Also published under the title Topper, The Jovial Ghosts puts Thorne Smith's literary imagination and quirky sense of humor on full display. A mild-mannered professional, Cosmo Topper, finds his life turned upside-down when he encounters a pair of ghosts, George and Marian Kerby. The ghostly couple soon become fast friends with Topper, which turns out to be a pleasant diversion from his passionless marriage and humdrum life.