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Mad Mabel

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Mad Mabel

By: Sally Hepworth
Narrated by: Hannah Fredericksen, Jenny Seedsman
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SHORTLISTED - ABIA GENERAL FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2026

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Soulmate and Darling Girls comes the story of Mad Mabel. They called it murder. She called it justice.

In 1959, at just fifteen years of age, Mabel Waller became the youngest Australian in history to be convicted of murder.

In 2025, on a quiet Melbourne lane, an elderly man is found dead by his neighbour, 81-year-old Elsie Fitzpatrick. No one suspects any foul play.

Until they discover Elsie's past.

In the 1950s, her name was not Elsie. It was Mabel.

She is known around the world as Mad Mabel. But is she mad? More importantly, is she guilty?

When the police open a new investigation and the media descend upon her, the elderly Mabel decides it's time to set the record straight.

In a world first, at the age of 81, Mabel Waller is speaking.

New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth is at her finest in this twisty, compulsive thriller of friendship, family and murder. Or is it justice . . . ?


Praise for Sally Hepworth:

'She is one of my favourite Australian writers' - Liane Moriarty

'Sally Hepworth is a born storyteller' - Trent Dalton

'The queen of suburban noir' - Sunday Telegraph

 Best of 2025 Crime Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Mystery Crime Heartfelt Murder
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Hepworth has written a knock out novel! Mad Mabel is beautifully written. It is funny, heartbreaking, warm, honest and unyieldingly brave. Mad Mabel celebrates the healing powers of friendship, loyalty, love and redemption. Hepworth reminds us that it is never too late in life to turn over a new leaf. 10/10 😍👌📚

A Master Class in Creative Writing

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Excellent, amazing book. Intriguing story brought to life with excellent narration. Listened to the whole thing in one weekend of doing chores - was soo good I sat about Sunday night for the last of it. Highly recommend.

Excellent - do yourself a favour & listen!

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I usually read, but have started listening to audio books and I loved this one so much, couldn’t wait to get home so I could walk the dogs and do chores while listening. Story was so good!!

Loved it!

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I enjoyed all of the characters, the storyline, and the telling. well written, well read.

I enjoyed this book, interesting, surprising, worth a.oisten or read.

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Thank you for another great story Sally. Highly anticipated, I devoured it and loved it. Endearing characters, a bittersweet story that had me hooked from page 1 to the end.

Another hit from Sally - devoured it, loved it

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