Ghosts, Dates, and Disasters

She's a young woman from a long line of female psychics in the quirky English town of Chapelwick, and she sees dead people—whether she wants to or not. Her attempts at a normal love life are constantly sabotaged by her eccentric family and the ghosts that haunt her every move. After a disastrous date interrupted by her mother's ghostly antics, Melody's frustration with her family's legacy and her own lack of direction reaches a breaking point. She's tired of being defined by her family's reputation and her own supernatural "gift," and she's desperate for a life that's truly her own. This longing for independence and normalcy sets the stage for Melody's journey toward self-discovery, love, and a new kind of purpose.

Family Curses and New Beginnings

Tired of being overshadowed by her mother and grandmother at Blithe Spirits, the family's psychic business, Melody announces her plan to start her own agency: one that helps ghosts move on, rather than just passing messages between the living and the dead. Her mother is skeptical and her grandmother is amused, but with the help of her best friend Marina and the formidable secretary Glenda, Melody secures a space for her new venture. The decision is both liberating and terrifying, as Melody confronts the family curse of being twenty-seven—the age at which her father died and her mother and grandmother's lives changed forever. Determined to make her own mark, Melody steps into the unknown, ready to face whatever the spirit world (and her family) throws at her.

The Ghost-Busting Agency Forms

Melody's agency, The Girls' Ghost-Busting Agency, is born with Marina as her loyal, wisecracking sidekick and Glenda as the administrative powerhouse. Soon, they're joined by Artie, a sweet, awkward young man whose recently deceased father (a ghost) pleads with Melody to give his son a chance. Artie's earnestness and outsider status resonate with Melody, and he quickly becomes an integral part of the team. As they set up shop, Melody's insecurities about her abilities and her place in the world bubble to the surface, but the camaraderie and support of her friends give her the courage to keep going. The agency's first real test is just around the corner, and Melody is about to discover that helping ghosts move on is far more complicated—and dangerous—than she ever imagined.

The Scarborough House Challenge

The agency's first big case arrives in the form of Scarborough House, a grand but crumbling estate plagued by ghostly disturbances. The owner, Donovan Scarborough, is desperate to sell the house but can't keep buyers or workers due to the hauntings. Melody's old flame and rival, Leo Dark—a charismatic TV psychic—has already been hired to clear the house, setting up a fierce competition between the two. Scarborough, eager for results, pits them against each other: whoever clears the ghosts first gets paid. Melody, Marina, and Artie must prove themselves against Leo's slick team and his creepy twin assistants, all while navigating the house's dark history and the secrets of the Scarborough family.

Rivals, Exes, and Egos

Melody's rivalry with Leo is personal as well as professional; their romantic history and his betrayal still sting. Meanwhile, Fletcher Gunn, a skeptical and infuriatingly attractive local reporter, starts sniffing around the case, determined to expose Melody and her family as frauds. The tension between Melody and Fletcher is electric, mixing antagonism with undeniable chemistry. As the agency investigates Scarborough House, they encounter not just ghosts but living adversaries—Leo's manipulative assistants, the owner's hostility, and the ever-present threat of public humiliation. The pressure mounts as Melody tries to outsmart Leo, keep her team together, and resist the pull of both her ex and her new nemesis.

The Team Grows

As the investigation deepens, the agency's bond strengthens. Artie, once shy and uncertain, finds confidence and belonging with Melody and Marina. Marina's fierce loyalty and humor keep spirits high, while Glenda's organizational skills prove invaluable. Even Melody's family, for all their meddling, offer support in their own eccentric ways. The team's dynamic is tested by setbacks—locked doors, sabotaged equipment, and the ghosts' reluctance to communicate—but their determination never wavers. Along the way, Melody acquires an unexpected companion: Lestat, a one-eared, food-obsessed pug who quickly becomes both a source of chaos and comfort. The agency's growing sense of family and purpose is a beacon in the darkness of Scarborough House.

First Hauntings and Hires

Inside Scarborough House, Melody encounters the spirits of the Scarborough brothers: Isaac, Lloyd, and Douglas. Each is trapped by unfinished business and old resentments, their relationships poisoned by jealousy, betrayal, and a century-old murder. Douglas, forever young and charming, was killed at twenty-one; Isaac, the eldest, was blamed and cast out; Lloyd, the cold and theatrical twin, harbors secrets of his own. The brothers' bickering and bitterness have kept them tethered to the house, and their presence is both a puzzle and a plea for help. Melody's ability to see and communicate with them is the key to unraveling the mystery, but the ghosts are as stubborn and complicated as the living.

The Scarborough Brothers' Secrets

As Melody and her team dig deeper, they uncover the tangled history of the Scarborough family. Douglas's murder in 1910 shattered the family, with Isaac accused and exiled, Lloyd inheriting the house, and their mother Agnes consumed by grief. The discovery of Agnes's diaries, hidden in the cellar, provides heartbreaking insight into her pain and the family's downfall. The diaries hint at a terrible secret: the real murderer was never brought to justice, and the truth has been buried—literally and figuratively—for generations. Melody realizes that solving the murder is the only way to free the brothers and bring peace to Scarborough House.

