Without a Clue: A Rom-Com, Cozy Mystery Book about Books

Melissa Ferguson

Feb 2026 · Sold by Thomas Nelson

About this ebook

"[This] fun romance has something for everyone: a large and vibrant cast of characters, a bookish storyline, a cozy locked-boat mystery, a slow-burn love story, comedic hijinks, and a dash of thrills." --Library Journal STARRED review

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.

Ratings and reviews

I loved this one! A romantic comedy who-dun-it with witty banter that is not too serious? Sign me up! I can’t say I was shocked by the ending, but I loved it because it was fun and outlandish and made me guess if I was right, more than get anxious about a serious or scary ending. This one is the perfect balance of mystery, romance, and laughter that makes a great light read with a little more interesting of a plot than your average rom-com!

About the author

Melissa Ferguson is a bestselling author of romantic comedies and cozy mystery rom-coms, including Meet Me in the Margins, Famous for a Living, 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 nearly one million followers as she shares bookish joy and glimpses of farmhouse life with her husband and five children on TikTok and Instagram at @ourfriendlyfarmhouse.