Stab in the Dark by Alex Latorre
Penguin Magic
A knife. A book. A thought... impaled.
Some tricks get applause. This one gets gasps.
Stab in the Dark is one of the most visceral, unforgettable book tests ever created. It’s bold, theatrical, and delivers a visual punch your audience will talk about for years.
Here’s what happens:
- A book is shown page by page—every page different.
- A participant freely chooses a page and keeps their thought locked in their mind.
- Then—with no warning—a sharp knife is plunged through the book.
- You slowly drag the blade downward, slicing through every single page... except one.
- That one surviving page? The exact page they were thinking of—now skewered on the knife.
It’s a moment of pure, jaw-dropping drama. And the best part? They keep the page as a souvenir.
Stab in the Dark isn’t just a trick. It’s a showpiece.
And it’s built for real-world performers.
- No sleight of hand required
- Use any knife you like
- Works on stage or close-up
- Fully reset in seconds
- Reusable book—no replacements needed
Alex Latorre teaches his full routine, including handling for both intimate close-up environments and larger theatrical settings. The method is devious, practical, and bulletproof—making this effect a perfect fit for magicians, mentalists, and anyone who wants to leave a lasting impression.
Included in the kit:
- A specially gimmicked book
- The secret behind the madness
- 50 giveaway pages for repeat performances
With inspiration from Adrian Vega’s Deck Stab, this effect takes the idea to new heights—adding drama, danger, and a finale that lands like a lightning strike.
This isn’t just a book test.
This is a moment your audience will never forget.
Take a risk. Make it bold.
Take a Stab in the Dark.