Paradise Problem meets Finlay Donovan - very cute story of a writer who attends the wedding of her ex (and agent) on a private island. She engages in an investigation of the attempted murder of the bride and the story unfolds from there.

She Doesn’t Have a Clue was my first book by Jenny Elder Moke and I loved it! This book is the perfect mix of mystery and rom-com with a dash of who-done-it. The main character is Kate Valentine, a second chance romance mystery author who is attending her ex-fiance's wedding (who also happens to be her editor) on a private island, and runs into Jake Hawkins (the one that got away). Now if that scenario isn’t enough, add some wedding festivities, a family inheritance, lots of wine, and a dead bride found by none other than Kate Valentine.

The story is well written with great pacing. It flowed well and I was able to keep track of the many characters, which can sometimes be hard if the book isn’t written well. She Doesn’t Have a Clue was an enjoyable book that I finished in two days and I look forward to reading more books from this author.

I listened to the audiobook and the narration by Sarah-Mollo Christensen was good. Her voice is natural for storytelling and made it easy to finish this book in a few days.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Jenny Elder Moke for providing an ARC in exchange for honest thoughts.

I gave this book 4 Stars

I laughed and swooned my way through this delightful read! I couldn’t get enough of the characters or the murders that kept happening. Almost happening…

The chemistry between the MC’s was evident from the very first chapter. I loved learning their backstories (dramatically, as suspects were crossed off the list), and loved that Jake always knew exactly what help Kate needed just in time. And he didn’t blink at her murder board, or hideous sweater, or any of her other quirks.

I thought the “story-within-a-story” storyline was excellent. Seeing Kate in real life vs Kate as her stories’ protagonist really hit home how different they were. I thought the end was a nice setup to merge their personalities.

She Doesn’t Have a Clue is a romance meets mystery read, and I had a great time with it. Kate agrees to attend the wedding of her ex fiancé on a private island and predictably chaos ensues, which just so happens to follow the plot of her mystery books. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Kate and Jake as they explored their relationship and stumbling blocks to their romantic history. They had great chemistry and banter even when Kate made frustrating decisions relating to Jake. I do think Kate grew as a character during the story. However, as much as I was here for the romance, I was all about the mystery plot line. I enjoyed the parallel to Kate’s mystery books as well as Kate trying to place herself in her FMC’s shoes to solve the mystery. I also thought the author did well with sprinkling the clues in that point to the suspect especially looking back at the story. I was shocked in a good way by the reveal. I read this via audiobook and Sarah Mollo-Christensen did wonderful in her narration. It was easy to keep the different characters separate. Mollo-Christensen also nailed Kate’s awkwardness and the comedic moments. I would highly recommend the audiobook if you’re planning to read this.

This definitely wasn't what I was expecting. This was so good, but closely mirrors haunting ever after. This was a great book.

The audio was clear and concise. I liked that the voices weren't monotone, and the voices fit the characters.

She Doesn't Have a Clue is a romantic mystery about a writer/amateur detective who is attending her exes wedding at a private venue, when a murder takes place! The storyline was fun, but a bit jumbled to listen to as an audiobook when going back and forth between Kate and being Loretta, perhaps I would have enjoyed reading a physical copy more to keep things more organized in my brain. The narration itself was fantastic though!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for this ALC!

This book would be three stars, but there was an excessive amount of F-words for no reason and a few scenes I fast forwarded through due to explicit material. The storyline was entertaining though!

Jack of all trades, master of none. I love cozy mysteries and I love romance. This had both, to an extent; not clean enough to be cozy but it did have an amateur sleuth and an interesting cast of supporting characters. There was a ton of romance in it, too – not the fade-to-black, closed door variety you would expect from a cozy – so this book definitely had its feet in both genres somewhat. While it has both of these elements, it doesn’t quite excel at one or the other and flounders in between. Add in Kate’s mystery novel in progress with cut scenes of Loretta doing sleuthing in a parallel universe and it all becomes somewhat jumbled. I enjoyed the stories but didn’t feel they all came together well enough to carry it all.

I absolutely adored this. It was an absolute joy to read! Once I started, I just didn’t want to stop. It was the perfect mix of romance and mystery. The narration is fantastic. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this audiobook ARC!

