This was an interesting mash up of the romance/mystery genres. It was a fun listen.

First of all, what I liked about this book-
-wry comments that made me laugh out loud
-the narrator: amazing male Australian voice. Kudos to the narrator!! I will be searching out more of her work.
-book-ish world
-second chance romance
-Cozy mystery vibes with an amateur sleuth

Things that didn't work for me-
-the spicy scenes coming from nowhere and feeling very wrong. If I'd almost died, I wouldn't be immediately getting naked. Just saying.
-the overuse of the anxious imagining of Kate's protagonist in her own predicament.
-Kate's immature behavior and thoughts- I really enjoyed laughing at her, when I wasn't cringing at her antics.
-the cursing

Overall, the narrator wins the day and made it an enjoyable experience, but I didn't enjoy Kate enough as a main character to fully love this book.

I requested this audiobook on NetGalley based on the cover and the blurb and I am so grateful I was given an ARC to listen to! This was my first book by Jenny Elder Moke and it was FANTASTIC!! This was so fun to listen to and I loved the characters! There was a great mystery (I couldn’t guess the ending) and a love story! The narration was excellently done and I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves a modern mystery rom-com! 🎧🔎

Half mystery and half romance is an accurate description from this new release. Toss in a swanky wedding at an isolated PNW island estate, an elaborate cast of secondary characters, and a storm, and you’ve got a fun story. I love books about authors, so I was thrilled when the FMC, Kate, is a cozy mystery writer!

Sprinkled through out the story where excerpts from Kate’s bestselling book series, and the mystery at the wedding parallels her own plots. I have to say, the second chance romance between Kate and Jake stole the show for me. I found their history (she was his ghostwriter for his traveling surfing books), mutual pining, and sizzling tension was what kept me turning the pages. The actually mystery was fun, but a bit complicated with many moving parts/possible suspects which made it hard for me to stay engaged while listening to the audiobook. However, I had a good time and was absolutely delighted for Kate and Jake’s steamy scenes and HEA.

The narrator did an amazing job, especially with Jake’s dreamy Australian accent! They also perfectly captured Kate’s ‘bumbling’ amateur detective personality well, capturing her humor and adventures perfectly.

📚 #BOOKREVIEW 📚
She Doesn’t Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Pages: 326 / Genre: Mystery Romance
Audiobook Narrator: Sarah Mollo-Christiansen
Duration: 10 hours 24 minutes
Release Date: January 21, 2025

Bestselling mystery writer Kate Valentine has reluctantly agreed to attend her ex-fiance/current editor’s wedding, which is being held on a private island off Seattle. She’s further dismayed to run into Jake Hawkins, a hot Australian from her past, who embarrassingly turned her down the last time she saw him. But then someone turns up dead alongside clues that mirror the ones in her latest murder mystery and that also point to her as the murderer. But the good news is she gets to run around with hot Jake trying to find the killer and clear her name.

This was such a fun cozy mystery with a dash of romance. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. A perfect addition to your upcoming Valentines TBR, this book releases on January 21, 2025.

Thank you, @JennyElderMoke, @Macmillan.Audio, @StMartinsPress, and @NetGalley for my free copies.

Who doesn't like a little mystery mixed in with their romance? What could go wrong when you are invited to attend your ex's wedding? A mix of colorful mishaps lead to Kate being accused of sabotaging the wedding. When a unalive body turns up, things take an even bigger turn. As a mystery book author, Kate is on the case to get to the bottom of things and clear her good name with the help of her longtime crush, Jake. A mix of quirky characters and the storm of the century threatening the island where the event is being held are the icing on the *wedding* cake of this fun novel.

Kate is on her way to the wedding of her ex when she runs into her other ex, Jake. It turns out he needs to pose as her plus one even though he was sort of invited to this wedding on the island in the middle of a storm. When the bride suddenly seems to be poisoned and recovers but then they find her eccentric aunt murdered it is obvious there is a murderer amongst them. Kate is a best selling author of mysteries and she is convinced she can find out who the murderer is by employing her alter-ego, Loretta. This story was fun and full of twists and turns and some far fetched ideas but overall it was enjoyable.

Fun twist of a mystery/thriller and romance combo. Thought it was a fun read and enjoyed the humor!! I also enjoyed that it took the place in the PNW!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Kate is really rethinking her decision to attend her ex-finance’s wedding. She’s much more comfortable at home with her best-selling mystery book characters, but since the bride’s influential aunt personally invited her to the wedding with a message saying “I’ll make it worth your while”, who was Kate to say no? But here she is at the rehearsal cocktail hour having just knocked the bride, who also happens to the woman her finance left her for. It only gets more awkward when Kate ends up first at the scene of several very mysterious events meant to derail the wedding. Will she get framed for the crimes or will Kate channel her literary heroine to solve the crimes and keep the wedding on track?

