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Mad Mabel

A twisty, darkly humorous and charming novel that will keep you guessing

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Mad Mabel

By: Sally Hepworth
Narrated by: Hannah Fredrickson, Jenny Seedsman
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Audiobook of the Year winner at the Australian Book Industry Awards
The Instant New York Times Bestseller


‘Believe all the hype’ Fabulous Magazine, The Sun
‘Funny, twisty and suspenseful’ Harlan Coben
‘A twisty page-turning triumph, packed with wit, warmth, nuance and mystery' Jane Harper

NO ONE EVER SUSPECTS OLD LADIES OF MURDER…

Eighty-one-year-old Elsie Fitzpatrick lives a quiet life in the suburbs. Few would guess that Elsie, aside from being a curmudgeon who minds everyone else’s business, harbours a secret she’s worked hard to bury.

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.

When an elderly neighbour is found dead, no one suspects a thing – until they uncover Elsie’s true identity: Mad Mabel, the youngest person in history to be convicted of murder, more than sixty years ago.

The police are asking questions. The media is circling. Has the past finally caught up with Mad Mabel? Or is it time for her to set the record straight?

Perfect for fans of My Friends by Fredrik Backman, The Wedding People by Alison Espach and The Correspondent by Virginia Evans.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT MAD MABEL:

‘An outstanding, laugh-out-loud, unputdownable novel’

‘The dialogue and banter throughout are just wonderful’

‘Grumpy, cynical and no-nonsense... with a heart of gold'

‘Amazingly witty & heartfelt. Such a genuine celebration of female friendship’

‘I read a lot of books and it's a long time since I've enjoyed one so much’

‘Begging to be made into a film!’

(P)2026 Pan Macmillan Australia Pty Ltd
Crime Thrillers Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Exciting Feel-Good Funny Heartfelt Witty Crime Murder
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Critic reviews

Funny, twisty and suspenseful (Harlan Coben)
A brilliantly original premise and an unconventional, unforgettable heroine. Sally Hepworth’s sparkling wit had me hooked from the very first page (Phaedra Patrick, bestselling author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper on Mad Mabel)
I love everything she's ever written so suggest you pick this up pronto (Adele Parks, bestselling author of Our Beautiful Mess on Mad Mabel)
Sally Hepworth’s Mad Mabel is a deliciously twisty mix of mystery, dark humour and heart, perfect for those who can’t resist a character-driven, clever thriller (Muddy Stilettos)
This bittersweet dramedy blends a present-day mystery with a compelling and compassionate look at the past (Platinum on Mad Mabel)
A tour-de-force in character study, slow burn mystery, and thematic exploration (FanFiAddict on Mad Mabel)
A twisty page-turning triumph, packed with wit, warmth, nuance and mystery. Brilliant (Jane Harper, bestselling author of Last One Out on Mad Mabel)
Part comedy, part thriller and entirely engaging (Spectator on Mad Mabel)
Believe all the hype about this excellent read (Fabulous Magazine, The Sun on Mad Mabel)
Gripping (Daily Mail on Darling Girls)
Touching, tender . . . A delightful read (Liane Moriarty, author of Big Little Lies on The Good Sister)
A fun psychological suspense thriller (Emily Henry, author of Book Lovers on Darling Girls)
Hepworth delivers a page-turning novel (about) one of the most important moments in a woman's life . . . and spins a story that will hold you captivated until the end (Emily Giffin, author of The One and Only on The Secrets of Midwives)
All stars
Most relevant
"Everybody needs a neighbour like Elsie Fitzpatrick." While her quiet Melbourne suburb completely underestimates this feisty, eighty-one-year-old, readers will quickly learn that life has dealt Elsie a hand that has prepared her for anything—and anyone.

The story hits its stride when YouTube creators Libby Conquest and Adeem Anand begin delving into Elsie’s hidden past. They are captivated by a decades-old secret and want to know how she earned her infamous moniker: 'Mad Mabel'. As the youngest Australian in history to be convicted of murder, Elsie's tormented childhood is systematically unravelled in a gripping, dual-timeline narrative.

While the mystery keeps you turning pages, the emotional anchor of the novel is the stunningly tender bond between Elsie and seven-year-old Persephone. It is easily one of the most endearing, memorable relationships put to page in a very long time.

Brimming with wit, dark charm, and immense heart, Mad Mabel is a brilliant domestic thriller that will steal your soul.

It is an essential, five-star addition to your bookshelf.

5/5

An absolute pleasure to read.

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I loved every minute of this book, its laugh out loud funny, heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. The narrator is fantastic. Will definitely be looking for more from this author.

Fabulous!

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Loved this story, laughed and shed a tear in one place! Great listen. Looking forward to hearing more from Sally.

Couldn’t put it down

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I loved every single bit of it! It's funny, sad and very touching. This is one I will read/listen(to) many times. Definitely recommended 👌

Mad Mabel...

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I loved everything!!! No negatives at all. A very touching, amusing heartbreaking tale. The best audio book I have every listened to.

Absolutely amazing story and beautiful, moving narration 💝

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