What do you think?
Rate this book
Claire's Candles #4
Rose Petal Revenge
All Claire’s best friend Damon wants for his birthday is to celebrate with his far-flung friends. At a convention for science-fiction fans. With cosplay. But when Damon’s once close-knit group of online friends splinters in the week before the event, threatening to ruin Damon's birthday and the plans he's been looking forward to for months, it's Captain Claire to the rescue – or it will be, just as soon as her mother puts the finishing touches on her costume.
Of course, what Claire doesn't know (aside from pretty much anything to do with sci-fi) is that amid the hubbub of meet-and-greets, merchandise, and video game tournaments, it's all fun and games . . . until someone gets stabbed.
Thrown headfirst into a murderous friend group filled with lies and deception, can Claire solve the case before the bodies pile up?
Of course, what Claire doesn't know (aside from pretty much anything to do with sci-fi) is that amid the hubbub of meet-and-greets, merchandise, and video game tournaments, it's all fun and games . . . until someone gets stabbed.
Thrown headfirst into a murderous friend group filled with lies and deception, can Claire solve the case before the bodies pile up?
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2020
527 people are currently reading
218 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
November 7, 2021
4.5 stars
September 16, 2024
3.5 stars
The main character, Claire Harris, owns a candle shop in a small English village. I was disappointed that there weren't more scenes in the candle shop. This book is the 4th in the series, but the only one I've read so maybe others do take place there. In this book, a sci-fi convention comes to town. It's not really Claire's thing, but she accompanies her friend Damon and ends up investigating a crime. It took me a while to get to know who all the main characters were, so again I think I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read others in the series. However, it was still a fun, light cozy mystery and I enjoyed the ending in terms of the case and for a potential love interest for Claire.
The main character, Claire Harris, owns a candle shop in a small English village. I was disappointed that there weren't more scenes in the candle shop. This book is the 4th in the series, but the only one I've read so maybe others do take place there. In this book, a sci-fi convention comes to town. It's not really Claire's thing, but she accompanies her friend Damon and ends up investigating a crime. It took me a while to get to know who all the main characters were, so again I think I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read others in the series. However, it was still a fun, light cozy mystery and I enjoyed the ending in terms of the case and for a potential love interest for Claire.
January 14, 2021
Keeps you up all night!
The books in this series are of the 'keeps you reading long past your bedtime' kind! This one is no exception.
It is filled with colourful and well developed characters and a good mysterie.
I love it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The books in this series are of the 'keeps you reading long past your bedtime' kind! This one is no exception.
It is filled with colourful and well developed characters and a good mysterie.
I love it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2020
Overall I liked this book. Claire's friend is at a game tournament when his friend is stabbed. As the story progresses we begin to find out more about this group of friends he has. I will admit they were a bit messed up. Although, the ending did surprise me. Luckily everything worked out and all is well for now.
October 14, 2022
I'm slowly but surely catching up with this series.
This is the fourth book in this series, but I would highly recommend that you read the other books first as it usually gives a bit of a spoiler for the previous book.
An old board game that has been sitting in Claire's attic since the eighties turns out to be a word-of-mouth hit in the sci-fi community, much to her nerdy best friend Damon's delight. He ropes into attending a sci-fi convention for his birthday, asking her to dress up as one of the characters from the board game, along with friends he met online who also love the game. It's not her cup of tea, but she still goes for her friend. The celebration quickly turns into a nightmare when one of Damon's friends, Taron, is found stabbed. Claire is thrust into Damon's fractured friend group and must find out who stabbed Taron before anyone else gets hurt.
The setting for this book was very original. I haven't seen many mysteries, unless they've been on TV, that have a sci-fi convention as a backdrop. I also loved the fact it was cleverly combined with the mystery.
Claire was her usual lovable self, using logic and determination to solve the case. It was nice to see that she's getting a bit of romance on the side of solving these mysteries too.
I enjoyed the fact that the whodunnit completely stumped me in this book, almost until the end!
This series really is a must if you love British cozy mysteries!
This is the fourth book in this series, but I would highly recommend that you read the other books first as it usually gives a bit of a spoiler for the previous book.
An old board game that has been sitting in Claire's attic since the eighties turns out to be a word-of-mouth hit in the sci-fi community, much to her nerdy best friend Damon's delight. He ropes into attending a sci-fi convention for his birthday, asking her to dress up as one of the characters from the board game, along with friends he met online who also love the game. It's not her cup of tea, but she still goes for her friend. The celebration quickly turns into a nightmare when one of Damon's friends, Taron, is found stabbed. Claire is thrust into Damon's fractured friend group and must find out who stabbed Taron before anyone else gets hurt.
