Deja VooDoo by Bob Farmer

You place a small dictionary alongside a deck of cards on the table. “I’m about to demonstrate something truly IMPOSSIBLE,” you announce. A spectator names any card, and they can change their mind if they wish. Let’s say they choose the Ace of Clubs. You fan the deck, retrieve the Ace of Clubs, and place it face-up on the table for all to see. “Remember, I mentioned earlier that I would show you something IMPOSSIBLE? To clarify what I mean by IMPOSSIBLE, I’ve brought this dictionary.”

You open the dictionary to reveal the definition of IMPOSSIBLE and read it aloud. Turning the book around, the spectators can see the page where the word IMPOSSIBLE is outlined with a bold black line. Next to it, in thick black ink, is the name of the card they freely selected: the Ace of Clubs! Flipping through the remaining pages, you reveal that no other entries are marked.

“But wait,” you continue, “I’m not finished yet.” You pick up the deck and show the faces and backs of the cards, revealing nothing unusual. Then, you turn over the Ace of Clubs, and on its back, in bold black letters, is the word IMPOSSIBLE! This is the only card in the entire deck with any writing on it! You will receive the complete manuscript, and you’ll only need to spend an additional $20 on easily obtainable supplies.