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Without a Clue
Not yet published
Expected 17 Feb 26A laugh-out-loud rom-com wrapped in a whodunit, this high-seas adventure proves that sometimes the best love stories start with a little murder.
Penelope Mae Dupont has one keeping her cool. Which is essential when you're the personal assistant to renowned mystery author Hugh Griffin. But when Pip organizes a luxury book cruise featuring The Fabulous Seven--a glittering cast of seven bestselling authors known for both their brilliance and their drama--her trademark composure starts slipping. One boat. Seven egos. Hundreds of fans. What could possibly go wrong?
Well . . . murder, for starters.
On day two, Hugh is found dead--and the cruise security team proves to be utterly incompetent. Stranded in the middle of the Atlantic with no help in sight, Pip realizes if anyone's going to solve the case, it'll have to be her. And so, with her friend and ally Nash, the dreamy Western author who's just as rugged as the cowboys he writes about, she puts her amateur sleuthing skills to the test.
As Pip and Nash navigate an ocean of secrets, shocking twists, and one too many red herrings, she'll have to decide whether she's meant to stay behind the scenes--or finally step into the spotlight . . . and maybe, just maybe, find love along the way.
In the world of mystery and love, sometimes you have to risk going overboard to find the truth.
Penelope Mae Dupont has one keeping her cool. Which is essential when you're the personal assistant to renowned mystery author Hugh Griffin. But when Pip organizes a luxury book cruise featuring The Fabulous Seven--a glittering cast of seven bestselling authors known for both their brilliance and their drama--her trademark composure starts slipping. One boat. Seven egos. Hundreds of fans. What could possibly go wrong?
Well . . . murder, for starters.
On day two, Hugh is found dead--and the cruise security team proves to be utterly incompetent. Stranded in the middle of the Atlantic with no help in sight, Pip realizes if anyone's going to solve the case, it'll have to be her. And so, with her friend and ally Nash, the dreamy Western author who's just as rugged as the cowboys he writes about, she puts her amateur sleuthing skills to the test.
As Pip and Nash navigate an ocean of secrets, shocking twists, and one too many red herrings, she'll have to decide whether she's meant to stay behind the scenes--or finally step into the spotlight . . . and maybe, just maybe, find love along the way.
In the world of mystery and love, sometimes you have to risk going overboard to find the truth.
333 pages, ebook
Expected publication February 1, 2026
53 people are currently reading
10824 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Ferguson
15 books2,569 followersBestselling author Melissa Ferguson lives in Tennessee, where she enjoys chasing her children and writing romantic comedies full of humor and heart. Her favorite hobby is taking friends and acquaintances and turning them into characters in her books without their knowledge.
Connect with her (and prepare for the possibility of becoming her next character) at:
Instagram: @our_friendly_farmhouse
TikTok: @ourfriendlyfarmhouse
Website: https://melissaferguson.com/
Connect with her (and prepare for the possibility of becoming her next character) at:
Instagram: @our_friendly_farmhouse
TikTok: @ourfriendlyfarmhouse
Website: https://melissaferguson.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 365 reviews
November 2, 2025
This was actually more fun than I thought it would be. I really enjoyed it!!
I do love a romance and a mystery mixed together, it's the best combination. While it wasn't very mysterious, it most certainly was entertaining.
Pip is an assistant, working for Hugh and "The Magnificent Seven", a group of authors, all from different genres, all very successful, all helping each other. They were leading a convention for their readers on a cruise ship and everything was going well, until Hugh turned up dead on day two.. The ship security is doing a poor job investigating, so Pip decides to conduct her own investigation. Nash, one of the authors, is there to protect her and help, on every turn.. She's following every clue, everyone's a suspect and some feelings and secrets might be coming to light..
I loved Pip, she was freshly out of a toxic relationship and doubting herself, so seeing her slowly come into herself again was magnificent. She was determined and I loved seeing her grow more confident.
Nash was such a sweetheart, I adored him and he was so protective of Pip. I loved how close he stayed and that he saw the best of her, always..
I really loved them together, but I wish we saw more of their history, it felt like we were being dropped in the middle of the story instead at the beginning.. I wanted to see some of their moments prior to this, it would've added so much more depth to their story. They were very cute together though, we just needed more of them..
I loved the group, such a fascinating mix of people, they were so over-the-top and unique and I really enjoyed seeing the dynamic between them.
I absolutely loved the setting, I'd love a cruise, especially a bookish one.
The mystery, while very predictable, was incredibly fun and chaotic. It was obvious since the beginning what was happening, but I'll always love a mystery that brings me comfort just as much as I love the one that brings me anxiety. I had a great time following Pip's journey.
Some moments were so ridiculous, you couldn't help but laugh and that's a win as far as I'm concerned.
Also, I loved the ending, when it all came to light, it was so satisfying.
Despite it's flaws, I had the time of my life and that's what matters the most.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Thomas Nelson Fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
I do love a romance and a mystery mixed together, it's the best combination. While it wasn't very mysterious, it most certainly was entertaining.
Pip is an assistant, working for Hugh and "The Magnificent Seven", a group of authors, all from different genres, all very successful, all helping each other. They were leading a convention for their readers on a cruise ship and everything was going well, until Hugh turned up dead on day two.. The ship security is doing a poor job investigating, so Pip decides to conduct her own investigation. Nash, one of the authors, is there to protect her and help, on every turn.. She's following every clue, everyone's a suspect and some feelings and secrets might be coming to light..
I loved Pip, she was freshly out of a toxic relationship and doubting herself, so seeing her slowly come into herself again was magnificent. She was determined and I loved seeing her grow more confident.
Nash was such a sweetheart, I adored him and he was so protective of Pip. I loved how close he stayed and that he saw the best of her, always..
I really loved them together, but I wish we saw more of their history, it felt like we were being dropped in the middle of the story instead at the beginning.. I wanted to see some of their moments prior to this, it would've added so much more depth to their story. They were very cute together though, we just needed more of them..
I loved the group, such a fascinating mix of people, they were so over-the-top and unique and I really enjoyed seeing the dynamic between them.
I absolutely loved the setting, I'd love a cruise, especially a bookish one.
The mystery, while very predictable, was incredibly fun and chaotic. It was obvious since the beginning what was happening, but I'll always love a mystery that brings me comfort just as much as I love the one that brings me anxiety. I had a great time following Pip's journey.
Some moments were so ridiculous, you couldn't help but laugh and that's a win as far as I'm concerned.
Also, I loved the ending, when it all came to light, it was so satisfying.
Despite it's flaws, I had the time of my life and that's what matters the most.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Thomas Nelson Fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
November 24, 2025
▹TL;DR Review: Perfect for fans of Only Murders in the Building who also love a sweet romance. This book was fun, entertaining, and mostly light. I had a few minor grievances overall, but would recommend if you’re looking for something cozy and quick to read.
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★.75 out of 5
▹Format: 📱 eReader
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review will be completely my own. Without a Clue comes out February 17, 2026!
