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Claire's Candles #3
Coconut Milk Casualty
With the renovations complete, candles poured, and shelves stocked, Claire Harris is ready to stand behind the counter of Claire’s Candles and take her place as Northash’s newest shopkeeper.
That is, until a menacing message spray-painted across the front of her candle shop on the evening before the grand opening douses the light of all her enthusiasm and hard work.
When spray paint escalates to murder, and all the evidence points to Claire’s Uncle Pat pulling strings from behind his prison walls, Claire and her family can no longer keep their heads in the sand. Their monster in the basement isn’t content to remain ignored, and the longer they go without facing it, the more strained all their relationships become.
And that’s before Claire discovers the connections between the old friendships, deep-rooted rivalries, and clandestine casinos that keep upping the ante and complicating the crime.
When all the cards are on the table, will Claire be the one with the winning hand?
That is, until a menacing message spray-painted across the front of her candle shop on the evening before the grand opening douses the light of all her enthusiasm and hard work.
When spray paint escalates to murder, and all the evidence points to Claire’s Uncle Pat pulling strings from behind his prison walls, Claire and her family can no longer keep their heads in the sand. Their monster in the basement isn’t content to remain ignored, and the longer they go without facing it, the more strained all their relationships become.
And that’s before Claire discovers the connections between the old friendships, deep-rooted rivalries, and clandestine casinos that keep upping the ante and complicating the crime.
When all the cards are on the table, will Claire be the one with the winning hand?
ebook
First published July 14, 2020
559 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Frost
75 books595 followersAGATHA FROST, an Amazon bestselling author, has written over thirty mystery novels. She lives in the North West English county of Lancashire with her two cuddly beagles and one cat.
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 21, 2021
4.5 stars
December 8, 2020
4.5 Stars
rounded up to 5 Stars.
Yea! "Claire's Candles" shop is finally opened. But this story wouldn't be a cozy mystery without some snags and with Claire's proclivity to sniff out trouble, as well as candle scents you know a good mystery will soon be afoot.
Yea! "Claire's Candles" shop is finally opened. But this story wouldn't be a cozy mystery without some snags and with Claire's proclivity to sniff out trouble, as well as candle scents you know a good mystery will soon be afoot.
September 16, 2022
(Rounded up from 4.5)
This is the third in the Claire's Candles series, while it can be read as a standalone I would highly recommend that you read the first book in the series Vanilla Bean Vengeance as some of the storyline carries over.
Claire has finally managed to open her candle shop (yay!) but things don't go as planned as before the opening her shop is vandalised. She goes to find the person she thinks is responsible, only to find him dead. Her nosy nature won't let it be, so she starts to look into it, regardless of the consequences.
I absolutely love this series, and Coconut Milk Casualty is a great addition to the series!
Claire is still her not perfect but likeable self who is so fun to read about. But I enjoyed the fact that we got to know Ryan, her old friend and crush, a bit better in this book.
I did figure out the who quite early on; I was hoping for some sort of last twist or something, but it was still fun to have been correct.
If you love a fast-paced yet light-hearted cozy mystery, then I'd highly recommend this book to you!
This is the third in the Claire's Candles series, while it can be read as a standalone I would highly recommend that you read the first book in the series Vanilla Bean Vengeance as some of the storyline carries over.
Claire has finally managed to open her candle shop (yay!) but things don't go as planned as before the opening her shop is vandalised. She goes to find the person she thinks is responsible, only to find him dead. Her nosy nature won't let it be, so she starts to look into it, regardless of the consequences.
I absolutely love this series, and Coconut Milk Casualty is a great addition to the series!
Claire is still her not perfect but likeable self who is so fun to read about. But I enjoyed the fact that we got to know Ryan, her old friend and crush, a bit better in this book.
I did figure out the who quite early on; I was hoping for some sort of last twist or something, but it was still fun to have been correct.
