Crazy Spooky Love is a charmingly eccentric paranormal mystery with humor and heart, perfect for when the leaves start to fall and you’re craving something that feels right for the season but not too spooky.

Melody Bittersweet and the women of her family can all see ghosts, and together they run a cozy mediumship business out of their quirky home. But Melody wants more. She breaks away from the family firm to start Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency, determined to help ghosts move on rather than just pass messages along. Her first big case? Three ghost brothers who refuse to vacate a home that's waiting to be sold. The mystery surrounding them is deeper than expected, tangled in secrets, murder, and unresolved emotions.

Things get even messier when Melody discovers she’s not the only one trying to solve the haunting. Her fame seeking ex, Leo, is filming a ghost hunting TV special at the same location, and skeptical local reporter Fletcher is intent on exposing Melody’s family as frauds. The push pull dynamic with these two adds drama, though I found the romance underdeveloped and not the highlight of the book.

What really worked for me was the ghost story at the core. The Scarborough brothers were compelling, and the mystery behind their deaths kept me invested. Melody is a fun character because she is chaotic, brave, and relatable in her quest to define her own path. I also appreciated that this book leaned more into its paranormal and mystery elements than traditional romance tropes. The concept execution was somewhat lacking though, but I did enjoy it.

While I missed a bit of the emotional depth I usually expect from Josie Silver’s writing, I still enjoyed the unique direction and genre shift. Crazy Spooky Love is a fun, cozy read with a slightly erratic energy and ghostly shenanigans that never take themselves too seriously. This will be a perfect read for the fall season or Halloween.

Thank you to NetGalley, Josie Silver, and Ballantine/Dell for the eARC of this book.

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. The Bittersweet women are all sensitive to ghosts and live together in their house running their business Blithe Spirits. But one day Melody opens up her own business, Girls' Ghostbusting Agency, in the house, with the goal of getting the ghosts out. One of the cases is a trio of ghost brothers that won't leave a house so it can be sold. The case is a lot more in depth, and includes murder; then Melody learns she is not the only person trying to work the house and brothers - Leo, her ex, and his TV company are also on the case, as well as local reporter Fletcher, who seeks to discredit the Bittersweet family.

This is a great read for the months when the weather turns cooler, and the storyline was fun and unique, and was a fun genre departure from this author's past writing. I didn't care so much for the romance, and while I missed a little of the emotional element to the storyline, I still enjoyed Melody as a character. I actually appreciated that this book had more going for it than a romance trope, and really enjoyed the ghost brothers storyline!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine/Dell for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an e-ARC of Crazy Spooky Love. What a fun read! I loved all of the characters. They were so quirky and well developed. You could truly visualize each character based on Jodie’s descriptions of them, including Barb.
Loved the mix of paranormal, mystery, cozy, and romance vibes. This book kept me guessing until the very end and I’m so ready for the next Melody Bittersweet book! Can’t wait to see if the enemies become lovers (again)!

3.25/5 stars! The cover of this book is super fun and the premise sounded like a silly, spooky romp by author Josie Silver. I think the mystery and romance aspects of this worked well. I just didn't connect with the humor as much as I had hoped. It was heart-warming, but lacked the giggles I was wanting. I liked Melody and Fletcher but never liked Leo, so this didn't feel like much of a love triangle. Interesting contemporary romance story.

This was a fun, silly, and cozy little ghost hunting mystery with a touch of romance. If you go in expecting a full on romance book, you'll be disappointed but don't let that stop you from reading! Melody Bittersweet can see dead people, as can her mother and gran. Melody wants to branch out from her family's business so she decides to start her own, ghost busting endeavor. Unfortunately, she keeps running into her ex Leo, who she still harbors some feelings for and Fletcher, the disbelieving reporter. Melody and her ghost busting crew get themselves into some sticky situations trying to help a family of ghosts move on and solve a murder. I had a lot of fun with this and think it's a perfect spooky season read, especially for fans of the show Ghosts! This will be a series and I am excited to see what sort of shenanigans these kooky characters get up to next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Crazy Spooky Love is a lighthearted and fun novel about a woman named Melody Bittersweet who can see ghosts and starts up her own ghost hunting business. On her first case, she must unravel the family drama and secrets between the three dead Scarborough brothers. While also trying not to fall under the spell of the wickedly handsome Fletcher Gunn.

This is such a cozy little novel. I really liked that it has fall/spooky vibes but is not scary whatsoever. The ghosts aren't scary either, she just sees them as normal people. This is a story of family, drama, secrets, and some murder! She has to rid the house of ghosts and by doing so, she needs to uncover which of the two brothers murdered their brother. I found the mystery/investigative aspect much more interesting than the romance subplot. The romance was... weird? Felt like it was just randomly thrown in with no build up, yearning, whatever. She just sees Fletch, hates him because he thinks her family business is a scam, and then like two interactions later they're making out? Nothing about these two was romantic. Looking upon the synopsis, it also claims this is a love triangle. I clearly missed that while reading this because there was not a single romantic conversation between Melody and Leo as well. The romance is completely underwhelming and just throws off the vibes of the book. I feel this would have landed better for me if it was solely a cozy mystery about a girl who sees ghosts.

Overall, I give this a 3/5. I enjoyed myself and I really liked reading about the ghosts and uncovering the mystery behind the brother's murder and which brother had killed him. If you want a light and fun novel to read for the spooky season, but isn't scary, this would be a great book to try. Just be warned the romance is kind of random and felt forced!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

I was happy to see Josie Silver try something new and I’m always excited for a new Halloween series, but this one was a miss for me. I was expecting more romance in this book.

I really wanted to love this, but I just couldn’t get into it. I couldn’t find a connection to any character- major or minor.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of Crazy Spooky Love! I was delighted to dive into a paranormal rom-com with such an irresistible premise—and while it didn’t fully haunt my heart, it definitely tickled my funny bone.

Let’s start with the good: Melody Bittersweet is a delightful hot mess of a heroine. She’s quirky, determined, and just chaotic enough to be charming rather than frustrating. The town of Chapelwick is practically a character itself—leafy, eccentric, and exactly the kind of place where ghosts, mediums, and rival ghostbusting TV personalities can exist without raising too many eyebrows.

The love triangle? Oh, it’s triangle-ing. Between Leo Dark (the peacock-strutting ex) and Fletcher Gunn (the grumpy reporter with a smirk you can feel through the page), Melody has her hands full—and that’s before she even starts solving the ghostly mystery at Scarborough House.

The banter is breezy, the pace snappy, and the ghost-hunting angle gives this rom-com a refreshingly oddball twist. That said, the tone sometimes veers a little too madcap—think Scooby-Doo meets Bridget Jones with a dash of chaos potion. The humor, while charming, can feel overstuffed, with everyone delivering punchlines like they’re on a sitcom set. I occasionally wished for quieter moments or deeper emotional beats to really root me in the relationships, especially between Melody and Fletcher.

The mystery itself is fun, if not especially twisty—but this book isn’t trying to be Gone Girl. It’s here to entertain, not to haunt, and on that front, it succeeds.

Final verdict: Crazy Spooky Love is a fizzy, featherlight read perfect for anyone who wants ghosts, giggles, and grumpy love interests. While it didn’t blow me away, I’m intrigued enough to return for Book 2 and see if the Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency hits its stride.

Josie Silver’s Crazy Spooky Love delivers exactly what the title promises—humor, hauntings, and a heart-tugging tangle of romance. This charming paranormal rom-com is the perfect blend of cozy ghost story and witty love triangle, making it a fantastic kickoff to what promises to be a delightfully spooky series.

At the center of the story is Melody Bittersweet, a quirky and endearing medium from a long line of ghost-whisperers in the picturesque town of Chapelwick. Unlike her message-passing relatives, Melody wants to help restless spirits move on, and she’s determined to carve out her own space in the ghostbusting world. Her first case—a haunted manor plagued by three bickering ghost brothers—sets the tone for the rest of the novel: eerie, unpredictable, and packed with character-driven chaos.

Silver’s writing sparkles with humor and charm, and Melody is a standout protagonist. She’s equal parts vulnerable and determined, with just enough snark to hold her own against the men vying for her attention. Enter Leo Dark, the fame-hungry ex-boyfriend and rival ghost-hunter, and Fletcher Gunn, the brooding, skeptical reporter who can’t quite stay away. The love triangle adds tension and emotional complexity, but it never overshadows the ghostly mystery at the story’s heart.

The pacing dips slightly in the middle, and some of the supporting characters—though colorful—lean a bit too far into caricature at times. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise highly enjoyable read. What really shines here is Silver’s ability to balance the spooky with the sweet, and the absurd with the sincere.

Crazy Spooky Love is perfect for readers who love their romance with a side of ectoplasm and a generous helping of snark. If you’re a fan of Ghosts (the BBC series), or you wish your rom-coms had more spectral interference, this one’s for you.

Looking forward to what Melody Bittersweet and Blithe Spirits get up to next—there’s definitely more ghostly mayhem (and romantic tension) on the horizon.

Recommended for: fans of paranormal romance, cozy mysteries, ghost stories with humor, and anyone who loves a spirited heroine with a lot of heart.

⭐⭐⭐

Crazy Spooky Love
Author: Josie Silver
Source: NetGalley
Publication Date: Sept. 2, 2025

Get ready for a spooky and cheerful fall read with ‘Crazy Spooky Love’! This book is packed with ghosts, a ghost-busting squad, and a pair of psychics who are more fun than they are spooky. It’s got terrific backup characters and some seriously fun moments. It might not win a Pulitzer, but sometimes, a good laugh is just what we need after a deep dive into a serious book.

Meet Melody, who can see dead people just like her mom and grandma. But she’s not as crazy as her relatives and wants to make a name for herself since has just turned 27. She teams up with her best friend and a hired hand to start a business and gets their first paying gig. All they have to do is solve a decades-old murder. Along the way, they meet a potential love interest (Melody’s been on a dry spell lately).

As this quirky group of characters tries to solve a murder, they’ll have you chuckling at their zany antics. It’s a lighthearted and fun read that’s perfect for a cozy fall evening. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa and dive into ‘Crazy Spooky Love’!

#CrazySpookyLove @josiesilverauthor #romance #ghosts #iseedeadpeople #psychic #optimism #tomfoollery #cheeky @netgalley @ballantinebooks
👻

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.

Melody Bittersweet is born into a family of mediums. She has just turned 27 and decided to open up a ghost busting business with her best friend Marina. She’s on her first case getting rid of ghosts at a haunted mansion so that the owner can sell it. While there she runs into her ex boyfriend Leo, who is also a medium. She also runs into Fletcher, a reporter who makes it his life’s work to prove that mediums are scam artists. The haunted house she is working at is being haunted by three brothers. They are stuck in that house until they mystery of who killed one of the brothers, Douglas is solved. While she is trying to solve the mystery she has multiple encounters with Leo and Fletcher.

The is a departure from her other
straight romance books. This was a paranormal mystery with a hint of romance and spice. I’ll be honest it took me a minute for me to get invested. It started off slower but once I was in, I was hooked. I found it was really funny and I loved all the pop culture references. I will definitely be continuing the series. I’m excited to see what happens.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for providing the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book!! It made me get into the Halloween spirit even tho its not fall yet!! I’m definitely picking this book up around spooky season.

I have been a long time fan of Josie Silver’s writing style and her endlessly romantic novels. ‘A Winter in New York’ was a 5 star read for me so I was excited to see that she was entering a new genre.

Crazy Spooky Love has ghosts, haunted houses, and a set of quirky characters. Perfect for fall and readers looking for a little spooky fun. Melody was a unique FMC, which played well with the premise of the story. The love triangle didn’t hold me as well as I had hoped.
I didn’t love this one as much as Josie’s others novels, but again, a different type of novel is hard when you associate an author with strictly romance.

Thank you to Ballantine, a Random House Publishing Group, and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

(★★★½☆) Crazy Spooky Love is a lighthearted, slightly chaotic mix of ghosts, romance, and small-town charm. Melody Bittersweet is a fun and quirky heroine who decides to take her ghost-sensitive family legacy in a new direction—by helping spirits move on rather than just chatting with them. Her first real case, involving three bickering ghost brothers haunting a crumbling mansion, sets the stage for a madcap mystery full of sass, secrets, and plenty of supernatural hijinks.

Josie Silver has a knack for witty banter and quirky characters, and that’s where this book shines. Melody’s voice is fun and relatable, and the cast around her—from her over-the-top ex Leo Dark to the infuriatingly skeptical (but undeniably swoon-worthy) Fletcher Gunn—keeps things entertaining. The ghost story adds just enough mystery to keep you turning the pages, even if the plot does wander off course now and then in favor of comic detours.

The romance side of things is a bit of a mixed bag. The love triangle doesn’t feel entirely balanced—Leo comes off more cartoonish than compelling—but the spark between Melody and Fletcher is sharp and satisfying. Still, the emotional depth takes a backseat to the antics, so if you’re hoping for a heartstring-tugging romance, you might be left wanting more. That said, Crazy Spooky Love is a fun, cozy read with good vibes and ghostly giggles—perfect for when you want something playful with a touch of the paranormal.

4.5⭐

I typically steer away from anything paranormal but I love Josie Silver so I had to Crazy Spooky Love a chance. I'm so happy I did, because Melody and her crew are a vibe! I love her best friend, Marina, and the why/how behind hiring Artie was so sweet. Melody's gran is my favorite kind of old lady, champagne guzzling and a little bit bonkers. The ex-boyfriend/business rival with his own posse of followers and a cynical journalist trying to catch her "faking it" made for some great romantic tension. This was such a fun read and I'm thrilled this is the first in a new trio of stories.

👻 Ghostly Hijinks and Romantic Entanglements: A Delightful Paranormal Adventure 🎩

1. Welcome to Chapelwick: Where Ghosts and Romance Collide 🌟
*Crazy Spooky Loveby Josie Silver is a refreshing foray into the world of paranormal romance, offering a vibrant mix of humor and heart. Set in the charming town of Chapelwick, the story revolves around Melody Bittersweet—a quirky medium navigating both ghostly escapades and romantic tensions.

2. A Spirited Love Triangle: Unpredictably Entertaining 💖
Melody, our plucky protagonist, finds herself caught in an unusual love triangle involving her fame-chasing ex, Leo Dark, and the charmingly skeptical reporter, Fletcher Gunn. The chemistry is palpable, and the romantic tension is as haunting as the ghosts that inhabit the plot!

3. Ghostly Adventures and Zany Twists: A Fresh Take on Romance 😂
Balancing ghostbusting antics with emotional depth, Silver crafts a story that’s both whimsical and engaging. The antics of the ghostly Scarborough brothers add mystery and hilarity to the plot, creating a delightful fusion of romance and the supernatural.

4. Characters That Shine: Quirky, Relatable, and Endearing 🌈
The Bittersweet family—complete with their ghost-sensitive legacy—and Melody’s adventures provide a rich backdrop for vibrant character interactions. Lestat, the scene-stealing dog, adds a humorous twist to every scene he’s in, making the story even more charming.

5. An Invitation to Fall in Love with the Unseen: A Promising Start to a Series 🕯️
As the first in a ghost-hunting series, this book’s enchanting mix of romance and mystery promises an exciting journey ahead. Silver’s trademark wit and narrative style make it a compelling read, setting the stage for further thrilling adventures with Melody and her crew.

Final Thoughts 📚
*Crazy Spooky Loveis a bewitching blend of romance, humor, and mystery that captivates from the very first page. Josie Silver’s exploration of the supernatural in a romantic context is imaginative and refreshing, making this novel a must-read for fans of love stories with a spooky twist. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Whether you're avidly following the Bittersweet family’s ghostly pursuits or swept up in Melody’s charming romantic antics, this novel is sure to leave you smiling and yearning for more. 🌟

With Crazy Spooky Love, Josie Silver creates such a cozy and quirky world in Chapelwick that I honestly never wanted to leave. Melody Bittersweet is the perfect messy and stubborn heroine. She tries to balance running her ghostbusting business with surviving a chaotic love triangle. The mix of ghostly chaos and romantic tension kept me completely hooked. If you’re looking for a romantic comedy with a supernatural twist that actually makes you laugh out loud, try this!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This was a cute and fun start to a new paranormal romance mystery series. The characters are quirky yet also somehow relatable…and of course the dog Lestat steals every scene he’s in. At times, it felt like there were maybe more pop culture references than it needed, but also I tend to love that so bring on the next book in the series.

I do not usually read ghost stories or books where I need to believe in other worlds, but this author is a must-read for me. I'm so pleased with the book I just finished, and I think others will eat it up! It's humorous and entertaining, with writing only Silver can get right! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.