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A Mall Cop Mystery #3
Malled to Death
Get ready for a second take.
With a famous action star for a father, mall cop EJ Ferris is used to the Hollywood hullabaloo. But when her mall becomes his movie set, the cameramen aren’t the only ones who start shooting…
Protecting the shoppers at the Fernglen Galleria may not be EJ’s dream job, but neither is working for her father’s film production company. That’s why EJ is less than thrilled when her dad arranges to shoot his upcoming film, Mafia Mistress, in her mall. With the arrival of the movie entourage, EJ suddenly has more than shoplifting teens to worry about.
Bombarded by overeager assistants and fan mail, EJ’s famous father makes for an easy target—especially after a scare involving a gun loaded with blanks. Zoe, the prop master, blames herself for the mistake. But when a real bullet is fired and Zoe is killed, Fernglen Galleria is shaken by more than just Hollywood drama. Cut the cameras—there’s a real gunman on the loose…
With a famous action star for a father, mall cop EJ Ferris is used to the Hollywood hullabaloo. But when her mall becomes his movie set, the cameramen aren’t the only ones who start shooting…
Protecting the shoppers at the Fernglen Galleria may not be EJ’s dream job, but neither is working for her father’s film production company. That’s why EJ is less than thrilled when her dad arranges to shoot his upcoming film, Mafia Mistress, in her mall. With the arrival of the movie entourage, EJ suddenly has more than shoplifting teens to worry about.
Bombarded by overeager assistants and fan mail, EJ’s famous father makes for an easy target—especially after a scare involving a gun loaded with blanks. Zoe, the prop master, blames herself for the mistake. But when a real bullet is fired and Zoe is killed, Fernglen Galleria is shaken by more than just Hollywood drama. Cut the cameras—there’s a real gunman on the loose…
293 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 2, 2013
23 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
Laura DiSilverio
20 books393 followersI'm the author of the Swift Investigations, Mall Cop and Readaholics mystery series.
After twenty years as an Air Force intelligence officer – serving as a squadron commander, with the National Reconnaissance Office, and at a fighter wing – I retired to parenting and writing full-time.
Spying was easier.
(Laura DiSilverio is also Ella Barrick.)
After twenty years as an Air Force intelligence officer – serving as a squadron commander, with the National Reconnaissance Office, and at a fighter wing – I retired to parenting and writing full-time.
Spying was easier.
(Laura DiSilverio is also Ella Barrick.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
dnf
April 7, 2013DNF-ed at 30%
It's sad for me to say that I have to give up another series *sigh*. But I just can't continue a series, with 1st person perspective, when I dislike the MC that much. My issue is E.J., the narrator, annoys me to the end of the earth with her attitude. She NEVER appreciates her job, always think that it's 'beneath' her; that her main goal is to become a cop (I mention this on my review for book #2).
Then here, it just elevates even more, because she TOTALLY disrespects her father's job as an actor. Yeah, sure, maybe she doesn't like actor or movie people in general. But Ethan is her father -- and again, she acts like all those movie people are beneath her. She hurt her father's feeling, and I'm DONE. Sorry. I just dislike her that much.
Edited to add: 11 April 2013
A reader commented that EJ realized that she was wrong -- so maybe there is hope to this. I might go back to this one day, when I'm ready. But not now. Still very much annoyed with EJ.
It's sad for me to say that I have to give up another series *sigh*. But I just can't continue a series, with 1st person perspective, when I dislike the MC that much. My issue is E.J., the narrator, annoys me to the end of the earth with her attitude. She NEVER appreciates her job, always think that it's 'beneath' her; that her main goal is to become a cop (I mention this on my review for book #2).
Then here, it just elevates even more, because she TOTALLY disrespects her father's job as an actor. Yeah, sure, maybe she doesn't like actor or movie people in general. But Ethan is her father -- and again, she acts like all those movie people are beneath her. She hurt her father's feeling, and I'm DONE. Sorry. I just dislike her that much.
Edited to add: 11 April 2013
A reader commented that EJ realized that she was wrong -- so maybe there is hope to this. I might go back to this one day, when I'm ready. But not now. Still very much annoyed with EJ.
April 11, 2013
This isn't a flashy series, but it's intelligent and well-plotted. I like E.J., who's still coming to terms with the end of her military career due to injuries. She's more disillusioned than bitter that she can't get a job as a cop, and is instead working--temporarily, she hopes--as a mall security officer. She doesn't like her job but she does it to the best of her abilities.
In this book, we finally learn a bit about the mysterious Jay, but he's not the center of the story. E.J.'s father, a famous actor, is shooting a new movie on location in her mall; when one of the crew is killed, E.J. worries her father may be in danger.