If you love a fast-paced yet light-hearted cozy mystery, then I'd highly recommend this book to you!
January 18, 2022
Summer
This was more enjoyable than the other book I read in this series. The story involves vandalism, murder, gambling, and knitting. I didn't like the way knitting was used, though. I did like some of the family drama. I wasn't sure how it would play out, but I was happy that it ended the way that it did. I didn't like the romance part of the story. At least it wasn't a big part of the story.
This was more enjoyable than the other book I read in this series. The story involves vandalism, murder, gambling, and knitting. I didn't like the way knitting was used, though. I did like some of the family drama. I wasn't sure how it would play out, but I was happy that it ended the way that it did. I didn't like the romance part of the story. At least it wasn't a big part of the story.
January 25, 2022
This was a good mystery. Claire's new shop is vandalized. Then a body is found. Of course she tries to figure out who is behind everything. Luckily in the end she solves it and all is well for now.
April 5, 2021
4.5 stars
This is the third book in the Claire’s Candles series by Agatha Frost. Every book of this series has a title which features that month’s top selling candle scent. This time it is the coconut milk candle.
I have to admit that when the word “Congratulations” got sprayed across the front of Claire’s new candle shop window, I thought it was her mother trying to go over the top with the well wishes. I mean, Janet is a woman who has a bit of controlling issues where it comes to her daughter.
Then Claire thinks she has found the culprit of the defacing of her business, she follows him only to find him dead shortly later. Claire and her friends Damon, Ryan and Sally help her along the way to uncover the culprit. I think this friendship assistance is what makes this book work so well.
I think it is the community aspect about this story that makes it so successful. I love following along with Claire’s life and seeing what is going on. I still can’t figure out why DI Ramsbottom is even in the constabulary. The guy seems to look to Claire for any clues to solve his case. I almost wish Claire’s dad Thomas would take back his position as the Detective Inspector and make everyone’s life a little easier. Love Claire’s quip about Ramsbottom “The only thing he can get to the bottom of is a bag of crisps.”
Some of the minor characters here grow as the story moves along and I love that. Ryan is coming into his own knowing that painting is a good thing to focus on to help him get over his wife leaving him. And Claire is realizing that she never stopped loving him after her school girl crush on him when she was a teen.
If you are from America, you might notice the odd slang used in Agatha Frost books, this is because both series are set in England and they use English slang which I find quite enchanting. Loving both of her popular series so much!
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
This is the third book in the Claire’s Candles series by Agatha Frost. Every book of this series has a title which features that month’s top selling candle scent. This time it is the coconut milk candle.
I have to admit that when the word “Congratulations” got sprayed across the front of Claire’s new candle shop window, I thought it was her mother trying to go over the top with the well wishes. I mean, Janet is a woman who has a bit of controlling issues where it comes to her daughter.
Then Claire thinks she has found the culprit of the defacing of her business, she follows him only to find him dead shortly later. Claire and her friends Damon, Ryan and Sally help her along the way to uncover the culprit. I think this friendship assistance is what makes this book work so well.
I think it is the community aspect about this story that makes it so successful. I love following along with Claire’s life and seeing what is going on. I still can’t figure out why DI Ramsbottom is even in the constabulary. The guy seems to look to Claire for any clues to solve his case. I almost wish Claire’s dad Thomas would take back his position as the Detective Inspector and make everyone’s life a little easier. Love Claire’s quip about Ramsbottom “The only thing he can get to the bottom of is a bag of crisps.”
Some of the minor characters here grow as the story moves along and I love that. Ryan is coming into his own knowing that painting is a good thing to focus on to help him get over his wife leaving him. And Claire is realizing that she never stopped loving him after her school girl crush on him when she was a teen.
If you are from America, you might notice the odd slang used in Agatha Frost books, this is because both series are set in England and they use English slang which I find quite enchanting. Loving both of her popular series so much!
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
January 8, 2021
Murderers are also people...
