In The Mall Of Madness

Bumps in the Night #1

by A.D. Aro

SHOP TIL YOU DROP - DEAD!

Welcome to Plainfield, the most boring town ever, at least according to Sam. She's been dying of boredom there her whole life!

Then the signs start cropping up: COMING SOON. PLAINFIELD MALL. LIVE TO SHOP, SHOP TO LIVE.

Hundreds of stores, a cineplex, even an indoor rollercoaster - it's everything Sam could ever wish for!

But there's something eerie about the owner, Morrigan Nyx. Once the mall opens it changes the town. Sam feels a strange force luring her into its depths. People start disappearing. Will Sam be able to escape once she's trapped IN THE MALL OF MADNESS?

Genres: Horror, Middle Grade, Paranormal

141 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2024

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In the Mall of Madness” author A.D Aro delivers a spine-tingling tale perfect for young readers with a taste for the eerie. Set in the quaint town of Plainfield, the story begins when plans of a massive mall are pushed onto the townspeople seemingly out of nowhere. This unexpected development both disturbs and angers the townsfolk, Sam sides with her father-small business owner as she fears what this new mall will do to any other of the town’s businesses. Once the mall begins their ad campaign in town she finds herself drawn to the mall. Something inside the mall calls to her and all the other townsfolk… something is off about the mall… something horrifying lurks within the mall’s walls.Who owns it, where did it come from? Why is everyone dying to get in? Will she be able to resist or will she give in and perhaps shop till she drops…

From the very first page, the atmosphere is thick with suspense. The author skillfully crafts an unsettling backdrop, combining vibrant imagery with a sense of foreboding. Its descriptions are terrifying and a bit gruesome. So reader beware! The mall itself becomes a character—its allure overpowering the strict guidelines set by Sam’s father as every store draws in our characters… it needs to bring in customers… it needs to feed!

What truly stands out is the book’s exploration of themes like friendship, courage, and the unknown.
Highly recommended for fans of spooky tales and adventure! So fun & so creepy!

[Shadyside Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

AD is the king of suspense! I was itching to find out the secrets behind this mall! Thankfully we got a wildly pleasant reveal, it just took a little too long for my liking 😉 anyways, great writing and a fun story that was a step up from goosebumps as far as reading level goes.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this is geared towards kids but what about us big kids? Us kids that grew up with Goosebumps, Eerie Indiana & Are You Afraid of the Dark? If you are also one of those kids, you’ll love this series!

First installment in the Bumps in the Night series brings us In The Mall of Madness. Our FMC, Sam, knows this isn’t yer typical mall and quickly finds out just how right she is.

If you were a fan of those darker episodes of AYAOTD and possibly watched Tales From the Crypt at way too young of an age but loved it and went to bed terrified, you will enjoy this read!

Can’t wait to read the next one.

[Joey Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly as advertised. A spooky young-at-heart novella that’s 100% pure cheese, down to the aggro dad shouting multiple variations of, “THIS MALL IS GOING TO DESTROY OUR TOWN!” It’s a slow burn getting to the big reveal, and what a fun reveal it is!

The first book in the Bumps in the Night series is a quick read with killer book, a nightmarish antagonist, and a genuinely sinister ending I didn’t see coming. For everyone looking for a nostalgic YA read, this will definitely scratch that itch!

[Owen Treolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a fondness for 80s malls and especially Robins Sparkles hit song “Let’s go to the Mall”, I was eager to see what the first book in this spiritual homage to Goosebumps would bring.

I was not disappointed.

This book kicks off a great new book series that any fan of Goosebumps or middle grade horror will love. Some fun twists and turns and several surprises will have you in the edge of your seat the whole time!

If this is what the first book is like, I’m sure the rest will be just as exciting!!

[Pulp_Fiction_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has an ever growing sense of impending dread that's a really nice undertone throughout. It also has great villainous characters and a fantastically dark ending that I've seen done once or twice before and always love. I do have a couple of minor nitpicks, starting with the mall itself. We get loads of great description of this mega mall and all it's wild attractions but when we finally get there we only visit one place and whilst we get a great, creepy scene there we never explore anywhere else. It would have been nice to have hit up some other spots and gotten equally creepy results utilising characteristics of said store or attraction. My other observation is about how the pacing of the first half is very slow and that coupled with some of the topics and language used (adults discussing town meetings, selectmen comitees and the plight of small business) could lead to it going completely over younger readers heads or cause them to lose interest altogether. Overall though this was a very good debut and I'm excited to read the next instalment.