The plot is satisfying and I didn't guess the murderer. I like that E.J. considers how she feels about her father's profession and why she chose the path she did, and I like the way her relationship progresses with various of the other characters. I'm looking forward to the next book already.
In this book, we finally learn a bit about the mysterious Jay, but he's not the center of the story. E.J.'s father, a famous actor, is shooting a new movie on location in her mall; when one of the crew is killed, E.J. worries her father may be in danger.
The plot is satisfying and I didn't guess the murderer. I like that E.J. considers how she feels about her father's profession and why she chose the path she did, and I like the way her relationship progresses with various of the other characters. I'm looking forward to the next book already.
April 16, 2025
Good mystery. I am sorry this is the last book in the series, I would have enjoyed more of this series!
November 29, 2019
This is a very enjoyable cozy mystery. E.J. finds a murdered woman in the men’s restroom while Ethan is filming a movie in the mall. There’s plenty of excitement along with a bit of romance and a few laughs. There are a lot of typos which I found distracting, but it’s still a good story!
March 9, 2014
#3 in the Mall Cop series. This is a gem of a little series. EJ Ferris, an Air Force cop injured in Afghanistan, has been discharged on disability. Unable to get employed by a police department so far, she has taken a security officer position with a VA mall - "mall cop".
Seriously overqualified for her position, she winds up getting into murder investigations and irritating a homicide detective. Her ex-CIA, octogenarian grandfather and her six foot tall, black, roller derby queen, best friend add support. Highly recommended as an unusual cozy.
Mall Cop series - With a famous action star for a father, mall cop EJ Ferris is used to the Hollywood hullabaloo. But when her mall becomes his movie set, the cameramen aren't the only ones who start shooting… Protecting the shoppers at the Fernglen Galleria may not be EJ's dream job, but EJ is less than thrilled when her dad arranges to shoot his upcoming film, Mafia Mistress, in her mall. With the arrival of the movie entourage, EJ suddenly has more than shoplifting teens to worry about. Bombarded by overeager assistants and fan mail, EJ's famous father makes for an easy target--especially after a scare involving a gun loaded with blanks. Zoe, the prop master, blames herself for the mistake. But when Zoe is killed, Fernglen Galleria is shaken by more than just Hollywood drama.
Seriously overqualified for her position, she winds up getting into murder investigations and irritating a homicide detective. Her ex-CIA, octogenarian grandfather and her six foot tall, black, roller derby queen, best friend add support. Highly recommended as an unusual cozy.
Mall Cop series - With a famous action star for a father, mall cop EJ Ferris is used to the Hollywood hullabaloo. But when her mall becomes his movie set, the cameramen aren't the only ones who start shooting… Protecting the shoppers at the Fernglen Galleria may not be EJ's dream job, but EJ is less than thrilled when her dad arranges to shoot his upcoming film, Mafia Mistress, in her mall. With the arrival of the movie entourage, EJ suddenly has more than shoplifting teens to worry about. Bombarded by overeager assistants and fan mail, EJ's famous father makes for an easy target--especially after a scare involving a gun loaded with blanks. Zoe, the prop master, blames herself for the mistake. But when Zoe is killed, Fernglen Galleria is shaken by more than just Hollywood drama.
September 20, 2015
Book 3 of this series finds E.J. Ferris, former military police officer turned mall cop, on duty while her action star father films a movie at the Fernglen Galleria, E.J.’s stomping grounds. E.J. suddenly has more than shoplifting teens to worry about.
E.J. has a new boss, whose passion in life is designing better uniforms for the security staff. E.J. is still striving to get a “real” job with a police force, but her injuries received in her military career continue to hold her back. She’s still trying to keep her relationship with her father a secret. Her father’s still trying to get her to join his company as head of security. Oh, and E.J.’s father may be having an affair with someone on set, and may also have a stalker. Oh, and she has to keep her mother from becoming a “person of interest” with the police, because her mother might know something about the central murder.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters continue to grow and the plot held my interest. What I particularly liked was that E.J. and her father were able to come to a rapprochement about their respective careers. The ending was satisfying, and left a window for more adventures. However, I believe this was the last in the series, which is a pity. I think there is much more entertainment to be found at the Fernglen Galleria, and opportunities for mystery-solving elsewhere.
E.J. has a new boss, whose passion in life is designing better uniforms for the security staff. E.J. is still striving to get a “real” job with a police force, but her injuries received in her military career continue to hold her back. She’s still trying to keep her relationship with her father a secret. Her father’s still trying to get her to join his company as head of security. Oh, and E.J.’s father may be having an affair with someone on set, and may also have a stalker. Oh, and she has to keep her mother from becoming a “person of interest” with the police, because her mother might know something about the central murder.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters continue to grow and the plot held my interest. What I particularly liked was that E.J. and her father were able to come to a rapprochement about their respective careers. The ending was satisfying, and left a window for more adventures. However, I believe this was the last in the series, which is a pity. I think there is much more entertainment to be found at the Fernglen Galleria, and opportunities for mystery-solving elsewhere.
April 23, 2013
This third novel in the series finds EJ Ferris, mall cop still trying to find a job with a 'real' police department. Having been seriously injured by an IED in Afganistan while in the Air Force, EJ is finding herself becoming emotionally invested in the Fernglen Galleria and it's occupants. The harmony is disrupted when EJ's father, Movie Actor and Producer, Ethan Jarrett manages to convince the mall owners to allow him to film his latest action movie, 'Mafia Mistress' in the mall.
EJ, not only has to contend with increased crowds, but a brain injured war veteran, hiding her personal relationship to Ethan (he doesn't want his fans knowing he has a grown child,) and now her new boss, a high fashion designer trying to re-design the uniforms! Life is becoming a circus, when suddenly the stakes are raised...the Property Master is found stabbed in the Men's restroom.
EJ feels this is personal, after all it occurred in her 'mall,' so she decides to ferret out the culprit. The danger increases when EJ finds out her Father is receiving stalking letters.
This was a good mystery novel and I enjoyed seeing EJ becoming more three dimensional. I look forward to the next volume.
EJ, not only has to contend with increased crowds, but a brain injured war veteran, hiding her personal relationship to Ethan (he doesn't want his fans knowing he has a grown child,) and now her new boss, a high fashion designer trying to re-design the uniforms! Life is becoming a circus, when suddenly the stakes are raised...the Property Master is found stabbed in the Men's restroom.
EJ feels this is personal, after all it occurred in her 'mall,' so she decides to ferret out the culprit. The danger increases when EJ finds out her Father is receiving stalking letters.
This was a good mystery novel and I enjoyed seeing EJ becoming more three dimensional. I look forward to the next volume.
August 23, 2014
I wasn't sure if I'd like this book in the beginning, but the characters quickly grew on me. An unusual setting with quirky but believable characters. All it would need to be perfect is a dog sidekick!
October 17, 2018
Perhaps because I recently finished Robert Galbraith's latest mystery (Lethal White), with its rich characterizations and good writing--I found this third book in the Mall Cop series a little pedestrian. Writing seemed flat, and plot kind of cliched. Not terrible, but could be better.
November 7, 2017
Who would have thought being a security guard at a mall would be so exciting? A big-budget movie is being shot at a local mall, a movie superstar (something like Harrison Ford) has the lead role with a beautiful sexy co-star, and one of the movie production staff is murdered during a bathroom break. Most of the build up is interesting along with the requisite cast of characters and suspects, but I found this to be a book I could easily put down. I could only get through a few pages before I fell asleep. Follows the formula for this genre: competent but somewhat insecure heroine, two handsome bachelors (one of them is always a cop) vying for her hand, romantic interludes, with minimal blood and gore. I read this after finishing a Jack Reacher novel, and I really needed a break from the intensity and tension of that book.
June 1, 2020
I like the plot/mystery building in the series.
This part as well as the previous one is peppered with typos, which is rather distracting. I have a feeling the books are dictated to some speech-to-text app and result in typos.
I read all three books one by one without any breaks between them and my next comment is probably the result of this.
What irritated me as far as descriptions of people go is the fact that 90% of characters have some sort of red hair (auburn, chestnut, red, coppery you name it) and as such seems highly improbable. Next are the disdainful descriptions of people "other than slim".
If you take a look at the photo of the author you will probably see the ideal person in the author's view.
I did not like that.
This part as well as the previous one is peppered with typos, which is rather distracting. I have a feeling the books are dictated to some speech-to-text app and result in typos.
I read all three books one by one without any breaks between them and my next comment is probably the result of this.
What irritated me as far as descriptions of people go is the fact that 90% of characters have some sort of red hair (auburn, chestnut, red, coppery you name it) and as such seems highly improbable. Next are the disdainful descriptions of people "other than slim".
If you take a look at the photo of the author you will probably see the ideal person in the author's view.
I did not like that.
April 15, 2021
Family fun!
I am so glad to see EJ spend more time with her family, especially Ethan. Her and her grandfather make a good team anyways but it was nice to see her spend time with her mother and father. Not only that, it's nice how EJ treats people, like Coco. She was tactful without being mean even though Coco did not deserve to be her boss. A lot of people couldn't help but hold that against her. I'm looking forward to seeing which path EJ ends up choosing, I'm kind of attached to these characters.
I am so glad to see EJ spend more time with her family, especially Ethan. Her and her grandfather make a good team anyways but it was nice to see her spend time with her mother and father. Not only that, it's nice how EJ treats people, like Coco. She was tactful without being mean even though Coco did not deserve to be her boss. A lot of people couldn't help but hold that against her. I'm looking forward to seeing which path EJ ends up choosing, I'm kind of attached to these characters.
December 19, 2019
A fun cosy mystery series
But hopefully this is not the final book. I’ve enjoyed EJ’s evolution from unhappy mall cop to a more fulfilled mall cop who has romance in her future and two potential job offers (please tell me Coco is leaving!) that might improve her mood.
I found the movie set in the mall plot rather fun - especially since EJ is trying to stop the news of her father’s identity from getting around, yet it is this that helps catch a killer.
Saw more of Jay, secrets revealed, and Helland mellows a tad - has the makings of a love triangle situation - yet my favourite character after EJ is her wonderful Grandpa Atherton. He’s amazing.
Now it’s just a matter of waiting for book 4 😕
4 stars ⭐️
But hopefully this is not the final book. I’ve enjoyed EJ’s evolution from unhappy mall cop to a more fulfilled mall cop who has romance in her future and two potential job offers (please tell me Coco is leaving!) that might improve her mood.
I found the movie set in the mall plot rather fun - especially since EJ is trying to stop the news of her father’s identity from getting around, yet it is this that helps catch a killer.
Saw more of Jay, secrets revealed, and Helland mellows a tad - has the makings of a love triangle situation - yet my favourite character after EJ is her wonderful Grandpa Atherton. He’s amazing.
Now it’s just a matter of waiting for book 4 😕
4 stars ⭐️
May 19, 2020
A different type of book, and I loved it and the first two of this series "Mall Cop Mysteries". It is based on a female veteran injured in Afghanistan. She cannot work as a police officer due to her injuries, but she keeps trying. Lots peripheral characters, especially love her grandfather a former CIA agent (age 82). Wicked funny parts with persistent and insistent investigation into murders in and around the mall.
January 4, 2021
I was so close! I almost had the killer figured out! Oh well. 😉 I was so disappointed that there couldn't be just 1 more book to wrap everything up though 😞. EJ got the guy and maybe the head security job but we won't know for sure 😟. A fun, action packed story from a author who I really enjoyed reading 😊.
April 28, 2021
I read all three books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them.
I think reading about a "Mall Security Cop" was something outside the box, and EJ is a delightful heroine.
Most of us never hear about or understand the workings of Mall Security, so it was interesting to read the background to this unsung job, done by the silent few. I never think of them being there throughout the night, and how spooky the empty Mall must be. One also never really thinks about the criminals - teenage or drug peddlers - who obviously frequent the area.
I highly recommend this series of books for their unique background and professional writing.
I think reading about a "Mall Security Cop" was something outside the box, and EJ is a delightful heroine.
Most of us never hear about or understand the workings of Mall Security, so it was interesting to read the background to this unsung job, done by the silent few. I never think of them being there throughout the night, and how spooky the empty Mall must be. One also never really thinks about the criminals - teenage or drug peddlers - who obviously frequent the area.
I highly recommend this series of books for their unique background and professional writing.
October 18, 2019
Much more than a cozy, I really liked this series. It was well written, well plotted and had good characters. As this one came out in 2013, I'm sorry to see no more were written. It did end well however but would have been great if it had carried on.
December 14, 2021
I am bummed this is the last book of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and wish the author would have continued with EJ and grandpa. The writing was good, the characters were good, and I really liked the ending.
November 3, 2023
I’ve loved this series all the way through. EJ is a strong and independent main character, and I really enjoyed following her these last 3 books. I hope the author will consider picking this series back up for a new book!
November 1, 2017
EJ, the main character isn't the most likeable, but the mystery is good. A film is being made in the Mall where EJ works and one of the crew is found dead in the toilets. EJ wants to find the killer.
November 18, 2017
It is a travesty that this series didn't continue. Great plots, writing and characters. Loved, loved, loved this series!!!
January 6, 2018
3.5 stars
January 10, 2018
This is the first I have read of the series and I liked it enough that I want to read the others. It was a quick read and entertaining.
February 22, 2018
Great story. I enjoyed all three and I wish there were more!!! The current "end" of the series seems incomplete.
May 4, 2018
A real page turner with lots of twists and turns and lots of mystery and action to the very end of the book.
July 24, 2018
main character provides security for a mall at the same time her father and others are filming a movie at the same mall
August 31, 2019
I enjoyed this story. It was fun and moved along at a nice clip. Now I'm going to miss this series!
September 23, 2019
A terrific series with wonderful recurring characters. The mall setting is different, but it totally works and the author keeps finding inventive ways to keep the plotlines fresh.
November 3, 2019
Great diversion on trip to "in-laws". Red herrings galore.
May 29, 2020
I enjoyed this easy reading cute series very much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews