Q&A with Deborah Abela, author of Ghost Club

Our resident YA specialist Holly Harper chats with author Deborah Abela about writing for kids, an eternal love of Dr Seuss and her brand new

Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?

In 1855, a group of men met in secret in Trinity College, Cambridge to talk about ghosts. It came about due to a love of the paranormal and the rise in new technologies, such as phonographs and cameras. Equipment that they believed would help them prove ghostly existence. In 1862, the group was officially known as, The Ghost Club and this year is their 150th anniversary. I thought, what if the club’s two most successful ghost catchers were kids and my very own Ghost Club series was born.

What has been your favourite experience as a writer?

There have been so many! I’m so lucky… I LOVE what I do… but my favourite experience has to be talking with kids. They make me laugh and are so honest, and it give me so much heart that lots of kids love their books.

Why do you write for children?

I loved books as a kid. They were like a secret time and space machine where I could travel anywhere in the world. I also loved being 11, which is the age of most of my main characters.

Have you ever seen a ghost?

Yes! I always thought I’d freak out if I saw a ghost but one night just before bed I saw the ghost of my nanna just outside my window and it felt warm and comforting, as if she was still keeping an eye out for me. I had a very deep and peaceful sleep that night.

Describe your main character in three words.

Fearless, funny and flawed.

What has been your favourite book of the past month? The past year? Of All time?

Past month: The Shiny Guys by Doug MacLeod. The past year: The Shadow Girl by John Larkin. Of all time: The Lorax by Dr Seuss.

What is the most important skill you need to be a ghost catcher?

There are a few skills you need but the most important is bravery.

What’s your favourite place to read?

Anywhere… as soon as I open a book, it doesn’t matter where I am.

What kind of reader do you think will love your book the most?

Ohh… that’s a hard one… I’ll leave it up to the readers to let me know that.


Holly Harper is a children’s bookseller at Readings Carlton where she organises the kids and Young Adult enews’. She also writes books for younger readers under the name H.J. Harper. Find out more about her

 Read review
Cover image for Ghost Club 1: The New Kid

Ghost Club 1: The New Kid

Deborah Abela

Available to order, ships in approx 3 weeksAvailable to order