WITHOUT A CLUE by MELISSA FERGUSON is a romcom which moves from laugh out loud to chilling moments, with a murderer at large, a member of The Magnificent Seven writers’ club, which Penelope Mae Dupont, commonly known as Pip, and cowboy story writer heartthrob Nash Eyre, take it upon themselves to solve, when two murders occur in the middle of the Atlantic on the club’s Inaugural Book Cruise. We see Pip, who has been Hugh’s assistant for years, using her knowledge of his murder mysteries, for which she has been very involved in research, to uncover this mystery.
The story is exciting and will keep you on your toes as you try and work out whivh of the decidedly unusual authors is responsible for the murders. The characters are very interesting, to say the least!
I highly recommend this most enjoyable and fun fun read.
I was given free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Romance and comedy and mystery all in one book. Penelope is the assistant of of famous mystery author Hugh. She organizes a book cruise with 7 beselling authors... Until Hugh is found dead with no help... She gets help[ from Nash, Western author, to solve the murder..

Love this book. Nash is swoony and Penelope is a terrific character. Enjoy the banter and the chemistry a lot. Lots of LOL scenes too.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

I think that this will be my favorite story ever!! By Ferguson of course!
This book was so fun to read and it kept me turning the pages too.
I love book settings on ships! Ive been fascinated with ships since I was 14. I enjoyed this cruise to the fullest!! Lol it was a wonderful adventure!
I couldn't help laughing at times as the characters tried to solve this mystery!
Ferguson has done a fantastic job in keeping us guessing all the way through.
Only thing is I didn't really care for the writing style. I don't like the here and now. But it really lifted my spirits. I had a good laugh.
The cover of this book is so cute that I knew I had to grab it. I felt like I was on board helping to solve the mystery and had fun doing it.
Im still giving this book 5 stars though.
For drawing me in and helping the characters along the way.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
I'll be thinking about this book for a while.

An entertaining combination of slow burn romance and locked room mystery. Full of humor, romance and suspense. I loved the characters. So relatable and fun. The mystery is well crafted with some twists and red herrings.

This mystery, full of vividly drawn characters, is a fun, screwball, workplace comedy with a dash of romance. Our heroine is the assistant to an extremely successful mystery writer who has a group of colleagues called "The Magnificent Seven.' Each of these writers is in a different genre, but they have banded together to support one another's' work and function as a found family. When her boss is murdered on a writers' cruise in a very accommodating ship, the seven are the prime suspect. With the additional murder of the head security officer, she endeavors to solve the murders herself with the help of the smokin' hot western writer of the group that she has been crushing on for years. The pacing is terrific, the setting makes me want to get on a boat now, but the real charm of the book is the way the characters interact. And when all is revealed and everything comes together for a very satisfying ending, it is well earned. The romance is a little too easy - girl out of an extremely bad breakup finds confidence with a damn near perfect cowboy - it is charming and, you know, we're all rooting for those crazy kids to make it work. This book was a delight.

I was hooked from the first page and was engaged with the characters during this book. It had that romantic comedy that I was looking for. I enjoyed figuring out what was going on in this murder mystery and how it uses the romance element. It uses the concept perfectly and that the characters were everything that I wanted. I was glad it was so well written and wanted to read more from Melissa Ferguson.

I love all of Melissa’s books and pick them up and this was different from any of her books that she usually write but in a good way . This is a mystery ( clue , who did it murder mystery )
I like to change genre’s between book romance and mystery and thrillers so this was a good change I really liked it and I highly recommend it and when this comes out really think people should pick up a cope as well.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the arc

This is my favorite Melissa Ferguson book so far and that is saying a lot as I have loved her other books. I love that it is a mystery but also a clean romance mixed in with it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was hilarious, romantic and so, so fun! I absolutely adored the balance of murder mystery with romance. Melissa Ferguson always writes swoony romances in more novel settings and this one was fantastic. The twists, the turns! I loved that we had every type of character, some genuine and heartwarming character development from just about everyone, and I would eat up a whole series about every single one of the Seven!

Ferguson wove the mystery so effortlessly through the romance that you would never have guessed what was what. This should be a new genre - I'd read every last book.

Penelope "Pip" Dupont has a job as the personal assistant to Hugh, a famous mystery author. Hugh has joined forces with six other writers, all who write in different genres, and together they are known as the Magnificent Seven. They cleverly support and market for each other, as they are not in direct competition with their individual genres. As the book opens, Pip has organized an author cruise for book fans. On the first day of the cruise, Hugh is found dead, murdered. Pip must use all she has learned as the PA for a mystery writer to find and reveal the murderer. There is a romance woven in to this story, and lots of lighthearted humor, making this a really fun mystery to read.

