Mad Mabel: A Novel

Jane Tina

Listened to this as an audio book on the drive to the Dale. Absolutely loved it. Great story, lots of laughs, beautifully narrated.

I’m not generally a SH fan but I did like Mad Mabel very much. Quirky, sad and a twist I didn’t see coming. Nice easy book to read.

Have you ever noticed that there are two groups of people that are rarely–if ever–suspected of murder: old grannies and little girls? When it comes to murder, the stats strongly favor the men. Once in a while, a woman is thrown into the mix, but she’s inevitably perimenopausal–which is certainly understandable–But an elderly woman or a young girl committing murder? One in a million. Unless you’re exceptional… In 1959, at just fifteen years old, Mabel Waller sets a record as the youngest Australian in history to be convicted of murder. Her case garners massive media interest due to the aggressive nature of the crime. Rumors abound that this was not her first murder, which has remained the topic of debate for decades, and she is dubbed “Mad Mabel.” But is she mad? And more importantly, is she guilty? Now, at age eighty-one, Mabel Waller is speaking. This is the story of a murderer, a child who was failed not only by her family but by society as a whole. Mabel Waller is her name. This is her story. This is a love story. It may not seem like it with all the blood and guts and murder, but at it’s heart that’s what it is. And there is no greater love story than that of platonic female love. There will be those who disagree. People who say romance trumps friendship. Or parental love. Or love of self. But those are the people who have never experienced true platonic female friendship. The kind of friendship you’d do anything to preserve—fight, steal. Even kill. Sally Hepworth’s Mad Mabel is a story of the death of a sister and mother, the murder of a teacher, the near fatal injury of a bully and fall of a friend. It’s a lot of stuff to be held responsible for. And yet, when you’re accused of one thing, it becomes pretty easy to be held responsible for others too, at least in other people’s eyes. But with all of this world’s cruelties, nothing is quite as dangerous as kindness. Sally Hepworth’s newest novel will leave you Mad for Mabel!

Special thanks to @netgalley @stmartinspress @panmacmillanaustralia for the advance copy.

Sally Hepworth has done it again with Mad Mabel—a twisty, clever thriller that surprises at every turn. What I didn’t expect was how often I’d laugh out loud. Amidst the suspense and secrets, Hepworth threads in sharp humor and wit, making this story stand out in the genre.

It’s dark in the best way—full of tension and mystery—but also layered with warmth and humanity, with moments that catch you off guard in the most delightful way. That balance kept me hooked, flipping pages quickly to see how it all unraveled.

A smart, suspenseful, and wildly entertaining ride.