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Maine Clambake Mystery #4.5
Nogged Off
‘Twas the week before Christmas, and Julia Snowden’s escape from New York has just hit a snag. Fresh off accidentally poisoning half her colleagues with her “Killer Eggnog,” Julia’s would-be subletter, Imogen Geinkes, is now jobless and homeless—leading Julia to invite the young woman home for the holidays in Maine. But when they unload the rental truck in Busman’s Harbor, they find something that wasn’t on anyone’s packing list: the body of Imogen’s former boyfriend.
Suddenly, the wordplay in Imogen’s name—“I’m a jinx”—isn’t so adorable. But for all the calamities that follow in Imogen’s wake, Julia’s certain she’s no killer. As Julia digs into the case, the appearance of the ex’s brother—his identical twin—doubles the confusion. Has Imogene been double-crossed by an evil twin? Was the eggnog “accident” no accident at all? If Julia doesn’t unwrap the murderer’s true identity soon, one of the twelve days of Christmas could be her last . . .
Previously published in the collection Egg Nog Murder.
Suddenly, the wordplay in Imogen’s name—“I’m a jinx”—isn’t so adorable. But for all the calamities that follow in Imogen’s wake, Julia’s certain she’s no killer. As Julia digs into the case, the appearance of the ex’s brother—his identical twin—doubles the confusion. Has Imogene been double-crossed by an evil twin? Was the eggnog “accident” no accident at all? If Julia doesn’t unwrap the murderer’s true identity soon, one of the twelve days of Christmas could be her last . . .
Previously published in the collection Egg Nog Murder.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2016
225 people are currently reading
1241 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ross
39 books1,143 followersBarbara Ross is the author of twelve Maine Clambake Mystery novellas and six novellas. Her books have been nominated for multiple Agatha Awards for Best Contemporary Novel and have won the Maine Literary Award for Crime Fiction. Barbara and her husband live in Portland, Maine. Readers can visit her website at Maine Clambake Mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
May 23, 2021
Nogged Off is an in-between novella released by Barbara Ross as part of a three-book collection with other authors around the Christmas holidays. I have read the first four books in the series and am compelled to read a series in order, so this was up next... I enjoy this cozy series because the setting is gorgeous, the writing is simple and clean, the characters are fun, and the mysteries are balanced well.
Julia is giving up her NYC apartment. Sub-tenant Imogen is taking over on New Year's, and since it's normally a busy time in Busman's Harbor, Maine (where Julia lives), she heads back to her former home shortly before Christmas to get some personal belongings and ensure the place is cleaned up when they turn it back to the landlord. The only problem, Imogen is a mess... she lost her job and boyfriend in the same week, and she won't go back to her parents in the south. Julia brings her back to Maine for the holidays, and the girl is a jinx! Soon enough, Imogen's boyfriend is found dead in the rental truck. Who killed him?
Is it a case of double identity? Twins with very different outlooks on life? A Christmas elf causing problems? It's unclear until the very end, and I thought I figured it out... but I was mostly wrong. Ross did a great job leading us down one path of trust, and I overlooked a few situations. It was fun to visit NY... I'm kinda like Julia in that I'm hoping to close up shop in NY and move to Maine ASAP. :) Until then, this series is a great go-to for when I want to dream of the future... minus the murder, although since I also write murder mysteries, it's just part of my life. LOL
I'm thrilled to stay on this path of reading a book in the series every few weeks so I'm caught up by the end of this year and ready for the newest installment. If you like small-town mysteries with a few side stories and a nosy amateur sleuth and disgruntled cop, it will be a good fit. Add in some great scenery with the coast of Maine, fishing, and the restaurant business, you've got a winning series.
Julia is giving up her NYC apartment. Sub-tenant Imogen is taking over on New Year's, and since it's normally a busy time in Busman's Harbor, Maine (where Julia lives), she heads back to her former home shortly before Christmas to get some personal belongings and ensure the place is cleaned up when they turn it back to the landlord. The only problem, Imogen is a mess... she lost her job and boyfriend in the same week, and she won't go back to her parents in the south. Julia brings her back to Maine for the holidays, and the girl is a jinx! Soon enough, Imogen's boyfriend is found dead in the rental truck. Who killed him?
Is it a case of double identity? Twins with very different outlooks on life? A Christmas elf causing problems? It's unclear until the very end, and I thought I figured it out... but I was mostly wrong. Ross did a great job leading us down one path of trust, and I overlooked a few situations. It was fun to visit NY... I'm kinda like Julia in that I'm hoping to close up shop in NY and move to Maine ASAP. :) Until then, this series is a great go-to for when I want to dream of the future... minus the murder, although since I also write murder mysteries, it's just part of my life. LOL
I'm thrilled to stay on this path of reading a book in the series every few weeks so I'm caught up by the end of this year and ready for the newest installment. If you like small-town mysteries with a few side stories and a nosy amateur sleuth and disgruntled cop, it will be a good fit. Add in some great scenery with the coast of Maine, fishing, and the restaurant business, you've got a winning series.
October 24, 2019
A sparkling new Christmas novella set on Morrow Island in Busman’s Harbor, Maine.
Julia Snowden and her family are preparing for Christmas at the farm. Julia makes a quick trip to New York to move her belongings back home. Acquaintance, Imogen Geinkes invites herself to the family gathering and trouble follows her like a magnet.
