so much fun and perfect for spooky season. highly recommend for a short and sweet fun time! will definitely reread again closer to october

Thank you NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

2.75/5
My first Josie Silver book so I didn’t know what to expect. I loved the idea of a medium and a murder mystery. Not too sure how much the love triangle was needed. I enjoyed the ghosts and the mystery surrounding them, I just felt it wasn’t as deeply fleshed out because of all the love story and zany wacky character arcs peppered into it.

Josie Silver’s “Crazy Spooky Love,” the first installment in the “Melody Bittersweet” series, introduces readers to a quirky paranormal mystery involving a medium, her fame-obsessed ex-boyfriend, and a skeptical reporter. Despite its romantic-sounding title, the novel is not a love story; rather, it focuses primarily on ghostbusting and unraveling a decades-old murder mystery.

Melody Bittersweet has just turned twenty-seven, the same age her father died, and finds herself grappling with a sense of stagnation. She has no career direction, no marriage, and no clear goals. Her eccentric mother and grandmother run a ghost-helping business called Blithe Spirits, which assists spirits in finding closure. But Melody longs to forge her own path. With the help of her best friend, Marina Malone, and Arthur “Artie” Elliott Jr., a ghost’s son she once helped, Melody launches the Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency on Chapelwick High Street. The team even customizes a Scooby-Doo-themed van, affectionately named Babs, to match their playful branding.

Melody’s first real job involves evicting ghosts from a mansion owned by Donovan Scarborough so that he can sell the property. But there’s a catch: her ex-boyfriend, Leo Dark, is also vying for the job. Initially hired by Donovan but failing to make progress, Leo is challenged to a competition. Donovan hands Melody the backdoor key and Leo the front door key, promising payment to whoever clears the house first. Melody is determined to win, but her efforts are constantly sabotaged by Leo’s mischievous twin assistants, known only as Darklings 1 and 2, who repeatedly lock her in the basement to stall her progress.

Inside the Scarborough mansion, Melody discovers the spirits of three brothers: Douglas, the murder victim, and his siblings Lloyd (his twin) and Isaac (who was accused and banished). Through journals and some online detective work, Melody must piece together the truth of who killed Douglas in order to help all three spirits find peace.

Meanwhile, Fletcher “Fletch” Gunn, a reporter for the Shropshire Express, loiters around the house hoping for a scoop. A skeptic who often mocks Melody and her family’s paranormal pursuits, Fletch is nevertheless drawn to Melody as they spend more time together. Their chemistry simmers beneath layers of sarcasm and skepticism, but the relationship never fully develops, leaving Melody to question whether she should pursue something with someone who fundamentally disapproves of her work.

Silver, known for her romantic fiction, shifts genres here to focus on mystery and the supernatural. While marketed as a paranormal romance, “Crazy Spooky Love” lacks the romantic payoff that readers might expect from the title. There is one sex scene and a couple of kisses, but no happily-ever-after or fully developed romance. Instead, the novel’s real focus, and strength, lies in the murder mystery of the Scarborough brothers.

That said, the novel is not without flaws. Many characters are caricatured, their personalities exaggerated for comedic effect. Melody, for instance, is portrayed as a sugar addict obsessed with Marina’s Nonna’s baked goods, and she delivers cringe-worthy lines like “...and kiss him back like he’s the Haribo king.” The story is also peppered with unusual character names such as Bazza Bowman and Finbar Honeyman, even for minor characters.

Overall, “Crazy Spooky Love” is a light-hearted, whimsical mystery with touches of supernatural sleuthing. Fans of Lucy Score’s “Riley Thorn” series will likely enjoy this one, as both series feature quirky heroines, comedic supporting casts, and playful takes on the mystery genre. However, readers looking for a romance-driven plot or emotionally grounded characters may find this debut underwhelming.

While this book was slow to start it got better the more I read. It made me cry (i never cry in books) and woo the way Fletch talks is fire.

3/5 stars

I'd like to thank Ballantine and Dell for the eARC of this book on Netgalley.

I thought that this book was fun overall. I don't really feel like it had a romance aspect to it (more only like lust instead?), it felt more mysterious/paranormal, which was totally fine! I went in thinking this would be romance with a mystery sub-plot, so I was kind of surprised by how it was more reversed. I found that that I didn't feel the FMC and *love interest* had a connection at all, other than wanting to jump each other's bones.

I did enjoy the mystery and ghost aspect of this book, as I was a big Ghost Whisperer fan back in the day; so that was fun getting to see interactions with ghosts to help solve a mystery. The cast of characters were really eclectic and gave off a Scooby Doo (heavily implied throughout the book) vibe.

Overall, if you're not looking for a high-romance plot, this book might great for a spooky season read!

I really enjoyed this book! I found it to have a perfect mix of humor, mystery, and ghost presence. Absolutely loved Melody, Marina, and Artie! And, of course, the forbidden chemistry between Melody and Fletcher Gunn. Can't wait to read the next one 💜👻🐶

I've read this author before and she's been a little hit or miss for me, but I liked the premise here (and the retro Peter Max-style cover is fantastic!). But I struggled to keep reading this book and I ended up DNF-ing around 40%. I had a hard time fully engaging with the main characters (although Artie was especially endearing). The story took a sharp turn into a century-old murder mystery and then seems to transform into a love-to-hate-you/will-they-won't-they love triangle (or maybe a square if you count sexy ghost Douglas). I almost kept reading for Artie's sake, and to find out who killed Douglas. But I never fully clicked with the main characters, and it was hard to find any redeeming qualities in either of Melody's living love interests. (Or to find a reason why I should care who she ended up with, quite frankly. The story begins with Melody's antagonistic relationship with both Leo and Franklin already established, so the reader is dropped right into that dynamic and it was hard for me to invest in either character fully after that.) Clearly Melody found them both to be physically attractive but she disliked them both so thoroughly that it was difficult to imagine what would change to cause her to enter into a romantic relationship with either of them. The story also felt a bit like it was trying too hard to be quirky and cute (and there's mild "not like other girls" energy from Melody, which was a little grating). The author's sense of humor does come through in her writing, though, which is always fun. This book is the beginning of a series, and there felt like a lot of exposition to set up basic themes and the main cast of characters. While it wasn't the book for me, I think it will appeal to readers who like strong enemies-to-lovers vibes, quippy dialogue, and quirky characters (both corporeal and non-corporeal). Publishes September 2, 2025. This review was based on a complimentary eARC, all opinions are my own.

DNF…I really wanted to get into the story, but I couldn’t. couldn’t get into the writing style at all. I found myself disengaged with the storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for gifting me with an ARC of Crazy Spooky Love in exchange for my honest review.

Admission Time: I'm not the biggest fan of rom coms. There, I said it. UNLESS that rom com has a paranormal or holiday element to it. (Random, I know.) Bonus points if it has both.

Crazy Spooky Love follows quirky, medium Melody Bittersweet during the startup of her new business venture doing...you guessed it: helping ghosts on their journey all the way into the afterlife. Business is in high demand, but her fame hungry ex (who also happens to see ghosts) and an aggravatingly handsome reporter don't make it easy for her. Add in some ghosts brothers, a couple of sidekicks, and a one eared dog and you've got a cutesy, cozy story on your hands.

I went into this one thinking it would be an average read for me, but was delighted at how fun this one was! I loved the main female character and her loyal buddies riding shotgun with her. She was so unapologetically herself. She also had multiple options in the romance department. (I truly wasn't sure for a while who would be the "winner".) I, of course, loved the ghosts. Their story was really interesting and I especially loved sweet Douglas.

This one was really great and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a rom com or even just a comforting read. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second in the series and see what other adventures Melody has up her sleeve.

4⭐️

Publication Date: September 2, 2025

3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this one—the characters were fun and the story had such a charming spooky vibe! It did run a little long in places, which slowed the pacing, but overall I loved the characters and the romance. A cozy, spooky read that fans of paranormal rom-coms will enjoy!

DNF at 50%

I was excited for this read but unfortunately, this book was not for me.

I was hooked by the premise but disappointed in the execution.

First, the voice and style of the FMC Melody was overwhelming. I like quirky, but this was overboard. Additionally, I felt bombarded by the wordy long sentences and adjectives.

Examples: “The tails of Leo’s cape flutter in the sharp wind as he turns to the camera and smolders down the lens about the fact that it’s an incredibly sensitive situation and then invites us to tune in next time to find out what happens when he goes live inside the house in a bid to discover the source of the alleged hauntings. (Ch 3, p.35)

Despite my initial feelings, I opted to hang in there and give myself a chance to adapt to the style. But at the 50% read mark, it felt like the story had hardly developed a plot. At this point, the FMC was JUST getting the ghosts *ahem* I mean spirits to talk to her… the goal is to solve a murder for the spirits so they can “move on” but that doesn’t start until the 50% mark? I consider that a major pacing issue.

The other plot, which hardly felt like a subplot, of the book was romance? I’m not sold on this. The FMC kind of drools over all the attractive male “figures.” I think they were going for love triangle (or square), but it missed the mark—at least in the development of the first half of the book. It felt like she liked everyone, and no one wanted anything to do with her. Her ex Leo avoided her, the hot polo loving spirit was amused by her due to his many years of entrapment, and the reporter, Fletcher, seemed to despise her and her family but wouldn’t mind “tapping” that. The whole dynamic didn’t work or build tension since the FMC acted like a schoolgirl surrounded by hot boy crushes.

I liked the supporting characters, specifically Melody’s family, Marina, and Artie. The spirits might solid but they came in a little too late in the game for me to build a connection to them.

I do believe this book has an audience, but it is a small niche.
I think the author could expand the audience by making some edits to the book such as adjusting the pace, toning done the FMC’s lengthy and over descriptive sentences (this can be done while still keeping her unique voice) and being more intentional with the love dynamic to build tension between the characters so the readers can become attached to the options and the lover’s outcome.


I have not posted this review anywhere online except for Goodreads due to the nature of the review and how negative reviews can impact sales. However, I have mentioned/displayed the book in some of my content and have attached the links for those mentions/promotions.

Ahhhh my gratitude is beaming at an all time high! Fall is my favorite time of year and there’s an abundance of wonderful books out for the season ❤️‍🔥🍂📚🍁 🕷️ 🎃👻 Crazy Spooky Love by @josiesilverauthor @netgalley @randomhouse thank you wooo much for This ARC!!! This combination of tropes creates a cozy, quirky, and engaging paranormal romantic comedy that blends humor, hauntings, and a complicated romantic dynamic! Release date: September 2 2025 ❤️‍🔥 the cutest book loved the mystery ghost hunting so good

3.5 Stars

I loved A Winter in New York by Josie Silver, so when I saw she had a new series with a spooky twist, I couldn’t wait to read it!

Crazy Spooky Love follows Melody Bittersweet, who, along with women in her family, can see and talk to ghosts. The family business has always been communicating from the ghosts to the living, but Melody is starting her own business: Ghostbusting! Along with her best friend and a new employee, she takes her first case at the Scarborough manor, which the owner is having trouble selling because the ghosts are causing problems. Melody has to solve a century old murder mystery for the 3 ghost brothers to pass on. But she also has to deal with her ex & business rival, Leo, who is also trying to get rid of the ghosts, and a skeptic reporter, Fletch, who she can’t seem to get out of her head.

This is such a cute and cozy mystery. It’s the perfect book to read in the fall if you’re looking for something light and fun. Most of the characters are so funny, especially Melody’s best friend and grandmother. The ghosts all have their own personality and I enjoyed meeting them all and learning about their history. I didn’t really like the love triangle, her feelings for one of the characters doesn’t make much sense, so I wish it just stuck to Melody & Fletch. I’m looking forward to continue following these characters in the next book!

Thank you to Ballantine and Netgalley for providing the ARC for my honest review!

Crazy Spooky Love by Josie Silver is the kind of ghost story we live for, full of sass, spirits, and just enough romantic tension to make your broomstick spin.

Meet Melody Bittersweet, a medium from a long line of ghost-sensitive women, who decides to break away from the family’s traditional spirit-conversing business to launch her own ghostbusting agency. Her first case? Three bickering ghost brothers haunting a historic mansion and scaring off potential buyers. The job would be complicated enough without a meddling ex (a fame-hungry TV psychic), a brooding skeptic reporter (who is also unfairly attractive), and a haunted house full of secrets, including murder.

Melody is the perfect witchy heroine, charming, chaotic, and determined to make a name for herself in a town that is equal parts cozy and cursed. With a lovable misfit crew, a bulldog sidekick, and a plot that blends murder mystery with romantic mayhem, this book hits all the right notes. Think Practical Magic meets Veronica Mars, with a little BBC charm.

Whether you believe in ghosts or just love a good cozy mystery with a paranormal twist, this is the book to curl up with as the nights grow longer. Bonus points if your tea is spiked and your familiar is snoring nearby.

A Chillingly Good Time -
Josie Silver has completely redefined what it means to give a reader goosebumps and shivers with her new book, Crazy Spooky Love. This book was everything I love in a story: ghosts, girl power, romance, and Josie Silver's amazingly creative writing.

I immediately fell for the main character, Melody Bittersweet. She's so fun, strong, and intriguing that I want her to be my new best friend! Her chemistry with Fletch Gunn is palpable and invigorating, and it adds another great layer to the story.

The spooky, haunted elements kept me reading at a furious pace, and the mystery had me so engrossed that I was up at night trying to figure out who did it. I'm already so excited to read the follow-up book.

With its perfect mix of paranormal charm and feel-good romance, this book is perfectly timed for the upcoming Halloween season.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!
What a fun read! I thought this was so cute and perfect to get me in the mood for fall. I would definitely be interested in reading the next one of the series
I liked all the cute witty side characters and her crazy family. I especially loved the ghosts.
There is a tiny bit of spice that I did not mind nor did I find it cringy.
This is just a fun easy read that will bring a smile to your face

Light and fun <i>Crazy Spooky Love</i> cast its spell on me right out of the gate. With a cast of characters that had me laughing out loud including a yoga loving spandex clad granny, one-eared pug, and a ghost recommended assistant who is lovably awkward I felt right at home in these pages.

Melody Bittersweet comes from a family of mediums. She likes to go old school <i>Sixth Sense</i> and say she sees dead people. She finds herself hired in tandem with an old flame who is also a medium only he's been bitten by the fame bug and performs on television in a.....cape. The house they've both been hired to clear of restless spirits/poltergeists is slated to be sold and refurbished. Whoever gets results gets paid. There's also a hot reporter lurking around just waiting to bust these two for faking their ghostbusting skills. Cue a possible love triangle.

The mystery that is going on with the house was interesting. A trio of brothers is tied to the property. One was murdered at the age of twenty-one, one was banished, and the other lived out his life there. Can a crime from 1910 be solved so the brothers will be free to move on?

There are some delightful Scooby Doo vibes here and even some jokes that underline the fact so no one will miss the clear lines draw to the classic cartoon. Finishing this made me glad I decided to give a Josie Silver novel a read! AND that I already have the ARC for the next installment.

👻Laughs, ghosts, and a solid mystery!!👻

Thank you to Ballantine for providing an ARC via NetGalley for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

i was immediately drawn in from the first chapter. this was silly, it was cute, it was the perfect spooky read. it has a mystery element, a bit of romance, and lots of funny side characters. i had a great time following along on the unsolved mystery while melody started up her ghosting busting agency. i’m excited to dive into the second story! *this is book one in the melody bittersweet ghost-hunting series.

melody can see ghosts and on her twenty seventh birthday, she converts an unused back storeroom in her office to open her own business. unlike the rest of her family who takes notes of ghost’s messages, she plans to take them out. her girls’ ghost busting agency takes on its first house that won’t sell from a trio of troublesome ghost brothers. she learns there is a whole heap of unfinished business which adds the mystery aspect. to add to matters, leo, her ex and business rival, is also on the case with his tv crew. then add fletcher, a sarcastic and skeptical local reporter who has dug his nose into the case as well. this is a recipe for a messy ghost busting situation.

tropes: slow burn, paranormal romcom/mystery, love triangle ish, small town, ghostbusters meets scooby doo vibes, three troubling ghost brothers, fmc sees ghosts, single pov

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me access to this ARC. I will read anything Josie Silver writes, including this romcom with a paranormal twist! Melody Bittersweet is the charming medium setting up a ghost-hunting business in her hometown. The setup is creative, fun, and intriguing. Add in the love triangle with sweet Fletcher, the reporter, and Leo her fame-seeking ex, and you have a story that will keep you entertained!

3/5 Stars

I’ve been on a paranormal/mystery romance kick lately and this book really scratched the itch! It gave Scooby Doo vibes which was so fun. I was so invested in the story of the Scarborough brothers. Although the resolution was a bit predictable, I was satisfied by how it ended up working out (for Isaac especially). Such a heartwarming plot line, as it highlights the endurance of love and family even after we’re gone. The humor made me chuckle and I was charmed by the eccenticities of all the characters.

The romance aspect, however, was meh. Fletcher and Melody had sweet moments and ample chemistry, but I was left wanting more. I also found it really odd that Fletcher constantly ended up in the same places as Melody. It felt a little stalker-y to be honest. The emphasis of the story is definitely on the ghost hunting as opposed to the romance, but I didn’t mind.

Overall, Crazy Spooky Love was a fun, easy read that I enjoyed. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

Biggest thanks to Ballantine | Dell and Netgalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review! ❤️