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Mad Mabel
Not yet published
Expected 21 Apr 26There are two kinds of people no one ever expects to be: 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.
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.
352 pages, ebook
Expected publication April 21, 2026
1877 people are currently reading
40177 people want to read
About the author
Sally Hepworth
22 books48k 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,596 reviews
December 11, 2025
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.
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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:
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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!
August 31, 2025
*2026 Preview*
Sometimes You Just Can’t Wait!
“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 didn’t like the very LAST chapter at all, and 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!
Expected publication date: April 21, 2026
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the very early ARC provided by NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Sometimes You Just Can’t Wait!
“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 didn’t like the very LAST chapter at all, and 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!
Expected publication date: April 21, 2026
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the very early ARC provided by NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
December 20, 2025
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 📖
November 16, 2025
"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 was released in Australia and New Zealand in October 2025 and will be released in the US and UK 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 was released in Australia and New Zealand in October 2025 and will be released in the US and UK 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.
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
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.
August 31, 2025
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
October 9, 2025
I am writing this review as I just finished reading this book. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 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!
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!
December 7, 2025
"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.
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 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
November 14, 2025
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.
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.
November 1, 2025
4.5 ☆
This is the story of Elsie Fitzpatrick aka Mad Mabel Waller.
It is a hilariously funny story and a deeply sad story at the same time. Elsie is a fiesty, fiercely independent octogenarian but when she was a child she was dismally lonely, misunderstood and made a scapegoat. Elsie is quite funny while Mabel is quite sad.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am voluntarily leaving my opinions of this novel. Thank you to the author, publisher and Goodreads for this opportunity.
As a child Mabel is living a privileged life, but her father is a cruel man, who thinks of no one but himself. He makes life miserable for Mabel from the very beginning. He blames her for numerous deaths and accidents that happen within and without the family. With her own father spreading lies about Mabel she is quickly made the target of the children and adults in the community. It all comes to a head when Mabel does commit murder. At the age of 14 she is the youngest Australian to be convicted of murder.
When, at the age of 81, Elsie finds her neighbor dead her past rears its ugly head. But, through the help of her neighbors, a precocious seven year old girl, Persephone, and a podcast duo, Elsie gets the opportunity to tell her side of the story.
We learn how growing up as an awkward, social outcast shapes a lonely little girl and how that girl struggles to manage. For anyone who experienced feelings of loneliness, social anxiety and being unloved this novel will have an impact.
The ending was a bit disappointing. I think that I would have been better satisfied if it ended without the last chapter. However, I recommend reading Mad Mabel for the fun that Elsie's character plays.
Favorite quote:
"I think he got dicked by the dangling dong of destiny."
This is the story of Elsie Fitzpatrick aka Mad Mabel Waller.
It is a hilariously funny story and a deeply sad story at the same time. Elsie is a fiesty, fiercely independent octogenarian but when she was a child she was dismally lonely, misunderstood and made a scapegoat. Elsie is quite funny while Mabel is quite sad.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am voluntarily leaving my opinions of this novel. Thank you to the author, publisher and Goodreads for this opportunity.
As a child Mabel is living a privileged life, but her father is a cruel man, who thinks of no one but himself. He makes life miserable for Mabel from the very beginning. He blames her for numerous deaths and accidents that happen within and without the family. With her own father spreading lies about Mabel she is quickly made the target of the children and adults in the community. It all comes to a head when Mabel does commit murder. At the age of 14 she is the youngest Australian to be convicted of murder.
When, at the age of 81, Elsie finds her neighbor dead her past rears its ugly head. But, through the help of her neighbors, a precocious seven year old girl, Persephone, and a podcast duo, Elsie gets the opportunity to tell her side of the story.
We learn how growing up as an awkward, social outcast shapes a lonely little girl and how that girl struggles to manage. For anyone who experienced feelings of loneliness, social anxiety and being unloved this novel will have an impact.
The ending was a bit disappointing. I think that I would have been better satisfied if it ended without the last chapter. However, I recommend reading Mad Mabel for the fun that Elsie's character plays.
Favorite quote:
"I think he got dicked by the dangling dong of destiny."
