Recs if you like Mad Mabel...

books whose main characters are older and disillusioned with life and go on a little adventure that melts their hearts (and heals yours)

Stories of the elderly misbehaving at astonishing rates! Murder, robbery, and fraud abound!

This list is typically focused on elderly protagonists that currently partake in crimes. I will consider books concerning elderly protagonists that committed crimes when they were younger and are dealing with the consequences later in life. Any and all crimes count, but preferential treatment is given to murder.

These books center on older protagonists and the lessons they've learned during their imperfect lives. Some are wise, some are full of regret, but they all have something to teach us. We only get one life, so take advantage of the hard-won lessons from these fictional protagonists! Always taking recommendations - see pinned comment!

Here's every book so far from BOTM's monthly shortlist since February 2015 for anyone who wants to read them all like I do!

Just a list of books coming out in 2026 that I’m really excited for :) it will be updated as the months go by! It will be a mix of: high fantasy, romance fantasy, sci-fi, gothic, horror, lit fic, historical fiction, retellings, poetry, romance, & more!!

A list of 100 australian books from a variety of genres, not the same 10 boring white men. adding my lists from fable (Flag emoji for search visibility purposes)

"Weird girl lit" featuring protagonists over 70!

💜 yarnandbooks

All the 2026 BOTM monthly, add on, and Allurial titles

Second chances, found family, cranky but comedic old folks. No 20 somethings as main character's here!

Growing up I didn't read or know a lot of books from Australian Authors. Now living here, I am discovering a lot of amazing stories and authors. 🇦🇺❤️ Here are some of the ones I have uncovered. 🦘

2026 Thriller Releases

Women pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable in pursuit of their urges and desires. They’re behaving badly, unconventionally, and selfishly. Some are violent, some are horny, some are traumatized, some are angry—but all of them are finally acting for themselves.

An expansive list born out of combination of feminine rage, weird girl lit, “good for her”, women vs the void, monstrous feminine, and everything in between. Books written by women, trans, and nonbinary authors only.

Books about people of a certain age

light reads for days spent in the sun

I fully support her tho

Where the audiobook production, narration and experience is so excellent it sucks you in and you can’t stop listening.

Everyone has a secret. Whether it's to hide from someone, advance in life, or bury their past, these protagonists or the people close to them have kept their true identities a secret. And something like that never comes back to haunt them, right?

Books that are set in Australia, or written by Australian authors (sometimes it’s both)