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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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 17, 2026
15 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Ferguson
15 books2,453 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 87 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.*
Want to read
November 13, 2025Pre-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.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review will be 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.
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.
Want to read
August 29, 2025
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
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.
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.
October 25, 2025
This book is like the game Clue and a murder mystery cruise meshed together!
It was fun that it was the 7 authors hosting a book party on a cruise ship. It was a little bit much for me to try to remember who all the Magnificent 7 were and what their genre was.
I felt like the murder mystery part was a little disjointed.
I felt bad for Penelope throughout the story as she tries to manage everyone and it's so overwhelming.
Another thing is that there is no mention of God or faith in the story.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
It was fun that it was the 7 authors hosting a book party on a cruise ship. It was a little bit much for me to try to remember who all the Magnificent 7 were and what their genre was.
I felt like the murder mystery part was a little disjointed.
I felt bad for Penelope throughout the story as she tries to manage everyone and it's so overwhelming.
Another thing is that there is no mention of God or faith in the story.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
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!
October 26, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me early access. All opinions are my own.
What can go wrong when a club of writers go an a book cruise? Aparenetly, nothing, however, our characters find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery.
This book is a fast and engaging reading, with overall cute characters. Mystery wise, it’s not surprising, but it’s entertaining and Pip and Nash’s relationship is the cutest!
What can go wrong when a club of writers go an a book cruise? Aparenetly, nothing, however, our characters find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery.
This book is a fast and engaging reading, with overall cute characters. Mystery wise, it’s not surprising, but it’s entertaining and Pip and Nash’s relationship is the cutest!
November 5, 2025
OH, My!
This was such a fun, entertaining, and very delightful book to read!
I love Melissa Ferguson’s books because they are all full of humor and crazy events. This one is no different!
It is packed full of crazy mystery and intrigue.
It's a story that will keep you guessing about what’s actually happening on this cruise ship and who the real murderer is; however, it all unfolds with the flair and fun that only Melissa Ferguson can bring!
Whenever I read a Melissa Ferguson book, I know I’ll enjoy it. I’ll be entertained with humor, quirkiness, drama, and sweet romance. Many have interesting plots and crazy moments.
Her books always feature characters who are unusual and somewhat eccentric. Yet, they are characters you will come to love and enjoy.
I highly recommend picking up this book for a fun read!
I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley, which did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was such a fun, entertaining, and very delightful book to read!
I love Melissa Ferguson’s books because they are all full of humor and crazy events. This one is no different!
It is packed full of crazy mystery and intrigue.
It's a story that will keep you guessing about what’s actually happening on this cruise ship and who the real murderer is; however, it all unfolds with the flair and fun that only Melissa Ferguson can bring!
Whenever I read a Melissa Ferguson book, I know I’ll enjoy it. I’ll be entertained with humor, quirkiness, drama, and sweet romance. Many have interesting plots and crazy moments.
Her books always feature characters who are unusual and somewhat eccentric. Yet, they are characters you will come to love and enjoy.
I highly recommend picking up this book for a fun read!
I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley, which did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Want to read
November 20, 2025My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
September 10, 2025
This was a cute mystery set on a cruise ship filled wirh authors and their beloved readers. A fun cast of characters and a good mystery. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 15, 2025
copy provided by netgalley
I'm sorry I could just not enjoy this, to the point I don't even know where to start. Really, the first thing that truly bothered me was the characters. They were all flat 2D caricatures. Crystal writes YA, which first of all isn't a genre it's an age group so what books does she actually write we don't find out; but she's the the lazy irresponsible one whose always late and is messy, which in itself feels a weird thing to connect to the younger audience. Riley writes thriller, so he's a creep and nothing else, and the fantasy writer literally always has a wizard hat on. Not one of these characters ever become anything beyond the first thing we learn about them which is what genre they write, when we're supposed to be learning their "secrets" I wasn't shocked or surprised because I didn't know these people at all.
Pip, the main character, was very annoying. Her whole thing is she's soooo uptight, she needs to relax but again we don't get anything else from her. Frankly, it only feels like she starts investigating because the plot says so. She never seems particularly sad about Hughs death despite what we are told (not shown) they're meant to be really close. She never thinks anything interesting about him or anything they've done other than small anecdotes about silly things he's made her do for research which have nothing to do with him as a person; so why should we care if his murder gets justice or not. We're also supposed to believe she's a fantastic writer who just needs to write her novel, except if she's never written anything, how is she any good. Towards the end, I was horrified to realise this was supposed to have taken place over 10 days, which apparently took that long for her to talk to 6 people and ask very surface level questions. That is the entirety of her investigation skills even though her inner narrator will tell us over and over again oh she knows what she's doing because she helped Hugh research his books, but then can't even successfully show the murder weapon to the investigator. The lack of investigation is very obvious when I notice most of what happens is just Pip thinking about the same things over and over again while nothing is happening. The entire first chapter is them standing on the dock while she thinks about who everyone is and what they do.
This was meant to be a romance and mystery hybrid, which I do think can work well but not in this case. The mystery part was lacklustre due to the fact no one was actually trying to solve the murder beyond asking "oh where were you when it happened, and did you hate the victim?" The romance also doesn't entirely work because they already liked each other before the events of the book; and frankly, I didn't understand why she likes Nash. He never does or says anything, particularly swoon worthy. Most of his function in the story is to be a man who is present and sleeps on the floor because there's a murderer on the loose. While wearing a cowboy hat. Also, his attitude towards writing rubbed me the wrong way, especially in a story about writers. He joins this very exclusive club or writers where the whole point is to be famous and acclaimed, but says no I don't care about any of that I don't need all that which feels like a bit lf a snotty attitude to have in my opinion. Then paired with him basically admitting he just does writing because it's a job he can do anywhere and not because he's actually passionate about what he does. Which can be an interesting character trait but not for a romantic lead we're supposed to root for. To have an author in a book about authors say he doesn't feel strongly about the art he makes is just off putting, he doesn't have to want fame but at least like what he's doing.
