I couldn’t help but recall the ending of her book “The Younger Wife” which ended up being changed prior to publication date based on early feedback. I was team “LOVE IT” for that book (and was disappointed with the change) and I do believe the author should be able to write her stories any way that she wants to-even though this time the ending didn’t work for me!
Lots of discussion with the friends I buddy read this with.(MarilynW, DeAnn and Mary Beth)-especially about how this ended. Be sure to keep an eye out for their reviews!
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the very early ARC provided by NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
“When it comes to murder, no one ever suspects little girls or old ladies”-Unless, apparently, your name is Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick.
According to her “loving” father-she was responsible for the first death when she was just three years old. And, after a series of other “unfortunate” incidents, fifteen year old Mabel Waller became the youngest Australian in history to be convicted of MURDER becoming known as MAD MABEL around the World.
Now, living under her new name, the 81 year old becomes a “person of interest” when she is the one to find her 93 year old neighbor dead, and Police find out who “Elsie” really is…
But is she guilty of EVERYTHING she was accused of? Is she guilty of ANY of it? And, most importantly, is she Mad?
(A double entendre for sure!)
The story alternates between THEN chapters-to fill in the past, and NOW chapters-where Elsie (Mabel) agrees to be interviewed for the first time, for ADLIB-a YouTube channel, hosted by Libby Conquest and Adeem Anand. The only constant in the two timelines-her enduring friendship with Daphne.
This story wasn’t at all what I was expecting based on the book blurb-it sounded like it would be yet another book this year about a senior citizen who slays, but it really isn’t.
What you CAN expect is a story about a dysfunctional childhood in THEN, and found family and community support in the NOW chapters.
It took awhile to capture my interest but by about 35%, I was all in.
Stealing every scene in the present day, is Mabel’s 7 year old neighbor, Persephone and a yappy dog named Nugget, who both manage to bring out her softer side.
I wish the last chapter had been different-
It could be the latest LOVE IT or HATE IT ending that Sally Hepworth has written. I couldn’t help but recall the ending of her book “The Younger Wife” which ended up being changed prior to publication date based on early feedback. I was team “LOVE IT” for that book (and was disappointed with the change) and I do believe the author should be able to write her stories any way that she wants to-even though this time the ending didn’t work for me!
Lots of discussion with the friends I buddy read this with.(MarilynW, DeAnn and Mary Beth)-especially about how this ended. Be sure to keep an eye out for their reviews!
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the very early ARC provided by NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
April 21, 2026
It is a beautiful story full of deep and fascinating characters.
When I started this book I was under the false impression that it would be a light book about a senior serial killer. I was very wrong.
It is a deep, heartfelt tale about family toxicity, hate, loneliness but most of all love in all its forms and at all stages of life.
It's cute, it's funny, it's heartbreaking and so, so, relatable and compelling.
I loved every page of it and I will probably think about this book for a long time.
Thank you much St. Martin's Press for this ARC!
When I started this book I was under the false impression that it would be a light book about a senior serial killer. I was very wrong.
It is a deep, heartfelt tale about family toxicity, hate, loneliness but most of all love in all its forms and at all stages of life.
It's cute, it's funny, it's heartbreaking and so, so, relatable and compelling.
I loved every page of it and I will probably think about this book for a long time.
Thank you much St. Martin's Press for this ARC!
September 8, 2025
Usually when I finish a book, I write my review right away. With this book, I’m glad I waited. I finished reading “Mad Mabel” last night, and at the conclusion I thought I would be giving this book four stars. However, throughout the day today, I’ve thought about Elsie (Mabel) and her young neighbor, Persephone, a little too much. I realized that I resonated with these two characters more than I thought, and I’m still feeling their pain and grief even though the story is over. With that being said, I’ve realized this is a five star read for me. Not only did I resonate and feel for the characters, but I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen next.
In this story, we have “Then” and “Now” chapters. In the “Now”, Mabel is currently 81 years old, and due to a death of her neighbor and some unusual circumstances, she agrees to be interviewed for a YouTube interview. During this interview we go back into the “Then” chapters, and we are able to relive Mabel’s childhood and early teenage years. It is there we learn how Mabel (who now goes by Elsie), got her nickname of “Mad Mabel”.
I will say that I felt quite a few emotions while reading this book. I would be angry one minute, sad the next, and then laughing a few minutes later. Mabel had quite the personality, even at her age! This book also shows you how people do not know how to think for themselves, and are very quick to judge others based off of what one or a few people say about said person. It was very upsetting to read at times.
While you may be able to predict where this story is going (I’ll admit I did), it still doesn’t take anything away from it. I highly recommend reading this book!
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for a DRC of this book in which I had the pleasure of reading in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: April 21, 2026
In this story, we have “Then” and “Now” chapters. In the “Now”, Mabel is currently 81 years old, and due to a death of her neighbor and some unusual circumstances, she agrees to be interviewed for a YouTube interview. During this interview we go back into the “Then” chapters, and we are able to relive Mabel’s childhood and early teenage years. It is there we learn how Mabel (who now goes by Elsie), got her nickname of “Mad Mabel”.
I will say that I felt quite a few emotions while reading this book. I would be angry one minute, sad the next, and then laughing a few minutes later. Mabel had quite the personality, even at her age! This book also shows you how people do not know how to think for themselves, and are very quick to judge others based off of what one or a few people say about said person. It was very upsetting to read at times.
While you may be able to predict where this story is going (I’ll admit I did), it still doesn’t take anything away from it. I highly recommend reading this book!
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for a DRC of this book in which I had the pleasure of reading in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: April 21, 2026
September 20, 2025
Gripping, moving, thought provoking and shocking. Sally Hepworth has delivered yet again (when does she not?)! I had a hard time putting this book down as I was entranced by the twists, turns, and revelations. This book is told in then and now timelines which tell the story by peeling back one woman's life from childhood to adulthood.
Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, an 81-year-old woman who has been called 'Mad Mabel' for most of her life. She has lived on her street for a very long time and seems to know everyone's businesses. She has been befriended by Persephone, a young girl in the neighborhood and they have a lovely friendship. When a neighbor dies and people begin to know her business, Elsie a.k.a. Mad Mabel beings to tell her story. It is a moving and heartbreaking story that had me feeling all kinds of emotions. It is a story of love, of neglect, of abuse, of cruelty, of gossip, of suspicion, of bullying, of survival, of nurturing by her aunt, and a story of loss.
As people begin to know more about elderly Elsie/Mabel, it becomes a story of acceptance, friendship, enlightenment, strength, and moving on. In some ways, 81-year-old Elsie/Mad Mabel reminded me of Olive Kitteridge in her frankness, her bluntness, and her grumpy exterior. But Elsie is also caring, witty, sarcastic, and brave. Will her actions speak louder than words people say about her?
I found myself feeling mad for her as a young girl and how she carried the heavy burden of being labeled 'Mad' by society. I was mad about how she was judged, bullied, and tormented. She was the child everyone looked at when things went awry, when people got hurt, or accidents happened. I felt for her loneliness, rejoiced as her aunt advocated for her, and sighed deeply when life threw her lemons. But was Elsie 'mad'? Did societies actions make her 'mad', or was she an innocent child forced to bear something that was never hers to bear? This book had me pondering how the labels assigned to people affect them? Is it fair to judge someone for something we know little to nothing about?
As with her previous books, Mad Mabel is beautifully written, well thought out, moving, and thought provoking. Sally Hepworth is a must-read author for me and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
This was a wonderful buddy read with Dorie and Brenda from Witches Words. Please read their reviews as well to get her thoughts on Mad Mabel!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, an 81-year-old woman who has been called 'Mad Mabel' for most of her life. She has lived on her street for a very long time and seems to know everyone's businesses. She has been befriended by Persephone, a young girl in the neighborhood and they have a lovely friendship. When a neighbor dies and people begin to know her business, Elsie a.k.a. Mad Mabel beings to tell her story. It is a moving and heartbreaking story that had me feeling all kinds of emotions. It is a story of love, of neglect, of abuse, of cruelty, of gossip, of suspicion, of bullying, of survival, of nurturing by her aunt, and a story of loss.
As people begin to know more about elderly Elsie/Mabel, it becomes a story of acceptance, friendship, enlightenment, strength, and moving on. In some ways, 81-year-old Elsie/Mad Mabel reminded me of Olive Kitteridge in her frankness, her bluntness, and her grumpy exterior. But Elsie is also caring, witty, sarcastic, and brave. Will her actions speak louder than words people say about her?
