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Title:
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Mad Mabel |
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Authors:
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Hepworth, Sally |
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Genre:
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Fiction: New Zealand |
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Pages:
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337 |
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Year:
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2025 |
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Publisher:
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Pan Macmillan |
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Language:
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English |
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Description:
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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 . . . ?
Pan Macmillan. Taken from the book blurb.
Comments from BDS Reviewers:
Ignore the awful cover illustration; this book is a great read. It is a psychological mystery and right from the prologue, the scene is set for a gripping read. The dialogue feels authentic - it is often biting and sharp, but there is also emotional depth.
The book is fast paced and well plotted with a number of unexpected twists and turns. The use of the podcasters to draw out the details of the murder is a clever device. The mysteries of Elsie's life are unravelled intelligently and deftly.
This would be a great book for BDS. The themes are difficult ones, but the book is written in a pacy and unsentimental manner. There is so much to discuss.
The writing style engages readers from the start. Characters are strongly outlined, and there is an element of fun about the grumpy main character and her interactions with those around her.
I found myself keen to find out a secret before it was divulged (hurray, I got one!), and also enjoyed the surprisingly high body count which I hadn't expected. A fast and enjoyable read.
Elsie's dark secrets and childhood trauma are eluded to early on and unfold over time and kept me engaged. They also lend a sense of empathy to the character, and help the reader understand how she presents now.
No gratuitous violence. Clean, no nonsense death and suicide, that help to understand why and how the main character did what they did.
Love the way humour can be used to tell a dark story!
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