December 8, 2025
“Friends are like oxygen. If you’ve been blessed enough to have always been surrounded by friends, you might think I’m overplaying this. Friends are like oxygen. And the only reason I'm still alive, is Daphne.”
Everything I love about a Sally Hepworth book is contained between the pages of this fantastic story! I love that the FMC is a spunky octogenarian and I appreciate that the voice Sally has given her is consistent throughout the narrative. Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick from Kenny Lane, Melbourne, kept me invested in the story; I ran the gamut of emotions as I got to know Mabel/Elsie and helped her with her mystery. The dual timeline POV was necessary in the development of this story and Hepworth nailed the smooth transitions.
It was wonderful to have an intergenerational friendship spotlighted as well as the idea that it’s never too late to become who you’ve always wanted to be.
This is a smorgasbord of emotions. Be prepared.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Everything I love about a Sally Hepworth book is contained between the pages of this fantastic story! I love that the FMC is a spunky octogenarian and I appreciate that the voice Sally has given her is consistent throughout the narrative. Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick from Kenny Lane, Melbourne, kept me invested in the story; I ran the gamut of emotions as I got to know Mabel/Elsie and helped her with her mystery. The dual timeline POV was necessary in the development of this story and Hepworth nailed the smooth transitions.
It was wonderful to have an intergenerational friendship spotlighted as well as the idea that it’s never too late to become who you’ve always wanted to be.
This is a smorgasbord of emotions. Be prepared.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 3, 2025
Mad about Magnificent Mabel!
"There are two kinds of people no one ever expects to be murderers: little girls and old ladies."
In "Mad Mabel", Australia's queen of thrillers Sally Hepworth introduces a deliciously unpredictable (anti)heroine. At eighty-one (not eighty-two, mind you!), Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is plucky, smart, resilient, and desperately lonely. Oh, and she might also be a serial killer, as everyone close to her seems to meet an untimely end, earning her the nickname "Mad Mabel."
The book’s blissfully short synopsis manages to give very little of the plot away, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found inside - it exceeded my expectations and completely caught me off guard. Over the course of dual timelines - Mabel's childhood and her current life - there are themes of abuse, abandonment, and bullying, but also hints of love and friendship, forcing us to reconsider how blindly we might accept other people's judgments and biases, and how easily we follow the labels attached to others. I fell completely in love with Mabel and her story, and was even (almost) thankful for a bout of a stomach bug that kept me up all night just so I could justify losing more hours inside this book. And while I always enjoy Sally Hepworth's thrillers, tearing up because of one of her books is definitely a first for me.
I'm calling it now: full of suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists, with an unforgettable protagonist, and a lot of heart, "Mad Mabel" is Hepworth's best yet.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this magnificent book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Mad Mabel" is slated to be released on April 21, 2026.
"There are two kinds of people no one ever expects to be murderers: little girls and old ladies."
In "Mad Mabel", Australia's queen of thrillers Sally Hepworth introduces a deliciously unpredictable (anti)heroine. At eighty-one (not eighty-two, mind you!), Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is plucky, smart, resilient, and desperately lonely. Oh, and she might also be a serial killer, as everyone close to her seems to meet an untimely end, earning her the nickname "Mad Mabel."
The book’s blissfully short synopsis manages to give very little of the plot away, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found inside - it exceeded my expectations and completely caught me off guard. Over the course of dual timelines - Mabel's childhood and her current life - there are themes of abuse, abandonment, and bullying, but also hints of love and friendship, forcing us to reconsider how blindly we might accept other people's judgments and biases, and how easily we follow the labels attached to others. I fell completely in love with Mabel and her story, and was even (almost) thankful for a bout of a stomach bug that kept me up all night just so I could justify losing more hours inside this book. And while I always enjoy Sally Hepworth's thrillers, tearing up because of one of her books is definitely a first for me.
I'm calling it now: full of suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists, with an unforgettable protagonist, and a lot of heart, "Mad Mabel" is Hepworth's best yet.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this magnificent book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Mad Mabel" is slated to be released on April 21, 2026.
October 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Review to come. 🫶
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.