I found myself feeling mad for her as a young girl and how she carried the heavy burden of being labeled 'Mad' by society. I was mad about how she was judged, bullied, and tormented. She was the child everyone looked at when things went awry, when people got hurt, or accidents happened. I felt for her loneliness, rejoiced as her aunt advocated for her, and sighed deeply when life threw her lemons. But was Elsie 'mad'? Did societies actions make her 'mad', or was she an innocent child forced to bear something that was never hers to bear? This book had me pondering how the labels assigned to people affect them? Is it fair to judge someone for something we know little to nothing about?
As with her previous books, Mad Mabel is beautifully written, well thought out, moving, and thought provoking. Sally Hepworth is a must-read author for me and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
This was a wonderful buddy read with Dorie and Brenda from Witches Words. Please read their reviews as well to get her thoughts on Mad Mabel!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC of Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
I knew by the end of the intro I was going to love it here, lucky I have a knack for predictions.
The way I'm being spoileddddd, with these thrillers so far this year!..Like an injured, wild, animal that has just been found by the white lady in Lululemon and Lands End.. My standards for Thrillers are at an all time high.
Split into two equally addictive timelines we meet our FMC. I loved how the present timeline was giving A Man Called Ove feels! 🥹.... Now, please don't get me wrong. The two stories couldn't be more different. But it's the sense of community involvement (whether it be for the good or bad, wanted or not) But the big similarity that melts my non existent heart is how both books highlight the impact the elderly can have on the youth.
Young children are notoriously known for being good judges of character. Which makes sense, when you consider the fact that most small children are mainly just looking for love and safety. So young Persephone's pure magnetic pull towards our FMC (like a barnacle to a boat) Is really the quietest roar to our FMCs true character.
Through the second timeline we see how others can impact the youth in not so great ways, terrible ways actually. Such as gaslighting, grooming, gossip, etc. And the fact, while some might call her "bitter" our FMC is a rockstar! Breaking generational curses and choosing to make the world a better place instead of being consumed by hate and spreading it like a disease. She is definitely getting added to my list of all time favorite characters.
What makes someone "good" or "bad"? Who is actually qualified to judge?
and how much is open to interpretation?
Far from your average thriller Mad Mabel uses beautiful writing and deeper themes to deliver us a thrilling masterpiece! Definitely a must read!
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
I knew by the end of the intro I was going to love it here, lucky I have a knack for predictions.
The way I'm being spoileddddd, with these thrillers so far this year!..Like an injured, wild, animal that has just been found by the white lady in Lululemon and Lands End.. My standards for Thrillers are at an all time high.
Split into two equally addictive timelines we meet our FMC. I loved how the present timeline was giving A Man Called Ove feels! 🥹.... Now, please don't get me wrong. The two stories couldn't be more different. But it's the sense of community involvement (whether it be for the good or bad, wanted or not) But the big similarity that melts my non existent heart is how both books highlight the impact the elderly can have on the youth.
Young children are notoriously known for being good judges of character. Which makes sense, when you consider the fact that most small children are mainly just looking for love and safety. So young Persephone's pure magnetic pull towards our FMC (like a barnacle to a boat) Is really the quietest roar to our FMCs true character.
Through the second timeline we see how others can impact the youth in not so great ways, terrible ways actually. Such as gaslighting, grooming, gossip, etc. And the fact, while some might call her "bitter" our FMC is a rockstar! Breaking generational curses and choosing to make the world a better place instead of being consumed by hate and spreading it like a disease. She is definitely getting added to my list of all time favorite characters.
What makes someone "good" or "bad"? Who is actually qualified to judge?
and how much is open to interpretation?
Far from your average thriller Mad Mabel uses beautiful writing and deeper themes to deliver us a thrilling masterpiece! Definitely a must read!
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Happy publication day…a day late 🤦♀️
3.5⭐
Genre ~ psychological fiction, domestic drama, women's fiction
Setting ~ Australia
Publication date ~ April 21, 2026
Publisher ~ St Martin’s Press & Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 352 (p+ 80 chapters)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 20 minutes
Narrators ~ Hannah Fredericksen & Jenny Seedsman
POV ~ dual 1st, same person then and now timeline
Featuring ~ childhood bullying, child abuse, inappropriate student/teacher relationship, grooming
Mabel didn't have the best childhood, as you might be able to guess from my featuring highlights. Things especially got tricky when she was accused of murder at such a young age of 15.
Now Mabel is 81 and goes by Elsie. When her neighbor turns up dead suspiciously, and people start to catch wind of who she really is, Mad Mabel, fingers are pointed at her. YouTubers are coming around wanting to interview her. I could totally see myself watching it.
Persephone, a young 7 year old neighbor, weasels her way into Mabel's heart and they have a sweet little friendship. In their interactions we get to see that she's not the cranky old lady that everyone thinks she is.
Overall, this is definitely not in the thriller category, but that's fine if you know that going in. It's got a twist or two, and I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the last chapter from Persephone, but I'm glad she was she got one.
Narration notes:
Absolutely thrilled there were two. It really helped to distinguish Mable in the present and the past.
Prereading notes:
Yay! I'm excited to listen to this one 💃
3.5⭐
Genre ~ psychological fiction, domestic drama, women's fiction
Setting ~ Australia
Publication date ~ April 21, 2026
Publisher ~ St Martin’s Press & Macmillan Audio
Est Page Count ~ 352 (p+ 80 chapters)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 20 minutes
Narrators ~ Hannah Fredericksen & Jenny Seedsman
POV ~ dual 1st, same person then and now timeline
Featuring ~ childhood bullying, child abuse, inappropriate student/teacher relationship, grooming
Mabel didn't have the best childhood, as you might be able to guess from my featuring highlights. Things especially got tricky when she was accused of murder at such a young age of 15.
Now Mabel is 81 and goes by Elsie. When her neighbor turns up dead suspiciously, and people start to catch wind of who she really is, Mad Mabel, fingers are pointed at her. YouTubers are coming around wanting to interview her. I could totally see myself watching it.
Persephone, a young 7 year old neighbor, weasels her way into Mabel's heart and they have a sweet little friendship. In their interactions we get to see that she's not the cranky old lady that everyone thinks she is.
Overall, this is definitely not in the thriller category, but that's fine if you know that going in. It's got a twist or two, and I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the last chapter from Persephone, but I'm glad she was she got one.
Narration notes:
Absolutely thrilled there were two. It really helped to distinguish Mable in the present and the past.
Prereading notes:
Yay! I'm excited to listen to this one 💃
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️ 4.5 ⭐️ This was a complete tearjerker that took me by surprise. The book swept me off my feet with its perfect blend of dark humor and emotional depth that centered on the quiet life of a previously convicted murderer, Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick also known as 'Mad Mabel'. What was supposed to be a simple mystery/women's fiction novel turned into an unforgettable, heart gripping story with a twist that reframed the narrative. An innocent childhood turned upside down, Elsies journey from childhood to adulthood explores how perceptions shape the truth and how childhood can follow someone for life. Was Elsie really a cold blooded killer or is she a woman owning her own story?
Elsies' story begins with a neighbors death that ends Elsies quiet life. Elsie has lived on Kenny Lane for sixty years, much longer than all her other neighbors. She's lived a very quiet life, staying away from prying eyes of her neighbors and neighborhood, the press, the police, you name it. Her peace becomes disturbed when her 90 year old neighbor unexpectedly dies and Elsie is suspected of foul play. No one knew that Elsie decades earlier was knowns as 'Mad Mabel' Waller, Australias youngest convicted murderer at fifteen. So who said what and how did they find out?? The police opens up an investigation, media descends upon her and an 81 year old Elsie decides to set the record straight. The story then begins to alternate between present day investigation and 1950's flashbacks that will keep you guessing until the very end, making you question every little thing we learn to discover about who Elsie is or who she was. Was Elsie truly ever mad or simply misunderstood?
Elsie is not your typical frail and 'old' woman. She is no non-sense, straight to the point, witty and clever. If she doesn't like someone, she sure will say it how it is. She prefers to stay hidden from the world and left alone, that is until a little seven-year old disturbs her peace. Persephone is her cute neighbor that unravels her relaxed life, relentlessly bothering Elsie on a daily basis. The thing is, underneath all that hard armor, Elise doesn't mind and grows very fond of Persephone and an unlikely friendship forms. She grows attached to Persephone and begins to take care of her. Through that bond, Persephone manages to soften Elsie and help change the neighbors perceptions of Elsie, creating a sense of belonging and found family. But don't let the softness and laughing, sweet moments fool you because underneath all that layering lies a story full of sadness, mystery and heartbreak that centers on justice and identity, love and acceptance.
Sally Hepworth's writing shines through the unforgettable main character who was the perfect narrator. I haven't been this eager to see how a characters story unfolds as I have been with Elsie's story. I thought all the characters were well layered, unique in their own way. All the side characters added a quietness to the story that in turn highlighted how peoples perceptions of us shape our own truths. Most importantly it speaks on JUDGEMENT--that judgement prevents us from seeing the good that lies beyond our appearances. In Elsies case, people knew her name but not her STORY. Mother Teresa once said, "If you judge people, you have no time to love them" and this was quite evident through the flashbacks of Mabels childhood. Kids, her neighbors, her school and even her own father have passed judgement on Mabel since she was three years old. She grew up in a household where she wasn't loved and seen, but rather tolerated. She was under scrutiny, labeled as 'MAD' since her toddlerhood and that perception of her was carried into her adulthood leaving to room for change, love or acceptance. Kindness was not her friend. Cruelty has shaped her life. Mabel was anything but mad, she was a child who went through childhood trauma and grown into a strong, independent, fearless woman. LOTS to admire here, LOTS to take away from this story. Lots to appreciate in the power of redemption and second chances.
This book is featured on BOTM. Grab it only for $1 just this month (by April 30th) using this link: https://www.mybotm.com/bgnrjn6qk0o
You can always cancel your subscription at no cost! I love BOTM and always recommend them!
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martins Press and the author, Sally Hepworth for sending me this eARC!
Publication date: April 21, 2026
Elsies' story begins with a neighbors death that ends Elsies quiet life. Elsie has lived on Kenny Lane for sixty years, much longer than all her other neighbors. She's lived a very quiet life, staying away from prying eyes of her neighbors and neighborhood, the press, the police, you name it. Her peace becomes disturbed when her 90 year old neighbor unexpectedly dies and Elsie is suspected of foul play. No one knew that Elsie decades earlier was knowns as 'Mad Mabel' Waller, Australias youngest convicted murderer at fifteen. So who said what and how did they find out?? The police opens up an investigation, media descends upon her and an 81 year old Elsie decides to set the record straight. The story then begins to alternate between present day investigation and 1950's flashbacks that will keep you guessing until the very end, making you question every little thing we learn to discover about who Elsie is or who she was. Was Elsie truly ever mad or simply misunderstood?
Elsie is not your typical frail and 'old' woman. She is no non-sense, straight to the point, witty and clever. If she doesn't like someone, she sure will say it how it is. She prefers to stay hidden from the world and left alone, that is until a little seven-year old disturbs her peace. Persephone is her cute neighbor that unravels her relaxed life, relentlessly bothering Elsie on a daily basis. The thing is, underneath all that hard armor, Elise doesn't mind and grows very fond of Persephone and an unlikely friendship forms. She grows attached to Persephone and begins to take care of her. Through that bond, Persephone manages to soften Elsie and help change the neighbors perceptions of Elsie, creating a sense of belonging and found family. But don't let the softness and laughing, sweet moments fool you because underneath all that layering lies a story full of sadness, mystery and heartbreak that centers on justice and identity, love and acceptance.
Sally Hepworth's writing shines through the unforgettable main character who was the perfect narrator. I haven't been this eager to see how a characters story unfolds as I have been with Elsie's story. I thought all the characters were well layered, unique in their own way. All the side characters added a quietness to the story that in turn highlighted how peoples perceptions of us shape our own truths. Most importantly it speaks on JUDGEMENT--that judgement prevents us from seeing the good that lies beyond our appearances. In Elsies case, people knew her name but not her STORY. Mother Teresa once said, "If you judge people, you have no time to love them" and this was quite evident through the flashbacks of Mabels childhood. Kids, her neighbors, her school and even her own father have passed judgement on Mabel since she was three years old. She grew up in a household where she wasn't loved and seen, but rather tolerated. She was under scrutiny, labeled as 'MAD' since her toddlerhood and that perception of her was carried into her adulthood leaving to room for change, love or acceptance. Kindness was not her friend. Cruelty has shaped her life. Mabel was anything but mad, she was a child who went through childhood trauma and grown into a strong, independent, fearless woman. LOTS to admire here, LOTS to take away from this story. Lots to appreciate in the power of redemption and second chances.
This book is featured on BOTM. Grab it only for $1 just this month (by April 30th) using this link: https://www.mybotm.com/bgnrjn6qk0o
You can always cancel your subscription at no cost! I love BOTM and always recommend them!
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martins Press and the author, Sally Hepworth for sending me this eARC!
Publication date: April 21, 2026
April 20, 2026
As with Darling Girls, I felt like this read much more like women’s fiction with a mystery/thriller sub plot than a full blown thriller… & I loved it! Mabel is such an icon. I was hooked right from the start & didn’t want to put this down!
January 30, 2026
"There's been another death, it's never been more important to clear your name."
Goodreads, Mad Mabel is my second Netgalley read! Woooo let's gooo!
Mad Mabel is due for release on April 21, 2026.
A thriller packed with heart and charm! Sally Hepworth, my word, what a rollercoaster of emotions I was not expecting!
They call her Mad Mabel. But is she mad? In a world first, Mabel Waller, at the age of eighty-one, is telling her story. Take a ride with her back to her childhood. Death followed her everywhere, but was she really a murderer? Told in a then and now fashion, it is a heartfelt mystery packed with wit, suspense, twists, and... that ending? Maybe have some tissues nearby, dear readers, it's a bit of a tear-jerker. This book would be a fabulous and fun read for a book club, there are so many topics for discussion!
“I didn't stop running until the house was a blur in the distance and the rain had soaked me straight through, like it was trying to wash the whole thing away.”
A big Thank You to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for gifting me this advanced copy. It was an absolute pleasure to read and review this book.
Goodreads, Mad Mabel is my second Netgalley read! Woooo let's gooo!
Mad Mabel is due for release on April 21, 2026.
A thriller packed with heart and charm! Sally Hepworth, my word, what a rollercoaster of emotions I was not expecting!
They call her Mad Mabel. But is she mad? In a world first, Mabel Waller, at the age of eighty-one, is telling her story. Take a ride with her back to her childhood. Death followed her everywhere, but was she really a murderer? Told in a then and now fashion, it is a heartfelt mystery packed with wit, suspense, twists, and... that ending? Maybe have some tissues nearby, dear readers, it's a bit of a tear-jerker. This book would be a fabulous and fun read for a book club, there are so many topics for discussion!
“I didn't stop running until the house was a blur in the distance and the rain had soaked me straight through, like it was trying to wash the whole thing away.”
A big Thank You to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for gifting me this advanced copy. It was an absolute pleasure to read and review this book.
April 21, 2026
🎉Happy Pub Day 🎉
I am writing this review as I just finished reading this book and it was the middle of the night. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭. First and foremost, I am flooded with emotions. Sally Hepworth just gets me all in the feels. My heart swells with emotions. Ugh, I’m so sensitive.
Elsie, aka ,Mad Mabel, is an insufferable eighty-one year old lady who is infamous for murder. However, her neighbors don’t know that.
What the story is actually about, is Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick’s past as a child and her life now. Told in dual timelines. The heart of the story is her relationship with her seven-year-old neighbor, Persephone.
I warn you, do not read extended reviews for this novel. I beg you. Because there is so much here to unravel and with a story this beautiful, yet suspenseful, go in blind!
Sally Hepworth is at the top of her game with an amazing tale. So, I will let her tell it! Highly recommend! Add this to your TBR! A twist you will never see coming in a million years!
Such a touching story deserving no less than
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date 4/21/26
Thanks to St Martins Press, Sally Hepworth and NetGalley for the gifted copy!
I am writing this review as I just finished reading this book and it was the middle of the night. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭. First and foremost, I am flooded with emotions. Sally Hepworth just gets me all in the feels. My heart swells with emotions. Ugh, I’m so sensitive.
Elsie, aka ,Mad Mabel, is an insufferable eighty-one year old lady who is infamous for murder. However, her neighbors don’t know that.
What the story is actually about, is Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick’s past as a child and her life now. Told in dual timelines. The heart of the story is her relationship with her seven-year-old neighbor, Persephone.
I warn you, do not read extended reviews for this novel. I beg you. Because there is so much here to unravel and with a story this beautiful, yet suspenseful, go in blind!
