Chasing Spirits: The Building of the "Ghost Adventures" Crew

by Nick Groff, Jeff Belanger

Take a look behind the scenes of the Travel Channel’s hit show Ghost Adventures with paranormal investigator Nick Groff as he shares his favorite explorations of the supernatural. From recording strange voices during his dusk-to-dawn lockdowns at “haunted” places to a face-to-face encounter with a spirit at Linda Vista Hospital in Los Angeles, Nick reveals an inside perspective of some of the most mind-blowing incidents caught on-camera, a closer look at some of the gadgets and gear used in the show, and the friendly and competitive camaraderie between the Ghost Adventures crew—on the set and off. Chasing Spirits also invites you into Nick’s haunted past, where a childhood near-death experience, an energetic passion for life, and a love of movies fueled his imagination and curiosity about the afterlife and started him off on his paranormal path. That path combined his interests in a documentary on ghosts that would eventually launch the Ghost Adventures television series and phenomenon. Everything Nick has witnessed and done has convinced him of the reality of the hereafter and inspired him to improve his personal and professional relationships and to continue to learn what it means to be a human being on a spiritual journey.

Genres: Paranormal, Nonfiction, Ghosts, Ghost Stories, Biography, Memoir, Supernatural

257 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Nick Groff is an American paranormal investigator. Groff was the executive producer, creator and lead investigator for the television series Paranormal Lockdown. He also appeared as an investigator in two seasons of the Ghosts of Shepherdstown. He was a co-investigator and executive producer of Ghost Adventures, as well as an editor and cameraman for the show from seasons 1–10.

Reviews

[Wendi WDM · Rating 4 out of 5]

When discussing this book before reading it, a buddy said it was pretty good, that the voice of the book is very true to the voice of the author.

Keeping that in mind I went into reading this book with an open mind ready to be entertained. I was not disappointed. Nick Groff is that guy everybody wants to be pals with in school. Totally funny, slightly crazy, completely mischievous. And it doesn't seem to be traits that have left him as he's grown up.

If you have read Zak Bagans book this is a great companion piece. It's not a follow up its part of a three piece puzzle that makes up the Ghost Adventures team of Nick, Zak and Aaron (whom I hope will one day write his own book).

Nick gives a fun and often time funny account of growing up and transitioning into adulthood and his television career. He's honest writing about a rocket moment I. Which he and his wife were super broke and had to move into his parents house, not something most adults would admit to. We see even more honesty discussing arguments between him and Zak, stress of being on the road and facing down his fears.

I really enjoyed it. I've always thought the Ghost Adventures show was a bit over the top, a little too dramatic but from what Nick writes that's just how they are. When you think about it, I'd jump and scream Dude! if I ever came face to face with a full body apparition.

It's a good read if you are interested in the Ghost Adventures tv show, nick gives us the history of the GAC team, how they formed up, making their documentary and then the struggles of breaking into television.

It's a good read if you're a fan of Nicks seemingly cool head whilst under pressure during lock downs, though he admits throughout the book about dealing with fear.

It's not classic lit but its a good read if you're into the paranormal and always wondering about the how's and whys of ghosts, etc.

[Doreen Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very, very interesting book. Seemed to me to be slanted a little bit one sided and as we all know there are two sides to every story. It is worth checking out though.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book immediately after I finished Zak's book Dark World. Even though I enjoyed this book I didn't find it as interesting. I probably shouldn't compare the two but it was difficult not to when I read them one right after another. Nick's book is more about how GAC got its start and how they started the show than it is about paranormal experiences and the field of paranormal investigation.
I really loved the beginning. I though Nick did a great job explaining how hard it was to get respect in paranormal research and how difficult it was to start a television show. That part was excellent and very interesting. I also really liked when Nick talked about his experiences investigating the paranormal. I didn't want him to cover exactly what Zak did but it would have been interesting to see his view on some of the investigation (other than the ones that really affected him so personally). I got a bit bored near the end but overall I really enjoyed it.
Nick doesn't quite have the finesse that Zak does and his story does lack a bit of what made me finish Zak's book in 6 hours. I enjoyed Nick's personal story but I also wanted more of his personal experiences in the paranormal and I did not quite get that.

[Kat Montemayor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have already read Zak Bagaan's Dark World and I am Haunted . When I learned Nick Groff, another GAC guy, had written a book, I had to read it too.

With Nick's book, I feel like I'm getting a different perspective on some of their most active investigations. In addition, I learn his background, how he got interested in the paranormal, and how GAC came into existence.

The most interesting part of the book for me was his detailed explanation of what really happened at Linda Vista. I've seen the episode and remember how freaked out he was when he saw the female apparition. But it was really interesting to read how that event profoundly affected his life and changed his view on life and death.

Nick comes across as an interesting and down to earth guy.

Recommended for fans of the show.

[Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a 100% believer in ghosts and after watching their tv show thought it give the book a chance. I thought that it was an ok book , I wouldn’t say it was a stand out novel or one that I would read again. It has some interesting parts in it learning more about Nick and the show.

[Barbi Faye (The Book Fae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always really enjoyed the Ghost Adventures, and I believe I have seen every episode, especially the earlier ones more than once and I have read cohost Zak Bagans two biographies on the television series as well. The show hit a common nerve with people at the right time and was so popular. I like Nick Groff, and even followed him after he left the show, and did other paranormal based series recently. I naturally inhaled this well written book as well. I love all the backstory, and behind scenes, there are some photos, too. But I'm all about that, that's what interests me. If you loved the content or their show you'll love this book! 👻

[Rinji · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up because I love the Ghost Adventures. However I never expected to get so wrapped up in it that I did not want to put it down. There were some points that made me shiver and think hard at others. There were several points in the book that made nod my head in agreement. I believe in ghosts and the paranormal. I just loved how to the point Nick Groff was and how he let who he is show through his writing. It is a book that I will reread several times and I have a feeling that it will always make me think about my standings in several areas of my paranormal belief.

[R.G. Calkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the candid look into Nick's journey and into the life of a paranormal investigator. His story of an encounter at a young age, which led him to Ghost Adventures is truly a great read. The book covers his varied interests from ghosts, to music, to filmmaking. If you enjoy reading about the paranormal, entrepreneurship, or success stories, read Chasing Spirits.

[Liza Nahas · Rating 3 out of 5]

If there were half stars, I would give this one 3&1/2 stars. As a fan of the various paranormal shows that Nick Groff is involved with, I thought it would be fun and interesting to read his book. And that's exactly what is was, fun and interesting. When I first began reading, I'll admit I was a bit of a reader-snob and thought the writing was a tad too simple, but after awhile, I realized it was simply more of a conversational style. I was pleasantly surprised by how philosophical and reflective Groff could be at times; and I enjoyed the historical inserts. His thoughts about investigating asylums and the harrowing background history of asylums he presents, has truly stayed with me and I was not expecting to be moved emotionally by this book. I guess Groff, much like the paranormal world he investigates, is full of surprises. I would recommend this to any avid Ghost Adventures fan (by the way- questions from fans are interspersed throughout the book with Groff's responses) as well as to any anyone interested in paranormal investigations.

[Cristal · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF page 50

[Lupita · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very well-written, and I loved how the book took us on a behind-the-scenes tour of how "Ghost Adventures" started. Short & sweet! Highly recommend it for GAC fans!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fast read. It provided a lot of insight into the ghost adventures crew and what it's like behind the scenes

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

A biography and An interesting history of how the Ghost Adventures Crew came together and the TV came about. Less about the actual shows and more about how it impacted the Nick.

[Cassie 'The Thinker Go Go Go Go' Mis. Roben Goodfellow'\Isabelle Lightwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must say this wasn't what I was expecting from Nick Groff but I'm glad I read it. Seeing as in the show Ghost Adventures I'm not his biggest fan. But now that I've read his book and have gotten in his head just a bit from the book. I can look at him with a new kind of understanding.

Seeing as in the show I found him a bit annoying with all his swearing at times and outspoken words. So to speak. Although after learning about his life growing up and as he put it... He comes from a family of 'No bullshitters' I can get it. Plus to say that he got into the film making career easily would be the biggest over- statement of the year. Or years past? Seeing as he didn't get an in that easily. In fact it took a long time for him to get that chance, along with Zak and Aaron.

As for the paranormal aspect of the book and the things he talks about on that side. It's very interesting. Seeing as he talks about things that happened to him growing up and later on once they got the show on the road and airing. You get to read about some of his favorite investigations, and some things that didn't make it into the shows but still changed his life in one way or another.

If you like Ghost Adventures the show, and even if you don't really love Nick. I think you'd still enjoy the book. Seeing as I said earlier he wasn't my favorite but I still did very much enjoy the book it's self. But if you're just planning to read it for the paranormal aspect of it, an nothing else... I might recommend checking out something else. Seeing as he talks about his life and everything like that a lot as well as the show, and the paranormal. So it's not strictly Paranormal he's talking about. But if you don't mind learning a little bit about him as a person and his life as well then by all means check the book out.

Would I rec. this book to someone? No. Not unless I know for sure that they're into the Ghost Adventures show. Seeing as if you aren't then you may count it as a waste of your time.
Just saying.

