August Book Club: Mad Mabel

Mad Mabel is a 2026 domestic thriller by Sally Hepworth about 81-year-old Elsie Fitzpatrick, who is revealed to be "Mad Mabel," Australia's youngest convicted murderer from decades ago, when a neighbor dies and her past comes to light, forcing her to confront her secrets with the help of a curious young girl. The novel uses dual timelines to explore themes of justice, friendship, and how society perceives the old and the young, blending dark humor with emotional depth.