Crime novel fans, book clubs, book lovers and those looking for their next read are invited by The Hills Shire Library Service to attend a special author talk this Friday, April 21.
Famed author Amanda Hampson is coming to Castle Hill Library to discuss her witty crime novel, The Tea Ladies.
Amanda’s seventh novel is based in the swinging 60s and follows tea ladies turned accidental detectives – Hazel, Betty and Irene – as they try to solve a series of crimes, including murder.
Amanda, who has dedicated more than 30 years to writing, said she found inspiration for her latest read on a Facebook Page, called ‘Australia Remember When’.
“A black and white photo of a tea lady, her trolley stacked with white cups and saucers, had attracted hundreds of comments recalling tea ladies of the past, invariably with great affection,” Amanda said of the image, which inspired her newest page-turner.
“One comment, in particular, caught my attention: ‘The tea lady knew where the bodies were buried’ and ‘The Tea Ladies’ is the result,” she added.
Amanda has written fiction and non-fiction and contributed stories to major media outlets, including the Australian Financial Review and the Guardian.
She said she was inspired to become a writer when she lived in rural New Zealand.
“We had no television until I was in my teens, so books were my world,” she said about her early years.
“From an early age, I wanted to be able to do the job of an author and give others the joy of reading my stories.
“I was fortunate to have an English teacher at high school who was a published author, so I saw that a mere mortal could achieve that status – and so could I,” Amanda said.
You can find out more about Amanda and her new book, The Tea Ladies, this Friday at Castle Hill Library at 6.30pm.
Tickets cost $8.20 per person and can be purchased on The Hills Shire Library Service website: .
