This book was so funny and cute! I loved how Alyssa went to find one ghost, and ended up having to solve the murder of a completely different one. The romance was slow burn, but it was a nice compliment to the mystery. I was drawn right in to the mystery and trying to figure out who the bad guy was. The plot was fast paced, and ended in a way that made it seem like another book could be possible.

3 stars. While I enjoyed the concept of the book I just did not love this as much as I thought. I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters. I also did not get sucked in to the story like I was hoping to. I think the main problem for me was the pacing of this book. The beginning it felt like it took way too long to get to the point. Then the back and forth of the investigation was a lot. All for it to be summed up in one chapter. I also was not a fan of the cliff hanger either.

After celebrating her 40th birthday with friends, Alyssa wakes up with a hangover plus a ghost sitting on the side of her bed. And then more ghosts start speaking to her. This clever story will delight fans of romance, mystery, old secrets, and a few ghosts.

I really didn’t connect to this book. The characters felt unrealistic and the story wasn’t as gravitating as the summary entices.

I loved this book and it was just what I needed. I've been going through the worst reading slump and this book seems to have pulled me out of it. I'm a sucker for a murder mystery but sprinkle in a bit of romance too? Say less. An Enchanting Case of Spirts was fun, easy to read and entertaining while also being meaningful at its core. It dives into grief and depression and handles it delicately. I also loved the characters and the witty banter. You'll be hooked from the beginning of this charming read.

A debut mystery/romance/paranormal cozy. Young widow Alyssa is turning 40 and she's not taking it well. Still not recovered from her husband's tragic accidental death, Alyssa is not that functional on a daily basis. When she and her girlfriends decide to visit a psychic for a lark, everyone is stunned when an obvious ghostly event occurs taking both her and the psychic by surprise.

But the real clincher comes the next morning, when hungover Alyssa discovers that she is now sharing her house with a restless ghost who needs to have a few things put in order before he can move on. There are links to a murder and Alyssa's hunky detective neighbor Nick gets involved.

This whole chain of events does force Alyssa to get up and get going everyday. It's clearly a precursor to her discovering she has psychic abilities as well and further adventures. Her biggest problem is getting people to believe what she herself is experiencing. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really liked the premise but I just wasn’t getting into the book. I gave up after chapter 2 (11%). The writing was fine, and the characters are fine. It just doesn't have that hook for me. Likely three to four stars for the target audience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It made me laugh and maybe swoon a little bit. I really loved the witty banter between the grumpy spirits and the main character who accidentally discovers she's a medium. You see, Alyssa just turned 40 and life has stopped making sense after the accidental death of her husband. But with the help of her well meaning girlfriends, an accidental conjuring, wise cracking spirits, and her hunky detective neighbor she will see that maybe life is just beginning to make sense.

3 Stars

An Enchanting Case of Spirits is Melissa Holtz's debut novel that begins with the main character, Alyssa Mann, celebrating her 40th birthday with friends and a psychic. After the death of her husband, Alyssa hopes to communicate with him, but she gets more than what she bargained for when she spiritually opens herself up. She begins to see ghosts; which means only one thing, they need help crossing over. Her sexy, next-door neighbor, Nick West, is a detective who only wants to help any way he can. Not only do they help ghosts, but sparks begin to fly between Alyssa and Nick…

Pros:
- I like Nick. He's charming and helpful
- Fast-paced writing style
- Ghost story, see below

Cons:
- I like the aspects of a ghost story, but not the actual ghosts? I found most of them too snarky
- I wish there were more scenes between Alyssa and Nick. There are only a few kissing scenes… I was hoping to get more!
- Alyssa and her friends are OK characters.
- More of a mystery element than I wanted it to have

Overall, it was ok. The author left it open to a series, for sure. I may read it. However, I would pass on this if you wanted a ghost story AND more heated scenes between the h/H. It's definitely a slow burn with only a few kisses. 3 Stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this arc, all of my reviews are my own. This publishes on April 9th, 2024.

3.5 stars

A debut mystery/romance/paranormal cozy. Young widow Alyssa is turning 40 and she's not taking it well. Still not recovered from her husband's tragic accidental death, Alyssa is not that functional on a daily basis. When she and her girlfriends decide to visit a psychic for a lark, everyone is stunned when an obvious ghostly event occurs taking both her and the psychic by surprise.

But the real clincher comes the next morning, when hungover Alyssa discovers that she is now sharing her house with a restless ghost who needs to have a few things put in order before he can move on. There are links to a murder and Alyssa's hunky detective neighbor Nick gets involved.

This whole chain of events does force Alyssa to get up and get going everyday. It's clearly a precursor to her discovering she has psychic abilities as well and further adventures. Her biggest problem is getting people to believe what she herself is experiencing. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Ghostly hi-jinks galore in Ms. Holtz' debut novel, AN ENCHANTING CASE OF SPIRITS, had me hooting with laughter and speedily reading to see what would happen next! It stars a pretty lady, Alyssa, who is battling depression after losing her husband. It's her fortieth birthday and her friends coax her out. They go to a psychic medium for fun. However, it awakens powers in Alyssa she didn't know she had. She is startled by a nightly visitor, a ghost in her bedroom! Eek!

Alyssa is terrified and flees next door to her hunkalicious neighbor, Nick West, who is a detective. He investigates but finds no one. Alyssa accepts the dreaded fact that she indeed saw a ghost. Unfortunately, the ghosts who are stuck in limbo, want her help. She is naturally wary. Her friends and Nick help her, as she delves into the mystifying natures of their demise. As Alyssa helps the ghoulish ghosts, she begins to blossom out of her shell, as she discovers her true calling in life. But, while digging into the dearly departed, she unwittingly unravels clues to her husband's death. What does she find?

AN ENCHANTING CASE OF SPIRITS is a hard to resist, quirky, edgy, intriguing paranormal mystery with romantic overtures. The author infuses a lot heart and humor into the story along with a sampling of romance. I enjoyed as Alyssa and her friends delve into the who and why of the ghostly apparitions bothering her for answers. Nick is disbelieving and Alyssa is hesitant on sharing her newfound abilities with him. Although, sizzling sparks of attraction blooms between them as they work together on unraveling cases about the unwanted specters. This is a charming, entertaining, and intriguing tale that will hook you. Delightfully divine!

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with an advanced reading copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I just want to shout from the rooftops — READ THIS BOOK, EVERYONE!!!! You will FEEL it with your whole heart. I promise that it’s worth every tear and every smile. Seriously, I can’t wait enough for it be out and about so that I can start recommending it already.

A rare book about a main character in her 4os rediscovering her life after tragedy. Shows the power of friendship and love. I found the story rather clunky on my opinion.

Okay, here is what I want - I want more of these fun, amazing characters in an ongoing book series that never ends. Next I want a movie deal of this story because it has everything I love and want. The friendships are sweet and the romance is just enough- not too much like some others I’ve tried to read lately. What incredible storytelling this author has given us!!! More please!!!

I couldn't finish this one. The character complained a lot and the writing was not very strong. I couldn't get into the story. Maybe it was the wrong book at the wrong time.

“An Enchanting Case of Spirits” was an enchanting debut novel for Melissa Holtz. The premise was interesting, the banter was fun, and it had plenty of humor and heart.

After being in a sunken depression since her husband died, Alyssa was forced into enjoying her 40th birthday by her best friends. However, some innocent fun takes a turn when Alyssa awakens some latent powers after seeing a Psychic Medium. She wakes up with the ability to see and talk to ghosts.

Soon she’s collecting ghosts that have been stuck in limbo waiting for her to send them to the other side. So with the help of her friends, and her hunky neighbor, she delves into the mystery of their deaths. In helping them she begins to truly find herself again and her new purpose in life.

Overall it was a fun read. I read through it in one sitting. The way she ended the book made room for this to become a series and I’m down for it. I’ll definitely be reading the next installment when it comes out.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for releasing this arc to me in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked the premise for this book and the storyline stayed interesting and fun throughout. I didn't like the main character. I found her annoying, so defensive and contrary, I truly wished anyone else but her developed the power to converse with the dead. She was the most self involved character.
The first quarter of the book was a tough read. The dialogue in particular was wooden and unnatural. Way too much basic description that didn't flow or leave the reader to imagine for themselves.
I did like the idea for the book and it definitely improved. A very light read.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

In Melissa Holtz's captivating novel, "An Enchanting Case of Spirits," readers are introduced to Alyssa Mann, a woman whose once unadventurous life takes an unexpected turn. As a widow and single mother to a teenage daughter, Alyssa's life is focused on stability and routine. However, when her friends convince her to celebrate her 40th birthday with drinks and a tarot reading, she finds herself embracing the unknown. Little does she know that this decision will set off a chain of paranormal events that will challenge her perception of reality and lead her on a journey of self-discovery. Waking up after a night of revelry, Alyssa is faced with a pounding headache and an ethereal presence lingering in her bedroom. Panic sets in, and she seeks solace and guidance from her attractive neighbor, detective Nick West. Although skeptical at first, Nick soon realizes that there is more to Alyssa's claims than meets the eye. Together, they embark on a quest to unravel the mysteries behind her newfound ability to communicate with the departed. Holtz skillfully weaves elements of mystery, humor, and romance throughout the narrative, keeping readers engaged and eager for more. Alyssa's interactions with various ghosts bring both laughter and intrigue as she learns to navigate her newfound power. From engaging in witty banter with mischievous spirits to embarking on quests to uncover hidden family secrets, Alyssa's journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns. The author tackles the theme of grief and healing with sensitivity, allowing readers to empathize with Alyssa as she confronts her late husband's death. As she delves deeper into the past, shocking revelations unfold, pushing her further into a world she may not be prepared to handle. Holtz's character development is commendable, with Alyssa undergoing a profound transformation from a reserved and cautious woman to a resilient and courageous individual. Her friendships with supporting characters add depth to the story, highlighting the power of camaraderie in overcoming adversity. "An Enchanting Case of Spirits" is a delightful blend of supernatural elements, mystery, and emotional depth. Melissa Holtz's vivid storytelling and well-crafted plot keep readers enthralled until the very last page. With its captivating narrative and relatable characters, this novel is sure to enchant and entertain fans of paranormal fiction.

Do you love fantasy and romance but need a change of pace? THis is your book to pick up next! You have your witches and magic, your romance and intrigue. But its not quite the high intense stkes and most other novels. easy to weekend read and feel acomplished.

A cozy mystery, wrapped in a ghost story, with a compelling tale of grief over the loss of a significant other woven in.

On her 40th birthday, Alyssa visits a spirit medium with the hopes of talking to her deceased husband, Garrett. The visit is unsuccessful, but she awakes in the middle of the night to find a ghost hovering by her bed. She runs to her cute police detective neighbor and hijinks ensue.

As Alyssa attempts to solve her ghostly visitors' mysterious death, she may find answers for more than one untimely death.