When a mystery writer mysteriously dies on a cruise filled with rabid fans, his protege (and personal assistant) teams up with a rugged cowboy and fellow writer to crack the case. One part Only Murders in the Building, one part Book Lovers, and a whole lot of laughs, Without a Clue will keep readers guessing and swooning until the very end.
If there's one thing Penelope Mae Dupont prizes most, it's her composure-her ability to stay calm in the face of stress. It's a vital trait in her job as a personal assistant to renowned mystery author Hugh Griffin. But when Pip organizes a book cruise featuring The Fabulous Seven--seven celebrated authors from different genres who have supported each other through thick and thin-her famed composure is in danger of sailing away. One boat, hundreds of devoted readers, and seven Big Personalities. What could possibly go wrong?
Disaster strikes when, on the second day of the cruise, Hugh is found murdered. And, in the face of gross incompetence by the on-board security force, Pip realizes she'll need to be the one to discover who did it. With the ship stranded in the middle of the Atlantic and no help on the horizon, it's up to her to unravel the mystery. Along with her friend Nash-a dreamy Western author who's just as rugged as the cowboys he writes about. As Pip's composure starts to sink faster than a leaky dinghy, Nash becomes her anchor in a storm of clues and red herrings.
With Nash at her side, Penelope dives into the murky depths of the mystery, navigating treacherous waters filled with unexpected twists and turns. No one, not even a desperately hopeful mystery sleuth named Pip, could anticipate the wild ride ahead. Whether she likes it or not, she is on the adventure of a lifetime... and maybe, just maybe, she'll find love along the way.
In this laugh-out-loud funny Clue-meets-Emily-Henry rom-com, Penelope Mae Dupont is about to find out that in the world of mystery and romance, you have to risk going overboard to find the truth.
Book Review:
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted rom‑com wrapped in a cozy mystery, Melissa Ferguson’s Without a Clue is a delightful pick. I went into the audiobook expecting something fun, and it delivered exactly that. Predictable in all the comforting ways, yet packed with charm, humor, and a cast that’s easy to love.
A Cruise, a Convention, and a Murder
Our heroine, Pip, works as an assistant for the “Magnificent Seven,” a group of wildly successful authors who write across genres and support each other like a quirky literary family. When the group boards a cruise ship for a convention, everything seems set for smooth sailing… until day two, when one of the authors, Hugh, is found murdered.
With cruise security doing a less‑than‑stellar job investigating, Pip decides to take matters into her own hands. What follows is a playful, clue‑filled adventure that feels like stepping into a vacation themed version of the classic board game.
A Cast That Keeps You Smiling
One of the biggest strengths of this story is its ensemble. Ferguson creates a group dynamic that’s lively, warm, and just eccentric enough to keep things interesting. The setting is on a cruise ship full of writers and adds an extra layer of fun, making the mystery feel whimsical rather than heavy.
The writing is breezy and engaging, and the pacing kept me hooked from the start. Even when I could see the twists coming, I didn’t mind; the journey was simply too enjoyable.
A Standout Audiobook Performance
Karissa Vacker’s narration elevates the entire experience. She brings personality and energy to each character, making it easy to stay immersed in the story. I’ll definitely be seeking out more of her audiobook work.
Final Thoughts
Without a Clue is exactly what it promises to be: a charming, cozy mystery with rom‑com flair and a lovable cast. If you enjoy lighthearted whodunits, cruise‑ship settings, or stories that feel like a warm hug with a dash of intrigue, this one is worth adding to your audiobook queue.
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