Mystery

Bubblegum Shoes: The Case of the Contraband Closet

by Goldy Moldavsky

2.5
Reviewed March 19, 2026

Ivy found Bubblegum Shoes: The Case of the Contraband Closet to be a light, playful school mystery with humor and detective fun, but felt it fell short on character development and a clear takeaway message, earning it a 2.5–3 out of 5. Still, she recommends it for readers who enjoy quick, entertaining mysteries with a dash of friend drama—reminding everyone that just because it wasn't her favorite doesn't mean it won't be yours!

Ivy's Review

Bubblegum Shoes: The Case of the Contraband Closet by Goldy Moldavsky follows Maya Mendoza, a school-kid with an eye for detail. When a strange mystery involving the renowned Contraband Closet stars causing trouble at school, Maya takes the case, risking her school enrollment; determined to find out what's really going on. As she, along with her ex-best friend, Jordan, who lost show choir's pitch pipe, rich-kid Clementine, who lost her phone, and genius Ava, who skipped two grades and won't tell anyone what she got confiscated, gathers clues and interviews suspects, the mystery becomes more complicated than she expected. This mystery book mixes humor, school life, and classic detective work.

This story was okay and got a 3 out of 5, technically 2.5 out of 5. It was interesting in parts, but didn't capture my attention as much as stories I really love. In terms of story, this book got an actual 3 because it didn't really show a character arch for Maya, the main character, and the actual story, as in the lesson to take away from it, not just the plot, was not clear. I didn't really see what to take away from the story, other that feeling some friendship...theme. The writing was okay, but you know how the first rule of writing fiction is show, not tell. The author really did not tell, but she didn't quite show. For example, on the cover are the four main characters. I have no clue who they are. Based of context clues, I'm guessing the person in the front is Maya, the brunette with blue steaks is Clem, but the other two? No idea.

The mood is pretty light with, obviously, some mystery and suspense as Maya and her friends solve the case. Bubblegum Shoes does not have an intense, fast-paced mood that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but it keeps a light and almost playful tone.

If you like school mysteries with a pinch of friend drama, detective stories, and light, humorous books, you will enjoy this book. It is a good choice for someone who wants a quick, entertaining mystery that isn't too serious. And remember: just because I didn't like Bubblegum Shoes, doesn't mean you won't. Everyone likes different things. It's not a bad book, just I didn't like it.

Anyways, enjoy the start of Spring and keep reading. Bye!

About This Book

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.

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