The setting for this book was very original. I haven't seen many mysteries, unless they've been on TV, that have a sci-fi convention as a backdrop. I also loved the fact it was cleverly combined with the mystery.
Claire was her usual lovable self, using logic and determination to solve the case. It was nice to see that she's getting a bit of romance on the side of solving these mysteries too.
I enjoyed the fact that the whodunnit completely stumped me in this book, almost until the end!
This series really is a must if you love British cozy mysteries!
December 5, 2020
I enjoy this series and this newest book did not disappoint. What happens when a candle maker gets involved with a science fiction convention and cosplay? Nothing good is all I can say. The characters are really likable in this book and the storyline is well written with a twist that I did not see coming. I am hoping there are some happily ever afters in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2021
England - Summer
Candles and the candle shop are rarely in the book. The story focuses on a classic board game that has become an online game, a sci-fi convention, and a tournament for the afore mentioned game. There is murder and attempted murder too. As well as, romantic relationships gone wrong. I had figured out one of the crimes, but the other had me stumped. I like some of the ending, but a few things I had hoped would be different.
Candles and the candle shop are rarely in the book. The story focuses on a classic board game that has become an online game, a sci-fi convention, and a tournament for the afore mentioned game. There is murder and attempted murder too. As well as, romantic relationships gone wrong. I had figured out one of the crimes, but the other had me stumped. I like some of the ending, but a few things I had hoped would be different.
December 5, 2020
Cosplay and Candles
A sci-fi convention, costumes, attempted murder, actual murder, romantic and not-so romantic relationships coming and going, all wrapped in a satisfying cozy mystery.
A sci-fi convention, costumes, attempted murder, actual murder, romantic and not-so romantic relationships coming and going, all wrapped in a satisfying cozy mystery.
December 11, 2021
I love this series! This one is my favourite so far.
December 2, 2020
Normally I wouldn't be attracted to this type of series...I'm not a candle type girl. It must be Agatha Frost's writing because I cannot put this series down. It's getting better and better with each book.
December 3, 2020
She did it again
I really did not see it coming, more twists and turns to keep me spellbound. Looking forward to the new book in 2021.
I really did not see it coming, more twists and turns to keep me spellbound. Looking forward to the new book in 2021.
March 27, 2021
This is the fourth book in the series and it is my favourite.
Full stop-I could not put it down!
Claire is a protagonist that really captured my attention and her contemporary life was written realistically.
The premise of a sci-fi convention and cosplay was interesting and made for great characters in this cozy series.
The village and its inhabitants are engaging and I cannot wait to read more about them.
As always, Agatha Frost has delivered a top notch whodunit that kept me guessing until the very end.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
Full stop-I could not put it down!
Claire is a protagonist that really captured my attention and her contemporary life was written realistically.
The premise of a sci-fi convention and cosplay was interesting and made for great characters in this cozy series.
The village and its inhabitants are engaging and I cannot wait to read more about them.
As always, Agatha Frost has delivered a top notch whodunit that kept me guessing until the very end.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
December 9, 2020
Great series!
April 5, 2021
4.5 stars
This is the fourth book in the Claire’s Candles series by Agatha Frost.
In this book Damon asks his friends to come down and go to a sci-fi convention to play their favorite D&D-like game but it is now online. Claire finds an old boxed version of the game never opened which thrills Damon. Claire’s mom really gets into it making her a cosplay costume even though she complains the entire time. Then one of Damon’s friends ends up dead and they begin to wonder if he really knows his online friends as well as he thought he did.
This was an intricate plot that draws you into the action and make you want to know whodunit. It’s a hard one to figure out since the tale is wove so tightly. DI Ramsbottom is still his normal “I don’t have a clue” self in this one but others have begun to notice his ineptness. Claire is continually saving his butt time after time and by now he is just expecting her too which is not nice at all. Maybe he needs to go back to detecting school to learn how to do it.
The mystery here is good and the whole sci-fi convention concept is a great one. It really draws you into the action and makes you want to know what is going on. Loving this series so much. Wish there were more scenes in the candle shop where she is making her wares, though.
Overall it is one great read. Check it out.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
This is the fourth book in the Claire’s Candles series by Agatha Frost.
In this book Damon asks his friends to come down and go to a sci-fi convention to play their favorite D&D-like game but it is now online. Claire finds an old boxed version of the game never opened which thrills Damon. Claire’s mom really gets into it making her a cosplay costume even though she complains the entire time. Then one of Damon’s friends ends up dead and they begin to wonder if he really knows his online friends as well as he thought he did.
This was an intricate plot that draws you into the action and make you want to know whodunit. It’s a hard one to figure out since the tale is wove so tightly. DI Ramsbottom is still his normal “I don’t have a clue” self in this one but others have begun to notice his ineptness. Claire is continually saving his butt time after time and by now he is just expecting her too which is not nice at all. Maybe he needs to go back to detecting school to learn how to do it.
The mystery here is good and the whole sci-fi convention concept is a great one. It really draws you into the action and makes you want to know what is going on. Loving this series so much. Wish there were more scenes in the candle shop where she is making her wares, though.
Overall it is one great read. Check it out.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
May 14, 2023
Claire and Damon Burn Hot Together
Based on my title, you'll need to read this book to find out what I'm talking about with the two best mates.
One of Damon's friends is stabbed while he and all the rest of the gang are at a convention. The very man stabbed is someone Claire had kissed several years prior and it makes Ryan believe something is going on with Claire and him.
There's a moment between Ryan and Claire that is interrupted prematurely and Claire bolts before that moment finishes. Ryan turns around and she's gone! Maybe Claire read the situation wrong. Ryan didn't just look at Claire THAT way, did he?
Back to the stabbed guy... Claire is determined to ask the right people the right questions in order to get to the bottom of whodunnit, but before she can another incident occurs that and Claire even further into her amateur investigation.
And the best thing ever happens when Claire gives Damon the best gift he never even knew was possible. The gift will definitely change future books of this series and I'm excited to read all about it! In fact, I'm heading there right after this review. Next is "Fresh Linen Fraud: A cozy murder mystery packed with twists (Claire's Candles Cozy Mystery Book 5)". Talk about a long title!
Based on my title, you'll need to read this book to find out what I'm talking about with the two best mates.
One of Damon's friends is stabbed while he and all the rest of the gang are at a convention. The very man stabbed is someone Claire had kissed several years prior and it makes Ryan believe something is going on with Claire and him.
There's a moment between Ryan and Claire that is interrupted prematurely and Claire bolts before that moment finishes. Ryan turns around and she's gone! Maybe Claire read the situation wrong. Ryan didn't just look at Claire THAT way, did he?
Back to the stabbed guy... Claire is determined to ask the right people the right questions in order to get to the bottom of whodunnit, but before she can another incident occurs that and Claire even further into her amateur investigation.
And the best thing ever happens when Claire gives Damon the best gift he never even knew was possible. The gift will definitely change future books of this series and I'm excited to read all about it! In fact, I'm heading there right after this review. Next is "Fresh Linen Fraud: A cozy murder mystery packed with twists (Claire's Candles Cozy Mystery Book 5)". Talk about a long title!
May 27, 2024
In Rose Petal Revenge, we finally get to see the romance building between Claire and Ryan. This book also carries the theme of living your dream, as Claire settles into her candle shop.
The characters are so well-developed in this series. Claire and her retired detective father have such a great relationship. I’ve had plenty of laughs over Claire and her mom, Janet’s antics. Plus, Claire’s friends are all different and unique, making the story more exciting.
This mystery revolves around Claire and her friend, Damon, whose birthday wish was to celebrate at a science fiction convention.
Claire goes along to the convention. Things get dicey when one of Damon’s friends gets knifed. Now, Claire must solve the mystery before anyone else gets hurt.
I literally can’t wait to find out what happens next. On to the next book!!
The characters are so well-developed in this series. Claire and her retired detective father have such a great relationship. I’ve had plenty of laughs over Claire and her mom, Janet’s antics. Plus, Claire’s friends are all different and unique, making the story more exciting.
This mystery revolves around Claire and her friend, Damon, whose birthday wish was to celebrate at a science fiction convention.
Claire goes along to the convention. Things get dicey when one of Damon’s friends gets knifed. Now, Claire must solve the mystery before anyone else gets hurt.
I literally can’t wait to find out what happens next. On to the next book!!
February 27, 2021
Not enough roses
As I was reading Rose Petal Revenge I realized that the story had nothing to do with roses or petals or revenge. This book was dark in a way that was unexpected and uncharacteristic. It took me to a place I did not want to be. The setting of the candle shop was inconsequential rather than significant and the characters relationships with Claire and with each other seemed forced and unnatural. That led to a little confusion and difficulty keeping the characters straight and allowing the story to develop. I had high hopes for this series because it did not center around food, like so many of the other popular cozy series. Alas this story missed the target in my opinion. I look forward to the next one.
As I was reading Rose Petal Revenge I realized that the story had nothing to do with roses or petals or revenge. This book was dark in a way that was unexpected and uncharacteristic. It took me to a place I did not want to be. The setting of the candle shop was inconsequential rather than significant and the characters relationships with Claire and with each other seemed forced and unnatural. That led to a little confusion and difficulty keeping the characters straight and allowing the story to develop. I had high hopes for this series because it did not center around food, like so many of the other popular cozy series. Alas this story missed the target in my opinion. I look forward to the next one.
August 19, 2025
First let me say I honestly and truly am enjoying trying to get caught on this series and I thought the mystery was good. It was really nice that the mystery was set in the gaming world among Claire's friend Damon's gaming friends. I tried to follow the clues and guess the killer but I was off and I really didn't see the ending coming at all.
If there is one (maybe two) things about this series I struggle with is the fat shaming which is not excessive but it is there and how the police are portrayed as somewhat bumbling idiots who couldn't solve the simplest of crimes much less a murder.
Also I find it hard to believe that no one with the exception of Sally in Claire's group of friends has a car or driver's license!
If there is one (maybe two) things about this series I struggle with is the fat shaming which is not excessive but it is there and how the police are portrayed as somewhat bumbling idiots who couldn't solve the simplest of crimes much less a murder.
Also I find it hard to believe that no one with the exception of Sally in Claire's group of friends has a car or driver's license!
December 11, 2020
Damon is to Claire a long time friend and former coworker from the local factory
Claire left the factory to start her own candle-shop. Looking forward to spending time with Damon over his birthday weekend, they both end up disappointed when his online game playing friends end in a few bloody assaults
Did someone take an online game too far? Ir are there are hidden rivalries? How well does Damon really know any of his fellow players?
Luckily for Damon he has friends like Claire, Sally and their extended families.
Twisted and quite clever layering of plots and sub plots
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Claire left the factory to start her own candle-shop. Looking forward to spending time with Damon over his birthday weekend, they both end up disappointed when his online game playing friends end in a few bloody assaults
Did someone take an online game too far? Ir are there are hidden rivalries? How well does Damon really know any of his fellow players?
Luckily for Damon he has friends like Claire, Sally and their extended families.
Twisted and quite clever layering of plots and sub plots
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2021
Such a good cozy series!!
Agatha Frost is cozy mystery royalty. Rose Petal Revenge is book 4 in the Claire's Candles series, and it's up to snuff.
I love the cozy reads, but I've run across a few set in England that were... well... ick. But these are just SO good! The relationship between Claire and her dad is so affectionate, and how they both cope with mom/ wife Janet is worth a chuckle. The village setting is picturesque, and the characters that surround the family and round out village life are fleshed out nicely. The fact that she catches me with the plot twists is great- a predictable mystery is no mystery at all.
I highly recommend all Agatha Frost's series!
Agatha Frost is cozy mystery royalty. Rose Petal Revenge is book 4 in the Claire's Candles series, and it's up to snuff.
I love the cozy reads, but I've run across a few set in England that were... well... ick. But these are just SO good! The relationship between Claire and her dad is so affectionate, and how they both cope with mom/ wife Janet is worth a chuckle. The village setting is picturesque, and the characters that surround the family and round out village life are fleshed out nicely. The fact that she catches me with the plot twists is great- a predictable mystery is no mystery at all.
I highly recommend all Agatha Frost's series!
November 17, 2023
I really enjoyed reading Rose Petal Revenge the fourth book in Claire's Candles cozy mystery series. Claire's friend Damon is turning thirty-six and all he wants is to celebrate his birthday at a convention for science fiction fans. Unfortunately nothing seems to go right when the plans with his online game friends don't live up to his expectations. When Taron is stabbed in an alley, Claire needs to figure out which one of Damon's friends is responsible. There are lies and twists and turns that keep Detective Inspector Harry Ramsbottom in the dark leaving Claire to solve another case. Once again Agatha Frost has written a story with a mystery as well as updates in the lives of the main characters. This series is a lot of fun to read and I look forward to reading book five.
