Crazy Spooky Love: Melody Bittersweet, Book 1

Melody Bittersweet #1

by Josie Silver

Brought to you by Penguin.

Seeing ghosts has always been part of Melody Bittersweet’s life – a quirky inconvenience at the best of times.

But on her 27th birthday, she decides to finally make a career out of it by setting up her very own ghostbusting business.

Her first case brings Melody to a house haunted by three brothers with a heap of unfinished business. To complicate matters, her fame-hungry ex, Leo Dark, and sceptical yet maddeningly gorgeous reporter, Fletcher Gunn, are also on the case.

As Melody tries to uncover the truth, the undeniable chemistry between herself and Fletcher becomes increasingly distracting – which is less than ideal considering he's her sworn enemy hell-bent on discrediting her.

Can Melody solve the mystery? Or will her feelings for Fletcher end up haunting her more than the ghosts?

Josie Silver 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery, Halloween, Fiction, Ghosts

Audible Audio

First published September 2, 2025

About the author

Josie lives in a small English town with her husband, their two sons, plus a changing cast of cats, dogs and fish. She writes full-time in a studio at the bottom of the garden.

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Josie Silver's emotional romance novels, and recently I had the chance to read her latest venture into a romcom with a paranormal twist. I truly admire that she’s willing to branch out and experiment with different genres, showing she’s not afraid to take risks with her storytelling. While I enjoyed parts of Crazy Spooky Love—especially the cleverly woven mystery—I have to admit that this one didn’t quite hit the same emotional marks for me as her previous works have.

The story follows Melody Bittersweet, a plucky medium setting up her own ghost-busting agency in her charming hometown, dealing with chaotic spirits, a fame-seeking ex-boyfriend, and a skeptical, frustratingly attractive local reporter. The setup is fun, creative, and the ghost mystery surrounding the Scarborough brothers was genuinely intriguing. I appreciated the playful, slightly spooky atmosphere—perfect for readers looking for a seasonal, cozy vibe without anything too dark or heavy.

However, characterization was where I found myself a little less connected. Melody, while spirited and quirky, often felt a bit exaggerated to me, and the humor occasionally leaned too much into zany territory, making it harder to stay immersed in her emotional journey. As someone who is a little older than the target reader for this book,

The love triangle element also wasn’t my favorite part. It felt fairly obvious who Melody should end up with from the start. Leo, the arrogant ex, was difficult to root for, while Fletcher, the charming and grounded reporter, brought a much-needed warmth to the narrative and was easily the most endearing character of the bunch. Since I’m personally not a huge fan of love triangles in general, this plotline didn't add much tension for me—though I know other readers who might enjoy that kind of drama will have a lot of fun with it.

Despite my mixed feelings, there’s no denying Josie Silver’s gift for writing engaging, heartfelt scenes. The pacing was lively, the mystery had enough twists to keep me entertained, and the overall feel of the book was light, whimsical, and enjoyable. Even though Crazy Spooky Love didn’t become a new favorite, I am still a loyal fan and am more than happy to follow wherever Josie Silver’s imagination leads next—even if that means ghost-hunting adventures!

This one earned a solid three stars from me: a fun, creative story that just didn’t completely click with my reading tastes. But I absolutely admire the fresh direction, and I will be eagerly awaiting her future works.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for sharing this spooky and charming digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts!

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[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This spooky romance novel was such a fun and easy read! This is the second book that I have read by this author and I can honestly say she does not disappoint! This book made me laugh and feel lighthearted! While this book does come with mysterious and dark vibes, the humor balances everything out. This does have a triangle love trope involved in it as well. This book is well written, filled with lovable characters, and came with a satisfying conclusion. It is a quirky story involving ghosts! Overall, I rate this a 4 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Josie Silver and Ballantine | Dell for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be published on September 2, 2025!

