Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Penelope is living the dream of every devoted bibliophile: she serves as the personal assistant to one of the most famous mystery writers in the world. That places her near his inner circle all the time – the well-known group of authors collectively known as The Fabulous Seven, a modern echo of the legendary Queens of Crime. On this particular assignment, Penelope’s work is taking on a more stressful turn. She is tasked with shepherding all seven writers—along with their luggage and a literal boatload of fans—onto a weeklong cruise filled with lectures, book signings, and meet-and-greet events. The voyage has been meticulously planned for months, so naturally, everything begins to unravel almost immediately. It starts with a man wielding a boombox on the beach, followed by one of the Seven arriving late. Then comes the one complication Penelope could never have prepared for: murder. What was meant to be a celebratory book cruise quickly morphs into a high-stakes mystery, and Penelope finds herself not only at the center of the chaos, but possibly in the killer’s line of sight.
Bestselling romantic comedy author Melissa Ferguson returns with Without a Clue, a whodunit mystery layered with a slow-burn romance. The novel is populated with eccentric, larger-than-life characters who simultaneously protect and challenge Penelope as she navigates both her mounting panic and the emotional barriers she’s built around herself. At its heart, this is a story about trusting your instincts and recognizing that people don’t change who they truly are. Known for her relatable protagonists, Ferguson once again delivers effortless banter and a plot that keeps pages turning long past bedtime.
I give Without a Clue 4 out of 5 stars. I opted for the audiobook edition and found the narration and pacing particularly enjoyable, making it an easy and immersive listen. While the story largely succeeds, there are moments that lean a bit too heavily into Hallmark-movie territory, with plot developments that feel overly convenient. That said, the diversity and depth of the cast showcase Ferguson’s range as a writer. Although I struggled to connect with a few members of The Fabulous Seven, that distance may have been intentional, adding to the mystery’s intrigue. One of the novel’s standout elements is Penelope’s resilience. From the opening scene through the final pages, her ability to recover from moments of panic and rise to meet intense pressure is both believable and inspiring—especially for readers who know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed in high-stakes situations.
Without a Clue is an excellent choice for readers preparing for a cruise or anyone seeking a fast, entertaining weekend read—I finished it in a single Saturday evening. Due to references to murder and violence, it may not be suitable for all audiences. Fans of Courtney Walsh or Sophie Cousens will feel right at home with Ferguson’s writing, and this novel is a particularly strong addition to her catalog.
Without a Clue released earlier this week on February 17th. Copies are now available through our Bookshop.org page!
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What I’m Reading
- Current print book: Mermaid in Manhattan, Jessica Gadziala
- Current audio book: Soul of Shadow, Emma Noyes
- Book I’m most looking forward to: Revenge Prey, John Sandford
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