Loved this book and devoured it in a day - this is exactly why Sally Hepworth stays on my must read author list. I don't know if anything will top The Good Sister for me, but I came close to loving Elsie as much as I adored Fern. The story was more cozy mystery than a tense mystery and I really enjoyed sinking into this quirky complex with Mabel and her neighbors.

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I am so grateful that I got to read this early.

Another wonderful read from Sally Hepworth A bit of a mystery, a bit of quirk, and roll in a bit of family disfunction. Chapters switch back and forth between the teen-age Mad Mabel and the 81 year old Elsie Fitzpatrick, yet the story doesn’t read as a typical dual timeline.
Yes, there’s a mystery involved, and yes there are a couple murders, yet this is not the heart-racing, fear-filled murder mystery, but a story of family, friends, and good neighbors. An easy read that will stay with me a long time. Rounding up to 5 stars from 4 1/2.

Mad Mabel is a delightful suspense about a sassy octogenarian with a tragic past. As the tale of her buried youth is told to true crime podcasters, the dual timeline revisits her younger self. Mabel is a wonderfully written character, who learns that it's never too late to create bonds of love. The mystery is paced well and keeps you guessing till the poignant and unforgettable end. Highly recommended #madmabel #sallyhepworth #netgalley #goodreads

This story follows “Mad Mabel”, an 81-year-old who is trying to conceal her sorted past and live a quiet, fuss-free life. When Mabel’s past starts to catch up with her, she decides to set the record straight and tell her story in her own words, for the first time.

I loved this! It was genuinely funny! As well as sweet, endearing and well written. I did, from early on, guess the big twist but that didn’t stop me from enjoying my read. If anything, I loved confirming it along the way the deeper I got into the novel. There were also a couple other surprises that I enjoyed.

Amazing job, Sally!

I know I’m in the minority here, but Mad Mabel was just okay for me. I’ve read all of Sally Hepworth’s books and usually love her mix of character depth and unexpected twists. This one, though, didn’t hit the same.

The structure, a villainized octogenarian retelling her life's story as part of a podcast series, was unique, and Hepworth’s writing still shines. My favorite line: “It was like spotting a beautiful car you knew you'd never be able to afford. You were glad it existed. But sad it would never be yours.” That’s the kind of emotional precision I come to Hepworth for.

Maybe I’m just craving more chaotic, high-stakes books right now, and this quieter unraveling didn’t fit the bill. Still, if you enjoy layered characters and a gradual build toward the payoff, this one might work better for you than it did for me.

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

This was FANTASTIC. I loved a good Sally novel and this one proved that no matter what she is writing, I will forever read any of it. She’s done it again and left me with my jaw on the floor. She gives us drama, twists and turns, laughs and so many other feels. This thriller will keep you on edge, page after page asking what’s coming up next and that last page will have you at it. Characters are incredibly done (Mabel is a favorite of mine), backdrop, storyline..everything, 10/10.

𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Drama, Thriller, Twists and Turns, Emotional, Friendship, Fast Paced

Large thank you to our Author, NetGalley as well as St. Martin's Press

Book: Mad Mabel
Author: Sally Hepworth
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pub Date: April 21, 2026

Elsie is 81 years old, sharp tongued and burdened with the nickname Mad Mabel and is the kind of neighbor you’d cross the street to avoid. She wears her reputation as the neighborhood oddball like armor. But as you peel back the layer, you realize Mabel isn’t just eccentric – she’s dangerously haunted, and maybe not as harmless as her age suggests. Through alternating timeless, we see her as the elderly woman grappling with the ghosts of her past while trying to keep the present from crumbling around her. One chapter made me laugh out loud at Elsie’s unapologetic snark; the next left me sitting in silence, reeling from the gut punch of what secrets can do to a person. The friendship between Mabel and young Persephone feels like the heart of the novel. It’s unexpected, tender and proof that even he most unlikely people can change each other. Mad Mabel is that rare book that’s both wickedly entertaining and deeply moving. This is character driven, suspenseful, powerful storytelling and very clever.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this sneak peak! Publication date is April 21, 2026.

