Tuesday, February 17, 2026

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Without a Clue

Title:  Without a Clue
Author Melissa Ferguson  
Publisher:  Thomas Nelson
Genre:   Cozy Rom-Com
Format:  Audio ALC and Kindle ARC
Narrator:   Karissa Vacker 
Length:  8 hrs 43 mins
No. of Pages:   336
Date of Publication:   February 17, 2026
My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

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.


MY THOUGHTS:

Penelope Mae Dupont, a protégé and personal assistant to the renowned author Hugh Griffin, finds herself embroiled in a thrilling mystery when Hugh is found dead on the second day of a cruise organized by Pip for a group of esteemed authors, known as the Fabulous Seven. With a dedicated following of a few hundred readers, the cruise sets sail, but the shocking discovery of Hugh’s murder leaves everyone on the high seas in shock.

Determined to solve the mystery, Pip enlists the help of her friend Nash, a charismatic cowboy and one of the authors on the cruise. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a second murder, adding to the intrigue and suspense. Will Pip and Nash unravel the secrets behind these murders and confront their undeniable attraction to each other?

Locked-room mysteries are among my favorite types of stories, and this one was done well. This captivating rom-com delivers an exciting setting and an engaging plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story is peppered with humor and surprises, making it a delightful read. Without a Clue also features a sweet slow-burn romance between Pip and Nash, adding an emotional depth to the narrative. Karissa Vacker’s exceptional narration brings the story to life, making it an enjoyable experience.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melissa Ferguson is a bestselling author of romantic comedies and cozy mystery rom-coms, including Meet Me in the MarginsHow to Plot a PaybackOn the Way to Christmas, and The Perfect Rom-Com. Her debut picture book, Our Friendly Farmhouse, introduced young readers to her signature warmth and charm beyond the rom-com page. Two of her novels are currently being adapted for film with Melissa serving as Executive Producer.

Come join over one million followers as she shares glimpses of farmhouse life with her husband and five children and bookish joy at @ourfriendlyfarmhouse.



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