The Ad Copy
For mentalists, book test performers, and stage/parlor magicians.
Off the market for years, now again available!
Todd Karr created The Da Vinci Code in 2006 as a way to use an ungimmicked copy of The Da Vinci Code for a mind-blowing book test.
Anywhere the spectator opens a normal copy of The Da Vinci Code, you can divine the first word, another word on the first line, or the whole concept of the first line: very direct, simple, and high-impact.
The effect involves a custom-made cueing gimmick that looks like an ordinary object in plain sight throughout the routine yet remains unsuspected by the spectators.
You can have someone open his own copy of The Da Vinci Code at his home, or one he picks up as you walk through a bookstore.
In a formal show, of course, the routine works beautifully, and you can even end by letting the spectator keep the book, since it’s ungimmicked.
The gimmicks are accompanied by the revised second edition of Exploring the Zone, Max Maven’s manual for The Da Vinci Code, in which Maven examines audience handling, page selection, the dramatic use of concepts versus words, page number choices, guiding the spectator to key words, process mentalism, progressive revelation, ambiguous fishing, handling misses, statement timing, focusing devices, and more insightful viewpoints.
Max also includes thoughts on a conceptual book test approach, how to handle lackluster word choices, various types of forces for books, and how to use The Da Vinci Code as a force book.
16 large-format pages packed with information
Presentation-technique illustrations
Max Maven’s advice for book tests and process mentalism
Complete explanation of The Da Vinci Zone
Bonus effects and routines
(Note: Use your own hardbound copy of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code.)
Jheff's Guide
WHAT IT IS:
Book and special pens
HOW ACCURATE OR COMPLETE THE AD COPY IS:
It’s accurate enough.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED THAT YOU NEED OR NEED TO KNOW:
You will need to obtain a hardcover copy of The DaVinci Code
SETUP AND RESET:
None
ANGLES:
None
SUITABLE VENUES:
Close-up, Parlor
JHEFF’S JUDGMENT:
This solid book test uses none of the usual methods or gimmicks, and the way the method is incorporated is unique, with Max Maven’s performance notes being the most valuable part. Because The DaVinci Code is no longer widely owned or recognized, you must carry the hardcover with you, which makes it far less practical today than the many options available in 2026. The required ballpoint pen limits its usefulness for parlor or stage, and the method, while it needs a bit of smooth timing, is easy to do. THE DA VINCI ZONE has become more impractical and dated when compared to other book tests now on the market, yet Max Maven’s EXPLORING THE ZONE contains quite a bit of wisdom that is worth getting, although seasoned professionals may find that much of it echoes ideas they already know.