Murder Among The Tombstones

by Kim Carter

"A Clara and Iris Mystery"When Atlanta homicide detectives are called in to investigate the murder of a nineteen-year-old girl found dumped in historic Oakland Cemetery, they immediately begin working the case. But with no leads to follow and their case log growing larger by the day, the murder quickly grows cold.Desperate to keep the investigation of her deceased sister going, Ginger Baines hires two novice sleuths to solve the case. Widowed, well into their seventies, and new to the world of private investigating, Clara Samples and Iris Hadley aren't your average private eyes. When a second body is found in a neighboring cemetery, the plot thickens. With two bodies wrapped, almost lovingly, in a soft blanket before being discarded in a cemetery, could a serial killer be on the loose?Joined by their young apprentice Quita, Clara and Iris are determined to stop at nothing to find the killer before they can strike again. But, will their bodies be the next ones discovered among the tombstones?

Genres: Mystery

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2016

About the author

Kim Carter is an American award-winning author and critically acclaimed writer of gripping suspense, chilling thrillers, and haunting historical mysteries.

Ms. Carter is widely known for her vibrant characters in her Clara and Iris Mystery series, a couple of overly curious widows who turn into private investigators. These funny women were inspired by Kim's mother and her mom's best friend. Book one of this series, Murder Among The Tombstones, was chosen Finalist for the 2018 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award and a recipient of the 2017 TCK Publishers' Readers' Choice Award.

Ms. Carter's Mysteries and literary works include; Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle, When Dawn Never Comes, Deadly Odds (chosen Editor's Pick in Books Shelf Magazine in 2022), No Second Chances, 'And The Forecast Called For Rain,' and her newest mystery Dark Secrets of the Bayou. "Bayou" has been awarded a Reader's Favorite Editorial 5-Star Review, also chosen #1 Finalist for Best Historical Mystery from Reader's Favorite 2021 book awards, and was awarded a 2021 Killer Nashville Finalist for The Silver Falchion Awards. In 2022 "Bayou" was chosen by The Author Shout book awards as a Recommended Reads.

All of Kim's novels can be purchased online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BAM, and Indie Bound. Kim's writing career started after she suffered an illness that made her housebound for a couple of years. An avid reader of mystery novels herself, she embarked on writing to fill her time. Kim's health struggles and successes have been chronicled on Lifetime Television in early 2000, and in The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Women's Day Magazine, and Guidepost.

Now, with seven acclaimed mystery titles to her credit, Kim worked in many different capacities in county government. Still, it was ultimately her job as a correctional officer that offered her opportunities to talk and interact with a diverse group of people. Her experiences run the gamete from inspiring success stories to tragic endings as she writes within her mysteries.

Kim began networking and made connections with numerous homicide detectives, medical examiners, and prison officials. Her research has taken her to many places, including morgues, death row, and the occasional midnight visit to cemeteries to gain material for her novels.

Kim is a college graduate of Saint Leo University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She is an avid reader, loves gardening, and has raised four successful grown children; she currently resides outside Atlanta, Georgia.

Reviews

[MarilynW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventy-something Iris Hadley, a retired hairdresser and her best friend Clara Samples, a retired nurse, want to do more with their time than just garden and knit afghans. They want to help people while making enough to cover their costs, so they open up their own private investigation office. Luckily for them, they find office help with their very first case, when they hire the lady who gave them the case. With young, street savvy Quita as their new office manager, they start taking and solving cases involving insurance frauds. But first Quita has to upgrade their smartphone skills, dragging Iris and Clara, kicking and screaming out of the age of their old flip phones.

From what I can tell, an earlier book included Iris and Clara being involved in a case that was being worked by Detectives Pitts. Iris and Clara are tight lipped about how they know Pitts and reading the earlier book is not necessary to enjoy this book. Having said that, I'll be reading the earlier book soon, because I enjoyed the characters of Iris, Clara, and Pitts so much.

Detectives Pitts and his partner are busy working on two murder cases. The first one involves the murder of a 19 year old girl, Jasmine, whose body was left in a cemetery. The second murder may have ties to the Mexican cartel, and while investigating that murder, Pitts and his partner are riddled with bullets and in critical condition. Because Jasmine's murder investigation is going nowhere, her older sister asks Iris and Clara to take on Jasmine's murder case. Knowing that Pitts was involved in the case before he was shot, they reluctantly visit him at his apartment, to compare notes and discuss any leads.

