Reviews: Read What DARRIN COOK Is Saying
1 ★★★★★ reviews
Sometimes the jokes are just for me
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by DARRIN COOK (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 10 March, 2026)
Master Payne has written a funny and thought-provoking set of lecture notes (more like a short book) largely on the subject of character-driven, story-based prop magic. It’s interesting to see what he does with the die box, for example, or the Tenyo spots card and Chinese sticks. All of these have entertaining, engaging presentations that make sense.
He stresses the importance of knowing what tricks your character would not do, not because they’re too difficult or too expensive, but because they’re inconsistent with your character and theme, which is explained in a section devoted to those subjects. He concludes with a section of tricks and a bibliography of sources for act and character development. I liked his version of the card stab.
Shooting Card
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by DARRIN COOK (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 01 March, 2026)
I knew nothing about Daryl Hurst, but I am really pleased with this booklet, which is very well done, including plenty of pictures to illustrate the effect, as well as pictures of Mr. Hurst performing the routine.
Clearly, this is an effect that has been performed and honed for decades, resulting in a “packs small, plays big” effect. When a working pro like this says he closed birthday shows with this routine, I pay close attention.
There is some great advice on how to force a card, and gives you tips and precautions that only come from repeat performances. The reader also learns the evolution of the trick and the thinking behind it, as well as gains insight into the magician himself.
The handling is simple and a presentation is included. I think this routine would be easy to adapt to one’s own handling and presentational style. I had all kinds of ideas as I was reading—the effect is clear and lends itself to a stage or parlor setting.
I look forward to getting other routines by Mr. Hurst.
My Favorite Coin Magic with the Expanded Shell
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by DARRIN COOK (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 01 February, 2026)
This book is full of worker material, richly illustrated with clear color photos. He offers alternative endings and practical advice, such as coin selection and performing at banquet tables. There’s a very clever and useful idea for using a coin purse to ring in a gimmick or extra coin.
Interestingly, he has one routine with the same basic handling but multiple formats, such as coins across, coins to glass, and a rarity, a stand-up coins through table.
Nothing is knuckle-busting. He works out of fingerpalm. If you want to perform coin magic at a paid gig, this is a great resource.
Glass Act: Magic Beyond Series
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by DARRIN COOK (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 25 May, 2023)
Unfortunately, everything Pascal says in his review is accurate. For all the money being asked, there are no photographs or illustrations. Rather than give step-by-step instructions, the manuscript meanders, is overly wordy, and jumps from subject to subject. I don't know that I spent two hours, but I eventually gave up on trying to figure it out.