Frankenstein by Josh Zandman

Effect

The Frankenstein book test is part of Josh Zandman's Universal Monsters Collection, designed for Halloween-themed mentalism performances. To the audience, it appears as if the magician can read minds by revealing words or sentences from a book that a spectator freely selects. The performer can know exact words, phrases, or even images the spectator is visualizing—all while the book remains in the spectator's hands. Multiple spectators can participate, and the effect works at a distance, making it highly versatile for stage or close-up settings.

Full Details

The Frankenstein book test is one of three gimmicked books in the Universal Monsters series (alongside Dracula and The Hunchback of Notre Dame). Each book can be used independently or combined for layered effects. Key features include:

• Multi-Book Flashback – Knowing a sentence in one book based on a spectator’s selection in another.
• Super Flashback – Instantly revealing the first word on any page without needing to see it.
• Reverse Book Test – Determining a word in Frankenstein when a spectator stops at any page in a different book.
• Tossed Out Book Test – Multiple spectators choose words from different pages, with the performer revealing all selections.
• Pegasus Page – A missing page effect where the performer produces the exact page the spectator was viewing.
• Inception Method – Revealing a specific word the spectator is thinking of on a chosen line.

The books are "lightly examinable," meaning they appear normal at a glance but won’t make sense if read cover to cover. They can also be combined with ungimmicked books (like The Alchemist) for extended routines.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

• Mentalists who want a self-working book test with multiple performance options.
• Stage performers needing long-distance mind-reading effects.
• Close-up magicians looking for an examinable prop with minimal memorization.
• Halloween-themed acts seeking a spooky yet sophisticated presentation.

Difficulty

The Frankenstein book test is designed for ease of use. According to Michael O'Brien, "You don’t have to memorize anything... if you can memorize five words, you’ll be well on your way to performing these at miracle status." The methods are self-working, relying on the gimmicked books rather than sleight of hand or complex psychology. However, performers should practice pacing and presentation to maximize impact.

What Magicians Say

Michael O'Brien (Murphy’s Magic) praises the versatility:

• "All three books are gimmicked... they work together with one another... you can read multiple minds at once."
• "The books tell you everything you need to know... no forcing, no fishing, no guessing."
• "The Pegasus Page method is one of my favorite things... the page is missing, and the one you’re holding matches perfectly."

The SaturnMagicShop review, while focused on Halloween props, indirectly highlights the appeal of themed mentalism: "Unexpected frights... make for a memorable experience." This aligns with the Frankenstein book test’s ability to blend classic horror with mind-reading spectacle.

For magicians seeking a powerful, self-working book test with multiple performance options, the Frankenstein book test offers a compelling solution. Its adaptability—whether used alone or with other books—makes it a strong addition to any mentalism toolkit.