Every once in a while, you come across a book that is written in a way capable of pulling emotions from you without even realizing it. The author, whom I’ve read multiple times, has a magical way of writing her stories that just get to you.
This particular story it’s truly an amazing one. I went into the book expecting one thing, but finished with twists you do not see coming. Just to remind you that you never really know who a person is or what they’re struggling with.
For the full review, continue on below.
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication date: April 21, 2026
ISBN-13: 978-1250284549
SUMMARY:
Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is eighty-one years old. She’s lived on her idyllic street, Kenny Lane, for sixty years–longer than anyone else. Aside from being a curmudgeon who minds everyone else’s business, few would suspect that Elsie has a past that she has worked exceedingly hard at concealing. 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 a new little girl (talkative, curious, nosy) moves into the neighborhood and stops at nothing to befriend Elsie, her carefully-constructed life threatens to come crashing down as the secrets in Elsie’s past start coming to light. Who was “Mad Mabel” fifty years ago? Who is Elsie Fitzpatrick today? And if the past has a habit of repeating itself, who has the most to lose?
Told with Sally Hepworth’s twists, humor, charm, and heart, MAD MABEL is a novel that weaves past and present together–through the power of justice and redemption, and all the way to its stunning conclusion.
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth Review
Maybe I can wrap this up with a few sentences I posted on my Goodreads once I was finished – OMG – what a story! That ending killed me. Tears were just rolling…
However, I won’t do that.
It is easy to form a preconceived notion of what a book will hold with the massive amounts of murder mysteries being published. Many readers are hooked on the thrills and chills.
When you open the cover of this one, I want you to try to forget everything. Just read and absorb.
Hepworth has developed a character whom you are not sure if you should love or hate, but morphs into someone you want to hug and cry with. My heart broke a thousand times!
Mabel is funny, sarcastic, droll, and a delight. Her story is tragic and brings all of the emotions! Heartbreak and hugs are a great way to describe this one. Did she do it, or is she the best storyteller around?
You decide. Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth is an experience. This is not a story you will read today and forget tomorrow. This one will stay with you for a long time and demand a re-read as well!
Hepworth pours her heart out with this strange yet insightful and deep story. Not to be missed!
OMG – what a story! That ending killed me. Tears were just rolling…
5 STARS!!!
Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review, but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.