Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

 

Elsie Fitzpatrick lives a quiet and unassuming life in an Melbourne suburb. When her neighbour dies in suspicious circumstances, Elsie's life is upended as her infamous past resurfaces.

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth is going to be a contender for one of my favourite books of the year. I simply loved everything about this book. I was entranced by Mabel, or Elsie as she is known when we first meet her, from the very start. At 81, Elsie is content with the life she leads. Although she knows all of her neighbours, she keeps them at arm's length and is happy to be considered unapproachable. Two things happen that disturb her peaceful existence. Firstly, new neighbours move into the street; a single mother and her seven-year-old daughter, Persephone. Secondly, another neighbour is found dead.

Having been the one to find the body, suspicion immediately falls on Elsie. It's at this point that we discover that she has a past, one she had hoped to keep hidden. Snapshots of Elsie's life as a child and into her teenage years give us a glimpse of what led up to her becoming Australia's youngest convicted murderer, Mad Mabel. Mabel's life should have been one of comfort and privilege, having been born into a wealthy family. However, emotionally distant parents and tragic events surrounding people close to her result in a sad childhood, not helped by being labelled "Mad Mabel" by other children from an early age. I felt so sorry for Mabel and rejoiced when she spent time with her aunt, who was able to shower her with love. 

What really makes this book a delight is the relationship between Mabel/Elsie and Persephone. Mabel wants nothing to do with a child; unfortunately Persephone has other ideas and refuses to stay away. As you would expect, the grumpy old woman act and sarcasm simply wash over Persephone. Gradually, we see Mabel's tough exterior thawing and her protectiveness coming to the forefront.

The ending is bittersweet; we learn of Mabel's conviction and incarceration, followed by a surprising twist in the narrative and a shocking event. This is going to be one of those stories that sits with me for quite a while.

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth will be published on 9th July 2026 in hardback, ebook, and audio format. My thanks to Pan Macmillan for a review copy.

Author Details

Sally Hepworth is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels, including The Good Sister and The Soulmate. Drawing on the good, the bad and the downright odd of human behaviour, Sally writes incisively about family, relationships and identity. Her domestic thriller novels are laced with quirky humour, sass and a darkly charming tone. They are available worldwide in English and have been translated into twenty languages.

Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her family and one adorable dog.