The Case of the Contraband Closet
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

The Case of the Contraband Closet

Written by Goldy Moldavsky

Part of the Bubblegum Shoes series

A middle school PI tackles a mysterious theft to mend friendships.

4.1 Goodreads · 107 ratings
224 pages· 760L
$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Seventh-grade sleuth Maya Mendoza faces her toughest case yet when the Contraband Closet at Marlowe Middle School is robbed. With friendships on the line, Maya must unravel the mystery of the missing items, including something precious to her estranged friend Jordan. Can Maya solve the case and restore what was lost, or will the secrets of the hallways remain hidden forever? Dive into a world where every clue counts and friendships are the ultimate prize in this sharp, witty mystery series debut.

From the publisher

When a stock-pile of confiscated classroom items go missing, (self-appointed) seventh grade PI Maya is on the case. From the New York Times bestselling author of Kill the Boy Band comes a whip-smart middle grade debut and the start of a sharp cul-du-sac crime-solving series. 9:48 AM. Math class. Marlowe Middle School. Life isn’t easy on the streets, er, hallways of Marlowe Middle School. Luckily, private eye Maya Mendoza never stops paying attention. She knows who is passing notes in class. Spots which teacher wore shoes a half-size too tight. And she certainly notices when her former best friend Jordan suddenly stops talking to her. Then, the legendary Contraband Closet is robbed. Every handheld game console, spray paint canister, energy drink, and other prized possession teachers have collected since the dawn of time are seemingly lost forever–including an item of Jordan’s. Suddenly, Maya sees a case that may set things back to the way it used to be because contraband–and friendships–don’t vanish into thin air…right? A wise-cracking start to a new mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Goldy Moldavsky.

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
224
Reading age
8–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
760L
The author

More from Goldy Moldavsky

Explore Goldy's bookshelf
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books
Shine!
Sale price
$1699

Shine!

Ages 8–12 · 2019
Chirp
Sale price
$1699

Chirp

Ages 10–13 · 2020
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
~4.9
F&P level
~R
Publication
Published
July 1, 2025
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780593813768

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.