Penelope, the plucky and long-suffering assistant to famous mystery author Hugh Griffin is hoping to have a fun work trip.

She’s organized the inaugural book cruise for the Magnificent Seven, a motley group of authors ranging the genres from historical fiction to thrillers. But soon after boarding, her boss is found murdered. Now in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, with a killer on the loose, they each battle paranoia while racing to find the culprit.

When the cruise police don’t seem up to snuff, Penelope decides to lead an investigation of her own. Assisting her in her amateur sleuth role is her favorite of the Magnificent Seven- Nash- a writer of Western books who she’s always felt a deep connection to. Having recently broken up with her toxic ex, she is finally able to explore her feelings for Nash, but now she doesn’t know if she can trust him because everyone is a suspect until they solve the mystery.

This fun romance novel has something for every one - a large and vibrant cast of characters, a bookish storyline, a cozy locked door mystery, a slow burn love story, comedy and a dash of thrills.

I had such a great time reading this book! It pulled me in right from the start and kept me turning the pages. The writing flowed so well, and I found myself completely invested in the story and characters. It’s one of those reads you just don’t want to put down.
huge thanks to the publisher for sending me an early copy!! I’m so glad I got to read it ahead of the release day and can't wait for the world to get to enjoy it too!!

Penelope sometimes wants to kill her beloved boss, famed mystery author Hugh. But when he's discovered murdered in his cabin with the most likely suspects the equally famous and fawned over fellow writers in his writing group ("The Magnificent Seven") she decides to become sleuth not suspect. Dreamy cowboy and Western writer Nash steps in to help and keep her safe, but even with her attraction to him, it's hard not to view everyone as a threat.

This book has everything but the kitchen sink--and I think I liked it. Celebrity authors? Check. Locked room mystery on a cruise ship? Check. Handsome cowboy love interest? Check. Plucky amateur detective heroine? Check. It has pretty much everything I like in a book. The ending--and let's be real, most of the plot--is extremely far-fetched, and requires some suspension of disbelief. I also didn't love the solution to everything, but I can't say too much more without spoiling things, and I didn't hate it, either. But gosh darn, I did enjoy the journey. It was just a fun romp of a book.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 8/10

I really enjoyed reading this book! The characters were top notch and very relatable, and the plot was interesting and kept my attention. I would absolutely recommend this to others!

This was my first novel by Melissa Ferguson and I throughly enjoyed this book. The main character Penelope (Pip) is the assistant of a world famous mystery author, who also helps the other authors in an exclusive group called The Magnificent Seven. The story takes place on a book cruise ship experience for fans to interact with the authors of The Magnificent Seven, but things take a grave turn when Pip discovers a member of The Magnificent Seven has been killed in their sleep.
With several days until the ship will see land again, and a rather incompetent security team, Pip decides to take the investigating into her own hands, with the help of Nash Eyre, member of The Magnificent Seven.

The characters in this book and they way their interactions are written is wonderful, particularly that of Pip and Nash. The characters are vibrant and written with depth and relatability. The growing romance between Pip and Nash is so well written, the way it grows alongside their investigation is really interesting and fun. There’s a great mixture of mystery and laugh out loud moments, I thought I had figured out who the murderer was but I could not have seen that ending coming, the sign of a brilliant mystery novel. Although the ending was unexpected, it was also satisfying for a mystery novel.

I’m looking forward to reading more of Melissa Ferguson’s books, and highly recommend Without a Clue for lovers of cosy mystery, sweet romance, and laugh out loud moments in their novels.

Melissa Ferguson delivers a delightful, laugh-out-loud clean mystery with a splash of romance in Without a Clue. Set aboard a luxury cruise ship, the story introduces a vibrant cast of characters and an irresistible whodunit that keeps readers guessing.
Penelope Mae Dupont—better known as “Pip”—has organized an exclusive book-themed cruise featuring seven bestselling authors, each slated to lead a workshop. But the voyage takes a dark turn on day two when Hugh, one of the authors and Pip’s boss, is found dead.
With the ship’s security team proving utterly useless, Pip takes matters into her own hands. She teams up with Nash, a charming western novelist, and together they dive into amateur sleuthing. Their investigation uncovers suspicious clues—including knives in the possession of several authors—and plenty of dead ends. The fact that they’re at sea only adds to the tension and chaos.
Ferguson masterfully blends humor, mystery, and romance in a fast-paced plot that’s as clever as it is entertaining. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery with quirky characters and high-seas hijinks, this one’s a gem. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments are mine.