Sally Hepworth is at the top of her game with an amazing tale. So, I will let her tell it! Highly recommend! Add this to your TBR! A twist you will never see coming in a million years!
Such a touching story deserving no less than
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date 4/21/26
Thanks to St Martins Press, Sally Hepworth and NetGalley for the gifted copy!
October 26, 2025
I’m certain I’ll be on Outlier Island with this review, but here we are.
What didn’t work for me:
- Spending major portions of the book in the past when Mabel was a young girl. I found it boring and predictable. It completely took me out of the present day story which I found more compelling
- The bad guys, of which there are many and they are actual guys, men, of course. I’ve said it 1000x but I’m tired of this theme
- The bad ones are almost laughably bad. They were cartoonish and the only thing missing was a twirling mustache
- Many of the situations strained credulity past the point where I can accept it
- The bullying by children and adults when she herself was a child, again, was overdone and silly
- Many plot holes and unexplained situations
- Lack of depth & character development
- The ending
- The police…oh my give me a break. That situation caused my eyes to roll.
What I liked
- I love an older MC, especially one who is witty and snarky. I would have liked more wit & snark though
- The little girl Persephone stole my heart but there simply wasn’t enough of her in the book to sway my overall feelings
- The dog
- Despite these things I just failed to find the story charming or funny or even heartwarming. The character development was lacking to make me feel much of anything.
A buddy read with Marialyce, be sure to look for her review and see if we agreed.
I’m a fan of the author’s, all but one of her previous books was awarded 4 or 5 stars from me. This wasn’t for me, but I’ll read everything she writes and I look forward to her next book
* I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
What didn’t work for me:
- Spending major portions of the book in the past when Mabel was a young girl. I found it boring and predictable. It completely took me out of the present day story which I found more compelling
- The bad guys, of which there are many and they are actual guys, men, of course. I’ve said it 1000x but I’m tired of this theme
- The bad ones are almost laughably bad. They were cartoonish and the only thing missing was a twirling mustache
- Many of the situations strained credulity past the point where I can accept it
- The bullying by children and adults when she herself was a child, again, was overdone and silly
- Many plot holes and unexplained situations
- Lack of depth & character development
- The ending
- The police…oh my give me a break. That situation caused my eyes to roll.
What I liked
- I love an older MC, especially one who is witty and snarky. I would have liked more wit & snark though
- The little girl Persephone stole my heart but there simply wasn’t enough of her in the book to sway my overall feelings
- The dog
- Despite these things I just failed to find the story charming or funny or even heartwarming. The character development was lacking to make me feel much of anything.
A buddy read with Marialyce, be sure to look for her review and see if we agreed.
I’m a fan of the author’s, all but one of her previous books was awarded 4 or 5 stars from me. This wasn’t for me, but I’ll read everything she writes and I look forward to her next book
* I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
September 22, 2025
I’ve got a soft spot for Sally Hepworth, and honestly, I’m giving her my highest praise by calling her a Word Witch. That’s what I call authors who can spin words like spells, turning simple stories into something magical. Hepworth has this way of taking people who seem at a glance living ordinary lives and show us just how extraordinary they really are.
Confession Time: At first, I wasn’t sure I was in the mood for this one. I worried it wouldn’t cast the usual spell her other books have on me. And truthfully, this isn’t the first time I’ve felt that hesitation. But here’s what I’ve learned: trust Sally Hepworth. Keep reading. Because sure enough, while the spark of magic came a little later than I’d hoped, that emotional spell she’s so gifted at weaving still pulled me under in the end.
What Lit My Mood
Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick known as Mad Mabel in her past is prickly, sharp-tongued, grumpy and seems perfectly content to live out her days alone. But beneath her sarcasm and stubbornness lies a tangle of secrets she’d rather no one uncover. Enter Persephone, her exuberant seven-year-old neighbor, who bounces (not quietly) into her world and refuses to be shut out.
This book weaves together themes of loneliness, family, unexpected friendships, society’s groupthink, and the way we label people. Hepworth has such a gift for capturing relatable emotional truths and you feel how they shape the character into who they are.
And while the book brims with humor and warmth, she doesn’t shy away from the heavier spells: grief, trauma, abuse and mental health.
Where My Mood Flickered
I usually look to Hepworth to cast that sharp suspense spell, the kind that keeps me whispering, “just one more chapter.”This time, the mystery’s magic wasn’t as potent as I’d hoped, with the emotional themes taking center stage instead. But here’s the thing, those very spells of truth and feeling were woven so well that by the end, I was enchanted. And yes, she still conjures up a twist, unpredictable and satisfying, that seals the perfect closing of the circle.
Witchy Mood Reader Rating
Fully aligned, mood met: I was spell-fed by the emotional truths, even if the mystery didn’t grip me as tightly as her other tales.
Verdict: Mark your calendar for April 21, 2026 and make space on your altar for the Sorceress of Twisty Truths herself, Sally Hepworth. This one’s for when you’re craving a story where relationships, lies, and emotions collide in the most magical of ways.
This was a Witches Words buddy read with Debra and Dorie
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
Confession Time: At first, I wasn’t sure I was in the mood for this one. I worried it wouldn’t cast the usual spell her other books have on me. And truthfully, this isn’t the first time I’ve felt that hesitation. But here’s what I’ve learned: trust Sally Hepworth. Keep reading. Because sure enough, while the spark of magic came a little later than I’d hoped, that emotional spell she’s so gifted at weaving still pulled me under in the end.
What Lit My Mood
Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick known as Mad Mabel in her past is prickly, sharp-tongued, grumpy and seems perfectly content to live out her days alone. But beneath her sarcasm and stubbornness lies a tangle of secrets she’d rather no one uncover. Enter Persephone, her exuberant seven-year-old neighbor, who bounces (not quietly) into her world and refuses to be shut out.
This book weaves together themes of loneliness, family, unexpected friendships, society’s groupthink, and the way we label people. Hepworth has such a gift for capturing relatable emotional truths and you feel how they shape the character into who they are.
And while the book brims with humor and warmth, she doesn’t shy away from the heavier spells: grief, trauma, abuse and mental health.
Where My Mood Flickered
I usually look to Hepworth to cast that sharp suspense spell, the kind that keeps me whispering, “just one more chapter.”This time, the mystery’s magic wasn’t as potent as I’d hoped, with the emotional themes taking center stage instead. But here’s the thing, those very spells of truth and feeling were woven so well that by the end, I was enchanted. And yes, she still conjures up a twist, unpredictable and satisfying, that seals the perfect closing of the circle.
Witchy Mood Reader Rating
Fully aligned, mood met: I was spell-fed by the emotional truths, even if the mystery didn’t grip me as tightly as her other tales.
Verdict: Mark your calendar for April 21, 2026 and make space on your altar for the Sorceress of Twisty Truths herself, Sally Hepworth. This one’s for when you’re craving a story where relationships, lies, and emotions collide in the most magical of ways.
This was a Witches Words buddy read with Debra and Dorie
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
April 21, 2026
From the first sentence to the last, this book had me hooked. I went into this expecting a tired trope only to get something that was completely different in a good way. The hype on this one is real!
Quick synopsis: Mad Mabel was the youngest person in Australia to be convicted of murder. Now in her 80s, Mabel goes by Elsie and is living a quiet life on a quiet street. Her cover is blown when one of her neighbors dies, and naturally she is considered a suspect in the public‘s eyes. No longer living anonymously, she is contacted by two Youtubers for an interview. She slowly begins telling them (and us) her story. Be prepared, her story will definitely have you feeling all sorts of different emotions.
The characters in this novel all had such personalities! Both timelines worked for me equally which is very rare. As for the ending… I think it was tied up nicely all except one little piece. Just one!
I think this has to be my favorite Hepworth novel to date. I would highly recommend taking some time to have some tea with Mad Mabel.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Quick synopsis: Mad Mabel was the youngest person in Australia to be convicted of murder. Now in her 80s, Mabel goes by Elsie and is living a quiet life on a quiet street. Her cover is blown when one of her neighbors dies, and naturally she is considered a suspect in the public‘s eyes. No longer living anonymously, she is contacted by two Youtubers for an interview. She slowly begins telling them (and us) her story. Be prepared, her story will definitely have you feeling all sorts of different emotions.
The characters in this novel all had such personalities! Both timelines worked for me equally which is very rare. As for the ending… I think it was tied up nicely all except one little piece. Just one!
I think this has to be my favorite Hepworth novel to date. I would highly recommend taking some time to have some tea with Mad Mabel.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
April 21, 2026
5 amazing audiobook stars!