I really enjoyed the back and forth between Iris and Clara, two longtime friends, very different from each other. Iris can be raunchy, foul mouthed, and not at all afraid to say what is on her mind, while Clara is quiet, cautious, and more of the thinker of the duo. Despite this story involving several murders, it's still lighthearted and funny, and doesn't take its self seriously. I saw this book called a cozy mystery/police procedural. I don't think I've read a cozy mystery since my I was in my teens but now look forward to reading more books like this and would enjoy reading more books including the characters of Iris, Clara, Quita, and Pitts.

Thank you to Raven South Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-posted review under the correct cover 8/21/17

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detectives are investigating the murder of a young woman. She was found in a local cemetery wrapped in a blanket. The case goes cold when all leads dry up.

The victim's sister turn to private investigators for help. Meet Iris and Clara ... brand new to the business. These women are not your typical investigators. For one, they are both widowed and both in their 70s.

When a second body turns up in a different cemetery, the ladies turn to the detectives, who incidentally have both been shot and are on medical leave.

Along with their office associate, Quita, the ladies are determined to stop at nothing to find the killer before someone else dies .... at least they will as soon as they figure out how their new I-phones work.

I have chuckled more with the antics of these very unique and quirky characters from the very first page. This is not a cozy. The mystery is solid, with characters that are credible. The interactions of Iris and Clara will have the reader shaking their heads, maybe remembering grandma or great aunt in their golden years.

I do hope to see more adventures of Iris and Clara. Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this humorous crime thriller mix. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Gail C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Murder Among the Tombstones by Kim Carter, Iris and Clara are two senior citizens who have retired and decide to open their own private investigation office. Their first client, JaQuita quickly convinces them to hire her as their office manager/consultant telling them they are a “goldmine” because they’re old and no one will ever suspect them of anything. As they begin work as investigators they quickly learn how easy it is to do surveillance because no one notices them anyway.

While Iris and Clara become involved in several cases along the way, Detectives Pitts and Nettles with the Atlanta Police Department get called in to investigate the murder of a young girl whose body is dumped in Oakland Cemetery, one of the landmark cemeteries of Atlanta. They make very little progress however, and are soon sidelined by a drive-by shooting related to another of their cases.

As Clara and Iris experience success, it’s only a matter of time before they are approached by the young murder victim’s sister and agree to take her case because of the sympathy they feel for her. That sets Clara and Iris up to renew their acquaintance with Detective Pitts and begin an investigation which ultimately leads to the satisfactory conclusion of the young woman’s murder.

Clues that lead to solving the murder mystery are sparse, and unless the reader is well acquainted with misdirection typical of mysteries, it is unlikely they will solve this one prior to the final reveal. Instead, the book’s strength is sitting back and enjoying the two delightful senior citizen detectives and the accompanying cast of characters including Detective Pitts and JaQuita along with some notable minor characters who will, hopefully, find their way into future books.

Initially, I found the book to be a bit choppy as the chapters are short and there are several threads that are introduced separately, with each one being given chapters of their own. This trend follows through the entire book, and about ten percent into the book, I began to not only expect this, but appreciate the way it defined the book’s pace. The only thing I would have liked to have seen was clues and red herrings sprinkled more liberally throughout the book so that the conclusion was one the reader had an opportunity to reach along with the detectives as opposed to it feeling more as if it were sprung on the reader.

All in all, I would like to see more books featuring the adventures of Iris and Clara along with the rest of the secondary and tertiary characters introduced here. It is a delightful mix of police/detective fiction populated by characters more often found in cozy mysteries.

[Valerie Cotnoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.

* Some readers may consider this review to contain spoilers. -This disclaimer has been requested *

From the beginning, I loved the idea of two old ladies starting their own detective agency. So you could say I was hooked before I even opened the novel. And, for the most part, it was everything I’d hoped it would be. I loved all the main characters: polite and reserved Clara, spicy and naïve Iris, responsible Quita, hot-tempered Detective Nettles and dedicated Detective Pitts. Even the side characters (and there were many of them) each had distinct traits so that I was almost immediately intrigued after each introduction.