Love, Lust, and Lestat

Amidst the ghostly drama, Melody's personal life is a whirlwind. Her unresolved feelings for Leo clash with her growing attraction to Fletcher, whose skepticism masks a deep vulnerability. Their banter is sharp, flirtatious, and often infuriating, but sparks fly in unexpected moments—late-night stakeouts, rain-soaked cinema trips, and even a steamy encounter in a car. Meanwhile, Lestat the pug wreaks havoc, stealing food, snoring like a freight train, and providing much-needed levity. Melody's relationships—with her friends, family, and would-be lovers—are messy, hilarious, and deeply human, grounding her in the midst of supernatural chaos.

Diaries, Discoveries, and Danger

The search for the murder weapon leads Melody and her team through hidden rooms, bricked-up fireplaces, and the darkest corners of Scarborough House. Agnes's final diary reveals the truth: she found the murder weapon—a knife—hidden in Lloyd's childhood teddy bear, but took her own life before she could expose him. The revelation is devastating, but it gives Melody the clue she needs. As the team races to find the bear and the knife, they face sabotage from Leo's assistants, threats from Donovan Scarborough, and the ever-present danger of being exposed as frauds. The stakes are higher than ever, and Melody must rely on her wits, her friends, and her own courage to see the case through.

The Truth Buried Deep

In a dramatic showdown, Melody confronts Lloyd's ghost with the evidence of his guilt. The truth comes out: Lloyd killed Douglas out of jealousy and spite, then framed Isaac and kept the secret for decades. The revelation shatters the brothers' uneasy truce, and Lloyd's spirit finally unravels, vanishing in a violent, cathartic burst. Douglas, freed from suspicion, is able to move on, and Isaac, at last vindicated, is reunited with the family he lost. The ghosts' release is both joyful and bittersweet, as Melody realizes that closure often comes at a cost. The case is solved, but the scars of the past linger.

Confrontations and Closure

With the ghosts gone, Scarborough House is finally at peace. Donovan is arrested after a violent outburst, and the house's true inheritance is called into question. Melody's efforts bring long-overdue justice to the Scarborough family, and her work is recognized by both the living and the dead. The agency's reputation is secured, and Melody's confidence in her abilities—and her place in the world—grows. Her relationships with her friends, family, and even her rivals are transformed by the experience, and she emerges stronger, wiser, and more self-assured. The case has changed her, and she's ready for whatever comes next.

Moving On, Moving Forward

As the dust settles, Melody reflects on the journey she's taken—from reluctant psychic to determined ghost-buster, from lonely outsider to leader of a found family. The agency is thriving, her friendships are deeper than ever, and even her love life is looking up (if still complicated). Lestat remains a lovable menace, and the promise of new cases—and new adventures—beckons. Melody's story is one of growth, resilience, and the power of embracing both the light and the darkness within. With her team by her side and her heart open to possibility, Melody Bittersweet is ready to face whatever the future holds.

Characters

Melody Bittersweet

Melody is the latest in a long line of Bittersweet women gifted (or cursed) with the ability to see and communicate with the dead. Haunted by her family's legacy and her own insecurities, she longs for a life of her own making. Melody is witty, stubborn, and deeply compassionate, often using humor to mask her vulnerability. Her relationships—with her eccentric mother and grandmother, her loyal friends, and her complicated love interests—are central to her growth. Over the course of the story, Melody transforms from a reluctant participant in her family's business to a confident leader, forging her own path as a ghost-buster and finding strength in her chosen family.

Marina Malone

Marina is Melody's childhood friend and the agency's co-founder. With her Sicilian heritage, sharp tongue, and big heart, Marina is both Melody's protector and her partner in crime. She's quick with a joke, fiercely loyal, and unafraid to stand up to anyone—living or dead—who threatens her friends. Marina's own family is large and chaotic, giving her a deep appreciation for loyalty and belonging. Her friendship with Melody is the emotional anchor of the story, providing support, encouragement, and the occasional kick in the pants when Melody needs it most.

Artie Elliott

Artie is a shy, awkward young man who joins the agency at the urging of his recently deceased father. Bullied and isolated for much of his life, Artie finds acceptance and purpose with Melody and Marina. His innocence, kindness, and unexpected humor make him a beloved member of the team. Artie's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, as he learns to trust himself and embrace his own strengths. His presence brings out the best in those around him, and his loyalty is unwavering.

Glenda Jackson

Glenda is the agency's part-time secretary and the glue that holds everything together. Efficient, unflappable, and always prepared, Glenda manages the chaos of the Bittersweet family and the agency with grace and humor. Beneath her professional exterior lies a deep well of compassion and wisdom. Glenda's experience and steadiness provide a counterbalance to the team's youthful exuberance, and her quiet support is invaluable in moments of crisis.

Leo Dark

Leo is Melody's former boyfriend and now her chief competitor in the world of ghost-busting. Handsome, charming, and ambitious, Leo is both a source of pain and motivation for Melody. His public persona as a TV psychic masks deeper insecurities and a longing for connection. Leo's relationship with Melody is fraught with unresolved feelings, jealousy, and the sting of betrayal. Over the course of the story, Leo is forced to confront his own flaws and the consequences of his choices, leading to moments of vulnerability and growth.

Fletcher Gunn

Fletcher is a hard-nosed journalist determined to expose Melody and her family as frauds. Cynical, sharp-witted, and infuriatingly attractive, Fletcher challenges Melody at every turn. Their relationship is a slow-burn mix of antagonism, flirtation, and genuine connection. Beneath his skepticism lies a deep vulnerability and a longing for something real. Fletcher's journey is one of opening himself to possibility, and his evolving relationship with Melody is a highlight of the story's emotional arc.

Isaac Scarborough

Isaac is the eldest of the Scarborough brothers, wrongly accused of murdering his brother Douglas and cast out by his family. His ghost is weary, dignified, and burdened by decades of injustice. Isaac's longing for vindication and connection drives much of the story's mystery. His eventual reunion with his descendants and the truth's revelation bring him peace and closure, making his arc one of the most poignant in the novel.

Douglas Scarborough

Douglas is the murdered brother, trapped in the house at the age of twenty-one. Handsome, witty, and full of life, Douglas's spirit is both a source of levity and sadness. His death shattered the family, and his unresolved relationship with his brothers is at the heart of the haunting. Douglas's release is bittersweet, symbolizing both justice and the cost of secrets left to fester.

Lloyd Scarborough

Lloyd is the cold, theatrical twin whose envy and bitterness led him to kill Douglas and frame Isaac. His ghost is manipulative, angry, and ultimately tragic—a man destroyed by his own insecurities. Lloyd's refusal to confess, even in death, keeps the family trapped in a cycle of pain. His eventual exposure and dissolution are both cathartic and cautionary.

Lestat the Pug

Lestat is Melody's one-eared, food-obsessed pug, acquired almost by accident. His antics—stealing food, snoring, and generally causing mayhem—provide much-needed levity amidst the story's darker moments. Lestat's presence is a reminder of the joys and messiness of life, and his bond with Melody is both hilarious and heartwarming.

Plot Devices

Dual Mysteries: Personal Growth and Family Secrets

Melody's quest to solve the haunting of Scarborough House is paralleled by her struggle to define herself outside her family's shadow. The dual narrative structure allows for both external and internal stakes, with the resolution of the ghostly mystery mirroring Melody's own growth and acceptance.

Ensemble Cast and Found Family

The agency's members each bring unique strengths and vulnerabilities, creating a dynamic interplay of personalities. The found family trope is central, as Melody, Marina, Artie, and Glenda form bonds that are as important as any romantic or supernatural plotline. Their loyalty and love are tested by external threats and internal doubts, but ultimately triumph.

Romantic Subplots and Love Triangles

Melody's relationships with Leo and Fletcher provide both comic relief and emotional stakes. The love triangle is handled with nuance, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the difficulty of moving on. The slow-burn romance with Fletcher, in particular, is a highlight, blending banter, vulnerability, and genuine connection.

Ghostly Perspective and Historical Layers

The use of diaries, flashbacks, and direct communication with the dead allows the story to explore the past's impact on the present. The Scarborough brothers' tragedy is revealed piece by piece, with foreshadowing and red herrings keeping the reader guessing. The historical mystery is both a puzzle to be solved and a metaphor for the dangers of secrets and unresolved pain.

Humor and Heart

Melody's voice is sharp, self-deprecating, and often laugh-out-loud funny. The banter between characters, the absurdity of ghost-busting in a small English town, and the antics of Lestat the pug provide levity without undercutting the story's emotional weight. The humor is never at the expense of genuine feeling, and the heart of the story is always front and center.

Foreshadowing and Narrative Structure

The story uses foreshadowing—Agnes's diaries, the family curse, the recurring motif of being "stuck"—to build suspense and thematic resonance. The narrative structure alternates between investigation, personal drama, and moments of revelation, maintaining a brisk pace while allowing for character development and reflection.

Analysis

"Crazy Spooky Love" is a witty, heartfelt, and deeply human take on the supernatural mystery genre. At its core, the novel is about the search for belonging—whether among the living or the dead. Melody Bittersweet's journey from reluctant psychic to confident ghost-buster mirrors the process of embracing one's own quirks, wounds, and strengths. The story deftly balances humor and pathos, using the trappings of a ghostly whodunit to explore themes of family, forgiveness, and the dangers of secrets left to fester. The ensemble cast is a celebration of found family, with each character's arc contributing to the story's emotional richness. The romantic subplots add both tension and tenderness, refusing to offer easy answers but always honoring the messiness of real love. Ultimately, the novel suggests that closure—whether for ghosts or the living—comes not from erasing the past, but from facing it with honesty, courage, and compassion. "Crazy Spooky Love" is a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, laughter, and loss, we can find connection, healing, and a place to call home.

Last updated: September 26, 2025