3.25
I was here for the romance portion of this book and eventually got there for the murder mystery component. I love that Kate (a mystery writer) is attending her exes wedding on a private island with various other writers/publishers/literary people, because why not. I thoroughly enjoyed the back and forth between the character (Loretta) she created and her own parallels. I was a bit overwhelmed by all of the potential suspects and each of their motives, however I thought the solving of the mystery was entertaining in the not-so-fun estate on the island.

It gave me a bit of Finley Donovan vibes, which I think is a compliment since its a 5 book series (and the characters in this book know how hard a series is).

Also, I thoroughly enjoyed this as an audiobook. I think the narrators fit the characters well.

What a joy to listen to! This audiobook was the perfect mix of humor, mystery, and romance!

When Kate, a murder-mystery author, gets invited to the wedding of her ex-fiancé, she is roomed with her long-time crush Jake Hawkins. Then, when an attempted murder begins to look suspiciously like the murders from Kate's books, Kate is desperate to prove herself innocent and become a detective herself.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story; it had me laughing, gasping, and swooning! All of the characters involved in this story were joyful additions to the plot, adding depth to the mystery and to Kate. I loved Jake and Kate's past, their (sabotaged) miscommunication was actually quite sweet, although my heart hurt for them and their time wasted. I was slightly disappointed with Jake's attitude and actions in the 3rd act, but he redeemed himself in the end!

Do I think Kennedy deserves better and Spencer is basically a wet-noddle? Yes. But I still adored the plot twists in this story!

Thank you so much for granting me this ARC, the narrator did an amazing job of captivating Kate's personality and the many tones this story had!!

Thank you so much for the chance to have an early listen to this audiobook! I loved the characters and the banter between the MCs. The plot was very reminiscent of Every-time I go on vacation someone dies which I also loved. Definitely a fun read!

This book was so much fun. I’m not a fan of the narrator, but this book hooked me and kept me interested. It was fun and sweet and I couldn’t wait to finish it to see how it would end.

🎧 Book Review 🎧 I feel as though it is inevitable to attend a wedding with an ex present, it’s a whole new level when the groom is your ex-fiancé -yikes! Add another former romantic love interest, handsome Australian hottie, Jake, as a fake date for the weekend on an island and the whole thing is a steam pot about to explode. But the weekend is off to a rocky start when it’s more than just some old feelings stirred up and the bride is almost poisoned and dead bodies turn up. I love a good whodunnit thriller and I love a rom com, put them together and it is the perfect combination! She Doesn’t Have a Clue is the book for all those mystery lovers out there who might just wear a heart on one sleeve and their crime solving kit up their other one. Jenny Elder Moke creates an entertaining and flawless blend of the genres that seamlessly flow like champagne at happy hour and Sarah Mollo-Christensen narrates the book like a toast at said nuptials. She Doesn't Have a Clue is a real treat and while coming back from this destination wedding is no guarantee, this one is a definite yes to RSVP to!

4 out of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.


I really enjoyed this one! If Knives Out or the Stephanie Plum novels, this may be the book for you! I thought this was such a fun cozy mystery with the FMC, Kate, a mystery writer, has the opportunity to do some amateur sleuthing. I loved Jake and Kate’s bonding. I thought that the balance between romance and mystery was well balanced and I found myself being drawn in to the mystery of it all. The narrator, Sarah Molly-Christensen, did an awesome job with creating suspense and intrigue throughout the plot. I look forward to reading more from this author and listening to more from this narrator in the future.

Closed Door Modifications: Ch 26, 34

This book was just ok for me. I listened to the audio as an advanced listener copy & the audio itself was good. 3.5 stars, maybe 4 even. The narrator’s cadence didn’t feel forced; they were paced well & brought some variation to the characters.

The story itself is what I just thought was meh. It felt like the author tried to meld a cozy mystery with a cozy romance and it just didn’t land.

If the story was developed in either direction, I think they would both work and be quite good, actually.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this advanced listener copy.

I really enjoyed this romantic mystery novel that follows mystery author Kate Valentine to her ex-fiancé’s wedding. Her plus one is Jake Hawkins, the Hotstralian one who got away. As the wedding festivities progress, Kate keeps finding dead bodies, making her a prime suspect, especially when one of the targeted people is her ex-fiancé’s bride.

Not only was this a fun, locked room mystery but there was some great romantic sizzle here as well. I really like Kate and Jake as a pair and as sleuths. I’m unsure if the author plans to make this a series, but I would love it if she did.

Sarah Mollo-Christensen did a fantastic job as the narrator. The nuances in her voice as she portrayed each character made it easy to listen to and enjoyable.

She Doesn’t Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke
Narrator: Sarah Mollo-Christensen
Rating: 4 stars
Pub date: 1/21

Thank you so much to SMP for my advanced copy and to Macmillan Audio for my complimentary audiobook.

Kate Valentine is a bestselling mystery author who reluctantly agrees to attend her ex-fiancé’s wedding. Things take a wild turn when the bride is poisoned, a dead body shows up, and Kate finds herself living out a plot straight from her own books. Teaming up with her biggest "what-if," Jake Hawkins, she dives into a maze of grudges, secrets, and lies to uncover the truth.

This is the perfect mix of a rom-com and a locked-door mystery. It’s a fun ride with quirky characters and lots of twists and turns. There are plenty of red herrings and “wait, what?!” moments that make it hard to put down.

Kate is a bit of a mess at the start and it’s great watching her find her confidence again. The romance between her and Jake is slow-burn perfection—just the right mix of tension and sweet moments. While the pacing dips a little in the middle, once the story picks up, it’s a total page-turner until the end.

With murder, drama, and some swoon-worthy romance, this one really has it all. I loved the audio version with Sarah Mollo-Christensen really bringing all the characters to life!

If you love mysteries with a side of romance and lots of juicy secrets, you’ve got to check this one out!

She Doesn't Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke was an entertaining book, and I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the novel. The characters were fun and kept me engaged, especially the FMC. She’s a bestselling crime thriller author who draws inspiration from the heroine in her books when things get overwhelming.

The twist ending kept me guessing, and the setting of a historic mansion on a private island off the coast of Seattle added an atmospheric touch that elevated the story. The secluded location, combined with the stormy weather and opulent wedding backdrop, created the perfect setting for a mystery.

Our FMC, Kate Valentine, is a bestselling mystery author who ends up at her ex-fiancé’s wedding—a lavish affair on a remote island. She plans to fake smiles, sip champagne, and finish her latest manuscript, but things take a deadly turn when the bride is poisoned and a body turns up. Suddenly, Kate finds herself caught in a real-life mystery that mirrors her fictional plots. With a storm trapping everyone on the island and tensions running high, Kate must figure out who the killer is—and the only person willing to help her is Jake Hawkins, her biggest romantic regret.

This was an entertaining read with a mix of mystery and romance. While it didn’t leave a lasting impression, it was a fun ride from start to finish. I’d recommend it as a quick, light read or a palette cleanser between heavier books.

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books, for the ARC & ALC of this novel.

She Doesn’t Have a Clue is a cozy mystery with a romantic flair that will take readers to a remote island for a stormy wedding, and a murder or two.

Kate’s a successful author of a mystery series starring Loretta, but in her real life she is not a well put together leading lady. When she is invited to the wedding of her ex-fiancé publishing agent, she finds herself on an isolated island in a very rich family’s manor, with her Australian ex Blake to boot. But when the body’s start dropping and Kate is framed, she must partner up with Blake to solve the mysteries before she ends up behind bars.

This was the perfect mix of a cozy mystery and romance in one. I really appreciated how funny this book is - Kate is self deprecating and ridiculous, with some hilarious quirks about her. The cast of the wedding party, extended family, and publishing house adding a fun layer to the mystery of the plot, as almost everyone is hiding something and is deceiving people down every turn. This was an easy audio to listen to - I’d recommend using a higher speed of 1.5 or more, and the narrator is very easy to understand. I felt the balance between the mystery and romance was also perfect - it was not closed door but it is by no means an erotic tale, and the romantic part of the book makes perfect sense within the plot and I don’t feel like it took away from the mystery plot lines.

I really enjoyed this one and if you’re a cozy mystery fan who also likes romance, I’d give this one a go.