November 6, 2023
I think the issue I'm having with the first few in the series is the pacing. 50% of the time is on the mystery and the other 50% is on building the foundational characters (family, love interest, friends, townsfolk). Specifically, the cuts to the parts with Ryan in this one just seemed randomly placed in relation to the mystery - which I understand for the need for relationship building - but it made the ending of the mystery feel rushed and convenient.
I do like the town and characters and imagine I'll enjoy the next ones more since the main roles feel more established now.
I do like the town and characters and imagine I'll enjoy the next ones more since the main roles feel more established now.
November 26, 2020
In this latest addition to the cozy mystery series, Claire does her best to help solve the attempted murder of one of Damon's online gaming friends. She additionally moves inches closer to a more intimate relationship with her childhood best friend Ryan. Her closest girlfriend Sally also finally makes some major decisions about her tempestuous marriage. An excellent and enthralling story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2020
Rose Petal Revenge is the fourth book in the Claire's Candles Cozy Mystery series and is a fabulous addition to the series.
I am loving this series and this book was a lot of fun to read. Murder at a sci-fi convention can be very vexing, especially when there are so many suspects. This story has humour, murder, mystery, family, friendship, and a real whodunnit.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I am loving this series and this book was a lot of fun to read. Murder at a sci-fi convention can be very vexing, especially when there are so many suspects. This story has humour, murder, mystery, family, friendship, and a real whodunnit.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
May 21, 2021
Cute book
Ms. Frost writes stories that are enjoyable, her characters are people you wouldn't mind as neighbor's and the storyline keeps your interest. This time Claire has to solve the attempted murder of a friend of a friend but it takes on a more serious turn when murder is accomplished. Who, what and why takes Claire down the proverbial rabbit hole in solving the mystery. I highly recommend this series.
Ms. Frost writes stories that are enjoyable, her characters are people you wouldn't mind as neighbor's and the storyline keeps your interest. This time Claire has to solve the attempted murder of a friend of a friend but it takes on a more serious turn when murder is accomplished. Who, what and why takes Claire down the proverbial rabbit hole in solving the mystery. I highly recommend this series.
April 9, 2024
Very Strange and Very Nerdy
The first few chapters I thought I was going to have to quit this book because of the gaming nerds, but as I kept going it grew on me. At over 65 years of age I'm only into Wobbly Life, Piku-Niku, and a touch of Mind Craft with my 6-year-old grand daughter. Hehehe. The characters grew on me and their different psyches, each odd in their own way. Good murder mystery to the end.
The first few chapters I thought I was going to have to quit this book because of the gaming nerds, but as I kept going it grew on me. At over 65 years of age I'm only into Wobbly Life, Piku-Niku, and a touch of Mind Craft with my 6-year-old grand daughter. Hehehe. The characters grew on me and their different psyches, each odd in their own way. Good murder mystery to the end.
December 3, 2020
Love love loved this book
So great to witness the growing relationship between Claire and Ryan and to see that Damon has a happier future ahead working with Claire. The plot was intricate enough to keep you guessing about each character's involvement and the twist at the end was unexpected. Score another winner for AF!
So great to witness the growing relationship between Claire and Ryan and to see that Damon has a happier future ahead working with Claire. The plot was intricate enough to keep you guessing about each character's involvement and the twist at the end was unexpected. Score another winner for AF!
December 14, 2020
I love the chemistry between claire and ryan. The characters are very sweet. The twists and turns lead me on a wild goose chase. I could not figure out who the killer is. This was a very entertaining fast read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2020
A really good read
The characters in these books are really down to earth and fun. There's a convention on and Claire and her friend Damon dress up in costume to go. When they get there they meet other friend but things take a turn for the worst. Stabbing, murder, mayhem and a bit of romance. Can't wait to read the next book.
The characters in these books are really down to earth and fun. There's a convention on and Claire and her friend Damon dress up in costume to go. When they get there they meet other friend but things take a turn for the worst. Stabbing, murder, mayhem and a bit of romance. Can't wait to read the next book.
February 9, 2021
Rose Petal Revenge
I thoroughly enjoyed the series of books and am really looking forward to book 5. The books got better as I got to know the characters. Claire is lovely like her dad but although she loves her mam she has to bite her tongue at the never ending insults. Sally helps her just by being there. 😊
I thoroughly enjoyed the series of books and am really looking forward to book 5. The books got better as I got to know the characters. Claire is lovely like her dad but although she loves her mam she has to bite her tongue at the never ending insults. Sally helps her just by being there. 😊
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews