Thorne Smith (1892–1934)

Cosmo, a banker stuck in a rut, buys a car on a whim, despite being the car in which a young couple died in a few months before after crashing into a tree.

Little does he know, but the car is haunted by the dead couple, and soon the three are having a whale of a time. Topper escapes from his humdrum life (and wife), spends most of his time excessively drunk, getting into trouble and hanging around with a lot of dead people - and Oscar the dog.

I do vaguely remember the film with Cary Grant and I can just imagine the special effects being created for this - such as when Oscar can only (back) half appears.

Think the book would best be described as "screwball" which is a type of book - and film - which has fallen out of fashion, especially in early 21st century England. We like our humour different now I think. Whilst mildly amusing, this is not the funniest book I've read
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I was mildly entertained by this book for the 1st half of it. The bland life, bland job, bland wife and then the vivacious married dead couple come zooming into Topper's life causing him great fluster and hoo-haw.... it seemed like a not too great sitcom that i am supposed to be laughing riotously but i find myself mildly smiling maybe. But the 2nd half changes speed dramatically ... Yes, we know that Topper is going to get in touch with himself for the better and learn to appreciate the more important things, but he winds up falling head over heels for Marion Kerby, the delightful easy going spirit. And it is a lovely love story. Poor, old, out of shape, not too appealing Topper pursuing Marion as a passionate 16 year old might. Yes, one wonders what Marion sees in this fellow- but hey, it's a fantasy. So, i loved the whole silly long love story that concludes the book. We also get a nice bonus of an improved marriage at the end - Mrs. Topper having taking a liking to the fine step ins that Marion kept pursuing.… (more)