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 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?

Read the first book in the spinetingling new YA horror series BUMPS IN THE NIGHT, if you dare!

Genres: Horror, Middle Grade, Paranormal, Monsters

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2024

About the author

A.D. Aro lives in Salisbury, Massachusetts. He has been a fan of all things spooky his whole life, raised on Goosebumps, Are You Afraid of the Dark, and the VHS box art from the horror section of the video rental stores. Currently, he writes a middle grade horror series called Bumps In The Night. "Baby's Breath", his first standalone YA horror novel, will be releasing April 7th, 2026 through Terrorcore Publishing.

He welcomes questions and comments at: bumpsinthenightbooks@gmail.com

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!

[Shiv (The Horrorlander) · Rating 5 out of 5]

About a smalltown USA kind of neighborhood where the MC’s family runs a general store, and are now at threat when a mysterious company decides to build a Mall Of America-akin supermall in town. With the fact it was done off the radar to the townfolk’s anger, overnight construction, a creepy tall woman named Morrigan leading the front, and kids seeing blood being pumped into the building with pulsating gray matter like insulation behind closed doors…something strange is at work

The book is a lot darker and more emotionally mature than most of other kids horror. Body horror, cosmic horror, real life horror themes, with a touch of nostalgic relatability and creepy visuals so this thing had it all. Aro essentially turns the themes of commercialism and consumerism into…Lovecraftian. Yeah flat out next level stuff, and a cool secondary villain. The book also ends up very dark with an epilogue, and probably the most dark yet emotionally mature decision I ever seen a kids horror character make.

The only slight weakness is I do feel story was missing a back and forth between the kid and the villains, so that’s why I took minor points. But otherwise, almost perfect story

[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!

[Isabel (Isabel Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this! Great character development for a Middle Grade book and I felt it had a fair amount of gore and suspense. Really enjoyed the idea of this “mall” and the effects it had on the townspeople. I cannot wait to continue in the series!

[Austin Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐ rounded down

[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.

[Heather Larocchia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little scary story about a boring town and the creepy mall that takes it over. This reminds me a lot of the classic Goosebumps books (the story format felt very similar, just with the addition of cellphones). I think my middle school students would enjoy this!

[Jose Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this first entry in his loving homage to the terror tomes of our millennial youth, Aro gets off on a strong start in this tale packed with intrigue and doom. One can tell that we're in capable hands when we're given such a captivating main character to root for the whole way through. Sam manages to be strong and smart even in the face of insurmountable odds. She really is the heartbeat of the book and the reason that the ending lands as well as it does.

Aro also does a great job of turning the screws and showing us in an unflinching way what impact the construction of the mysterious mall has on the residents of good ol' Plainfield. The shenanigans remain spooky for the majority of the book before ramping up into some gonzo weirdness in the last third. A welcome sight and indication of Aro's febrile, grim imagination.

This being Aro's first outing, there are some sections of the book where the action could use a shot in the arm and the prose a bit tightening, but overall this story is very successful in its conjuring of an era and a mood. If this is Aro getting his feet wet (in blood), then I can only imagine that things get even better and crazier from here. Long live the BUMPS!

[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.

[Mike Calkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Well. I did not expect it to get that dark.

Great homage to the middle grade horror books of yesteryear. Fun premise, distinct villain and strong themes. Some of the imagery here stunned me, particularly a horrific scene towards the end that is much harsher than anything I have read in Goosebumps. This was a really impressive first outing!

[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.

[Kenneth Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goosebumps vibe but edgier

I love this book. It had the right amount of scares and surprise. Characters were fleshed out and the scenes didnt drag too long. Cant wait to read his other books.

[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.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

honestly i couldn’t put this down.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m thoroughly impressed, I did not expect the ending to be that dark.
I was expecting a typical “good conquers evil, things to back to normal, be grateful for the life you have” type of ending but I prefer this WAY more. I wish more middle grade books took a risk like that.
A clever metaphor for how big companies literally kill small businesses and how bad things unfortunately happen to good people due to the greed of the rich.
Honestly this premise would’ve made for an interesting full length novel.
I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of the series asap, I hope A.D. Aro achieves great success and recognition from book fans, he definitely deserves it!

[Jules Inman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun! It has modern day Goosebumps vibes. The plot was different and interesting and we get some scary and gory scenes. Will definitely check out more in the series.

[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

[John Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Mall of Madness has a compelling mystery at its center, and characters you can care about. One thing that stuck out to me was how this book treats its adult characters. They feel like actual people, rather than merely obstacles to the protagonist. I liked that we got some chapters focused on Sam's parents, and Aro's writing is able to even make the small town politics stuff compelling. When we get to the mall, there's some eerie visuals here; mannequin hands, blood in the walls. I have mixed feelings on the ending, but this is a solid, well-written bit of horror that I enjoyed reading.

[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!