Without a Clue

by Melissa Ferguson

A 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.

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary, Adult

Audible Audio

Expected publication February 1, 2026

About the author

Bestselling 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/

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.*

[Kelsey S · Rating 4 out of 5]

▹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!
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○★○ 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

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↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12

Now Playing: Help! by The Beatles

╰┈➤ ❝Help! I need somebody; HELP! Not just anybody; help!❞

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★○ 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.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[cate · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah Monzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[gracie · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus}]

*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc and an audiobook in exchange for an honest review!*

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Taylor Doran · Rating 4 out of 5]

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?

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Gosia · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Megan Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Katie Lavoie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Brooke (iambookish_brooke) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun with this one!

A quirky cast of characters. All writers of different genres. Hosting a conference for their readers aboard a cruise ship. A little sweet friends to lovers romance (closed door). All wrapped up in a murder mystery. Yes please.

I will say that the first couple chapters had me a little nervous that this story wasn’t going to be for me… but once they were all aboard the ship and the mystery started, I was hooked.

Thank you netgalley for the ALC copy. Excellent narration from Karissa Vacker- she did great voices for all the quirky characters.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Catarina | cat literary world · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this SOOOO MUCH!!! Melissa’s writing + Karissa’s immaculate narration was the PERFECT COMBINATION!!!! I will be reading this book again and again!!!!

This was witty, engaging, entertaining, enthralling, cosy, heartwarming and just so wonderfully executed!

Thank you NetGalley, Nelson Thomas Publishing, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and Melissa Ferguson for the ARC and ALC.

[Anita]

My 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.

[Sarah Bittel · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was light-hearted and funny and fun. A locked room whodunnit with plenty of suspects with plenty of motives. And though I did kinda see the end coming, it was still a fun ride. Thanks to Thomas Nelson for the ARC.

[Bookworman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah... (sigh)... I just couldn't get into this story. It started out OK and I did like the two MCs. However, the quirky characters were a bit too quirky for me. The story was a little too screwball comedy for my taste. I guessed the "surprise ending" about 60% through the story.

My recommendation is to read this author's best stories: "How to Plot a Payback", "Famous for a Living", and "Meet Me in the Margins", as well as her short story, "Dashing Through the Snow". All delightfully sweet, funny and romantic and definitely worth your time.

No profanity or sex.

[Noni · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Without a Clue
✍🏻Melissa Ferguson
Blurb:
When a mystery writer mysteriously dies on a cruise filled with rabid fans, his protégé (and personal assistant) teams up with a rugged cowboy and fellow writer to crack the case. One part Only Murders in the Building, one part Book Lovers, and a whole lot of laughs, Without a Clue will keep readers guessing and swooning until the very end.

If there's one thing Penelope Mae Dupont prizes most, it's her composure--her ability to stay calm in the face of stress. It's a vital trait in her job as a personal assistant to renowned mystery author Hugh Griffin. But when Pip organizes a book cruise featuring The Fabulous Seven--seven celebrated authors from different genres who have supported each other through thick and thin--her famed composure is in danger of sailing away. One boat, hundreds of devoted readers, and seven Big Personalities. What could possibly go wrong?

Disaster strikes when, on the second day of the cruise, Hugh is found murdered. And, in the face of gross incompetence by the on-board security force, Pip realizes she'll need to be the one to discover who did it. With the ship stranded in the middle of the Atlantic and no help on the horizon, it's up to her to unravel the mystery. Along with her friend Nash--a dreamy Western author who's just as rugged as the cowboys he writes about. As Pip's composure starts to sink faster than a leaky dinghy, Nash becomes her anchor in a storm of clues and red herrings.

With Nash at her side, Penelope dives into the murky depths of the mystery, navigating treacherous waters filled with unexpected twists and turns. No one, not even a desperately hopeful mystery sleuth named Pip, could anticipate the wild ride ahead. Whether she likes it or not, she is on the adventure of a lifetime . . . and maybe, just maybe, she'll find love along the way.