Happy Publication Day to Mad Mabel! I’m a big fan of this author and I think this is her best novel yet! These characters were phenomenal!
A neighbourhood full of secrets…but please don’t think this is your average, run-of-the-mill neighbourhood drama. This is a cleverly written, brilliantly plotted, multi-layered, twisty, unique and memorable mystery. Equal parts serious and humorous. This had me fully invested, intrigued and entertained from start to finish.
An unlikely friendship between an 81-year-old woman and 7-year-old girl. The relationship between these two neighbours is the thread that weaves through, holds together and propels this story forward. This relationship was my most favourite part of this remarkable story!
Told through dual timelines of Then and Now, each had an equal grip on me. Both narratives unfold with engrossing and addictive storytelling. I never wanted the timelines to switch, as I became so fully invested in each that I didn’t want the break in having to wait to see what happened next.
This book had me laughing out loud, but also tearing up. The inner thoughts and snark were highly entertaining. The characters were real, raw and honest. This was an emotional reading experience but with equal parts laughter and heartache.
A central theme throughout the novel was the value and importance of female friendships. Female platonic love. I loved how the author presented and explored this topic in thought-provoking, eye-opening ways.
There are some very heavy aspects to this story, grief, abuse and neglect being main topics. It has many funny moments, but also has grit, deep sadness and emotion. It provides insightful and reflective themes that will keep the reader thinking of this long after finishing the book.
This was a highly anticipated novel for me and I’m happy to report it not only lived up to my hopes, but surpassed them. This not only makes my 2026 Favourites list, but also my All Time Favourite list 🏆
Audio rating: 5+ stars! Both of the narrators did an incredible job with the presentation of this story! They each embraced their characters’ whole persona perfectly. They immensely added to my enjoyment. I think listening to the audio made this book even more impactful than if I had read it.
Thank you to the publishers for my digital and audio review copies!
This is OUT TODAY!
Happy Publication Day to Mad Mabel! I’m a big fan of this author and I think this is her best novel yet! These characters were phenomenal!
A neighbourhood full of secrets…but please don’t think this is your average, run-of-the-mill neighbourhood drama. This is a cleverly written, brilliantly plotted, multi-layered, twisty, unique and memorable mystery. Equal parts serious and humorous. This had me fully invested, intrigued and entertained from start to finish.
An unlikely friendship between an 81-year-old woman and 7-year-old girl. The relationship between these two neighbours is the thread that weaves through, holds together and propels this story forward. This relationship was my most favourite part of this remarkable story!
Told through dual timelines of Then and Now, each had an equal grip on me. Both narratives unfold with engrossing and addictive storytelling. I never wanted the timelines to switch, as I became so fully invested in each that I didn’t want the break in having to wait to see what happened next.
This book had me laughing out loud, but also tearing up. The inner thoughts and snark were highly entertaining. The characters were real, raw and honest. This was an emotional reading experience but with equal parts laughter and heartache.
A central theme throughout the novel was the value and importance of female friendships. Female platonic love. I loved how the author presented and explored this topic in thought-provoking, eye-opening ways.
There are some very heavy aspects to this story, grief, abuse and neglect being main topics. It has many funny moments, but also has grit, deep sadness and emotion. It provides insightful and reflective themes that will keep the reader thinking of this long after finishing the book.
This was a highly anticipated novel for me and I’m happy to report it not only lived up to my hopes, but surpassed them. This not only makes my 2026 Favourites list, but also my All Time Favourite list 🏆
Audio rating: 5+ stars! Both of the narrators did an incredible job with the presentation of this story! They each embraced their characters’ whole persona perfectly. They immensely added to my enjoyment. I think listening to the audio made this book even more impactful than if I had read it.
Thank you to the publishers for my digital and audio review copies!
This is OUT TODAY!
March 30, 2026
This was such an entertaining and emotional read! I really enjoyed the main character, Mabel. She is completely unforgettable and lovable. This comes with dual timelines, past secrets, lovable characters, a mystery, and dark humor. I felt like this book was a powerful one. It is a character driven, medium paced thriller, that comes with a clever plot. The plot was exciting, had steady pacing and came with a satisfying conclusion.
The writing style was straightforward, descriptive, beautiful written, funny at times and easy to read. When they went back into the 1950’s timeline, Mabel had shocked me! Then a twist happened, that really had me even more shocked. This book is one that made me really think. It was one I had to sit and think about for a while, after reading it. This novel gave me the book, “None of This Is True” by Lisa Jewell vibes! Overall, I give this book a 4.75 out of 5 stars rating!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Sally Hepworth and St. Martin's Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be released on April 21, 2026!
The writing style was straightforward, descriptive, beautiful written, funny at times and easy to read. When they went back into the 1950’s timeline, Mabel had shocked me! Then a twist happened, that really had me even more shocked. This book is one that made me really think. It was one I had to sit and think about for a while, after reading it. This novel gave me the book, “None of This Is True” by Lisa Jewell vibes! Overall, I give this book a 4.75 out of 5 stars rating!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Sally Hepworth and St. Martin's Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be released on April 21, 2026!
April 21, 2026
Happy Publication Day!
"Mad Mabel" offers a captivating blend of wit, humour, charm, mystery, and heartfelt emotion that leaves a lasting impression. From the very beginning, I was taken on an exhilarating rollercoaster of emotions, making the reading experience truly unforgettable. It's absolutely unputdownable! The narrative skillfully guides you from start to finish, allowing you to connect deeply with both the plot and the characters. This book stands out in many ways.
Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is eighty-one years old and has lived on her charming street, Kenny Lane, for sixty years—longer than anyone else. Although she is often seen as a curmudgeon who meddles in others’ affairs, few would suspect that she has worked hard to hide a secret past. After all, when it comes to murder, little girls and old ladies are rarely considered suspects. Yet Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, once a little girl and now an old lady, has a peculiar history: people in her life often meet untimely, unfortunate ends.
In the neighbourhood, a new little girl arrives, brimming with energy and curiosity. Her chatty nature and nosy tendencies lead her to befriend Elsie, causing the carefully constructed facade of Elsie's life to unravel as the secrets of her past begin to emerge. This change raises questions about the long-ago figure known as "Mad Mabel," casting a shadow over Elsie's current identity. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the past has a way of resurfacing, heightening the stakes and revealing who has the most to lose.
With Sally Hepworth's signature twists, humour, charm, and heart, "Mad Mabel" masterfully intertwines past and present, exploring themes of justice and redemption, ultimately culminating in a stunning conclusion.
"Mad Mabel" is a brilliantly crafted tale with unforgettable characters that you'll instantly want to champion. It’s a multifaceted read that makes you laugh, cry, and question everything. Long after you turn the last page, the story will linger in your thoughts. "Mad Mabel" is messy, complex, and utterly sensational. I highly recommend it—it's a fantastic choice for book clubs. The expected publication date is April 26, 2026.
I want to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
"Mad Mabel" offers a captivating blend of wit, humour, charm, mystery, and heartfelt emotion that leaves a lasting impression. From the very beginning, I was taken on an exhilarating rollercoaster of emotions, making the reading experience truly unforgettable. It's absolutely unputdownable! The narrative skillfully guides you from start to finish, allowing you to connect deeply with both the plot and the characters. This book stands out in many ways.
Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is eighty-one years old and has lived on her charming street, Kenny Lane, for sixty years—longer than anyone else. Although she is often seen as a curmudgeon who meddles in others’ affairs, few would suspect that she has worked hard to hide a secret past. After all, when it comes to murder, little girls and old ladies are rarely considered suspects. Yet Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, once a little girl and now an old lady, has a peculiar history: people in her life often meet untimely, unfortunate ends.
In the neighbourhood, a new little girl arrives, brimming with energy and curiosity. Her chatty nature and nosy tendencies lead her to befriend Elsie, causing the carefully constructed facade of Elsie's life to unravel as the secrets of her past begin to emerge. This change raises questions about the long-ago figure known as "Mad Mabel," casting a shadow over Elsie's current identity. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the past has a way of resurfacing, heightening the stakes and revealing who has the most to lose.
With Sally Hepworth's signature twists, humour, charm, and heart, "Mad Mabel" masterfully intertwines past and present, exploring themes of justice and redemption, ultimately culminating in a stunning conclusion.
"Mad Mabel" is a brilliantly crafted tale with unforgettable characters that you'll instantly want to champion. It’s a multifaceted read that makes you laugh, cry, and question everything. Long after you turn the last page, the story will linger in your thoughts. "Mad Mabel" is messy, complex, and utterly sensational. I highly recommend it—it's a fantastic choice for book clubs. The expected publication date is April 26, 2026.
I want to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 24, 2025
4.5
Why am I crying? Why? 🥺
Everyone in the nice and quiet neighborhood knows her as Elsie, an eccentric, formidable and cranky old woman who keeps to herself and isn’t keen to mingle.
That is, until her nemesis, another old neighbor, is found dead by Elsie, herself.
Soon, Elsie becomes the prime suspect in the neighbor’s death because apparently someone knows who she really is Someone informs the police that Elsie's real name is Mabel. Oh, but not any ordinary Mabel... she is the ‘Mad Mabel’ who was convicted of murder when she was just 15 years old. The Mad Mabel, who may have caused more than one death along the way.
Rumors have it...
But did she do it?
Is she really mad?
Are the stories about her past true?
And if not, what really happened all those years ago?
The story goes back and forth between ‘Then’ and ‘Now’ and is not only a twisty mystery, but an emotional journey about family, power of friendship, misunderstandings and unjust assumptions.
Why am I crying? Why? 🥺
Everyone in the nice and quiet neighborhood knows her as Elsie, an eccentric, formidable and cranky old woman who keeps to herself and isn’t keen to mingle.
That is, until her nemesis, another old neighbor, is found dead by Elsie, herself.
Soon, Elsie becomes the prime suspect in the neighbor’s death because apparently someone knows who she really is Someone informs the police that Elsie's real name is Mabel. Oh, but not any ordinary Mabel... she is the ‘Mad Mabel’ who was convicted of murder when she was just 15 years old. The Mad Mabel, who may have caused more than one death along the way.
Rumors have it...
But did she do it?
Is she really mad?
Are the stories about her past true?
And if not, what really happened all those years ago?
The story goes back and forth between ‘Then’ and ‘Now’ and is not only a twisty mystery, but an emotional journey about family, power of friendship, misunderstandings and unjust assumptions.
January 31, 2026
I loved it! So touching and poignant!
"As I walk this land of broken dreams
I have visions of many things
But happiness is just an illusion
Filled with sadness and confusion" (Jimmy Ruffin)
Imagine an eighty-one year old woman, a bit of a curmudgeon, living on a quiet street, living quietly and then when she goes to check on a neighbor , one who was a PITA, she finds him dead on the floor.
That starts a whole bad day for Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, dredging up a past that she had buried long ago.
Persephone, her little neighbor, is a bit of a nemesis to Mabel, but the dear child persists in her relationship with Mabel and is a staunch supporter of her. Mabel comes to love this child and do her best to protect her. The repartee between the two of them is often hysterical, and deep down one realizes that Persephone is just the one Mabel needs.
As the story continued, we learn of Mabel's life, the loss of both her mother and sister, and the hard and vicious father she had. One can't help but shed a tear for Mabel as she not only looks for love but also acceptance in her younger life with disastrous consequences.
It's both a sad and joyous story told so well that I felt I really would know these people as the author paints authentic pictures of them for us to understand them.
I did love and recommend this book to all who often feel overlooked and lonely. A superb story by Sally Hepworth!
A read with Jan where we had different opinions. Search her out to see what she thought.
"As I walk this land of broken dreams
I have visions of many things
But happiness is just an illusion
Filled with sadness and confusion" (Jimmy Ruffin)
Imagine an eighty-one year old woman, a bit of a curmudgeon, living on a quiet street, living quietly and then when she goes to check on a neighbor , one who was a PITA, she finds him dead on the floor.
That starts a whole bad day for Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, dredging up a past that she had buried long ago.
Persephone, her little neighbor, is a bit of a nemesis to Mabel, but the dear child persists in her relationship with Mabel and is a staunch supporter of her. Mabel comes to love this child and do her best to protect her. The repartee between the two of them is often hysterical, and deep down one realizes that Persephone is just the one Mabel needs.
As the story continued, we learn of Mabel's life, the loss of both her mother and sister, and the hard and vicious father she had. One can't help but shed a tear for Mabel as she not only looks for love but also acceptance in her younger life with disastrous consequences.
It's both a sad and joyous story told so well that I felt I really would know these people as the author paints authentic pictures of them for us to understand them.
I did love and recommend this book to all who often feel overlooked and lonely. A superb story by Sally Hepworth!
A read with Jan where we had different opinions. Search her out to see what she thought.
January 27, 2026
Classic Hepworth. Bravo!
Sally Hepworth is the absolute bomb. There is never any doubt her stories will be meaningful and page turning, dark and full of love, and always full of intention and a heartachingly edgy vibe. Mabel was beautiful, there was nothing wrong with her, what was wrong was everything else. Those who were meant to love her, and those who should have helped her shine. This author has the uncanny knack of writing the villain, whether it’s the mother in law, the awful father or the ineffectual mother. Mabel championed it all for herself yet the skill in the writing was the swings and roundabouts of the insipid characters drawn to paint her as the crazy one.
The curmudgeon who we need not at all worry about being tricked into feeling she’s anything at all prickly, her journey to seeing those in need, morphing her situation into one that can help others buoyed by her own terrible experience of childhood is in equal measures pride and heartbreak.
I was mad for Mabel in all ways. The author is a master of her craft, transporting us through generations of good and evil, always providing her dedicated readers with one amazing set of surprises.
The audio version was excellent as well, and I thank @macmillanaus for my ARC where I was lucky enough to choose my pick of colour, and of course I chose green.
Cannot wait for Sally’s next foray, she has undoubtedly reached the echelon of the Australian writing community.
Highly recommended, this truly was joy to read. I hope Mabel surprises and delights you as she did me. All we need is love 🫶🏼
Sally Hepworth is the absolute bomb. There is never any doubt her stories will be meaningful and page turning, dark and full of love, and always full of intention and a heartachingly edgy vibe. Mabel was beautiful, there was nothing wrong with her, what was wrong was everything else. Those who were meant to love her, and those who should have helped her shine. This author has the uncanny knack of writing the villain, whether it’s the mother in law, the awful father or the ineffectual mother. Mabel championed it all for herself yet the skill in the writing was the swings and roundabouts of the insipid characters drawn to paint her as the crazy one.
The curmudgeon who we need not at all worry about being tricked into feeling she’s anything at all prickly, her journey to seeing those in need, morphing her situation into one that can help others buoyed by her own terrible experience of childhood is in equal measures pride and heartbreak.
I was mad for Mabel in all ways. The author is a master of her craft, transporting us through generations of good and evil, always providing her dedicated readers with one amazing set of surprises.
The audio version was excellent as well, and I thank @macmillanaus for my ARC where I was lucky enough to choose my pick of colour, and of course I chose green.
Cannot wait for Sally’s next foray, she has undoubtedly reached the echelon of the Australian writing community.
Highly recommended, this truly was joy to read. I hope Mabel surprises and delights you as she did me. All we need is love 🫶🏼
March 2, 2026
Mad Mabel was the youngest person to ever be tried for murder in Australia.
Sixty years later and Mabel now goes by the name of Elsie. She has lived on Kenny Lane the entire time she's been out of incarceration. She keeps to herself and minds her own business in order to protect her identity but it appears her neighbors, especially 7 year old Persephone, refuse to leave her be. When Elsie's elderly neighbor passes away and she's the one to find him her checkered history seems to have made her a suspect. Is Elsie guilty of murder...again? You'll have to read this to find out!
Another winner for Hepworth! ✨ This author has never once disappointed me and I feel like she just keeps getting better and better.
This book and these characters have completely stolen my heart. I felt every emotion while reading this. Mabel's past is one of great sadness but Hepworth manages to keep the humor throughout so the book has the perfect balance between the light moments and the dark ones. A few surprising revelations in the end made this book even better. Highest recommendation! 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my complimentary copy.
Sixty years later and Mabel now goes by the name of Elsie. She has lived on Kenny Lane the entire time she's been out of incarceration. She keeps to herself and minds her own business in order to protect her identity but it appears her neighbors, especially 7 year old Persephone, refuse to leave her be. When Elsie's elderly neighbor passes away and she's the one to find him her checkered history seems to have made her a suspect. Is Elsie guilty of murder...again? You'll have to read this to find out!
Another winner for Hepworth! ✨ This author has never once disappointed me and I feel like she just keeps getting better and better.
