The Last List of Mabel Beaumont

By: Laura Pearson

Narrated by: Penelope Freeman

The list he left had just one item on it. Or, at least, it did at first…

Mabel Beaumont’s husband Arthur loved lists. He’d leave them for her everywhere. ‘Remember: eggs, butter, sugar’. ‘I love you: today, tomorrow, always’.

But now Arthur is gone. He died: softly, gently, not making a fuss. But he’s still left her a list. This one has just one item on it though: ‘Find D’.

Mabel feels sure she knows what it means. She must track down her best friend Dot, who she hasn’t seen since the fateful day she left more than sixty years ago.

It seems impossible. She doesn’t even know if Dot’s still alive. Also, every person Mabel talks to seems to need help first, with missing husbands, daughters, parents. Mabel finds her list is just getting longer, and she’s still no closer to finding Dot.

What she doesn’t know is that her list isn’t just about finding her old friend. And that if she can admit the secrets of the past, maybe she could even find happiness again…

A completely heartbreaking, beautiful, uplifting story, guaranteed to make you smile but also make you cry. Perfect for fans of My Name is Ove, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, and The Keeper of Stories.

©2023 Laura Pearson (P)2023 Boldwood Books

Critic reviews

‘Such a poignant story. Brought a lump to my throat in many places… Will really appeal to fans of Joanna Cannon.’ Karen Angelico, author

‘I loved it! Mabel Beaumont is an absolute treasure… Laura Pearson cleverly, gently, peels back the layers of Mabel’s and her friends’ lives in a way that hurts, then soothes, your heart… An uplifting, life-affirming joy of a novel!’ Emma Robinson, author

‘I absolutely loved this book… I adore an older protagonist who’s portrayed as a real person, with opinions and regrets, and who is feisty and not afraid to speak her mind. The story is like a warm hug – but it had spark and wit and humour too. I loved it, and was bereft when I finished it (far too) late last night!… Gorgeous!’ Clare Swatman, author

Thoroughly Enjoyable

I just loved this book. I listened to the audio version, and I think it made it even better. I loved the story and the characters and how the friendships developed. If you're looking for an escape into something light and enjoyable, this book is for you.

Such a wonderful book!

I am so glad I listened to this! When reading the description I was afraid it would be too depressing. I just wasn't in the mood for a sad book. But WOW! The book does have some sad or melancholy parts, but the majority of it was a story of transformation, acceptance and love - the importance of the different types of love that surround us. I will be suggesting it to all my friends and family! It will be a story I hold onto for a long time.

Superb story. Realistic. Well written. Exquisitely narrated

Everything. The twists and turns that mirror real life, love, losses and griefs. I loved everything. Every word.

Wraps up nicely… but…

This book wraps up nicely in the last hour or so. I enjoyed all the friendships made… but 80% I found that this did not captivate my attention.

You feel like you know the characters

It’s a very long book. Moves almost day by day. At first I felt it too slow but then got into the story and characters. Very good characters in this story.

Delightful!

I really enjoyed this book and the narrator. She does a fantastic job of bringing this book to life!
Touching, heartwarming and full of life! I feel I know and have met each character.

cozy till the lesbian girl showed up

Should have a warning about lesbian topics. I don't like reading about it. otherwise, am interesting story about grief recovery.

Second chances

It was a little slow in the beginning and I almost quit listening. I kept listening and I am oh so glad I did!

Very slow.

I thought this would be a cute cozy read, but I gave it 15 chapters to pick up speed and still nothing was really happening. It was very slow, which is part of the plot and understandable given the character is an elderly woman in her late sixties (?), but it just wasn't for me.

Implausible

There were many life lessons, however the main story line; the 62 year marriage, based on what? the teenage passionate love that never changed after 62 years of absence are implausible in my opinion.