John Hostler - Tell Monte

This ebook came through our inbox and impressed us all greatly. It's an example of someone who has thought through an idea completely, worked out every kink, and developed a non-card effect that will KILL in a close-up environment. 

The effect is this: you lay out five readily available objects from yourself and the audience: a wristwatch, cell phone, folded dollar bill, keys, and a wedding ring. Then you lay out 5 ESP cards in another row. You turn away and ask the spectator to mix the cards and then deal them out in a row next to the objects. After a mixing procedure (still with your back turned) you are able to divine the thought-of ESP symbol, and the object closest to it.

John Hostler writes exceedingly well, and his booklet goes into great detail about his influences, from Bob Hummer to Paul Curry. This is a terrific idea and a thoughtful non-card routine. That is RARE in today's marketplace, and worth studying.