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: 27-year-old Penelope “Pip” Mae Dupont is the ultra-composed personal assistant to a famous mystery author, Hugh Griffin. She organizes a luxury book cruise featuring “The Magnificent Seven”—seven big-name authors spanning a variety of genres—but things go wildly wrong when Hugh is murdered on board. With no real help from security and a ship full of suspicious characters, Pip teams up with her friend Nash, a rugged cowboy author, to solve the crime. As secrets come to light, red herrings abound, and their investigation deepens, romance may just emerge in the unlikeliest of places.
– Location: A luxury cruise ship sailing from Miami to Barcelona
– POV: Single first-person (Pip’s POV)
– Spice: No-to-low spice (kissing only; briefly)
– Tropes: murder mystery/whodunit, cast of zany characters, found family, MC that recently went through a bad breakup, romantic comedy, forced proximity, friends to lovers
– Content warning: murder/homicide (not too descriptive), high-stress danger (but no violence)
– Representation: book lovers/authors, “friend” group that spans generations
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: Help! by The Beatles
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Cozy murder mysteries, like Only Murders in the Building, Murder Mystery, and Clue (the movie)
➼ Books where everyone seems to be hiding something
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven————✧———————Plot Driven
Fast Burn——————————✧—Slow Burn
Sweet—✧——————————Spicy
Light/Fluffy—————✧——————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
This was a fun read! It definitely had the vibes of a cozy murder mystery, but bonus for me, there was a romantic subplot that was delicious! I don’t know that I’ve read many cozy books like this before because I wasn’t sure I’d like them, but this felt like a gentle intro to the genre and I would be up for reading more like it.
What I loved:
• The feminine rage (albeit very subtle) that came off of Pip. I found her funny and cheeky (also I lowkey love the nickname Pip for a female. Everyone start calling me that for no reason other than I love it)
• The romance: NASH! The yearning was so sweet and innocent, but also very palpable. It was slow, subtle, and supported the main plotline beautifully
• The cast of characters. They were all very unique and epitomized each of the genre’s they were authors for
• The writing style. It was funny but knew when to be heartwarming. It felt like a quick read because the pacing was nice (it did have a few timeline issues that bothered me, but the pacing overall was good)
What didn’t work for me:
• This might be silly, but it took them NINE DAYS to sail on a luxury cruise ship from Miami to Barcelona… and I’m fairly certain that most transatlantic cruises take minimum 14 days. Which will be such a minor detail to most readers, but I am a traveler and noticed that. It would have been so easy to write that part more accurately considering the timeline in this story is a bit all over the place
• Ultimately, the resolution. I called the “twist” early on, but it wasn’t so solid in my mind that I was convinced it would be the outcome (which was nice and kept me on my toes), but if this happened to me IRL, I would walk away with so many PTSD issues. I won’t expand on that to save from spoiling anything
Would I Recommend?: Yes! This was a lot of fun. It wasn’t without some suspension of disbelief, but I think that’s forgivable in this genre.
——————————-
Pre-read thoughts: yay! I just got approved for this ARC! It looks like a fun time, so I’m pretty excited. Murder, mystery, romance…gasp!…a cowboy author?! All taking place on a luxury book cruise? Take my money.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review will be completely my own.
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★.75 out of 5
▹Format: 📱 eReader
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review will be completely my own. Without a Clue comes out February 17, 2026!
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: 27-year-old Penelope “Pip” Mae Dupont is the ultra-composed personal assistant to a famous mystery author, Hugh Griffin. She organizes a luxury book cruise featuring “The Magnificent Seven”—seven big-name authors spanning a variety of genres—but things go wildly wrong when Hugh is murdered on board. With no real help from security and a ship full of suspicious characters, Pip teams up with her friend Nash, a rugged cowboy author, to solve the crime. As secrets come to light, red herrings abound, and their investigation deepens, romance may just emerge in the unlikeliest of places.
– Location: A luxury cruise ship sailing from Miami to Barcelona
– POV: Single first-person (Pip’s POV)
– Spice: No-to-low spice (kissing only; briefly)
– Tropes: murder mystery/whodunit, cast of zany characters, found family, MC that recently went through a bad breakup, romantic comedy, forced proximity, friends to lovers
– Content warning: murder/homicide (not too descriptive), high-stress danger (but no violence)
– Representation: book lovers/authors, “friend” group that spans generations
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: Help! by The Beatles
╰┈➤ ❝Help! I need somebody; HELP! Not just anybody; help!❞
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Cozy murder mysteries, like Only Murders in the Building, Murder Mystery, and Clue (the movie)
➼ Books where everyone seems to be hiding something
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven————✧———————Plot Driven
Fast Burn——————————✧—Slow Burn
Sweet—✧——————————Spicy
Light/Fluffy—————✧——————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
This was a fun read! It definitely had the vibes of a cozy murder mystery, but bonus for me, there was a romantic subplot that was delicious! I don’t know that I’ve read many cozy books like this before because I wasn’t sure I’d like them, but this felt like a gentle intro to the genre and I would be up for reading more like it.
What I loved:
• The feminine rage (albeit very subtle) that came off of Pip. I found her funny and cheeky (also I lowkey love the nickname Pip for a female. Everyone start calling me that for no reason other than I love it)
• The romance: NASH! The yearning was so sweet and innocent, but also very palpable. It was slow, subtle, and supported the main plotline beautifully
• The cast of characters. They were all very unique and epitomized each of the genre’s they were authors for
• The writing style. It was funny but knew when to be heartwarming. It felt like a quick read because the pacing was nice (it did have a few timeline issues that bothered me, but the pacing overall was good)
What didn’t work for me:
• This might be silly, but it took them NINE DAYS to sail on a luxury cruise ship from Miami to Barcelona… and I’m fairly certain that most transatlantic cruises take minimum 14 days. Which will be such a minor detail to most readers, but I am a traveler and noticed that. It would have been so easy to write that part more accurately considering the timeline in this story is a bit all over the place
• Ultimately, the resolution. I called the “twist” early on, but it wasn’t so solid in my mind that I was convinced it would be the outcome (which was nice and kept me on my toes), but if this happened to me IRL, I would walk away with so many PTSD issues. I won’t expand on that to save from spoiling anything
Would I Recommend?: Yes! This was a lot of fun. It wasn’t without some suspension of disbelief, but I think that’s forgivable in this genre.
——————————-
Pre-read thoughts: yay! I just got approved for this ARC! It looks like a fun time, so I’m pretty excited. Murder, mystery, romance…gasp!…a cowboy author?! All taking place on a luxury book cruise? Take my money.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review will be completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Got the audiobook and from netgally.
