Book Review: Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson

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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!

Request Without a Clue at your local library, preorder it at most retailers, or find it for sale on Amazon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Melissa Ferguson and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Official Book Blurb:

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 superpower: 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.