One element about Murder Among the Tombstones I loved was Carter’s writing style. I learned several new words thanks to her unique vocabulary. And there’s something about the setting and flow of the story that feels so warm and inviting and hard to put down. The dialogue felt very realistic and I found myself laughing out loud several times over Iris’s antics.

As for the mystery, I was immediately pulled in. The main murder case was horrifying and it soon became clear it was a serial killer. About halfway through the book, we entered the heads of the murderer and his latest victim. I was disgusted by the murderer’s thoughts and dying to know who he was. It was clear to me that he was a psychopath based on the way he handled his victims. And, of course, I’m hoping beyond hope that his latest victim will escape unscathed.

But this wasn’t the only mystery we were trying to solve. There was also another involving a drug gang, a crazy pregnant lady, several shootings and more that Detectives Pitts and Nettles got deeply involved in. So between that and the murder case, I was itching to find out how these two cases related and how they were going to be resolved.

Honestly, I was racing toward the finish line. I had a few guesses as to who our murderers could be and I was more than ready for the big reveal.

And that’s when the excitement ended for me. Detective Pitts, while thinking about the drug gang case, suddenly somehow put two and two together and “figured out” who the murderer was in the other case. He did some research to confirm his suspicions and approached the criminal before having him arrested. Boom. Done.

First of all, I was and am totally confused how he connected the dots. What about the murderer was suspicious to him to start researching his background? As for the actual murderer…I feel completely betrayed. For starters, what about his latest victim? Why wasn’t he searching frantically for her? But most disappointing of all, he ended up being just some random dude introduced a couple chapters before. How on earth was I supposed to figure that out? Which I guess is just it: there was no way. So not only was the actual arrest anti-climatic and not only was he someone I’d just met, but when he explained why he’d killed the young girls, he just sounded like a guy with a hot temper rather than a cool, calculating psychopath. Which leaves me feeling even more confused about his motives.

As for Clara and Iris’ investigation, it ended in a similar way. They caught two characters red-handed (characters we’d just met a few chapters before!) and while they were involved in the crime, it was in an aspect I wasn’t even aware I should be curious about. Then, come to find out they did it because of some sad backstory. It was an interesting move, but I felt completely detached because again, I’d just met them. I think it was supposed to be a plot twist, but I was not even aware these characters existed, let alone that there was more than one aspect to the murders to consider.

And then it ended. Just like that. Clara and Iris didn’t discuss the results with the victim’s surviving sister. And the other drug gang case just sort of flopped and there was no discussion over that either. After laughing and gasping with these characters and flipping pages fiercely to the conclusion, I was left feeling completely gipped.

In conclusion, it’s hard for me to say how I really feel about this book. Because I loved it up until the last two chapters. But when I reflect on it as a whole, I feel disappointed and confused. After some consideration, though, I decided to give Murder Among the Tombstones 4 out of 5 stars. I would say the story and characters up until the ending is worth a 5 and the conclusion worth a 3, so I think 4 is a happy medium. One thing to keep in mind is that there is a lot of harsh language and some mature content. Surprisingly, it didn’t bother me as much as it normally would because the cursing fit the characters who used it and sometimes added some humor to the dialogue. That being said, I would recommend this book to high schoolers and up.

[Catherine Townsend-Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of Suspense, Mystery, and Witt! Who Said, Two Senior Citizens Don't Make Great Detectives?

Kim Carter has an exceptional imagination when it comes to writing her mystery storylines and characters for all her books. But with her new "A Clara and Iris mystery" series she has done even better than exceptional! We were introduced to both Clara and Iris in Kim's book one, "Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle." How she has written and weaved these two characters into "Murder" book two is not only smart but a HOOT as well.

When detectives are called and learn about another young woman's body found in another cemetery and much more, Clara and Iris decide to go to work on thinking they can solve this case. And the thrills, mayhem, humor, and turns around every grave begin! With an excellent writing style, Kim pulls you into the ride of the storyline until the very last page. She never ceases to amaze when it comes to writing mystery masterfully.

And all I can tell you as I don't like spoiling a good book of any kind? You will fall in love with Clara and Iris as these to witty seniors are both a force together and make a humorous pair of "golden age detectives." You all the "mystery" you need in Kim's new series to keep you captivated!

I highly suggest this one for all avid mystery readers, no, ALL Readers!

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The death of a young woman, her body wrapped in a blanket and left in a cemetery, becomes a case for two newly-minted septuagenarian private investigators. The antithesis between Clara Semples, a retired nurse, and Iris Hadley, a retired hairdresser, belies the fact that the two women are best friends.

JaQuita comes into their recently-established office seeking help for her sister; the two women handle the case with spirited aplomb and Quita quickly becomes their much-needed office manager and tech guru. When the grieving sister of the murdered girl comes to them for help in finding Jasmine’s killer, the two women find themselves sitting surveillance as part of their investigation. But before they can solve the case, two detectives are shot and critically injured and another body turns up in another cemetery.

Is there a serial killer on the loose? Will the women unmask the murderer before they become the next ones discovered among the tombstones in an Atlanta cemetery?

This book, the first in a series featuring the two venerable private investigators, establishes the background of the main characters and sets the tone for their relationship. The ladies, along with their smart, streetwise office manager, create a force to be reckoned with, their lively banter keeping readers involved in the evolving story. The actions of Pritchard Pitts, an Atlanta police department detective, serve as a contrast between police procedures and the investigative methods of the ladies. Plausible, interesting characters and an intriguing plot keep the pages turning.

The lightheartedness of the narrative, supported by the playful bantering between the two idiosyncratic women, is the dominant tone, but it easily yields to moments of tension-building suspense when events warrant. The plot takes some unexpected twists and turns as the story unfolds and, although the ending comes together rather quickly, the identity of the murderer will be a surprise for most readers.

Recommended.

I received an advance reader’s copy of this e-book from Raven South Publishing and NetGalley.
#MurderAmongTheTombstones #NetGalley

[Renee(Reneesramblings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Description
Atlanta homicide detectives are called in to investigate the murder of a nineteen-year-old girl found dumped in historic Oakland Cemetery, they immediately begin working the case. But with no leads to follow, and their case log growing larger by the day, the murder quickly grows cold. Desperate to keep the investigation of her deceased sister going, Ginger Baines hires two novice sleuths to solve the case. Widowed, well into their seventies, and new to the world of private investigating, Clara Samples and Iris Hadley aren't your average private eyes. When a second body is found in a neighboring cemetery, the plot thickens. With two bodies wrapped, almost lovingly, in a soft blanket before being discarded in a cemetery, could a serial killer be on the loose?

My Thoughts
This is the first book I've read by Kim Carter and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. What's not to love about 2 retired women(Clara & Iris) who want more than just to coast through their golden years? They decide to use their skills as private investigators and open their own agency.
Because they are elderly, people seem to take their abilities for granted, which is perfect in their line of work since they see and hear much more than anyone realizes. I was reminded of Jessica Fletcher(Murder She Wrote) since those who underestimated her were often guilty or incapable of believing an elderly woman could figure out the clues and identify the murderer. There is mystery and murder and a long list of potential suspects, meaning every time I thought I knew whodunit, the story went in another direction. There was suspense, but also a fun vibe between Iris and Clara that kept me intrigued and I would love to follow their adventures in another book. If you like quirky characters, a good mystery, and an interesting plot, I would recommend Murder Among The Tombstones.
I received a DRC from BookBuzz.net through NetGalley.

[Brianna Remus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: Murder Among the Tombstones begins similarly to Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle in that the opening scene provides readers with insight into the murder that leaves the remaining characters in search for the perpetrator. As I mentioned in my review for Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle I enjoyed Clara and Iris immensely and their likability definitely carried over into this novel. The elderly women decide to open their own private investigation business after they uncovered a Ponzi scheme in the previous novel. A good portion of the beginning of the novel provides readers with a humorous start as Clara and Iris develop their new business into something worthy of the patrons. Readers also learn about the detectives working the murder case and how difficult their job is to find the perpetrator. As the story unfolds, Clara and Iris are called to help unveil the mystery. They add so much humor and realism to the novel; there were multiple times when I found myself laughing out loud at Clara and Iris's banter. I think the development of the plot was engaging and enjoyable to follow. I'd say this novel would be excellent if you prefer to have a lighter read within the mystery/suspense genre. This won't necessarily be a chilling read or the novel that keeps you up at night, but you will find yourself smiling and laughing throughout as a team of characters uncovers the truth about a terrible situation.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder Among the Tombstones is a fabulous fast paced mystery. I enjoyed the older characters of the book. Iris and Clara were so much fun together. Those two are quite the pair. They made me laugh out loud at times with their antics. The suspense was great and I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery right along them.
I give Murder Among the Tombstones four and a half stars. Looking forward to more by this author in the future.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

When several girls go missing and some turn up murdered, its a case that the police are baffled with, but when two spunky older ladies step in to try and help find the killer, its bound to lead to some interesting developments...

This was a great read! I enjoyed it!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Detectives Nettles and Pitts respond to the discovery of a young woman found dead in an Atlanta cemetery. She is in her late teens or early twenties. She was manually strangled. Pitts and Nettles begin their investigation by looking for security cameras and interviewing possible witnesses around the cemetery.

At the same time Iris Hadley who a retired hairdresser and her friend Clara Samples who is a retired nurse open a new business. Both women are in their early seventies. They are self-styled private investigators – who have passed “the course.” They meet a young woman who is their first case and she then joins the team. Her name is JaQuita (but please call me Quita), and she is streetwise, savvy and very with the times.

A woman shows up at the police station to file a missing persons report on her nineteen-year old sister. She identifies the unnamed body in the morgue as her sister Jasmine Baines. Soon after, Pitts and Nettles pick up a case of what appears to be a gang shooting. But they are not so sure. Something is not right about the witness statements. Tragedy strikes.

When Jasmine’s sister turns to Clara and Iris for help, the ladies are quick to jump in to right a wrong. Reluctantly, on Clara’s part, they and Quita team up with Detective Pitts to solve the murder of Jasmine and Nina Culver who was found in a cemetery close to the first one. A third girl, Kori Reeves is missing.

The identity of the murderer came as a complete surprise to me.

There are only a couple of minor typos in this book which don’t detract from the story line at all. Iris and Clara are absolutely priceless. Quita’s character only adds to the delightful mix. I hope to read more about them in the future. This is a well written and plotted book. Ms. Carter has apparently carefully thought out each move of her characters in advance. I liked all of the main characters. There was sufficient background information given on all of the major characters to flesh them out nicely, but not so much that it intruded on the story line at all. This is my first Kim Carter novel, but it won’t be my last. I immediately went to Amazon to look for others of her books.

I want to thank NetGalley and Raven South Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.

[Proforma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This winning novel by Reader's Choice Award winner, Kim Carter is the first Iris and Clara mystery.

This novel kept me guessing until the last page. Literally. The author mercilessly teased me with suspects throughout the book.

Everytime I thought - here we go, this is the killer - the plot moved on and my supposed killer was replaced by an even more likely next suspect.

Ms. Carter wound several plots around her central mystery beautifully. She connected all the dots and dotted all the 'i' s' as Miss Clara would say.

I'm delighted to rate this a solid 5 stars and this bookworm has already bought Carter's other mystery books. They are in my read-in-bed tablet.

The author did a great job of describing several scenes, the first being the aftermath of the shooting. It was the most realistic hospital emergency room post cop shooting that I have ever read.

She had me wanting to bite a pillow in suspense, both my emotions and that of the characters were on a roller coaster from hell. Not knowing is the worst thing.

The other scenes that stood out were the two graveyard scenes. So much so that I actually looked both places up for images, I can now agree fully that both are among the most beautiful places I have never been to.

The last scene which is really several scenes, was the beautiful description of the mountains of Northern Georgia, although the beauty of the mountains was eclipsed by the girl running for her life.

Iris and Clara remind me of my own mother. It was sometimes painful to read. My mom also only recently gave up the battle and got an iPhone. She also only recently established a social profile. My mom texts me and then calls me to ask if I got the text.

Me: How can you not know that Mom?

I ask cringing and wincing as if she just dropped something on my foot.

Mom: Shush. You. You young people think you know everything. Just wait until you get old.

There you go... Right out of the Iris and Clara mold, my mom would fit right in. I should really get her these books, I should, but it would mean the best part of a morning teaching her how to use a reading app.

And now I'm rambling.... For this too I blame the author.

[Beth Hummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner!!

I had a very hard time putting this one down! It kept me thinking and guessing to the very end!

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Murder Among the Tombstones by Kim Carter, Iris and Clara are two senior citizens who have retired and decide to open their own private investigation office. Their first client, JaQuita quickly convinces them to hire her as their office manager/consultant telling them they are a “goldmine” because they’re old and no one will ever suspect them of anything. As they begin work as investigators they quickly learn how easy it is to do surveillance because no one notices them anyway.

While Iris and Clara become involved in several cases along the way, Detectives Pitts and Nettles with the Atlanta Police Department get called in to investigate the murder of a young girl whose body is dumped in Oakland Cemetery, one of the landmark cemeteries of Atlanta. They make very little progress however, and are soon sidelined by a drive-by shooting related to another of their cases.

As Clara and Iris experience success, it’s only a matter of time before they are approached by the young murder victim’s sister and agree to take her case because of the sympathy they feel for her. That sets Clara and Iris up to renew their acquaintance with Detective Pitts and begin an investigation which ultimately leads to the satisfactory conclusion of the young woman’s murder.

Clues that lead to solving the murder mystery are sparse, and unless the reader is well acquainted with misdirection typical of mysteries, it is unlikely they will solve this one prior to the final reveal. Instead, the book’s strength is sitting back and enjoying the two delightful senior citizen detectives and the accompanying cast of characters including Detective Pitts and JaQuita along with some notable minor characters who will, hopefully, find their way into future books.

Initially, I found the book to be a bit choppy as the chapters are short and there are several threads that are introduced separately, with each one being given chapters of their own. This trend follows through the entire book, and about ten percent into the book, I began to not only expect this, but appreciate the way it defined the book’s pace. The only thing I would have liked to have seen was clues and red herrings sprinkled more liberally throughout the book so that the conclusion was one the reader had an opportunity to reach along with the detectives as opposed to it feeling more as if it were sprung on the reader.

All in all, I would like to see more books featuring the adventures of Iris and Clara along with the rest of the secondary and tertiary characters introduced here. It is a delightful mix of police/detective fiction populated by characters more often found in cozy mysteries.

[Wesley Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unnerving yet thrilling. Tense yet addictive. Kim does it again!
This novel goes so far beyond a crime/mystery book.

Firstly we have two incredibly comical older ladies who are private investigators, Clara and Iris.
Most who come across these two women underestimate their skills. Two old women who don't want to retire just yet.
But Clara and Iris proof that together, they are a force not to be reckoned with. These women have seen a great deal in their lives.
They are smart, intuitive and passionate. Not to mention they love to help people in need.
Albeit, when it comes to technology, they do need a helping hand. Which is where Quita comes in: the office manager.
These three become a power threesome, who effectively solve mysteries, handle tough situations, and unearth true agendas.

But as for the crime/s, they are utterly compelling. We have a dead girl who turns up in cemeteries, puzzling the police force.
The victim seems to have had no enemies to speak of, no reason for this horrible crime. The police can only do so much when a lead runs cold. But not our beloved private investigators. They will stop at nothing.

If that isn't enough excitement, we also have a dodgy dealing with drug dealers that results in a chaotic event, or two.

Kim's characterisations of all characters are flawless. She arouses hate, love, sorrow, empathy and curiosity from the reader.
She teases us with tiny morsels of information that may or may not be clues. While reading we are actively turning into private investigators ourselves, trusting no one.
From the first page, we are hooked. I adored how comical Clara and Iris are. From their actions to conversations. It provides a
pleasant break from the tension of death and crimes. This helps us develop a bond with them, as well as Quita. Which makes scenes where they risk their lives, unbelievably suspenseful. We are on edge as they delve deeper and deeper into uncovering these horrific murders.

Overall, a brilliant, comical yet edgy, exciting, enthralling crime/mystery novel.

[2shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by 2shay..........

This book was fun from beginning to end. Two elderly women who aren’t ready to call it quits becoming gum-shoes is just too precious to miss. Clara and Iris don’t have a clue how to even use an iPhone, how are they going to do all the background searches needed to run a deceive agency? They fortuitously run into LaQuita, a young woman who needs a job and has a knack with technology.

When Ginger Baines learns that her sister’s murder case is going cold and both the police detectives on the case are shot, she hires Clara and Iris to look into the murder.

