There is a secret hotel in San Francisco. The Maynard is a hotel for magicians, wizards and magical, fantastic beings and creatures and can only be seen by them and by half-magical people (“halfies”) who are allows to work there. To everyone else the hotel appears to be a row of rundown stores in a bad part of town.

This first story arc starts with a new halfie hotel employee’s first day. Her name is Pip (Philippa) Dale, a new bellhop at the place, although she’s also secretly in-training to become a hotel detective. And it’s in that capacity that her and her mentor, house detective Sam are tasked with finding a magical hotel burglar; a case that grows detail until they have to prevent a murderous plot for revenge.

All this while Pip has to hide her new job from her non-magical girlfriend and take on the unique challenges of bell hopping wizards and witches.

It’s a fun book with mystery, humor and heart and is very much for all ages young and old.

The art by J. Bone is bright and fun, with a feel not unlike clean-line European story albums. J’s imaginative magical creations are wonderful through the series.

Extra material in the back and all four alternate covers by Chris Samnee, Jill Thompson, Fábio Moon, and Steve Morris.

Winner of the Ringo Award for Mike Wieringo Spirit Award.