Mana House Murders by Chris Congreave

Effect

The Mana House Murders is a Cluedo-inspired magic trick where the audience selects a suspect, a weapon, and a room, similar to the classic board game. The magician then reveals a newspaper cutting that solves the mystery, matching the chosen elements. To add to the surprise, a card placed down at the beginning transforms to show Sherlock Holmes with the chosen suspect in handcuffs, the weapon, and the room—confirming the prediction in a visual and engaging way.

Full Details

Created by Chris Congreave, Mana House Murders is an early trick in his career that combines storytelling with visual magic. The effect uses a custom-designed set of cards featuring Sherlock Holmes-themed artwork, suspects, weapons, and rooms. The method relies on clever card handling, though Chris has mentioned that the original method was less refined compared to modern techniques. The presentation is strong, making it a memorable piece for audiences who enjoy interactive mystery-solving.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy narrative-driven magic and want a routine that feels like a game. It works well in casual settings, such as parlour shows or small gatherings, where the audience can participate in the selection process. Those who appreciate classic mystery themes (like Cluedo or Sherlock Holmes) will find this trick particularly engaging.

Difficulty

Chris Congreave has noted that the original method was not as smooth as modern techniques, relying heavily on basic card moves like the glide. However, with updated handling—such as double lifts and Elmsley counts—the trick can be performed more cleanly. It requires moderate card handling skills but is manageable for intermediate magicians willing to refine the method.

What Magicians Say

Chris Congreave himself reflects on Mana House Murders as a trick with strong presentation potential but acknowledges its outdated method. He mentions, "The presentation was great, but the method was awful... everything was a glide." However, he also hints at revisiting the trick with modern techniques, suggesting that with updated handling, it could be a stronger piece.

While no direct reviews from other magicians were provided in the transcripts, the trick’s concept—combining mystery-solving with visual magic—makes it a unique addition to a performer’s set, especially for those who enjoy interactive storytelling.

For magicians who like narrative magic and are willing to refine the method, Mana House Murders offers a fun, theatrical experience that stands out from standard card tricks.