Either way. You can read it or not. But I enjoyed it.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed overall in this book. I thought the first half was really interesting and engaging, how Nick met Aaron and Zac and how the Ghost Adventures crew was formed. But the back half of the book which arguably should have been the more interesting portion, just fell flat. When he actually gets to the portions regarding the investigations and later seasons of the show, Nick offers barely a glimpse into it. Fascinating how their editing process works and such but this was all very surface level information. And on top of it, it was repetitive. While the first few stories he shared were neat, it just felt like copy/paste with every additional story following. What made this book even more difficult was the distinct lack of personality. Nick's narrative is dry and doesn't engage with the reader or connect in anyway which made this short book such an uninteresting adventure in the end.

[Daniel McTaggart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took my time with this book, but I enjoyed it greatly. I'm a fan of Ghost Adventures, and if you are too then you will like this book. It's written by a founding member and covers his personal as well as spiritual journey toward becoming the filmmaker he is today. There are great anecdotes about how the show started. You'll read how they all met and how they did, and didn't, get along. The best part is inside info on how the show came to be what it is. It was written in 2012, so there are parts that have a sadness to them. Since the book was published, their friends and fellow paranormal investigators Mark & Debbie Constantino have passed away in a tragic murder/suicide. And you hear about some trials of the other people involved with the show. I've gone on too long, but you like the show you'll enjoy the book. 'Nuff said.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you watch Ghost Adventures, then you know Nick Groff. This is his story of how he got started in the ghost hunting genre. The book tells how he, Aaron and Zak met and how they started making their first documentary Ghost Adventures movie. The book shows how hard it is to get in the business and Nick shares how the GA tv show came to be. This book offers a look into some of Nick's most memorable locations and incites into the paranormal realm. Nick answers some fan questions along the way and at the end of the book, there is a list of some of the equipment and descriptions of what is used during lockdowns. If you like watching the guys on GA, then I recommend Nick's book.

[Taylor Mitchem · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look into the making of the Hit TV Show "Ghost Adventures" while also getting a behind the scenes look into Nick's own life. Written as a conversation style where you feel like you are sitting down with him, discussing his life and how the show started is not normally a type of book I am drawn too. However with this book, it was not to horrible of a read. Overall if you are interested in how a Paranormal TV show can go through an idea to a possible reality to a career this is a book, that can help understand how it came to be.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A must-read if you’re a Ghost Adventures fan! Really solid book on the paranormal in general, especially for any beginners who may not know about the tech used in investigating. I enjoyed the casual way Nick wrote this, it helps the reader connect to him on a personal level. Got some great chuckles here and there. It was cool to read Nick’s back story, along with brief moments of getting to know Aaron and Zak. A nice, interesting read that I breezed through and enjoyed.

[Dalaina Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Groff it was a truly cool day! I bought this book at his booth he signed it for me! He chatted with my son and I. So when I got home I could not wait to read this! I loved getting to know Mr. Groff more in this novella. Reading how he met his wife and other stories. It makes a wonderful read!! I enjoyed it!

[Michelle N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and informative.

I’ve always been interested in the paranormal and the ones with the guts to investigate it. I’ve read many books written by other investigators, but I feel a kinship with Nick. He’s very down to earth and honest, yet humble in his life story and how his show came to be. I definitely recommend his book.

[Jazmine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I LOVE Nick, & honestly I prefer the older seasons of Ghost Adventures with him, so I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately, it fell a little flat for me. I liked learning about his childhood, but I didn’t like how his book was organized with random the random “fans always ask” blurbs strewn throughout. It took away from the flow for me.

[Kim_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was entertaining and funny at times. Nick is honest about how trying to get Ghost Adventures off the ground took a toll on him and his family. This book is insightful, not just about the paranormal and ghost hunting but also the struggles of breaking into TV. Great read if you’re into paranormal, Ghost Adventures or Nick Groff.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book to read. Learning how the “Ghost Adventures’ group was founded, the struggles they had to get their show, some of the exciting paranormal locations they’ve been to, and Nick’s personal feelings about it all.

[Christine Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It went in depth on a few of the locations that the crew investigated. I thought it was well written. It talked about their documentary that started it all....I ended up purchasing it off Amazon. If you’re into the paranormal and a fan of the show this book was a good read.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very honest and straight forward. Nick is really personable and easy to read with his telling of his life and ghost stories experiences. Any one who loves the show and wants to know more about Nick, I highly recommend the read.

[Kaleigh Ramirez · Rating 2 out of 5]

The overall way the book is written out is odd. Just randomly in the middle of the paragraph there’s a second section that’s a “question from the fan”, and it’s very jarring and it just makes the entire thing feel not thought out.

[Shanna Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about how Ghost Adventurers started. I watch that show every Saturday night. Nick is no longer with them as he is now doing his own thing.

[Karen Dodkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nick came across as overly competitive. A lot of bragging. I like him less after reading this. I enjoyed the back stories about some of his Ghost Adventures epidodes.

[Laura Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Awesome

Nick is a great paranormal investigator. He is an even better writer. I see a bright future in writing for him