Preview - Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

Mad Mabel

By Sally Hepworth

Copyright 2026

344 Pages

I’m only on page one, and I’ve already decided that if I don’t grow up to have the personality of Mabel, I’ll simply pack my things and go live in the woods as a failure. She is hilarious. Not “exhale slightly through your nose” funny — I mean full‑volume, unattractive cackling. And I’m barely past the opening chapters.

I’ve said it before, but spicy old ladies are my Roman Empire. My comfort genre. My emotional support demographic.

In addition to Mabel, we’ve got her lifelong best friend Daphne (also a full‑time vibe), plus her newly acquired, mildly unwanted, aggressively seven‑year‑old bestie Persephone. The dynamic? Off the charts. Olympic‑level. If someone emailed me a daily newsletter of their interactions, I’d subscribe, pay for the premium tier, and leave a five‑star review. I truly never realized that the missing puzzle piece in a duo of spicy old ladies was… a spicy child. But apparently that’s the secret recipe.

Now, why is Mabel mad? Great question. I have absolutely no idea. Maybe she murdered people. Maybe she didn’t. Maybe she just has resting “I’ve seen some things” face. I’m still investigating.

What I do know: Mabel’s neighbor — her nemesis — has died. And suddenly the whole neighborhood is side‑eyeing her like she’s the main character in a true‑crime documentary. Was it Mabel? The neighborhood wants answers. I want answers. Mabel probably wants everyone to mind their business, which only makes me want answers more.

Speaking of the neighborhood, I love these people. They are the perfect level of “in each other’s business” that keeps me properly entertained. Every cul‑de‑sac has its own brand of chaos, but this one? This one is premium. Honestly, are any of them realtors? Because I’m trying to move in. I’ll take whatever’s available — fixer‑upper, haunted, previously crime‑adjacent — I’m not picky.

So yes, we appear to be untangling the legend of Mad Mabel and getting to the bottom of both past and present crimes. I don’t know how this ends, but I’m praying for a sequel because I’m not ready to stop being Mabel’s friend.

If you need a laugh, or if you enjoy joy in any form, go get this book.