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, Audiobook, Fiction, Contemporary, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary Romance

Audible Audio

Expected publication February 17, 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, and while this 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 of 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

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A high-seas whodunit with heart.

The premise of this book was so cute to me! It felt like a game of CLUE come to life, set against the backdrop of a high-seas adventure. Melissa Ferguson has a knack for creating likable, distinct characters, and I found myself rooting for them even as the mystery deepened.

What I loved:

The Pacing: The little plot twists and "spins" were sprinkled perfectly throughout the story, keeping the energy high.

The Vibes: It strikes that rare balance of being a lighthearted rom-com while still delivering a satisfying mystery.

Perfect Escape: It’s a perfect "vacation read" or really, anytime read! It is light, funny, and just mysterious enough to keep you turning the pages.

If you're looking for a laugh-out-loud rom-com wrapped in a whodunit, this is it!

Rating: 3.75/5! ✨ I found the audio version helped the flow and distinction of the characters. Rounding up for Goodreads! Pub Date: 17 Feb 2026

Thank you, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio | Thomas Nelson Fiction, for sending me this ARC.☺️

As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤✨

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A high-seas whodunit with heart.

The premise of this book was so cute to me! It felt like a game of CLUE come to life, set against the backdrop of a high-seas adventure. Melissa Ferguson has a knack for creating likable, distinct characters, and I found myself rooting for them even as the mystery deepened.

What I loved:

The Pacing: The little plot twists and "spins" were sprinkled perfectly throughout the story, keeping the energy high.

The Vibes: It strikes that rare balance of being a lighthearted rom-com while still delivering a satisfying mystery.

Perfect Escape: It’s a perfect "vacation read" or really, anytime read! It is light, funny, and just mysterious enough to keep you turning the pages.

If you're looking for a laugh-out-loud rom-com wrapped in a whodunit, this is it!

Rating: 3.5/5, rounding up for Goodreads! ✨ Pub Date: 17 Feb 2026

Thank you, Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson, for sending me this ARC. ☺️

As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤✨

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, cozy story, perfect for romance and mystery readers just looking to have a good time. After all, who doesn’t love a bit of sweet, lighthearted murder between old friends?

First of all, any book that kicks off with a woman doing something chaotic and slightly unhinged because a random man *had the audacity* too close to her is a book that has my attention. Especially when that chaos is immediately supported by her found family, a bunch of adorable weirdos. The majority of the characters in this story are members of “The Magnificent Seven,” a group of authors who have teamed up to support each other’s careers over the decades. They are the guests of honor on a cruise with fans, where they will host panels, interact, and just have a fun vacation with their readers. By the way - an INCREDIBLE idea. Do these exist? They should. Unfortunately, they barely set out to sea before one of the seven is murdered - mostly like by one of the others.

Each member of the Magnificent Seven writes a different genre, and they are all silly little caricatures of that genre. We never get particularly deep with any of the characters - which does make it a little difficult to actually care about the murder mystery or its outcome. Pip and Nash’s romance was similarly light, so while it was cute and fun to read, I definitely didn’t become emotionally invested. However, I didn’t get the impression that the book was really asking me to think too hard or take it too seriously. It’s intentionally lightweight and playful - the author clearly intended to give readers something breezy, sweet, and entertaining, and she succeeded. Also, even though you can see the ending coming from a mile away, I loved the way that everything worked out. It was heartwarming and left me with warm fuzzies. What more could you ask for?

Read this if you enjoy:
-Friends to lovers
-Cowboy cinnamon rolls
-Cozy mysteries
-Locked room/ closed circle
-Vacation romance
-Forced proximity (he has to sleep in her stateroom to protect her obviously)
-Found family
-Books about the book world

***Audiobook note: With so many unique and eccentric characters, my first thought was that it would have been so cool if they could have had a whole cast of narrators. However, it quickly became apparent that that was not necessary! The extremely talented narrator, Karissa Vacker, absolutely crushed it all on her own. She brought each character to life, giving them all their own unique way of speaking. I completely forgot that I was only listening to a single narrator. Very well done!

Thank you so much to Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to an advanced listening copy of Without a Clue in exchange for my honest review.

[swami ༉‧₊˚ [uni semi-ia] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ★ ‧₊˚
rtc!

Pre-read:
you can’t put “Clue-meets-Emily-Henry rom-com” in the description of a book and not expect me to read it cmon
I saw this book thought that the plot was interesting and that the cover was really cute, so thank you to Netgalley and to Thomas Nelson for giving me a chance to read this arc in exchange of an honest review!
I’m gonna review both the book and the audiobook, and it’s also my first arc so I’m very excited to read this!!

[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.

[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.

[AmdynReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok guys this is a cute one! Murder mystery with a big helping of adorable romance (or is it? 👀 ) because EVERYONE is a suspect on this cruise!

✨ Thank you Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Audio for a copy of this ALC. All opinions are my own.

Penelope, “Pip”, is the personal assistant to Hugh Griffin, the top mystery writer of the last few decades, and she has organized an author/readers cruise with “The Magnificent Seven”, a group of eccentric authors including Hugh. Each of the seven authors writes a different genre, and all of them are best friends. When Hugh is murdered, and the murderer can only be one of the Seven 😳 , it falls to Pip to interview each author and do her own investigation. With the help of her long-time crush, Nash, who is also one of the Seven, they uncover secrets, discover evidence and begin to question the motives of their dearest friends… even each other.

🎧 I listened to the audiobook and it was a delight. Karissa Vacker was the narrator and she did such a wonderful job with all the voices. I truly forgot that this was a solo narration.

Even her male rendition of Nash was fantastic. I appreciated his subtle country twang. It wasn’t overdone or exaggerated but it just popped out on certain words and I was so thankful I didn’t have to hear a caricature of a country person the whole time. As a Southerner myself- thank you! I feel like this is over-exaggerated in audiobooks ALL THE TIME and it’s a pet peeve of mine. 🤠

🔊 Audio quality was crisp and seamless. It’s one of those things that if you notice, then it is a problem. But I was totally immersed in the story and never got knocked out by any production issues. I never felt lost or confused during my listening.

The story was fun, sweet and endearing. Here’s what to expect:
🛥️ new beginnings / romance
🛥️ cozy murder mystery / who dunnit
🛥️ forced proximity (with a murderer 🔪)
🛥️ found family 🫂
🛥️ no spice 🫑
🛥️ aha moment so satisfying (I LOVED the peppermint scene! 💕)

Publishes: February 16, 2026
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[Holly (IG Hollys_Book_Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up!

Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson

This was such a fun and delightful experience of a story. I thought the story, the mystery, and the group of author friends were all so interesting and unpredictable.

This is a friends-to-lovers, opposites attract romance. I loved Nash's and Penelope's dynamics. While I found Penelope a tad annoying at times, I adored her with Nash and what they were to each other. Thoughtful, helpful, and when they were working to solve the mystery. Nash is protective and caring, quiet, reserved, and I thought he fit with Penelope so well.

A murder mystery on a cruise ship made for a thrilling and intriguing plot. While things were kept light and happy, there were some parts of suspense. And I did not expect that ending! But I loved it.

Definitely recommend this fun and flirty mystery! It was my first book by Melissa, and I definitely plan to try her other books.

Favorite Parts:
Friends to Lovers
On a Cruise
Nash
Authors
Solving a Mystery
Interrogating others
Piano Concert & dinner
Plot reveals
Protective/Defensive Nash
The ending-Not what I expected

Content Guide:
Language: None
Romance Content: Kissing only
Violence/gore: Mild-2 Murders, one where victim is stabbed and there is blood (Both murders are found after the fact)
Substance Use: None
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: none
Other: Panic attack (mild)

Book Info:
Series: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romcom with Mystery
Romance Level: Kissing only
Release Date: February 17, 2026
Publisher: Thomas Nelson & Zondervan
POV: Single First Person
Narrator: Karissa Vacker

Thank you to the publisher for the audio review copy from Netgalley. All thoughts are my own. 

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part mystery part romance and cheesy fun.