Warning: don't read this if you haven't read the first part in this series!
Not that you won't understand what's happening. But it is a lot more interesting if you know what happened before.
That having said, I dowloaded this book from Booksprout, without having read the first 2 books. But I got curious and decided to buy and read the first 2 books before this. And I'm so glad I did!
First of all, because they are all worth reading. And second, because a lot of the characters and events from those books come back to haunt the characters in this part.
That is the main reason of why I love this series! The characters and stories keep evolving. You get to know and love them better with each story!
I can't wait to read part 4!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Warning: don't read this if you haven't read the first part in this series!
Not that you won't understand what's happening. But it is a lot more interesting if you know what happened before.
That having said, I dowloaded this book from Booksprout, without having read the first 2 books. But I got curious and decided to buy and read the first 2 books before this. And I'm so glad I did!
First of all, because they are all worth reading. And second, because a lot of the characters and events from those books come back to haunt the characters in this part.
That is the main reason of why I love this series! The characters and stories keep evolving. You get to know and love them better with each story!
I can't wait to read part 4!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2020
I wasn't sure that I would like this series when it began, but now after three books I'm totally hooked. All of the main characters have rather complicated relationships with people in the village, as well as a fair amount of baggage. The mystery was interesting this time, but it's the people I care about more. I'm very curious to see where things go, and have already pre-ordered the next in the series.
December 30, 2020
Out of the three books in this series, this is my favorite so far. Although this book is written in british dialect I still found it easy to follow the story line. Claire has two murders to solve in this book.
May 27, 2024
The third book delves into the opening of the shop, Claire’s Candles. The shelves are stocked and Claire can’t wait to be Northash’s newest shopkeeper.
The evening before her grand opening, someone spray paints a nasty message on her door. Of course there is a murder, and this time the evidence points to her Uncle Pat, even though he’s behind bars. It’s time for Claire and her family to come to grips with the evil her uncle manufactured.
Old friendships and secrets emerge. Can Claire figure out this complicating crime before it’s too late?
These books could be standalone reads, but each novel reveals more of the family and the quaint British village of Northash. I kept wondering if Claire and Ryan ever become a couple… you’ll have to read to find out!
The evening before her grand opening, someone spray paints a nasty message on her door. Of course there is a murder, and this time the evidence points to her Uncle Pat, even though he’s behind bars. It’s time for Claire and her family to come to grips with the evil her uncle manufactured.
Old friendships and secrets emerge. Can Claire figure out this complicating crime before it’s too late?
These books could be standalone reads, but each novel reveals more of the family and the quaint British village of Northash. I kept wondering if Claire and Ryan ever become a couple… you’ll have to read to find out!
August 28, 2020
The opening of Claire's Candles has finally arrived. Nervous about her dream coming true, Claire is shocked to find that someone has left graffiti on her beautiful shopfront. The mystery of who vandalized her store is surpassed by the horror of seeing her Uncle Pat's flatmate hanging dead in his home. We follow Claire, Ryan, Sally as well as her family and other friends as they work to determine the murderer of not only one, but two members of the Northash community. A wonderful, engaging read!
August 31, 2020
Claire's Candles
I read the first book some time ago but I had no idea it was a series. Reading them in order does make more sense. If I hadn't read that first one, I wouldn't have had a clue what all the references were about. Now that I know better, I'll read the second one next,before I try the fourth. The murders are a bit unorthodox,but the stories are good so far. So we read on!
I read the first book some time ago but I had no idea it was a series. Reading them in order does make more sense. If I hadn't read that first one, I wouldn't have had a clue what all the references were about. Now that I know better, I'll read the second one next,before I try the fourth. The murders are a bit unorthodox,but the stories are good so far. So we read on!
September 4, 2020
Mixed Emotions and Murder
I enjoyed this Claire's Candles mystery as much as I enjoyed the previous ones. It was wonderful to be present for Claire's store opening and discovery of not one but two murders. I did realize the culprit before Claire did but only a moment before that and Claire was distracted by her family's stressors. I recommend this series as highly as Agatha Frost's Peridale series. Another great success.
