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The Tea Ladies #4
The Model Murder
Never underestimate a tea lady.
Sydney, 1968. When a popular local man is murdered, police are quick to pin the blame on his glamorous model fiancée, who has since disappeared. But Hazel suspects a criminal cover-up and rallies the tea ladies to investigate; a quest that brings danger right to her door.
Meanwhile, Merl’s long-buried family secret threatens to unravel her carefully constructed life. When she stumbles on evidence that her detective son-in-law is corrupt, she’s forced to swallow her pride and reunite with the other tea ladies, enlisting their help to expose him.
Betty becomes immersed in a local theatre group where there is more drama offstage than on it, further complicated by her infatuation with the enigmatic leading man.
Irene aspires to a new career as a debt collector but her first case has more frustrations and obstacles than she bargained for, even with the help of a new weapon.
The highly anticipated new novel in the beloved The Tea Ladies series is available for pre-order now.
Sydney, 1968. When a popular local man is murdered, police are quick to pin the blame on his glamorous model fiancée, who has since disappeared. But Hazel suspects a criminal cover-up and rallies the tea ladies to investigate; a quest that brings danger right to her door.
Meanwhile, Merl’s long-buried family secret threatens to unravel her carefully constructed life. When she stumbles on evidence that her detective son-in-law is corrupt, she’s forced to swallow her pride and reunite with the other tea ladies, enlisting their help to expose him.
Betty becomes immersed in a local theatre group where there is more drama offstage than on it, further complicated by her infatuation with the enigmatic leading man.
Irene aspires to a new career as a debt collector but her first case has more frustrations and obstacles than she bargained for, even with the help of a new weapon.
The highly anticipated new novel in the beloved The Tea Ladies series is available for pre-order now.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2026
About the author
Amanda Hampson
12 books239 followersMelbourne-based author, Amanda Hampson has been writing professionally for more than 30 years and is the award-winning author of nine novels: The Olive Sisters, Two for the Road, The French Perfumer, The Yellow Villa, Sixty Summers, Lovebirds, The Tea Ladies, The Cryptic Clue and The Deadly Dispute.
A runaway bestseller, The Tea Ladies won the 2024 Danger Awards for Best Crime Fiction and was Shortlisted for 2024 Davitt Awards Best Adult Crime & 2024 Ned Kelly Awards Best Fiction.
A runaway bestseller, The Tea Ladies won the 2024 Danger Awards for Best Crime Fiction and was Shortlisted for 2024 Davitt Awards Best Adult Crime & 2024 Ned Kelly Awards Best Fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 29, 2026
Big thanks to Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Roll back the clock to an era in Sydney where manufacturing was common and tea ladies diligently served employees their cuppa and a biscuit.
Although life was still quite simple and cocooned in a shroud of innocence, the deviants still created criminal chaos.
The acute eye and vigilance of the sleuthing tea ladies ensure no rock is unturned.
The murder of a popular young man in a seedy Sydney alley way draws Hazel and her cohort in.
Placing her in danger and unleashing a chain of events.
Merl returns to join her friends and has to deal with troubles within her own family as a web of crime over shadows.
Her past comes back to haunt her and she discovers some truths that will shatter her.
Betty is immersed in her work at a local theatre company and has drama both on and off the stage.
The friendship, laughs and support the women give each other creates a dynamic that makes the reader smile.
This is the fourth instalment of the tea ladies and is like the rest, very enjoyable.
The 1960s circa is captured beautifully and the depth of backstory is enhancing the adventures the ladies have.
Roll back the clock to an era in Sydney where manufacturing was common and tea ladies diligently served employees their cuppa and a biscuit.
Although life was still quite simple and cocooned in a shroud of innocence, the deviants still created criminal chaos.
The acute eye and vigilance of the sleuthing tea ladies ensure no rock is unturned.
The murder of a popular young man in a seedy Sydney alley way draws Hazel and her cohort in.
Placing her in danger and unleashing a chain of events.