[Autumn Ketchum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! 90s kid here and a big fan of the Goosebumps series and books in the same genre. This book felt nostalgic and refreshing all at the same time! It made me feel just as hopeless and powerless as the town and MC. What a killer ending too! The author doesn’t hold back on the darkness and I love it. Looking forward to the next one! 🤩

[Jennifer Sahms · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In the Mall of Madness" by A.D. Aro kicks off the Bumps in the Night series with a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern twists. As a longtime Goosebumps fan, knowing the author shares that love, I was eager to dive in, and the book didn’t disappoint. From the eerie vibe of the town and the creepy mall setting to the unsettling presence of the antagonist, Morrigan, the story delivers plenty of chills for those who enjoy all things spooky.

This book is a treat for us “old school” horror fans, but it also speaks to today's generation, with relevant references and tech-savvy elements like Sam’s dream of becoming a streamer. While I would’ve loved to see even more action in the mall, the story does a fantastic job of building suspense and leaving readers wanting more. "In the Mall of Madness" is a fun, creepy read for fans of classic horror who appreciate a modern twist.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness...I absolutely LOVED this. I think when I was a kid...this would have been one of my favorites. It's definitely written for a younger, middle grade audience, with a protagonist that is 12...but I LOVE that it's not dumbed down for them. The writing is good and respects the intelligence of young readers which isn't always the case.

This story is definitely creepy...and the ending is DARK. I'm not sure I would recommend this for sensitive readers or for anyone who needs a happy ending. BUT...for horror lovers young and old and everything in between? Absolutely give this a shot!

[Rachael Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When I say I really enjoyed this book I REALLY enjoyed this book, from the start the plot was always strong a brilliant character build up which made me be able to imagine the characters and the scenes in my head as I read, with plot twists and a very unexpected but amazing ending I couldn’t put it down, I can’t wait for the new book in January!!

[Lourdi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! Very reminiscent of Goosebumps and Bone Chillers from back in my day. Written very well and I’m excited for any future books in the series. I hope this book lands in the hands of kids (and forever kids 🙋🏻) and inspires a new generation of horror readers and writers alike.

[Graveyardreads Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Live To Shop, Shop To Live " were written on posters and flyers everywhere in the small town of Plainfield of a luxurious upcoming mall that excited kids and angered lifelong residents and business owners alike.
Sam's father was one of them who cursed and rallied against this new mall that was sure to ruin Plainfields businesses.
Sam and her best friend Lizzie couldn't wait for the mall to open. But, upon meeting the owner of the mall, Morrigan Nix, Sam sees more than new shops and attractions. Somehow, the mall seems strangely...alive.

The more middle grade horror I read, the more I love it! This is one that I would highly recommend. A combination of Goosebumps and The Twilight Zone, In the Mall of Madness is a creepy, strange, and fun story in the first in The Bumps in The Night series.
A.D. Aro, a life-long fan of the Goosebumps series, Bumps in The Night will attract kids of this generation who want to start reading horror books.

Rating 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[MiddleGrade YA Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very much similar to R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps franchise. And I give the author A.D. Aro kudos for following his dream of writing stories that are inspired by his childhood/teen-hood love of Goosebumps. (I did not know that writing a book was so hard until I attempted it sometime ago. And looking for an interested publisher for it? Very time-consuming.)
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I think the cover art aligns well with the book’s contents. I felt that he has his own, different approach to the middle grade horror genre. I felt that the character development was fine and the storyline, original, because this is my first time coming across its kind. I feel that having a female antagonist in the horror world is very much needed. Hey! I’m still waiting for a horror movie franchise with a demonic female monster in the same vein as Angela of the Night of the Demons movies (not recommended for teens and kids under 17 years old). But yeah, those are my humble opinions of A.D. Aro’s gem here.
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I appreciate his willingness to forward me a digital copy of this book of his upon my request. I wish Bumps in the Night much longevity and enthusiasm for years to come. Good day, Folks!

[Sharron Joy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing exciting happens in Plainfield, even the name is boring, so when flyers appear advertising a brand few shiny mall opening up Sam and Lizzie are very excited. The adults are initially angry as they worry about their family businesses. But on opening day they flock to see it and only Lizzie feels something is wrong.

With real Goosebumps vibes, this is such a fun story with something otherworldly invading a perfectly ordinary little town.

Sam and Lizzie have been best friends their whole lives and whilst the mall’s hypnotic pull works on everyone it doesn’t seem to work on Sam and her parents.

A really fantastic middle grade horror, the first in a series of Bumps in the Night and available on KU.

[Andrew Michel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by classics like Goosebumps and Bone Chillers series, this first installment of Bumps in the Night hits all the right cues. While simultaneously Feeling nostalgic and familiar, In the Mall of Madness also surprises and challenges young readers more than the other predecessor series do. It’s scary and fun.

[Tyler B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was alot of fun! I'm aware I'm a bit above the targeted audience but if you enjoyed goosebumps and similar titles growing up then you will really enjoy this. Eager to see what the future of this seri3s brings.

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dang.
This was unsettling, but interesting. I was intrigued throughout the whole thing. The ending surprised me though! WHY?!?!?!
I recommend to Goosebumps readers and to people who want a quick creepy read.

-creepy mall
-small town
-cute friendship

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best series of its kind since Goosebumps; R.L. Stine would be proud. Bumps in the Night is a great entry point into horror for kids and teens alike that will enthrall, but not overwhelm them.

[Paige Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I loved how it had that Goosebumps feel but modernized. The story takes place in a small town known as “Plainfield.” It’s run by small businesses due to the size of the population and then all of a sudden there’s news that a big mall is going to be built. This leaves the town fearful and angry for what’s to come and how it will affect their livelihood. The story was gripping from the first page and as I went on the story continued to build into something bigger with every flip of the page. I’m looking forward to seeing this series continue on and can’t wait to see what the next book has in store!

[Jacqueline Hoarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read that reminded me of growing up in the 90s on Goosebumps. But this isn’t just any Goosebumps imitation! A.D. Aro has a strong voice and an excellent vision for the genre. Looking forward to the next installments!

[David Washburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diving into this young adult shorty was like dropping Stranger Things into Bentley Little’s The Store. Straightforward writing with a story that moves beat to beat well, all under the watchful eye of a great antagonist.

Just as the book looks and how it’s presented, this is cut from the same cloth as Goosebumps and those classic YA scary books we all loved as kids. Perfect for younger readers and just as good for any adult who enjoys horror.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

We’re back baby. So I did do a recent read for a blog reject but I’ll log that when it comes out and I did reread Creature Teacher for the blog as well. But now I’m back as it’s time t return to modern Goosebumps throwback stuff. I admit I got burned out on these after a few too many were on the middling side, and I do prefer standalone kids horror stuff these days as those tend to be better and do new things rather than just be nostalgia based.

But some of these have been strong, like Frightivsion and Monsterious so I’m up for some of the new ones I heard about. First is Bumps in the Nights by AD Aro. He’s on Instagram and I ended up interaction a bit with him following me and ya’ll knew by now that I means I was obligated to read this, coming out in 2024.

Sam Lowe lives in the small town of Plainfield, which she thinks is the pitts. (Pitts Landing alert). There’s nothing to do and her parents are on the old fashioned side. But she wants to get out of here someday and be a filmmaker. One day, a company comes in to put a mall in the town. Most people are very much against that but this company just comes in and doesn't give them much of a say in the matter.

The owner says it will make the town way better but they worry it will get in the way of their small business and the tight nit feels of the town. Sam and her friend Liz are exciting at first but something seems off. The owner is creepy and the people who visit when it opens act strangely, and there seems to be a force taking over people. Can she get to the bottom of this?

I quite liked this one, more than I expected. To get the problems out of the way, we don’t get as much mall action as I would have liked, as we mostly get one section of playing around in it. Pacing mostly works but there is a slow burn nature with it rushing the payoff something. There are places where they could have done more with the location for even some thematic stuff. Also, it’s a bit too clear what is going on which hurts the mystery a tad.

Early on the parents did seem a bit unreasonable and too anti-modern stuff and I was ready to be totally on Sam’s side. It could have gotten a bit boomer-y but it manages to avoid that. For one, it’s basically about this large corporation getting in the way of the little guy and the commentary is on the nose, but effective. This setup is familiar, South Park and Dan Vs did it, and it works here as well.

The dad seems like a dick early on but we do come to understand and even feel bad for him and the family in general as things go wrong. We actually get the parents POV at one point which worked in making me feel for them. Reasonable parents, that’s a new one lol. I liked Sam and her bond with Liz, it was nice to see. Writing is solid, with enough for descriptions and such. A bit redunant at times but otherwise, yeah, writing was good.

Then you have the ending, which is spoilers, a downer one which was pretty effective and made the pacing work better by the end. The way it happens is similar to a Creepover I read and I liked that, in both cases it was unique and different for these which I dug.

So overall, pretty good. While there are places it could have been improved, it was pretty enjoyable. Solid writing, likable leads and some mild emotion and effective commentary. The nature of what is going on was pretty wild and worked as a payoff to me.

We’ll see if I cover the only other one in the series that is currently out at time, but this was pretty good. One of the more inspired feeling one of these I’ve come across, in some ways at least. Worth a look.

Next should another one of the types hopefully, or the new Graveyard Club from Stine, we’ll see. I can promise the summer marathon will come back for round 4 so get hype. See ya then.

[Books For Decaying Millennials · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author and Publisher for sending me a softback copy to review. All views and opinions are my own.
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"Holy All Consuming Cosmic Consumerism Horror!" - Something I exclaimed when the full scope of this book finally landed on me.

Let's turn back the clock a few decades, back to the 1990s...still with me? We Decaying Millennials were still in the midst of our growing/mutating etc. Finding a good source for your scares typically meant a trip to the library, or perhaps the book fair (especially the latter if you were feeling flush with birthday money etc). In either destination, you were sure to find a selection of books promising scary stories for young minds to absorb. Attention grabbing covert art, with Fonts and color schemes to match. No two titles were the same in the this respect, and there as absolutely a spectrum. The point being, our brains memorized that specific style of presentation.....and we're back to the present day!

With his "Bumps In The Night" book series, author A.D. Aro promises Decaying Millennials, like myself, an opportunity to sample new terrors, presented in the spirit, and maybe clothed in some of the flesh....of those YA horror stories we were raised on. " In The Mall of Madness", delivers that taste of nostalgia, but that little dopamine hit is only fleeting, for A.D. Aro has something much more important in store. That it's presented in a format, that almost tricks your brain into thinking you've found an old Goosebumps book, bonechiller etc. It's that hit of true icy dread, that moment you're invested in story, when everything begins to go very wrong. While many of the YA horror from our youth gave little kiddie cocktail sips of this sensation, "In The Mall of Madness" Serves up an unfiltered highball glass of it. With it comes a happily surprising does of grisly death and peril. Tales from The Crypt and The Vault of Horror oozing past that YA Horror surface.
All that being said, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to the Gen Alpha Horror fans in your family (or your friends kids etc). I have no doubt the subsequent books in this series are just potent and full of genuine scares.
Before I forget, I would be remiss if I didn't geek out for a moment on the sizing, typesetting, and Illustration style of this book. When I first picked it up out of its envelope, I was struck by just how much it really did have the sense of seemingly like the type of book I would have found at the library in my mouth. Perhaps in one of those spinning racks that often put the paperbacks in. Is it an attempt esthetics, to recreate the feel of those old books? Sure. Does it work? Oh hell yeah!

[Fionna Cosgrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎥 IN THE MALL OF MADNESS 🎥 by @bumps_in_the_night_books A.D. ARO
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what a super nostalgic dive into middle grade horror. It hits all the creepy beats with a twist I didn't see coming.
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Sitting under 200 pages, this book is such a treat for kids (and big kids) 8+.
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One of my fave AYAOTD episodes has mannequin like 'villains' and this book brought all those creepy feels. I'll never use a changeroom without those hands cropping up in my mind.
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I not only love a good twist, but a twist on a version of a 'happy ending' is my all time fave. Looking forward to more in the series.
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For lovers of the Monsterious series, Jack Heaths Scream series, and of course Goosebumps.
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🍿 scale: so snacky. Extra tasty butter for this horror titbit.
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👻 scale: Morgana is a creepy antagonist all on her own, but throw in the bigger picture, and you got yourself a creepy beastie of cosmic proportions.
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📖 BLURB 📖
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SHOP TIL YOU DROP - DEAD!

Welcome to Plainfield, the most boring town ever, at least, according to Sam. She's been dying of boredom there her whole life!
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Then the signs start cropping up: COMING SOON. PLAINFIELD MALL. LIVE TO SHOP, SHOP TO LIVE.
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Hundreds of stores, a cineplex, even an indoor rollercoaster - it's everything Sam could ever wish for!
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But there's something eerie about the owner, Morrigan Nyx. Once the mall opens, it changes the town. Sam feels a strange force, luring her into its depths. People start disappearing. Will Sam be able to escape once she's trapped IN THE MALL OF MADNESS?
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[Paula Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sam Lowe thinks her home town of Plainville lives down to its name - she finds it boring. She is initially excited and curious about plans for a new super-duper mall (the place sounds awesome), but this is tempered by her father's anger at his general store potentially being put out of business. Other business owners aren't happy either. When Sam and her friend Lizzie start investigating the mall, Sam is unsettled by some of the things she is seeing.

I mostly had fun with this modern-day Goosebumps knock-off, but felt it was perhaps a little too slow in kicking into gear considering its length. There are a whole hodge-podge of ideas thrown at the reader candy and chocolate as some form of mind control, mannequins attacking our protagonist in a nifty sequence, people's memories being wiped, but the author never really gets a chance to flesh them out into something truly memorable before trying to tie everything together and explain what is going on in the last 50-odd pages of the book. Although this is presumably aimed at younger readers, it is a lot darker than Goosebumps, and much more plot driven. This book isn't delivering a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter; its build-up is a lot more carefully crafted and deliberate. I think I would have liked it to get a little wilder sooner than it did.

Although this wasn't a home run for me, I am very excited to see what else is in store with this series and will continue to read subsequent books.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

We don’t get to the mall until 50% in and they only go to the mall twice. For me this needed more mall content though I did enjoy the “alive” mall and attack of the mannequins. It sounded like the Mall of America with the amusement park area.

It is kind of nostalgic though I think it’s set in modern times. The main character uses her phone to film everything. But her best friend uses glitter makeup popular in the 90s/early 00s. I did enjoy the outfit descriptions at the Rad store in the mall.

Interesting to have a chapter or two from the parents’ perspective in a middle grade book. Also selectmen threw me as we call them councilmen here.

Didn’t enjoy the ending where evil prevails. This would’ve made a great Goosebumps or Are You Afraid of the Dark episode though I think those always ended happy.

[Dustin Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

A. D. Aro steps into the YA horror playscape with a mighty swing! In the Mall of Madness takes us back to the horror books of our youth, then cranks things up a few notches (and in the case of chapter 26, a few hundred!) beyond what you’d typically find in Goosebumps or its nostalgic successors. Aro does a great job of setting the stage as the sleepy small town of Plainfield grapples with the sudden arrival of a massive shopping mall, threatening to wipe out the beloved old-school businesses. With an ending that would have had Scholastic agents up in arms, this youth-inspired novel leans darker, introducing Morrigan Nyx, a creepy, iconic female villain and all-around baddie. Can’t wait to dive into Nostalgic Nightmare next and see what Aro has in store for the Bumps in the Night series!

[Kat Dicker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed "In the Mall of Madness" for many reasons! I don't wanna give too much away cause for me, that was part of the fun - unraveling the story and all the surprises!

I thought the ending was satisfying, especially with the underlying themes. The book is in a sweet spot because I'm in my 30s and think it was a fun and entertaining read but I could see myself enjoying it at the same age I read Goosebumps too (though I'd say the Bumps In the Night series is a bit darker overall - and I like that!)

I gotta read all the books in the series now! 😁

If you enjoy creepy stories, definitely check it out!

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re nostalgic for classic Goosebumps then this is the series for you. This really feels like a modern more up to date Goosebumps series that is maybe aimed at ages a little bit older (I, being a 37 year old adult loved it myself) The story and pacing were spot on. I really liked the whole mall theme. After reading nearly every Goosebumps book I can say that this is worth your time if you’re searching for something along those lines. I will be purchasing the next couple of books in the series and patiently waiting for more to come!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Another read I'm not sure I would have picked up or even known about without Old School April. But I'm really glad I checked this one out. It had a very strong start but it did slow down and drag a bit in the middle. The ending picked up really quickly though and just went crazy in the best way. I just wish it would have held that speed the whole book. If you like Goosebumps I highly recommend picking this one up.