by Sally Hepworth
Published 2026
From New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth comes a twisty tale of justice, redemption, and one irrepressible woman who’s not done breaking the rules just yet.Meet Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick: eighty-one years old, gloriously grumpy, fiercely independent, and never without a hot cup of tea—or a cutting remark. She minds her own business in her quiet Melbourne suburb, until a neighbor turns up dead and the whispers start flying. Because Elsie hasn’t always been Elsie. Once upon a headline, she was Mad Mabel Waller—Australia’s youngest convicted murderer. But was she really mad, or just misunderstood? Either way, she’s kept her secret buried for decades. Enter seven-year-old Persephone, a relentless little chatterbox who has just moved in across the road (armed with stickers, questions, and no sense of personal boundaries); Joan, who appears to have it in for Elsie; and a healthy dose of public interest—the cops are sniffing around, and the media is circling like seagulls at a picnic. So Mabel does what she’s always done best—she takes matters into her own hands. Is she a cantankerous old lady with a shady past? A cold-blooded killer with arthritis? Or just someone who’s finally ready to tell her side of the story? Sharp, surprising, and wickedly funny, this is the unforgettable story of a woman who’s spent a lifetime being underestimated—and is about to prove everyone wrong. Again.
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Top voices for narrating this book
Australian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Formal
“This voice captures the engaging, slightly wry Australian tone perfectly, offering a blend of wisdom and expressiveness ideal for a domestic thriller's narrative flow.”
Australian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“Isla's natural, clear Australian accent and calm delivery provide an excellent foundation for an engaging narrator, allowing the underlying mystery to subtly emerge through her steady presence.”
Australian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“Mila's soft, soothing Australian voice brings an intimate texture to the narration, drawing listeners in with a gentle yet compelling energy that suits the domestic thriller genre.”
For listeners: use the Best Narrator voice above in ElevenReader or Fish Audio. Character casting is for authors producing audiobooks with studio tools.
An eighty-one-year-old Australian woman with a dry, sharp wit and a deep well of independence, her voice conveying both her age and an unyielding, resilient spirit.
Female · Young · Narration · Low · Deep · Slow · +13 more
“This voice's 'old' age tag and 'low, deep, slow' qualities align well with Elsie's eighty-one years and measured, resilient spirit, conveying her dry wit with a serious, professional undertone.”
A bright and relentlessly curious seven-year-old girl, whose voice is full of innocent energy, questions, and a complete lack of boundaries.
Female · Young · Character · Anime · Middle-Aged · Narration · +6 more
“Makima's 'young' and 'energetic' traits, combined with a clear tone, are a strong match for Persephone's bright, relentlessly curious, and fast-paced nature as a seven-year-old.”
Female · Middle-Aged · Advertisement · Social-Media · Conversational · Bright · +10 more
“This 'bright and energetic' female voice, though middle-aged, can easily be adapted to convey the innocent energy and inquisitive tone of a young girl, making it a versatile choice.”
A neighbor who harbors suspicion and resentment towards Elsie, her voice carrying a tone of judgment and potential animosity.
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Serious
“Lauren B's 'intense' and 'serious' tone is perfectly suited for Joan's suspicious and resentful demeanor, creating the sharp, judgmental presence needed for the character.”
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Intense
“Clarice's dramatic and suspenseful delivery provides an excellent foundation for Joan's animosity, allowing her sharp judgment to come through with a compelling intensity.”
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Serious
“Bella's deep, elegant, and intimidating presence offers a sophisticated yet unsettling tone, ideal for conveying Joan's underlying suspicion and animosity towards Elsie.”