August 27, 2025
Seems like a bold statement to make on July 31, 2025... but I think I have just read my FAVORITE book of 2026. I am about to become a book bully to make everyone read this hilarious, heartwarming, shocking book. If you like books that have a feisty octogenarian, quirky memorable side characters, secrets and twisty mystery, and plenty of laughter through tears, have I got a book for YOU. Especially if you cherished Anne of Green Gables as a kid, and always wanted a bosom friend like Diana Barry.
Elsie knows everything that goes on in her neighborhood, even with her nemesis Imhann. When he ends up dead, precocious neighbor Persephone announcing his demise, Elsie's hidden identity as "Mad Mabel" comes out. But why is she known as "mad Mabel"? What happened in her young life?
Told in alternating timelines, we follow the oddball outcast Mabel from age 3, when her younger sister tragically died of polio, like so many in the 1950's. In the present timeline, Elsie at 81 is charmingly grouchy, annoyed with the police, and begrudgingly ends up with Imhann's dog Nugget. What is her story? How did she become known as Elsie? And did Imhann die of natural causes or was Elsie behind it after all?
I was SO sucked into this story, the CHARACTERS- even minor ones, are so real. I roared with feet-kicking laughter, my mouth dropped open with shock at the reveals, and I put down the book to cry real tears. This book is a supreme roller coaster of emotions that you won't forget. It ABSOLUTELY will be made into a movie. My first choice for playing Elsie is Jane Fonda, but Lily Tomlin would also be phenomenal. Only a skilled actor with incredible range will do.
The last line of the book? Just about threw my e-reader across the room.
Seriously this story is just too good for Hollywood to miss it. I can't wait for you all to read it. It is worth bumping to the very top of your TBR.
6/5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins press for the ARC. Book to be published 4/20/26
Elsie knows everything that goes on in her neighborhood, even with her nemesis Imhann. When he ends up dead, precocious neighbor Persephone announcing his demise, Elsie's hidden identity as "Mad Mabel" comes out. But why is she known as "mad Mabel"? What happened in her young life?
Told in alternating timelines, we follow the oddball outcast Mabel from age 3, when her younger sister tragically died of polio, like so many in the 1950's. In the present timeline, Elsie at 81 is charmingly grouchy, annoyed with the police, and begrudgingly ends up with Imhann's dog Nugget. What is her story? How did she become known as Elsie? And did Imhann die of natural causes or was Elsie behind it after all?
I was SO sucked into this story, the CHARACTERS- even minor ones, are so real. I roared with feet-kicking laughter, my mouth dropped open with shock at the reveals, and I put down the book to cry real tears. This book is a supreme roller coaster of emotions that you won't forget. It ABSOLUTELY will be made into a movie. My first choice for playing Elsie is Jane Fonda, but Lily Tomlin would also be phenomenal. Only a skilled actor with incredible range will do.
The last line of the book? Just about threw my e-reader across the room.
Seriously this story is just too good for Hollywood to miss it. I can't wait for you all to read it. It is worth bumping to the very top of your TBR.
6/5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins press for the ARC. Book to be published 4/20/26
July 2, 2025
Mad Mabel is Sally Hepworth at her absolute best—brilliantly quirky, wickedly funny, and packed with jaw-dropping twists that had me gasping out loud.
The story follows 81-year-old Elsie, who has spent 6 decades in solitude in her new identity living on Kenny Lane after being branded “Mad Mabel” by the community— Mabel, being accused of a series of heinous activities in her youth. In present day, when a nosy 7 year old girl moves in next door and throws chaos into Elsie’s life; along with a set of YouTubers poking around her past, Elsie finally gets a chance to tell her own side of the story. What unfolds is a sharp, suspenseful, and surprisingly heartfelt tale that’s as much about identity and justice as it is about dark long held secrets.
Sally’s signature brand of unique humor shines through every page, and I found myself laughing just as often as I was flipping pages in shock. The final revelations? Absolutely explosive. Just when you think you might know where it’s going, Sally pulls the rug out in the most delicious way.
This book is hilarious, heart-wrenching, and delightfully weird—in the best possible sense. Elsie is one of the most memorable narrators I’ve read in years, and the whole experience felt like classic Hepworth: charming, twisted, and totally addictive.