An enjoyable read with interesting characters & storyline. I will be looking for more from this author! Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.

I have no words for how much I love this book! Sally Hepworth gives Mabel/Elsie a voice that is so unique and downright hysterical. I actually read this book as slowly as I could, simply because I just didn't want it to end!? Her sense of humor is what keeps me coming back every time, for every book, and Mad Mabel was no different!

Elsie is 81 years old, is pretty darn grumpy, and has lived on the same quiet street for 60 years. While she has surely not been trying to make any friends, what her neighbors don't know is that Elise is actually "Mad Mabel," and she has quite the murderous past. After a little girl from the same block decides to make Elsie her new best friend, against Elsie's never-ending resistance, we start to see a glimpse of another, more gentle side of Elsie, one that I couldn't help but love. When she agrees to finally share her story, we hear the sad tale of Elsie's past and how she came to be known as Mad Mabel.

While I don't want to share any spoilers, this book will surely be added to my list of all-time favorites! Told in alternating timelines, the Elsie of today, living on Kenny Lane, and a young Mabel, back when she still lived in her family home, I devoured every word, and yet it still sadly came to an end. Highly recommended book and author!!

thank you to NetGalley and this author for an ebook in exchange for an honest review!

rating : 4/5 stars

this was so fun! it was drama and comedy combined. i had a great time, and really enjoyed the writing. will definitely read more of this author’s books!

Sally Hemsworth is an author that is an auto buy so I was very excited to get an advanced copy of her latest- Mad Mabel. I had to bump it up on my to read list even though it doesn’t release until April.

She doesn’t disappoint with this book! It has some many elements I love in a book including short chapters and time jumps. It is told from the perspective of 81 year old Mabel as she reflects on her past. It started off a little slow for me but soon I couldn’t put it down. It’s definitely isn’t a thriller but more of a story on family dynamics and found family along with a mystery. There were elements that surprised me and some things I guessed but I loved regardless.

I loved all the characters in this bMabel was great- I love a grumpy old person who is actually a softie. The neighbors added a lot to this book as well as Mabel’s aunt and friend. I did have a few tiny questions at the end but overall- a wonderful book! Definitely pick this one up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for arc.

Every Sally Hepworth book I read is even better than the last. This one is that and SO much more! WOW!! Just WOW!! I have to admit, when I first read the blurb, I wasn't loving it. I thought that it just didn't sound like her usual thrillers. Well, it's not. It is even better! We follow Mad Mabel from childhood to the age of 81 learning what earned her the said nickname and notoriety. Is she really mad or just misunderstood? The dual timelines are equally fascinating, and I literally could not put this down. Each short chapter ends with a breathtaking cliffhanger. The supporting characters are all interesting and add so much to the story! Persephone, her mother Roxanne, Joan, Peter, everyone has a story to tell and I loved them all! There is also an ongoing sense of dread throughout the story. This story is still funny, heartwarming, heartbreaking, thrilling and so much more even with that feeling. Mabel and her friend Daphne's take on marriage 50 years in the future is hilarious, as the use of one of my favorite words, buttnugget. There are just so many memorable lines and quotes from this book, both funny and wise. Just go in blind. Don't try to find out too much ahead of time. You will not be disappointed. Honestly, I had figured out most of the twists and reveals pretty early on and was still just as excited as any other well written story when I reached the end. And I cried. So hard. I'm still thinking about this book, and it may be a while before I begin another. I need some processing time. I really wonder how Sally Hepworth can possibly top this one! Oh, corsets she can!

Thank you so much to Sally Hepworth, #NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this much appreciated ARC. All opinions are my own.

I will post my review to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Facebook and other retail and social media sites upon publication day of April 21, 2026.