It was a fun light murder mystery rom com and not spicy in the slightest. It took some time for me to get into the story but once I did I enjoyed it. The characters was silly at times but that was okay I liked the narration of the audiobook
It was a fun light murder mystery rom com and not spicy in the slightest. It took some time for me to get into the story but once I did I enjoyed it. The characters was silly at times but that was okay I liked the narration of the audiobook
December 30, 2025
This was a fun, cozy story, perfect for romance and mystery readers just looking to have a good time. After all, who doesn’t love a bit of sweet, lighthearted murder between old friends?
First of all, any book that kicks off with a woman doing something chaotic and slightly unhinged because a random man *had the audacity* too close to her is a book that has my attention. Especially when that chaos is immediately supported by her found family, a bunch of adorable weirdos. The majority of the characters in this story are members of “The Magnificent Seven,” a group of authors who have teamed up to support each other’s careers over the decades. They are the guests of honor on a cruise with fans, where they will host panels, interact, and just have a fun vacation with their readers. By the way - an INCREDIBLE idea. Do these exist? They should. Unfortunately, they barely set out to sea before one of the seven is murdered - mostly like by one of the others.
Each member of the Magnificent Seven writes a different genre, and they are all silly little caricatures of that genre. We never get particularly deep with any of the characters - which does make it a little difficult to actually care about the murder mystery or its outcome. Pip and Nash’s romance was similarly light, so while it was cute and fun to read, I definitely didn’t become emotionally invested. However, I didn’t get the impression that the book was really asking me to think too hard or take it too seriously. It’s intentionally lightweight and playful - the author clearly intended to give readers something breezy, sweet, and entertaining, and she succeeded. Also, even though you can see the ending coming from a mile away, I loved the way that everything worked out. It was heartwarming and left me with warm fuzzies. What more could you ask for?
Read this if you enjoy:
-Friends to lovers
-Cowboy cinnamon rolls
-Cozy mysteries
-Locked room/ closed circle
-Vacation romance
-Forced proximity (he has to sleep in her stateroom to protect her obviously)
-Found family
-Books about the book world
***Audiobook note: With so many unique and eccentric characters, my first thought was that it would have been so cool if they could have had a whole cast of narrators. However, it quickly became apparent that that was not necessary! The extremely talented narrator, Karissa Vacker, absolutely crushed it all on her own. She brought each character to life, giving them all their own unique way of speaking. I completely forgot that I was only listening to a single narrator. Very well done!
Thank you so much to Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to an advanced listening copy of Without a Clue in exchange for my honest review.
First of all, any book that kicks off with a woman doing something chaotic and slightly unhinged because a random man *had the audacity* too close to her is a book that has my attention. Especially when that chaos is immediately supported by her found family, a bunch of adorable weirdos. The majority of the characters in this story are members of “The Magnificent Seven,” a group of authors who have teamed up to support each other’s careers over the decades. They are the guests of honor on a cruise with fans, where they will host panels, interact, and just have a fun vacation with their readers. By the way - an INCREDIBLE idea. Do these exist? They should. Unfortunately, they barely set out to sea before one of the seven is murdered - mostly like by one of the others.
Each member of the Magnificent Seven writes a different genre, and they are all silly little caricatures of that genre. We never get particularly deep with any of the characters - which does make it a little difficult to actually care about the murder mystery or its outcome. Pip and Nash’s romance was similarly light, so while it was cute and fun to read, I definitely didn’t become emotionally invested. However, I didn’t get the impression that the book was really asking me to think too hard or take it too seriously. It’s intentionally lightweight and playful - the author clearly intended to give readers something breezy, sweet, and entertaining, and she succeeded. Also, even though you can see the ending coming from a mile away, I loved the way that everything worked out. It was heartwarming and left me with warm fuzzies. What more could you ask for?
Read this if you enjoy:
-Friends to lovers
-Cowboy cinnamon rolls
-Cozy mysteries
-Locked room/ closed circle
-Vacation romance
-Forced proximity (he has to sleep in her stateroom to protect her obviously)
-Found family
-Books about the book world
***Audiobook note: With so many unique and eccentric characters, my first thought was that it would have been so cool if they could have had a whole cast of narrators. However, it quickly became apparent that that was not necessary! The extremely talented narrator, Karissa Vacker, absolutely crushed it all on her own. She brought each character to life, giving them all their own unique way of speaking. I completely forgot that I was only listening to a single narrator. Very well done!
Thank you so much to Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to an advanced listening copy of Without a Clue in exchange for my honest review.
December 23, 2025
4.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had such a good time with this book, it's unbelievable. Cozy rom-com murder mystery novel set on a book cruise with good writing AND characters? I'm sat. These characters grew on me incredibly fast. Especially Pip, the FMC.
Although we had quite the big cast of characters, you could easily distinguish which was which based on their personality. The humor was right up my alley and everything was a bit chaotic (in a fun way). The mystery aspect, well, the ending really took me by surprise because I don't know of any author that has done this kind of ending. At least from what I've read so far. I can't say much about it because it could easily give away spoilers, but what I can say is that I LOVED the ending. I actually teared up a little bit, not gonna lie. I was reading while walking to the tram and y'all I NEVER read while walking somewhere. That's a safety hazard. However I had to see this book through and it did not disappoint in the least.
The only issue that I had was that I wish it would've been at least 30 pages longer so we could see a better development on Pip and Nash's story. What I liked about them most was how genuine their relationship felt and how Pip was not afraid to say she had a crush on him before they got together. You know how, in a lot of books, the FMC will deny up and down that she does NOT like, under any circumstance, the MMC, even when it's clear as day that she does. Despite me liking their relationship a lot though, I feel like we could've had 2-3 more scenes with them, just to sprinkle in a bit more yearning.
As for Pip, she felt very realistic as a character overall and I loved being in her POV. She was really funny, in my opinion, in that awkward, sometimes self-deprecating way lmao (me too girl).
Nash was incredibly sweet, kind and supportive and I can actually see them being together in the long run. There are book couples out there that would NOT be together anymore, for sure. Not this one though. I love them, your honor.
Also, you could easily read this in any season. The cozy vibes make for a great read at any point in the year. You don't necessarily have to read it in the spring or summer.
Edit: It's been a couple days and I still can't stop thinking about this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had such a good time with this book, it's unbelievable. Cozy rom-com murder mystery novel set on a book cruise with good writing AND characters? I'm sat. These characters grew on me incredibly fast. Especially Pip, the FMC.
Although we had quite the big cast of characters, you could easily distinguish which was which based on their personality. The humor was right up my alley and everything was a bit chaotic (in a fun way). The mystery aspect, well, the ending really took me by surprise because I don't know of any author that has done this kind of ending. At least from what I've read so far. I can't say much about it because it could easily give away spoilers, but what I can say is that I LOVED the ending. I actually teared up a little bit, not gonna lie. I was reading while walking to the tram and y'all I NEVER read while walking somewhere. That's a safety hazard. However I had to see this book through and it did not disappoint in the least.
The only issue that I had was that I wish it would've been at least 30 pages longer so we could see a better development on Pip and Nash's story. What I liked about them most was how genuine their relationship felt and how Pip was not afraid to say she had a crush on him before they got together. You know how, in a lot of books, the FMC will deny up and down that she does NOT like, under any circumstance, the MMC, even when it's clear as day that she does. Despite me liking their relationship a lot though, I feel like we could've had 2-3 more scenes with them, just to sprinkle in a bit more yearning.
As for Pip, she felt very realistic as a character overall and I loved being in her POV. She was really funny, in my opinion, in that awkward, sometimes self-deprecating way lmao (me too girl).
Nash was incredibly sweet, kind and supportive and I can actually see them being together in the long run. There are book couples out there that would NOT be together anymore, for sure. Not this one though. I love them, your honor.
Also, you could easily read this in any season. The cozy vibes make for a great read at any point in the year. You don't necessarily have to read it in the spring or summer.
Edit: It's been a couple days and I still can't stop thinking about this book.
December 26, 2025
Part mystery part romance and cheesy fun.
November 8, 2025
this is one of those books that tries to do too much and doesn't dedicate enough time to anything to make it feel enjoyable. there wasn't really a balance between the rom com side vs the mystery side of this book and it often leaned more towards the former. the way this book is pitched suggests it's a halfway point between both sides, and i don't think it delivered
the writing was fine, but it was repetitive (i.e. the constant use of the word 'proverbial' really took me out), and i didn't really care about any of the characters. besides penelope and nash, no one felt like more than a caricature, which i feel was a disservice to their potential.
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. i received a complimentary copy of this book. opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
the writing was fine, but it was repetitive (i.e. the constant use of the word 'proverbial' really took me out), and i didn't really care about any of the characters. besides penelope and nash, no one felt like more than a caricature, which i feel was a disservice to their potential.
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. i received a complimentary copy of this book. opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 27, 2025
This book was so fun. It might even be my favorite of Melissa Ferguson’s books. Did I figure it out super early on? Yes, easily. Did that take away from my reading enjoyment? Absolutely not. Fans of Ally Carter will have fun with this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The book tried to be both a mystery and a romance with a comical feel and somehow didn't do well on any front. I wasn't invested in the murder mystery, the side characters were not particularly memorable or more than caricatures, the romance between Penelope and Nash wasn't anything interesting either. The best part of the book for me was the audiobook narrator.
What I will say is that this was a pretty quick and easy listen. thank you Netgalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
What I will say is that this was a pretty quick and easy listen. thank you Netgalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
December 24, 2025
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc and an audiobook in exchange for an honest review!*
December 18, 2025
4 Stars.
🚢 The vibes:
- Murder mystery
- Book cruise
- Whodunnit
- 7 authors in 7 genres
- Light on romance
- Closed door
🚢 My thoughts:
Seven authors in seven genres got stuck in an elevator together on the way to a writing event 40 years ago. They became fast friends and decided to join forces to cross promote eachother and only eachother at all future book events. Jump to today and now The Magnificent Seven are celebrating their annual book tour on a cruise.
🚢 When Hugh is found dead on day two of the cruise, Penelope will follow all the clues and do anything to find out what happened to Hugh and who is behind his death.
🚢 I thought the blend of mystery and romance was fun. The synopsis says this is laugh out loud funny, and while I didn’t think it was necessarily funny, I did think it was a fun, quirky murder mystery with a feeling almost like Clue. The ending got a little bit too crazy for me, and I’m not totally sure how I feel about it, but the journey of this book was a fun one, and I felt like the vibes were just there for me. I finished it, and I wanted more books that had a similar vibe. The romance was subtle but still sweet. Overall I would consider this a win, and I will definitely be looking to read more from the author.
Note- closed door
Release date: February 17, 2026.
Thank you so much to Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson, and Netgalley for the gifted copy.
🚢 The vibes:
- Murder mystery
- Book cruise
- Whodunnit
- 7 authors in 7 genres
- Light on romance
- Closed door
🚢 My thoughts:
Seven authors in seven genres got stuck in an elevator together on the way to a writing event 40 years ago. They became fast friends and decided to join forces to cross promote eachother and only eachother at all future book events. Jump to today and now The Magnificent Seven are celebrating their annual book tour on a cruise.
🚢 When Hugh is found dead on day two of the cruise, Penelope will follow all the clues and do anything to find out what happened to Hugh and who is behind his death.
🚢 I thought the blend of mystery and romance was fun. The synopsis says this is laugh out loud funny, and while I didn’t think it was necessarily funny, I did think it was a fun, quirky murder mystery with a feeling almost like Clue. The ending got a little bit too crazy for me, and I’m not totally sure how I feel about it, but the journey of this book was a fun one, and I felt like the vibes were just there for me. I finished it, and I wanted more books that had a similar vibe. The romance was subtle but still sweet. Overall I would consider this a win, and I will definitely be looking to read more from the author.
Note- closed door
Release date: February 17, 2026.
Thank you so much to Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson, and Netgalley for the gifted copy.
January 12, 2026
Without A Clue is an utterly delightful whodunit cozy mystery and romantic comedy rolled into one—a true standout and instant favorite. I already know this will be a top read of 2026. I’m a sucker for stories about authors and books, and this one absolutely delivers. I fell hard for Pip, Nash, and the entire eclectic cast from the very beginning.
I absolutely adored Pip and couldn’t get enough of her. She’s witty, smart, and genuinely hilarious—a joy to follow in every scene. Her inner dialogue is perfection, and I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed an FMC more.
Nash is a charming cowboy author with an easygoing demeanor and a fiercely protective streak when it comes to Pip. While their romance takes a backseat to the mystery, it’s still incredibly sweet and quietly swoony. The things Nash says to Pip completely won me over, and I loved the tender way he takes care of her.
When Pip’s inner thoughts didn’t have me in stitches, the Magnificent 7’s quirky personalities and over-the-top antics kept me grinning the entire time. They add so much humor, warmth, and heart to the story that it’s impossible to imagine this book without them.
The audiobook is narrated by Karissa Vacker, and let me tell you—she understood the assignment. I was completely blown away by her performance. She does a phenomenal job bringing each character to life, to the point that I had to double-check this wasn’t duet narration. It’s honestly a little freaky how convincing her “sexy man” voice for Nash is, and that southern drawl? Absolute perfection. Melissa’s story lends itself to a wide range of tones and personalities, and Karissa nails every single one. The story is fantastic in its own right, but the audiobook is something truly special. This is a performance I’ll be talking about for a long time.
If you love cozy mysteries wrapped in humor and romance, bookish characters, a seriously sweet slow burn, and found-family vibes, don’t miss this one.
✨Includes:✨
Cowboy Author
Assistant To The Magnificent 7
Friends To More
Bookish
Eclectic Cast of Characters
Murder on a Cruise Ship
Protective Hero
Found Family
Whodunnit Cozy Mystery
Phenomenal Narrator
He Takes Care Of Her
Single POV
Closed Door
Kisses Only
Favorites:
💭Pip’s inner dialogue
☄️Meteor shower
❗️Dining room pandemonium
😐”I’m brave and afraid.”
