Shortly after the publication of his first novel, The Roman Hat Mystery, fledgling author/sleuth Ellery Queen is invited to an elaborate house party that will last through the Twelve Days of Christmas.

In the days leading up to the man's birthday, a number of strange little gifts are left anonymously for him, as well as doodles and confusing, ominous notes with Christmas-themed verses.

This novel offers very little psychological realism, focusing instead on extremely unusual circumstances and bizarre clues that form an essentially abstract puzzle.

To quote some negative criticism of the novel: "Rhymed threats of murder, accompanied by symbolic objectives, bewilder the guests and annoy the reader.

The pervasive vulgarity renders the trick plot even less believable and justifies the contempt of those who dismiss all crime fiction as puerile.