Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth was an astronomical read. I absolutely loved getting to know Mabel and her story. All of the characters were richly created, with depth that made them feel so real. The backstory on Mabel was beautifully written, layered, emotional, and easy to follow without ever being confusing.

In true Sally Hepworth style, there’s a perfect blend of humor and drama, which makes this book enduring and unforgettable. It explores what it feels like to be left out simply for being different, and how friendships can blossom in the most unlikely places. The story also reminds us that family isn’t always who you’re related to, but who you grow and thrive with.

The book does not shy away from tough topics like abuse, death, and suicide, but these subjects are handled with care, sensitivity, and depth. I especially loved the nod to one of my all-time favorite books, Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. We all need a “bosom friend,” and seeing that reference made my heart full. 💕

This book doesn’t arrive until April 2026, but trust me it’s worth the wait. Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC. I went into this book expecting one thing and came out feeling like a slightly different person. That’s the power of a great story. ✨

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press for the gifted book!

Oh Sally, how I love your books!

MAD MABEL offered the best reading experience as all of Sally's books do. This felt slightly different than her previous books, but it was a blast nonetheless!

Mable is a character that I couldn't help but be intrigued by. I never knew if I should be rooting for or against her, but as more and more of her story was unveiled, I was captivated more and more. This was told in dual timelines and I enjoyed both, but he past timeline had me ENTHRALLED! I was never sure who or what to believe which made for such a fun ride!

I really enjoyed the ending and think this will be a big hit for Sally fans!

This book has to be one of my favorite Sally Hepworth books to date. The character of Mabel felt so known to me by the end of the story. I loved learning about her "mad" past. There were some twists I felt were unnecessary to the story. Towards the end the twists didn't feel like they added to the story, they were just there for a gasp. I wish some of the other characters were flushed out a little bit better. I would have liked knowing some background on her father. However, if you enjoy Sally Hepworth's books, this is another good one!

I devoured Mad Mabel in one sitting! Sally Hepworth once again proves why she’s a master at blending family drama, mystery, and suspense. Her writing pulled me in from the very first page and didn’t let go until the final chapter. The characters felt so real and complex that I found myself caring deeply about them, their past, their choices, and their fates. While I wouldn't call this a thriller, the mystery element is woven so skillfully that I was completely hooked—tense, curious, and eager to uncover each secret. A gripping, heartfelt read that will stay with me for a long time.

📕 ARC REVIEW 📕

PUB DATE: April 20th 2026

My Rating : ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ 3 Slow Burning Stars

“This is a love story , by the way. It may not seem like it , what with all the blood and guts and murder , but nevertheless, that’s what it is .”

“Baldy and Hairy blink at me. I’m vaguely reminded of Tweedledee and Tweedledum. Daphne laughs so hard a little fart 💨 slips out .”

I know I’m going to be one of the minority on Mad Mabel but this was slower than digging your own grave with a spoon .

Mad Mabel is great if you’re looking for a light comedic twisty read , with witty humor and dual timelines and more or less following the daily life of 80 something year old Mabel but nothing much really happens.

Told between alternating timelines we read about Mabel’s hollow past , losing her mother at a young age and estranged father to current timeline where Mad Mabel has made headlines and is a suspect in her elder neighbours death .💀

When Mabel hops the fence and discovers her neighbor that she loathes dead on his kitchen floor , Mabel’s past is dug up and her past starts haunting her.

Mabel is your typical old prickly woman who despises everyone including the infectious little girl two houses down Persephone , who steals your heart with her quirky and brash innocence, who takes a shining to Mabel.

This is meant to be a charming and character driven little mystery, but for me it lacked the substance I crave and definitely was not what I’d expect from Hepworths books .

I found the ill tempered character and her daily life and her past , had me counting sheep 🐑

Although this was not my favourite Hepworth novel , I’m glad I read it and I will never stop reading her books, this was just not what I was expecting and not my cup of tea , or brand of crazy !

Thank you NetGalley , St. Martins Press and Sally Hepworth for this ARC 🖤

QOTD- What are reads are you trying to squeeze in for the last week of August 🤷🏻‍♀️

Thanks for reading and have an amazing week 😘

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4.5 stars- Sally did it again! I adored this book; the only reason I did not give it 5 stars was because I felt it dragged in the middle a bit. You will fall in love with Mabel, her neighborhood and her life story. It was so unexpected, and I loved hearing from young and old Mabel....and oh the ending. <3

I love Sally Hepworth ! Thank you so much for allowing me to read an Advance Copy of this book. I absolutely loved it. This book had everything. Loss. Love. Grief. Friendship. And at times, so funny ! Quirky characters all around. I cannot say enough good things about this book. If you have loved her other books. this will absolutely be one of your favorites.

Is it strange that i want to ge friends with the lead character?

Mad Mabel is a beautifully written novel that felt like so much more than just your typical fast paced, twisty thriller. It has your typical twists, it has the drama but it was also a wonderful yet deep story about loneliness, being misjudged, toxic relationships as well as nosey neighbors.

I love Sally Hepworth’s books but this has to be my favorite. Im so happy to have gotten an early copy so i can recommend this story when it comes out April 21,2026

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read about Elsie and all the other characters including nugget.

All thoughts and opinions are my own

Mad Mabel was quite the ride.

The characterization of Mabel throughout the book was executed so well. She starts out crotchety and slightly unlikeable, and grows and grows on you as she shows her true nature throughout the book.

Her relationship with her neighbors, including 7 year old Persephone, is realistic and relatable.

The twists and turns in this book had me on the edge of my seat. I literally couldn't put it down -- I started it and finished it this evening.

This is a fantastic novel with lots of thrilling story lines, twists, and a ton of heart.