Without going into spoilers, the reveal is really what tipped me over the edge. To be very transparent, it made me feel like the book was a waste of my time. There was no reason or indication to think that that's where it was all headed, and I don't like when a mystery novel doesn't give you the opportunity to figure things out it feels like creating and the author couldn't be bothered to actually figure out how to drop clues without giving it all away.
It really all boils down to. The book just felt ridiculous. It was trying to be fun and quirky but lacked any substance or interest to carry it. Uninteresting flat characters, a main character whose inner voice constantly repeats itself which almost artificially inflates the story and a boring romance of two people who already liked each other and probably would have dated on their own anyway.
I'm sorry I could just not enjoy this, to the point I don't even know where to start. Really, the first thing that truly bothered me was the characters. They were all flat 2D caricatures. Crystal writes YA, which first of all isn't a genre it's an age group so what books does she actually write we don't find out; but she's the the lazy irresponsible one whose always late and is messy, which in itself feels a weird thing to connect to the younger audience. Riley writes thriller, so he's a creep and nothing else, and the fantasy writer literally always has a wizard hat on. Not one of these characters ever become anything beyond the first thing we learn about them which is what genre they write, when we're supposed to be learning their "secrets" I wasn't shocked or surprised because I didn't know these people at all.
Pip, the main character, was very annoying. Her whole thing is she's soooo uptight, she needs to relax but again we don't get anything else from her. Frankly, it only feels like she starts investigating because the plot says so. She never seems particularly sad about Hughs death despite what we are told (not shown) they're meant to be really close. She never thinks anything interesting about him or anything they've done other than small anecdotes about silly things he's made her do for research which have nothing to do with him as a person; so why should we care if his murder gets justice or not. We're also supposed to believe she's a fantastic writer who just needs to write her novel, except if she's never written anything, how is she any good. Towards the end, I was horrified to realise this was supposed to have taken place over 10 days, which apparently took that long for her to talk to 6 people and ask very surface level questions. That is the entirety of her investigation skills even though her inner narrator will tell us over and over again oh she knows what she's doing because she helped Hugh research his books, but then can't even successfully show the murder weapon to the investigator. The lack of investigation is very obvious when I notice most of what happens is just Pip thinking about the same things over and over again while nothing is happening. The entire first chapter is them standing on the dock while she thinks about who everyone is and what they do.
This was meant to be a romance and mystery hybrid, which I do think can work well but not in this case. The mystery part was lacklustre due to the fact no one was actually trying to solve the murder beyond asking "oh where were you when it happened, and did you hate the victim?" The romance also doesn't entirely work because they already liked each other before the events of the book; and frankly, I didn't understand why she likes Nash. He never does or says anything, particularly swoon worthy. Most of his function in the story is to be a man who is present and sleeps on the floor because there's a murderer on the loose. While wearing a cowboy hat. Also, his attitude towards writing rubbed me the wrong way, especially in a story about writers. He joins this very exclusive club or writers where the whole point is to be famous and acclaimed, but says no I don't care about any of that I don't need all that which feels like a bit lf a snotty attitude to have in my opinion. Then paired with him basically admitting he just does writing because it's a job he can do anywhere and not because he's actually passionate about what he does. Which can be an interesting character trait but not for a romantic lead we're supposed to root for. To have an author in a book about authors say he doesn't feel strongly about the art he makes is just off putting, he doesn't have to want fame but at least like what he's doing.
Without going into spoilers, the reveal is really what tipped me over the edge. To be very transparent, it made me feel like the book was a waste of my time. There was no reason or indication to think that that's where it was all headed, and I don't like when a mystery novel doesn't give you the opportunity to figure things out it feels like creating and the author couldn't be bothered to actually figure out how to drop clues without giving it all away.
It really all boils down to. The book just felt ridiculous. It was trying to be fun and quirky but lacked any substance or interest to carry it. Uninteresting flat characters, a main character whose inner voice constantly repeats itself which almost artificially inflates the story and a boring romance of two people who already liked each other and probably would have dated on their own anyway.
October 12, 2025
I'm a huge fan of Melissa Ferguson books, so when I stumbled upon her unpublicised new book on netgallery, 'excited' was one way to put it. I was completely not expecting a murder mystery from her, and while I still think it's an odd jump from her usual genre I'm not only so glad that she did, but she's managed to do it in a style that's so 'Melissa' that it seems perfectly her. It's got her style of writing, fun, bookish, quirky characters (the quirkiest yet), but it's so vastly different from any of her other work.
Things you will love -
🔍 The romance is full of sweet chemistry and adorable (guys he's waited for her, he's pinnnnning 🥹), but also healthy and doesn't overtake the whole book. After reading enough romances, you can usually tell immediately when we've met the FMC's love interest. I like that in this book you can't, especially if, like me, it's been a while since you read the blurb. I'm a romance lover but I do like in Melissa's books that the romance is a secondary element to the main storyline, which is a nice breakaway from the typical romance or romcom.
🔍 While not Christian fiction, Melissa is a Christian and there are lots of little phrases from Scripture thoughout that those who know the Bible will smile at.
🔍 In Pips healing/realisation revlations towards the middle of the book, Melissa so beautifully (without the heart wrench) describes what it's like being with *that guy* who will always make you out to be the worst and feel the worst, and it was oddly (and sadly) touching to read about a character whose gone through it so exactly relatably.
🔍 Lots of funny conversations, characters, internal monologue and quips
🔍 The mystery, finding clues and trying to put it together. Pip's spent years reading her boss' murder mystery books and doing all kinds of obscure research for him, and draws in those experiences to help her piece it together.
🔍 The absolutely nuts plot twist
🔍 Genuine cowboy gentlemen, need I say more?
The perfect blend of a romcom (the he falls first when she's not available pining + humour) and a who dun it murder mystery. Without a Clue is a 5⭐
Thank you to Netgallery and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Things you will love -
🔍 The romance is full of sweet chemistry and adorable (guys he's waited for her, he's pinnnnning 🥹), but also healthy and doesn't overtake the whole book. After reading enough romances, you can usually tell immediately when we've met the FMC's love interest. I like that in this book you can't, especially if, like me, it's been a while since you read the blurb. I'm a romance lover but I do like in Melissa's books that the romance is a secondary element to the main storyline, which is a nice breakaway from the typical romance or romcom.
🔍 While not Christian fiction, Melissa is a Christian and there are lots of little phrases from Scripture thoughout that those who know the Bible will smile at.
🔍 In Pips healing/realisation revlations towards the middle of the book, Melissa so beautifully (without the heart wrench) describes what it's like being with *that guy* who will always make you out to be the worst and feel the worst, and it was oddly (and sadly) touching to read about a character whose gone through it so exactly relatably.
🔍 Lots of funny conversations, characters, internal monologue and quips
🔍 The mystery, finding clues and trying to put it together. Pip's spent years reading her boss' murder mystery books and doing all kinds of obscure research for him, and draws in those experiences to help her piece it together.
🔍 The absolutely nuts plot twist
🔍 Genuine cowboy gentlemen, need I say more?
The perfect blend of a romcom (the he falls first when she's not available pining + humour) and a who dun it murder mystery. Without a Clue is a 5⭐
Thank you to Netgallery and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
September 3, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Melissa Ferguson’s “Without a Clue” is a delightful blend of locked-room mystery and slow-burn romance, set against the fun backdrop of a luxury cruise ship. Pip, a frazzled yet endearing assistant to a famous author, organizes a themed cruise for “The Magnificent Seven”—a collection of bestselling writers and their fans. But when her boss is found murdered, Pip suddenly finds herself at the center of a very real whodunit. With everyone trapped at sea and suspicion falling on the authors, Pip must step up as an amateur sleuth. Luckily, she isn’t entirely on her own; Nash, a cowboy-romance author with a heart of gold (and a long-held affection for Pip), is right by her side.
The story balances humor, romance, and suspense. The cast of writers, while leaning into certain stereotypes, each bring distinct personalities and plenty of banter. Pip is especially relatable as she juggles her own insecurities with her determination to solve the case. Her chemistry with Nash is one of the book’s highlights as he is sweet, loyal, and charmingly awkward. Their relationship develops slowly but steadily, offering plenty of “will-they-won’t-they” tension without overshadowing the mystery.
The murder mystery itself is well-crafted, complete with clever red herrings, unexpected twists, and a killer reveal that genuinely surprises. I did notice a few pacing hiccups as I was reading, especially a rushed time skip toward the climax, but the resolution ties everything together in a satisfying way. Pip’s final deduction scene, where she pieces the clues together, is especially rewarding.
With witty dialogue, a quirky cast, and just enough gore-free suspense to keep pages turning, “Without a Clue” feels like a cozy rom-com colliding with a classic locked-room mystery. It’s lighthearted but clever, sweet without being saccharine, and the perfect escapist read, especially if you’re a cruise lover.
If you enjoy mysteries with a dash of romance, charming characters, and a setting that feels like its own character, “Without a Clue” is a smart, funny, and utterly entertaining pick.
Melissa Ferguson’s “Without a Clue” is a delightful blend of locked-room mystery and slow-burn romance, set against the fun backdrop of a luxury cruise ship. Pip, a frazzled yet endearing assistant to a famous author, organizes a themed cruise for “The Magnificent Seven”—a collection of bestselling writers and their fans. But when her boss is found murdered, Pip suddenly finds herself at the center of a very real whodunit. With everyone trapped at sea and suspicion falling on the authors, Pip must step up as an amateur sleuth. Luckily, she isn’t entirely on her own; Nash, a cowboy-romance author with a heart of gold (and a long-held affection for Pip), is right by her side.
The story balances humor, romance, and suspense. The cast of writers, while leaning into certain stereotypes, each bring distinct personalities and plenty of banter. Pip is especially relatable as she juggles her own insecurities with her determination to solve the case. Her chemistry with Nash is one of the book’s highlights as he is sweet, loyal, and charmingly awkward. Their relationship develops slowly but steadily, offering plenty of “will-they-won’t-they” tension without overshadowing the mystery.
The murder mystery itself is well-crafted, complete with clever red herrings, unexpected twists, and a killer reveal that genuinely surprises. I did notice a few pacing hiccups as I was reading, especially a rushed time skip toward the climax, but the resolution ties everything together in a satisfying way. Pip’s final deduction scene, where she pieces the clues together, is especially rewarding.
With witty dialogue, a quirky cast, and just enough gore-free suspense to keep pages turning, “Without a Clue” feels like a cozy rom-com colliding with a classic locked-room mystery. It’s lighthearted but clever, sweet without being saccharine, and the perfect escapist read, especially if you’re a cruise lover.
If you enjoy mysteries with a dash of romance, charming characters, and a setting that feels like its own character, “Without a Clue” is a smart, funny, and utterly entertaining pick.
November 20, 2025
Melissa Ferguson has such a unique and delightful voice! Her blend of fun, quirky characters is a joy to read.
Penelope Dupont is the personal assistant to Hugh Griffin—a legendary mystery writer—and the unofficial babysitter to six other respected authors. She loves her job and, most of the time, her magnificent seven, as she affectionately calls them. After months of preparation, she’s about to embark on an adventure with the group—a cruise where the writers will mingle with readers and discuss their craft. But the perfectly planned event goes up in smoke when she wakes to find Hugh dead on their very first day at sea.
Now stuck in the middle of the Atlantic with six authors to manage, one dead boss, nearly 300 readers expecting a spectacular event, and a murder to keep under wraps—or risk a full-on stampede of panicked fans—Penelope has no choice but to press on. With help from Nash—a Western writer, one of her fabulous seven, and her loyal friend—she does her best to keep things afloat.
Known as Pip to her authors, Penelope works tirelessly to keep both the writers and readers happy. But when cruise security proves incompetent, she takes matters into her own hands. Using her unique skill set—thanks to Hugh’s obsession with accurate crime research—she steps into the role of investigator. Nash refuses to leave her side, joining her quest to uncover what really happened to Hugh before they reach port.
Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson is a delightful read—full of heart, humor, and twists that keep the pages turning. It plays out like an adventure straight from the game Clue. Penelope is such a charming character; her affection for her eccentric band of authors shines through. Her inner dialogue had me laughing more than once, and I loved how Nash looked out for her while she tried to take care of everyone else.
This book has heart, mystery, and a rewarding finish. My only complaint? I didn’t want it to end. I’ll definitely reread this one—and gift it to others to enjoy. What a fun ride!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Melissa Ferguson and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Penelope Dupont is the personal assistant to Hugh Griffin—a legendary mystery writer—and the unofficial babysitter to six other respected authors. She loves her job and, most of the time, her magnificent seven, as she affectionately calls them. After months of preparation, she’s about to embark on an adventure with the group—a cruise where the writers will mingle with readers and discuss their craft. But the perfectly planned event goes up in smoke when she wakes to find Hugh dead on their very first day at sea.
Now stuck in the middle of the Atlantic with six authors to manage, one dead boss, nearly 300 readers expecting a spectacular event, and a murder to keep under wraps—or risk a full-on stampede of panicked fans—Penelope has no choice but to press on. With help from Nash—a Western writer, one of her fabulous seven, and her loyal friend—she does her best to keep things afloat.
Known as Pip to her authors, Penelope works tirelessly to keep both the writers and readers happy. But when cruise security proves incompetent, she takes matters into her own hands. Using her unique skill set—thanks to Hugh’s obsession with accurate crime research—she steps into the role of investigator. Nash refuses to leave her side, joining her quest to uncover what really happened to Hugh before they reach port.
Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson is a delightful read—full of heart, humor, and twists that keep the pages turning. It plays out like an adventure straight from the game Clue. Penelope is such a charming character; her affection for her eccentric band of authors shines through. Her inner dialogue had me laughing more than once, and I loved how Nash looked out for her while she tried to take care of everyone else.
This book has heart, mystery, and a rewarding finish. My only complaint? I didn’t want it to end. I’ll definitely reread this one—and gift it to others to enjoy. What a fun ride!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Melissa Ferguson and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 30, 2025
4 stars.
This was a lovely mystery-romance mash up. It was interesting, unputdownable, cozy, sweet and funny.
Oh what a rollercoaster! I liked this a lot!
Pip works as an assistant to a famous author. She organizes a cruise to The Magnificent Seven - seven writers - and their fans. But nothing goes according to the plan when Pip's employer is found murdered. Luckily there's Nash, a cowboy writer, to help Pip investigating.
I love cruise ships as a background to a book. The characters were fun, and the romance was cute and sweet. And there were twists and turns I didn't see coming! Overall I liked the book a lot, but the romance could've been in a bit bigger part in my opinion. However this book was also a mystery so after all it was quite well balanced.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Pov: heroine, 1st person
Heat: no steam, kissing only
Pacing: slowburn
Communication: mystery, secrets... But Nash and Pip communicate well
Third act:
Ending:
Main characters:
* Cinnamon roll hero
* Cowboy
* Friends to lovers
What?
* Forced proximity
* Found family
Where?
* A cruise ship
* Traveling together
* Workplace romance
Drama?
* Murder mystery
Other vibes:
* Book about books
* Mystery
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a lovely mystery-romance mash up. It was interesting, unputdownable, cozy, sweet and funny.
"“Just take your time. I’m not going anywhere.” His words are a shower of rain on desert ground, instantly soothing the dry and cracked wounds of a past life I didn’t even realize were there."
"Apparently, I've passed out. Because that’s what you do when you’re a sleep-deprived, adrenaline-electrified amateur sleuth trying to get herself killed by finding crucial clues in a murderer’s lair."
Oh what a rollercoaster! I liked this a lot!
Pip works as an assistant to a famous author. She organizes a cruise to The Magnificent Seven - seven writers - and their fans. But nothing goes according to the plan when Pip's employer is found murdered. Luckily there's Nash, a cowboy writer, to help Pip investigating.
I love cruise ships as a background to a book. The characters were fun, and the romance was cute and sweet. And there were twists and turns I didn't see coming! Overall I liked the book a lot, but the romance could've been in a bit bigger part in my opinion. However this book was also a mystery so after all it was quite well balanced.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Pov: heroine, 1st person
Heat: no steam, kissing only
Pacing: slowburn
Communication: mystery, secrets... But Nash and Pip communicate well
Third act:
Ending:
Main characters:
* Cinnamon roll hero
* Cowboy
* Friends to lovers
What?
* Forced proximity
* Found family
Where?
* A cruise ship
* Traveling together
* Workplace romance
Drama?
* Murder mystery
Other vibes:
* Book about books
* Mystery
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
dnf-books
October 13, 2025Sadly, this is a DNF at 43%.
I don’t usually write reviews in ‘list’ form but I have such mixed feelings on Without A Clue that I felt my thoughts would be clearest broken down this way.
Starting off with the positives!
• Without A Clue’s overall concept is genuinely intriguing!
• The forced-proximity setting on a cruise ship adds a great sense of tension. Seven authors trapped together, one murdered, and everyone’s a suspect. Perfect setup!
• I wasn’t fully invested in the characters but I did think their group dynamic had potential and the mix of personalities was interesting.
• There were funny moments where the screwball comedy landed well and I found myself laughing out loud :)
Moving onto what unfortunately made me struggle to continue reading Without a Clue.
• The writing felt strangely stiff and unnatural. It often read like it was written rather than thought, if that makes sense.
• The FMC, Pip, lacked depth. I’m 43% in, and I still don’t have a sense of who she is beyond her job with Hugh and her awful ex-boyfriend.
• The setup between Nash and Pip felt off. The way Pip talks about him makes it seem like we’re missing context from another book, which made their dynamic confusing. And that also led to them giving off insta-love vibes :/
• The mystery element wasn’t developed enough. Someone being found dead should feel extremely intense/eerie, but the writing didn’t build that atmosphere. I was underwhelmed.
Without a Clue had a fun premise and readers who enjoy light mysteries with a quirky tone might have a good time with this. But, it wasn’t the right fit for my taste.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
I don’t usually write reviews in ‘list’ form but I have such mixed feelings on Without A Clue that I felt my thoughts would be clearest broken down this way.
Starting off with the positives!
• Without A Clue’s overall concept is genuinely intriguing!
• The forced-proximity setting on a cruise ship adds a great sense of tension. Seven authors trapped together, one murdered, and everyone’s a suspect. Perfect setup!
• I wasn’t fully invested in the characters but I did think their group dynamic had potential and the mix of personalities was interesting.
• There were funny moments where the screwball comedy landed well and I found myself laughing out loud :)
Moving onto what unfortunately made me struggle to continue reading Without a Clue.
• The writing felt strangely stiff and unnatural. It often read like it was written rather than thought, if that makes sense.
• The FMC, Pip, lacked depth. I’m 43% in, and I still don’t have a sense of who she is beyond her job with Hugh and her awful ex-boyfriend.
• The setup between Nash and Pip felt off. The way Pip talks about him makes it seem like we’re missing context from another book, which made their dynamic confusing. And that also led to them giving off insta-love vibes :/
• The mystery element wasn’t developed enough. Someone being found dead should feel extremely intense/eerie, but the writing didn’t build that atmosphere. I was underwhelmed.
Without a Clue had a fun premise and readers who enjoy light mysteries with a quirky tone might have a good time with this. But, it wasn’t the right fit for my taste.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
November 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
God I just wished the romcom portion of this book didn’t overshadow the mystery so much, because I generally wanted to read this BECAUSE of the mystery, not DESPITE it.
I liked Without a Clue enough and I will 100% give it 4 stars, but to be quite honest I found Pip quite lacking as a main character, and I’m genuinely sorry to say it. The entire premise was intriguing enough to pull me in and keep me there, and the writing was enjoyable enough that I didn’t find it a chore to keep reading, but as a detective Pip really made me roll my eyes numerous times. I think the author didn’t do nearly as good of a job with the mystery side of the book as she did with the romance side and for me personally, someone who enjoys mysteries with a bit of romance here and there, that is a bit disappointing.
Also can I just say, the way at the end Pip just let Hugh off the hook in regards to his behavior really irked me. She really spent a whole decade as the personal assistant to that man and YET after he terrorizes her she does nothing. Nothing. She’s not mad, doesn’t even tell him she’s hurt by it, she just stands there and literally accepts it after he offers her to be his replacement AS IF that makes up for everything. Really. This just pissed me off honestly.
Anyway, even if I probably won’t reread this book with glee, I thing it is an okay read and less picky people than me should pick it up (ideally if you love romance more than anything and are willing to overlook some stuff then you’ll for sure love it..)
God I just wished the romcom portion of this book didn’t overshadow the mystery so much, because I generally wanted to read this BECAUSE of the mystery, not DESPITE it.
I liked Without a Clue enough and I will 100% give it 4 stars, but to be quite honest I found Pip quite lacking as a main character, and I’m genuinely sorry to say it. The entire premise was intriguing enough to pull me in and keep me there, and the writing was enjoyable enough that I didn’t find it a chore to keep reading, but as a detective Pip really made me roll my eyes numerous times. I think the author didn’t do nearly as good of a job with the mystery side of the book as she did with the romance side and for me personally, someone who enjoys mysteries with a bit of romance here and there, that is a bit disappointing.
Also can I just say, the way at the end Pip just let Hugh off the hook in regards to his behavior really irked me. She really spent a whole decade as the personal assistant to that man and YET after he terrorizes her she does nothing. Nothing. She’s not mad, doesn’t even tell him she’s hurt by it, she just stands there and literally accepts it after he offers her to be his replacement AS IF that makes up for everything. Really. This just pissed me off honestly.
Anyway, even if I probably won’t reread this book with glee, I thing it is an okay read and less picky people than me should pick it up (ideally if you love romance more than anything and are willing to overlook some stuff then you’ll for sure love it..)
November 2, 2025
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
3.5 stars.
This murder-mystery with a dash of romance was a fun ride. It was pretty well written with twists and turns and just the right amount of thrill for what is essentially a cosy locked room (more of a corridor) murder mystery. I really enjoyed the cast of characters and how much of the story was about them being authors. The romance worked well because you can see that they have a history, so things don't feel like they are moving too fast; the story takes place over 9 days. I HATED the stuff with Pip's ex so much, it did feel a bit thrown in simply as a reason why Nash and Pip hadn't got together earlier. Her trauma from that relationship (which only ended 6 weeks prior) felt a bit glossed over and not properly resolved.
This book was a solid four star right up until the end, where I didn't like the climax and reveal. The FMCs reaction didn't sit well with me, and I wish she had been angrier. Most of the story is Pip being told by her friends she's a doormat and trying to break her out of it, and then throughout the reveal, guess what? She's a doormat. People who profess to be her closest friends, to love her, gaslight her to get their way. There ended up not really being any character growth. I wanted her to get angry, or to even feel like hitting someone (there didn't need to be any hitting dw). But she doesn't.
Anyway, the ending brought down the rating, but overall, it was a fun mystery set on a cruise ship. Makes me want to drink cocktails by the pool (which I will be doing soon! yay!).
3.5 stars.
This murder-mystery with a dash of romance was a fun ride. It was pretty well written with twists and turns and just the right amount of thrill for what is essentially a cosy locked room (more of a corridor) murder mystery. I really enjoyed the cast of characters and how much of the story was about them being authors. The romance worked well because you can see that they have a history, so things don't feel like they are moving too fast; the story takes place over 9 days. I HATED the stuff with Pip's ex so much, it did feel a bit thrown in simply as a reason why Nash and Pip hadn't got together earlier. Her trauma from that relationship (which only ended 6 weeks prior) felt a bit glossed over and not properly resolved.
This book was a solid four star right up until the end, where I didn't like the climax and reveal. The FMCs reaction didn't sit well with me, and I wish she had been angrier. Most of the story is Pip being told by her friends she's a doormat and trying to break her out of it, and then throughout the reveal, guess what? She's a doormat. People who profess to be her closest friends, to love her, gaslight her to get their way. There ended up not really being any character growth. I wanted her to get angry, or to even feel like hitting someone (there didn't need to be any hitting dw). But she doesn't.
Anyway, the ending brought down the rating, but overall, it was a fun mystery set on a cruise ship. Makes me want to drink cocktails by the pool (which I will be doing soon! yay!).
November 4, 2025
🚢🕵🏻♀ A high-seas murder mystery rom-com, with a group of eccentric authors on a book cruise! I loved the mix of characters, and the setting. The environment of suspicion, of knowing anyone could be the killer, and being stuck for days on the cruise was great.
🚢 The story follows the mysterious murder of one of our writers - causing his personal assistant Penelope to take lead in investigating the case. Her superpower of staying calm and having great composure is tested at every turn, mixed in with recent personal events in her life. It was hilarious the way her breakdown and reactions were portrayed - but it also felt sincere. I enjoyed the emotional beats of the story that marked her internal journey.
🚢 I loved the writing style and humour in this book. It was dramatic in all the ways that I find fun, and it had a great first chapter that pulled me in with its engaging tone. It was punchy, clever and painted an interesting visual scene.
🚢 The romance between her, and the charming cowboy author Nash, was really sweet. It was based on their working friendship over the years, and I liked their chemistry. (this is a clean no-spice romance rec if you’re looking for it)
My personal enjoyment honestly outpaces any objective critiques I might have had. I was in for the whole ride, and this was the perfect entertaining mood read I needed!
Thanks to Netgalley, and the publisher for the complementary e-arc of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
🚢 The story follows the mysterious murder of one of our writers - causing his personal assistant Penelope to take lead in investigating the case. Her superpower of staying calm and having great composure is tested at every turn, mixed in with recent personal events in her life. It was hilarious the way her breakdown and reactions were portrayed - but it also felt sincere. I enjoyed the emotional beats of the story that marked her internal journey.
🚢 I loved the writing style and humour in this book. It was dramatic in all the ways that I find fun, and it had a great first chapter that pulled me in with its engaging tone. It was punchy, clever and painted an interesting visual scene.
🚢 The romance between her, and the charming cowboy author Nash, was really sweet. It was based on their working friendship over the years, and I liked their chemistry. (this is a clean no-spice romance rec if you’re looking for it)
My personal enjoyment honestly outpaces any objective critiques I might have had. I was in for the whole ride, and this was the perfect entertaining mood read I needed!
Thanks to Netgalley, and the publisher for the complementary e-arc of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 10, 2025
*Without a Clue* by Melissa Ferguson is a mystery romcom set on a fancy cruise ship full of book lovers. What's not to like?! It was such a fun read!🚢🕵♀️🤠✍️💙
Pip, our smart, capable FMC, is the assistant of long time successful author Hugh and helps manage "The Magnificent Seven", a colorful group of authors of different genres. Pip organizes the cruise for fans of the group and the authors themselves. However, as soon as the cruise is underway, Hugh is murdered under mysterious circumstances. His murder must be solved and the on board investigator just won't do... Pip must find out the truth and Nash, loyal and in love as he is, sticks close to her side. Their sweet love story unfolds as they charmingly stumble through the investigation. The mystery part of the story had me invested and engaged until the end. The side characters are wonderful and one of my favorite parts of this book - the quirky and unique authors and the staff aboard the cruise ship (oh, Oliver) bring so many funny and entertaining moments. I really enjoyed the mix of genres and thought they we're balanced well.
🚢 fancy, book cruise setting
🕵♀️ amateur sleuthing mystery
🤠 cinnamon roll cowboy hero
✍️ found family
💙 slow burn, locked door romance
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for a copy of *Without A Clue*🚢🕵♀️🤠✍️💙
Publication date: February 16, 2025
Pip, our smart, capable FMC, is the assistant of long time successful author Hugh and helps manage "The Magnificent Seven", a colorful group of authors of different genres. Pip organizes the cruise for fans of the group and the authors themselves. However, as soon as the cruise is underway, Hugh is murdered under mysterious circumstances. His murder must be solved and the on board investigator just won't do... Pip must find out the truth and Nash, loyal and in love as he is, sticks close to her side. Their sweet love story unfolds as they charmingly stumble through the investigation. The mystery part of the story had me invested and engaged until the end. The side characters are wonderful and one of my favorite parts of this book - the quirky and unique authors and the staff aboard the cruise ship (oh, Oliver) bring so many funny and entertaining moments. I really enjoyed the mix of genres and thought they we're balanced well.
🚢 fancy, book cruise setting
🕵♀️ amateur sleuthing mystery
🤠 cinnamon roll cowboy hero
✍️ found family
💙 slow burn, locked door romance
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for a copy of *Without A Clue*🚢🕵♀️🤠✍️💙
Publication date: February 16, 2025
October 21, 2025
3.5 Stars
A sweet fun, happy mystery with a healthy dose or romance and full of charming characters. This book has a little bit of everything, sure to please, well nearly everyone.
Penelope is the assistant to Hugh a great mystery author, over the years for working for him she has found herself on many a crazy adventure trying out things for his books. But most importantly she became one of his closest friends. Hugh is part of The Magnificent Seven, a group of seven well known authors who band together and support each other. Currently The Magnificent Seven is on a cruise that Penelope planned for them, hoping to get fan interactions, photos, videos all the things. What they did not plan for was murder.
When someone is found dead, Penelope finds herself trying to solve the case. They are on a boat at sea, so everyone here is a suspect, only the 7 have keys to the hallway where the body was found, but was it really one of them? Is one of her friends a murderer? And better question could it be Hugh? The author she’s been harboring feelings for? Is she safe with him? Can she trust…..anyone?
Thank you Netgally and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review. I thought this was a really fun, lighthearted read, that gives you the sweet dose of romance while solving the crime. I loved the cross of two of my favorite genres. Especially when we get a happy ending! Fans of Melissa Ferguson will devour this.
A sweet fun, happy mystery with a healthy dose or romance and full of charming characters. This book has a little bit of everything, sure to please, well nearly everyone.
Penelope is the assistant to Hugh a great mystery author, over the years for working for him she has found herself on many a crazy adventure trying out things for his books. But most importantly she became one of his closest friends. Hugh is part of The Magnificent Seven, a group of seven well known authors who band together and support each other. Currently The Magnificent Seven is on a cruise that Penelope planned for them, hoping to get fan interactions, photos, videos all the things. What they did not plan for was murder.
When someone is found dead, Penelope finds herself trying to solve the case. They are on a boat at sea, so everyone here is a suspect, only the 7 have keys to the hallway where the body was found, but was it really one of them? Is one of her friends a murderer? And better question could it be Hugh? The author she’s been harboring feelings for? Is she safe with him? Can she trust…..anyone?
Thank you Netgally and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review. I thought this was a really fun, lighthearted read, that gives you the sweet dose of romance while solving the crime. I loved the cross of two of my favorite genres. Especially when we get a happy ending! Fans of Melissa Ferguson will devour this.
October 19, 2025
Better than a Hallmark movie! Looking for an adventure with clean romance, mystery, and quirky characters? This one is for you!
Welcome aboard the cruise ship with a group of author friends who become the center of a murder investigation. Penelope, or "Pip" as she is called by some, is the group coordinator and takes it upon herself to figure out "who-done-it" before they land in Europe.
An interesting cast of characters, all who seem to be hiding something, and multiple suspects makes this a guessing game up until the end. It took a little time to get to know them, but after the story gets going, it was easy to sort them out. Nash was a terrific sidekick hero, sticking by Pip all the way.
There are plot twists and surprises along the way, with some humorous scenes, making this a fun quick read. The romance that develops is sweet and clean. Hallmark fans will love this one. There is no real overt faith elements other than implied principles, such as "a friend loves at all times" and encouraging someone who is struggling. Finding real friendship is an underlying theme, like the kind who sticks with you through thick and thin.
Recommend for fans of contemporary clean romances with a mystery. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)
Welcome aboard the cruise ship with a group of author friends who become the center of a murder investigation. Penelope, or "Pip" as she is called by some, is the group coordinator and takes it upon herself to figure out "who-done-it" before they land in Europe.
An interesting cast of characters, all who seem to be hiding something, and multiple suspects makes this a guessing game up until the end. It took a little time to get to know them, but after the story gets going, it was easy to sort them out. Nash was a terrific sidekick hero, sticking by Pip all the way.
There are plot twists and surprises along the way, with some humorous scenes, making this a fun quick read. The romance that develops is sweet and clean. Hallmark fans will love this one. There is no real overt faith elements other than implied principles, such as "a friend loves at all times" and encouraging someone who is struggling. Finding real friendship is an underlying theme, like the kind who sticks with you through thick and thin.
Recommend for fans of contemporary clean romances with a mystery. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)
September 2, 2025
3.5/5
This book had a little bit of everything, a mystery and a romance. And all taking place on a cruise ship.
Now, I am not the biggest fan of cruises. They seem like floating petri dishes and I saw the poop cruise documentary, but this cruise actually seemed fun. Our FMC organizes a cruise for authors and their fans.
But then, our FMC's boss (one of the authors) is found dead. And that murder must be solved. Pip, our FMC, pairs up with another writer to solve this.
I did think this was fun and I did enjoy reading it, but I would've liked a little more oomph to the character development and the development of their relationship. I just didn't care about these characters quite as much as I would've really liked to. Don't get me wrong, I still liked them and their relationship (slow-burn and not steamy, by the way, in case you were wondering), I just wanted a little more something to make me really get invested with them as individuals.
I think having the mix of genres made this very entertaining, you had breaks of one for the other. And it was done in a very well-balanced way. I think a lot of people will enjoy this book.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This book had a little bit of everything, a mystery and a romance. And all taking place on a cruise ship.
Now, I am not the biggest fan of cruises. They seem like floating petri dishes and I saw the poop cruise documentary, but this cruise actually seemed fun. Our FMC organizes a cruise for authors and their fans.
But then, our FMC's boss (one of the authors) is found dead. And that murder must be solved. Pip, our FMC, pairs up with another writer to solve this.
I did think this was fun and I did enjoy reading it, but I would've liked a little more oomph to the character development and the development of their relationship. I just didn't care about these characters quite as much as I would've really liked to. Don't get me wrong, I still liked them and their relationship (slow-burn and not steamy, by the way, in case you were wondering), I just wanted a little more something to make me really get invested with them as individuals.
I think having the mix of genres made this very entertaining, you had breaks of one for the other. And it was done in a very well-balanced way. I think a lot of people will enjoy this book.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
November 11, 2025
Without a Clue is a whodunnit involving an author group called The Magnificent Seven and Penelope their assistant. They embark on an author cruise featuring The Magnificent Seven and Penelope's boss is murdered. The security on the ship is unhelpful and so Penelope is the one tasked with finding the murderer and interviewing each of the six eccentric Magnificent Seven who are left. In the midst of this investigation, Penelope starts realizing she has had feelings for Nash, one of The Magnificent Seven and is spending more time with him. Nash helps Penelope with her investigation as the mystery unravels.
This book is one of the more complex Melissa Ferguson books that I have read. I love a mystery with a romance, but this book had a lot happening and that left things messy. I don't feel like I was able to enjoy the eccentric side characters because of how bogus things were on the ship and this was even further distorted by Penelope's own fear and panic over the situation. I would have also liked a little more romance. This is more of a women's fiction than a romance book. If you enjoy eccentric characters with mystery and a side of romance then this could be something you enjoy!
Thank you Thomas Nelson Ficton and NetGalley for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This book is one of the more complex Melissa Ferguson books that I have read. I love a mystery with a romance, but this book had a lot happening and that left things messy. I don't feel like I was able to enjoy the eccentric side characters because of how bogus things were on the ship and this was even further distorted by Penelope's own fear and panic over the situation. I would have also liked a little more romance. This is more of a women's fiction than a romance book. If you enjoy eccentric characters with mystery and a side of romance then this could be something you enjoy!
Thank you Thomas Nelson Ficton and NetGalley for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
September 2, 2025
4.25/5 ⭐️
Well, I think this was my first romcom with a man in a cowboy hat, and I gotta say I didn’t hate it.
Truly, Pip and Nash are great. I had fun with them as they stumbled through the investigation of their friends. May we all find someone as wonderfully loyal was Nash to have in our corner.
This was a fun story. There were some pacing issues where some scenes just felt like they were on fast forward toward the end of the novel and like my brain wasn’t working as fast as Penelope’s, but they don’t take away from anything and everything clicked at the end.
This was a very fun concept executed really well. I even loved minor characters like Oliver — poor man just wanted to be helpful, do his job, and stop Pip from being a hot mess express on his deck. He was the perfect light comedy in the background.
Honestly, I wish I could spend a bit more time with the Magnificent Seven. I don’t know how a series would work, but this could start something really fun.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Well, I think this was my first romcom with a man in a cowboy hat, and I gotta say I didn’t hate it.
Truly, Pip and Nash are great. I had fun with them as they stumbled through the investigation of their friends. May we all find someone as wonderfully loyal was Nash to have in our corner.
This was a fun story. There were some pacing issues where some scenes just felt like they were on fast forward toward the end of the novel and like my brain wasn’t working as fast as Penelope’s, but they don’t take away from anything and everything clicked at the end.
This was a very fun concept executed really well. I even loved minor characters like Oliver — poor man just wanted to be helpful, do his job, and stop Pip from being a hot mess express on his deck. He was the perfect light comedy in the background.
Honestly, I wish I could spend a bit more time with the Magnificent Seven. I don’t know how a series would work, but this could start something really fun.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 8, 2025
Melissa Ferguson delivers a delightful, laugh-out-loud clean mystery with a splash of romance in Without a Clue. Set aboard a luxury cruise ship, the story introduces a vibrant cast of characters and an irresistible whodunit that keeps readers guessing.
Penelope Mae Dupont—better known as “Pip”—has organized an exclusive book-themed cruise featuring seven bestselling authors, each slated to lead a workshop. But the voyage takes a dark turn on day two when Hugh, one of the authors and Pip’s boss, is found dead.
With the ship’s security team proving utterly useless, Pip takes matters into her own hands. She teams up with Nash, a charming western novelist, and together they dive into amateur sleuthing. Their investigation uncovers suspicious clues—including knives in the possession of several authors—and plenty of dead ends. The fact that they’re at sea only adds to the tension and chaos.
Ferguson masterfully blends humor, mystery, and romance in a fast-paced plot that’s as clever as it is entertaining. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery with quirky characters and high-seas hijinks, this one’s a gem.
Penelope Mae Dupont—better known as “Pip”—has organized an exclusive book-themed cruise featuring seven bestselling authors, each slated to lead a workshop. But the voyage takes a dark turn on day two when Hugh, one of the authors and Pip’s boss, is found dead.
With the ship’s security team proving utterly useless, Pip takes matters into her own hands. She teams up with Nash, a charming western novelist, and together they dive into amateur sleuthing. Their investigation uncovers suspicious clues—including knives in the possession of several authors—and plenty of dead ends. The fact that they’re at sea only adds to the tension and chaos.
Ferguson masterfully blends humor, mystery, and romance in a fast-paced plot that’s as clever as it is entertaining. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery with quirky characters and high-seas hijinks, this one’s a gem.
October 21, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed all the silly, quirky characters we get to meet throughout the voyage of Without a Clue. (get it. a voyage. like. like being on a cruiseship-)
Though I did enjoy the romantic plotline of the book, it felt a little insta-lovey to me. I wanted to read a bit more of the background of Pip and Nash! I really liked their dynamic but I wish the tension had built a bit more. To be fair, I am a massive fan of a slow-burn, so I may just not be used to a regular-paced romance plotline.
Pip is a much better person than me. I would never forgive the trauma that all of her so-called "friends" caused her, and though I get it's supposed to be more of a light-hearted, silly book, I genuinely was just thinking about all the therapy Pip would need to recover. And the severe trust issues I'd develop if I was ever put in a similar situation. By the end of the book it starts to feel like a weird hazing (fraternity style) ritual.
I don't know, I wanted to enjoy this book more, but quite a few things just felt off and didn't mesh with me personally.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Though I did enjoy the romantic plotline of the book, it felt a little insta-lovey to me. I wanted to read a bit more of the background of Pip and Nash! I really liked their dynamic but I wish the tension had built a bit more. To be fair, I am a massive fan of a slow-burn, so I may just not be used to a regular-paced romance plotline.
Pip is a much better person than me. I would never forgive the trauma that all of her so-called "friends" caused her, and though I get it's supposed to be more of a light-hearted, silly book, I genuinely was just thinking about all the therapy Pip would need to recover. And the severe trust issues I'd develop if I was ever put in a similar situation. By the end of the book it starts to feel like a weird hazing (fraternity style) ritual.
I don't know, I wanted to enjoy this book more, but quite a few things just felt off and didn't mesh with me personally.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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