I enjoyed this Claire's Candles mystery as much as I enjoyed the previous ones. It was wonderful to be present for Claire's store opening and discovery of not one but two murders. I did realize the culprit before Claire did but only a moment before that and Claire was distracted by her family's stressors. I recommend this series as highly as Agatha Frost's Peridale series. Another great success.
September 5, 2020
If I could, I would put a 3.5 stars note.
I like this author, and I am a fan of her Peridale serie, but as for now, I am still not convinced by this one.
The writing style is still enjoyable, but the story, in this one, was not believable. Maybe with another murderer, but not with this casting (I won't tell more not to spoil).
I will buy the next one though, as I am curious to see how the characters develop.
I like this author, and I am a fan of her Peridale serie, but as for now, I am still not convinced by this one.
The writing style is still enjoyable, but the story, in this one, was not believable. Maybe with another murderer, but not with this casting (I won't tell more not to spoil).
I will buy the next one though, as I am curious to see how the characters develop.
October 12, 2020
Another enjoyable entry in the Claire’s Candles continuum. Claire finally opens her shop but doesn’t move into the flat above, continuing to stay with Janet and Alan. This turns out to be convenient when Ryan and the kids need to move out of the B&B in a hurry. Claire also finds herself embroiled in another couple of murders and does her best to solve them. A fun read that has me eagerly anticipating the next in the series.
June 1, 2021
Easy reading
This third book in the series was filled with familiar characters whose stories were waiting to be told. Some what predictable but also addicting I could not help myself from turning pages to see what would happen next! I also enjoyed Agnes' side story, somehow I knew she was dangerous and spiteful. Loved the witty relationship between Claire and her mom. Keep up the good work I'm looking forward to Ryan and Claire's story.
This third book in the series was filled with familiar characters whose stories were waiting to be told. Some what predictable but also addicting I could not help myself from turning pages to see what would happen next! I also enjoyed Agnes' side story, somehow I knew she was dangerous and spiteful. Loved the witty relationship between Claire and her mom. Keep up the good work I'm looking forward to Ryan and Claire's story.
September 8, 2020
Another visit into Claire's life and loves
Number 3 in the series of Claire and where her love of candles takes her. Another great story and getting to more about Claire. Lots of twists and turns with a couple of murders thrown in for good measure. Highly recommend the Claire's candle books. Looking forward to number 4 in November.
Number 3 in the series of Claire and where her love of candles takes her. Another great story and getting to more about Claire. Lots of twists and turns with a couple of murders thrown in for good measure. Highly recommend the Claire's candle books. Looking forward to number 4 in November.
October 13, 2020
Love this series!
When I first discovered this series, it felt like Claire's mom was less than nice but 3 books in you've been able to round out the mothers character nicely. I am going to pre order the next book! I can count on 1 hand how many books in a series I pre-order! Keep up the great writing! The characters are great and full and I never know who does it til the end!
When I first discovered this series, it felt like Claire's mom was less than nice but 3 books in you've been able to round out the mothers character nicely. I am going to pre order the next book! I can count on 1 hand how many books in a series I pre-order! Keep up the great writing! The characters are great and full and I never know who does it til the end!
October 23, 2020
Cute story
As always Ms. Frost has written a interesting story that combines humor along with her murders. Claire and her friends are interesting characters that show the human side of every days lives caught in difficult situations such as solving murders that hit close to home. I very much enjoy this series and hope it has a long run.
As always Ms. Frost has written a interesting story that combines humor along with her murders. Claire and her friends are interesting characters that show the human side of every days lives caught in difficult situations such as solving murders that hit close to home. I very much enjoy this series and hope it has a long run.
April 7, 2021
Loved it!!!
Started reading g and couldn't put it down!!
