Murder in Mind, by Rebecca Harris

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Murder in Mind, by Rebecca Harris

Postby gunnarkr » Fri Dec 11, 2009 1:39 am

Murder in Mind
A complete appr. 15 minute "Who-dunnit" murder mystery routine in 6 parts for mentalists (stage/parlour), involving 5 spectators — one of them turns out to be the murderer.

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Where and how much:
LULU website
Print: $23.92
Download: $23.92

Difficulty:
Obviously there are no complicated sleights used, but rather misdirections, subtleties and a whole lot of other things, obviously not to be dissected here.

They say:
Murder mysteries have had their place in popular entertainment for centuries, from the writings of Shakespeare to Sherlock Holmes and Inspector Morse.

Rebecca Harris has taken the ever popular idea of a murder mystery and presents you with a fully scripted, 15 minute mental routine.

Five members of your audience are called onto stage, one is secretly chosen to play the part of the murderer, only they themselves know who they are.

Astound your audience as you reveal the identity of the murderer using only the subtle, psychological signals that they give off. Amaze further as you reveal details about the fictional murder that are known only to the murderer them self. Finally, opening a box which has been locked and in view the whole time, prove tat you knew the identity of the murderer even before your show began.

Murder in Mind will suit any performer looking for that little something different to include in their show.

It includes a full explanation of all the featured effects, a complete script as well as one or two surprise extras.

I say:
It's always a great joy when members of TalkMagic create interesting tricks and routines. Murder in Mind, by Rebecca Harris aka. Lady of Mystery, is no exception. It's published by P&F Magic, which I suspect strongly means: Pink and Fluffy Magic. :)

It's a complete routine in a book of 56 pages and it includes in very fine details the full act, broken down into:
- How the Audience Sees it
- Preparation
- Part 1 — Introducing the Routine
- Part 2 — Where is the Body (I)
- Part 3 — Guilty or Innocent
- Part 4 — The Murderers Book Test
- Part 5 — Where is the Body (II)
- Part 6 — Profile of a Murderer
- The Full Script (Complete patter)

Then there are 3 chapters about: More Murderous Magic

And the last chapter is a pleasant "off–topic" surprise, not to be revealed here.

I quite enjoyed reading the book and after finishing it, I thought to myself: Hmmm ... This is something I could actually see myself using. It's not a book to be put in the shelf, it's definitely usable material. It's pure mentalism. Nobody knows who the murderer is except the murderer, the other 4 on stage only know they are not the murderer and nothing more. The mentalist reads body language of the suspects, subtle body signs, tone of voice, stress levels, eye movement and many other details, but everything is always under control and the mentalist always finds the murderer and dismisses the other four innocent ones.

The mentalist even reveals the name of the victim, the location of the body and details about the murderer, which will amaze the audience with a chill.

If you want to be picky, there are a few typographical mistakes and the lay-out could have benefited from professional aid, but those are minor issues when you look at the big picture. The method of the murder (weapon) is not revealed, (doesn't have to be) but if you feel it should be included, you can easily add that into your own routine.

Overall:
Very interesting, definitely something a lot of mentalists in all stages and levels can use and simple to set up. A few items of props have to be prepared in advance, but all easy to make or find.

9,5
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Postby Tomo » Fri Dec 11, 2009 2:21 am

I felt a bit uncomfortable reviewing this book because I'd been invited to read the manuscript a few weeks ago, but now that Gunnar's done so I'll say that this book contains a very mature, well-described piece of work. It's obvious that this is a routine that has been worked in front of an audience to make it the polished and involved piece it is.

AND you get a rather delicious recipe!
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Postby Mandrake » Fri Dec 11, 2009 9:17 am

Gunnar's review is spot on, Murder in Mind is a wonderful assembly of known principles and processes, combined to produce a very entertaining and surprising routine - very much like taking known ingredients and producing a great meal - and there's one of those included in the book as well! Good to see a lot of familiar names credited with input and advice.

It's always good to see TMers producing their own tried and tested routines like this, Beckie has put a lot of thought and creative energy into a routine which, in true tradition, leaves the performer plenty of scope to personalise the presentation.

(PS I have asked and no, that's not her on the cover :D !)
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Postby themagicwand » Fri Dec 11, 2009 9:43 am

Just want to say thanks to Becky for taking the time to produce this wonderful little book. I've had an idea in mind for a while now about producing a full length whodunnit mental mystery, and thanks to Becky I now have one ready made! Fantastic stuff!
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Postby Lady of Mystery » Fri Dec 11, 2009 10:50 am

Thanks everyone for you comments, I'm so pleased with the feedback that I've had on this little project. I'd like to think that I've left enough scope in the routine for people to personalise it to fit their style, I've presented this in a fun and light hearted ways and also as quite a dark sinister presentation and both have worked really nicely.

I did originally have a murder weapon reveal as part of the routine but decided to drop it because it just seemed a little too much. I can pm anyone the method that I used for that if you're interested.
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Postby Mandrake » Fri Dec 11, 2009 11:05 am

Lady of Mystery wrote:I can pm anyone the method that I used for that if you're interested.
Mandrake raises his hand and says, "Yes please!"
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Postby Lady of Mystery » Fri Dec 11, 2009 11:25 am

pm on it's way :D
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Postby Mandrake » Fri Dec 11, 2009 11:33 am

Received - thank you!
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Postby Lenoir » Fri Dec 11, 2009 11:48 am

Unfortunately I would never have a place for such a routine, but congratulations on getting it written etc Lady of Mystery. It's a great achievement and I wish you all the best with it!
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Postby Totally Mental » Fri Dec 11, 2009 12:12 pm

Maybe Becky should now be known as Lady of Murder Mystery.....

Congratulations and well done on getting the book put together!
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Postby Dirty Davey » Fri Dec 11, 2009 8:35 pm

I know that alot of thought and effort has gone into polishing this routine and reading the book it really shows. The book is full of good original thinking as well as new uses for some more tried and tested methods.

The routine is well put together and flows from one part to the next very well indeed. It's obviously a routine that's been built around the plot rather than a plot bult around the routine which all too often happens.

As well as the routine as it's written, the methods could also very easily be taken away and used for other purposes, one or two could prove very versatile.

A very good book, Becky. Well done!
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Postby IAIN » Sat Dec 12, 2009 2:31 am

yes, well done my dear - very pleased you've released it, even more pleased with the drawing you put in the book for me (nothing rude - don't worry) - though you do draw like the guy who did The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers...(a good thing)...

anyway - yes, solid, workable stuff...well done... :D
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Postby Reverend Tristan » Sun Dec 13, 2009 5:06 pm

themagicwand wrote:Just want to say thanks to Becky for taking the time to produce this wonderful little book. I've had an idea in mind for a while now about producing a full length whodunnit mental mystery, and thanks to Becky I now have one ready made! Fantastic stuff!


Paul me and you need to stop hanging around with the same people :lol:

I'll have to get this as I've got a venue ready and waiting.
Bill Hicks - Another dead hero
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Postby Hardik » Sun Dec 13, 2009 8:58 pm

Wholehearted congratulations to Rebecca on the release..

And P&F Magic ?.. :)
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Postby Lady of Mystery » Thu Dec 17, 2009 12:35 pm

IAIN wrote:even more pleased with the drawing you put in the book for me


you should feel privileged, you're the only person who had their portrait done in the book. Everyone else had tinkerbell. :D
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