In this laugh-out-loud funny Clue-meets-Emily-Henry rom-com, Penelope Mae Dupont is about to find out that in the world of mystery and romance, you have to risk going overboard to find the truth.
My Thoughts:
This book hooked me right from the start with its amazing concept: a murder mystery/rom-com about a group of seven authors. Because the book has a large cast though, I was afraid I wouldn’t get to know all the characters too well however, the book does a great job at introducing all of them early on in a way that felt natural, and was able to give them each their own distinct personality. The pacing is one of the book’s biggest strengths. Right as things settle down, there’s another twist or secret that comes to light, which makes the book genuinely hard to put down. You can expect a lot of laugh-out-loud moments, blush and giggle inducing scenes, and a bunch of chaos which suprisingly works really well in this book. The romance subplot is amazing! Very sweet without completely overshadowing the mystery aspect. I also really appreciated the anxiety representation which was done really well and added depth to the FMC. That said, the book is definitely more funny than actually thrilling, while retaining its own charm. I would say though, if you’re really looking for a lot of suspence, this book doesn’t quite fit. Unfortunately, even though I really enjoyed most of the book, the ending didn’t land for me. It influenced my final thoughts and rating of this book more negatively than I expected. In general, a really cute mix of romance and mystery. Add this to your TBR List
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Author Melissa Ferguson for the advanced copy of "Without a Clue" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#ThomasNelson
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⚠️Trigger Warnings: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder

[Daria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel confused about this one. Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson is a book that, to be honest, blends at least two confusing genres: a suspenseful detective story and a romcom.
The book description is promising something in between Book Lovers by Emily Henry and Only Murders in the Building. I see similarities with the latter, but not with the first one.

Once upon a time, seven authors of different genres were stuck in the elevator. That's how the Magnificent Seven was formed - a group of seven authors that formed not so secret, but still, a writing club. There are secret meetings, secret rules, and there is an assistant - Pip.
Now Pip has a hard task ahead of her. The Magnificent Seven is going on a book cruise with their fans, so they can host events, sign books, and add some publicity - as if they need more of it.

On the first evening of the cruise, one of the founders of the Seven, and a direct Pip's employer, drags her aside and tells her that in a secret-secret room of secret-secret meetings, he found a threat. Someone of the Fabulous Seven (really, who did come out with any of these names? And can you believe it, that before Pip came along, it was just The Seven? Are you writers, or who are you?), threats to kill Hugh, the famous mystery author. Pip is all like: yeah, yeah, grandpa, go on, very interesting, goodbye. And goes to chill, watching stars with another author, with whom there is kind of a strange chemistry going on. She forgets about Hugh's concerns, focusing on her, I don't know how to call it.
Nobody died that night, she says. How could she know? There was no way. It was her suggestion. But then, Hugh didn't show up. Pip checks on him only to find him covered with blood, dead. Pip realizes she'll need to be the one to discover who did it. With the ship stranded in the middle of the Atlantic and no help on the horizon, it's up to her to unravel the mystery.

So, I had incredibly confusing feelings on this one. Should I focus on it as an investigation? Or a comedy? Or a romcom? Or just a romance? No, definitely not the latest one.
I loved, for sure, the way the investigation was built - based on the books of the first victim. That's interesting, but I can't see it working out in real life.
I loved the part full of doubts - and I would LOVE this book if there were confirmed, or if this part lasted longer, or were a bit later in the story.
Because even though the doubts were unconfirmed, how could you just go on with "loving" someone, you truly believed was a murderer?

I would appreciate having more background story on Nash and Pip, as while they were watching stars, we were given a hint that something had happened between them not long before that.But no one cares.
I wish I had never had friends such as Pip's.
Some parts were too long and gave nothing at all.
I don't get at all why she agreed to stay in the Seven. I don't get how she just kept on being friends with them. And OK, if only after the cruise, but after what they make her do? No, thank you.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Nicole Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Gena Bessire · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.