Can’t recommend it enough! April of 2026! Thank you SMP for an early peak I know how blessed I am 🥰
The story follows 81-year-old Elsie, who has spent 6 decades in solitude in her new identity living on Kenny Lane after being branded “Mad Mabel” by the community— Mabel, being accused of a series of heinous activities in her youth. In present day, when a nosy 7 year old girl moves in next door and throws chaos into Elsie’s life; along with a set of YouTubers poking around her past, Elsie finally gets a chance to tell her own side of the story. What unfolds is a sharp, suspenseful, and surprisingly heartfelt tale that’s as much about identity and justice as it is about dark long held secrets.
Sally’s signature brand of unique humor shines through every page, and I found myself laughing just as often as I was flipping pages in shock. The final revelations? Absolutely explosive. Just when you think you might know where it’s going, Sally pulls the rug out in the most delicious way.
This book is hilarious, heart-wrenching, and delightfully weird—in the best possible sense. Elsie is one of the most memorable narrators I’ve read in years, and the whole experience felt like classic Hepworth: charming, twisted, and totally addictive.
Can’t recommend it enough! April of 2026! Thank you SMP for an early peak I know how blessed I am 🥰
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! **
November 16, 2025
Remarkable new release (though not so new now I am late to review)! This was intriguing and twisty and just superb. Up there with my all time favourite by Hepworth, and with just a beautiful elderly FMC. The twist definitely got me. Highly recommend.
October 3, 2025
Thoughts to come about this fantastic and special book. Need to gather them together first!
9.5/10: 5⭐️’s
81 year old Elsie has worked hard to have her secrets stay in the past. To keep her life quiet and private. But now someone knows and before she knows it, everyone knows.
As the memories come back, she is given the opportunity to take control and tell her story, her truth, in her way and her words.
As Elsie shares her story, we are taken back to her heartbreaking and traumatic childhood where she was known as Mad Mabel. Sally Hepworth does a wonderful job with the now and then timelines. They flow seamlessly from one to the other without any confusion. (Much appreciated by someone (me) who can be easily confused).
As she tells her story she experiences more trauma. But she also experiences love. Persephone is a delightful, clever, funny, and lonely 7 year old neighbor. Elsie tries not to fall for the child, but as she soon finds out, that is impossible.
I loved this book (even with all of the feelings it had me feeling!). My lacking attention span completely disappeared with this book and I was engaged from page 1. I don’t know how to explain why this book is so special, but that is what I was feeling the entire way through; That I was reading something special. It’s a sad story, but full of humorous and comical moments that had me snort laughing. It is also full of love. And while I had figured out some ‘reveals’ early on, that didn’t take anything away from the story for me. I think it made me like it even more.
I have more thoughts, but the words just aren’t forming right, so I will leave it as it is. I was all in with this book. I think I read this book with my heart, not just my eyes (yes, I read the book instead of listening to it, a rare feat for me, but so worth it.)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this special and wonderful book. All opinions are my own.
Original rating and review posted: 8/29/25
9.5/10: 5⭐️’s
81 year old Elsie has worked hard to have her secrets stay in the past. To keep her life quiet and private. But now someone knows and before she knows it, everyone knows.
As the memories come back, she is given the opportunity to take control and tell her story, her truth, in her way and her words.
As Elsie shares her story, we are taken back to her heartbreaking and traumatic childhood where she was known as Mad Mabel. Sally Hepworth does a wonderful job with the now and then timelines. They flow seamlessly from one to the other without any confusion. (Much appreciated by someone (me) who can be easily confused).
As she tells her story she experiences more trauma. But she also experiences love. Persephone is a delightful, clever, funny, and lonely 7 year old neighbor. Elsie tries not to fall for the child, but as she soon finds out, that is impossible.
I loved this book (even with all of the feelings it had me feeling!). My lacking attention span completely disappeared with this book and I was engaged from page 1. I don’t know how to explain why this book is so special, but that is what I was feeling the entire way through; That I was reading something special. It’s a sad story, but full of humorous and comical moments that had me snort laughing. It is also full of love. And while I had figured out some ‘reveals’ early on, that didn’t take anything away from the story for me. I think it made me like it even more.
