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Without a ClueMelissa Ferguson

Mystery and suspense

Without a Clue

by Melissa Ferguson

336 pages · First published 2026

Penelope Mae Dupont prides herself on staying calm, a useful talent as personal assistant to celebrated mystery writer Hugh Griffin. She organizes a luxury book cruise featuring seven bestselling authors, only to have Hugh murdered on the second day while the ship is stranded in the Atlantic with an inept security team. Pip reluctantly becomes the amateur sleuth, aided by Nash, a rugged Western novelist whose fictional heroes suddenly seem less interesting than the man himself. Solving the locked-boat mystery means sorting literary egos, secrets, and red herrings while Pip decides whether she is ready to stop living behind the scenes.

Paired for this story

Pageant-Night Cocoa + Lavender French 75

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At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice0 of 5
Suspense3 of 5
Creepy1 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Murder and death · Mild frightening/intense material

Alcohol-Free Pour

Pageant-Night Cocoa

Velvety chocolate suits an evening of clues and clever sleuthing.

How to mix it

  1. Whisk the cocoa and sweetener into the hot liquid until smooth. Add remaining flavorings, heat until steaming, and pour into a mug. Add any listed topping.
  2. Garnish: As listed.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Lavender French 75

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A slow-sipping glass of wine suits an evening of clues and clever sleuthing.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Shake gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup with ice. Strain into a flute and top with sparkling wine.
  2. Garnish: Lemon twist or small lavender sprig.
  3. Glassware: Champagne flute.

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