Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – It Happened One Knife by Jeffrey Cohen

 Lesa's Book Critiques: Kevin’s Corner Annex – It Happened One Knife by Jeffrey Cohen

FFB Review: It Happened One Knife: A Comedy Tonight Mystery by Jeffrey Cohen

 

From the massive archive…. 

 

It has been four months since patrons darkened the comedy tonight movie theater in New Jersey. The balcony has been fixed, the snacks are in a new display case, there are new seats in the theater and all is right with the world. In fact, Elliot Freed, owner and occasional investigator, is allowing his projectionist to screen his violent western “Killin' Time.”

 

Elliot made a promise and Anthony did his part so the movie is playing to a large crowd. A movie that Elliot pretty much doesn't like and not just because it isn't a comedy. Despite Eliot's opinion and probably because it is excessively violent and graphic, the movie is a sure hit according to the rep for the comedy film distributor.

 

"'It’s got blood!' Vic held up a finger. 'It's got cursing.' Another finger. 'Killing, sex, cruelty, character's nobody could like.' Finger, finger, finger, thumb on the other hand. It can't miss.'" (Page 4)

 

Vic wants the movie and plans to work a deal with a studio for Anthony and take a piece of the money along the way. The idea that this gruesome movie could be a hit appalls Elliot who is a fan of the classic comedy. Almost as appalling is the fact that when Anthony's one print of the film turns up missing minutes later, Anthony accuses Elliot of taking it over jealousy and a need to keep Anthony in his place. Something a number of other folks seem to believe as well.

 

That storyline becomes secondary to the main point of the book which is Elliot's opportunity to show as part of his double feature the legendary comedy movie "Cracked Ice." Starring a famous comedy team of Harry Lillis and Les Townes who ruled the mid 1950's to early 1960's, the movie is a personal favorite of Elliot's. Even better, Vic knows where Harry Lillis is living these days and that location isn't too far away giving Elliot a chance to meet one of his idols and have him come to the theater.

 

The problem with idols is that too often they are merely mortal men with feet of clay. The image on screen is far different than the reality and before long Elliot finds himself in a multi decade's old murder case involving the comedic duo. A case that, while it was hushed up back in the powerful movie studio days, once again may cause more death.

 

And if that isn't enough, Sharon, Elliot's ex-wife, just might want to get back together again.

 

Released last July, this sequel to the comedic mystery Some Like It Hot Buttered brings everyone back for another mystery that contains elements of humor and romance. Elliot Freed has a sarcastic streak that comes out under pressure and frequently comes out once this slow to get going novel moves into gear.

 

The mysteries are secondary to the character relationships which have driven both books. Family is important and that means much more than simple blood connections. For Elliot Freed, just about everyone involved in his life on a steady basis is family and his bike just might be as well.

 

Filled with references to comedy movies and other trivia, Jeff Cohen has created another enjoyable tale of romance, crime, and comedy. It may not split your sides with laughter, like the Aaron Tucker series frequently will, but you will get plenty of chuckles along the way.  

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4gZ0zpC 

 

This book was provided by the Allen Public Library of Allen, Texas by way of the Plano, Texas Public Library System. 

 

Kevin R. Tipple © 2009, 2017, 2024

FFB Review: Some Like It Hot Buttered: A Comedy Tonight Mystery by Jeffrey Cohen

From the massive archive…

 

Having a patron die in your theater isn't a good thing. Especially if all you show are comedy films. It isn't like the movie scared the patron to death. Having a patron die because the popcorn was poisoned is worse. For Mr. Elliot Freed, the death of Mr. Vincent Ansella is a shock. After all, Mr. Ansella, who had occupied seat 18 of row S, is his first dead customer. He isn't quite sure how to react.

 

A fairly common malady in his life. Thanks to a novel that did okay and was successfully butchered into something that doesn't remotely resemble his book by Hollywood, Eliot Freed has a bit of money, and no desire to ever write anything again. He has no marriage either though he does have a somewhat civil relationship with his ex, Sharon. They have lunch once a week. Then there are the monthly alimony checks he gets from her as well as the way he still feels when he looks at her.

 

While he doesn't have a car and instead rides a bike, he does have a struggling theater that has few customers. Freed owns the former "Rialto" with all its problems and has renamed it "Comedy Tonight." He shows a comedy double feature consisting of a one current film and an older title. Despite the efforts of "Young Frankenstein" and "Count Bubba, Down-Home Vampire," Mr. Ansella died and that isn't going to help ticket sales.

