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Jay Elite user Northern New Jersey 406 Posts |
I didn't really know where to put this, as it is not a review (I haven't read it yet, but I just got it). This book just came out and looks to be an on-topic read. It is a whodunit, with the bad guy appearing to be a magician who uses classic illusions to commit and escape from crimes and crime scenes, respectively.
Here is the Amazon page, but I got it at Costco today in hardcover for $14.29: Link For those who never heard of Jeffery Deaver, he is the author of The Bone Collector which was made into a movie with Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie a few years back. He is a master of the plot twist, and is one of my favorite fiction authors. This book has gotten some good reviews, as well. Let me know if you have read it, so we can chat about it! Jay |
Samuel Catoe Inner circle South Carolina 1268 Posts |
I met Mr Deaver recently and from what he said it sounds like he did his homework. He named some of his sources. Jim Steinmeyer (I think) and James Randi were among the list. He said that most of it dealt with sleight of hand and quick changes but there were some large scale illusions in it also. Could be good.
Samuel
Author of Illusions of Influence, a treatise on Equivoque.
PM me for details and availability. |
JustAnotherMagi New user Oak Canyon 79 Posts |
One of my laymen teachers just read it and said it was good. Must be even better for magicians. I would like to check it out.
"I am the best magician ever..."
-The Conceited Part of My Mind |
Bernard Sim Inner circle Singapore 1095 Posts |
I like Deaver's book, especially Lincolm Rhyme series. Will get the book soon.
Bernard Sim
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Martello Loyal user Catskill Mountains 280 Posts |
I read the book some time ago and was quite surprised by the research that was done. A few minor errors (such as calling close up magic "close in") but for the most part very accurate and often quite instructive in the areas of theory and psychology of magic.
My one question is "has anyone ever heard of the Vanished Man illusion as mentioned in the book? I can't find it anywhere. |
R2 Special user 935 Posts |
This sounds like a good book....
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Seth Special user 566 Posts |
It's an interesting book and it does touch on a lot of magic related topics (i.e. escapism, mentalism, etc.) There is also a quite a bit of magic theory in the book which was very interesting to see.
There are a few things that stand out a little though. The use of the word 'Vanished' as opposed to vanish in the book? If you've read the book you know what I mean and I've never really seen that in any magic book I've read or at least I've never noticed it. Also I think that perhaps because of the resurgence of magic with Blaine and the like the rather romantic view of magicians has been brough back in novels like this and Carter Beats the Devil. Magicians are seen to be masters of deception who would make Sherlock Holmes scratch his head in confusion rather than the pasty, overweight geeks that we usually are. Also with the advent of home shopping and the internet, I think the mentoring system referred in the book is now more or less gone for better or worse. Well if any of you guys have read it feel free to tell me what you think. Thanks. |
Reis O'Brien Inner circle Seattle, WA 2467 Posts |
I'm not overweight... but, boy am I pastey!
I thought the book was ok. I would suggest the Harry Houdini Mysteries by Stashower. They are a hoot! <---------- snail. |
Seth Special user 566 Posts |
Oh yeah and was it just a bit of creative artistic license when he used the expressions 'tight trick' and 'your coins are talking'
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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Not very magical, still... » » New Fiction: The Vanished Man by Jeffery Deaver (0 Likes) |
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