Sally Hepworth’s “Mad Mabel” completely captivated me from start to finish. The story of 81-year-old Elsie, whose dark past as teenage murderer Mabel comes back to haunt her when a neighbor dies, had me absolutely hooked. I loved how Hepworth weaves between past and present, gradually revealing the truth about what really happened in 1959. Elsie is such a wonderfully complex character - grumpy, sharp-tongued, and utterly unforgettable. The book perfectly balances dark themes with moments of genuine humor, and I found myself gasping at the jaw-dropping twists throughout. What impressed me most was how the novel explores deep questions about justice, guilt, and redemption while still being an incredibly entertaining page-turner.

Sally Hepworth's writing is always a delight - with suspenseful twists and snarky humor, this book is a pleasure to read. Elsie is 81 years old and lives on a small street with neighbors who all have their own idiosyncrasies. One day her 93-year-old neighbor's dog will not stop barking, and after Elsie "hops" the fence to look, she finds her neighbor dead. The proper authorities are called, and while nothing seems to be amiss, detectives follow up with Elsie and seem to have more questions for her after they find that she was previously known as Mad Mabel.
Elsie's history is slowly exposed through her own words, and it brings about reactions from neighbors and the public in total. Elsie leans into the important friendships she has to help her as she processes all of the events from both the past and present.

Wow! Literally too stunned to speak or even write. I knew this book was going to be good because a fellow book lover read this and enjoyed it. I have always loved Sally Hepworth’s book and this is no different. But it’s not a thriller like I usually read from her. It’s a story of love, of being seen and acknowledged. To find a family, outside the one you’re born into. Mabel is a young girl who has had a hard life and was bullied and people thought she was bad. Evil really. Called her Mad Mabel. She did have an amazing, loving aunt and a few friends who believed in her and stood up for her. This story goes back and forth from when she was a child to now, when she’s 81. She lives in a small neighborhood street with a cast of characters. A young girl, named Persephone befriends her. Mabel at this age, wants to be left alone. Over the story, we come to read what happened to her when she was a child and how she dealt with everything. And also, how her neighbors come to be the family she can depend on. This story touched my heart and I’m so happy I was able to get an early copy. 5 amazing stars!!!

Sally Hepworth is one of my favorite authors. I loved all of her older books so I jumped at the opportunity to read this one.

I had a hard time getting into the story and relating to the characters.

Mad Mabel is a senior citizen that has always seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Her neighbor drops dead and suddenly she is being questioned for his murder.

She recounts her life and all the mishaps that led up to the first time she murdered someone.

This book was not for me but I know a lot of people will find this myself entertaining.

Can I give this book 10 stars?! OMG!! Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC!

Wow. What a ride this book was. It's a bit of a mystery thriller, but it ends up way more than that - but I won't spoil it. This book makes you feel so many emotions. I cried a few times my heart was so broken for Elsie.
And can we talk about those twists?

No.. actually, we can't. I won't spoil it but wow this book had me on my toes and I have questions!!!

It was SO GOOD!!!! Literally mind blown. Can Sally write or can Sally write?! She is a thriller queen and I mean that!!!

Mad Mabel is a 2026 release and let me tell you it's already thriller of the year for next year.

Sally Hepworth, is known for her compelling narratives and deep character exploration, delivers yet another captivating novel with "Mad Mabel." Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Mad Mabel" is not just a story; it's an emotional journey through the life of Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, unaffectionately known as Mad Mabel. Hepworth has crafted a character so robust and vivid that she leaps off the page. Mabel's crankiness, laced with a biting sarcasm and an unexpectedly delightful sense of humor, makes her a standout protagonist. Her interactions are infused with a realism that endears her to readers, making her human, relatable, and profoundly memorable.

The narrative delves deep into the recesses of Mabel's past, uncovering the layers of cruelty she endured during her childhood. Being bullied and misunderstood, Mabel's backstory is heart-wrenching, yet it serves as a crucial foundation for her character's development and the thematic depth of the novel. Hepworth handles these darker themes with sensitivity and grace, allowing the reader to empathize deeply with Mabel.

Another highlight of the novel is the character of Persephone, whose special bond with Elsie adds a rich layer to the story. Their relationship is beautifully portrayed, showcasing the power of understanding and companionship in a world that often feels isolating and harsh.

"Mad Mabel" exceeds expectations by offering more than just a story—it presents a profound exploration of resilience and the complexities of human emotions. This book is a testament to Hepworth's skill as a storyteller and her ability to weave complex emotions into the tapestry of her narrative.

In conclusion, "Mad Mabel" is a profoundly moving, occasionally witty, and thoroughly engaging novel that will linger in the minds and hearts of readers long after the last page is turned. Sally Hepworth has indeed delivered a masterpiece that both entertains and inspires. This book is highly recommended for those who appreciate novels that blend emotional depth with unforgettable characters. The book is quite different from what I was expecting it to be - however it turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

Mad Mabel is a refreshing and delightful mix of mystery, dark humor, and surprising warmth. Sally Hepworth crafts a story that flips between past and present, unraveling the life of Elsie, known as the notorious “Mad Mabel.” Elsie became famous as Australia’s youngest convicted killer, but we see her now as an 81-year-old woman living a quiet and unassuming life.

The dual timeline works well to peel back the layers of Mabel’s past while letting her present-day quirks and unexpected bonds with her neighbors shine. There’s a nice balance of intrigue and levity, and the commentary on how stories get shaped (and misshaped) over time feels particularly relevant in our true crime-obsessed culture.