June is a teen diagnosed with cancer. After multiple rounds of treatment she has exhausted all her options until, unexpectedly, a spot in a clinical trial comes open.
June is hopeful but has also accepted her death prognosis. What saddens her the most is that she will never write a love story. She has never been in love….until she meets fellow trial patient, Jessie. They become each other’s world. With Jessie’s permission she will “Write Me for You”. No other details, you gotta read!!!
Tillie Cole writes absolutely heartbreaking novels. This one is the story of true love yet again but it’s fresh and new. Many tears were shed throughout this book with a few unexpected turns. Loved it

“It’s interesting to note that there are two groups of people who are rarely, suspected of murder. These groups are elderly women and little girls”

Mad Mabel or Magnificent Mabel?? This book was so witty, funny, sad and intriguing. I was hooked from the beginning and fell in love with most of the characters. A few like Elliot I wanted to throat punch. I loved the story of Mabel and Persephone. Do yourself a favor and put this on your TBR For 2026!

Thank you Net galley for the arc of my honest review.

Pub date is 4/2026

Once again Sally Hepworth writes a great story. At first it seems Elsie is just a little too mean or grumpy, good thing she has a nice friend like Daphne. When you find out the tragic events in her past you will really grow to like this woman. I enjoyed meeting and learning about her neighbors on the small block she lives on. The book will bring out all the emotions, sadness, chills, excitement and lots of humor. There were a few surprises I didn’t see coming. This was a very good read.

Wow. What a beautifully written book. I absolutely adored this. It made me feel all types of emotions. It made me laugh out loud, gasp, tear up, smile huge dorky happy smiles.
The relationship between Persephone and Elsa is breathtaking. I adored Persephone and could picture them together in my mind. I giggled so hard at many of her and Elsie's times together.
I didn't expect the Daphne reveal at all - it really caught me off guard but it makes total sense.
I love that Elsie kept her neighbours dog. I thought that was a great addition to the story.
I'm at a loss for words. I don't know what else to say. I 10000% recommend this book.

What a fantastic character Mad Mabel is, and a thoroughly enjoyable read. A fantastic weekend read, and totally entertaining. I’m going to talk it up!

What a ride! This book is clever, funny, and full of heart. Sally Hepworth delivers a cast of fascinating, fully-realized characters, but it’s Mabel herself who steals the show.

Once the youngest person in Australia convicted of murder, Mabel is now in her 80s, living quietly as “Elsie” in a suburban street—until a neighbor’s mysterious death drags her back under suspicion. From there, secrets unravel, and the question of guilt or innocence keeps the pages flying.

Mabel is a delight—quirky, sharp-tongued, and impossible not to root for. Her wisecracks had me laughing, but there’s also real depth and tenderness beneath the humor. She’s the kind of character you just don’t forget.

A wickedly entertaining blend of mystery, dark comedy, and heart. I couldn’t put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sally Hepworth, and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of Mad Mabel. 📚👵🏻❤️

I devoured Mad Mabel. It was darkly funny, sharply observant, and completely unexpected. Elsie is delightfully cranky. She's eighty-one, prickly, opinionated, and absolutely convinced that no one suspects her of a thing. Yet as we peel back her layers, we realize this curmudgeon has been hiding more than just which neighbor forgot to mow their lawn.

The author does a fantastic job of balancing warm community dynamics with suspense. The contrast between Elsie’s frail exterior (and the stereotypes that come with age) and the deadly secrets in her past is unsettling in the best way. You feel for her, even when she drives you nuts.

And the supporting cast is just as great as Elsie. The little girl especially was a wonderful addition.

We get to see Mabel's perspective both as a girl and as an 80-year-old woman, and slowly start to unravel why death seems to surround her wherever she goes. There is a dark, strange cloud hanging over the story that keeps the reader guessing throughout, and though I recognized a key twist early on, it didn't take away from the overall enjoyment of the book. It's a story about a gal who's misunderstood and underestimated, but not without curmudgeonly charm which makes the ending feel poetically sweet.