Jenny Elder Moke is back with a new cast of characters in She Doesn’t Have a Clue. Channeling Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, the author delivers a fun who-done-it mystery that will keep you guessing to the very end. Full of romance, intrigue, and drama this book is all about knowing who you can trust and learning to put the past behind you. This book really has something for everyone!

I give She Doesn’t Have a Clue 4 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed the mystery and the romance of this plot, but took exception to something early in book that nearly made me put it down. The author describes one of her male characters as having a “drinker’s nose” or “alcoholic nose”, derogatory terms for what is medically known as Rhinophyma. The author utilizes these terms in reference to the characters habitual over indulgence, but Rhinophyma is a side effect of untreated rosacea, not alcoholism. Utilizing stereotypes like this detract from the plot, and caused me to more carefully review her character descriptions for other missteps like this. This book would have received a higher rating without the inclusion of this horrible stereotype. I really loved the demeanor of the bride – both ditzy and yet very intelligent, but also willing to build bridges to pull everyone together. The female characters in this book are strong and powerful, if they could just get out of their own way.

Looking beyond the stereotype mentioned above, this book would make a great read for mystery lovers. If you love Agatha Christie novels or the “Knives Out” movie, you will love this book. I would also recommend this book to readers looking for a lighter read – while the mystery does have some drama, the dialogue and descriptive writing kept it light and ad me laughing.

The publisher’s blurb on this novel drew me in when I saw it on NetGalley. I loved the literary world inside the novel and the family drama. She Doesn’t Have a Clue hits bookshelves on January 21st, but you can preorder your copy today in our Bookshop.org store!

Jenny Elder Moke’s She Doesn’t Have a Clue is a delightful mystery filled with wit, charm, and a dash of heartfelt emotion. Known for her talent in crafting strong, relatable protagonists, Moke ventures into the cozy mystery genre with a lighthearted yet gripping tale that will keep readers entertained from start to finish.

The story follows [insert protagonist's name], an amateur sleuth who finds herself drawn into a perplexing case in her seemingly quiet town. With a knack for uncovering secrets and a penchant for stumbling into trouble, she must piece together clues while balancing her personal life, eccentric friends, and the unexpected twists that come her way.

Moke’s writing shines with humor and clever dialogue, making the protagonist’s voice engaging and endearing. The relationships in the story, whether romantic, platonic, or familial, are nuanced and authentic, adding depth to the narrative. The mystery itself is well-plotted, with enough red herrings and surprises to keep even seasoned mystery readers guessing.

The book’s setting is vividly described, capturing the cozy yet slightly eerie vibe essential to the genre. Moke deftly blends the comfort of a small-town setting with the suspense of a good whodunit, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the world she’s created.

While the story is primarily focused on solving the mystery, it also explores themes of self-discovery and resilience, adding layers of emotional resonance. Some readers might find the pacing slower in the middle chapters, but the payoff is worth it as the plot builds to an exciting and satisfying conclusion.

Rating: 4/5

She Doesn’t Have a Clue is a charming and entertaining read, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with strong female leads and plenty of humor. Whether you’re a longtime mystery lover or new to the genre, this book will leave you eager for more of Moke’s sleuthing adventures.

This was a fun whodunnit that felt a little like being in the middle of a game of Clue. I enjoyed the humor, the dash of romance, and the mystery of the story. The characters are a bit over the top, yet also relatable and that made it a delightful experience. The audiobook is well done and was a great way to read this suspenseful romantic comedy.

Fun, romantic, spooky - I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from the author. I highly recommend.

This is one of the best new mystery couples/sleuths that I have read in a while! The love triangle is thrilling and oh so steamy. As a self-proclaimed mystery buff, it can be hard to surprise me but I had no idea who the murderer was until Kate did. The author uses so many classic mystery tropes but employs them in a clever and entertaining way. The idea of a rom com and mystery mashup makes a hilarious and thrilling combo. Can’t wait to see what is next!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This was such a fun combination of romcom and mystery. It felt like one of those Hallmark mystery movies.. There are so many characters and yet the story never feels overwhelming trying to remember who is who and what their motives are. There are so many great red herring moments.
The uncovering clues and secrets about the guests all around them is engaging. There is everything from gripping horror to family secrets to inheritance stealing to backstabbing and even a few love triangle moments.

I would definitely recommend this book to those looking for a cozy mystery, it was entertaining.

Thanks NetGalley for the audioarc to preview.

4-Star Review: A Fun and Intriguing Whodunit!

Jenny Elder Moke’s debut novel is a perfect mix of humor, mystery, and romance! Set on a remote island during a lavish wedding, it offers a locked-room mystery, colorful characters, and a second-chance romance that kept me hooked from start to finish.

Kate, the mystery writer at the heart of the story, is both relatable and chaotic, often hilariously overestimating her detective skills. Jake, the charming romantic lead, is the perfect counterpart to Kate’s chaotic energy, and their dynamic adds great tension to the story! The stormy island setting, with secret rooms and a poisoned bride, creates plenty of suspense and humor.

The supporting characters are memorable, and the plot twists kept me guessing. This is a fantastic blend of mystery and romance that I recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for an advanced audiobook in exchange for my review.

This was such a fun and unique whimsical myster/romcom, that I highly recommend. I will definitely be reading more of this authors work

when kate- a very famous author gets an invite to her ex fiancé's wedding she can't refuse. On her journey to island where he's getting married she runs into her ex best friend who could have been more and she thinks what else could go wrong. after getting to island the bride is almost poisoned in the same way of one of her books and the finger is pointed at her. can she figure out who is the attempted murderer and what their motive is and save the wedding.

Jenny Elder Moke’s She Doesn’t Have a Clue is a delightful and cleverly plotted mystery brimming with wit, intrigue, and a touch of romance. When bestselling author Kate Valentine reluctantly attends her ex-fiancé’s extravagant island wedding, she doesn’t expect her weekend to resemble one of her own Loretta Starling novels—but that’s exactly what happens when the bride is poisoned and bodies start piling up. Packed with sharp dialogue, colorful characters, and enough twists to keep you guessing, the story blends humor and suspense seamlessly. The stormy setting and rekindled tension with charming "Hostralian" Jake Hawkins add even more layers to this irresistible whodunit.

She Doesn’t Have A Clue by Jenny Elder Moke, Kate Valentine is attending her agent/ex fiancé‘s wedding to Kennedy. All she wants to do is get through these two days and with a little bit of wine, she wants to call it done and dusted. unfortunately, for Kate, the first wrench in her plans is getting on the boat that will bring her to the private island. Kennedy’s family owns where the wedding is going to be. because there is where she finds Jake Hawkins, a very fresh romantic regret. when the bride is poisoned just like a character in her amateur slueth series, hello second wrench, but when she is made to look like the murderer, she really starts to lose track of all the tools interrupting her plans. The only thing that a certain and steadfast is that Jake is the only one it seems on her side, but will her amateur detective skills help her solve the multiple crimes/murders or will she need real life intervention? will she even live long enough to tell Jake how she truly feels? I listen to the Kindle book and the audio version of this novel. what I started the audio with Sarah Molow-Christensen’s no reason there was no way I was going back to the kindle book. She said such a great tone and is such a great storyteller along with awesome characterization, and in my opinion makes her one of the most topknoch narrators. I have listened to. I don’t know if it’s just me or the narrators are getting way better but the past few audiobooks I have listened to has had some really great narration and that definitely includes this book. It was funny and I mean lol fall on the floor, laughing funny and you can definitely see how Kate was swoony over Jake. if this was a first book in a cozy mystery series, I would definitely sign up to read the rest. It really was an awesome awesome book! #NetGalley, #McMillanAudio, #JennyElderMoke, #SheDoesn’tHaveAClue,

A fun romance-mystery by Jenny Elder Moke. Kate, a cozy mystery author, attends her ex-fiancés/boss’ wedding and ends up in the middle of a murder. Kate is on a remote island staying at luxurious estate when a storm hits the island and all the guests are trapped without access or communications to the mainland.

Highly entertaining romcom/murder mystery - advanced readers audiobook

Thank you #macmillian.audio for providing this ALC for review consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
She Doesn’t Have a Clue is the first in a series of adult mystery rom-coms. Sign me up for all of them because this is JUST WHAT I LOVE in a book. It starts strong and my enthusiasm for the story and its characters never waned.

Kate Valentine is a mystery writer and calls on inspiration from her fictional main character, Loretta Starling, when she finds herself embroiled in a real mystery at an island wedding. It has some book-within-a-book and everyone-is-a-suspect elements that I enjoy. Kate has someone willing to help her with the mystery and there is tension, banter and fun surrounding this pairing. I LOVE IT.

She Doesn’t Have a Clue has that combo of fun mystery vibes and humor akin to The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, the Finlay Donovan series, and the Stephanie Plum series, but a bit more romance, which I am all about.

Sarah Mollo-Christensen was truly remarkable performing this audiobook. I always marvel when a narrator must juggle so many characters and accents. Her Australian and American English accents were impressive, she mastered men and women, and I didn’t have any issues keeping the many characters straight.

This book releases on January 21, 2025 and I highly recommend a pre-order!

5/5 stars
10 hours 24 minutes at 1x on audio
Location: a private island off of Washington state called Hempstead Island