What a fun bookish murder mystery!

Pip is a literary assistant to one of the Magnificent 7, a group of authors from each genre who support each other and dominate the bestseller charts. While on a literary cruise, her boss Hugh is found murdered. They have many more days at sea, and the security team is doing a lack-luster job of investigating, so Pip takes matters into her own hands to see who on board would have the motivation and means to murder Hugh.

Pip is such a dynamic character, really showcasing many different emotions and facets throughout, and while the investigation is the core of the story, her perspective and development was my favorite part.

Her friendship and changing dynamic with Nash, the western author of the Magnificent 7, adds just enough romance into the story without overtaking the mystery vibes of it all.

This was a fantastic read that has the perfect modern murder mystery vibes.

Thank you for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

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⭐

I absolutely love Fergusons writing. This fun mystery was just what i need to get out of my summer slump and into my holiday fall feels. With a fun cast, terrific atmosphere, and a cozy mystery this book is the read of the fall for sure.

I really enjoyed this book! The story was engaging and easy to follow, and the characters felt real and relatable. Definitely worth the read.

Melissa Ferguson just makes me so happy!

This was a different sort of story from her others, but no less wonderful! I feel like a "fun" murder mystery is a weird thing to say, but that's exactly what this was! It has the light vibes of her other romcoms, but she does a wonderful job of making me feel like I can't trust anyone! There are parts that were a bit predictable, but there were also a lot of moments that I didn't expect. If you love her style, you'll love this book.

If you were a fan of Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter, then I think you're going to adore this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

"It's that bad isn't it?"
"Perhaps a double shot of espresso. We don't typically allow triple shots given the number of pacemakers on board, but just this once, I could slip you a third upon request."

Growing up, one of my favorite books was "Cherry Ames, Cruise Nurse". Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson reminded me of that one. They're both mysteries that take place on a cruise ship. I've read a number of Melissa Ferguson's books now, and this one is my favorite. It tells the story of Pip, the assistant to an eclectic group of well-known authors. After organizing a cruise for them and all their fans, she finds the body of her boss, Hugh. The most likely suspects are the other authors, people she thought she knew and trusted. Overall, this book was the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and comedy! I definitely recommend it.

A few of my favorite things…
-the fancy cruise ship setting
-author MC's
-a protective and manly male MC
-a mystery that kept me guessing the whole time

I didn’t care for…
-I can't think of anything!

Know that…
-a man sleeps in a woman's room to protect her from the lurking murderer, nothing sexual
-the romance doesn't go further than a few kisses (nothing over-the-top)

Perfect for…
any women looking for a lighthearted mystery that will keep them guessing!

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson was brilliantly funny!! From the start, I had on my proverbial detective hat and my notepad at the ready for clues to catch the villain in this murder mystery. Never, and I mean never, did I imagine the ending. It was a stunner. This book had me laughing and gasping all through it. If you love mysteries and romcoms, this book is absolutely for you!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

Ok I'm a big Melissa Ferguson fan and I had so much fun with this murder mystery book! It was different from her usual work but I loved it.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was another great read by Melissa! I've enjoyed her work, and this was no exception. I loved the setting especially!

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future

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.

If there’s any type of book I love to read, it’s a good mystery. Bonus if the mystery has some humor and a touch of a romance story. This book did exactly that!
This is my first Melissa Ferguson book, and it didn’t disappoint. I always liked the idea of a lot of different characters who each have their own flair within a book. When they come together, it all blends into an excellent story. The plot was really engaging, and I felt like I was hooked the entire time I was reading this novel. It was just overall a good whodunnit and I loved the way the story progressed.

I always love Melissa’s books. It’s so fun that they frequently feature writers. The concept of this book was so fun, a real life murder mystery.

Although the book wasn’t a “serious” mystery I still didn’t predict the ending until Pip figured it out.

Such a fun read!

Another fun romantic comedy ny Melissa Ferguson! Romance witj a side of murder on a cruise! A quirky plot line with an idyllic setting. Not to be missed.

OH, My!
This was such a fun, entertaining, and very delightful book to read!
I love Melissa Ferguson’s books because they are all full of humor and crazy events. This one is no different!
It is packed full of crazy mystery and intrigue.
It's a story that will keep you guessing about what’s actually happening on this cruise ship and who the real murderer is; however, it all unfolds with the flair and fun that only Melissa Ferguson can bring!
Whenever I read a Melissa Ferguson book, I know I’ll enjoy it. I’ll be entertained with humor, quirkiness, drama, and sweet romance. Many have interesting plots and crazy moments.
Her books always feature characters who are unusual and somewhat eccentric. Yet, they are characters you will come to love and enjoy.
I highly recommend picking up this book for a fun read!
I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley, which did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

🚢🕵🏻‍♀ A high-seas murder mystery rom-com, with a group of eccentric authors on a book cruise! I loved the mix of characters, and the setting. The environment of suspicion, of knowing anyone could be the killer, and being stuck for days on the cruise was great.

🚢 The story follows the mysterious murder of one of our writers - causing his personal assistant Penelope to take lead in investigating the case. Her superpower of staying calm and having great composure is tested at every turn, mixed in with recent personal events in her life. It was hilarious the way her breakdown and reactions were portrayed - but it also felt sincere. I enjoyed the emotional beats of the story that marked her internal journey.

🚢 I loved the writing style and humour in this book. It was dramatic in all the ways that I find fun, and it had a great first chapter that pulled me in with its engaging tone. It was punchy, clever and painted an interesting visual scene.

🚢 The romance between her, and the charming cowboy author Nash, was really sweet. It was based on their working friendship over the years, and I liked their chemistry. (this is a clean no-spice romance rec if you’re looking for it)

My personal enjoyment honestly outpaces any objective critiques I might have had. I was in for the whole ride, and this was the perfect entertaining mood read I needed!

Thanks to Netgalley, and the publisher for the complementary e-arc of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.

Without a Clue is a well written book. I throughly enjoyed the plot, setting and character dynamics. I definitely recommend this book.

This book was so good. I loved how much world building was done. I think that is so important in any book and it was done very well in this one!

Melissa Ferguson has done it again and yes, I’ve read ALL her books, and I’ll keep reading every single one she writes! She one of MY FAVORITE authors!!!
Without a Clue might just be my new favorite. It’s everything I adore about Melissa’s writing. It's witty, clever, heartfelt, and laugh-out-loud funny but with a fresh murder mystery twist that totally works. Think Knives Out meets Only Murders in the Building, but with that signature Ferguson warmth and charm.
Pip is such a relatable heroine. She's competent, kind, and just chaotic enough to make you root for her so you instantly like her! And Nash? The cowboy author with a heart of gold? Yes, please. Their chemistry was off the charts from the beginning to the end.
The mystery kept me guessing, the side characters were deliciously dramatic, and the humor was chef’s kiss. I loved every absurd, hilarious, heartwarming minute on that cruise ship.
Melissa Ferguson’s books are my automatic one-click reads because they always make me laugh, swoon, and feel good. Without a Clue proves once again why she’s an auto-buy author for me. If you want a smart rom-com with a side of murder and a whole lot of heart, then get this book immediately. 🚢💀❤️

I absolutely loved this book! It’s the perfect mix of humor, mystery, and romance. The cruise setting and quirky cast made it such a fun read, and the chemistry between the main characters was great. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to read more from Melissa Ferguson.

This was charming, clever, and full of heart. Melissa Ferguson has a way of mixing humor and warmth that makes her books impossible to put down. If you love a cozy mystery with just the right touch of romance and chaos, this one’s a must-read.

I loveddddd this! Honestly, it’s every trope ever in the best way possible. It made for such an enjoyable read. I want to be friends with Penelope!! She’s such a fun main character!! Loved it!

Without a Clue is such a fun, lighthearted mystery with the perfect blend of charm, humor, and just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. Melissa Ferguson has a gift for writing stories that feel upbeat and clever without losing emotional depth, and this book is a great example of that balance.

The characters are lovable and quirky in all the right ways, and the mystery stays engaging without ever feeling too dark or heavy. The tone is playful, the pacing is quick, and the dialogue has that breezy, witty rhythm that makes the whole story feel effortless to read. It’s the kind of book that simply puts you in a good mood.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with personality, heart, and a touch of rom-com energy, Without a Clue is an absolute delight. It’s charming, entertaining, and exactly the kind of feel-good read you can happily get lost in.

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.

Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson is a fun and unique rom-com with a touch of mystery.

Penelope (Pip) Dupont is the assistant to the Magnificent Seven. Seven best selling somewhat eccentric authors. When Hugh Grant is murdered the first day out on the Book Cruise, Pip finds herself digging for clues. Is it one of the seven?

Nash, the good looking cowboy, is the only one that Pip trusts. But is he as innocent as he seems.

Melissa Ferguson is such a talented writer. Every book I have read of hers is always satisfying and full of good characters and great dialogue. This whodunit, the twists and turns trying to figure out who the murderer is, was a mystery in itself. Great story and plot. Clean and cozy.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Anything that Melissa Ferguson writes is an auto read for me and this book did not disappoint. Without a Clue is an amazing Rom-Com perfect for spring reading. It is a spectacular Who-Dun-It without the blood and gore and with a particular twist. I loved it!! I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars!!! I received a review copy of this book and am writing this review voluntarily.

“There are things the heart knows even when the mind won’t acknowledge them.”

Melissa Ferguson brings home another delightful romcom, but this time with a side of murder and mystery. I was at first surprised by the turn of events that played out like Love Boat meets Clue since this is a deviation from the author’s norm. But I quickly became invested in the murder investigation and in the lives of the Magnificent Seven. I really loved the idea of authors banding together to support each other professionally and personally, as seen with the Magnificent Seven. Though bordering on ridiculous, the authors were lovable, unique, and quite charming. Penelope’s first person voice was fun and relatable; I loved her analytical no-nonsense mind when it came to gathering clues to solve the mystery and corralling the authors. And Nash…there are no words. His brilliant, kind, tender, humble ways totally won me over (as it did Penelope). Penelope had some deep-seated fears, self-image and self-worth issues to deal with, which made her even more real.

The murder mystery was not terribly difficult to figure out, but I really enjoyed the romcom journey to the conclusion. Any fans of romcom would totally enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

One book cruise, seven quirky authors from different genres, and hundreds of their fans… what could possibly go wrong?

If you're a fan of Clue, cozy murder mysteries, and romcoms, you’ll want to check out Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson (coming 2.17.2026). I hadn’t read a mystery romcom before, but Melissa pulled it off beautifully. It’s a true whodunnit page-turner, and I flew through it! I would love to read more books like this from her.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Without a Clue had me laughing, guessing, and swooning all at the same time. Pip is smart, funny, and totally relatable—her attempts to survive a luxury cruise full of diva authors had me cracking up from the very first page. And then there’s the murder…which turns this rom-com into a suspenseful whodunit that kept me hooked.
Nash is the perfect combination of rugged charm and supportive love interest, and the chemistry between him and Pip is slow-burning but so satisfying. I loved the mix of humor, mystery, and romance, Ferguson balances it all effortlessly. By the end, I was cheering for the couple and wishing I could jump aboard the cruise myself.
If you love laugh-out-loud romance with a twist of mystery, this book is an absolute must-read!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson

Murder mystery. Who done it? Not very common themes so I immensely enjoyed the unravelling suspense throughout this book. I was hooked- (little play on words given the setting is a ship) -me in immediately. Awesome story which was well written. Kept me glued to my (kindle) screen until the end.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher through Netgalley. Opinions expressed herein are completely my own.

Fun story! I really enjoyed the rom-com vibes with the element of a mystery. Melissa Ferguson never fails to crack me up and keep me smiling with her writing style. Looking forward to reading more from her.

FLIPPING loved this one. Can't wait to get a physical copy when it's out in Feb!! Fun, mysterious and romantic as heck its like a knives out and a romance book had a baby!

When Penelope boards a cruise with 7 of the most famous authors in the world, whom she manages, a tragedy occurs to one of them. And she has to be the one to uncover the truth of who did it. And no one is to be trusted.

Not even Nash, who she’s had eyes for for a long time.

This book was so refreshing and honestly one of the most fun reads I’ve read this year so far. I LOVED all of the characters, and I love that the characters didn’t feel two dimensional.

This book ate and left no crumbs.

I loved the subtle-but-not-so-subtle foreshadowing at the beginning with all the mentions of death or being pushed off a ledge and things like that.

I loved Nash (and I loved that this was a clean romance).

This was such a well written fast paced murder mystery and I fear I’m hooked now. My review on Instagram is soon to come!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson publishers! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sometimes reality is in fact stranger than fiction.

Penelope is the personal assistant to the world's most acclaimed mystery writer, along with his cadre of prolific writers that are known as the Magnificent Seven. Onboard a luxury literary cruise with the whole group, Penelope is thrown for a real loop when her boss Hugh is found murdered in his cabin, and suddenly everyone seems to be hiding something, including her work bestie Nash.

Without a Clue is fun, joy-filled romp from start to finish. Penelope (Pip) is extremely relatable, especially with her fear of going under sea level on the boat (I had a visceral gag-reflex to even the thought). The writers who make up the Magnificent Seven are laugh-out-loud amazing, from mothering Neena to lurking-in-the-shadows Ricky.

The mystery resonated with my Clue-loving heart and the romance was so realistically sweet. I couldn't get enough of this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was honestly just really fun. Think the movie Clue, a cruise, and a group of quirky authors and you get this book! This was cheesy in a good way, mysterious, and fun!
I loved Pip, our FMC, and her journey in building her self esteem and confidence while she solves this crime!
This kept me guessing even if it was lower stakes!

Obsessed. A murder mystery romance where there’s no actual murder? That twist was amazing. The supporting character were just as amazing as the main and didn’t pull focus just added to the story. From the very beginning I was rooting for Nash to confess his feelings and when he finally did? I paused when Pip did. I loved every second of this, I was giggling the whole time

I loved this SOOOO MUCH!!! Melissa’s writing was soooo good!!!! 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 and Melissa Ferguson for the ARC.

This book is fabulous! I wasn’t sure what to expect and have never read this author, but I adored it. It was fresh, clever, relatable, distracting, and kept me rapt from page 1. The writing was fresh, inventive and clean. The characters were lovesble and so fun. I had so much fun with this book!

I’ll be honest: I initially requested an eARC of Without a Clue purely because of the cover. But now that I’ve finished it, I am officially obsessed. This has easily become one of my favorite reads of the year.

As someone who is typically not a romance fan—I usually can’t stand the forced bickering and predictable plots—this book was a breath of fresh air for me. Melissa Ferguson has crafted the ultimate "cozy" murder mystery. It perfectly blends a locked-room setting (a luxury cruise ship) with amateur sleuthing and a romance that actually feels earned and charming.

The plot follows Pip, a high-strung personal assistant, who finds herself in the middle of a literal "whodunnit" when her boss is found dead on a book cruise. Watching Pip and Nash (the ruggedly handsome Western author) navigate a ship full of dramatic authors and red herrings was pure joy.

The writing is sharp, funny, and incredibly smart. The Characters were perfect! Everyone was so likable, funny, and genuinely adorable. I found myself rooting for Pip from the very first page. And I absolutely loved the characterization of the seven authors. The overall vibe is cozy and funny while still being engaging.

I couldn't stop talking about this book while reading it, and I’m already recommending it to everyone I know. If you want a mystery that is high on charm and low on forced drama, this is it!

*** I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher. ***

Without a Clue is a novel about seven famous authors, each of a different genre, and the assistant to one of them. Pip is a mess, but she’s smart, determined, and likable. When a murder on the author cruise ship details their plans, Pip has to undertake some amateur sleuthing.

The writing is great. I already love the author, so I figured that would be the case. I’ve never related so much to a character from a book before. I laughed a lot and enjoyed the cruise.

I also figured out the entire plot at the beginning of the book. Does that bother me? No. Because it was all still so much fun.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

Without a Clue completely charmed me. It’s fresh, clever, funny, and heartfelt all at once—a closed-door mystery that feels cozy and comforting while still managing to surprise you in the very best way. From the very first pages, I was hooked by the warm tone, the witty writing, and that irresistible feeling that you’re in very good hands as a reader.


Pip is the kind of protagonist you instantly root for. She truly believes she’s nothing special, always standing a little in the background, but seeing her through the eyes of her friends—and especially through Nash’s—is such a joy. They see what she can’t: her kindness, her intuition, her quiet strength. Her character arc is tender and deeply satisfying, built on self-discovery and the realization that being “ordinary” doesn’t mean being invisible or unimportant.


The mystery itself was such a fun ride. I loved the freshness of this closed-door setup and genuinely did not see the final twist coming. This is the perfect book for readers who love mystery but also want a strong romantic thread woven into the story. What truly made it shine for me, though, was the importance Melissa Ferguson gives to friendship. Even when everything is filtered through an aura of mystery and doubt, the relationships ultimately prove to be authentic, supportive, and full of warmth. The story beautifully shows how it’s through the love of friends and of people who believe in you, that you can truly reach your potential and find happiness.

I also listened to the audiobook, and it deserves a huge shout-out. It was created magistrally: the narrator did an incredible job bringing a large cast of characters to life, giving each one a distinct voice and perfectly capturing Pip’s emotions. With so many characters, that’s no small feat, and it made the story even more immersive and engaging.

The cover is cute and lovely to look at, but in my opinion it doesn’t fully capture the layer of intrigue and suspense that lies at the heart of the story. As for content warnings, readers can expect mild suspense, mystery elements, emotional self-doubt, and gentle romantic tension, all handled with care and warmth.

And finally… can we talk about Nash? Because I would very much like him in real life. His character is simply too tender, charming, and quietly swoon-worthy to be confined to the page.

All in all, Without a Clue made me smile, laugh, and gasp at the twist, leaving me with that happy, full feeling that only the best cozy mysteries can give you. A truly delightful read with heart.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Melissa Ferguson for allowing me to read the eARC of this wonderful book.

I loved how this author restored the way I felt when reading Agatha Christie’s book - only with a much greater romance content than the others. She did not disappoint me at any time. I think she made a good construction of all parts of the plot (the suspense itself and the novel). Certainly, I will keep an eye for more books of this author.
Thank you NetGalley and editor for e-ARC.

This book had me hooked the whole way through! Pip is such a well rounded character and I loved the relationships that she had built with “The Magnificent 7.” I genuinely had no idea where the book was going to go with the murder of Hugh, Pip’s boss. I love a man who will stand by your side and help you face whatever may lay ahead, enter Nash the rugged cowboy and one of the murder suspects to help Pip find the killer! Melissa Ferguson is an auto-read author for me! I have never been disappointed by one of her books! The plot, characters, and storytelling are all what I have come to expect! I would definitely recommend to any romance readers who enjoy a mystery!

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Melissa Ferguson for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was so much fun. I loved the group and i wish we could have seen more of how the group came about
I absolutely loved Pip and Nash
Melissa Ferguson always writes such charming characters who melt my heart
This book is the perfect blend of mystery and romance. I thought i almost had the mystery part down but i was a little off. Absolutely loved the book

This was a clever, funny five star read that hooked me from the first chapter. The mix of romance and mystery was light, playful, and easy to enjoy. I loved the cruise setting and the quirky cast of characters. It kept me guessing while still delivering plenty of laughs. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a rom com with a twist.

Oh. My. Goodness. I KNEW IT! I didn’t figure out all the pieces before the end, but I figured out the murder before Pip. :) Regardless of that, this story is an absolute blast, and I’m sitting here smiling as I type this up because of the crazy fun this book is.

Pip is so relatable, and her genuine care for all the members of the Magnificent Seven is incredible. Her lack of awareness of how special she is, all while serving and uplifting everyone around her, is inspiring and convicting.

Coupled with the crazy crew of the Magnificent Seven - especially Nash, with his devotion to her and care for her - this story is a delightful read filled with laugh-out-loud moments, heartwarming scenes, and girded by the truth of the gospel, though it isn’t at all overt.

I would absolutely read more stories about this cooky, wonderful group, and will be checking out more of Melissa Ferguson’s works. Who knew romcom murder mysteries were such an enjoyable thing?

This was absolutely adorable!

Melissa Ferguson does it again. She never lets me down.

Seven unique authors ban together as the magnificent seven. They help each other promote books and are an exclusive group. There’s one assistant. They all take a cruise to engage with readers but on the first day a murder occurs of one of their own.

They are shook to the core and must find the culprit. It’s a cozy mystery with a dash of romance and just cute as pie!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this as an ARC.

Oh my goodness gracious! I loved this book! It took me right through the paces and races! I really enjoyed the characters and the amazing way I followed all the people! That is one amazing story for me when I can follow all that is going on! I loved the main romance between the MMC and the MFC! Swoon! I give it all 5 stars!!

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this amazing read, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

Thoroughly enjoyed this romcom murder mystery! A mashup of a couple of my favorite genres from one of my fav authors. The narrators voice was great, and the premise really kept me guessing! Will they? Won’t they? Who murdered her boss?

The conclusion could have been really unsatisfying but I like the way the author wrapped it up, and it actually was the best possible ending, in my opinion.

Loved every word!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this eARC!

I have read all of Melissa Ferguson's romantic comedies, and they are always a delight. Without a Clue was no exception!

I loved the unique premise of a young woman coordinating a bookish cruise on behalf of an eccentric group of famous authors known as the Magnificent Seven, and I enjoyed the initial twist that turned it from a straight comedy into a murder mystery without sacrificing the humor. A cruise ship makes for a great locked-room setting, and really set the scene for the mystery, comedy, and romantic elements of the story. The push and pull between Pip and Nash was so fun. He's such a swoony hero! Without giving away any spoilers, I did find one element of the ending to be a bit unbelievable, but the whole book was just so much fun that I didn't have trouble overlooking that part.

Overall, I gave this book five stars and would recomment it to anyone looking for a sweet, clean romantic comedy that will charm and entertain.

I am jealous of anyone who is about to dive into *Without a Clue* by Melissa Ferguson. This book has everything I want in a cozy mystery rom com: a suspenseful and clever mystery that stays lighthearted rather than scary, a cast of quirky and unforgettable characters, and a romance that made me smile at every turn.

Pip is the personal assistant to a famous mystery author, Hugh Griffin, and by extension, is swept into the world of a group of authors dubbed The Fabulous Seven. When the crew embarks on a fan cruise, Hugh is found dead on day two and it's up to Pip to solve the mystery of Hugh's killer. Luckily her boss has put her through the ringer in the name of research for his own books, so she's well equipped to solve his own death. Pip teams up with Nash, a rugged western author in the Fabulous Seven and together they follow clues and interviews suspects while balancing their own feelings for each other.

I am admittedly never great at guessing the ending to mysteries. I think that is part of the fun. *Without a Clue* kept me guessing and surprised me with an ending that I did not see coming. I loved the twist at the end. I loved the arc of Pip’s story and how she came into her own as both sleuth and romantic lead. And I was rooting for her every step of the way. The friendship and chemistry between Pip and Nash felt real and earned.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Five stars for me!

So fun! Imagine Clue and Knives Out on a cruise ship with a book club! This book made me laugh and kept me guessing!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ebook ARC! All thoughts are my own.

Without a Clue
Melissa Ferguson
5/5 stars
Publication date: February 17, 2026

This book was not what I was expecting and I totally loved it! It’s a cozy, funny murder mystery plus a rom com! Pip is an assistant to Hugh, a famous mystery author who is also a member of “The Fabulous Seven,” a group of best selling authors. The group of authors go on a book cruise only to discover that one of them has been murdered. Pip has to solve the mystery with a western author aka a cowboy, Nash.

This was such a creative premise! It reminded me of the Finlay Donovan series which I love! The chapters ended in such a way that make you want to continue reading. I love how the book had a light, humorous feel despite it being a murder mystery. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

The description of "Only Murders in the Building and Book Lovers" is so accurate to this novel. I am obsessed with these characters. Pip and Nash made this novel worth reading. The combination of murder mystery with rom-com is different but refreshing in this age. I loved the Magnificent Seven and all of their quirks as a group. The pace of this novel was perfect and kept you reading the whole time. I wish we could get a sequel seeing these characters continue to develop after how the epilogue scene goes. I ended up doing a dual read of this arc between audio and digital and it made the characters come alive off the page. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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

Loved it! I gave it 5 stars. A few things-
She got sick for 72 hours? Just a brief mention, that was confusing.

And she found Nash’s knife BEFORE eating the mint. She stated it the other way around when she was saying how she figured it all out.

Well done! Excited to read more of Ferguson in the future!

Set on a transatlantic cruise from Miami to Barcelona, personal assistant Penelope (Pip) and western author Nash team up to investigate after her boss is found dead. Penelope has worked for mystery writer Hugh for several years and led the effort to organize the cruise. Hugh is a founding member of the Fabulous Seven, seven celebrated genre authors who have supported each other over many years. As they cross the ocean, hundreds of readers are on the cruise to interact with these authors. But the first morning at sea, she finds Hugh's body, the morning after he warned her this could happen. Full of an eccentric cast of characters, Pip takes over the investigation when incompetent cruise security can't make heads or tails. With help from cowboy and writer Nash, she finds herself questioning the other six members of the Seven to find out what happened.

This romance mystery combo worked great for me! I appreciated the first chapter's chaos more and more throughout the book, especially after I got to know the seven authors. I would consider this on the cozy side of mystery as well as a no spice romance.

Penelope has gotten out of a long term toxic relationship, causing a big shift in her life over the past six weeks. Seeing only her POV was great as she slowly started to see what was right in front of her.

This book features:
🛳️ Murder investigation on a cruise ship
🛳️ Forced proximity
🛳️ Eccentric writers
🛳️ A love of genre fiction
🛳️ Steady love

Closed Door / Kissing Only

5 / 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC!