With the popularity of television shows like CSI, The Mentalist, Medium and Cold Case File, crime solving is the latest fad. Let's go back to 1892 and try to solve the Lizzie Borden Case!

THE RUSE:
Studies have explained that humans make terrible witnesses as they interpret what they think they see. It is believed by some that inanimate objects are also witnesses to crimes and can retain vibrations from the event. The mentalist will demonstrate this fact.

THE ROUTINE:
Five "suspect" envelopes are displayed along with the suspects from the Borden murders. Each photograph has a description of each person. The photographs are randomly placed in each envelope and are mixed up to make the choice completely random. The spectator selects one of the envelopes and looks inside to see the suspect. The envelopes are remixed.

Mentalist now introduces a skeleton key on a chain. He explains that this is Andrew Borden's key which was discovered in the fireplace after the murders took place. The key is a witness to the crime. The key is help by the chain and is held over each suspect envelope. Suddenly, over one of the envelopes, the key begins to rise as if repelled by what is inside the envelope. Of course it is the selected suspect!

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE:
The complete instructions include some other performance ideas. In fact, if you wish to lighten the routine and not use the Borden theme, we include "evidence" cards with photographs of weapons as seen in the Clue style board game so the key will discover the murder weapon. If you are a fan of Bizarre magic or wish to perform something a bit out of the ordinary, this is for you! There are some clever methods employed in this routine. No magnets or electronics used!

SOME HISTORY:
Back in 1979, Top Hat Productions came out with a trick called Ed Hill's Skeleton Key. We have revisited this effect and improved the method, routine and set-up. This takes under a minute to set up and can be performed easily.