Am really enjoying the suspense here.
I've read 3 of these and haven't figured the guilty party out yet!
So, I like that.
Clair is an amazing curious lady who can do anything!
This series is a great read!
Thank you so much status!!!
Love all your creations!!!
Started reading g and couldn't put it down!!
Am really enjoying the suspense here.
I've read 3 of these and haven't figured the guilty party out yet!
So, I like that.
Clair is an amazing curious lady who can do anything!
This series is a great read!
Thank you so much status!!!
Love all your creations!!!
September 23, 2023
Small town murder mystery
Claire is finally getting to open her shop after making it through so many issues. The graffiti in the front window has the family spooked. While Claire is chasing the wrong clues, her suspect winds up dead. Friends and family join to help her find out what is happening. Nicely put together.
Claire is finally getting to open her shop after making it through so many issues. The graffiti in the front window has the family spooked. While Claire is chasing the wrong clues, her suspect winds up dead. Friends and family join to help her find out what is happening. Nicely put together.
May 27, 2025
I can't say I enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed the previous book in the series. We see a lot of drama surrounding family dynamics in this book as the characters learn to deal and cope with past mistakes, tragedies, and secrets. The murder mystery seemed to take a back seat to all that drama and the who dunnit (and why) wasn't entirely believable.
August 30, 2020
A really lovely book
These books are wonderful, lovely cozy murder mysteries. Full of murder and mayhem that carries on through from book one. Set in a lovely little village where everyone knows each other. I can't wait to read the next book.
These books are wonderful, lovely cozy murder mysteries. Full of murder and mayhem that carries on through from book one. Set in a lovely little village where everyone knows each other. I can't wait to read the next book.
September 1, 2020
Heartwarming cozy
Claire becomes more confident as a shop owner, candle creator, and amateur detective. She also learns more about her feelings and grows as a person in this delightful third book in the series.
Claire becomes more confident as a shop owner, candle creator, and amateur detective. She also learns more about her feelings and grows as a person in this delightful third book in the series.
September 1, 2020
Claire
I have been waiting to read this book, and it did not disappoint!!! It was so good! I read it in one day. Cannot wait for the next one. Very good characters, plot, and a good read.
I have been waiting to read this book, and it did not disappoint!!! It was so good! I read it in one day. Cannot wait for the next one. Very good characters, plot, and a good read.
September 5, 2020
Two Cozy Mysteries by Agatha Frost that I just love. Claire's Candles and Peridale
Cafe are just lovely to read and enjoy. Look forward to the next book with great interception about both families and their town.. Keep writing.
Cafe are just lovely to read and enjoy. Look forward to the next book with great interception about both families and their town.. Keep writing.
September 10, 2020
New book came out.
The third book in this series is as good as the first two. Now another book will be out in November. She has another series that you can find on Amazon. Happy reading !!
The third book in this series is as good as the first two. Now another book will be out in November. She has another series that you can find on Amazon. Happy reading !!
September 21, 2020
Enjoying this series.
I found this story interesting. The characters in this series are growing on me and I like the way they are evolving. I wish I could smell the candles in Claire's shop!
I found this story interesting. The characters in this series are growing on me and I like the way they are evolving. I wish I could smell the candles in Claire's shop!
November 30, 2020
love all her books
I really like all of Agatha Frost’s books, especially the Peridale series - but as more books in the candle series come out, the more I like this one too - fun read
I really like all of Agatha Frost’s books, especially the Peridale series - but as more books in the candle series come out, the more I like this one too - fun read
February 1, 2021
Coconut milk casualty
No doubt about it I am hooked. I really tried not to start book three as so many just don’t live up to the previous book. The story line was good and I wasn’t even close to figuring out the end and I usually do.
No doubt about it I am hooked. I really tried not to start book three as so many just don’t live up to the previous book. The story line was good and I wasn’t even close to figuring out the end and I usually do.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews