Book Review: Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

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Mad Mabel  by Sally Hepworth  is a domestic thriller about the youngest person convicted of murder in Australia, Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick. Now 81 years old, Elsie is living on Kenny Lane and has been for the past sixty years. When a mother named Roxanne moves into Mabel's neighborhood with her seven year old daughter, an unlikely friendship forms between Elsie and the seven year old child named Persephone. As Elsie's secrets come to light, her world comes crashing down.  Having read quite a few novels by Sally Hepworth, I requested an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Mad Mabel  without reading the synopsis of the story. I was thrilled when NetGalley and St. Martin's Press approved my request. The expected publication date of the book is April 21, 2026. Not knowing anything about the storyline before I started reading Mad Mabel  made the story much more interesting to me as I had no preconceived ideas. The tale was told from Mabel's perspective in alternating timeli...
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Book Review: The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger

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Book Review: The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Ungernetgalley arc book review the new couple in 5b lisa unger
The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger was published on March 5, 2024 and falls into the mystery and thriller genres. I was thrilled when I learned that I received an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) from NetGalley for free in exchange for my honest review. However, I wasn't able to read and review the novel until now.

This novel is reminiscent of the television show 666 Park Avenue and is definitely what I call a slow burn. With that being said, it had twists and turns that had me guessing to the very end. Although the book is told from Rosie Lowan's perspective, there are some flashbacks to a previous owner that adds some mystery to the storyline. The transitions between the two perspectives are done exceptionally well.

There are a mix of characters that are likable and unlikable. My favorite characters were Rosie and Max. Unfortunately, I didn't quite trust Rosie's husband Chad or the doorman named Abi.

Lisa Unger has become one of my favorite authors, and I wish I had started reading her books a long time ago. I'm looking forward to reading her new books as well as the ones I've missed out on.

Five out of five stars is what I give The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger. If you like suspense and mystery that has a sprinkling of paranormal elements, this is the novel for you!

Synopsis: 
Chad and Rosie Lowan are living in New York City and are barely making ends meet when they find out that Chad's uncle Ivan left them his five million dollar apartment in his will. Upon moving in, Chad and Rosie feel so welcomed, but as the days go by, Rosie starts feeling uneasy with all the cameras and intercoms. Add in the sordid past of the building and seeing strange things, the uneasiness builds. Are things really as they seem?

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