Mad Mabel introduced me to one of the most interesting characters I've ever encountered.

May’s book made me a new fan of this author.

The novel is the perfect blend of mystery and humor, with an intriguing storyline that had me hooked from the beginning.

At the heart of this story is Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, one of the most fascinating characters I have ever encountered.  

This unapologetically grumpy 81-year-old lived under a cloud of suspicion her entire life – pre-empted by the fact that people close to her had a bad habit of croaking.

Given the nickname “Mad Mabel” as a child, Elsie’s past begins to catch up with her while she spends her final days living a quiet life on a quaint street, surrounded by a group of interesting (and lovable) friends.

I listened to Mad Mabel on audiobook and absolutely loved it.

It’s a great summer read that will have you laughing out loud one minute and contemplating the cruelty life can deliver the next.

I give it a 4.5.

4.39 on Goodreads

Join us for our online discussion on Thursday, May 28.

WHAT GOODREADS SAYS: “Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is eighty-one years old. She's lived on her idyllic street for sixty years—longer than anyone else.

“Aside from being a curmudgeon who minds everyone else's business, few would suspect that Elsie has a past she's worked exceedingly hard at concealing—because when it comes to murder, no one ever suspects little girls or old ladies.

“And Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, once a little girl and now an old lady, has a strange history of people in her life coming to a foul end.

“When a new little girl (talkative, curious, nosy) moves into the neighborhood and stops at nothing to befriend Elsie, her carefully-constructed life threatens to come crashing down as the secrets in Elsie's past start coming to light.

“Who was ‘Mad Mabel fifty years ago? Who is Elsie Fitzpatrick today? And if the past has a habit of repeating itself, who has the most to lose?

"Told with Sally Hepworth's twists, humor, charm, and heart, Mad Mabel is novel that weaves past and present together - through the power of justice and redemption, and all the way to its stunning conclusion."