This was so FUN and cute. Like what girl wouldn't want to live in a mall? Chloe, that's who. This book had me laughing so much. The characters were so engaging and the fact that there's clever writing and relatable situations? It makes this so much better.

thanks for the chance to read this book in exchange for honest feedback. Really I think the major strength is in the imagination of this book. I’m not going to lie, I’ve thought about what would happen if I lived in the mall. It’s funny, clever and imaginative. I think middle grade to young HS readers will enjoy this one. However the cover could use some reimagining I think to appeal to the older readers. It reminds me of one of those old video game prompts from the early 2000s

What girl wouldn't want to live in a mall? Chloe Lamont, that's who. She'd love to be like normal kids her age and live in a neighborhood. But she and her mom's house is smack dab in the middle of the mall, and Chloe will be the first to tell you it's not as fun as you might think. A vandal is egging stores in the mall and as Chloe soon discovers, they are stealing eggs from her own kitchen. Who is behind the egging and why are they framing Chloe and her mom? Chloe hasn't a clue but enlists the help of her mystery reading group at school. Can Mall Girl, as her friend calls her, and the Mystery Groupers solve this real-life mystery before it's too late?

Mall Girl Meets the Shadow Vandal is an imaginative, quirky middle-grade mystery. As a girl, I often thought how cool it would be to live at the mall. Kimberly Baer takes this idea and creates a truly original story. Chloe is a heroine every reader can relate to. She's entering the 7th grade and her best friend to this point isn't in any of her classes anymore. Chloe reluctantly makes new friends and steps outside her comfort zone. This important subplot and character development arc take this book from a regular mystery into an emotional coming of age story. The plot progression is set at a natural pace. There's a real-life feel to Mall Girl Meets the Shadow Vandal, which impressed me. Kimberly Baer's growth as a writer is showcased in Mall Girl Meets the Shadow Vandal and I commend her. Part Beverly Cleary, part N. Drew, Mall Girl Meets the Shadow Vandal will keep you reading until the very end. I hated leaving Chloe and I wish there were more Mall Girl adventures to read. If you've ever wanted to live at the mall, pick up Mall Girl Meets the Shadow Vandal. If you're looking for a middle-grade mystery, you'll love Mall Girl Meets the Shadow Vandal. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5+ stars