Hocus Pocus Hotel by Michael Dahl Published by Stone Arch Books on August 1st 2012
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 216
Goodreads
Ever since it was built by the great magician Abracadabra, the hotel Tyler Yu lives in has had its share of mysterious events. Ghosts wandering the halls, a magician who vanishes into thin air – Ty can’t figure these things out on his own. But Charlie Hitchcock, with his photographic memory, might just be the partner the school bully needs. Together, they’ll solve magical mysteries beyond your wildest imagination.
Dahl writes a lot of books for Capstone, so I was happy to see a bit of a thicker novel that involved magic in a hotel. I've always loved stories that take place in a hotel full of mysteries. This story was no exception. Ty is a big scary bully who tracks down Charlie to help him with a couple of mysteries happening in the Hocus Pocus Hotel. Charlie cannot help solving puzzles and even though he's a bit afraid of Ty, he agrees and together they figure out how a magician jumped out of a window and disappeared. More mysteries start happening and Charlie must help Ty solve the problems, or he'll be in big trouble.
I really loved Charlie, who is a bit of a nerd and loves figuring out puzzles. Also, the elevator operator is a humorous old man who gives cryptic clues and has his own mysterious air about him. The illustrations in this novel are fantastic and really help the reader visual all that is happening throughout the story.
Final Verdict: A great read for elementary students, one that will capture and hold their attention as they solve mysteries with Charlie and Ty.
Book Dragon
The main character is a bully?
Look like another book to add to my tbr list!
laura thomas
I too like stories that take place in hotels. So much happening. Sounds like it’s one adventure after another. I want to know how the magician disappeared:)