This book and these characters have completely stolen my heart. I felt every emotion while reading this. Mabel's past is one of great sadness but Hepworth manages to keep the humor throughout so the book has the perfect balance between the light moments and the dark ones. A few surprising revelations in the end made this book even better. Highest recommendation! 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my complimentary copy.
March 30, 2026
Mabel Waller, just 15 years old in 1959, was the youngest Australian in history to be convicted of murder. The story leading up to this and beyond was a harsh, heartbreaking one. And now, Elsie Fitzpatrick, 81 years old, was finally telling that story to two YouTubers with a crime blog.
It began in the NOW (2025), when Elsie discovered her neighbour dead on the floor of his kitchen. A natural death, after all, the man was in his nineties. But when the local police discovered some things about the past, they came looking for Elsie. Persephone was a precocious seven year old who lived next door to Elsie, with her mother. She soon adopted Elsie as her granny, and Elsie was secretly touched. There were others in their little street who liked and admired Elsie, but there were others who didn't. Was it justice; revenge; hate - or something else entirely?
Brilliant! I loved Mad Mabel, completely captivated from the first page to the last. Aussie author Sally Hepworth has a winner with this one IMHO! Mabel/Elsie was fantastic! I loved both characters - the fifteen year old and the eighty one year old. She cracked me up in the NOW and THEN chapters of this book. An excellent & twisty thriller which I highly recommend.
It began in the NOW (2025), when Elsie discovered her neighbour dead on the floor of his kitchen. A natural death, after all, the man was in his nineties. But when the local police discovered some things about the past, they came looking for Elsie. Persephone was a precocious seven year old who lived next door to Elsie, with her mother. She soon adopted Elsie as her granny, and Elsie was secretly touched. There were others in their little street who liked and admired Elsie, but there were others who didn't. Was it justice; revenge; hate - or something else entirely?
Brilliant! I loved Mad Mabel, completely captivated from the first page to the last. Aussie author Sally Hepworth has a winner with this one IMHO! Mabel/Elsie was fantastic! I loved both characters - the fifteen year old and the eighty one year old. She cracked me up in the NOW and THEN chapters of this book. An excellent & twisty thriller which I highly recommend.
April 21, 2026
4.5 stars
*now available
Australian writer Sally Hepworth is a must-read author for me. Her books don’t disappoint and often have controversial endings and memorable characters.
This time, her main character is Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, known to those who knew her as a child as Mad Mabel. Now, at 81, she's finally telling her story.
The prologue sets up by saying that no one ever expects a killer to be a little girl or an old lady. We then get chapters from a before-and-now timeline. Elsie thinks that she has no friends, but we can tell otherwise. There’s an adorable 7-year-old neighbor, Persephone, who is constantly “harassing” Elsie by playing Uno and other games with her.
The rumors swirl around that Mad Mabel has murdered people, but Elsie has concealed her identity for the 60 years that she’s lived on this street. After a neighbor’s death, the truth is forced out, and Elsie finally decides to tell her side of things.
The back and forth give us snippets of the past and a challenging childhood. As a reader, I was convinced of Elsie’s innocence. Her dysfunctional family certainly wasn’t supportive, except for her aunt. This one definitely brings out the feelings. It isn’t until the very end that we have the big reveal. I was surprised!
This one made for an excellent buddy read discussion with Jayme, Marilyn, and Mary Beth. See what their thoughts are in their reviews.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press.
*now available
Australian writer Sally Hepworth is a must-read author for me. Her books don’t disappoint and often have controversial endings and memorable characters.
This time, her main character is Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, known to those who knew her as a child as Mad Mabel. Now, at 81, she's finally telling her story.
The prologue sets up by saying that no one ever expects a killer to be a little girl or an old lady. We then get chapters from a before-and-now timeline. Elsie thinks that she has no friends, but we can tell otherwise. There’s an adorable 7-year-old neighbor, Persephone, who is constantly “harassing” Elsie by playing Uno and other games with her.
The rumors swirl around that Mad Mabel has murdered people, but Elsie has concealed her identity for the 60 years that she’s lived on this street. After a neighbor’s death, the truth is forced out, and Elsie finally decides to tell her side of things.
The back and forth give us snippets of the past and a challenging childhood. As a reader, I was convinced of Elsie’s innocence. Her dysfunctional family certainly wasn’t supportive, except for her aunt. This one definitely brings out the feelings. It isn’t until the very end that we have the big reveal. I was surprised!
This one made for an excellent buddy read discussion with Jayme, Marilyn, and Mary Beth. See what their thoughts are in their reviews.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press.
December 21, 2025
4+
I loved this one!
A heartwarming yet hilarious mystery, written in the “Then and Now” format.
Mable growing up, and now as a 81 yr old woman living on Kenny Lane with a fantastic set of secondary characters (neighbors).
Mabel grew up with no friends in a stately home with quite non interested parents and many terrible experiences growing up and many bad things happened that she was blamed for…
Did she do these things or was there more to the stories?
The book ends with all the surprising answers.
This is my 3rd Hepsworth novel and my favorite of the ones I’ve read!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this one!
A heartwarming yet hilarious mystery, written in the “Then and Now” format.
Mable growing up, and now as a 81 yr old woman living on Kenny Lane with a fantastic set of secondary characters (neighbors).
Mabel grew up with no friends in a stately home with quite non interested parents and many terrible experiences growing up and many bad things happened that she was blamed for…
Did she do these things or was there more to the stories?
The book ends with all the surprising answers.
This is my 3rd Hepsworth novel and my favorite of the ones I’ve read!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2026
Honestly, my biggest feeling when I finished Mad Mabel was underwhelmed. I heard this was a departure from Sally’s typical twisty plot line, and I do agree with that, but there were pieces of this book that didn’t feel original. Is it a cozy mystery?? Is it a dark suspense?? Is it a family drama?? I’m at a loss at what genre Sally was trying to write.
While reading, I kept waiting for something to happen! It felt like she was building up to a big reveal, and when we finally got there, I rolled my eyes. The ending was honestly pretty unbelievable. The story I think had something strong at the beginning, but as we progressed through it, I started to lack interest as the plot kept stalling out. When it comes to this dark family drama mystery genre, I need to feel connected to someone! and there was a huge lack of emotion and character development with the main characters. I think you can get away with lack of depth in a thriller, but it was needed here for sure.
Unfortunately, after 3 in a row rated 2-3 ⭐️, I think Sally has now become an author I no longer gravitate to.
While reading, I kept waiting for something to happen! It felt like she was building up to a big reveal, and when we finally got there, I rolled my eyes. The ending was honestly pretty unbelievable. The story I think had something strong at the beginning, but as we progressed through it, I started to lack interest as the plot kept stalling out. When it comes to this dark family drama mystery genre, I need to feel connected to someone! and there was a huge lack of emotion and character development with the main characters. I think you can get away with lack of depth in a thriller, but it was needed here for sure.
Unfortunately, after 3 in a row rated 2-3 ⭐️, I think Sally has now become an author I no longer gravitate to.
October 2, 2025
Although Mad Mabel didn’t work for me, I can absolutely see it sparking lively discussion and appealing to many readers.
From the moment Mabel Elsie Waller was born, she was blamed for the misfortunes and injuries of those around her. Branded “Mad Mabel” by the local children, her notoriety grew when she became the youngest person in Australia to be convicted of murder at just fifteen.
Now eighty-one, she lives quietly under the name Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick (her mother’s maiden name), in suburban anonymity. But when her next-door neighbour – someone she had openly clashed with – is found dead, Elsie once again finds herself under suspicion.
I was so excited to read this one, as Mad Mabel was giving me The Good Sister vibes, my favourite Sally Hepworth novel. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I knew early on that I was struggling when I couldn’t connect with the story. Unfortunately, it never improved. Aside from the Chihuahua, I failed to gel with any of the characters. In the present-day storyline, the dialogue often felt corny, and the characters’ behaviour veered toward slapstick. I did wonder whether this was intentional – since the narrative was entirely from Elsie’s socially awkward perspective – but whatever the reason, it didn’t land for me. The past timeline was also problematic, jumping around in a way that made it hard to stay grounded in the story.
As for the twists, I didn’t guess two of them – but I didn’t particularly like those reveals either. The majority of the others were predictable, and one was so glaringly obvious from the first chapter that I wouldn’t even call it a twist. What surprised me was how late it was revealed in the book.
The only Hepworth book I’ve ever rated five stars was The Good Sister, and since that came out a few years ago, I’ve come to the conclusion that her newer work isn’t a fit for me. That said, I truly believe many readers will enjoy this story far more than I did, and I wish the book and author every success. For me, though, I’ve concluded that most of Hepworth’s recent work simply isn’t a match for my reading taste.
