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Tell Monte Review

One booklet (PDF), One routine/concept, $15 bucks and one Tell Monte Review. Is it gem or is it rubble

Tell Monte Review: Effect

The effect is a combination prediction and lie detector routine. Five random objects are placed on the table. Five ESP cards are given to the spectator to shuffle and place on the table, one in front of each object . . . truly random. Your back is turned the entire time. You then ask the spectator to make a few choices. When all is said and done, you are able to divine a thought of ESP symbol. You then show a prediction that's been sitting on the table the whole time. It reveals the thought of shape and some personal information about the spectator.

Tell Monte Review: Method

The method relies on some very clever concepts from Bob Hummer and Paul Curry. The combination of these along with some very smart subtleties added by John Hostler makes for an extremely deceptive and relatively simple method that will even fool magicians . . . if you're into that kind of thing. This is a very simple effect to perform. However, it will take you a little bit of time to wrap your head around the method. My suggestion is to simply read the book with props in hand. It'll take about an hour to go through the entire book and understand everything.

Probably the best thing about this PDF is how John was able to take some very "procedural" methods that have the potential for feeling overly contrived and turn them into something that makes perfect sense. The procedural part is almost completely hidden in the presentational premise. Every little piece harmoniously fits together to create a well rounded, deceptive method and effect.

Tell Monte Review: Ad Copy Integrity

The ad copy is very accurate. In fact, they've taken it a step further by offering to let you read the first 5 pages for free. You can link to the free pages directly from the product description. They are being about as transparent as you can be without totally giving away the entire effect.

Tell Monte Review: Product Quality

You receive a 24 page PDF that is very well written, well thought out, and very detailed. The effect is taught in great depth and with great clarity. Further, at the end he drops in a few tips and ideas that drastically add value to the routine and the concept. You're taught an impromptu version and a more "prepared" version. For $15 bucks, assuming you like the effect, you'll have a solid 10 minute or so piece of mentalism that only requires you (for the "prepared" version) to bring the 5 ESP cards, dollar bill, notepad and pen.

Tell Monte Review: Final Thoughts

Assuming you're into this type of effect, you will be a) very impressed with the method, b) surprised at the deceptiveness and very happy with your purchase. For everything you're getting, $15 bucks is a small price to pay.

Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem.

Available from Vanishing Inc. and Lybrary.com

5 Comments

  • It also seems to be available at Lybrary.com!

  • P James says:

    Thanks for the review! Unfortunately, this product doesn’t seem to be available on Vanishing Inc or Lybrary.com anymore!? I wonder if it has been pulled for some reason?

    • Jeff Stone says:

      That’s weird. I wonder what happened.

      • Luis Eduardo Rodríguez Alger says:

        Just so you know, I asked At Vanishing Ink about it and they told me it was pulled back because John Hostler is preparing something bigger. But I still have a question for you, Jeff, because I seem to have a problem with the routine. I won’t reveal anything here (we can use emails for more detailed stuff)… When I get to Phase 4, I always have the same result: the selection is under the bill. You say you followed the instructions and got it, but I don’t know what I’m missing! I sent an email to John but I didn’t receive any response. Maybe you can help me out. Thank you!

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