I have more thoughts, but the words just aren’t forming right, so I will leave it as it is. I was all in with this book. I think I read this book with my heart, not just my eyes (yes, I read the book instead of listening to it, a rare feat for me, but so worth it.)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this special and wonderful book. All opinions are my own.
Original rating and review posted: 8/29/25
September 4, 2025
4.5 stars
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. This one is scheduled to release on 4.21.2026.
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. This one is scheduled to release on 4.21.2026.
September 18, 2025
I honestly do not know how to do justice to this incredible book. Sally Hepworth has smashed it and then some with Mad Mabel. I cannot stop thinking about this story and these characters , so much to unpack.
There were many tears as I read this emotional story. Mabel is such an incredible character, an 81 year old woman who has been hiding a dark past from everyone in her life. She comes across as a cranky old lady, but really she was a big softie with a heart of gold. All she wanted was to be loved, to feel loved. Her childhood was so awful and had a huge impact on her for the rest of her life. No spoilers here.
I also loved the little girl who lived next door to Mabel, 7 year old Persephone. She really did get under Mabel’s skin and it was hilarious and heartwarming.
The lovely Sally has named a character after a dear friend who we lost late last year, who was a big fan of a Sally’s books. The lovely Linda “Lily” Rati made an appearance on the page and I smiled as I cried. Lily would have loved to see her name in one of her favourite authors books. Thank you Sally, what a wonderful thing you have done in her memory.
You need to read this book. You need to meet Mabel for yourself. She isn’t mad, she was so mistreated and abused. Just read it and fall in love with her.
Thank you so so much to Pan Macmillan Australia for sending me a gorgeous pink proof copy of this book that I will treasure. I feel so lucky to have this.
Published on September 30th, it is a must read from a favourite author.
There were many tears as I read this emotional story. Mabel is such an incredible character, an 81 year old woman who has been hiding a dark past from everyone in her life. She comes across as a cranky old lady, but really she was a big softie with a heart of gold. All she wanted was to be loved, to feel loved. Her childhood was so awful and had a huge impact on her for the rest of her life. No spoilers here.
I also loved the little girl who lived next door to Mabel, 7 year old Persephone. She really did get under Mabel’s skin and it was hilarious and heartwarming.
The lovely Sally has named a character after a dear friend who we lost late last year, who was a big fan of a Sally’s books. The lovely Linda “Lily” Rati made an appearance on the page and I smiled as I cried. Lily would have loved to see her name in one of her favourite authors books. Thank you Sally, what a wonderful thing you have done in her memory.
You need to read this book. You need to meet Mabel for yourself. She isn’t mad, she was so mistreated and abused. Just read it and fall in love with her.
Thank you so so much to Pan Macmillan Australia for sending me a gorgeous pink proof copy of this book that I will treasure. I feel so lucky to have this.
Published on September 30th, it is a must read from a favourite author.
September 10, 2025
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.
November 12, 2025
This was my favourite Sally Hepworth novel, so far anyway. Most entertaining, quirky and with a very unusual narrator. Lovely support cast, with three horrible men who mostly got what they deserved. Recommended for anyone with a heart and a sense of humour. 4+ stars, library ebook.
'Sometimes I wish young people knew how beautiful they were, and I’m not just talking about pretty ones.' pg 248
'Sometimes I wish young people knew how beautiful they were, and I’m not just talking about pretty ones.' pg 248
December 5, 2025
Another winner from Sally Hepworth. I just enjoy her books so much. Elsie is Mad Mabel…..or at least that is what she's been called through her life. She's 81 now, and has a past that she is hiding. She's now living under a new name in the same neighborhood for over 60 years. This book delves into Elsie's past when she was a child, and how she's been labeled, and how unfortunate her life has been. You know that she has so much love and it was so sad reading about how she was treated. I enjoyed seeing how connected she is now with her neighbor friends, and her character is so unpredictable that I just didn't know what would happen next. There are parts that made me laugh and other parts that made me feel heartbroken. This was basically a character study of “Mad Mabel” and I found it so compelling to read. I'd definitely recommend it.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
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