The cast of characters is endearing, from the overly energetic child determined to befriend her to the eccentric neighbors who add both humor and heart. It’s rare for a character so deeply misunderstood to leave such a lasting impression. You don’t often expect a thriller to tug at your heartstrings, but this one does. It's a reminder that behind every headline and rumor lies a story far more layered than it first appears.

Elsie Mabel is an elderly cantankerous woman that has suffered a lot of heartaches. She is witty, sarcastic and doesn't sugarcoat her views on people and situations.

When an eccentric old man in her neighborhood dies, Elsie Mabel is falsely accused of murdering him. In the course of the investigation, various relationships of her past and present are examined, revealing her character and deepening the plot. The sad circumstances that resulted in her nickname, "Mad Mabel" are revealed, as well.

At first I thought this book was too similar to "A Man Called Ove" (which I didn't like), but many layers and multiple timelines add to the mystery. Similar to "Ove", Elsie's role in the neighborhood evolves as she is revealed to be a courageous and valued part of the group. I chuckled at many of Elsie's comments, but also weeped a bit at one point.

I may have to reread this book to pick up on the nuances I had missed on the first read. I really enjoy Sally Hepworth's writing.

Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced copy of this wonderful book. I live for a cheeky old Australian lady who is misunderstood. I could not put this one down. You'll cheer Mabel on through the whole messy adventure!

I absolutely loved, loved, loved Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth! Mabel, the main character, is such a funny, stubborn and lovable woman—you can’t help but root for her, even when she’s causing chaos. Her best friend, Lottie, adds so much heart to the story and the way their relationship unfolds is both touching and real. I also loved supporting characters like Mabel’s brother and her quirky neighbors—they bring humor and warmth that make the small-town setting feel alive. The author does such a great job balancing all these personalities, making each one feel fully known and explained. I was laughing, tearing up and totally hooked the whole time I was reading this book (which I will admit, was all in one day). Honestly, I can’t get enough of Sally Hepworth’s writing—Mad Mabel is another reminder of why she’s one of my most favorite authors! This book left me smiling long after I finished it. Highly recommend!!

Another gripping novel from Sally Hepworth. I loved the rich character development and plot twists I didn't see coming. Hepworth seamlessly weaves together two timelines to give us backstory for Mabel, the main character, all while maintaining the propulsive momentum of the story. I couldn't put it down.

I really loved this book! You truly fall in love with Elsie (Mabel) and I absolutely loved the story. It was not just a story but a book all about found family and looking beyond someone’s label. It was such a beautiful novel and it left me with so many feelings. It is a book I will be thinking about a lot in the future!

Pub date: 21 April 2026

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve discovered that I have a soft spot for elderly sociopaths in books. I loved Too Old for This by Samantha Downing, and Mad Mabel did not disappoint.

Cess and Ness were my favorites—they were so fierce and memorable.

Some twists were predictable, but I didn’t mind; a few genuinely caught me off guard. There was one twist I expected that never came, which was an interesting subversion.

Also, any book that mentions Beyoncé automatically gets points from me.

There was a bit of commentary on queer characters and weight that felt unnecessary. I understand it was meant to highlight the character’s age, but I don’t think it added anything meaningful to the story.

My new favorite Sally Hepworth book! I fell in love with Elsie and her found family. The characters were the best part of the book which is saying a lot because the plot was incredible as well. It was written so well and in a way that I was intrigued and wanted to know what happened next, without getting bored of what is happening in the present moment.

Mad Mabel is a compelling dual-timeline thriller that delivers equal parts suspense, humor, and emotional resonance. At its core is Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, an 81-year-old curmudgeon who has lived quietly in her Melbourne neighborhood for six decades—until a neighbor’s unexpected death reignites whispers about her dark, carefully buried past

This might be my new favorite Hepworth book. I can't quite put my finger on one single genre as it packed in so much, in the best way. At times it was thrilling, at other times heart wrenching and sad, and even quite endearing. I just loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin's, for this ARC.

4.5 ⭐️
Laugh out loud funny. A delightful mix of dark dry humor that I devoured. Emotional and dark yet light hearted and cozy. I really enjoyed this. I definitely recommend!

This book will be released 4/21/2026.
Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Ijust finished Sally Hepworth's upcoming novel Mad Mabel, and honestly... how do you even fit this book into a single genre? It's suspenseful, it's thrilling, it's a cozy mystery, it's women's fiction, it's a character study — it's all of those and more. Without question, this is her best work yet.
Expertly crafted and impossible to put down, Mad Mabel isn't only a story of friendship, belonging, and finding your place in a community. It's also about the choices we make, the assumptions we carry, and the danger of reducing someone to a single story. Yes, it's suspenseful - and yes, Hepworth once again proves she's the queen of twists — but this time, she pairs the tension with something far deeper.
By the time the final pieces fall into place, you don't just close the book satisfied - you sit with it. You feel it. For me, the brilliance lies in the balance: a taut, twisty mystery woven seamlessly with raw emotion.
It's gripping, thoughtful, and unforgettable - a true standout.

I guess in got into the middle of a series again but I easily picked up what was happening.
I really didn't think that I would enjoy this cute murder mystery but I did. In some ways, it reminds of Murder she Wrote. Loved that show.
This is a duel timeline story. Mabels story was my favorite. I liked her immensely.
Lots of secrets and mysteries going on in this one.
Family dynamics too. Wow!!
I simply couldn't put this amazing novel down. I was really out of my comfort zone here but its ok. I love trying new genres out.
Wonderful characters along with a super good plot that kept you guessing until the end of the book. Im still thinking about these characters by the way.
I didn't want this book to end. It was so very good! I was immediately lost into the book from page one.
5 stars from me for a job well done!
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Classic Sally, but even better! I didn’t guess one single twist in this story before it happened. An ode to friendship and vindication.