This is an entertaining short story that displays home, hearth, and family amidst a strange murder scene that Author Barbara Ross neatly wraps up in a clever ending.
I reviewed a digital arc that I won in a Goodreads Giveaway from Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
Julia Snowden and her family are preparing for Christmas at the farm. Julia makes a quick trip to New York to move her belongings back home. Acquaintance, Imogen Geinkes invites herself to the family gathering and trouble follows her like a magnet.
This is an entertaining short story that displays home, hearth, and family amidst a strange murder scene that Author Barbara Ross neatly wraps up in a clever ending.
I reviewed a digital arc that I won in a Goodreads Giveaway from Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
November 5, 2019
Nogged off by Barbara Ross is a part of the A Maine Clambake Mystery series. If you read Eggnog Murder which came out a year ago (three novellas in one book), then you have already enjoyed Nogged Off. Julia Snowden goes to clear out her Tribeca apartment and ends up taking Imogen Geinkes home to her mother’s house for the holidays. Murder and confusion soon ensues. I enjoyed reading Nogged Off. It is well-written and proceeds at a steady pace. Julia, Chris, Gus, Julia’s mother are all included in the story. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. I thought the whodunit was clever with a surprising twist. In addition, there are some mysterious happenings at the Snowden house. They are beginning to wonder if the house is haunted. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout Nogged Off. Nogged Off is an entertaining novella with a curious mystery, Christmas traditions, good food, family, friends, humor and a little mayhem.
November 3, 2019
While short a very good book by Ms. Ross.
October 28, 2019
This story finds Julia Snowden taking a quick day trip to New York City to pack up the rest of her belongings so she can permanently move to Maine. When she arrives, she finds her sub-tenant to be upset about some setbacks in her personal life, and Julia winds up inviting Imogen home for Christmas. However, Julia’s Christmas gets more complicated when her moving truck is stolen after they arrive in Busman’s Harbor. What is going on?
I love this series, and I enjoyed getting to visit Julia at Christmas. I was able to get fully lost in this story right away since I already know the series characters and the setting. The plot was fun with some good twists before we reached the end. Barbara Ross includes some fun Christmas traditions that are unique to Maine without slowing down the story, and they give us that all important Christmas feeling. There are a couple of recipes at the end of the story, as always, to enjoy during the holiday season.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Eggnog Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas trip to Maine.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I love this series, and I enjoyed getting to visit Julia at Christmas. I was able to get fully lost in this story right away since I already know the series characters and the setting. The plot was fun with some good twists before we reached the end. Barbara Ross includes some fun Christmas traditions that are unique to Maine without slowing down the story, and they give us that all important Christmas feeling. There are a couple of recipes at the end of the story, as always, to enjoy during the holiday season.
NOTE: This story is a novella, roughly 100 pages, and was originally part of the novella collection Eggnog Murder. If you have that book, there is no need to buy this ebook. If you haven’t read the story, now is the time to sit back and enjoy this Christmas trip to Maine.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 14, 2019
Julia Snowden has committed to giving up her life in New York City and devote herself full-time to her family's clambake business in Busman's Harbor, Maine. She has been subletting her apartment in the city and now it is time to make that final trip to pick up her furniture and books, some of which were her late grandfather's. But when she arrives, her tenant Imogene has had a horrible string of bad luck. With no job, no boyfriend and no way to pay the rent, kind-hearted Julia invites Imogene back to Busman's Harbor for the holidays. But when their rental truck is stolen right after their arrival and a subsequent murder occurs, Julia wonders if Imogene joke about her being a jinx is really true.
This was a pleasant, relatively quick cozy mystery novella. I have read all of the full-length and one other novella in this series but somehow I missed this one, originally released in 2016 and scheduled for re-publication on November 1, 2019. While set in the Christmas season, it would be enjoyable at any time of year. I enjoy this series because Julia, Chris, and her whole family are so hardworking and relatable characters for me--not people leading some kind of fantasy life.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for a copy of the book. My review is voluntary.
This was a pleasant, relatively quick cozy mystery novella. I have read all of the full-length and one other novella in this series but somehow I missed this one, originally released in 2016 and scheduled for re-publication on November 1, 2019. While set in the Christmas season, it would be enjoyable at any time of year. I enjoy this series because Julia, Chris, and her whole family are so hardworking and relatable characters for me--not people leading some kind of fantasy life.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for a copy of the book. My review is voluntary.
October 29, 2019
Fun and fast read in a fab series features Julia Snowden returning to NYC to close up her old apartment as she has decided to stay in Maine to help run her family's clambake business and an off-season restaurant. Somehow what should have been an easy in and out became complicated with her sub-tenant suffering a bad breakup and job loss which necessitates her having to move all the contents to Maine....including her sub-tenant. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2019
Barbara Ross just gets better and better. But that’s not always a *good* thing for me, because it means I can’t put the book down!!
It’s my habit to read a bit before I go to sleep each night, maybe 10 minutes, maybe 20... but with this book that was going to 30, 40, wait what it’s midnight already?!
It’s Christmas time and Julia’s decided she will be staying permanently in Maine rather than returning to New York City. She therefore needs to drive down one last time, to load her furniture and beloved books & artwork into a van, thoroughly clean her rented apartment, and close up.
Problem: the girl to whom she sublet her place, Imogen, has just lost her job and her boyfriend and is an emotional wreck. She asks Julia if she can come to Maine with her, for what Imogen seems to imagine will be a dream Christmas.
Julia reluctantly agrees, and thus begins a bit of a Noel nightmare: a mysterious stalker, Santa nearly drowning, theft, family dramas, and a murder.
To say more would give too much away, but it’s a delightful page-turner!
It’s my habit to read a bit before I go to sleep each night, maybe 10 minutes, maybe 20... but with this book that was going to 30, 40, wait what it’s midnight already?!
It’s Christmas time and Julia’s decided she will be staying permanently in Maine rather than returning to New York City. She therefore needs to drive down one last time, to load her furniture and beloved books & artwork into a van, thoroughly clean her rented apartment, and close up.
Problem: the girl to whom she sublet her place, Imogen, has just lost her job and her boyfriend and is an emotional wreck. She asks Julia if she can come to Maine with her, for what Imogen seems to imagine will be a dream Christmas.
Julia reluctantly agrees, and thus begins a bit of a Noel nightmare: a mysterious stalker, Santa nearly drowning, theft, family dramas, and a murder.
To say more would give too much away, but it’s a delightful page-turner!
November 10, 2019
It's Christmas on Morrow Island and Julia has time to return to NYC to pack up the rest of her belongings and make her move back home permanent. When she gets to New York she finds a distraught Imogen, who was subletting her apartment, now unemployed and homeless. Well, one thing leads to another and Imogen returns to Morrow Island with Julia. Too bad something travels with them - the very dead body of Imogen's ex boyfriend. Or is it his identical twin? Either way one looks at it, he's dead and a killer has to be caught. This wasn't part of their Christmas plans but, given the way Julia attracts homicides, it's nothing new.
This is a novella, #4.5 and was previously included in The Egg Nog Murder collection. For the next full length mystery in the Maine Clambake series, #8, Sealed Off comes out 12/31/2019. (recipes included)
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a novella, #4.5 and was previously included in The Egg Nog Murder collection. For the next full length mystery in the Maine Clambake series, #8, Sealed Off comes out 12/31/2019. (recipes included)
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 25, 2019
Nogged Inn by Barbara Ross is the 4.5 book in the Maine Clambake Mystery series, and I loved it. Julia Snowden makes a quick trip to New York, to get the remaining items in her apartment, since her lease is up. Imogene, her subletter, ends up coming home with her for Christmas. Wow what a wild story! This series just seems to get better and better with each new book. Nogged Inn is a quick, exciting, and fun mystery, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I strongly recommended this book for all cozy mystery lovers like me.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
June 22, 2023
I am not generally a fan of short stories or these half-step books, but sometimes they contain backstory bits that are relevant to the full-length novels in the series, so I read them anyhow.
This is one of my favorite cozy series, although I’m current with the full-length books, so some of the circumstances in this story were old news. I like the characters, and the idea of celebrating Christmas in Maine with the Snowdens. It was fun to read about their family traditions, and not at all surprising that they extended an invitation to a couple of characters who had nowhere else to go.
It took a while to get to the murder in the story, and when we did, there didn’t appear to be many serious suspects to consider. One character felt off to me, though, and I wasn’t surprised to learn that this was indeed the killer. The motive made me angry, but it made sense.
Now I’m back to waiting for the next book in the series to be released. probably sometime in 2024, and I can’t wait to read it.
This is one of my favorite cozy series, although I’m current with the full-length books, so some of the circumstances in this story were old news. I like the characters, and the idea of celebrating Christmas in Maine with the Snowdens. It was fun to read about their family traditions, and not at all surprising that they extended an invitation to a couple of characters who had nowhere else to go.
It took a while to get to the murder in the story, and when we did, there didn’t appear to be many serious suspects to consider. One character felt off to me, though, and I wasn’t surprised to learn that this was indeed the killer. The motive made me angry, but it made sense.
Now I’m back to waiting for the next book in the series to be released. probably sometime in 2024, and I can’t wait to read it.
February 4, 2022
This was a typical cozy mystery-- cute setting, fun family of characters. Since it was a novella, and featured characters from New York, there was less of the cozy goodness, and things wrapped up pretty quickly. It did make me want to go back and check out the other books in the series.
I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.
November 9, 2019
While Busman, Maine is busy preparing
for the Christmas holiday, Julia Snowden
of the Snowden Family Clambake Company
is returning to New York to collect her belongings.
She has been subletting her apartment so this
will be her final trip to New York.
When she arrives, she discovers the person,
Imogen, who is subletting the apartment a
hysterical mess.
Seems the eggnog Imogen made for the
Christmas party sent everyone who drank it to
the hospital.
Imogen is jobless, her boyfriend left her plus
she has nowhere to go as she can’t afford the
apartment. Julia offers to take Imogen to
Busman, Maine to stay with Mrs. Snowden.
But trouble seems to follow Imogen.......
The moving truck with all Julia’s belonging from
New York gets stolen out of Julia’s Mothers
driveway. At the parade of boats when Santa
arrives....Imogen manages to knock Santa into
the water. At the decorated tree competition...
Imogen manages to knock over all the trees. Then
Imogen’s ex-boyfriend ends up murdered inside
the stolen truck.
But when the boyfriend shows up alive or is it
his identical twin brother.....What is happening?
Who is trying to fool whom? Was the office party
eggnog problem caused on purpose? How is the
Russian mob involved in all this?
Join the feisty Julia as she protects her family
and friends from the sinister evil lurking around
the preparations for Christmas. Will she be able
to figure out the puzzle confronting her?
The secondary characters are well written,
colorful, quirky and make the story interesting.
The plot moves at a fast pace with plenty of
twists and turns to keep the reader glued to the
book. It is an original and unusual story that
will make the reader feel they are right there in
Busman with the characters.
There is a stop at the famous L.L. Beans plus
mouthwatering recipes at the end of the book.
This is book # 4.5 in the Maine Clambake
Mysteries series. It can be read as a stand alone.
The author weaves the past and present together
effortlessly making the reader right at home on
this scenic Maine adventure.
Good read with suspense, mystery, romance
and humor.
I volunteered to read Nogged Off. Thanks to
NetGallery and the publisher, Kensington Books
for the opportunity.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.
for the Christmas holiday, Julia Snowden
of the Snowden Family Clambake Company
is returning to New York to collect her belongings.
She has been subletting her apartment so this
will be her final trip to New York.
When she arrives, she discovers the person,
Imogen, who is subletting the apartment a
hysterical mess.
Seems the eggnog Imogen made for the
Christmas party sent everyone who drank it to
the hospital.
Imogen is jobless, her boyfriend left her plus
she has nowhere to go as she can’t afford the
apartment. Julia offers to take Imogen to
Busman, Maine to stay with Mrs. Snowden.
But trouble seems to follow Imogen.......
The moving truck with all Julia’s belonging from
New York gets stolen out of Julia’s Mothers
driveway. At the parade of boats when Santa
arrives....Imogen manages to knock Santa into
the water. At the decorated tree competition...
Imogen manages to knock over all the trees. Then
Imogen’s ex-boyfriend ends up murdered inside
the stolen truck.
But when the boyfriend shows up alive or is it
his identical twin brother.....What is happening?
Who is trying to fool whom? Was the office party
eggnog problem caused on purpose? How is the
Russian mob involved in all this?
Join the feisty Julia as she protects her family
and friends from the sinister evil lurking around
the preparations for Christmas. Will she be able
to figure out the puzzle confronting her?
The secondary characters are well written,
colorful, quirky and make the story interesting.
The plot moves at a fast pace with plenty of
twists and turns to keep the reader glued to the
book. It is an original and unusual story that
will make the reader feel they are right there in
Busman with the characters.
There is a stop at the famous L.L. Beans plus
mouthwatering recipes at the end of the book.
This is book # 4.5 in the Maine Clambake
Mysteries series. It can be read as a stand alone.
The author weaves the past and present together
effortlessly making the reader right at home on
this scenic Maine adventure.
Good read with suspense, mystery, romance
and humor.
I volunteered to read Nogged Off. Thanks to
NetGallery and the publisher, Kensington Books
for the opportunity.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.
January 7, 2020
Nogged Off is a Christmas themed novella in the A Maine Clambake Mystery series. Julia Snowden has decided that it is time for her to go and collect her personal belongings from her New York City apartment now that she's relocated permanently back to her hometown of Busman's Harbor, Maine. Confident that the young woman that will be subletting her apartment, Imogen Mary Ann Geinkes, has a stable job and will take good care of the apartment, Julia's plan is to spend a quick afternoon gathering her things, taking them to the post office for shipping back to Maine and then hopping the train back home.
Unfortunately upon arrival to the apartment Julia discovers Imogen laying in the dark, crying. It seems as though the young woman accidentally poisoned her entire office staff with her tainted homemade eggnog. Unable to face her fellow workers again she's quit her job and now not only can she not afford the rent but is afraid to go back to her parents in Atlanta and admit her failure to make it alone in the city. Taking pity on the girl, Julia invites her back home to Maine for the holidays.
In their first day back in Maine, the UHaul truck filled with Julia's belongings is stolen from her mother's driveway, Imogen manages to wreak havoc at not one but two of the town's Christmas festivities and she really gets under the skin of Livvie, Julia's usually calm and laid back sister. Julia quickly begins to wonder if Imogen's name is actually an acronym for "I'm a Jinx".
A perfect read for an afternoon curled up under the blankets in front of the Christmas tree. A mystery involving identity theft and identical twins. Readers will delight at spending the holidays with Julia, her family and boyfriend Chris. This novella was originally included in the holiday compilation "Egg Nogged".
I received an advanced copy of Nogged Off from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
Unfortunately upon arrival to the apartment Julia discovers Imogen laying in the dark, crying. It seems as though the young woman accidentally poisoned her entire office staff with her tainted homemade eggnog. Unable to face her fellow workers again she's quit her job and now not only can she not afford the rent but is afraid to go back to her parents in Atlanta and admit her failure to make it alone in the city. Taking pity on the girl, Julia invites her back home to Maine for the holidays.
In their first day back in Maine, the UHaul truck filled with Julia's belongings is stolen from her mother's driveway, Imogen manages to wreak havoc at not one but two of the town's Christmas festivities and she really gets under the skin of Livvie, Julia's usually calm and laid back sister. Julia quickly begins to wonder if Imogen's name is actually an acronym for "I'm a Jinx".
A perfect read for an afternoon curled up under the blankets in front of the Christmas tree. A mystery involving identity theft and identical twins. Readers will delight at spending the holidays with Julia, her family and boyfriend Chris. This novella was originally included in the holiday compilation "Egg Nogged".
I received an advanced copy of Nogged Off from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
September 26, 2019
Christmas time’s a coming and Julia Snowden is heading to NYC to pack up the last of the personal items in her apartment before she gives it up. But when she arrives, the woman subletting her apartment has just quit her job and can’t take the lease over, so Julia gets a truck and packs up the apartment, and her submitter, and heads back to Maine for Christmas.
Something feels off to Julia when she spots a man sitting in a white car as she packs up, but thinks no more of it once she gets on the road. When she finally stops LL Bean for Imogen to get a coat, he sees the car again. It can’t be, can it? But she gets home and park the car, and Imogen, at her mother’s house and goes to her place to sleep. When she wakes up, the truck and all of her items are gone. Who stole it and all of her family heirlooms? Bah Humbug!
When the truck is found, with Imogen’s ex boyfriend in the back, the pieces just don’t fit together correctly for Julia and she suspects someone has been a bad boy and makes some wild accusations. Is she right and will the police prove it before Julia’s Mother pays the ultimate price?
This novella is the first I have read in this series and there are no gaping holes, so it is fine as a stand alone. Like the characters and am impressed with the reveals the author put together on this one. Well written and I look forward to reading more in this series.
Something feels off to Julia when she spots a man sitting in a white car as she packs up, but thinks no more of it once she gets on the road. When she finally stops LL Bean for Imogen to get a coat, he sees the car again. It can’t be, can it? But she gets home and park the car, and Imogen, at her mother’s house and goes to her place to sleep. When she wakes up, the truck and all of her items are gone. Who stole it and all of her family heirlooms? Bah Humbug!
When the truck is found, with Imogen’s ex boyfriend in the back, the pieces just don’t fit together correctly for Julia and she suspects someone has been a bad boy and makes some wild accusations. Is she right and will the police prove it before Julia’s Mother pays the ultimate price?
This novella is the first I have read in this series and there are no gaping holes, so it is fine as a stand alone. Like the characters and am impressed with the reveals the author put together on this one. Well written and I look forward to reading more in this series.
October 1, 2019
Nogged Off by Barbara Ross was originally published in Eggnog Murder. This well-plotted novella is a quick and easy read with great characters. The author provides enough character background that readers who are new to these series will not feel lost.
Julia Snowden and her boyfriend, Chris Durand, live in Busman’s Harbor, Maine. During the off-season, they operate their fine dining restaurant and bar. During the summer months, Julia helps with her family’s business, the Snowden Family Clambake. Julia travels to New York to pick up the last of her personal possessions and officially turn her apartment over to Imogen Geinkes, who was subleasing the unit and keeping Julia’s furniture. Julia finds Imogen in tears and learns that she quit her job after giving her co-workers food poisoning at a holiday party, can’t pay the rent, broke up with her boyfriend, and has nowhere to go. Julia rents a truck, hires two helpers, and quickly packs up everything and cleans the apartment so she’ll get her deposit back. Kindhearted Julia agrees to take her home to Busman’s Harbor, and Julia’s mother opens up her home to Imogen. The truck is stolen, and when it’s found, Imogen’s boyfriend’s body is found inside.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Julia Snowden and her boyfriend, Chris Durand, live in Busman’s Harbor, Maine. During the off-season, they operate their fine dining restaurant and bar. During the summer months, Julia helps with her family’s business, the Snowden Family Clambake. Julia travels to New York to pick up the last of her personal possessions and officially turn her apartment over to Imogen Geinkes, who was subleasing the unit and keeping Julia’s furniture. Julia finds Imogen in tears and learns that she quit her job after giving her co-workers food poisoning at a holiday party, can’t pay the rent, broke up with her boyfriend, and has nowhere to go. Julia rents a truck, hires two helpers, and quickly packs up everything and cleans the apartment so she’ll get her deposit back. Kindhearted Julia agrees to take her home to Busman’s Harbor, and Julia’s mother opens up her home to Imogen. The truck is stolen, and when it’s found, Imogen’s boyfriend’s body is found inside.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
March 27, 2020
An easy read that didn’t take me long to get through. It starts with Julia heading back to NYC to take care of her old apartment, but pretty soon her plans go awry when she finds out the girl she sublet it to has lost her job and her boyfriend at the same time. So she has to come up with a plan fast; and when Imogen invites herself home for Christmas, she goes along with it—Julia’s not one to leave a young woman out on the street in NYC even if it inconveniences her.
This one doesn’t have much clambake vibe simply because it’s midwinter and there is no clambake. That doesn’t diminish any of the great local flavor, and landmarks and businesses we know from the rest of the series are in full swing still despite the lack of summer tourism.
I think this one’s strength is in showing how Julia’s ties to her family and community continue to strengthen and how invested she is in her hometown.
Content: a few infrequent swears and a brief description of a murder victim
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
This one doesn’t have much clambake vibe simply because it’s midwinter and there is no clambake. That doesn’t diminish any of the great local flavor, and landmarks and businesses we know from the rest of the series are in full swing still despite the lack of summer tourism.
I think this one’s strength is in showing how Julia’s ties to her family and community continue to strengthen and how invested she is in her hometown.
Content: a few infrequent swears and a brief description of a murder victim
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
October 26, 2019
This was my first visit to Busman’s Harbor, Maine and I am hooked. I have already downloaded several books from the series to my Kindle. Fingers crossed the first one can be used during this most recent round of Book Bingo.
Nogged Off takes place the week before Christmas and starts when Julia goes to NYC to get the rest of her belongings from the apartment she has sublet to Imogen. From the minute Julia enters everything she thought was planned out goes to stink.
The ride is wild and the conclusion is anything but Christmassy.
If you have questioned entering the world of the Maine Clambake series or if this is your first time hearing of the series, Nogged Off is the perfect entry. Bonus: two cookie recipes included in the novella.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Nogged Off takes place the week before Christmas and starts when Julia goes to NYC to get the rest of her belongings from the apartment she has sublet to Imogen. From the minute Julia enters everything she thought was planned out goes to stink.
The ride is wild and the conclusion is anything but Christmassy.
If you have questioned entering the world of the Maine Clambake series or if this is your first time hearing of the series, Nogged Off is the perfect entry. Bonus: two cookie recipes included in the novella.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
September 21, 2019
Julia Snowden is in New York, ready to clear out her apartment, getting it ready for the new tenant.
When Julia arrives, she finds the girl who has been subletting her apartment in tears.
It seems she unknowingly made her coworkers sick at the office Christmas party, the eggs in the eggnog must have been bad.
Feeling bad for Imogen, Julia agrees to let her tag along to Maine, at least until she can convince her to go home to her parents.
It appears that Imogen is a jinx, bad luck follow her everywhere, and when weird things begin to happen, Julia wonders if Imogen is as innocent as she seems.
I was captivated by this story, and while I had some of it figured out, I didn't have it quite right.
I was shocked at the reveal and was glad that Julia was able to put all the pieces together and find the answers.
This is a perfect holiday cozy mystery.
When Julia arrives, she finds the girl who has been subletting her apartment in tears.
It seems she unknowingly made her coworkers sick at the office Christmas party, the eggs in the eggnog must have been bad.
Feeling bad for Imogen, Julia agrees to let her tag along to Maine, at least until she can convince her to go home to her parents.
It appears that Imogen is a jinx, bad luck follow her everywhere, and when weird things begin to happen, Julia wonders if Imogen is as innocent as she seems.
I was captivated by this story, and while I had some of it figured out, I didn't have it quite right.
I was shocked at the reveal and was glad that Julia was able to put all the pieces together and find the answers.
This is a perfect holiday cozy mystery.
September 28, 2019
This is a novella in the Maine Clambake mystery series. In this Christmas installment, Julia Snowden has gone to New York to clean out her apartment and finds the women she had sublett the apartment to in tears. Imogen is jobless as she accidentally poisoned her co-workers with her eggnog. Julia lets her tag along and head back to Maine with her. Julia begins to think there might be more going on when she is constantly seeing a white car perhaps following them back to Maine. When they arrive in Maine and the next day the truck is missing and then found with Imogen's ex-boyfriend dead in the truck the plot thickens. An identical twin adds to the mix and confusion. Great short story and can be read as a stand alone as I have not read all the books in the series yet. Looking forward to the next in this series.
February 12, 2020
A harbor town in Maine, a family clambake business and murder on the menu...a perfect read.
March 7, 2025
This was NOT my favorite Christmas novella. The plot was too unbelievable for me. Still, I always enjoy visiting with Julia Snowden and her family in Bar Harbor, Maine.
December 12, 2025
Cute Christmas cozy mystery.
December 11, 2023
A merry mini murder mystery set in Maine. 2.5 but calling it 3, extra half star for authenticity and highlighting the LL Bean flagship store that's open 24 hours.
October 13, 2019
Very readable, a quick read, basically a cozy mystery, though a little less cozy then some, I think because it was listed as a novella and had to finish quickly. This was my first introduction to the series, which has several books published before it, so perhaps the author didn't want to repeat too much of the Maine setting for established series readers. This is a Christmas setting, and so those looking for an Xmas themed setting should enjoy the parts of it that deal with Xmas customs in a small Maine coastal town. I would have liked more of that, and that might have sold me more on the series. This book left me curious as to more in the series, especially if in a longer novel they are better. The flaws in this one, to me, was the antagonist, villain (or villains) didn't seem very believable to me, and the main one was very annoying, so add unbelievable to very annoying and it exasperated me enough to stop reading a few times. Though I did finish this in one day. The other problem I had was a severe amount of telling and not showing at the end. It's true I don't see how the author could get around that, the way she set up the book, with most of the action, so to speak, happening before the book started, but it made for a lot of narration at the end. The protagonist didn't do much except be a catalyst for the events and complain a lot about the antagonist. So those two weaknesses were a bit severe, but it was a cute setting and a Christmas cozy to boot, and so it's hard not to have those compensate. Can I recommend this? Yes, because I think those that read cozies will devour this. There are two recipes in the back, one for Russian Teacakes (aka Mexican wedding cakes, snowballs or pecan shortbread balls) and the other for another nut cookie.
October 21, 2019
In this Christmas themed part of the Maine Clambake series, Julia Snowden is heading to NYC to pack up the last of the personal items in her apartment before she moves permanently to Maine. When she arrives, the woman who is subletting her apartment has just quit her job and can’t take the lease over. With no other options, Julia rents a moving truck and packs up the apartment. To her surprise, Imogen—the renter—heads to Maine with her.
While she’s packing the truck, Julia spots a man sitting in a white car who appears to be watching them, but thinks no more of it once she gets on the road. When she stops LL Bean for Imogen to get warm clothes for Maine, she sees the car again. But she gets home and parks the truck and Imogen, at her mother’s house and goes to her apartment to sleep. When she wakes up, the truck and all of her belongings are gone.
When the truck is found, Imogen’s ex boyfriend is in the back—dead.
This novella is the first I have read in this series, but it is fine as a stand alone. The author gives you enough information so you’re not lost with what’s going on.
What I liked: the characters and especially, the local flavor. The “Gentleman’s Night” of shopping before Christmas. The pajama breakfast (and shopping). I can just see that happening in a small town. I like the twist at the end (not giving away any spoilers).
What I didn’t like: Honestly? It was too short! LOL. I enjoyed the story and wished it was longer.
Recommendation: If you’re reading this series, this is a must. If you haven’t, it’s a cute way to get introduced to the characters. I will be picking up more by this author in this series.
Thanks to Kensington Press and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While she’s packing the truck, Julia spots a man sitting in a white car who appears to be watching them, but thinks no more of it once she gets on the road. When she stops LL Bean for Imogen to get warm clothes for Maine, she sees the car again. But she gets home and parks the truck and Imogen, at her mother’s house and goes to her apartment to sleep. When she wakes up, the truck and all of her belongings are gone.
When the truck is found, Imogen’s ex boyfriend is in the back—dead.
This novella is the first I have read in this series, but it is fine as a stand alone. The author gives you enough information so you’re not lost with what’s going on.
What I liked: the characters and especially, the local flavor. The “Gentleman’s Night” of shopping before Christmas. The pajama breakfast (and shopping). I can just see that happening in a small town. I like the twist at the end (not giving away any spoilers).
What I didn’t like: Honestly? It was too short! LOL. I enjoyed the story and wished it was longer.
Recommendation: If you’re reading this series, this is a must. If you haven’t, it’s a cute way to get introduced to the characters. I will be picking up more by this author in this series.
Thanks to Kensington Press and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2019
"Nogged Off" is the 4.5 instalment in the "Maine Clambake" Mystery series by Barbara Ross. This was previously published in the collection "Egg Nog Murder" a collection of novellas.
Twas the week before Christmas, and Julia Snowden’s escape from New York has just hit a snag. Fresh off accidentally poisoning half her colleagues with her “Killer Eggnog,” Julia’s would-be subletter, Imogen Geinkes, is now jobless and homeless—leading Julia to invite the young woman home for the holidays in Maine. But when they unload the rental truck in Busman’s Harbor, they find something that wasn’t on anyone’s packing list: the body of Imogen’s former boyfriend.
Suddenly, the wordplay in Imogen’s name—“I’m a jinx”—isn’t so adorable. But for all the calamities that follow in Imogen’s wake, Julia’s certain she’s no killer. As Julia digs into the case, the appearance of the ex’s brother—his identical twin—doubles the confusion. Has Imogene been double-crossed by an evil twin? Was the eggnog “accident” no accident at all? If Julia doesn’t unwrap the murderer’s true identity soon, one of the twelve days of Christmas could be her last . . .
I really enjoyed this story, and it has made me want to catch up on the series. I have several books in my TBR pile. The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed.
I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Twas the week before Christmas, and Julia Snowden’s escape from New York has just hit a snag. Fresh off accidentally poisoning half her colleagues with her “Killer Eggnog,” Julia’s would-be subletter, Imogen Geinkes, is now jobless and homeless—leading Julia to invite the young woman home for the holidays in Maine. But when they unload the rental truck in Busman’s Harbor, they find something that wasn’t on anyone’s packing list: the body of Imogen’s former boyfriend.
Suddenly, the wordplay in Imogen’s name—“I’m a jinx”—isn’t so adorable. But for all the calamities that follow in Imogen’s wake, Julia’s certain she’s no killer. As Julia digs into the case, the appearance of the ex’s brother—his identical twin—doubles the confusion. Has Imogene been double-crossed by an evil twin? Was the eggnog “accident” no accident at all? If Julia doesn’t unwrap the murderer’s true identity soon, one of the twelve days of Christmas could be her last . . .
I really enjoyed this story, and it has made me want to catch up on the series. I have several books in my TBR pile. The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed.
I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 30, 2019
This is the Fourth book in the popular "Main Clambake Mystery Series" by cozy author Barbara Ross. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.. Review cross posted across platforms . This is a Christmas theme book for the series and the perfect cozy read for the start of the holiday reading season.
I have read the entire series and enjoy it so much ! This is a charming endearing cozy series that I look forward to returning to with each new release. In this next in series Julie is in New York the week before Christmas and heading back to her family in Main after she packs her belongings. She finds the tenant of her apartment in a bad way after accidentally poisoning her co workers with her bad egg nog. Julie feels bad for the distraught girl and offers for her to come with her to Maine. Julie is returning to her families clam bake business in Bussman Harbor Maine for good having made the final decision to leave New York and stay in Maine. Unknown to Julie the girl is trouble and soon as they travel occurrences start to occur that make her suspect to Julie. She fears the girl may be taking advantage of her generosity and has alternative motives. Their rental truck is stolen and soon Julie starts to put together some disturbing facts.
I really loved this well crafted mystery. The ending was surprising to me to conclusion. I love the charcters and enjoy the coastal setting of Maine and a clambake business is fun to read about. I look forward to the next in series with Julie and her endearing family.
I have read the entire series and enjoy it so much ! This is a charming endearing cozy series that I look forward to returning to with each new release. In this next in series Julie is in New York the week before Christmas and heading back to her family in Main after she packs her belongings. She finds the tenant of her apartment in a bad way after accidentally poisoning her co workers with her bad egg nog. Julie feels bad for the distraught girl and offers for her to come with her to Maine. Julie is returning to her families clam bake business in Bussman Harbor Maine for good having made the final decision to leave New York and stay in Maine. Unknown to Julie the girl is trouble and soon as they travel occurrences start to occur that make her suspect to Julie. She fears the girl may be taking advantage of her generosity and has alternative motives. Their rental truck is stolen and soon Julie starts to put together some disturbing facts.
I really loved this well crafted mystery. The ending was surprising to me to conclusion. I love the charcters and enjoy the coastal setting of Maine and a clambake business is fun to read about. I look forward to the next in series with Julie and her endearing family.
November 21, 2019
Yes, I’ve started reading Christmas books. No, I haven’t started Christmas shopping.
I read a Halloween novella in the Maine Clambake Mystery series and enjoyed it, so I picked up this Christmas one. I do love seasonal reads. Nogged Off was fun and light and has a bit of a twist at the end.
Julia is trying to wrap everything up in New York, bringing all of her belongings back to Maine. The problem is that Imogene, who was going to take over the apartment, has just lost her job and broken up with her boyfriend. Julia takes pity on her and brings her to Maine for Christmas. And that’s when all the trouble starts. Imogene just attracts disaster. And then Imogene’s ex-boyfriend shows up, murdered in the back of the moving truck.
This is a novella, and the focus is mostly on Julia and Imogene. The mystery itself was good. We see the clues along with Julia and the cops are not bumbling, just caught against the constraints of getting things done over the holidays. Julia’s mom and sister are around too; everyone’s getting ready for Christmas. Part of the whodunnit was a bit surprising, although maybe I should have seen it coming.
This is a series I need to go back and start from the beginning. I enjoy spending time in Busman’s Harbor. I like that Julia may be a bit trusting, but doesn’t seem to do too many stupid things. I like her boyfriend Chris, who is supportive without being bossy.
I read a Halloween novella in the Maine Clambake Mystery series and enjoyed it, so I picked up this Christmas one. I do love seasonal reads. Nogged Off was fun and light and has a bit of a twist at the end.
Julia is trying to wrap everything up in New York, bringing all of her belongings back to Maine. The problem is that Imogene, who was going to take over the apartment, has just lost her job and broken up with her boyfriend. Julia takes pity on her and brings her to Maine for Christmas. And that’s when all the trouble starts. Imogene just attracts disaster. And then Imogene’s ex-boyfriend shows up, murdered in the back of the moving truck.
This is a novella, and the focus is mostly on Julia and Imogene. The mystery itself was good. We see the clues along with Julia and the cops are not bumbling, just caught against the constraints of getting things done over the holidays. Julia’s mom and sister are around too; everyone’s getting ready for Christmas. Part of the whodunnit was a bit surprising, although maybe I should have seen it coming.
This is a series I need to go back and start from the beginning. I enjoy spending time in Busman’s Harbor. I like that Julia may be a bit trusting, but doesn’t seem to do too many stupid things. I like her boyfriend Chris, who is supportive without being bossy.
December 3, 2019
4.25 Stars
This is the 4.5 book in the Maine Clambake Mystery series by Barbara Ross. This was previous published in a holiday anthology back in 2016 titled: Egg Nog Murder.
Julia had been living in New York and her subetter Imogen Geinkes has a few problems in her life. She lost both her job and her boyfriend in one fell swoop. For her Christmas is sucking the life out of her. Julia, being a good friend, invites her back to Maine to stay with her for awhile. Little does she know that Imogen’s name spells out “I’m A Jinx!” Once back home a lot of chaos ensues, and we begin to wonder if Imogene is just unlucky or doing this to get attention. Then the body of Imogene’s boyfriend shows up dead. Did I mention that his brother is his identical twin? To say something is fishy in Maine is an understatement.
I thought this was a well thought out and plotted mystery. I enjoyed watching Julia react to Imogene and wondered what was really going on behind it all. I had to clue and was gobsmacked when the real killer was revealed. Face slap! I did not see that one coming!
I am definitely going to make the Clambake mystery series a priority in 2020 since I have so many of the books in paperback on my shelves.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check out this one. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the 4.5 book in the Maine Clambake Mystery series by Barbara Ross. This was previous published in a holiday anthology back in 2016 titled: Egg Nog Murder.
Julia had been living in New York and her subetter Imogen Geinkes has a few problems in her life. She lost both her job and her boyfriend in one fell swoop. For her Christmas is sucking the life out of her. Julia, being a good friend, invites her back to Maine to stay with her for awhile. Little does she know that Imogen’s name spells out “I’m A Jinx!” Once back home a lot of chaos ensues, and we begin to wonder if Imogene is just unlucky or doing this to get attention. Then the body of Imogene’s boyfriend shows up dead. Did I mention that his brother is his identical twin? To say something is fishy in Maine is an understatement.
I thought this was a well thought out and plotted mystery. I enjoyed watching Julia react to Imogene and wondered what was really going on behind it all. I had to clue and was gobsmacked when the real killer was revealed. Face slap! I did not see that one coming!
I am definitely going to make the Clambake mystery series a priority in 2020 since I have so many of the books in paperback on my shelves.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check out this one. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
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