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Mystery of Mime by Red Nist

Created by: Red Nist

Mystery of Mime is a card trick that offers a regular-deck take on the Invisible Deck, designed for audience interaction. It's a part of the 'Redemption' book by Red Nist, which contains six intermediate-to-advanced card tricks using a standard deck. This trick is perfect for magicians looking for gimmick-free, creative material that engages the audience directly.

Key features

  • Uses a standard deck with no gaffs required.

  • Designed for audience interaction.

  • Part of a collection offering six routines for a cost-effective price.

  • Clean layout and hand-drawn illustrations in the book.

Pros

  • Creative and gimmick-free.

  • Engages the audience directly.

  • Cost-effective as part of a collection.

Cons

  • Concise explanations may require prior card magic knowledge.

  • Some explanations could be clearer.

Effect

The Mystery of Mime is a card trick that resembles the classic Invisible Deck effect but uses a standard deck of cards. The magician asks a spectator to think of any card in the deck. Without any gimmicks or special setups, the magician reveals the exact card the spectator was thinking of in an impossible way. The trick is designed for strong audience interaction, making it engaging and memorable.

Full Details

The Mystery of Mime is one of six routines featured in the book Redemption by Red Nist. It is a gimmick-free version of the Invisible Deck, meaning it can be performed with any borrowed deck. The method relies on clever principles rather than special cards or setups. The trick is structured to maximize audience participation, making it ideal for close-up or parlor settings.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is best suited for intermediate to advanced card magicians who are comfortable with sleight of hand and psychological subtleties. Since it requires no gimmicks, it is a strong choice for performers who prefer impromptu magic. Those who enjoy interactive routines that involve direct spectator engagement will find this trick particularly rewarding.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Mystery of Mime is rated as intermediate to advanced in difficulty. While it does not require complex sleights, it does rely on timing, audience management, and a solid understanding of card magic principles. The explanations in Redemption are concise, so prior experience with card magic is recommended to fully grasp the method.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy describes Mystery of Mime as a "regular-deck take on the Invisible Deck", praising its interactive nature. He notes that the book Redemption provides creative routines but cautions that some explanations are brief, requiring the reader to fill in gaps with prior knowledge. He recommends the trick for experienced card workers who enjoy inventive, gimmick-free material.

For magicians who appreciate books with dense, inventive material, Redemption—and Mystery of Mime in particular—is a solid choice. However, as David suggests, it is always wise to seek multiple reviews before making a purchase.

What people are saying about Mystery of Mime

David from Magic Orthodoxy says...

Mystery of Mime: A regular-deck take on the Invisible Deck, designed for audience interaction. [...] For magicians who enjoy books with dense, inventive material—and don’t mind filling in the gaps—this one’s a solid pick.

Review videos