Mad Mabel

Publisher details

Author
Sally Hepworth
Publisher
Pan Macmillan
Genre
Fiction
Released
30 September, 2025
ISBN
9781761266492

Mad Mabel

Buy now

Retail partners

Synopsis

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.

Sally Hepworth
About the author

Sally Hepworth

Sally Hepworth is the New York Times bestselling author of six novels, most recently The Good Sister (2020), which was an instant bestseller. Her novel, The Mother-In-Law (2019) has been optioned for a TV series by Hollywood actress and producer, Amy Poehler. Sally's novels are available worldwide in English and have been translated into 20 languages. Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband, three children and one adorable dog.

Books by Sally Hepworth

Related articles

PODCAST: Francesca Albanese on War and Power

Podcast

1 June 2026

PODCAST: Francesca Albanese on War and Power

    PODCAST: Dervla McTiernan on Ruthless Editing and Finding Home in Australia

    Podcast

    25 May 2026

    PODCAST: Dervla McTiernan on Ruthless Editing and Finding Home in Australia

      What Should You Read Next? Let WAYR? The App Decide

      News

      19 May 2026

      What Should You Read Next? Let WAYR? The App Decide

        The Best Podcast Episodes You’ll Find on WAYR? The App

        News | Events & Festivals

        19 May 2026

        The Best Podcast Episodes You’ll Find on WAYR? The App

        How to Download What Are You Reading? The App

        News

        19 May 2026

        How to Download What Are You Reading? The App

        PODCAST: Antoinette Lattouf on Books, Battles and Breaking Barriers

        Podcast

        18 May 2026

        PODCAST: Antoinette Lattouf on Books, Battles and Breaking Barriers

          3 Reasons Why You Should Read The Farmer's Pyjamas by Ruth Paul

          News

          11 May 2026

          3 Reasons Why You Should Read The Farmer's Pyjamas by Ruth Paul

          Q&A: Judith Katherine, Author of Simply Beside Herself

          News | Author Related

          11 May 2026

          Q&A: Judith Katherine, Author of Simply Beside Herself

            PODCAST: Ann Mossop on the 2026 Sydney Writers’ Festival

            Podcast

            11 May 2026

            PODCAST: Ann Mossop on the 2026 Sydney Writers’ Festival

              The Culture of WAYR? The App

              News

              6 May 2026

              The Culture of WAYR? The App

                COMMENTS

                Leave a Reply

                Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *