Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth Publishes 4/21/26


 This is definitely a five star read!  I cannot believe how many different emotions I had while reading this book.  This will be one of the best books of 2026! 


The story alternates between present day Elsie and her past as Mabel in the 1950s.  This is a story about an 81 year old murderer.  We start with Elsie discovering her neighbor has died.  She didn't particularly like him but suddenly she finds herself in the spotlight after he turns up dead.  The reader learns about each of Elsie's neighbors and their own stories.  In the past we learn about many of the tragic event's in her life that led up to her committing murder and being called Mad Mabel.


This should not have been a book that made me cry like I did, but I could not help but be drawn to Elsie (Mabel). Her backstory grabbed me and I felt so deeply for this fictional character.   I loved all of the present day characters in her neighborhood as well.  I loved reading about Elsie's interaction with each of them.  There was one aspect of the book that I caught on to right away, but I think for the average reader it will be a surprise.   However there were still some twists in the story that I did not see coming.  This is a must read book of 2026 that I think many people will be talking about.  


Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.  All opinions are my own. 

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