NOGGED OFF by Barbara Ross was originally published in the cozy mystery anthology EGGNOG MURDER. I love mysteries with an interesting twist. This story is unlike any of the previous books in this series. Like many Golden Age mysteries, the focus of this book isn’t completely on the murder within it, but on the bizarre puzzles thrown into the path of the amateur sleuth. The reader is led on a series of twists and turns before finally reaching the same conclusion as the main character.

All Julia Snowden wants to do is pick up a few things from her NYC apartment and be on her way back home to Maine for Christmas. Unfortunately for Julia, nothing about this Christmas trip is simple. Her subletter, Imogen Geinkes, ingratiates herself into hitching a ride with Julia to Busman’s Harbor, Maine to bask in the hospitality of Julia’s family. The setup of this unwanted holiday guest is reminiscent of the classic film THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER – but with some murder and mayhem thrown in. Set mostly in the small town of Busman’s Harbor, Imogen brings chaos and craziness to the normally peaceful town. A mysterious stranger follows the two women into town and injects a somewhat sinister vibe. When twins are introduced, Julia and her family and friends are especially shook up and the mystery becomes even murkier than originally thought. I love the mix of holiday coziness and psychological suspense.

NOGGED OFF is a mix of holiday cheer, a harrowing investigation, and human drama. Because of Julia’s kindness to a virtual stranger, danger is brought to her family’s doorstep in a very real way. Julia’s family and friends are charming supporting characters and alleviate some of the tension in this story. I enjoyed the misdirection and intriguing clues in NOGGED OFF. I look forward to the next “Maine Clambake” mystery by Barbara Ross.