Merl returns to join her friends and has to deal with troubles within her own family as a web of crime over shadows.
Her past comes back to haunt her and she discovers some truths that will shatter her.
Betty is immersed in her work at a local theatre company and has drama both on and off the stage.
The friendship, laughs and support the women give each other creates a dynamic that makes the reader smile.
This is the fourth instalment of the tea ladies and is like the rest, very enjoyable.
The 1960s circa is captured beautifully and the depth of backstory is enhancing the adventures the ladies have.
May 7, 2026
This series just keeps giving. I love the quirky characters, the seedy back lanes of 1960s Surry Hills, the feminism, the social history. So good!
April 26, 2026
Our fabulous Zig Zag Lane amateur sleuths are back!
Tea ladies by day, detectives all year round
Hazel, Betty, Irene and Merl are back and more determined than ever
Hazel is staring down the prospect of no job
Their beloved Empire Fashion house is running close to foreclosure
Betty is tapping into acting having joined the local theatre group
Irene is.. Irene! Using her new found detective skills to help a local working girl recoup stollen money
Poor Merl is stuck in a bide as a long standing family secret threatens to become public knowledge and tarnish her reputation
And sadly the local cobbers son has been murdered and his beautiful model fiancé has disappeared. The police believe she is to blame, but Hazel believes there is more to play..
I absolutely love this series and the wonderful tea ladies. Amanda has woven key events of the era so brilliantly, you feel like you are stepping back in time! (And I always feel like I learn so much about our history after every book!)
This is my favourite mystery yet, so many twists. And our fabulous leading ladies just get better and betterer!
Thank you so much Penguin Books for my gifted review copy and gift pack
April 23, 2026
The Model Murder by Amanda Hampson
The Model Murder is the 4th book in the Tea Ladies series. I've mentioned it before, but I read the first book in this series, The Tea Ladies, while staying in a hotel in Surry Hills that was once a convent. On the wall was a portrait of a famous madam from the area. Which, I felt, set the scene for the book. I did a little self-guided walking tour of the area, which made the series more engaging to me.
Tagline: Never underestimate a tea lady.
This book is also set in Surry Hills, in 1968. Hazel is back working at Empire Fashion, and Betty has joined a local theatre group where she falls for the enigmatic leading man. Irene has suspicions; she is living in a high-class brothel, but thinks she might make a good debt collector. Her first case turns out to be harder than she assumed.
A local man is murdered down one of Surry Hills shady lanes, and police pin the blame on his glamorous model fiancée, who disappeared. Hazel suspects a cover-up and rallies the tea ladies to investigate, but the evidence points to Merl's favourite son-in-law, the detective. Will her long-buried family secret threaten to unravel everything?
A big thumbs up 👍 If you enjoy cosy mysteries or fun, light books with strong characters, then I think this is a series you'll enjoy this series. This is the latest novel in The Tea Ladies series, and it is available now.
Side Note: I didn't have the audiobook, so here's a photo of my cats' toes.
#designnerd #booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf
#TheModelMurder #NetGalley
@penguinbooksaus @penguinrandomhouse @amandahampsonauthor
The Model Murder is the 4th book in the Tea Ladies series. I've mentioned it before, but I read the first book in this series, The Tea Ladies, while staying in a hotel in Surry Hills that was once a convent. On the wall was a portrait of a famous madam from the area. Which, I felt, set the scene for the book. I did a little self-guided walking tour of the area, which made the series more engaging to me.
Tagline: Never underestimate a tea lady.
This book is also set in Surry Hills, in 1968. Hazel is back working at Empire Fashion, and Betty has joined a local theatre group where she falls for the enigmatic leading man. Irene has suspicions; she is living in a high-class brothel, but thinks she might make a good debt collector. Her first case turns out to be harder than she assumed.
