We are currently CLOSED.

Join as a Member

SMSA SMSA SMSA

Book Reviews

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

My first 5 star rating for 2026. I lost myself in this story. I loved Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick. I loved her as an unlovable child. I loved her as a cantankerous 81 year old woman. I loved the community that grows around her older self – a community she doesn’t realize is there but is always covering her back. I adored her growing affection for the precocious child Persephone, who won my heart. This was a book I did not want to end. It made me cry.

This is my first Sally Hepworth novel – recommended to me by a dear friend who passed away last Christmas. It was her last novel and she loved it – so do I.

Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Gaby Meares
Murder on a Monday Reading Group

Find this book in SMSA Library
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
Membership

When you join SMSA as member, you get a wide range of benefits.

Access to the SMSA Library

We are home to a unique collection of books, a highlight being our Mystery and Crime section.

Able to borrow from the Tom Keneally Centre

We are honoured to be the home of Tom Keneally’s personal collection of books, many of which have been used as research for his own works.

Access to member only events

Join a members group, share your passions, learn new skills, make new friends and get involved.

Access to member only activities such as members groups

We provide a variety of member only events, these are relaxed social occasions to have fun and make new friends.

Join as a Member

Subscribe to stay up-to-date