[lorenzodulac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, I needed this.
I don’t usually do romance, contemporary romance that is, it usually does nothing for me. But when I saw the romance was mixed with a plot of murder mystery?? I was absolutely one thousand percent in.
This is all about Pip, she works for Hugh, a big shot writer. As his assistant she is invited to this cruise along with him and other writers. There are seven of them in total. One of them is Nash, her friend (or more than?) and a writer who is also a cowboy? I mean, why not. Anyway, tragedy strikes. Hugh is murdered, and with the detective being absolutely incompetent to say the least, the situation leaves Pip in charge of the questioning.
I’m not going to sit here and pretend this is the most original mystery or the most swoon worthy romance. It’s one of those books you’re just along for the ride in. But believe me when I tell you, you’ll have the best time. The book is also completely clean, even language-wise. The only (pretty obvious) trigger is that there’s a murder in this… murder mystery book. I don’t know, I thought I’d mention that.
The couple was cute, the development of their relationship felt a little rushed, the confession kind of came out of nowhere. We know they knew each other for a long time but we weren’t there? So we didn’t really see any of it? The yearning wasn’t really there, on page. But they were cute nonetheless.
Now the mystery was reminiscent of, well, a few others. But if it ain’t broke! Seriously, it was so fun to follow. I always love an amateur detective and all the questioning sequences the come with it. Yeah, some things didn’t really make sense. And I wish we got more… clues, I guess, to the resolution. To guess along with the characters. But it didn’t at all affect my enjoyment of the book. I never saw the ending coming. Incredibly fun and exactly what I needed at the moment. It deserves at least a 4.25/5⭐️
Audiobook notes: I have a feeling I’ve heard this woman’s voice before, I just can’t quite put my finger on where. I liked her then and I loved her now! A one woman show, Karissa Vacker is the only narrator as there’s only one POV, Pip’s. I liked the different voices she used. Yes, even the obnoxious ones for the even more obnoxious characters. She did such a good job.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[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.

[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.

[Mary Watson · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️ ARC Review: I wanted to dnf this at 8% but I didn’t feel like that was a fair place to stop. I needed to give it more of a chance. But I had to PUSH to get to 25%. This author’s writing is EVERYWHERE. I could not understand what was even going on. I was confused the whole time. The first couple chapters have so much going on yet nothing at all.

The main character is QUIRKY. And not in a cute way. She is insane. The opening scene is her being a psychopath and stealing a man’s speaker on a beach and running into the water with it… That’s our first impression of her. From then I knew this book was not going to be for me.

On top of our crazy main character, there are, I swear, 100 more people/authors whose names I have to keep straight. It was too much information and I was overwhelmed.

I also did not care to find out who killed the guy. I did not care about the romance subplot, the characters, and the story as a whole. Too bad really. I think it could have been great, but I unfortunately do not vibe with this author’s writing. She’s tries too hard to be funny and it’s not funny. I keep giving her the benefit of the doubt. That maybe her next book will be more interesting. But unfortunately, I have fallen prey to another one of her cute covers. I will not be picking up another book by this author.

*Thank you to Thomas Nelson publishing and the author for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just a quirky, fun, chaotically delightful cozy mystery with romcom vibes. A cast of characters who are all quirky authors in their own ways, a mystery that had me guessing, a sweet little love story, and Penelope discovering her worth and being built up by her friends had me thoroughly enjoying the whole ride!

CW: Dead bodies discovered (not descriptive)

[Wondrously Bookish Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute cosy murder mystery with a romance subplot. While I requested the Ebook and then the ALC from Netgalley going off of the cover and vibes alone, it turned out to be a worthwhile read.

We have our main character, Pip, who is investigating the murder or her boss while on a literary cruise with her boss's collaborators. Joining her in the endeavour, we've got Nash, one of The Fabulous Seven writers. He has supposedly been pining for her for years but the love reveal comes as across as super insta-lovey.

However, if you're like cosy books, keep in mind this is heavy on the cosy and lighter on the murder mystery investigation.

All in all, an enjoyable read while juggling the myriad things before winter break.

[Mikayla Larlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson is a cozy rom-com mystery set on a luxury book cruise where a group of authors and their assistants become stuck at sea with two murders to solve. It’s a fun, low-stakes setup with a very Hallmark-style vibe.

While I guessed the ending fairly early, I still enjoyed following the clues. The supporting cast felt a bit underdeveloped, though, and I wished the authors had more distinct personalities.

