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Direct Mind Reading & Mind Control Effects by Marc Paul

Cost: £20.00 direct from Marc's website http://www.marcpaul.com (and you'll need to answer a test question to get to the Products section!) or from http://www.alakazam.co.uk/acatalog/Hot_List_1.html#a979 at 1p less plus p&p. First 25 copies are autographed - including mine!

Difficulty: Varies from 1 to about a 4-ish
(1=easy to do, 2=No sneaky moves, but not so easy, 3=Some sneaky moves used, 4=Advanced sneaky moves used or other equipment necessary, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)


There are 14 'chapters' in Marc's book, 8 give the full method and presentation of some extremely good effects, others are routines for established gimmicks or effects, some thoughts on pre-show 'work', a routine of several other effects of which none are explained but details are available one way or another elsewhere, and a suggested act involving 6 of the routines. Patterns/layouts for Direct Thought Projection cards are included and it's a fiendishly good effect. My favourite so far is The £85.00 Question where the spec takes notes from your wallet whilst you look away and places them in different pockets. You are able to tell him immediately which pocket contains which note, although you'll dress it up a bit and make it look difficult! As the effect uses one each of £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes you'll either need a close relative who works in a bank, or invest a bit of your own cash - but you can always spend it if you're a bit short one day!

Having read through the first few chapters I was very pleased with this booklet (30 pages not including cover!) although I'm sure I've seen details of one effect somewhere else - can't remember where though. Initially I was a bit disappointed to see that some chapters were routines for gimmicks/props I don't have but, on reflection, that's not a big drawback as I can either get them or work around them.

There are some cracking ideas for instant mentalism effects and the routines for larger audiences can be adapted to smaller numbers with no problems.

What they don't tell you on the tin: If you're interested in using all the effects in this booklet, you'll need to have, or get, a Himber wallet or other device where you have the choice of two alternative endings, a Mindpower Deck, and Telemental - a routine/effect I haven't come across so far.

Value for money: 8 out of 10 (would be 9 but I like to leave them with something to aim for!)

i have this book as well

as mandrake the first few items are good, but some of the other effects are available elsewher, notably one effect that is in mind myth and magic and alos ben reyots book.

more for the stage or large audience performer i thought, tjough some items are adaptable.

i hthought the best effect was the £85 tirck as well just need to makeit yourself though not hard

And an excellent book it is too!