The Cryptic Clue

Look who's back in hot water! The delightful and witty second novel in The Tea Ladies mystery series. Ideal for fans of Richard Osman and Bonnie Garmus.

In ZigZag Lane, in the heart of Sydney's rag-trade district, tea ladies Hazel, Betty, and Irene find themselves in hot water. Having already solved a murder, kidnapping, and arson case, and outwitting an arch-criminal, they have proved themselves a useful resource and earned the respect of a local police officer. Now he needs their help to solve a plot that threatens security.

As if that's not enough, Irene gets a coded message directing her to the spoils of a bank robbery, which sends the tea ladies on a treasure hunt with an unexpected outcome.

There's also trouble brewing within the walls of Empire Fashionwear, where an interloper threatens not just Hazel's job but the very role of tea lady. It's up to Hazel to convince her friends to abandon their trolleys and take action to save their livelihoods - before it's too late.

Praise for The Tea Ladies by Amanda Hampson:

'A total joy!' Joanna Nell

'Sheer delight.' Country Style

'The Thursday Murder Club wish they had Hazel.' GOODREADS

'This hilariously dark crime novel about a group of tea ladies who accidentally become sleuths will have you enthralled!' Woman's Day

'The Tea Ladies is a delightfully intriguing romp, full of twists, turns, shocking discoveries... and scones.' Better Reading

'Crime, comedy and fashion, it's a layer cake of which any tea lady would be proud.' The Age

'A satisfying mystery, a trio of intrepid older women discovering their own strengths, and a window into a vanished past. I give it five TimTams.' Readings Books