The Tea Ladies book club questions

The Tea Ladies is a brilliant cosy crime that fans of The Thursday Murder Club series will adore. Set in 1960s Sydney, the book follows a group of office tea ladies who become accidental sleuths after a chance encounter with a stranger leads them on the path to search for a young woman believed to be in danger.

Discussion points and questions

• The Tea Ladies showcases a tight community of strong women pushing against the sensibilities and limitations of the times. In what ways did the actions of Hazel, Betty and Irene surprise you?
• Did you have a favourite tea lady and why?
• Is it easy for you to imagine a time in which ladies served tea to employees in large organisations such as Empire Fashionwear?
• In what ways was life in the 1960s easier, and in what ways was it harder? Do you think life was better back then?
• This book celebrates the swinging sixties in all its technicolour glory. Other than the glorious fashion, what aspects of the era did you think the author captured well?  
• Did your impression of Hazel change over the course of the story?
• Do you think Hazel made the right decision about Bob?
• Who do you imagine playing the roles of the tea ladies in a television series?
• What other authors writing in this cosy crime genre do you like to read?
• Have you read any other books by Amanda Hampson, and if so, what aspects of her storytelling do you most enjoy?

Need a book club snack? Read this article by the author about the reign of the cream sponge, then make it yourself.