🗡️Pip’s unconventional research for Hugh
🌟Lucky Star
🌅”You’re going to make the sunrise jealous.”
🤫Trading secrets
🎹Dinner at the piano bar + “You.”
☺️Nash’s confession
🤢He takes care of her.
💋Dancing + Nash’s type + the kiss
♟️Just pawns
🔎Without A Clue
💻Writing dates
Perfect for fans of Ally Carter’s “It’s The Most Wonderful Crime Of The Year”
Thank you Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely adored Pip and couldn’t get enough of her. She’s witty, smart, and genuinely hilarious—a joy to follow in every scene. Her inner dialogue is perfection, and I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed an FMC more.
Nash is a charming cowboy author with an easygoing demeanor and a fiercely protective streak when it comes to Pip. While their romance takes a backseat to the mystery, it’s still incredibly sweet and quietly swoony. The things Nash says to Pip completely won me over, and I loved the tender way he takes care of her.
When Pip’s inner thoughts didn’t have me in stitches, the Magnificent 7’s quirky personalities and over-the-top antics kept me grinning the entire time. They add so much humor, warmth, and heart to the story that it’s impossible to imagine this book without them.
The audiobook is narrated by Karissa Vacker, and let me tell you—she understood the assignment. I was completely blown away by her performance. She does a phenomenal job bringing each character to life, to the point that I had to double-check this wasn’t duet narration. It’s honestly a little freaky how convincing her “sexy man” voice for Nash is, and that southern drawl? Absolute perfection. Melissa’s story lends itself to a wide range of tones and personalities, and Karissa nails every single one. The story is fantastic in its own right, but the audiobook is something truly special. This is a performance I’ll be talking about for a long time.
If you love cozy mysteries wrapped in humor and romance, bookish characters, a seriously sweet slow burn, and found-family vibes, don’t miss this one.
✨Includes:✨
Cowboy Author
Assistant To The Magnificent 7
Friends To More
Bookish
Eclectic Cast of Characters
Murder on a Cruise Ship
Protective Hero
Found Family
Whodunnit Cozy Mystery
Phenomenal Narrator
He Takes Care Of Her
Single POV
Closed Door
Kisses Only
Favorites:
💭Pip’s inner dialogue
☄️Meteor shower
❗️Dining room pandemonium
😐”I’m brave and afraid.”
🗡️Pip’s unconventional research for Hugh
🌟Lucky Star
🌅”You’re going to make the sunrise jealous.”
🤫Trading secrets
🎹Dinner at the piano bar + “You.”
☺️Nash’s confession
🤢He takes care of her.
💋Dancing + Nash’s type + the kiss
♟️Just pawns
🔎Without A Clue
💻Writing dates
Perfect for fans of Ally Carter’s “It’s The Most Wonderful Crime Of The Year”
Thank you Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 11, 2026
Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson is a cozy, rom-com mystery set on a luxury book cruise where a group of famous authors and their assistant become stuck in the middle of the ocean with two dead bodies and a real-life mystery. It’s a fun setup, where the group tries to figure out who committed the murders before the fans find out and the killer gets away.
Although I guessed the ending fairly early, I still enjoyed following the clues and watching the mystery unfold. I also really enjoyed the romance between Penelope (Pip) and Nash. Their friends turned slow-burn romance was the best part of the book.
Where the story fell a bit short for me was the other characters. Given how much the plot relies on a group of supposedly larger-than-life authors, I felt like they were all pushed aside and their personalities were mostly just a bunch of stereotypes. I would have liked to see more scenes that show their distinct personalities outside of being authors.
Overall, this felt very much like a Hallmark-style mystery romance: cozy, predictable, and very easy to read. It is a solid choice if you’re looking for a low-stakes, comforting palate cleanser between heavier books. I would rate this book 3.5 stars.
Note: I read this via audiobook and I really enjoyed the narration which helped bring the story to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
Although I guessed the ending fairly early, I still enjoyed following the clues and watching the mystery unfold. I also really enjoyed the romance between Penelope (Pip) and Nash. Their friends turned slow-burn romance was the best part of the book.
Where the story fell a bit short for me was the other characters. Given how much the plot relies on a group of supposedly larger-than-life authors, I felt like they were all pushed aside and their personalities were mostly just a bunch of stereotypes. I would have liked to see more scenes that show their distinct personalities outside of being authors.
Overall, this felt very much like a Hallmark-style mystery romance: cozy, predictable, and very easy to read. It is a solid choice if you’re looking for a low-stakes, comforting palate cleanser between heavier books. I would rate this book 3.5 stars.
Note: I read this via audiobook and I really enjoyed the narration which helped bring the story to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Don't read the blurb if you don't want spoilers. Go into it blind!
Pip is the assistant to seven incredibly successful authors and she put together a bookish cruise where the authors meet and hang out with their fans. There is a murder and she has to figure out who did it!
I love this narrator so much. If you have access to the audiobook, it's absolutely the way to go!
The romance is a subplot but it's so sweet and swoony, without any innuendo or even much kissing.
A locked door cozy mystery is my favorite kind. I'm not a thriller girl, so if you are a baby about scary stuff (self-aware), this one is pretty safe.
Vibes:
Friends to lovers, work buddies
Author characters
Romance mixed with mystery
Protective cowboy MMC
Competent and organized FMC
If you liked The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter, this one might be for you!
Would you go on a bookish cruise with your favorite authors?
Pip is the assistant to seven incredibly successful authors and she put together a bookish cruise where the authors meet and hang out with their fans. There is a murder and she has to figure out who did it!
I love this narrator so much. If you have access to the audiobook, it's absolutely the way to go!
The romance is a subplot but it's so sweet and swoony, without any innuendo or even much kissing.
A locked door cozy mystery is my favorite kind. I'm not a thriller girl, so if you are a baby about scary stuff (self-aware), this one is pretty safe.
Vibes:
Friends to lovers, work buddies
Author characters
Romance mixed with mystery
Protective cowboy MMC
Competent and organized FMC
If you liked The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter, this one might be for you!
Would you go on a bookish cruise with your favorite authors?
December 26, 2025
Oh my gosh what a cute freaking book! This was just what I needed on a sick weekend. I use to read so much cozy mysteries and stopped years ago and this one brought me right back into the feels. It did a great job balancing mystery and romance and I’m here for it! I also loved the fun cast of characters. If you are looking for a quick read that packs a punch this is for you! Thanks NetGalley for this chance to read this early!
Read
January 9, 2026this was so fun!!! i loved the mystery, romance, all the funny side characters!! i loved this & highly recommend if you’re looking for a clean & easy palate cleanser!!
thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the alc in exchange for my honest review!!
thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the alc in exchange for my honest review!!
December 19, 2025
Strap in Nancy Drew, this was a fun, quick read! I’ve always enjoyed Melissa Ferguson and this was another great novel. In this book, we follow Pip as she attempts to solve a mystery on a cruise ship. Filled with amazingly peculiar side-characters, this was a fun ride. The “mystery” was super predictable but that didn’t stop my enjoyment from the novel. 4 ⭐️
Narrator Karissa Vacker was an amazing Pip and did a great job with all of the hilariously wild side characters.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook Without a Clue!
Narrator Karissa Vacker was an amazing Pip and did a great job with all of the hilariously wild side characters.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook Without a Clue!
October 24, 2025
Without a Clue is another delightful, wildly entertaining story from Melissa Ferguson - this time with a quirky, unconventional twist based loosely on my favorite board game, Clue. When seven authors set sail on a cruise for a reader convention, things quickly take a dark (and hilarious) turn with a death onboard, turning the entire, motley crew into suspects. Their assistant, Pip, finds herself right in the middle of the chaos, determined to get to the bottom of the mystery… even as another death complicates things further and a charming, unexpected romance begins to bloom.
Ferguson delivers her signature wit and warmth with a dash of mystery, balancing humor, romance, and intrigue perfectly well. The bookish setting, complete with authors, readers, and clever literary references, made this one especially fun for readers who love stories about stories. (I adored how Pip used her love of books to help solve the mystery).
While it leans a bit silly at times, that’s part of its charm! The lighthearted tone, goofy moments and blossoming romance made Without a Clue the perfect escape read. Overall, its a fun, clever romcom with a whodunit twist that’s sure to keep readers smiling from start to finish.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
For more reviews on clean fiction, follow me on Goodreads or social media and visit my website!
Ferguson delivers her signature wit and warmth with a dash of mystery, balancing humor, romance, and intrigue perfectly well. The bookish setting, complete with authors, readers, and clever literary references, made this one especially fun for readers who love stories about stories. (I adored how Pip used her love of books to help solve the mystery).
While it leans a bit silly at times, that’s part of its charm! The lighthearted tone, goofy moments and blossoming romance made Without a Clue the perfect escape read. Overall, its a fun, clever romcom with a whodunit twist that’s sure to keep readers smiling from start to finish.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
For more reviews on clean fiction, follow me on Goodreads or social media and visit my website!
January 7, 2026
thank you to the publisher and author for the advanced copy of without a clue!
i really enjoyed this book! i thought the premise was so fun and i loved how all the different authors interacted with eachother, especially nash and pip.
i thought that the narrator, karissa vacker, did an amazing job with this book. i think her voice fit so well for pip and all the other voices fit really well for each character. her delivery of lines, especially the part where pip learned michael cheated on her through the gas station video, was really awesome. i always enjoy her narration and i’ve listened to a lot of her work (i immediately recognized her as the voice of harriet in good spirits by b.k. borison).
i think a cruise ship is such a fun setting for a murder mystery and this book felt very knives out! i thought the romance between pip and nash was really sweet and swoon-y all while they worked to solve hugh’s murder together. pip needs a pay raise and a job title change because in my mind, the work she is doing goes FAR beyond that of a typical assistant!
i think that pip was such an easy character to root for, especially considering what michael did to her, and how invested she was in doing right for hugh and the fact that she was willing to take matters into her own hands.
SPOILERS SECTION: i am SO GLAD the book made it so nash was a suspect. as i was reading i thought that the body under the bed was really suspicious and part of me wanted the love interest to be the murderer (even though that wouldn’t really ever happen??). after that, i did figure out that no one was the murderer and that it was a set up from hugh because it felt like everyone had a reason to be the murderer otherwise? i was very aligned with pip in her detective work and i thought that everyone’s rooms having a murder weapon was funny.
part of me did initially think that hugh’s death was a set up, but him literally being rolled away on a stretcher and then the first security man “dying” really threw me off the scent for a while.
overall, i had such a fun time listening to this book and i really reccomend it!
i really enjoyed this book! i thought the premise was so fun and i loved how all the different authors interacted with eachother, especially nash and pip.
i thought that the narrator, karissa vacker, did an amazing job with this book. i think her voice fit so well for pip and all the other voices fit really well for each character. her delivery of lines, especially the part where pip learned michael cheated on her through the gas station video, was really awesome. i always enjoy her narration and i’ve listened to a lot of her work (i immediately recognized her as the voice of harriet in good spirits by b.k. borison).
i think a cruise ship is such a fun setting for a murder mystery and this book felt very knives out! i thought the romance between pip and nash was really sweet and swoon-y all while they worked to solve hugh’s murder together. pip needs a pay raise and a job title change because in my mind, the work she is doing goes FAR beyond that of a typical assistant!
i think that pip was such an easy character to root for, especially considering what michael did to her, and how invested she was in doing right for hugh and the fact that she was willing to take matters into her own hands.
SPOILERS SECTION: i am SO GLAD the book made it so nash was a suspect. as i was reading i thought that the body under the bed was really suspicious and part of me wanted the love interest to be the murderer (even though that wouldn’t really ever happen??). after that, i did figure out that no one was the murderer and that it was a set up from hugh because it felt like everyone had a reason to be the murderer otherwise? i was very aligned with pip in her detective work and i thought that everyone’s rooms having a murder weapon was funny.
part of me did initially think that hugh’s death was a set up, but him literally being rolled away on a stretcher and then the first security man “dying” really threw me off the scent for a while.
overall, i had such a fun time listening to this book and i really reccomend it!
December 21, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson audio for the ARC!
Overall, I rate this book 2.5 stars.
Let’s start with the pros: the characters were all eccentric and interesting. Listening to the audiobook, the narrator did a great job of giving them each their own individual voice and personality. Pip was funny and charming as well.
Now for the cons. Firstly, the romance did not feel believable. It was written as if the MMC had been pining after Pip for years, but it came across as insta-love. I didn’t feel the connection or chemistry between them, and it felt very forced. I think the book would have been better if they had stayed friends and were solving the murder together.
The biggest issue I had with the book was unfortunately the main plot: this murder investigation. It’s hard to portray my thoughts without discussing what actually happens, so spoilers ahead. The entire plot of the book is that Pip is investigation the murder of her boss. But her investigation is basically just “let me talk to some people and go off of feelings to determine the killer”. There was some forensic evidence, like finding bloody knives, but it wasn’t enough to make the investigation believable. Although, for an amateur investigator it makes sense. Now, the tricky part about this way of thinking is that at the end of the book, when it’s revealed that Hugh is not actually dead, it all makes sense. I did like this twist, but the investigative part needs to be more believable to really pull the readers in. I was becoming very uninvested in the story because of the poor investigation, so the ending did not deliver the impact I believe the author was looking for. Building a more realistic investigation would have made the ending really entertaining.
Overall, I think the author has potential, but this book missed the mark.
Overall, I rate this book 2.5 stars.
Let’s start with the pros: the characters were all eccentric and interesting. Listening to the audiobook, the narrator did a great job of giving them each their own individual voice and personality. Pip was funny and charming as well.
Now for the cons. Firstly, the romance did not feel believable. It was written as if the MMC had been pining after Pip for years, but it came across as insta-love. I didn’t feel the connection or chemistry between them, and it felt very forced. I think the book would have been better if they had stayed friends and were solving the murder together.
The biggest issue I had with the book was unfortunately the main plot: this murder investigation. It’s hard to portray my thoughts without discussing what actually happens, so spoilers ahead. The entire plot of the book is that Pip is investigation the murder of her boss. But her investigation is basically just “let me talk to some people and go off of feelings to determine the killer”. There was some forensic evidence, like finding bloody knives, but it wasn’t enough to make the investigation believable. Although, for an amateur investigator it makes sense. Now, the tricky part about this way of thinking is that at the end of the book, when it’s revealed that Hugh is not actually dead, it all makes sense. I did like this twist, but the investigative part needs to be more believable to really pull the readers in. I was becoming very uninvested in the story because of the poor investigation, so the ending did not deliver the impact I believe the author was looking for. Building a more realistic investigation would have made the ending really entertaining.
Overall, I think the author has potential, but this book missed the mark.
December 18, 2025
It was supposed to be LOL romcom with murder mystery trope. I didn’t laugh once and the I didn’t feel the romance at all. I was expecting Only Murders in The Building vibes but on this front it also didn’t deliver. The murder mystery was there but I wasn’t exactly itching for the killer to be revealed.
The blurb was super exciting, but I just didn’t feel this story at all. I was kind of lost with all the authors on the cruise and the romance plot gave the ick, actually. (FMC’s previous relationship robbed me the wrong way, and also something with how her current romantic interest was written wasn’t doing it for me)
The writing is not bad, I just think this book wasn’t for me. I like quirky murder mystery but for some reason I wasn’t vibing with this story at all.
The ending, last 50 pages or so, were the only part that really got my attention, but I found the ending both good and infuriating at the same time.
I got both the ARC and ALC on NetGalley and mixed both formats.
The narrator performance was very good. There’s only one narrator but I had no issues following dialogues.
I listened mostly with speed 1.5x but speeded up to 1.75x by the end of even 2.0x when I did immersive reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
ARC and ALC provided by Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio
The blurb was super exciting, but I just didn’t feel this story at all. I was kind of lost with all the authors on the cruise and the romance plot gave the ick, actually. (FMC’s previous relationship robbed me the wrong way, and also something with how her current romantic interest was written wasn’t doing it for me)
The writing is not bad, I just think this book wasn’t for me. I like quirky murder mystery but for some reason I wasn’t vibing with this story at all.
The ending, last 50 pages or so, were the only part that really got my attention, but I found the ending both good and infuriating at the same time.
I got both the ARC and ALC on NetGalley and mixed both formats.
The narrator performance was very good. There’s only one narrator but I had no issues following dialogues.
I listened mostly with speed 1.5x but speeded up to 1.75x by the end of even 2.0x when I did immersive reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
ARC and ALC provided by Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio
December 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of Melissa Ferguson’s Without A Clue. This book blends romcom charm with the cozy mystery genre, creating a lighthearted story that’s both playful and eccentric. The romantic comedy elements are sweet and endearing, with moments that highlight the chemistry between characters and deliver cute factor. The cast is quirky and colorful, adding personality and humor to the narrative, though at times their eccentricities felt a bit exaggerated.
On the mystery side, the book offers intrigue and a twist that drives the plot forward. However, I found myself predicting the reveal fairly early, which lessened the impact of the suspense. While the setup was clever, the resolution didn’t fully surprise me, and that predictability made the mystery aspect less satisfying, and honestly ended up being lind of frustrating when there was some forgiveness a bit too soon.
Overall, this novel is a fun, genre‑blending read perfect for those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a romantic flair. It’s pretty light, humorous, and character‑driven, though readers who crave a truly unpredictable mystery or realism may find themselves disappointed.
On the mystery side, the book offers intrigue and a twist that drives the plot forward. However, I found myself predicting the reveal fairly early, which lessened the impact of the suspense. While the setup was clever, the resolution didn’t fully surprise me, and that predictability made the mystery aspect less satisfying, and honestly ended up being lind of frustrating when there was some forgiveness a bit too soon.
Overall, this novel is a fun, genre‑blending read perfect for those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a romantic flair. It’s pretty light, humorous, and character‑driven, though readers who crave a truly unpredictable mystery or realism may find themselves disappointed.
December 29, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and Melissa Ferguson for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Cozy mystery, book related and a hint of romance - sign me up!
Initially, I struggled with all the characters and the voices felt a little much but gradually it became less “busy” with characters and it wasn’t as distracting. If reading the book vs listening to the audio, it probably wouldn’t be as noticeable.
The storyline was fun and interesting since it was bookish related (featuring 7 big time authors in an alliance to promote each other’s books) and I enjoy mystery without it always being heart pounding suspense.
The romance aspect was lacking a bit for me. It was clear Pip, the FMC, paid attention to Nash differently than to the other authors but we got so little of their background other than that. She was freshly out of an 8 yr toxic relationship and then just suddenly opened her eyes and things were clear? Nash was sweet and very protective of her but things just lined up without more building blocks other than him patiently waiting for 4yrs. Like, what now?
Overall, a fun quick read (or listen in my case!) but not a huge mystery.
Cozy mystery, book related and a hint of romance - sign me up!
Initially, I struggled with all the characters and the voices felt a little much but gradually it became less “busy” with characters and it wasn’t as distracting. If reading the book vs listening to the audio, it probably wouldn’t be as noticeable.
The storyline was fun and interesting since it was bookish related (featuring 7 big time authors in an alliance to promote each other’s books) and I enjoy mystery without it always being heart pounding suspense.
The romance aspect was lacking a bit for me. It was clear Pip, the FMC, paid attention to Nash differently than to the other authors but we got so little of their background other than that. She was freshly out of an 8 yr toxic relationship and then just suddenly opened her eyes and things were clear? Nash was sweet and very protective of her but things just lined up without more building blocks other than him patiently waiting for 4yrs. Like, what now?
Overall, a fun quick read (or listen in my case!) but not a huge mystery.
December 25, 2025
Pip has planned an epic cruise for the fans of the magnificent seven, a group of well know authors in various genres, when everything goes awry upon the discovery of their group leader turning up dead. With an incompetent investigator and doting fans aboard, Pip decides to quietly solve the murder herself before the cruise ends and without alarming the fans. Pip quickly realizes she can't trust any of the magnificent seven, not even Nash, the hot cowboy writer she's been crushing on for years.
