A Night At The Operation [Paperback]

Are you the type of person who will immediately recognize that a character named "Allen Konigsberg" is a tribute to Woody Allen (that's the director's birth name)? Or who notes that a scene in which a bunch of people are crammed into a tiny room is a homage to the Stateroom Scene in the Marx Brothers' "A Night at the Opera"?

If so, then "A Night at the Operation" is for you; if not, well, read it anyway, because you'll pick up some great tips for your Netflix queue, and enjoy a great mystery to boot.

As the third book in the Double Feature Mystery series, "A Night at the Operation" will have more resonance if you've read the first two. Fans of the series know that Elliot Freed is divorced, but still has a close relationship with his ex-wife Sharon, who left him for a fellow physician. Most men in that situation would probably be fairly indifferent if their ex went missing, but not Elliot -- when Sharon disappears, and it seems to be related to the death of one of her patients, he knows he must try and find her. That's the beginning of this tangled tale of murder, secrets, college applications and overflowing bathrooms (the movie theater Elliot owns has really old plumbing). This is a fast-paced, funny mystery with a very satisfying resolution.

Despite the title of this review, I am not a teenager. In fact, I'm a past middle aged mystery and old movie buff and, as such, a huge fan of this series.

I also have to admit that, after reading the other two books, I marked my calendar for the release date of "A Night at the Operation" and was at the bookstore before noon to pick up a copy.

I am so glad--even though the book went much too quickly (I just didn't have the patience to read it in small amounts and savor the wonderful writing and plotting).

The plot is set out above and in other reviews so I'm not going into it. However, you need to know that the plot is fantastically woven--it is intricate, it is exciting, it is funny, and it is logical. In the interest of full disclosure--I did figure out the "whodunnit" early but that didn't distract one moment from my enjoyment.

There are some definite WOW moments (hence the title of this review). The secondary characters (I sometimes think that they are more important to a continued success in a series) are perfectly suited for this venue--the ex-wife, the ex-wife's soon-to-be-ex-husband, the family, law enforcement, and assorted friends and employees keep this from being dull.

Cohen also knows exactly when (and how much) movie information to throw into the mix. And the end pages of extra-movie-knowledge is an added bonus.

Shortly after reading this, I had to watch (once again) "A Night at the Opera". Now, I'm waiting to hear when the newest installment of the double feature series comes out so that I can mark it on my calendar.

Despite being divorced, Elliot Freed and his ex-wife Sharon continue to celebrate their wedding anniversary together with dinner and gifts. Just over a week before this year's anniversary, though, Sharon's current - but estranged - husband drops an annoying bomb on Elliot with the news that she's disappeared. Despite knowing that Sharon's been worried and on edge lately, Elliot hopes that Sharon has only finally left Gregory for good until a visit from the police chief shatters that illusion by also wanting to know Sharon's whereabouts. However, he's not so much concerned about her safety as he is over her involvement in the suicide of her wealthy patient Russell Chapman, whose daughter claims that Sharon misdiagnosed her father with fatal brain cancer. To add to Elliot's stress level is the arrival of his parents who come to "support" him, especially considering his mother's black belt - level skills in passive-aggressive behavior. The hunt for Sharon has Elliot sidelining his concern over his all comedy theatre Comedy Tonight, leaving a plumbing disaster in the hands of his father while one of his star employee's high SAT scores have her parents threatening to whisk her away from what they consider to be an unworthy job at the snack bar. As evidence of shady deals and infidelity to both her husband and ex mount up, his home is broken into, and Chapman's body disappears, Elliot must wade through the lies to uncover both Sharon's and Russell Chapman's secrets.

The previous entry in this series, It Happened One Knife, was a nominee for the Lefty (Best Humorous Mystery) Award, and Cohen follows his success by adding complications that reveal Elliot's very loyal, likable, and relatable character. With his dry wit and unending knowledge of classical comedy movies, Cohen assures that he will keep up the high standard of mysteries that began with his Aaron Tucker mysteries and continues with the Double Feature Mysteries. Cohen avoids the pitfall of making Elliot's mother a two-dimensional stereotype of a manipulative mother, the relationship between Elliot and his young employees is realistic and hilarious, and the love between Sharon and Elliot is touching, at times frustrating, and yet always respectful. Cohen provides readers with a twisty plot that completely surprises even the most jaded mystery fan and the ending is satisfying to both Elliot and the reader. Here's to hoping that the series continues to entertain readers with humor, movie lore, and just plain good writing.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 14 reviews  4.9 out of 5 stars