4.25 stars.

Thank you SO much to the publisher for the e-arc.

When we first meet Mad Mabel, it seems she’s just another grouchy old woman. But, we soon learn she is a very fascinating woman with quite a past! Is she really mad? Or just misunderstood? Told in alternating points of view of a young and current Mabel, this was a great book with lots of twists and turns.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read another great book by Sally Hepworth.

I am breathless. I am crying. I am speechless. This is a beautiful book. I loved Mabel. I want to have her spirit and her spunk when I'm 81. I absolutely can't wait for this book to be released so that I can recommend it far and wide.

Hands-down the best Sally Hepworth book to date (and my favorite book of the past year+). Entirely different than I was expecting, in the best way. It had me laughing, crying, and unable to catch my breath after several poignant lines.

It seems unfair to compare Mabel to any others, but fans of Frederick Backman, The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett, and the Finlay Donovan series will surely adore this book.

There were a few minor editing items I would have changed (can’t detail without spoilers!), but nothing to warrant a less than 5 star rating.

I will be thinking about Mabel, Persephone, Cess, and Daphne for a long time.

Thank you for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this gem of a novel!

Annnnd now I’m desperate to be friends with Mabel! I absolutely adored this book—it was such a refreshing, unexpected story, truly unlike anything I’ve read before. When I first started, I thought I was diving into a quirky, lighthearted mystery about a senior citizen framed for murder. And while it was witty and fun at times, it quickly revealed itself to be so much deeper and more heartfelt than I anticipated (and I loved every minute of it!).

What really struck me was the way Mabel built her own sense of family. Her relationships with Roxanne, her daughter, and Peter were so touching, and gave the story a real emotional core. I found myself rooting not just for Mabel to clear her name, but for her to find love, connection, and belonging in the process. And then the Daphne twist?! I truly did not see that coming—it added so much richness and surprise to the plot.

This book made me laugh, kept me guessing, and ultimately left me with such a full heart. It’s the kind of story that sneaks up on you with its depth while still keeping you entertained the whole way through. I loved it so much and can’t wait to recommend it widely!

Wow! I loved this! I couldn’t put it down and read during every free second I could spare. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth due to be published April 21, 2026.

Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is eighty-one years old. She's lived on her idyllic street, Kenny Lane, for sixty years--longer than anyone else. Few would suspect her background and that she was called “Mad Mabel”. Who is she today? Is her past coming back to haunt her and her wonderful neighbors on Kenny Lane?

What an absolutely delightful book – one of the best ones I’ve read in quite a while. It was told in alternating “Then” and “Now” chapters reviewing Mabel’s current life as well as her backstory. Her neighbors are wonderful, and I can’t say enough about this book – put it on your TBR list today!

#NetGalley #SallyHepworth #MadMabel #StMartinsPress

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth is another gripping and emotional read from an author I truly admire. As a longtime fan, I was excited to dive into this story, and it delivered. The book follows Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, an 81-year-old woman living quietly on a peaceful street in Melbourne. But when her neighbor is found dead and the media uncovers her past, the world learns that Elsie was once known as “Mad Mabel,” the youngest girl in Australian history to be convicted of murder. The story moves between past and present, slowly revealing what really happened all those years ago.

The characters are layered and full of depth. Elsie is sharp, guarded, and surprisingly funny, with a past she’s worked hard to bury. Her interactions with a curious young neighbor bring out both her warmth and her secrets. Hepworth does a great job showing how people can carry pain and guilt for decades, and how the truth isn’t always black and white. The twist comes when Elsie decides to finally speak out, and what she reveals changes everything we thought we knew about her.

The ending is powerful and emotional. Hepworth doesn’t just give us a mystery she gives us a story about justice, redemption, and the strength it takes to face the past. Mad Mabel is a beautifully written novel that blends suspense with heart, and it’s a must-read for fans of character-driven thrillers. As someone who’s read many of Sally Hepworth’s books, this one stands out for its bold storytelling and unforgettable lead.

Oh, MAD MABEL is just excellent--an utterly captivating read.

Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is in her 80s and lives a quiet life on her street, where her main duty is keeping an eye on the business of her neighbors. But when a turn of events reveals to said neighbors that Elsie is the infamous Mad Mabel, well known as Australia's youngest murderer, things take a turn.

This is such a compelling read, part-thriller and part-character-driven tale. Elsie is an intriguing, complicated, and wonderfully written character, who draws you into her story immediately. A close second is young Persephone, a child who lives near Elsie.

The story is nearly impossible to put down, especially with its then-and-now format, alternating between the present-day and Elsie's memories of her life.

This is one of the best thrillers I've read in some time, featuring a fascinating protagonist and a narrative style like no other.

I always love Sally Hepworth’s books and this one did not disappoint. Told in both the past and present, you are taken on a journey full of secrets and lies. Highly recommend this book for everyone!

Immediately engaging as we learn right away that Elsie is an 81 year old woman formerly known as Mad Mabel, the youngest person (at 15 years) ever convicted of murder in Australia. As we alternate between the present and the past, we learn Mabel's story from her lonely childhood and horrific parents. Unpeeling one layer at a time, some secrets are predictable but some catch me by surprise. Despite the seriousness of the subjects, the novel doesn't take itself too seriously - I suppose it could be called dark humor. Elsie/Mabel is quirky and a curmudgeon - a heroine (anti-hero?) you can't help but root for. My only complaint is that I felt it wrapped up too quickly - almost like the author ran out of time and had to finish up. Overall, though, a quick and enjoyable read. I recommend!

A little slow in parts, but made me laugh out loud several times. I cared so much about ever character and truly cared about what happened to them.