 

Neither is the fact that the local police have to close his theater because it is now a crime scene. Getting it back open on a steady basis isn't going to be helped by the fact that the police soon discover that he has a pirating operation going on out of the basement. It would be easy to blame his suddenly missing employee for everything that has happened and something the local police seem perfectly willing to do. Freed is sure that the employee, a film major at Rutgers, had nothing to do with any of it and sets out to prove his innocence and save his theater. Bumming a car when he needs one, Freed begins digging into the case despite being warned off by everyone involved.

 

It would be easy to compare this novel to the Aaron Tucker series and find it wanting. The humor of the parental dynamic as well as Tucker's often strange adventures drives that series and that sort of thing isn't present at all. Freed has no kids and doesn't have a dog. While Tucker gets involved in strange stuff or things go differently than expected, Freed is more of an everyday guy that just had something happen to him that has to be dealt as best as he can. Tucker is a writer and as such for those of us in the business, at whatever level, there is a resonance in his amusing tales of the world of publishing. Freed has walked away from writing and only briefly relates what happened to his novel and why he has given up writing. Not to mention the fact that the Aaron Tucker series often relies on the madcap in terms of humor and that certainly isn't the case here.

 

But, this book isn't an Aaron Tucker series novel and therefore should not be judged on that standard. This book has to be judged on its own merits as will the series to come. Comedically, while it does not have the explosive laughter moments for this reader, it does have a number of amusing chuckle type moments as Freed references cultural and movie items. Those that have a strong grounding in comedy films will get considerably more out of the novel than those who do not.

 

While the book is somewhat predictable with a large part of the resolution foreshadowed early on, there are enough twists and a couple of nice surprises to keep readers highly entertained. The book moves at a pretty good pace though it does stop occasionally for Freed to summarize in depth what has gone on and that seemed a bit redundant and excessive. Still, that is a minor quibble and did not really have a negative impact on the book as it falls under more of a personal preference category. Overall, the book is a pleasant read and a nice start to an interesting character and new series. Next up in the series is It Happened One Knife and that is currently scheduled to be released in July.

 

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3XlTvu7

 

 

 

Kevin R. Tipple © 2008, 2017, 2024

FFB Review: It Happened One Knife: A Double Feature Mystery by Jeffrey Cohen

Today for Friday’s Forgotten Books hosted by Patti Abbott, I remind you of It Happened One Knife. This is the second book of what is now known as the Comedy Tonight Mystery Series. It follows Some Like It Hot Buttered. I first reviewed this book back in April 2009. Make sure you check out the list of reading suggestions for today over at Patti’s blog.

It has been four months since patrons darkened the comedy tonight movie theater in New Jersey. The balcony has been fixed, the snacks are in a new display case, there are new seats in the theater and all is right with the world. In fact, Elliot Freed, owner and occasional investigator, is allowing his projectionist to screen his violent western "Killin' Time."

Elliot made a promise and Anthony did his part so the movie is playing to a large crowd. A movie that Elliot pretty much doesn't like and not just because it isn't a comedy. Despite Eliot's opinion and probably because it is excessively violent and graphic, the movie is a sure hit according to the rep for the comedy film distributor.

"'It’s got blood!' Vic held up a finger. 'It's got cursing.' Another finger. 'Killing, sex, cruelty, character's nobody could like.' Finger, finger, finger, thumb on the other hand. It can't miss.'" (Page 4)

Vic wants the movie and plans to work a deal with a studio for Anthony and take a piece of the money a long the way. The idea that this gruesome movie could be a hit appalls Elliot who is a fan of the classic comedy. Almost as appalling is the fact that when Anthony's one print of the film turns up missing minutes later, Anthony accuses Elliot of taking it over jealousy and a need to keep Anthony in his place. Something a number of other folks seem to believe as well.

That storyline becomes secondary to the main point of the book which is Elliot's opportunity to show as part of his double feature the legendary comedy movie "Cracked Ice." Starring a famous comedy team of Harry Lillis and Les Townes who ruled the mid 1950's to early 1960's, the movie is a personal favorite of Elliot's. Even better, Vic knows where Harry Lillis is living these days and that location isn't too far away giving Elliot a chance to meet one of his idols and have him come to the theater.

The problem with idols is that too often they are merely mortal men with feet of clay. The image on screen is far different than the reality and before long Elliot finds himself in a multi decade's old murder case involving the comedic duo. A case that, while it was hushed up back in the powerful movie studio days, once again may cause more death.

And if that isn't enough, Sharon, Elliot's ex-wife, just might want to get back together again.

Released last July, this sequel to the comedic mystery Some Like It Hot Buttered brings everyone back for another mystery that contains elements of humor and romance. Elliot Freed has a sarcastic streak that comes out under pressure and frequently comes out once this slow to get going novel moves into gear.

The mysteries are secondary to the character relationships which have driven both books. Family is important and that means much more than simple blood connections. For Elliot Freed, just about everyone involved in his life on a steady basis is family and his bike just might be as well.

Filled with references to comedy movies and other trivia, Jeff Cohen has created another enjoyable tale of romance, crime, and comedy. It may not split your sides with laughter, like the Aaron Tucker series frequently will, but you will get plenty of chuckles along the way.


It Happened One Knife: A Double Feature Mystery
Jeffrey Cohen
http://www.aarontucker.com/
Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Group)
http://www.penguin.com/
July 2008
ISBN# 978-0-425-22256-0
Paperback
296 Pages



This book was provided by the Allen Public Library of Allen, Texas by way of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2009, 2017

FFB Review: Some Like It Hot Buttered: A Comedy Tonight Mystery by Jeffrey Cohen

Today for Friday’s Forgotten Books hosted by Todd Mason this week, I remind you of Some Like It Hot Buttered which is the first book of what is now known as the Comedy Tonight Mystery Series. I first reviewed this book back in April 2008. Jeff has gone on to write quite a few more books in various series and continues to do so while having chemo. Humor is powerful medicine and is present in this book, the series, and his other books. Keep a good thought for Jeff and make sure you check out the reading suggestions this week over at Todd’s blog.

Hardback

Having a patron die in your theater isn't a good thing especially if all you show are comedy films. It isn't like the movie scared the patron to death. Having a patron die because the popcorn was poisoned is worse. For Mr. Elliot Freed, the death of Mr. Vincent Ansella is a shock. After all, Mr. Ansella, who had occupied seat 18 of row S, is his first dead customer. He isn't quite sure how to react.

A fairly common malady in his life. Thanks to a novel that did okay and was successfully butchered into something that doesn't remotely resemble his book by Hollywood, Eliot Freed has a bit of money and no desire to ever write anything again. He has no marriage either though he does have a somewhat civil relationship with his ex, Sharon. They have lunch once a week. Then there are the monthly alimony checks he gets from her as well as the way he still feels when he looks at her.

While he doesn't have a car and instead rides a bike, he does have a struggling theater that has few customers. Freed owns the former "Rialto" with all its problems and has renamed it "Comedy Tonight." He shows a comedy double feature consisting of a one current film and an older title. Despite the efforts of "Young Frankenstein" and "Count Bubba, Down-Home Vampire," Mr. Ansella died and that isn't going to help ticket sales.

Neither is the fact that the local police have to close his theater because it is now a crime scene. Getting it back open on a steady basis isn't going to be helped by the fact that the police soon discover that he has a pirating operation going on out of the basement. It would be easy to blame his suddenly missing employee for everything that has happened and something the local police seem perfectly willing to do. Freed is sure that the employee, a film major at Rutgers, had nothing to do with any of it and sets out to prove his innocence and save his theater. Bumming a car when he needs one, Freed begins digging into the case despite being warned off by everyone involved.

Paperback

It would be easy to compare this novel to the Aaron Tucker series and find it wanting. The humor of the parental dynamic as well as Tucker's often strange adventures drives that series and that sort of thing isn't present at all. Freed has no kids and doesn't have a dog. While Tucker gets involved in strange stuff or things go differently than expected, Freed is more of an everyday guy that just had something happen to him that has to be dealt as best as he can. Tucker is a writer and as such for those of us in the business at whatever level there is a resonance in his amusing tales of the world of publishing. Freed has walked away from writing and only briefly relates what happened to his novel and why he has given up writing. Not to mention the fact that the Aaron Tucker series often relies on the madcap in terms of humor and that certainly isn't the case here.

But, this book isn't an Aaron Tucker series novel and therefore should not be judged on that standard. This book has to be judged on its own merits as will the series to come. Comedically, while it does not have the explosive laughter moments for this reader, it does have a number of amusing chuckle type moments as Freed references cultural and movie items. Those that have a strong grounding in comedy films will get considerably more out of the novel than those who do not.

While the book is somewhat predictable with a large part of the resolution foreshadowed early on, there are enough twists and a couple of nice surprises to keep readers highly entertained. The book moves at a pretty good pace though it does stop occasionally for Freed to summarize in depth what has gone on and that seemed a bit redundant and excessive. Still, that is a minor quibble and did not really have a negative impact on the book as it falls under more of a personal preference category. Overall, the book is a pleasant read and a nice start to an interesting character and new series. Next up in the series is It Happened One Knife and is currently scheduled to be released in July.


Some Like It Hot-Buttered: A Double Feature Mystery
Jeffrey Cohen
http://www.aarontucker.com/
Berkley Prime Crime
http://www.penguin.com/
ISBN # 978-0-425-21799-3
Paperback
299 Pages
$6.99


Kevin R. Tipple © 2008, 2017