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Topper by Thorne Smith
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Topper

$15.26

Retail price: $16.95

Discount: 9%

This title is not eligible for purchase with membership credits. Why?

Narrator Barrett Whitener

This audiobook uses AI narration.

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Length 8 hours 30 minutes
Language English
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It all begins when Cosmo Topper, a law-abiding, mild-mannered bank manager, decides to buy a secondhand car, only to find it haunted by the ghosts of its previous owners: the reckless, feckless, frivolous couple who met their untimely demise when the car careened into an oak tree. The capricious ghosts make it their mission to rescue the inhibited banker from the staid “summer of suburban Sundays” that is his life. With their ectoplasmic reappearances and whimsically insane actions, they leave Topper, and anyone else who crosses their path, in a whirlwind of discomfiture and delight. Smith’s hilarious ribald comedy was the basis for a Cary Grant movie and hit television show.

Thorne Smith, a master of urbane wit and sophisticated repartee, was the author of nine novels, including The Night Life of the Gods, Topper Takes a Trip, and The Stray Lamb. He was born in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1892 and died in 1934.

Barrett Whitener has been narrating audiobooks since 1992. His recordings have won several awards, including the prestigious Audie Award and numerous Earphones Awards. AudioFile magazine has named him one of the Best Voices of the Century.

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In celebration of Independent Bookstore Day, shop our limited-time sale on bestselling audiobooks from April 22nd-28th. Don’t miss out—purchases support your local bookstore!

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Reviews

“Barrett Whitener successfully brings the varied characters to life, from petulant and whiny Topper to sophisticated Marion. Whitener carefully paints the desolate landscape of Topper’s life, while hinting at the sensuality of Marion, and the sexual tension between the two. This is a delightful, thought-provoking read.”

“Judging from his books, all Thorne Smith wanted was a little fun—no, a lot of fun, more that might be possible on earth.”

“[Thorne Smith] created the modern American ghost. A ghost with style and wit. A ghost that haunts us still.”

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Celebrate indie bookstores with our limited-time sale! Shop the sale