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I do believe this is my favorite Sally Hepworth book yet. I didn’t read anything about it going in but knew it would be worth reading because I’ve read most of her books. And it was a great thing not to have a notion about it beforehand. All I knew was what was established right away.
Elsie Fitzpatrick has lived in her home on a nice little street for 60 years. She’s 81 now, has never married, doesn’t have friends, really, except for one, Daphne. She largely keeps to herself but does have varying levels of interactions with the neighbors, though they don’t know a lot about her.
Elsie has a past, though, and it’s one everyone in Australia is familiar with. She was known as “Mad Mabel” — in her teens she was put in an institution for a few years after a murder. And a number of her friends and family members met early deaths before she even turned 16.
When her next-door neighbor, whom she heartily dislikes because of his yappy dog, dies, suspicion turns to Elsie. She found him, and she always complained about him and the pooping dog. Sure, Ishaan was in his 90s, but as soon as the police realize who Elsie is — the infamous Mad Mabel — everyone finds out.
At the same time as all this is happening, a little neighbor girl insists on inserting herself into Elsie’s life. Persephone is 7, and curious, talkative, and generous with her affection. Elsie is flabbergasted at the girl’s chutzpah but can’t get rid of her.
So life has officially gotten eventful for this old woman who had managed to avoid much of people and a full life for so long. How will the past now influence the present?
Going back and forth between the distant past of Elsie’s early years and the current day, Mad Mabel is not just a mystery and crime book but a surprisingly heartwarming story about human connection. I was simply charmed by all of it and how it all fit together. I heartily recommend.
Rated: Moderate. Profanity includes 6 uses of strong language, around 14 instances of moderate profanity, about 10 uses of mild language, 30 instances of the name of Deity in vain, and 14 uses of British (bl-) profanity. Sexual content includes kissing and implied sex. Violence includes several deaths, including a suicide, two murders, a shooting, accidents leading to injury, and references to domestic violence. A 20-something male teacher repeatedly has relationships with teen students.
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*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