This gets a little complicated. Police detectives Pitts and Nettles were working the Baines murder when called to another homicide. They were both seriously wounded in a drive-by shooting very soon after the second homicide...which had nothing to do with the Baines murder. As soon as Pitts is allowed visitors, Iris and Clara ask his help in solving their first murder case.

This author, Kim Carter, has created lovely characters. Very normal ladies of a certain age...ahem...who don’t want to spend the rest of their lives wielding crochet needles. They have some limitations, but with Quita’s help, they’re learning.

If you get a little tired of the perfect 30 something women in fiction...you know the ones, perfect bodies and faces...you’ll fall in love with Clara and Iris. Pick up a copy and...

Enjoy! ARC graciously provided by Raven South Publishing and NetGalley for an honest and voluntary review.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like reading two stories in one; which I enjoyed immensely. Each chapter rotates between a homicide detective and a case he & his partner are working on and two novice sleuths in their seventies who have opened their own private investigation office.

While the detectives are focused on a case of a murdered young woman whose body was dumped in a cemetery, they soon find themselves victims themselves of a shooting incident by possible drug dealers. Their story is nitty-gritty and involves not only trying to physically heal from multiple gunshot wounds, but also trying to solve both cases.

The novice sleuths are focused on trying to fit into this new millennium with smartphones, texting, GPS, and something called Google. These ladies humorously work cases including insurance fraud, but soon find themselves also investigating the body dumped in the cemetery.
With a combination of suspense and thriller (the detective story) and humor and madcap adventure (the PI story), this book has it all for several difference genres of mystery fans. I enjoyed how the story mixed together in the last half of the book and how the elderly PIs were able to help the injured seasoned detective solve the case.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Bollmann (Annelise Lestrange) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D

Rating: 2 stars
Reading period: Nov 25th, 2018
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley – I have received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: Aug. 08th, 2017

*~.Book Analysis.~*
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)

PROS
Beautiful cover, interesting premise on the mystery and exciting theme.

CONS
Unfortunately, this book let me down. While it was a quick read, filled with details to spice up the mystery, I felt like I was watching a bad episode of CSI (no offense intended, but I don’t like this particular show), where people force themselves to be bad asses all the time and they are not. All the cop interaction was so cliché that I almost gave up reading this book.

COVER ANALYSIS
To be honest, that was what drawn me in to this book in the first place! I loved the work art with the cemetery and the city – also, this typography for the title with such red and elaborated writing is stunning! I totally would buy a physical copy just to show it off on my shelves!

RECOMMENDED FOR
Mystery, CSI and quick read lovers!

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder Among the Tombstones is cumbersome with a mystery that is intriguing.
A young woman is found wrapped in a blanket ad dead in tan Atlanta Cemetery. The cops have no leads and when the detectives involved in the case are shot in a drive by, the trail runs cold. The sister instructions her sister's case to an pair of elderly PIs and their young assistant. Can they figure out what happened to the girl when the police could not.
Murder Among the Tombstones is way too long. There were too many branches off the central story. The story begins between two stories and that works. Half way through another story picks up and then yet another. While one story is interesting, trey other is just distraction. The story could have been told more succinctly and therefor keeping the action going.
I was taken with the story and the overall story that follows the title. I wish there had been more digging into his mind instead of just a few statement.
Overall, I enjoyed the story but there was just too much info to slog through.

I received an ARC through NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

[Sharon Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense,Amazing and Hilarious.. Must Reaf

Murder Among The Tombstones by Kim Carter 5 Stars

One of the best Intense, Amazing and Hilarious Murder/Mysteries that I have read this year!!

A crime story about two old ladies who are private investigators. Brilliant!!

Clara and Iris have become two characters I absolutely love and cant wait to see what they investigate and uncover next, lol.

This story also brings back some characters from the book Sweet Dreams Baby Belle. That book is where you first meet Clara and Iris, detectives Pitt and Nettles along with a great cast of new people like Quita and Sugar in this story.

Get lost in a story about a murder mystery that will leave you guessing till the end who did it. It also will leave you laughing at what Clara and Iris do and say.

I absolutely love this book and have found me a wonderful new author that has me captivated with her stories. Touche!

I have read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book by its author.
Reviewer for Nook Books and More Blog.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder Among the Tombstones - This is my first read by this author and I enjoyed the book. Well written with the storylines swapping out each chapter laying the foundation for the primary characters and the criminal and the crimes. The pace is smooth and well timed, keeping the reader interested in the happenings. The storylines are well thought out and meld together seamlessly.

The characters are likable, especially the two lil' ole ladies and their office manager (reminded me of some of Evanovich's Plum series characters). The sweetness and grit of the ladies mesh well with the street smart young woman they hire to help them modernize and understand the streets. This crew is smart and there's a lot of humor with them and in them.

The crimes are well done as are the law enforcement, but the old ladies dominate the story. Don't expect a simplistic cozy, this is a substantial read complete with intrigue, emotions and humor. I contacted the author to review her book and received this book through Booksprout. 4*

[S Mille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was hard for me to judge as it felt like two different books, sort of stitched together. One was a cozy - two retired 'grandma' types with the street wise side kick are starting off a new career as PI - and the other was a gritty police procedural - bodies, autopsies, cops getting shot and nearly killed, serial killers chasing and debating on how to hide their victims. It was odd.

I picked this up in part because it sounded like a cute cozy and because of the reference to Oakland Cemetery but I'm not sure I would have if I'd known it's hybrid nature. I found myself reading the cozy parts in detail then almost skipping over the procedural pieces.

I'd rate the cozy pieces a 5, but given that I'm not that fond of police procedurals, I'd rate it a 2 for an average of 3.5, rounding up to 4.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.com and voluntarily chose to review.

[Carol Keen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara and Iris are older, which made them fun. They are in their 60-70's but want to help people. After all, life is still more than just knitting and gardening.. So these two open a PI service. Happily they have solid assistant who can navigate technology that is frustrating for them. Somehow they know this other detective, Pitts. So he's a help, and I gather he might have been in a prior book. That said, this book stands along easily,

Iris and Clara take up the murder case of a deceased 19 year old, Jasmine. With this, we have a big mystery, an intriguing case, and a fast reading story. It's a good balance of in depth and yet easy enough to read quickly, with witt and humor. The ending was good, and I hope to read more of this author's books.

My digital copy came from Net Galley. This review is mine, left of my own volition and contains my option of this book.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: When two senior ladies start their own PI business, nobody pays attention to two elderly women- which gives them a big advantage on stake-outs. They are not to be dismissed easily as a veteran homocide detective learns after a failed assassination attempt and he is on medical leave.. But for their unlikely alliance, a serial murderer would walk free.
This book has the “goods”- believable characters about whom the reader can care, lots of twists and turns, a gripping story, lots of suspense and action and a final twist I did not see coming until the characters did.
I am not sure where this will go in the future, but I can say I will be willing to take the trip with them.
Five purrs and two paws up.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific characters! Suspenseful plot! Lots of laughs! What an awesome read!
The publisher's blurb is somewhat informative but doesn't warn the reader about the meaningful yet parallel investigation by law enforcement which is also fraught with some awful deeds and is interconnected in several ways.
The sleuths themselves are a riot! (My perspective is that of a widowed and retired RN with some experience working alongside law enforcement.)
Don't miss this!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Raven South Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!

[David Snape · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Atlanta homicide murder is on the case, with a body being dumped at the Oakland Cemetery. Detective Pitts leading the investigation that takes a huge turn. However, with the help of old-timers Clara and Iris with a younger assistant Quita, they help solve this mysterious serial killer. I do love the fact that Clara and Iris are retired but have some good whit and humour towards them as well. Maybe help from some golden oldies does work in the polices favour after all. Not a bad read at all.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder Among The Tombstones by Kim Carter is a wonderful story to read. This story is abut murder and it will keep you on the edge of you seat waiting to see who did the murder. I thought I knew who did and when i got to the end I was wron, I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about murder.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her sister has been found murdered in a graveyard and there are very little clues so the police put it on the back burner. So she hires PI to help her but when another body is round in the same way it looks like a serial.killer is out there. Will they find out who is doing it before more bodies appear? See what will happen

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ilene G> · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery.

This combines police procedural, private detectives and cozy mystery elements. Clara and Is Isis are old ladies who are bored and become private detectives. They are good characters. Pitts is also a good character. I felt it ended quickly. There were no red herrings or a variety of suspects. I like how the police were working on more than one case at the same time. That is true in real life.