From the moment Mabel Elsie Waller was born, she was blamed for the misfortunes and injuries of those around her. Branded “Mad Mabel” by the local children, her notoriety grew when she became the youngest person in Australia to be convicted of murder at just fifteen.
Now eighty-one, she lives quietly under the name Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick (her mother’s maiden name), in suburban anonymity. But when her next-door neighbour – someone she had openly clashed with – is found dead, Elsie once again finds herself under suspicion.
I was so excited to read this one, as Mad Mabel was giving me The Good Sister vibes, my favourite Sally Hepworth novel. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I knew early on that I was struggling when I couldn’t connect with the story. Unfortunately, it never improved. Aside from the Chihuahua, I failed to gel with any of the characters. In the present-day storyline, the dialogue often felt corny, and the characters’ behaviour veered toward slapstick. I did wonder whether this was intentional – since the narrative was entirely from Elsie’s socially awkward perspective – but whatever the reason, it didn’t land for me. The past timeline was also problematic, jumping around in a way that made it hard to stay grounded in the story.
As for the twists, I didn’t guess two of them – but I didn’t particularly like those reveals either. The majority of the others were predictable, and one was so glaringly obvious from the first chapter that I wouldn’t even call it a twist. What surprised me was how late it was revealed in the book.
The only Hepworth book I’ve ever rated five stars was The Good Sister, and since that came out a few years ago, I’ve come to the conclusion that her newer work isn’t a fit for me. That said, I truly believe many readers will enjoy this story far more than I did, and I wish the book and author every success. For me, though, I’ve concluded that most of Hepworth’s recent work simply isn’t a match for my reading taste.
January 30, 2026
EXCERPT: 'Mostly you will be talking freestyle about your childhood. We won't interrupt unless we need something clarified. If I do interrupt, don't look at me, keep looking at the camera - okay?'
I look at the camera, which isn't, in fact, a camera at all, it's an iPhone, propped up on its tripod on my dining table. Then again, an iPhone is a camera, isn't it? An iPhone is everything. It even has a little buzzer that reminds me to take my pills.
'Okay.'
'But before we start, I'll do my lead-in. Are you ready?'
I nod again.
Libby takes a deep breath, and Adeem counts her in. When the light goes red, she morphs before my eyes into another person. A mature person. It's very impressive.
'In 1959, at just fifteen years of age, Mabel Waller became the youngest person in Australian history to be convicted of murder. The media interest around the case was enormous, due to the aggressive nature of the crime. Rumours abound that this was not her first murder, and this has remained the topic of debate for decades. She is known around the world as Mad Mabel. But is she mad? More importantly, is she guilty?
In a world first, at the age of eighty-one, Mabel Waller is speaking.'
ABOUT 'MAD MABEL': There are two kinds of people no one ever expects to be killers: little girls and old ladies.
Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is eighty-one years old. She's lived on her idyllic street for sixty years—longer than anyone else. Aside from being a curmudgeon who minds everyone else's business, few would suspect that Elsie has a past she's worked exceedingly hard at concealing—because when it comes to murder, no one ever suspects little girls or old ladies. And Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, once a little girl and now an old lady, has a strange history of people in her life coming to a foul end.
MY THOUGHTS: Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick may just be the most complicated and fascinating character I have ever read about. She's 81-years-old and has a history that will curl your hair - if you believe it all, that is. Mabel is delightfully sarcastic, often grumpy, stand-offish, and unreservedly blunt. But behind the persona she has created to protect herself, she's a woman with a heart - just ask Persephone, a Mabel 'mini-me' - and a heartbreaking story to tell. I defy you to finish this read without having shed a tear or two.
Hepworth's characterisation is, as always, superb. Not only with Elsie/Mabel, but the child Persephone, her mother Roxanne, and Elsie's friend Daphne. I loved Cess, Mabel's aunt, and her friend Ness too.
The narrative is divided into NOW and THEN; the NOW kicked off by the suspicious death of one of Elsie's neighbours and the subsequent unmasking of her real identity. THEN deals with Mabel's backstory.
Character-study, thriller, mystery. All these elements are combined to produce my favorite Hepworth book ever.
Dazzling and surprising!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#MadMabel @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
MEET THE AUTHOR: SALLY HEPWORTH's novels have been called “darkly charming”, “totally absorbing” and “fiction at its finest.” I can't argue with any of that. She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her family.
I look at the camera, which isn't, in fact, a camera at all, it's an iPhone, propped up on its tripod on my dining table. Then again, an iPhone is a camera, isn't it? An iPhone is everything. It even has a little buzzer that reminds me to take my pills.
'Okay.'
'But before we start, I'll do my lead-in. Are you ready?'
I nod again.
Libby takes a deep breath, and Adeem counts her in. When the light goes red, she morphs before my eyes into another person. A mature person. It's very impressive.
'In 1959, at just fifteen years of age, Mabel Waller became the youngest person in Australian history to be convicted of murder. The media interest around the case was enormous, due to the aggressive nature of the crime. Rumours abound that this was not her first murder, and this has remained the topic of debate for decades. She is known around the world as Mad Mabel. But is she mad? More importantly, is she guilty?
In a world first, at the age of eighty-one, Mabel Waller is speaking.'
ABOUT 'MAD MABEL': There are two kinds of people no one ever expects to be killers: little girls and old ladies.
Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is eighty-one years old. She's lived on her idyllic street for sixty years—longer than anyone else. Aside from being a curmudgeon who minds everyone else's business, few would suspect that Elsie has a past she's worked exceedingly hard at concealing—because when it comes to murder, no one ever suspects little girls or old ladies. And Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, once a little girl and now an old lady, has a strange history of people in her life coming to a foul end.
MY THOUGHTS: Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick may just be the most complicated and fascinating character I have ever read about. She's 81-years-old and has a history that will curl your hair - if you believe it all, that is. Mabel is delightfully sarcastic, often grumpy, stand-offish, and unreservedly blunt. But behind the persona she has created to protect herself, she's a woman with a heart - just ask Persephone, a Mabel 'mini-me' - and a heartbreaking story to tell. I defy you to finish this read without having shed a tear or two.
Hepworth's characterisation is, as always, superb. Not only with Elsie/Mabel, but the child Persephone, her mother Roxanne, and Elsie's friend Daphne. I loved Cess, Mabel's aunt, and her friend Ness too.
The narrative is divided into NOW and THEN; the NOW kicked off by the suspicious death of one of Elsie's neighbours and the subsequent unmasking of her real identity. THEN deals with Mabel's backstory.
Character-study, thriller, mystery. All these elements are combined to produce my favorite Hepworth book ever.
Dazzling and surprising!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#MadMabel @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
MEET THE AUTHOR: SALLY HEPWORTH's novels have been called “darkly charming”, “totally absorbing” and “fiction at its finest.” I can't argue with any of that. She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her family.
August 16, 2025
Sally Hepworth is an auto-read author for me. If her name is on the cover, I’m reading it—no synopsis, no reviews, no questions asked. So, I dove into this one basically blind, armed only with my trust in her storytelling!
True to form, Hepworth delivers an unforgettable main character—equal parts sass, sarcasm, heart, and chaos. I adored her and all her quirky neighbors.
The story itself? A wild ride. Full of emotional landmines and gasp-worthy twists, it had me laughing one minute and blinking back tears the next. It’s like the book couldn’t decide what genre it wanted to be—and I mean that in the best way. Domestic drama? Check. Mystery/suspense? Check. Women’s fiction? Also check. It shapeshifts in the most delightful way, and I was so here for it!
If you love a story that’s smart, twisty, emotionally layered, and just a little bit offbeat (in the best possible sense), this one’s for you. Another Hepworth gem—unsurprisingly!
** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
True to form, Hepworth delivers an unforgettable main character—equal parts sass, sarcasm, heart, and chaos. I adored her and all her quirky neighbors.
The story itself? A wild ride. Full of emotional landmines and gasp-worthy twists, it had me laughing one minute and blinking back tears the next. It’s like the book couldn’t decide what genre it wanted to be—and I mean that in the best way. Domestic drama? Check. Mystery/suspense? Check. Women’s fiction? Also check. It shapeshifts in the most delightful way, and I was so here for it!
If you love a story that’s smart, twisty, emotionally layered, and just a little bit offbeat (in the best possible sense), this one’s for you. Another Hepworth gem—unsurprisingly!
** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,034 reviews