A local man is murdered down one of Surry Hills shady lanes, and police pin the blame on his glamorous model fiancée, who disappeared. Hazel suspects a cover-up and rallies the tea ladies to investigate, but the evidence points to Merl's favourite son-in-law, the detective. Will her long-buried family secret threaten to unravel everything?
A big thumbs up 👍 If you enjoy cosy mysteries or fun, light books with strong characters, then I think this is a series you'll enjoy this series. This is the latest novel in The Tea Ladies series, and it is available now.
Side Note: I didn't have the audiobook, so here's a photo of my cats' toes.
#designnerd #booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf
#TheModelMurder #NetGalley
@penguinbooksaus @penguinrandomhouse @amandahampsonauthor
April 25, 2026
It was probably a mistake to read this on Anzac Day, when my mind is focused on family contributions to War and the suffering involved for both combatants and those who kept the home fires burning. I look forward to the tea ladies, their adventures, grit and detection. They lived up to expectations. However, for me these are not cosy crime stories. I grew up in the Sydney of these books and I knew this world . It’s close to the bone. I walked these streets daily in 1968, the year of this novel, on my way to my last year of teacher training, my parents and neighbours worked in the factories and canteens of that world and the next year I taught children born in Surry Hills, some of them in brothels. The strength of this series is its realism. Reading them I am back in that world - and in the worst, as well as the best. I was not caught in the webs these women untangled, but I knew of their existence, experienced the undercurrents, and was taught how to stay away. I attended the protest that ends the book - or others very like it. Yes, the spirit. and camaraderie were real and uplifting but so was the danger, the corruption and violence.
The book is brilliant. For me, today, in spite of the tea ladies’ success, it is sad and a little depressing. There is little cosy about the world it evokes.
The book is brilliant. For me, today, in spite of the tea ladies’ success, it is sad and a little depressing. There is little cosy about the world it evokes.
May 6, 2026
This fourth outing for the intrepid tea ladies feels like catching up with old friends. Hazel and her loyal companions—Betty, Irene, and Merle—return alongside a lively cast of familiar faces. Set in Sydney in 1968, the story opens with the murder of a local cobbler’s son, who also happens to be a bagman for an illegal bookmaker. His fiancée quickly becomes the prime suspect, but she has vanished without a trace.
As the tea ladies begin their sleuthing, more crimes bubble to the surface, and Merle is pulled into the chaos when her detective son in law is exposed as corrupt. There’s never a dull moment as secrets unravel and the plot thickens. Even amid the tension, the book delivers plenty of humour—particularly Irene’s new side hustle as a debt collector, armed with her unconventional weapon of choice: a whip named Winston.
Thoroughly enjoyable, just like the earlier books in the series. It can be read as a standalone, but the experience is richer when you follow the characters’ journeys from the beginning. I’m already looking forward to the next instalment.
Thank you to netgalley & the publishers, for the opportunity to read & review this delightful book.
March 17, 2026
The fourth instalment in the beloved Tea Ladies series, Amanda Hampson once again delivers a charming and delightfully clever cosy mystery featuring our favourite tea ladies—Hazel, Betty, Merl and Irene.
Set in Sydney in 1968, this story centres on Merl and her rather questionable detective son-in-law. When a well-liked local man is murdered, suspicion quickly falls on his model fiancée—but something doesn’t quite add up.
Enter the Tea Ladies, whose knack for noticing what others overlook proves, as always, invaluable. With their sharp instincts (and plenty of tea along the way), they begin to unravel a mystery that may not be as straightforward as it first seems.
And keep an eye out for Irene’s newest “weapon”—it’s guaranteed to give you a laugh.
A warm, witty and thoroughly enjoyable addition to a much-loved series—perfect for fans of classic cosy crime.
Set in Sydney in 1968, this story centres on Merl and her rather questionable detective son-in-law. When a well-liked local man is murdered, suspicion quickly falls on his model fiancée—but something doesn’t quite add up.
Enter the Tea Ladies, whose knack for noticing what others overlook proves, as always, invaluable. With their sharp instincts (and plenty of tea along the way), they begin to unravel a mystery that may not be as straightforward as it first seems.
And keep an eye out for Irene’s newest “weapon”—it’s guaranteed to give you a laugh.
A warm, witty and thoroughly enjoyable addition to a much-loved series—perfect for fans of classic cosy crime.
April 23, 2026
“Trouble’s brewing, just add hot water!” My favourite crime solving Tea Ladies are back and not a moment too soon. The Model Murder, the fourth book in Amanda Hampson’s delightful series, feels like catching up with old friends, and I loved slipping back into their world.
Set in the late 60s, this instalment gives each of the ladies plenty to juggle. Hazel is pulled into a murder enquiry that quickly puts her in danger, Betty is tackling her first production with a local theatre company, Irene is trying her hand at debt collecting as a side hustle, and Merl, who hasn’t taken centre stage since Book 1, uncovers long buried family secrets that call for the Tea Ladies’ unique brand of support.
If you enjoy cosy crime or simply want a lighthearted read with charming characters and plenty of personality, this series is such a good one! You could read this as a standalone, but the books are so much fun that I genuinely think it’s worth starting from the beginning.
Huge thanks to @penguin and @amandahampson for the fabulous PR pack in exchange for an honest review.
Set in the late 60s, this instalment gives each of the ladies plenty to juggle. Hazel is pulled into a murder enquiry that quickly puts her in danger, Betty is tackling her first production with a local theatre company, Irene is trying her hand at debt collecting as a side hustle, and Merl, who hasn’t taken centre stage since Book 1, uncovers long buried family secrets that call for the Tea Ladies’ unique brand of support.
If you enjoy cosy crime or simply want a lighthearted read with charming characters and plenty of personality, this series is such a good one! You could read this as a standalone, but the books are so much fun that I genuinely think it’s worth starting from the beginning.
Huge thanks to @penguin and @amandahampson for the fabulous PR pack in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2026
If you love reading cozy crime, let me introduce to The Tea Ladies series by Aussie author Amanda. The Model Murder is book four of the series and through fun and humour readers follow Hazel, Betty, Merl and Irene as they investigate a local man’s murder.
🫖 It’s always fun to follow the tea ladies on their adventures. Each is such a unique character with their own quirks and the way the author ties them together as the story unfolds is witty, charming and full of personality.
I enjoyed the main mystery of this story, but also the side quests each of the ladies were involved in. Irene especially cracks me up with her unique ways and brings light and fun to the story at perfect times.
The Model Murder can be read as a standalone, but if you’d love to know the tea ladies backstory then I’d recommend starting with book one.
Thank you to Penguin for the wonderful PR box and a copy to honestly review.
🫖 It’s always fun to follow the tea ladies on their adventures. Each is such a unique character with their own quirks and the way the author ties them together as the story unfolds is witty, charming and full of personality.
I enjoyed the main mystery of this story, but also the side quests each of the ladies were involved in. Irene especially cracks me up with her unique ways and brings light and fun to the story at perfect times.
The Model Murder can be read as a standalone, but if you’d love to know the tea ladies backstory then I’d recommend starting with book one.
Thank you to Penguin for the wonderful PR box and a copy to honestly review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the fourth book in Amanda Hampson’s Tea Ladies series. I confess I haven’t read any of the first three, but I do enjoy a cosy mystery so I thought I’d give this one a try. I wasn’t disappointed. It has the elements expected of a cosy mystery, and I didn’t feel particularly lost because I hadn’t read the earlier books. I do think they would round the characters out better for me though, so I will try to catch up with them. I enjoyed that they were set back in the 60s, and all the tea ladies had fun old fashioned names so typical of women in that era. This was an entertaining read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
April 29, 2026
Again the context of the story is interesting; the background of the Vietnam war; women’s protests - ‘Save our Sons’ the empowering for older women to recognise rights for equality, fashion industry .. context of Sydney and particularly Surry Hills area - also reference to building of opera House .. this time the case involves theft, corruption and includes members of family .. the tea ladies continue to battle to stay employed and are again caught in crime investigation … all adds up to good story foundations yet I find the use of the present tense and almost staccato delivery of events and dialogue leave me looking for a bit more depth. Nevertheless an easy read
May 19, 2026
This is an enjoyable read, another in a series set in 1960s Sydney with a crew of tea ladies who service the staff in the clothing trade factories.and who dabble in solving murders.
Having read the previous book a while ago I confused the four main characters, Merl, Hazel, Betty and Irene, and found myself writing notes to clarify who was who, but I still enjoyed the gentle pace and the evocative story that took me back in time.
It's an easy read with some twists and turns and a surprise family re union to enjoy
Having read the previous book a while ago I confused the four main characters, Merl, Hazel, Betty and Irene, and found myself writing notes to clarify who was who, but I still enjoyed the gentle pace and the evocative story that took me back in time.
It's an easy read with some twists and turns and a surprise family re union to enjoy
April 25, 2026
Entertaining to read and great to catch up again with The Tea Ladies. Set in Sydney, in 1968, the ladies become involved when a young cobbler is found murdered and his fiancee is treated as the main suspect. It’s always fascinating to read how the author interweaves events and attitudes of that era into her books. Engrossing and well-written I find giving each chapter its own heading a great plot device. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The fourth instalment of the Tea Ladies and it was entertaining, I so enjoyed reading the mystery adventures of the tea ladies. It was absolutely amazing! Loved following the tea ladies crime stories. With so much thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher Penguin Random House Australia for the ARC.
May 8, 2026
Fantastic to be back with the Tea Ladies. As always there is more to each tea lady than is obvious and this story brings out their best. A great puzzle and a justifiable change of perspective for a major character. The way the seemingly separate threads are woven together is very clever.
May 11, 2026
Arguably far better than the previous outing, which made me wonder whether I should keep reading them as they came out. Right up until the big reveal which was... convenient. It dropped a star as a result.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2026
Great Story, Great Read
Amanda Hampson has written yet another wonderful Tea Ladies Mystery. She weaves believable characters with a page turning mystery full of twists and turns. There is suspense right to the end. Brilliant. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Amanda Hampson has written yet another wonderful Tea Ladies Mystery. She weaves believable characters with a page turning mystery full of twists and turns. There is suspense right to the end. Brilliant. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
April 30, 2026
Another fantastic tea ladies mystery! 👏🏼👏🏼
May 6, 2026
Love the continued adventures of the tea ladies. Well written older Aussie women. Thanks Amanda you've done it again
May 13, 2026
as always a colourful and fun read. go tealadies
May 14, 2026
Another exciting twisting story that keeps your attention the whole way through. Loved every second of it. I am hoping there will be more Tea Ladies stories to come from Amanda. Any news on that?
May 16, 2026
Loved it! Best one yet. I really enjoyed learning about Merl's story. The mystery itself was also one of my favourites.
I can't wait to read the next one!
I can't wait to read the next one!
May 9, 2026
The Tea Ladies are back and boiling their kettles, ready to solve another shady mystery in 1960’s Sydney. Hazel, Betty, Irene and Merl join forces to try to solve the murder of a young man, because the police don’t seem interested in seriously investigating the troubling crime. Merl is back in the bosom of the Tea Ladies group when she starts to question the real character and actions of her son-in-law (a police detective) after years of worshiping the ground upon which he walked. I really liked this episode in the book series because all the tea ladies played an active role in the investigation and seeing the story through to its exciting conclusion. There were many twists and turns in the course of the novel and so many adventures to be had by ALL the women. Yes, Hazel is still the epicentre of their team, but the ladies all came into their own throughout the story. I loved this one and flew through the book in just a day or two. Amanda Hampson has really found her stride with this series and I hope she is planning future volumes for us all to enjoy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommended.
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