Without a Clue is a funny, genre-bending suspenseful romance, if that’s a thing! It’s quite short, so author Melissa Ferguson has been busy creating a heartfelt romance while also building a cozy mystery plot. She writes closed-door romances that are light and breezy, but with enough backstory to give the characters depth, so if you like romances by Sarah Adams or Sarah Hogle, this should work for you.

Penelope (Penny) Mae Dupont is the assistant to The Magnificent Seven, a group of authors writing in different genres who promote each other’s books and work together to further their careers. Without a Clue begins as The Seven are about to board ship for a writers’ cruise when Penny has a complete meltdown. She is beloved by all of the Seven, and even though a recent relationship has tanked (hence the meltdown) she is low-key in love with the group’s newest member, Western writer Nash, always seen in his Wrangler jeans, boots and cowboy hat.

Early on in the cruise, Penny finds Hugh, the elder statesman and founding member of the Seven, dead in his cabin. With a second murder quickly following, and incompetent on-board investigators, Penny has to solve the murder with Nash always at her side (or is he?).

Without a Clue is written from Penny’s PoV, so Nash’s thoughts and motives are largely opaque, but he is unfailingly polite, charming and supportive of Penny. She wears the pants during the investigation, and the nature of cruise ship life means that they have to spend a lot of time together. Their romance and Hugh’s murder jostle for importance and the reader’s focus, but be assured – Penny will solve the crime and get her man.

The plot follows the conventions of a cozy mystery as we meet each member of the Seven, get to know cruise life and enjoy the banter between Penny and Nash. There is a satisfying twist at the end, and overall, the book is light-hearted, cleverly plotted and great fun. The reason I haven’t given a higher grad is mostly because I would have liked to know more about Nash and see more of Penny and Nash together. But it’s entertaining and I’m pleased to recommend it.