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The Kat Sinclair Files #1
Dead Air
Kat didn’t believe in ghosts—until now. . .
When Kat Sinclair’s dad tells her his new job hosting the ghost-hunting TV show Passport to Paranormal means they’ll be living on the road and visiting the world’s most haunted places, Kat packs her bags without a second thought. But the ghostbusting life isn’t as cool as Kat expected. The cast and crew don’t always get along, the producer’s annoying nephew has unexpectedly shown up, and Kat thinks the show—and her dad—might be cursed. Kat decides to start writing a blog with “a behind the scenes look at the creepiest show on TV.” But she soon discovers that going behind the scenes may just reveal more than she really wants to know.
When Kat Sinclair’s dad tells her his new job hosting the ghost-hunting TV show Passport to Paranormal means they’ll be living on the road and visiting the world’s most haunted places, Kat packs her bags without a second thought. But the ghostbusting life isn’t as cool as Kat expected. The cast and crew don’t always get along, the producer’s annoying nephew has unexpectedly shown up, and Kat thinks the show—and her dad—might be cursed. Kat decides to start writing a blog with “a behind the scenes look at the creepiest show on TV.” But she soon discovers that going behind the scenes may just reveal more than she really wants to know.
248 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2015
3 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Schusterman
24 books160 followersMichelle Schusterman is the alleged author of less than one hundred books for kids and teens, most of which are not published under a secret pseudonym, and all of which include various characters. She lives on a steamboat with her pet crawfish, unless she's lying, in which case she lives among the spiders beneath the stage at the Metropolitan Opera, unless that's another lie, in which case she lives in an apartment in Queens with her chocolate lab, who can talk.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 1, 2017
fun and exciting tale of Kat and her father traveling around the world to further his career and reignite his passion leaves Kat wondering what she believes- and leaves us worrying about her coming to terms with her mother leaving. Not only that, but our brave protagonist leaves everything behind, including her beloved grandmother, school and friends to travel -ghost hunt- with her father! A great story for late elementary grade students.
Action-packed and accurate in terms of how à teen would act and feel in situations Kat is presented with.
Action-packed and accurate in terms of how à teen would act and feel in situations Kat is presented with.
March 27, 2015
I received this through Goodreads first-reads. Thank you so much Michelle for this opportunity.
This is brilliant! Really! I'm actually floored at how much I enjoyed this book... maybe a little embarrassed too, as it's for children around age 11 and up. I love reading children's books but I've never read one I didn't want to put down until I read this. It's about a girl, a boy, a television crew and ghost hunting!!
There is a lot I loved about this book apart from the amazing storyline (a real page turner). The characters are great, especially Kat and Oscar - loved their humor. It's very well written and the vocabulary is more advanced (than what you'd usually find for this age group). The chapter titles are very creative. And it's unique, in that it's a book the current generation of children can associate with - it has blog posts, emails and even forum posts/comments, as part of the story.
The cover illustration is very well done and I liked the layout inside as well.
Overall, really loved the book (I don't think there is anything I didn't like about it) - will be adding it to my 'favorites' list.
I'd highly recommend others check it out. Look forward to reading more from this author.
This is brilliant! Really! I'm actually floored at how much I enjoyed this book... maybe a little embarrassed too, as it's for children around age 11 and up. I love reading children's books but I've never read one I didn't want to put down until I read this. It's about a girl, a boy, a television crew and ghost hunting!!
There is a lot I loved about this book apart from the amazing storyline (a real page turner). The characters are great, especially Kat and Oscar - loved their humor. It's very well written and the vocabulary is more advanced (than what you'd usually find for this age group). The chapter titles are very creative. And it's unique, in that it's a book the current generation of children can associate with - it has blog posts, emails and even forum posts/comments, as part of the story.
The cover illustration is very well done and I liked the layout inside as well.
Overall, really loved the book (I don't think there is anything I didn't like about it) - will be adding it to my 'favorites' list.
I'd highly recommend others check it out. Look forward to reading more from this author.
Read
June 9, 2015I'm probably a little biased because I work for the publisher, but this book is SO GOOD! Full of suspense, rich characters, and enough spooky stuff to make me a believer.
May 18, 2019
I loved the m.c. of this book! She’s very likable and that made me want to read more. There is action, creepiness, ghosts, and a true mystery at the heart of this story. The author also throws in some topics that many kids deal with divorce, close relationships to extended relatives, parents dropping the ball (including a dad of one character being in jail). Also there is a cast of characters who I believe will become more fleshed out as the series continues. I would give this to older elementary or younger middle school kids.
May 5, 2020
Well written story, good plot and fun characters. As an adult reading a middle grade book I was surprised by how much I liked this and how sophisticated (yet still age appropriate) it was. I'll be reading the rest of the series!
February 12, 2020
Really like the chars and the situations. Book 2!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
February 22, 2021
I've read it yet
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2021
3.5* rounded up. Cute characters and fun adventure, nothing groundbreaking but enjoyable.
June 21, 2024
so fun and spooky
September 26, 2016
I totally forgot to do a review for this book, so here it goes, 13/14 days late, but I still want to write down my thoughts.
This book was really great, I was already hoping that I would find a new creepy, mystery, with ghosts series, and I did! The book is mostly a creepfest filled with mysteries, but we also have a bit of realism added to the mix. Kat's mom disappeared (it happened before, but she never came back this time, though she is trying to contact Kat, and her family). Kat doesn't want anything to do with her mom (Which is logical, what mom would just run off like that?), and in the book she finds out one big thing which turns her upside down. But her dad, and also her grandma, would love for her to just try to reach out back. So we have that going on, but also Kat trying to make sure her dad keeps his work, she is not ready to go back home.
What is going on with her dad? Well, the job he has now (the one with the supernatural show) has a curse or something going on with the hosts. Every host so far has quit after x number of episodes. Kat is really trying her hardest to get her dad to not fall under the curse. It was a really fun ride and it was interesting to see her thoughts, even though I already had a feeling it would be wrong, that is all I will say. :P
The book was also scary and creepy at times. We have ghosts, and other unexplained stuff going on, and it was really interesting to see that, but also see how Kat thought about it all, and how she turned from disbeliever to believer.
I also loved Kat's blog, I am glad she found something to enjoy.
The last part of the book was terrific and so awesome! What an end! I can't wait for the next book, I got it ordered, and I am waiting for it to arrive.
There was only one thing that I didn't like. Oscar. Oscar the pretentious little snot-faced troll. Even later with what happens there, I just couldn't like him. He ruined it for himself at the beginning. I know he will also be in the other books, too bad, but I will still read them for Kat, for the ghosts, for the blog.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and I would highly recommend it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
This book was really great, I was already hoping that I would find a new creepy, mystery, with ghosts series, and I did! The book is mostly a creepfest filled with mysteries, but we also have a bit of realism added to the mix. Kat's mom disappeared (it happened before, but she never came back this time, though she is trying to contact Kat, and her family). Kat doesn't want anything to do with her mom (Which is logical, what mom would just run off like that?), and in the book she finds out one big thing which turns her upside down. But her dad, and also her grandma, would love for her to just try to reach out back. So we have that going on, but also Kat trying to make sure her dad keeps his work, she is not ready to go back home.
What is going on with her dad? Well, the job he has now (the one with the supernatural show) has a curse or something going on with the hosts. Every host so far has quit after x number of episodes. Kat is really trying her hardest to get her dad to not fall under the curse. It was a really fun ride and it was interesting to see her thoughts, even though I already had a feeling it would be wrong, that is all I will say. :P
The book was also scary and creepy at times. We have ghosts, and other unexplained stuff going on, and it was really interesting to see that, but also see how Kat thought about it all, and how she turned from disbeliever to believer.
I also loved Kat's blog, I am glad she found something to enjoy.
The last part of the book was terrific and so awesome! What an end! I can't wait for the next book, I got it ordered, and I am waiting for it to arrive.
There was only one thing that I didn't like. Oscar. Oscar the pretentious little snot-faced troll. Even later with what happens there, I just couldn't like him. He ruined it for himself at the beginning. I know he will also be in the other books, too bad, but I will still read them for Kat, for the ghosts, for the blog.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and I would highly recommend it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
December 11, 2016
"Dead Air" is a book not only for middle grader, it's just as good a read for any older. It's funny, full of surprises and suspense. And don't forget the ghosts! Not too scary, but just the right amount of wonder if there might be ghosts trying to get in contact. The characters are likable, not without problems, just ordinary people. The story line is easy to follow and I didn't want to put the book down. This is a book for everyone. You can read it to someone, give it away as a gift or read it yourself. Those are the books I like, when everyone in the family can read it and talk about it. Can't wait what's in store for Kat in the next book.
***I received a copy of the book via NetGally in exchange for a fair review***
***I received a copy of the book via NetGally in exchange for a fair review***
August 29, 2016
This book about a ghost-hunting TV show is super fun and just the right amount of creepy! Kat Sinclair's grandmother starred in horror movies and Kat has been watching them since kindergarten. When her father takes a job as the new host of the TV show Passport to Paranormal, Kat is eager to tag along. She doesn't quite believe in ghosts, but a series of mysterious occurrences has her changing her mind. Along with a few other kids on the set, she begins investigating what really happened to the previous hosts. Recommended for grades 4 & up, but don't read at night if you are easily scared!
April 14, 2015
I received this book through a first reads giveaway. I just received this book in the mail today and I've already finished it. That's how great this book was! I'm a big fan of paranormal shows like A Haunting, so this book was right up my alley. It's a fast paced story, with likeable, intelligent characters, that will hook you from the first page. I also liked that Michelle Schusterman included forum and blog posts that kept the story moving along. You will not be disappointed if you pick this book up, it's definitely worth a preorder!
February 8, 2016
I really like this book. I like Kat as a character, and I liked the idea of going behind the scenes of "the most haunted show on television." I like how each chapter started with a Wikipedia entry/forum post/ blog post/ email etc. The mystery was scary (don't read it at night if you have your own bedroom and everyone else is already asleep.) and Three stars means liked it, and I give it 3 and 1/2.
April 11, 2016
A girl raised on horror movies doesn't believe in ghosts . . . until her dad gets a job hosting a TV show called Passport to Paranormal. She has some experiences that put her beliefs to the test. Can't wait to read Kat Sinclair Files #2!
August 28, 2015
I really liked the ghost mystery in this book. I can't wait to get a final copy and add it to my student library.
September 13, 2015
Love the characters in this one!! And it was delightfully creepy at times!
Want to Read
December 5, 2016I received a copy of this book from Penguin Young Readers Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Want to Read
December 6, 2016Note: I received a digital review copy of this book through NetGalley.
April 12, 2017
Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review.
I really like this book, it's very well-written and filled with humor, drama, suspense and plenty of ghostly activity. This was a fun read with a great mystery and a surprisingly diverse cast.
I really like this book, it's very well-written and filled with humor, drama, suspense and plenty of ghostly activity. This was a fun read with a great mystery and a surprisingly diverse cast.
April 21, 2017
Interesting mystery story. Kat travels with her father to film a TV show about ghosts. Kat doesn't believe- at first - but by the end of the story she may have changed. Characters are easy to like and feel realistic. The mystery ties up nicely at the end. Will appeal t students who like spooky stories and mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews