- forming relationships with some of the world's most beautiful women. Mystery gained mainstream public attention for his role in Neil Strauss's New York Times bestselling expose, The Game . Now, he has written the definitive handbook on the art of the pickup. He developed his unique method over years of observing social dynamics and interacting with women in clubs to learn how to overcome the guard that many women put up to deflect come-ons from average frustrated chumps. His tips include: give more attention to her less attractive friend at first, so your target will get jealous and try to win your attention; always approach a target within three seconds of noticing her; if a woman senses your hesitation, her perception of your value will be lower; don't be picky; approach as many groups of people in a bar as you can and entertain them with fun conversation. As you move about the room, positive perception of you will grow. Now it's easy to meet anyone you want; and, smile. Guys who don't get laid, don't smile.

Erik von Markovik
is the real name of het Canadian author and entertainer better known as Mystery. He was featured in the 2007 VH1 reality television series The Pick-up Artist. In the series, Mystery and his wingmen trained eight ""lonely, socially inept"" men in an eight week bootcamp in Austin, Texas to compete for the title of ""Master Pick-Up Artist"". He has written several books on the subject.

Though seminars and workshops on seduction technique preceded his involvement, Mystery is credited with introducing ""in-field"" workshops, in which small groups of students were appraised on their technique as they approached unaffiliated women in bars and nightclubs.

In his personal life Erik von Markovik has a daughter and girlfriend.