The Curious Case of Amanda Cole by Dead Rebel Productions

Effect

The Curious Case of Amanda Cole is a Victorian-themed mentalism effect based on Paul Curry’s classic Out of This World. Instead of separating playing cards into red and black, the spectator divides photographs of happy and sad children into two piles using only their intuition. The emotional weight of the images enhances the illusion, making the participant feel as though they possess a genuine ability to sense emotions through touch.

Full Details

The trick includes 24 high-quality printed photographs—12 happy children and 12 sad children—along with a portrait of Amanda Cole, a fictional Victorian woman said to have the ability to sense emotions through objects. The set comes with a tutorial by Liam Montier, teaching three handling variations:

The props are sturdy and visually striking, reinforcing the eerie Victorian aesthetic. The reduced number of cards (24 instead of 52) speeds up the routine while maintaining the mystery.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This effect is ideal for performers who enjoy storytelling and psychological magic. It suits:

• Mentalists looking for a fresh take on a classic plot.
• Magicians who prefer emotionally engaging props over traditional cards.
• Performers who appreciate self-working or semi-automatic tricks with strong audience interaction.

Difficulty

The trick is accessible to all skill levels. The classic handling requires basic card control, while the self-working versions eliminate sleight of hand entirely. Liam Montier’s clear teaching ensures smooth learning.

What Magicians Say

Alex Kirk of The Monster Magic Saturday Show praised the trick’s storytelling potential and emotional impact:

• "The choice of photographs and the way they've been produced makes it hard not to feel some form of emotion... it creates some sort of idea, makes you think a little bit more about the photographs than you'd imagine."
• He also highlighted the flexibility of the handling options, noting that while he prefers the classic method, the self-working versions allow performers to focus on presentation.

The Curious Case of Amanda Cole offers a unique, atmospheric twist on a timeless effect, making it a compelling choice for magicians who value narrative depth and audience connection.