SEASON 1, BONUS Episode 11
mad mabel PODCAST EPISODE
FULL STORY, TRIVIA & BREAKDOWN
A fun, behind-the-scenes bonus episode with bestselling author Sally Hepworth — covering Mad Mabel, real-life inspiration, Australian literary trivia, and stories from her Sydney book launch. Available to listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube, or search “Book Trivia Podcast” in your preferred app.
What is this Mad Mabel podcast episode about?
This Mad Mabel podcast episode features a deep dive into bestselling author Sally Hepworth's life, exploring the inspiration behind her novella, real-life crime influences, and a mix of book trivia, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes moments from her Sydney launch event.
Mad Mabel podcast episode SUMMARY
In this bonus episode, we share exclusive insights from Sally Hepworth's October 2025 book launch at Dymocks Sydney, where we discovered the wild origin story behind Mad Mabel - a tale of family secrets, unreliable narrators, and what happens when the past refuses to stay buried.
WHAT IS Mad Mabel ABOUT?
Mad Mabel is a dark, character-driven novella that draws on real-life inspiration to explore themes of identity, perception, and the stories people tell about each other.
Like many of Sally Hepworth’s books, it combines suspense with strong character development, focusing on the emotional and psychological layers behind the narrative.
BEHIND Mad Mabel & SALLY HEPWORTH
This Mad Mabel book podcast episode goes beyond the story to explore the real-life inspiration, personal experiences, and standout moments behind both the book and the author. We cover:
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The murder confession that sparked Mad Mabel — an elderly woman’s shocking moment at a book signing
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Anne Perry’s dark past and how the Heavenly Creatures case influenced the novel’s themes of female friendship
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Sally’s alopecia journey, including her advocacy work, wigs, and why representation matters
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“Towelgate” — the viral Instagram debate that raised surprisingly strong opinions (do you share towels or not?)
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Sally’s career journey, from writing on maternity leave to TV adaptations starring Asher Keddie
It’s a mix of real-life stories, cultural context, and the moments that shaped both the book and Sally’s voice as a writer.
WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS Mad Mabel PODCAST EPISODE
✔️ Exclusive stories from Sally Hepworth’s Sydney book launch
✔️ True crime inspiration behind Mad Mabel and the Anne Perry connection
✔️ Australian literary trivia — from Ned Kelly to Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
✔️ Sally’s alopecia advocacy and normalising women’s hair loss
✔️ Hilarious Instagram moments including Towelgate and the WrestleMania hotel disaster
✔️ True-or-false Sally Hepworth trivia
✔️ Why Sally’s pacy, character-driven style makes her books unputdownable
Whether you’re searching for a Mad Mabel podcast or just want a fun, behind-the-scenes literary conversation, this episode delivers something different.
MAD MABEL PODCAST FAQ
What is Mad Mabel about?
Mad Mabel is a suspense-driven novella by Sally Hepworth, inspired by real-life events and focused on character, perception, and storytelling.
Is there a Mad Mabel podcast?
Yes — this Mad Mabel podcast episode features Sally Hepworth discussing the book, its inspiration, and a mix of literary trivia and personal stories.
Who is Sally Hepworth?
Sally Hepworth is an Australian bestselling author known for her character-driven novels that blend emotional storytelling with suspense.
What makes Sally Hepworth’s books popular?
Her books are known for their fast-paced, character-driven storytelling, emotional depth, and ability to combine relatable themes with suspense.
Where can I listen to the Mad Mabel podcast episode?
You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other major podcast platforms using the links on this page.