Overall, this was a cozy, predictable, and easy read — a nice palate cleanser between heavier books. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[zahh · Rating 5 out of 5]

✧ 𝓟𝓻𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ✧
Thank you NetGalley for the arc🫶🏻
I’m so excited about this, the premise of this book sounds really exciting and intriguing and I can’t wait to read it.


✧𝓟𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ✧
I. AM. SHOCKED.
One of the best books I read this year so far.

The writing, the story line, the characters? Perfection
The mystery/crime plot was written so well I couldn’t stop reading and made me so on edge not knowing what’s gonna happen next or who’s the killer!! And the plot twist was so good!!
AND THE ROMANCE??? Absolute perfection, no comments, Couldn’t stop smiling the whole time reading about em.
I loved their interactions and the dynamic between them is so good, I absolutely loved it and loved this book.
I think what I want to say is, easy 5 stars.

𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙚 Comes out: 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟭𝟳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲🫶🏻

[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus}]

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

[michelle ࣪ ִֶָ☾ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this didn't have enough of the mystery aspect to hook me, and the romance fell flat, so neither element of this story worked for me.

It was a cute premise, and I was invested for the first few chapters. But the plot got repetitive, and it lost me pretty quick. I saw another review mention that the side characters - the authors - felt like caricatures, and that's the best way to describe them. Pip and Nash were slightly more developed, and while not unlikable by any means, I still couldn't quite latch on to them.

I know cozier mysteries like these can often have low stakes, but the ultimate reveal just felt anti-climactic. And - without saying too much as to not spoil - if I was Pip, at the end, I do not think I would be as forgiving.

Despite all the things I disliked, I think the narrator did a great job. She really gave each character a distinct voice that fit their personalities well. I'd give her five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the audio ARC.

[Heather.loves.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without a Clue by: Melissa Ferguson

📖 Pip is in charge of the "Magnificent Seven" a legendary group of authors, as they board a reader cruise. When one of the authors dies aboard it's up to Pip and Nate to discover the killer.

🗒 This story started slowly but by chapter 6 I was invested in these characters. The "Magnificent 7" are an eclectic group that made a great found family. The cruise ship made for a fantastic setting with its many levels. Pip was a lovely lead and very easy to root for. Nate was a swoonworthy lead and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. I was not a fan of the twist but overall I enjoyed this romcom-mystery mashup.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Netgalley for the complimentary copy

CW: No language, kisses
TW: emotional manipulation (not recounted), murder (off page)

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on an audiobook. The narrators actually brought all the characters to life for me. Penelope, nicknamed Pip, organized an authors cruise for her boss, Hugh. The authors are a group called the Magnificent Seven who all right different genres and support each other when new books are released. Penelope has the authors set up with a full schedule of events with their readers on the cruise. Then this rom com becomes a whole dun it with an unexpected murder on the cruise. Penelope took the lead in helping solve the murder and in the process becomes very close to Nash, a handsome cowboy author. He becomes the perfect love interest until you start wondering if he is too perfect.

Thanks to Net Galley, the author and publisher for the advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion. I’m rating this 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.

[Anisa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy mystery with a touch of romance. I enjoyed the mystery over the romance, then after a while the mystery started to drag but overall enjoyed this story.

[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.

[Nicole | Nicole's Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without A Clue is an utterly delightful whodunit cozy mystery and romantic comedy rolled into one—a true standout and instant favorite. I already know this will be a top read of 2026. I’m a sucker for stories about authors and books, and this one absolutely delivers. I fell hard for Pip, Nash, and the entire eclectic cast from the very beginning.

I absolutely adored Pip and couldn’t get enough of her. She’s witty, smart, and genuinely hilarious—a joy to follow in every scene. Her inner dialogue is perfection, and I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed an FMC more.

Nash is a charming cowboy author with an easygoing demeanor and a fiercely protective streak when it comes to Pip. While their romance takes a backseat to the mystery, it’s still incredibly sweet and quietly swoony. The things Nash says to Pip completely won me over, and I loved the tender way he takes care of her.

When Pip’s inner thoughts didn’t have me in stitches, the Magnificent 7’s quirky personalities and over-the-top antics kept me grinning the entire time. They add so much humor, warmth, and heart to the story that it’s impossible to imagine this book without them.

The audiobook is narrated by Karissa Vacker, and let me tell you—she understood the assignment. I was completely blown away by her performance. She does a phenomenal job bringing each character to life, to the point that I had to double-check this wasn’t duet narration. It’s honestly a little freaky how convincing her “sexy man” voice for Nash is, and that southern drawl? Absolute perfection. Melissa’s story lends itself to a wide range of tones and personalities, and Karissa nails every single one. The story is fantastic in its own right, but the audiobook is something truly special. This is a performance I’ll be talking about for a long time.

If you love cozy mysteries wrapped in humor and romance, bookish characters, a seriously sweet slow burn, and found-family vibes, don’t miss this one.

✨Includes:✨
Cowboy Author
Assistant To The Magnificent 7
Friends To More
Bookish
Eclectic Cast of Characters
Murder on a Cruise Ship
Protective Hero
Found Family
Whodunnit Cozy Mystery
Phenomenal Narrator
He Takes Care Of Her
Single POV
Closed Door
Kisses Only

Favorites:
💭Pip’s inner dialogue
☄️Meteor shower
❗️Dining room pandemonium
😐”I’m brave and afraid.”
🗡️Pip’s unconventional research for Hugh
🌟Lucky Star
🌅”You’re going to make the sunrise jealous.”
🤫Trading secrets
🎹Dinner at the piano bar + “You.”
☺️Nash’s confession
🤢He takes care of her.
💋Dancing + Nash’s type + the kiss
♟️Just pawns
🔎Without A Clue
💻Writing dates

Perfect for fans of Ally Carter’s “It’s The Most Wonderful Crime Of The Year”

Thank you Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio for the ALC! Penelope aka Pip is a personal assistant and finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery while working on a book fan cruise with writers and fans alike. I loved Pip’s personality and remarks, but felt like it was missing something. When murder strikes, Pip is tasked with cracking the case while using her mystery book knowledge while navigating life with The Fabulous Sevens big personalities!

[Leticia🌻 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

Without a clue is a romantic cozy mystery about Penelope, who is the personal assistant to a famous author. Penelope embarks on a cruise featuring "The Fabulous Seven" which consists of seven bestselling authors. While in the cruise, Penelope's employer is found dead; being in the middle of the ocean and without any outside help, she tasks herself to solve the murder with her friend Nash. As the investigation progresses and she tries to decipher clues she finds in the cruise ship, she becomes suspicious of everybody (even Nash).

I liked the story as it had a lot of potential; but I did not find very entertaining. The narrator of the audiobook did a fantastic job.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio & Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing this audiobook for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Rom-Com, Cozy Mystery Book about Books. Sounds fun and it is! This was a gotcha and I loved it. Watching Pip follow the clues and her heart was wonderful. When her head was telling her one thing, she trusted her heart, even though what she was seeing told her not to. The cast of characters each had a part to play and were there to support Pip as she searches for the murderer, true love and her destiny. This is a great Cozy Romance with Mystery and so fun.

The audio narrated by Karissa Vacker did a fantastic job with the vast cast of characters and all the different scenes they appeared in. Her voices for Pip and Nash were wonderful as they worked through the sometimes complex and convoluted clues trying to determine who is lying and who is telling the truth.

Penelope Mae Dupont has not had a very good day, her boyfriend has dumped her, her travel was a nightmare and on her way to the ship she encounters a rude drunk. Her prized composure is blown. That is just the beginning of a trip to remember. As personal assistant for a group of bestselling authors, Pip has organized a Book Cruise and expects some great times, even with her over the top personality authors who are collectively known as the Magnificent Seven.

The next morning finds one of Pip's authors murdered in his room. Hugh is Pip's boss and she has worked closely with his as his chief researcher for his many bestselling mystery books for five years. She is devastated and determined to find his killer. With help from Nash, the hot Western author of the group, Pip sets out to solve the case, especially when security on board proves to be lacking in this area.

Pip soon finds that there are things she doesn't know about her authors. Could one of them be a murderer and can she really rule out Nash as a suspect? There is a lot going on and a lot her authors are hiding. Interviews and planted clues and misdirection bring Pip and Nash closer, and Pip knows that she and Nash have only each other to trust. Drawing on everything she has learned from Hugh, Pip turns into super sleuth in order to solve this case.

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.