Perfect for fans of Knives Out and Death on the Nile, this is an entertaining "who done it" with a romance subplot, beautifully narrated with plenty of plot twists and turns. I thought I had the killer pinned but was pleasantly surprised by the end. Pip's character development and growing confidence led to a feel good, happy ending.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Perfect for fans of Knives Out and Death on the Nile, this is an entertaining "who done it" with a romance subplot, beautifully narrated with plenty of plot twists and turns. I thought I had the killer pinned but was pleasantly surprised by the end. Pip's character development and growing confidence led to a feel good, happy ending.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2026
I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting with this book, but it wasn't that! However, I had such a good time reading this! Melissa Ferguson is a great pick for just clean, wholesome stories that really hit the mark every time.
Pip is the assistant of Hugh, a big time author and a part of "The Magnificent Seven," a group of authors who are all in it to help each other out and at the end of the day, very good friends despite all different genres and personalities.
When Hugh is found murdered on day 2 of a reader's dream book convention on a cruise ship, Pip is appalled at the ship's security team and skill at finding the murderer. Having no confidence after a toxic relationship ending and never finding steam to finish her own book, Pip takes matters in her own hands in finding out who the killer is.
The personalities of all the characters are so big, and they are all incredibly enjoyable. Seeing Pip gain confidence in herself was endearing and beautiful along with the sweet romance that builds between her and handsome cowboy author, Nash.
If you are looking for something fun and original, this is it! Look no further. And be sure to check out Melissa Ferguson's backlist while you're at it.
Pip is the assistant of Hugh, a big time author and a part of "The Magnificent Seven," a group of authors who are all in it to help each other out and at the end of the day, very good friends despite all different genres and personalities.
When Hugh is found murdered on day 2 of a reader's dream book convention on a cruise ship, Pip is appalled at the ship's security team and skill at finding the murderer. Having no confidence after a toxic relationship ending and never finding steam to finish her own book, Pip takes matters in her own hands in finding out who the killer is.
The personalities of all the characters are so big, and they are all incredibly enjoyable. Seeing Pip gain confidence in herself was endearing and beautiful along with the sweet romance that builds between her and handsome cowboy author, Nash.
If you are looking for something fun and original, this is it! Look no further. And be sure to check out Melissa Ferguson's backlist while you're at it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! This book was a real gem and such a fun surprise. If you enjoy stories with quirky, genuinely likable characters and interesting group dynamics, this one really delivers. The humor feels natural rather than forced, which made the friendships feel realistic and easy to get behind.
The mystery element kept things moving with just enough twists to keep me guessing, while the touch of romance added some extra charm without overshadowing the whodunit. It struck a great balance, engaging but never heavy, making it an ideal pick when you want something entertaining without feeling too drawn out.
I also really enjoyed the narration; it elevated the story and added to the humor, with a few moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud.
Overall, this was a lighthearted, fast-paced read that pulled me out of a reading slump and felt like a great way to kick off the new year.
The mystery element kept things moving with just enough twists to keep me guessing, while the touch of romance added some extra charm without overshadowing the whodunit. It struck a great balance, engaging but never heavy, making it an ideal pick when you want something entertaining without feeling too drawn out.
I also really enjoyed the narration; it elevated the story and added to the humor, with a few moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud.
Overall, this was a lighthearted, fast-paced read that pulled me out of a reading slump and felt like a great way to kick off the new year.
November 3, 2025
Romance + a murder mystery + an eccentric group of authors on a cruise ship? This was a combination that I didn't know I needed... and I absolutely loved it! Murder and romcoms shouldn't go together so well... but here we are. This story had me laughing out loud one moment and flipping pages to figure out whodunnit the next. It was packed for of twists and turns that kept me guessing right through to the end... and a cute romance that had me smiling too. I don't want to give too much away... but trust me, this is one that you're going to want to experience for yourself. I have enjoyed several of Melissa Ferguson's books in the past, but this one might just be her best yet!
Without a Clue is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Without a Clue is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Chaos and Cozy!
🎄I went in not knowing anything about this book and I highly recommend that. It made the experience so much better.
🎄What I can say is that it is such a good story. Pip's thought process and chaotic everything is great! I loved seeing her go through this crazy journey and it really kept me hooked on wanting to know more.
🎄There is a small subplot of romance and it is done in a very sweet way, it adds to the story without taking away from Pip's overall development.
🎄The audiobook is fantastic and made every character come to live. Each had their own unique personality and style.
🎄Spice: 0
🎄 Language:0
🎄This book was given as an ARC, so first of thank you to the author and publishing house for this opportunity. Second, all thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the author, publisher, or more.
🎄I went in not knowing anything about this book and I highly recommend that. It made the experience so much better.
🎄What I can say is that it is such a good story. Pip's thought process and chaotic everything is great! I loved seeing her go through this crazy journey and it really kept me hooked on wanting to know more.
🎄There is a small subplot of romance and it is done in a very sweet way, it adds to the story without taking away from Pip's overall development.
🎄The audiobook is fantastic and made every character come to live. Each had their own unique personality and style.
🎄Spice: 0
🎄 Language:0
🎄This book was given as an ARC, so first of thank you to the author and publishing house for this opportunity. Second, all thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the author, publisher, or more.
October 19, 2025
I’m completely biased, given this was a combination of my two favorite genres (mystery and romcom), but I found this utterly enjoyable.
I loved the ovwr-the-top personalities, the ridiculous premise, and the rationale behind the final twist.
For full transparency, the common flaw when blending genres occurred. The romance side of things felt underdeveloped (we are told Nash and Pip have been friends for years and are expected to believe it, never really shown it). And the mystery side felt rushed (one conversation with each person to get to the answer). However, it was still an enjoyable story and the above didn’t negatively impact my experience.
Thanks to Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the ovwr-the-top personalities, the ridiculous premise, and the rationale behind the final twist.
For full transparency, the common flaw when blending genres occurred. The romance side of things felt underdeveloped (we are told Nash and Pip have been friends for years and are expected to believe it, never really shown it). And the mystery side felt rushed (one conversation with each person to get to the answer). However, it was still an enjoyable story and the above didn’t negatively impact my experience.
Thanks to Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
Overall I thought this was a fun and quirky read. This was one that I felt was best to just relax and enjoy the ride. It felt a bit simplistic, but still very much worth the read. I liked the characters for the most part. The mystery aspect didn't feel that strong for me, but this book is mostly propelled by the characters. I really would have loved to see the main cast interact with each other more. I liked how different each character was and they all stand out. I really liked how they were developed and how they did interact with each other. I also did like the narrator for this one who did a great job with the characters and was very engaging.
Overall I thought this was a fun and quirky read. This was one that I felt was best to just relax and enjoy the ride. It felt a bit simplistic, but still very much worth the read. I liked the characters for the most part. The mystery aspect didn't feel that strong for me, but this book is mostly propelled by the characters. I really would have loved to see the main cast interact with each other more. I liked how different each character was and they all stand out. I really liked how they were developed and how they did interact with each other. I also did like the narrator for this one who did a great job with the characters and was very engaging.
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