[Kayla_Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

A medium, an ex boyfriend rival, a one eared dog named Lestat, and a ghostly mystery. Ghostbusters meets Scooby Doo in this cozy mystery about a woman starting her own ghost banishing business and hired to remove ghosts from a grand home. Of course it won’t come easy. I thought this was really fun and cute. Lots of moments that had me giggling. I can’t wait to continue this series!

[Dee (in the Desert) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I do like author Silver's rom-coms, so I thought I would try her new paranormal series "Crazy Spooky Love". Overall it was okay - The ghost-busting heroine, Melody, is fine, the town is quirky and there's also a cozy mystery vibe. However, I just didn't connect with either of the men in the love triangle and the elements of the paranormal did feel a bit forced at times. Still, liked it well enough overall to try the next installment.

[✨️ Jessica's Bookshelf ✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie Silver is an author that always delivers for me and Crazy, Spooky, Love delivered in every way. The romance and mystery in this book were balanced perfectly but adding in a scooby doo element will make this a top tier fall read.


Melody, and her family, have always been able to see ghosts. She decided to start her own PI company, with her best friend, that focuses on solving crimes involving ghosts. She takes on a case that involves helping a ghost crossover to the other side but realizes she got more than she bargained for because this case involves a murder. This book is packed with humor, paranormal mystery, and a little romance. Melody and her best friend Marina's banter had me constantly laughing. Little Artie's awkwardness was just endearing. I was hooked the entire time.

Just got this arc and I'm so excited to read it. I just love Josie Silver's writing.

A big thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Expected publication September 2, 2025

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an exceptionally fun read! While the FMC sees ghosts and there’s a darkness / mystery to it, there’s lots of humor and banter that makes this feel very lighthearted. Every character added a new source of entertainment and breathed more life into the story.

Melody and Fletcher have such a unique, quirky romance that you can’t help but root for them even though you know you probably shouldn’t 🤣 I would love to see more of their dynamic in the future, and can’t wait to see where the series takes us.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC! ♥️

[megs_bookrack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very cute. Low stakes and cozy, I can't wait to read more with this fun cast of characters.

The initial set-up pulled me and I just loved going along for the ride as the MC, Melody, starts her own ghost-hunting agency along with her best friend, Marina, and their new hire/friend, Artie.

👻💜👻💜👻💜👻💜👻💜👻

Full review to come...stay tuned!!!

[cyd⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

starting chapter 3 with the words, "I forgot the donuts" is actually one of the saddest things I've ever read.

I've never read anything from Josie Silver, but my oh my this is a great introduction.
Me and Josie will be greatttt friends.(obviously not really lol, I just said that as a way to express my like for her books.)

So this book is actually one of the most intriguing yet chaotic but also romantic books I've ever read. (romantic as in- our two love interests hate each other)
So it's about this lady, Melody, and she can see ghosts, But it's kinda like a family thing? Her gran can see ghosts and so can her mum. But anyway. This book takes us on a wild adventure, Talking to ghosts, Getting their story, getting the sad departure of my personal favorite ghosts ( I also really loved the fact that the ghosts are tethered to their resting spot until they get closure- basically)
and finally.. the romance. Love is a'bloomin in this contemporary magical realism novel. 🤠

IT WAS SO CUTE I ACTUALLY CAN'T, there were actually scenes that made me want to cry, bc wdym hes a cocky, ego-full funny king and she's basically a stoic (and extremely funny) goddess?? he worships her, and yet he hates her family so they're rivals? I feel (not the best) about calling it enemies to lovers so I suppose it's rivals now 😜.

Anyway how can I not like it when they use words like: Bollocks, Telly, Bloody and KNICKERS 😈😭😭
I'm texan, ofc I'm going to laugh when someone says knickers. It's just funny.

I originally thought that this book was about Melody (that was correct) BUT I thought that the second book in the series was about her friend.. Marina....WRONG ❌
It's also about Melody? That's cool I guess, not what I was expecting/hoping for. But still sick, AND THE DESCRIPTION FOR THE SECOND ONE??? AHHH I'M SO EXCITED.

Also, another thing.. I THOUGHT THE LOVE INTEREST WAS ARTIE. I was hoping and praying that I would get Artie and Melody marriage chapter?? But that's not happening. It's..... Fletcher??? okaaayy🫩
BUT the thing I love about this book is it's not full centered on the romance, there's the mystery aspect as we literally follow the main character on a goose chase to find out who killed one of the ghosts and bring justice. And we don't end the story with a romance, yes it's still incredibly happy, BUT it isn't because of a man.

______________________________________________

Qᴜᴏᴛᴇꜱ (of course 😎😈)
______________________________________________

"How do you think this is going to go?" Marina asks quietly when we're out of earshot.
"Well, I hope?" I bend to retrieve my kit bag in the hall-way. "Come on, quick. We've got a murder weapon to find." Marina looks at me as I sling the dark bag over my shoulder. "You look like a suburban Katniss Everdeen. You could totally work that side-braid."

“Well done today," I say. "You handled your first encounter with ghosts like a pro."
He smiles goofily. "Not much to see really, was there?"

"Gate's locked," he informs us, rattling the latch. We all stand back and examine the faded, peeling, green-painted fence. Marina gives the latch a second, harder rattle and then stands back with her hands on her hips.
"Gate's locked."
Artie nods. "I just said that."
"Should I try it too, just to be certain?"

"I don't know where you'd be without me, Bittersweet," she says.
"In the café around the corner drinking coffee," Artie says, and I can't help but laugh under my breath,

"Fletcher Gunn is never going to view this beautiful world of mine in anything but black and white, and it's him who is losing out there, not me."

“Artie straightens his notepad, and it strikes me that I could see him joining the police force in the future or maybe becoming a reporter. I don't tell him though; I don't want Fletcher Gunn getting his hands on my protégé. Artie is of course free to follow whatever career path he chooses ... as long as it's not as a reporter alongside Fletcher Gunn. In fact, he should stick to ghosthunting, but absolutely not for Leo Dark. So, err, yes, Artie is free to do whatever he wants, as long as it's only ever ghosthunting for me.”

"What if they don't like me?" Isaac asks, and my heart breaks a little; he sounds like a small child meeting a family who might decide to adopt him if he's a really good boy. In a funny way, I guess that's kind of what he is; he's hoping that Richard and Jojo will accept him as a part of their history, a new branch on their family tree."

"I hope so," he sighs, world-weary, and then he lays his head back and closes his eyes. "Because I've had enough. I've been too long on this earth, Melody. It's time to go."
STOPPPPP I'M GONNA CRYYY 😞💔

thank you so so so much to Josie Silver, Netgalley and Ballantine (the publisher) for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my very honest and grateful review!

(5/5)⭐️⚰️

[thevinedbookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up in a town where everyone thinks your family is full of eccentrics isn’t easy, especially when you’re part of the well-known Bittersweet clan. Melody Bittersweet and her family have been communicating with ghosts for generations, helping their cozy community pass on messages to loved ones from beyond the grave. But Melody dreams of doing something different: starting her own ghost-busting business.

Her first case? Helping a local businessman evict three ghostly brothers from his family home. The catch? Her ex, now a smug paranormal reality TV star, is already on the case. And to make matters worse, a hotshot reporter (and determined skeptic) is trying to expose Melody’s family as frauds.

Cue adorable paranormal chaos. 👻🥰

If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted paranormal rom-com with big Gilmore Girls meets original Sabrina the Teenage Witch vibes, this is your book.

I had such a fun time reading this book! It was the perfect palate cleanser after a few intense fantasy reads. I especially loved Melody’s banter with both her ex and Fletcher, the skeptic. I’m genuinely excited to see how both of those dynamics evolve in future books.

The mystery was a little predictable, but I still really enjoyed the antics Melody and her team went through to solve the case. Her grandmother was a standout character for me, especially in that scene with the suit of armor. 😂

This was a solid 4-star read, and I think you’ll enjoy it if you love any of the following:

👻 Paranormal Romantic Comedy
💜 Ghost Hunters
👻 Love Triangle
💜 Murder Mystery
👻 Goofy, eclectic supporting casts

Just an FYI: this series is ongoing, and the romantic storyline doesn’t wrap up with a neat HEA in this book. So if you’re looking for a standalone rom-com with a tidy ending, keep that in mind!

Thank you to Dell and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a fun, wacky story that doesn’t go too deep into witches or the paranormal, this is a great choice.

The author brings us eclectic characters that not only stand out but blend wonderfully together once you get to know them. On the outside, they seem like crazy choices; complete opposites in many ways, but complementary in others.

As the author develops the story, we get a perfect blend of humor and wit. A family of wacky wonder. A pieced-together workforce; an annoying ex-boyfriend getting in her way; and a hottie reporter who keeps popping up unexpectedly.

Silver delivered a cozy style mystery with the paranormal elements needed to keep this lighthearted and engaging. She adds in enough twists to keep it interesting and keep us guessing. The supposed love triangle angle wasn’t there for me, but she did not shy away from some steam and heat with the developing love interest.

Overall, Crazy Spooky Love is a fun choice that will leave you with a feel-good ending. More to come with this new series.

~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
** Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/crazy-spooky...

[Muffinsandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

J'ai adorééé : le pitch est original, l'intrigue addictive mais ce sont surtout les personnages et l'ambiance qui m'ont séduite. Les relations entre eux, l'humour de leurs échanges, l'esprit qui se dégage du récit... vraiment j'ai tout kiffé de A à Z et j'ai cru voir qu'il y avait une suite éventuellement prévue par l'autrice, probablement avec une autre enquête autour des fantômes et je serais plus que partante pour la lire !
Une lecture parfaite pour l'automne !

[M.E. Byrd · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

Example: “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."

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 Melody 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.

[L. Soper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delicious in every sense of the word! I could not get enough of this ghostbusting trio (and Fletch!)! Fingers crossed this is just book #1 of The Girls' (plus Artie!) Ghostbusting Agency on Chapelwick High Street series. Well done, Josie Silver!! An easy 5 stars from me!!

[𝘪𝘷 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 🧸 · Rating 2 out of 5]

there was no redeeming qualities about this book i'm sorry

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

Omg 😲 I loved this so much and can't wait for the next book to come out. The only reason I didn't finish it in one sitting is because of that awful thing called work. That, for some reason, keeps interrupting me when I just want to read my books.

The plot is amazing, and all of the characters are amazing. Every single one, even the side characters, all have amazing back stories seamlessly included, so you have no issues remembering each and every one of them. There was not a single flat character in the entire book.

Will be looking for the next book in this series and anything else this author has written!

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m gonna be honest, this book pissed me off. First of all, how are you going to call a book Crazy Spooky LOVE, and the romance is the worst part of the book?
Secondly, why bother writing a spooky book with ghosts and fall coded cover art only for the book to take place in spring??

There was so much promise with the quirky small town and an old gothic mansion full of ghosts, but it all just fell completely flat. There was so little descriptive language and imagery in the writing that there’s just no coziness or spookiness to this story at all. It’s all tell and now show.

Like, here’s what we know about Melody:
- She is weirdly obsessed with super hero’s and has weird sexual dreams about them.
- ShE’s NoT LiKe OtHeR GiRls because she wears converse sneakers instead of high heels and prefers action movies to rom-coms. 🙄
- She loves sugar and hates exercise … yet is, I’m assuming, relatively attractive because hot boy Fletch and hot boy ghost (whose name I have already forgotten) are weirdly obsessed with her for some reason.
- She lusts over basically anyone with a penis.
- She has a Mom, a Gran and precisely one friend.

There was just a lot happening, and none of it was done super well. We got it, she’s quirky and into sex. Yet the only character she had any chemistry with was the dog. This book was clearly marketed as a rom-com but this had one of the laziest half assed “romances” I’ve ever witnessed. The 2 characters barely interacted and when they did, their conversations had aggressively sexual undertones to them. It bordered on harassment honestly. All Melody did was fantasize internally about how hot Fletch was. We knew literally nothing else about him. WHY DID THEY EVEN LIKE EACH OTHER??

I’m giving this 2 stars because I actually liked the ghost and mystery aspect of it. I wish we could have either just left the romance out all together or integrated it better with the mystery. The plot and the characters could have been really fun and quirky (in a less annoying way) but the execution was just not there.

Lastly, justice for Artie because he was the best part of this whole book.

[Kelly Bellware · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me forever to read. It just didn’t grab me and didn’t make me feel like I couldn’t wait to get back to it. 🤷‍♀️

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Ghost hunting? Sign me up. This was such a fun, quirky charactered tale. Josie Silver blends humor, cozy murder-mystery, ghostly phenomena, and a love triangle with just the right amount of oomph to keep you turning pages. An enjoyable filler between this spooky season’s darker reads. Pub. 9/2/25

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kahlan Noel · Rating 2 out of 5]

if i met a 27 year old woman that only made major life decisions with a magic 8 ball, i would call security

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review 📖👻💕
Thank you partner @booksparks @dellromance #FRC2025 #PracticalBookMagic for the gifted copy!

Crazy Spooky Love
by Josie Silver

About the book 👇🏽

In the leafy, charming town of Chapelwick, the Bittersweet family has been a fixture on High Street for as long as anyone can remember. Their rambling black-and-white building houses all three generations of ghost-sensitive Bittersweet women and their business, Blithe Spirits.

On her twenty-seventh birthday, Melody Bittersweet converts the disused back storeroom into her office and opens her own business. Unlike the rest of her family, she’s not taking down messages from ghosts—she’s taking them out.

Right away, the freshly minted Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency takes on its first case: a grand old house that won’t sell because a trio of incumbent ghost brothers raise merry hell whenever prospective owners arrive to view it.

It soon becomes clear that there’s a whole heap of unfinished business between the Scarborough brothers—including murder—and Melody isn’t the only one trying to unravel the mystery. Leo Dark, her rakish ex and business rival, is also on the case, along with the TV crew that trails him.

👻 My thoughts:

This was such a good time! Cozy, ghostly, and so fun. This is the fall read for the Scooby-doo lovers. I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this book but especially the ghost brothers! Even if it felt a little predictable, it’s what a find comfort in when I go into a cozy read like this. I am happy we are getting book two real soon because I am excited to continue on. If you enjoy paranormal stories that are light and warm this is a series you should totally start. Crazy Spooky Love is out now!

Happy reading 📖👻💕

[casey ⋆˚౨ৎ ⋆.˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

👻🪾🎱📹🔪

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book expecting a little ghostly fun and instead found myself giggling, swooning, and falling head over heels the whole time. The chemistry was spellbinding (pun absolutely intended) and the banter was pure chef’s kiss. I would happily read 300 more pages of these two just snarking and flirting their way through haunted happenings.

But what I didn’t expect was how much heart this book would have. Ultimately, this story is about grief, love, letting go and maybe even letting something new in.

Crazy Spooky Love gave me all the fall feelings I’ve been longing for and is exactly the kind of book you want to curl up with on a chilly evening. If you like your romances with a little magic and a whole lot of heart—this one’s for you!

Crazy Spooky Love releases September 2nd!

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Dell for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Quilted.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Messy love triangle? Check.
Hot skeptic with a grudge? Yep.
A haunted house full of ghost brothers who won’t shut up? Oh, absolutely.

Melody Bittersweet just wanted to start her own ghost removal business not fall into a murder mystery, a haunting from hell, and awkward run-ins with her fame-hungry ex and a reporter who hates her guts (but also might be flirting???).

This book is:
🧃 fast-talking, funny, and chaotic in the best way
📺 like a BBC comedy crashed into a supernatural murder case
🔥 full of tension, banter, and ghostly mischief
💔 about what happens when your past won’t stay dead (literally)

If you love your mysteries with a side of romantic disaster, dry humor, and just enough haunting to keep things interesting, Crazy Spooky Love is your next favorite mess.

And if you fall for Fletcher Gunn? Honestly, same.

#CrazySpookyLove #ParanormalRomance #RomComWithGhosts #LoveTriangleProblems #GrumpyxSunshineEnergy #HauntedAndHot #MelodyBittersweet #BookTokRecs #SassyReads

[Joy| joyluck.bookclub]

dnf @32%

I don’t know why I love a holiday romance- until it comes to Halloween. And I think Halloween is so fun! It’s just the Halloween romances are so cheesy?

And I love Josie Silver, so it’s not her.

It’s me.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun read! Quirky characters, paranormal mystery, I really enjoyed this!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

This is the first book in the Melody Bittersweet trilogy. This is a cozy mystery featuring ghosts and a woman who sees dead people. There is also some romance.

The series is being promoted as a romantic comedy with a love triangle. The first book is quite funny. There is some romance. Hopefully the rest of the series will feature a lot more romance. The first book is so slow burn. I definitely think that the romance should have been a bigger focus of the book (if the books are supposed to be primarily romance).

Melody (27) has the ability to communicate with the dead (so does her mom and grandma). I absolutely love when characters can see ghosts and talk to dead people.

Melody decides to start a ghost-hunting business with her best friend Marina and Artie. This is such a fun gang. Melody’s mom and grandma are so funny and they love to meddle in her life. And Artie was such a sweet guy. I also love how Melody found him because of a ghost.

My favorite part of this book is the mystery. I adore cozy mysteries. In this book I love that Melody is hired to help get rid of some pesky ghosts. I love her interactions with the ghosts. And surprisingly the mystery gets quite emotional, which is unexpected.

There are two potential love interests for Melody. Leo (her ex) is who is also a psychic (and who is vying for the same job) and Fletch a reporter who doesn’t believe she can see ghosts.

It took me quite a while to become invested in the story and characters. However by the end I really enjoyed this book. I am happy that there will be more Melody books and I look forward to reading them.

* This book was previously published as The Skeletons of Scarborough House by Kitty French

[Sarah Crowley · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐️’s. I’ve been wanting to read a Josie Silver book for a while now and was lucky enough to be picked to read an arc for Crazy Spooky Love.

This book was unfortunately not for me, so I’ll get straight to the point.

Things I liked: the quirky and unique characters gave this book energy and I loved the family dynamics of the Bittersweet women being able to see ghosts.

Things I didn’t like: the humor was not for me and pulled me out pretty consistently. The pacing of the book was also a struggle. By time we get to the end I didn’t even care much about the mystery/solving the murder. I also didn’t feel any chemistry or connection between either of the love interests.

I unfortunately will not be reading the second book, but I’ve heard such great things about One Day in December so I might consider giving that a go still.

Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the free arc in exchange for an honest review 💕

[Amanda Meling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cutie little book I got to enjoy thanks to NetGalley.
It actually started to sound familiar, and that’s when I found out that it was previously published under another one of Josie Silver’s pseudonyms.

We follow Melody, who can see dead people. Then add in a strong Sicilian sidekick paired with a well-mannered, python loving, awkward AF nerd as an assistant. The trio form a ghostbusting gang to help a client rid his home from medaling ghouls.

The novel is filled with quirky fun interactions with the spirits and a long unsolved murder mystery. A nice read to enjoy on a rainy fall day.

[Cláudia Oliveira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Foi giro e engraçado, mas não foi tão spooky quanto esperava 🥺 Ok que a história é à volta de 3 irmãos fantasmas 👻, mas achei o livro mais um mistério do que outra coisa.

Gostei, mas esperava algo diferente 😕 contudo, quero muito ler o segundo (acho que é a continuação desta história com as mesmas personagens principais) !!