We chat with author Melissa Holtz about An Enchanting Case of Spirits, which sees a fortieth birthday celebration lead to a ghostly visitor where four friends find themselves navigating surprising mysteries and spiritual hijinks, PLUS we have an excerpt to share at the end of the interview!
Hi, Melissa! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi there! Thanks for having me. I’m a former publicist, heavily entrenched in the romance industry. I got my start as a blogger, binge reading every romance book I could get my hands on. I’m currently an author coach focusing on empowering individuals to harness their natural talents for more effective writing. I live in the burbs of Cincinnati, Ohio with my husband, three kids and trusty canine sidekick.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve been writing stories since grade school, but it wasn’t until 2009 that I decided to finally write my first book. Twilight lit a fire in me and I’ve been part of the publishing world ever since. That story I wrote in 2009 sat on my computer until 2019 when I finally self published it.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
- The one that made you want to become an author: The Betrayal by R.L. Stine
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Your debut novel, An Enchanting Case of Spirits, is out April 9th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Fun, mysterious, romance, friendships, mystical
What can readers expect?
An Enchanting Case of spirits is meant to be a fun escape from the daily grind. Whether you’re seeking relatable characters navigating mid-life adventures, craving a deep dive into the mystical realm, or simply eager to unravel a thrilling mystery, this book has something for everyone.
Where did the inspiration for An Enchanting Case of Spirits come from?
Since I was young I’ve thought every house I’ve ever lived in was haunted. Turns out, it’s not the houses, but me, according to several mediums. With a deep-rooted belief in the spirit realm, I’ve always been drawn to unraveling the mysteries of the unseen. While not everyone may share my experiences, I’ve found humor in the absurd situations I’ve encountered along the way. Drawing from both my real-life encounters and a touch of imagination, An Enchanted Case of Spirits was born. I aimed to entertain and perhaps shed some light on the otherworldly experiences many of us encounter.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
My main character, Alyssa, is a reflection of myself in many ways. Writing her character was a deeply cathartic process, offering me a means to confront and process the myriad changes—both physical and mental—that came with turning forty. During this time, I struggled with challenges that many women face but often keep hidden, fearing judgment or criticism. Through Alyssa’s story, I found comfort and a platform to openly address these issues, ultimately aiding me in navigating a significant health hurdle. She became more than just a character; she became my guide, leading me toward healing and self-acceptance.
This is your debut published novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
Long, lol! Back in 2009, I dipped my toes into the wild world of publishing with big dreams of releasing my very first book. But reality hit hard. Balancing a full-time job and caring for a brand-new baby made me quickly realize that publishing a book was going to have to wait.
Instead, I teamed up with a friend and together we launched a blog. That little blog snowballed into something much bigger. Before I knew it, we were knee-deep in the world of indie romance, helping authors publish their books. All of that led me to where I am today, though, so no regrets!
What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on book #2 in the series. While I can’t spill all the juicy details just yet, expect to join my main characters on more adventures and the romance to kick up a notch. I’m also plotting another witchy series set in a small fictional town in Tennessee. It’ll have mystery and strong friendships, but the romance will be a bit steamier.
Lastly, are there any book releases that you’re looking forward to picking up this year?
I’m really looking forward to Reckless by Lauren Roberts and The Party by Natasha Preston.
You can find Melissa on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.
EXCERPT
The front door creeps open, and I pop my head inside. Corinne’s chest presses against my back as she peers over my shoulder.
“Can I help you?” I drawl, looking back at her and pursing my lips at her invasion of my personal space.
“Sorry.” She takes a step back. “Is he here?”
“I haven’t even made it in the door yet. I have no clue if he’s lurking.”
I push down the building anxiety and rush into the foyer, searching for any signs of Billy. Corinne follows, closing the door a little too loudly.
The stairs leading to the second floor are directly in front of me and I’m happy to find the area free of Billy.
To my left is the living room that bleeds into the dining room, which circles into the kitchen. To my right is a hallway that also circles around to the kitchen. Garrett’s office is to my immediate right. It’s been converted into a junk room. Boxes of papers and books, clothes and shoes are stacked against the walls, hiding his personal belongings that I couldn’t stand to see. I close the double glass doors, closing off that room. I don’t want to think anymore about the contents of those boxes. It’s not my current problem.
“Where is he?” Corinne hisses.
“Shh,” I scold, tiptoeing toward the back of the house, with Corinne hot on my heels.
Nothing seems out of place. It’s quiet, but not abnormally so.
Maybe because it’s the middle of the day, and the sun is shining brightly through the windows, but the uneasy feeling I’ve gotten every time Billy Garet is near is absent.
“I don’t think he’s here,” I whisper. “At least, it doesn’t feel like it.”
When we make it to the back, the kitchen is empty. Off to the right is the addition, and that too is clear.
We’ve walked through the entirety of the first floor and every room is Billy free.
“What should I do?” I ask.
I turn toward Corinne, who appears to be taking in the place.
“What have you done every other time?”
I think back over all the moments that Billy appeared, and nothing stands out.
“He just pops in whenever the hell he wants. Which is half of the reason I’m on edge in my own damn house.”
“Would a warning really be any better?” She lifts an eyebrow.
She’s not wrong. A flick of the lights or a noise would have me screaming like a banshee.
“Why don’t you try calling out his name?” she suggests.
I breath in and out slowly, preparing myself for what might come.
“Billy,” I say, just above a whisper.
“Really?” Corinne levels me with a look of exasperation. “Come on, Alyssa. Put a little more oomph into it.”
I glare in return but do as she advises. “Billy,” I yell.
“You rang?”
I jump, twisting around and crouching into a fighting stance. “Dammit, Billy! Don’t sneak up on me like that.”
He slaps his lips together. “What are you doing? You look ridiculous.”
I blow out a rough breath, straightening out of my warrior pose. “Preparing to attack.”
He scrunches his nose and Corinne snorts behind me.
“You tried that once. Didn’t work so well, now did it.” His condescending tone and punchable face are enough to make me crazy.
“Ugh,” I squawk, throwing my hands up. “Just… don’t scare me.”
“Listen lady, it doesn’t matter what I do, you’re the definition of chickenshit. Whether I pop up, or slowly glide into existence, you’re going to freak.”
I fold my arms over my chest like a petulant child. “You don’t know me.”
“And I really don’t want to, but here we are.”
“Ugh,” I shriek again, entirely absent of adult vocabulary at the moment.
“He’s here?” Corinne says, and I turn to find her eyes narrowed, sitting at the kitchen island, reading through my grocery list.
“Yeah. He’s right there.” I motion towards Billy. “You don’t see him?”
Her eyes lift from the notepad. “No. I don’t see anything.”
“You said I unlocked your powers too?”
She bats her lashes, mouth smashed together. “I’ve only really connected with Garrett.”
“But you heard Billy… that’s why you snorted.”
She raises a brow. “I snorted because of your attack position. It was either that, or cry, because we’re dying if our lives depend on you saving us.” She stands from the stool, looking around. “Why can’t I see him?” I shrug in response.
“It might’ve been an exaggeration to say I gained my powers too.”
I huff. “So basically, you’re siphoning off me and still pathetic. Great. Glad I brought you here.” I turn to Billy for guidance.
“Don’t ask me,” he responds. “I don’t control this show.” Billy blows out an annoyed breath. “What did you call me for? I have stuff to do.”
“You’re dead. What could you possibly have to do?” I snap.
He’s positioned by the back sliding door, blocking my only quick exit.
He lifts his top lip, baring his teeth. “You just interrupted a meeting with Harry. It seemed important, but I guess we’ll never know, because you summoned me.”
“Harry? Who the hell is Harry?”
“My guide. Apparently, all spirits stuck in limbo have one. He’s not very happy with you, by the way.”
My head jerks back. “What have I done?”
“You’re taking too long and we’re stuck here until my unfinished business is resolved.” He lowers himself to the floor, sitting with his legs crossed. “You really need to get a rug for this room.”
“What?” she asks, but I shake my head and continue to address Billy.
“So, you do have unfinished business? What is it?”
“Obviously, if I knew, I’d be taking care of it to get the hell away from you and this dusty house.” He pushes away a dust ball to prove his point.
I huff. “There’s literally no reason for you to be so hostile with me. I don’t want you here anymore than you want to be here. Let’s work together, figure out what’s connecting you to me, and get you on the other side. Wherever that might be.”
He nods. “Good call.” His head tilts to the side, looking beyond me. “What’s she doing?”
I glance back and find Corinne wielding a bundle of rosemary.
Her hands shake, and her eyes dart around wildly.
“Corinne, what are you doing?”
She steps toward me. “I saw that move. He’s really here.”
“Obviously,” I deadpan. “But what are you doing with that?”
The billow of smoke wafts from the bundle, the smell not at all appealing.
“Getting prepared. He sounds nefarious.”
Billy snorts. “I’m already dead. What’s a burning weed going to do to me?”
“It was supposed to be sage,” I drawl, looking to Corinne with a level of annoyance, I didn’t think possible. “We were gonna smoke you out if we had to.”
“Oh yes, I’ve heard all about this from Harry. Could you please inform the hot newcomer that sage only works if you truly want me gone. The rosemary won’t do a damn thing but give you all a headache.”
“I do want you gone.”
“Not true. You’re curious about the unfinished business. We’re stuck. I’m not going anywhere.”
Excerpted from An Enchanting Case of Spirits by Melissa Holtz Copyright © 2024 by Melissa Holtz. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
