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Hocus Pocus Hotel

by Michael Dahl, Lisa K. Weber (Illustrator)

3.85 of 5 stars 3.85 · rating details · 62 ratings · 27 reviews

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...more

Hardcover, 204 pages

Published July 1st 2012 by Stone Arch Books

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Nov 11, 2012 Kristi Bernard rated it 5 of 5 stars

What do yo think you would find in a creaky old hotel built by a famous magician and the home of old retired magic performers? If you guessed ghosts, strange disappearances and shadowy figures in the hallways, you guessed right!

Charlie Hitchcock is your average geek kid. He has a photographic memory and loves to play his Sherlock Homes Maximum Z video game. But, Charlie's life is about to change when he received a note from the worst bully in the entire school, Tyler Yu. The note reads:

Meet me a...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Stormi (Lightning Book Promotions) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this middle grade book by Michael Dahl, it's the first book I have read from him and I now can't wait to read Troll Hunter the next book I have from this author to read. Hocus Pocus Hotel is very easy to read and has a great flow to it that I think a lot of young readers will love. The illustrations in this book are great and really bring the story to life.

The book starts out with Charlie thinking he is going has to fight the school bully Ty, because he has a note telling him to...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Liviania rated it 4 of 5 stars

HOCUS POCUS HOTEL is the first book in a middle grade mystery series. Tyler Yu is the biggest seventh grader at Blackstone Middle School. Charlie Hitchcock is a geek. But Ty is saving up to buy a motorcycle using the money he makes working at his parents' hotel: the Abracadabra Hotel. However, he won't have enough money if he can't get Mr. Madagascar's rent - and Mr. Madagascar has vanished. So he asks Charlie to help, since he has an acute visual memory and thus can remember everything he sees....more HOCUS POCUS HOTEL is the first book in a middle grade mystery series. Tyler Yu is the biggest seventh grader at Blackstone Middle School. Charlie Hitchcock is a geek. But Ty is saving up to buy a motorcycle using the money he makes working at his parents' hotel: the Abracadabra Hotel. However, he won't have enough money if he can't get Mr. Madagascar's rent - and Mr. Madagascar has vanished. So he asks Charlie to help, since he has an acute visual memory and thus can remember everything he sees. They're also helped by Mr. Brack, one of the old elevator operators.

Due to Charlie's ability, I was reminded of the Cam Jensen mystery series which I absolutely loved back in first grade. Current young mystery lovers will probably get a kick out of HOCUS POCUS HOTEL, especially since there are two mysteries to be solved instead of just one. Magic fans will enjoy it too. The Abracadabra Hotel is full of magicians, secrets, and riddles - the perfect atmosphere for tricks. Each trick is explained with a diagram, although they probably can't be done at home due to the complicated mirror set-ups needed.

Lisa K. Weber's art is an excellent accompaniment to Michael Dahl's story. Her illustrations have big expressions, clean lines, and detailed backgrounds. The hotel is as much a character as the boys and Brack and her work helps bring it to life. There's no whitewashing either. Ty is clearly Asian in the artwork. You can click on the link to the series' website at the top of this review to preview Weber's art.

If you know a young mystery reader, you might direct them towards HOCUS POCUS HOTEL. It's quick and cute with a great setting. Dahl also sets up a couple of ongoing plotlines for the rest of the series. Now that Tyler and Charlie have bridged the geek-jock gap by solving mysteries together, it might be time to act like friends at school too. They're also going to help the magicians put on a show at the Abracadabra for the first time in fifty years, in order to help restore the hotel to its former glory. It's nice to know there will be ongoing storylines and characterization rather than each book standing alone. (less)

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Oct 23, 2012 Justin rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really ended up enjoying Hocus Pocus Hotel. I usually like turning to Middle Grade books when I need something light and fun to read, and this book fit the bill for sure. It's was a ton of fun to read, fell of mystery, clue solving and just an all around good time. I really enjoyed the illustrations and such that went along with the book, visual aid always helps to build atmosphere especially when it's an image directly related to a scene on a previous page. You will see a lot of that. This be...more I really ended up enjoying Hocus Pocus Hotel. I usually like turning to Middle Grade books when I need something light and fun to read, and this book fit the bill for sure. It's was a ton of fun to read, fell of mystery, clue solving and just an all around good time. I really enjoyed the illustrations and such that went along with the book, visual aid always helps to build atmosphere especially when it's an image directly related to a scene on a previous page. You will see a lot of that. This being the first book of Michael's that I have read, I have to say I am pretty impressed. And will be reading more of his books, one of which I plan to review later this month.

The story wasn't extremely complex, as you could expect in a Middle Grade book but it's more than enough to keep you interested in what is going on, even for older readers. You have two characters, that you would never expect to get along. Tyler is a school bully that doesn't really talk, but will leave notes for people he wants to harass, and one day he leaves a note for Charlie, so naturally Charlie thinks he is going to get beat up after school. That is not the case though. Tyler has come to Charlie for help, and they end up getting themselves in quite a situation.

I loved the mystery aspect of this book, seeing Tyler and Charlie work out clues and figure out what exactly was going on in the hotel. While it's all pretty basic and toned down, you got to remind yourself that the book is written for younger readers. But I feel like it's easily a book that older readers can pick up and enjoy too. Don't be turned away from it just because of the idea of it being middle grade, there are a lot of enjoyable middle grade titles out there for all to enjoy, and this is one of them.

I enjoyed the ending, I felt like it was a great way to wrap up an already enjoyable book. I felt like things were a little predictable, but I feel like younger readers won't have that issue as I imagine they will be more wrapped up in everything going on rather than paying a lot of attention to a lot of the finer details. But predictable in this case wasn't a bad thing, I liked the outcome and everything leading up to it so I really have nothing to complain about.

Overall I thought this was a great book. As with most Middle Grade book, you're not really going to find something extremely deep and thought provoking. It's mostly just going to be fun, light moments throughout the book. Even the somewhat darker aspects of Hocus Pocus Hotel had a lighter feel to them than you would imagine, but I really enjoyed that about the book. If it sounds like something you might enjoy, then I would suggest checking it out.(less)

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Oct 01, 2012 Peter Schott rated it 5 of 5 stars

Hocus Pocus Hotel by Michael Dahl is the first book in a promising new series aimed at children. Charlie Hitchcock (or “Hitch”) is the class genius, known for his photographic memory. Tyler Yu (“Ty”) is the class bully, known for beating up kids after slipping them a note saying to meet him after school. Charlie gets one of the infamous notes and leaves school to a chorus of kids telling him goodbye. He meets Ty in a dark alley near some dumpsters and fears that Ty will soon be dumping him in on...more Hocus Pocus Hotel by Michael Dahl is the first book in a promising new series aimed at children. Charlie Hitchcock (or “Hitch”) is the class genius, known for his photographic memory. Tyler Yu (“Ty”) is the class bully, known for beating up kids after slipping them a note saying to meet him after school. Charlie gets one of the infamous notes and leaves school to a chorus of kids telling him goodbye. He meets Ty in a dark alley near some dumpsters and fears that Ty will soon be dumping him in one. Ty has other plans, though, and invites Charlie into the Abracadabra Hotel, known to many as the “Hocus Pocus Hotel”. This hotel was built by a magician for magicians and is full of secrets.

Tyler and Charlie team up to solve the mystery of a magician who has disappeared. They learn more about the hotel, its residents, and some of the tricks magicians use to perform their illusions as they work together to try to find the missing magician. Along the way they meet Brack, the elevator operator, Tyler’s mom and dad, and a host of performers and employees. Of course, they can’t acknowledge each other back in school or Charlie will be pounded for real.

Unexpectedly, this first volume contains not just one mystery, but two (or maybe more?). I would have appreciated a break in the book to indicate that a new story was started, but that wasn’t a huge problem other than it would have provided a convenient stopping place while reading with my child. Tyler and Charlie team up again to solve the mystery of a ghost in the hotel. Strange noises, objects taken from locked rooms, and a voice calling out “Mister Ken”. Who is Ken? Is the hotel actually haunted? We get to learn some more about illusions as the duo work towards solving the next mystery.

As an adult, I found this an entertaining read with some great illustrations. I would have loved this sort of book when I was in elementary school. The proof that a child will like this comes from my kid who couldn’t wait to keep going and find out how the mysteries were solved and how the tricks were done. We had to keep reading until the very end because the story was great to hold the imagination and attention. We’re now eagerly looking forward to book #2 which is due out in 2013.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a review copy of this book. There was no expectation of anything on my part for receiving the book. I was not influenced by the publisher or author in any way.
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Jul 31, 2012 Stephanie Cover2CoverBlog rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: early-review, my-home-library, middle-grade

Background: The Hocus Pocus Hotel is really called the Abracadabra, and it has some weird things happening. Rumors of ghosts and crazy occurrences plague the staff and unique guests. The Abracadabra Hotel is really a retirement place for old magicians as well as a hotel and Hitch, the school nerd and Tyler, the school bully and son of the hotel manager, team up to correct the problems.

Review: This was an adorable read. The story was mysterious and an adventure full of fun characters and magician...more

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Nov 16, 2012 Carrie Ardoin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: edelweiss, middle-grade

What could the tough Tyler Yu and smart, quiet Charlie Hitchcock have in common? Not too much, but Tyler needs Charlie's help nonetheless. Tyler's family runs the Hocus Pocus Hotel, and some strange things have been going on there lately. Charlie's on the case to find out the truth.

While I will admit I am way past the age group this book is for, I still found it a little too simple and the mysteries solved very quickly. I also figured out what was going on before the characters.

But for a younger...more

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Jul 11, 2012 Jackie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: middle-grade-reading, work-review-related-reading

This a fun read that is also educational. The Hocus Pocus Hotel is basically a retirement home for magicians, though anyone can stay--if they can stand the mysteries. Ghosts in the halls, disappearing people, mysterious thefts abound until Tyler, the hotel manager's son, enlists his school's brainiac and master puzzle solver to figure out what it going on. It's a page turning mystery AND a teaching tool because, as the boys solve the mysteries, they show how the "tricks" were done, often with di...more

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Dec 25, 2012 Barbara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: bullies, community, families, friendship, mysteries

Seventh grader Tyler Yu has a reputation as the school bully, but he needs help from Charlie Hitchcock in solving a couple of mysteries at his family's hotel. In two separate puzzles, Charlie must figure out what has happened to a magician who has disappeared and owes money to the hotel, and he must figure out why so many odd objects such as a shower curtain and bowling pins are disappearing. Most of all, he enjoys finding out the hidden story behind Brack, the hotel's elderly elevator man. This...more

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Nov 19, 2012 Kitty Bullard rated it 5 of 5 stars

Title: Hocus Pocus Hotel
Author: Michael Dahl
Publisher: Stone Arch Books
Ages: 9-12
Rating: 5

Review: An amazing adventure for middle-graders this book is imaginative, exciting and one of a kind. Michael Dahl weaves an awesome tale of mystery and magic as two boys become an unlikely duo to solve the strange happenings at the Abracadabra Hotel. Ty and Hitch are about as different as two boys can be but they form a united front as they search for the culprits behind disappearances, strange voices, and...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was a little dubious at first, the book starts out with a classic bully forcing the main character to come over to his place. However, it turns out that hte bully character lives in a hotel for retired magicians. And the entire story is a set of mysteries where you try to figure out how the magicians in the story do their tricks and fool the bully.

The magic tricks are interesting, and explained very well, it ended up being quite interesting.

I would recommend this book to middle elementary and...more

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Nov 06, 2012 Marcie rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Hocus Pocus Hotel by Michael Dahl is a great book for young readers. The main character's name is Charlie Hitchcock. He has a photographic memory and a knack for solving mysteries. Tyler Yu is the school tough guy that everyone wants to steer clear of. Charlie is thrown for a loop when he receives a message from Tyler asking to meet him by Abracadabra. This hotel was built by a a great magician. Things start to go awry at the hotel and Tyler needs Charlie's help.
The Hocus Pocus Hotel contain...more

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Oct 20, 2012 Kristen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: middlegrade, mystery

First Impression: 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.

While Reading: 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 ma...more

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Oct 30, 2012 The Bumble Girl {Margie} rated it 4 of 5 stars

A new favorite series that my kids and I are definitely going to follow! Hocus Pocus Hotel is the first book in a new magical-mystery series created by Michael Dahl for middle graders.

The Hocus Pocus Hotel is actually called The Abracadabra named after the famous magician that built it for magicians to have a place to live, practice and perform their acts. Tyler and his family live and run this hotel - but lately, they have been experiencing some odd disturbances and disappearances and Ty thinks...more

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Dec 01, 2012 Kyra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Hocus Pocus Hotel is an entertaining middle-grade read that will delight younger and older readers alike. Its fresh, fun and exciting! It will have you flipping the pages, enjoying the story and admiring the gorgeous illustrations.

Hocus Pocus Hotel is about the school brain and the school bully that strike up an unlikely friendship. When Charlie Hitchock is handed a note during the day, by none other then the school bully, Ty Yu. Charlie is expecting to fight Tyler Yu after school, as whenever s...more

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Aug 08, 2012 Anna (Gatsby's Girl) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Charlie Hitchcock is a total geek, with a photographic memory. Tyler Yu, the school bully, is saving up to buy a motorcycle working in his parents' hotel (called the Abracadabra). But Mr. Madagascar, one of the tenants, has gone missing without paying his rent. He is a retired magician and most of the hotel guests are former performers of some sort or another. With the help of a very curious Charlie, the elevator operator Mr. Brack and the uncovering of some illusions that are too 'magical' to p...more

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Feb 02, 2013 Helen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: waw-options

I did enjoy this realistic fiction story and even though it would be a weak yes vote, I know the kids will love it. The school bully's family runs a hotel built for retired magicians. And lots of strange things happen there, so Ty needs help to solve the mysteries. He turns to Charlie, the geek who has a photographic memory and helps him figure out the mystery magic tricks.

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Mar 16, 2013 Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, middle-grade, mystery, received-to-review

Fantastic book for middle grade readers. This book is full of magic and mystery.

Ty lives in a hotel for magicians. He is the school bully and enlists the smart kid, Charlie, to help him solve mysteries at the hotel. They are an unlikely duo who work surprisingly well together.

I found this book to be engaging and I can see my 9 year old son eating it up.

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Sep 20, 2012 Ratforcekids rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, brand-new-book, fiction, humor, mystery

If you like mysteries and a slightly spooky read, this book is for you. Colorful illustrations along with diagrams and maps will help you become a great sleuth!

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Sep 20, 2012 Jan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: j-fiction

A simple read for kids who like mysteries and a bit of scary. Colorful illustrations along with maps and diagrams aid those wannabe sleuths.

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Jun 25, 2012 Greta C. Wink rated it 3 of 5 stars

A cute look at the non-mystical happenings in a hotel designed by a magician.

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Dec 08, 2012 Linda rated it 3 of 5 stars

great choice for struggling readers - engaging, fun mystery

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Nov 18, 2012 Melissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-with-the-boys

I read this out loud to the boys. Ty especially was enchanted.

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Dec 31, 2012 Theresa rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Shelves: 2012-reads, won-not-from-goodreads, my-5-star-recommendations, favorites

Review to follow:

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Nov 04, 2012 Claire rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: kids

Shelves: kids-books

Okay, this book is sooo cute. With the cute little pictures and the engaging plot, I absolutely LOVED it!

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Aug 13, 2012 Mary rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: childrens-chapter-books

For fans of puzzles and magic. Good, quick read!

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Dec 22, 2012 Jenn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Cute series for young/middle grade readers.

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May 06, 2013 Danielle Jenczyk added it

Shelves: read-to-v

May 04, 2013 CLM marked it as to-read

Shelves: fantasy, childrensbooks, nephews

Apr 24, 2013 Sherrie marked it as to-read

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About Michael Dahl

Michael Dahl is the author of over 100 children's books. Some of his most popular series are Finnegan Zwake, Library of Doom, and Dragonblood. He resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a haunted house.

He also writes under aliases Chris Carey, Rick Thomas, and Mark Ziegler.

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The Worm Tunnel: A Finnegan Zwake Mystery

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