Chapter by Chapter's review of The Girls Ghost Hunting Guide
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Ladies, think back to when you were a kid, remember all those horror movies you would watch with your parent/guardian and the creepy shivers you would get? Do you remember how in your waking world you could tell yourself it wasn't real but once it was time to go to bed every single bump in the night suddenly became the shuffling of a zombie? Every whoosh of air was a ghost moving through the air and every dream involved either being chased or a more dangerous version of Thriller, do you remember that?

Well considering that I'm the big chicken that I am, I still remember all of those things happening after every single scary movie that I see and to be quite honest when it comes to the realms of the supernatural--I like to have a bit of background knowledge. As a kid, I would watch shows about characters who uncover supernatural mysteries and have to admit that I secretly always wanted to be a paranormal investigator. Besides who knows, what with all the YA novels I've been reading lately, there might be a chance of getting a supernatural boyfriend... and I'm wandering away from the point of this review!

The Girls' Ghost Hunting Guide is something I wish I had years ago to sate my questions about  the creepiest of all the supernatural entities: Ghosts! Duh, obviously! With such an adoringly cute ghost mascot and a totally creepy opening sentence I had a feeling that this middle grade read would be something that would have me interested and entertained. Do I take some of the things I learned seriously? Oh yeah. Am I going to become a paranormal investigator sometime soon because of this guide? Of course not! But I sure want to!

The guide revolves around (you guessed it) ghosts. How to find them, what they're like, how to contact them and how to become a ghost hunter yourself. How fun! Right guys? It's not just a how-to guide, there are also pages and mini chapters that are devoted to creepy urban legends, quizzes to test your knowledge and interviews from real world ghost hunters who give us insight into the career path of a professional Ghostbuster.

As I said before, I'm a big chicken and so when I read certain urban legends I'll admit that sleeping became just a bit too hard. But just a little bit. In the past (for writing purposes) I would Google certain things that contact ghosts, one of them including a Ouija board that opens a portal of sorts into the otherworld and if one isn't cautious you end up summoning the bad mojo. Like real bad. And in the guide, there is one way to contact ghosts that basically means ripping open a portal, I gotta admit that when I read that my eyes went wide and I hoped that if somebody does choose to do it they are careful as all heck because the bad mojo is...well... bad.

I'm a superstitious person, okay?

I would recommend The Girls' Ghost Hunting Guide to young readers who have a lust for the supernatural and want to increase their knowledge. This is a story that should definitely be read before Halloween *ominous laughter*.
3268626
I enjoyed this book as they talked about their experiences before Ghost Hunters became a hit on the SyFy channel. Their investigations are much more interesting and a little more unusual than what is presented on their sanitized TV series.  I highly recommed reading this book and forget the first one which is a rehash of several episodes from their tv series.

Seeking Spirits, The Lost Cases of TAPS also gives ghost hunting advice after every chapter.

A must for every Ghost Hunters fan.
4816456
the original cover of this book was also extremely haunting and beautiful, I wish they'd bring that one back. It had a solemn,wise-looking girl holding a candle with shapes in the smoke and shadows made by the flame.  I,too am saving it for my daughter to read. An excellent,unforgettable ghost story!
557493
The Ghost Huntress is one of the most amazing book series currently out there that describes the current influx of paranormal interest. I managed to pick up this book last year and was immediately immersed in the idea that there really are people out there that go through this "awakening". Along with having details about sensitives and ghosts, there is also a good explanation for what everything is and how it works, giving the new readers an opportunity to learn about the paranormal. I am glad that I actually got to meet her by happenstance at my college. I believe that she is a great writer and I can't wait to read the others.

Marley, If you are reading this, I hope that it is up to your standards as a review as you asked me to put a review. Which, I would have done anyway.

Ashley Fetterman, EHC college
1263628
I think this book is awesome!! It describes a girl called Lila. She wanted to be a real firework maker but her father disagreed with that. But Lila went to Mount Merapi for royal sulphur because her father told her if she got the royal sulphur then she would become a real firework maker. After many things happened she found the royal sulphur, but she met Razvani and he wanted to trade. She didn't have anything to trade. So, he showed the ghosts who didn't have anything to trade. But Chulak and Hamlet found her so she could come back home safely. I recommend this book because it is a good book to read when you are bored.
3410525
The Ghost of Cattingham Hall by Amber Cross is a great young adult book. This book comes to life through each turn of the page. The characters are developed enough that you can connect with them, especially Maddie. You feel what it is that she is going through. This book takes you on a journey with a young girl that encounters a ghost. This story had a great plot line, but I think that it could have been fleshed out a little more. I liked how she had obstacles and there were twists and turns. Some of them left me wanting more. I think that story could have been a little more detailed at times, but the story was good. It had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens next.
 The plot was that a young girl, Maddie, goes to stay with her aunt Lydia that lives in Cattingham Hall. This is an old building that has been haunted. There are many things that happen to Maddie during her stay at that hall. One of my favorite scenes was when Maddie is coming out of the basement and a hand grabs her ankle. This is the kind of device that will bring the reader back for more. The characters are developed enough to make a connection, but I do believe it could have been better. This story is thought out, but could use a little more creativity, because it lacks where other ghost stories come to life.
 I would recommend that anyone read this novel. Amber Cross did a good job of convincing me that there was a ghost in the hall. It had me wondering what was going to happen next. The witches were a nice touch that helped move the story along. The ending was left on a cliff-hanger, which will have readers wondering what will happen next. I would recommend that younger adults should read this for a guilty horror pleasure. The book was a great read, and I hope that Amber continues to write stories like this. There are many stories out there about ghosts, and, yes, this one follows some of the same plot devices, but it does stand on its own. I hope to read more from this author in the future. My only criticism is that it should have been fleshed out more in the plot and with the characters.
1674039
I've had the pleasure of meeting all three authors.  They bring everything a teen needs to know about ghost hunting together into one book.  Heck, I'm 30 years old and new to the paranormal myself and found this book to be chock full of everything I need to know to run my paranormal group better.  Great for the 13 year old to the 53 year old that wants to learn the basics of ghost hunting.  Full of great information, and a side of humor along the way.  You can't put it down until it's done, and then you highlight everything you need to remember.  Awesome book!  Highly recommend it!
1497756
I love Ghost Hunters, but I wasn't really sure how I would feel about this book. I thought it might not translate well, as how can a description of a paranormal event really be anything like watching it happen? I actually loved the book, and thought it was really well written. I was very impressed, and am sure that I will read it again in the near future. Very fun, and very informative. I highly recommend this book.
4923301
Author Brenda Seabrooke has written a delightfully spooky YA ghost story connecting the Civil War to the modern era.  Taylor, a young girl dealing with divorced parents must spend the summer with her father at his home in Swain's Fancy.  Her father's house is an old rundown gothic estate, the epitome of the classic haunted house. Not only does Taylor have to deal with her creepy surroundings but also her spiteful step sister Nicole who despises Taylor. What starts out as the worst summer of her life quickly devolves into something sinister.  Taylor's bedroom is consistently colder than the rest of the house, and she sees a strange face peering in through her window.  But how can someone be staring through a second story window?  Could this be a trick by her stepsister or are there stranger forces at work?

Ms. Seabrooke does an excellent job capturing the conflicted feelings of a young girl dealing with the trauma of a split family, the feelings of being bullied, and the helplessness of having no one believe her truthful stories of the odd events at Swain's Fancy.  This is an excellent read, and I highly recommend it to fans of mystery, Civil War stories, and the macabre.
2978448
I highly enjoyed reading about the town where I live and all the paranormal places I never would have known about otherwise!!  Margie's perspective is quite enjoyable, and the book motivates me to pay more attention to what's around me, just in case--maybe even do a little ghost hunting myself!
1276361
I read Dan Skelton's book for a book review at my college's student newspaper. He's from my area. The book also takes place in my area. Thanks, Skelton, now I'm afraid to sleep at night. This book went beyond anything I had imagined. It gave great detail about the setting and characters. Even if I wasn't from Arkansas, I think I could have fully found my self in the story. As I read, I felt like a "Boojum" was right outside of my window. I felt like I was the boy in the book. Skelton does an amazing job of putting the reader in the story. This book fulfills those desires for ghost hunts that everyone has as a kid. I know I'll never go to a cemetary at night again!
1180136
Ms. Spitzer has written a very nice and captivating book for those that love to read ghost stories.  In this book you will find it all, starting with mystery, ghosts, paranormal activities and a dark shadow are in store for Kelly Conley.  She had a met  many challenges and setbacks in books one (The Letter) and book two, (Old Man Malone Returns), dealing with the spirit of her wicked Grandpa's ghostly paranormal activities.  She was always one step ahead of him, not afraid and determined to send him to Hell, for the torment he had her caused many others.  In this story she had the Manson demolished, which he did not want, the area was cleared, grass planted, and became a vacant field. She hoped the horror she had withstood in the last two years would soon be a thing of the past.  She still owned the land and the vacancy pleased her.  She had located all the family's of those buried in the old Petal Gate Rest Cemetary located near where the Manson was and they where returned to their families.  She had two unclaimed ladies that she relocated to Springs Cemetery and took the necessary measures to insure a decent and proper burial site for the them to rest in peace.  Now she was this day in court to settle legal matters between her soon to be ex husband and her.  Kelly and her faithful companion, Rufus, (her dog),  were leaving soon on a well deserved vacation.  However, that day she received a letter from Beth Devenly, claiming her Aunts house was haunted and she feared for her safety.  She had read in the paper of Kelly's special ability to communicate with the dead.  Now realizing Kelly had gone through the same situation facing her Aunt she needed help.  Since Kelly's experience with The Malone House, rid it of a haunting, she asked if she would come help her?  Kelly had a family history, starting with her Mother passing this down to her as is mentioned the in the first book, (The Letter).  After her ordeal at the Malone Manson, Kelly had taken classes in Paranormal activity at the local Community College.  She thought she might become a ghost hunter and help others, but she changed her mind.  She had decided she had enough of dealing with spirit's and just wanted to lead a normal life.  Now, this letter came.  She began thinking about it so much that she could hardly sleep that night.  In the morning she called Beth to inquire.  Beth was surely terrified.  Kelly  thought, it's only 50 miles away and checking it out wouldn't hurt so, She and Rufus went to see Beth.  Although Kelly had given up on her involvement with spirits, what is that dark shadow following her around that she hadn't seen yet?  Could Old Man Malone be back again?  What is going on?  Join her as she sets out to solve this haunting.  Remember the title , Black Velvet Roses?  Those type of roses are associated with death, if you think about it.  When she had help Vets return to normal and returned home,  she again decided a vacation now was really needed.  At a gathering with all her friends that resided with her in the Manson that evening, she learned that their was a haunted house on her way to the resort and they all told her she should check it out.  It was considered haunted also.  Curiosity got the best of her as she approached it and Kelly found herself turning off the main highway on to the road up to the house.  Kelley decided to find out some history of The Gotz Manor House, so she took a guided tour.  Kelley has a friend, Claudia, (a medium), who she calls on when she encounters a situation she needs help with.  She called Claudia for assistance with the Boys Manor.  She would be dealing with several sprits, especially one entity she had to battle for her life.  The mysterious dark shadow she encounters finally made himself visible and was out to kill her.  This story is filled with many types of entities as I stated in the beginning.  I recommend this book to all teens and above due to the content is not suitable for the young.
729546
Andi Boggs is a young middle-schooler who has a knack for solving mysteries. In Andi Unstoppable she is determined to unravel the mystery surrounding the Shalley ghost and to ace her school assignment of finding the evasive Kirkland Warbler. Along with her friend, Colin, she searches for answers and makes a startling discovery when she uncovers the person who is behind the ghostly deception.

This was my first time reading an Andi Boggs novel. Upon opening the book and reading the list of previously published titles by Amanda Flower, I found that this was the third book in the Andi Boggs series and although there were two previous books written, the author did a wonderful job of introducing the main character along with her family and friends. The author also introduced a few characters that were involved in a previous mystery. Even though I was unfamiliar with the two books before this one, mentioning these secondary characters did not confuse or take away from the story.

Amanda Flower has a new reading fan. I loved the characters she created and the story that developed around them. It was a fast paced story with believable people and I think the preteen reader will be able to relate to Andi and her friends. And once they begin to read about Andi, they will be sucked into the story and read the whole book through since I didn't experience any slow or boring sections that would discourage them to put this book down.

The only negative I have about the book is the cover. Although its bright and gives a slightly creepy feel to the book (with the ghost shadow), I found the description of Andi in the story was not how she was depicted on the cover. On page nine it states that Andi has curly strawberry blond  AKA pink  hair, but the picture shows straight blonde hair with no evidence of curls in it or a pink tint. I know its a small complaint, but when I read a book I like to refer to the cover as it helps me enter into the world the author has created and when I see a conflict, it kind of bothers me. This is just a side note for those who might do the same thing as I do when reading a book. Of course, this is personal preference and it doesnt affect the story at all. :)

I believe this book would keep the interest of anyone who reads it. For the younger audience, under 9 years, I would suggest this book as a read aloud  its a story the reader and the listener will both enjoy! I could also see a teacher reading this to his or her class during quiet time (I fondly remember those days!). Since the story is fast-paced, this book would make a great gift for the non-reader because the story and characters will draw them in.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
4268699
I am not a YA reader but I thought that this Ghost Huntress would interest my two teen paranormal fans, so I gave it a shot.  It takes a few chapters to get past settling the lead Kendall in her new home in a small southern town - which ends up to be ghost central -  and for Kendall to figure out that she's gaining a whole slew of new psychic powers.

Once the story is established, Kendall is a likeable heroine as she decides to use her new found powers 'for good' and she gathers together an interesting 'crew' for her ghost hunter team - the rich science geek, the French spouting preppy photographer, the Goth tough chick audio person and the hunky guy who is both skeptic and love interest.

The thing that I like about Kendall is that she is straightforward and deals with the problems that crop up `straight on' even though honesty with her religious mom threatens to end up with Kendall medicated for her `psychosis'.  This is definitely a fantasy story though,  Kendall's powers are accepted easily by all her new peers and earn her respect, rather than the ostracism that being at all different would actually befall a highschooler in reality.  Still, over all I liked the first Ghosthuntress book and recommend it for teens looking for paranormal stories beyond Twilight and my two teens second - and third - my endorsement.
2727317
This book is awesome!!!!! I recommend this book for girls who love mysteries. There are over 64 other Nancy Drew books! I've read more than 15 of them! You may not think this one is that great, but there are other ones that are way better. I am 13 and have been trying to read as many Nancy Drew books as I can get.
1919631
I would recommend this book to ghost hunters. Not all ghosts are scary, mean. They all have life stories to tell. A soldier with PTSD is a good base used in this book. A girl with a tough life was perfect to sympathize and appreciate a ghosts behavior.
1432570
I've been a fan of ghost stories and ghost hunting for a long time. For a short period my husband and I even dabble in ghost hunting with a few friends. We never found anything... but when I saw this book I had to read it. I wasn't disappointed either. Ms Halle writes a horrifying tale of a haunted light house and Perry's adventure with Dex in it.
I loved Perry from the get go, her snarky humor and wit left me smiling and out loud laughing at times.  Thing was there was something about Perry you just didn't get. Same goes for Dex, he's a total mystery. I found it hard to think of Perry as a twenty something year old, I found myself thing she was in her teens. I think this came from her problem child attitude, the fact her parents treated her like one and the interaction with her sister. I felt the same way about Dex that he was younger because of the way he acted and talked. I found myself wondering several time if he was really crazy or just messing with Perry. At other times I wondered if it wasn't all in Perry's head.
But there were sections in the book that were normal, not paranormal and these helped make the book. They helped move the book along. While this wasn't a strict YA book it did have that feel yet then a cuss would pop out and I'd realize it was more for adults.
While this did stretch the paranormal factors, I still liked it and enjoyed the book. I feel Ms Halle did a great job with this and I'm excitedly looking forward to the rest of the series.