$15(2 reviews, 7 customer ratings) ★★★★★
Enter into Shuddershadow Mansion and be treated to 14 presentational effects ranging from scary and spooky to bizarre and weird, plus Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King séance ideas.
Mark is serving up a menu of bizarre offerings. A cup of coffee that holds the means to revenge. A tale of a little boy, a box of toys and death. A simple Simon who makes an interesting discovery. Three restless spirits that sointenly need your help. Why you should keep your doors and windows locked. And much more.
In addition you will get ideas for creating The Poe seance and an evening with Stephen King.
1st edition 2005; 38 pages.
word count: 11332 which is equivalent to 45 standard pages of text
Reviewed by Ray Haddad (confirmed purchase)
★★★★★ Date Added: Thursday 01 April, 2010This is an exceptional book by Mr Piazza as far as routine development goes but lacks in the method descriptions. In half of the effects presented, the method is described as the means found in another effect in another book. I do understand the need to credit originators with their creations but if the effect was included in the book, it should be fully described with the permission of the originator.
I cannot in good conscience recommend this book for a novice magician no matter how his/her thoughts may run to the bizarre or supernatural. There is just too much missing which only a seasoned professional could possibly fill in without extensive additional material. The magician with encyclopedic knowledge will find this book to be crammed with great stuff.
There are even a few effects that describe methods from sources that are long out of print and probably not available. I would advise Mr Piazza to rewrite this otherwise worthy book and make it more complete.
These flaws are the reason for an otherwise 5 star book to receive only 3 stars from me.
Reviewed by Jim Kasmir (confirmed purchase)
★★★★★ Date Added: Friday 23 February, 2007I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written ebook from Mark Piazza. The accent is on presentation, which should come as no surprise to learned students of the bizarre. Variety is abundant. Inside Shuddershadow Mansion lurk routines so dark that I would not suggest performing them at your next restaurant gig, yet there are whimsical effects suitable for all ages. One of my favorites is a chilling prediction effect entitled 'Timmy's Toy Chest' that could definitely become part of a longer seance. Then there is the comedic routine involving three ghostly stooges (or four, depending on how you perform it!). There is also a chapter of useful ideas for putting together a Poe Seance. I found the humor in this book refreshing and urge you to check it out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
