Title: Meet Clara & Iris: The Unstoppable Sleuths of the Cozy Mystery World
by Kim Carter
Introduction: There’s something irresistible about a great mystery—especially when it’s solved by two sharp-witted, fearless women in their seventies. Meet Clara Samples and Iris Hadley, the unlikely yet unstoppable private investigators at the heart of my Clara and Iris Mystery Series. Inspired by the enduring friendship between my mother and her best friend, these two sleuths are as hilarious as they are tenacious, proving that adventure—and crime-solving—has no age limit.
The Origin of Clara & Iris Clara and Iris were first introduced as side characters in my novel Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle. Clara, a nurse, stumbled upon a Ponzi scheme her boss was orchestrating, and before long, she pulled her best friend, Iris, into the chaos. Their involvement, much to the dismay of local law enforcement, was instrumental in cracking the case. But once they got a taste of investigative work, they couldn’t walk away. After Clara’s retirement, the duo launched Hadley and Samples, Private Investigations—and the rest is history.
A Friendship Like No Other Their dynamic is what makes them so fun to write. Clara is the level-headed planner, while Iris is a bit more unpredictable—sometimes with hilarious consequences. They may not be tech-savvy (Iris once struggled just to spell “Google”), but their old-school instincts, common sense, and unwavering determination make them formidable detectives. Thankfully, their street-smart office manager is always on hand to help bridge the generational gap.
A Series That Keeps Readers Hooked Due to the overwhelming response from readers, Clara and Iris were given their own dedicated book: Murder Among the Tombstones. This novel saw them tangled in a high-stakes case, with an eclectic supporting cast that included a fast-food dropout turned office assistant, a morgue attendant who took a liking to the duo, and a homicide detective who wished they’d just retire already. The chemistry between these characters brings humor and heart to every twist and turn.
More Than Your Typical Cozy Mystery While the Clara and Iris series has the warmth and humor of a cozy mystery, these ladies aren’t afraid to take risks. From being stalked by a ruthless mercenary to facing life-or-death hostage situations, their cases are anything but ordinary. Despite the dangers, their quick wit and undeniable charm keep readers laughing—even as they sit on the edge of their seats.
The Latest Case: The Root of All Evil In the third installment, The Root of All Evil, Clara and Iris take on a case unlike any other. Seven years ago, a crime shook Atlanta, and two men were convicted. But their sisters—one the sibling of a victim, the other the sister of an inmate—believe justice wasn’t truly served. When the detectives and DA refuse to reopen the case, these women turn to Clara and Iris to uncover the truth.
As the investigation unfolds, Clara goes undercover in out-of-state pawn shops, while Iris takes on the role of a waitress to gather intel. The deeper they dig, the murkier the case becomes. Were the right men convicted, or is the real killer still out there? One thing is certain—someone wants the past to stay buried. And if Clara and Iris aren’t careful, they might just be the next victims.
Join the Adventure! If you love mysteries packed with action, humor, and heart, A Clara and Iris Mystery series is for you. I’ve had an absolute blast writing these characters, and I hope you enjoy their wild ride just as much as I do.
Happy reading!
~ Kim Carter