As owner of Comedy Tonight, a Midland Heights, New Jersey movie theatre that shows only comedies, Elliot Freed wants his customers to be slain with laughter. But the dead guy left behind after the rest of the audience has departed isn't laughing. What initially looks like a heart attack turns into a murder case when it's determined that Vincent Ansella's popcorn was poisoned.

Elliot goes above and beyond to aid the police investigation to enable his theatre to reopen sooner. Also, he feels somewhat involved since Ansella died on Elliot's turf. Things get more complicated when police find bootlegged DVDs in the basement of the theatre. The prime suspect is Elliott's projectionist, film student Anthony Pagliarulo. Unfortunately Anthony has disappeared, which seems to indicate his guilt.

Determined to prove Anthony's innocence in the murder and the pirating scheme, Elliot insinuates himself into the victim's life. He asks questions of all involved, which may be hitting too close to home. When more incidents occur at the movie theatre, at Elliot's town house and elsewhere, Elliot knows that Anthony can't be responsible. But will Elliot be able to convince the police of this before his own demise?

SOME LIKE IT HOT-BUTTERED is a highly enjoyable, funny mystery. Movie aficionados will adore the film references and trivia. I loved Elliot's sense of humor and the witty one-liners. Multiple plot threads keep the reader guessing as to the guilty parties and motives. I look forward to reading the next Double Feature mystery when it comes out in 2008. Try Mr. Cohen's latest mystery for a laugh-out-loud good time.