The Cryptic Clue book club questions

Book number two in The Tea Ladies series, The Cryptic Clue, is a fun mystery to read with your book club. Picking up where The Tea Ladies left off, the book follows Hazel, Betty and Irene as they find themselves in hot water once again.

Having already solved a murder, kidnapping and arson case, it’s clear that their motley crew is a useful resource. When a local police officer needs their help, they might just need to jump into action again.

Discussion points and questions

• How did The Cryptic Clue compare with the first book in the series, The Tea Ladies?
• The tea ladies believe ‘there’s more to the job than just serving up tea and bickies’. In which ways do they prove this to be true?
• Did you enjoy being transported back in time to the sixties, and did the historical events in the book bring back any memories for you?
• Which character is your favourite, and why?
• What do you think about the friendships between the characters, and how important do you think these relationships are for women?
• Do you think the Café-bar was a good sign of progress?
• The Tea Ladies Guild fights to protect something they believe to be ‘irreplaceable’. Which other jobs that became redundant are now sorely missed?
• What do you see the tea ladies getting up to in the next book in the series?
• Why do you think the cosy crime genre is so popular now, and what other authors do you enjoy?
• Have you read other books by Amanda Hampson, and which is your favourite?