Sweet old New Orleans, where the party never ends, now overburdened with a growing herd of departed souls who can't (or won't) depart, enlists the unlikeliest of hungover heroes to wake up, get himself together, and gently prod them toward the pearly gates. Does Billy Walker, a lazy, out-of-shape, hedonistic slacker, have what it takes to face his fears, survive his supernatural training regimen, wake up to his true, enlightened self and manage to convince an unruly mob of deceased party animals that last call means what it says? Loved it! 😍 reedsy Discovery In a city where the party never ends, one slacker must convince the dead it's finally last call. Land of Dreams by Daryl Poole is a lighthearted comedy about ghosts, redemption and the wild spirit of New Orleans. Poole's witty and often laugh-out-loud novel has the playful feel of stories by Christopher Moore or Neil Gaiman yet remains unique. Poole's humor takes center stage as his main character, Billy Walker, is visited by ghosts and must improve himself to save New Orleans. Even though Poole's novel is coming out during the holiday season, Billy is no Scrooge. No — he's too much of a loser for that. Billy's ghostly mentor takes the shape of a drill sergeant who runs Billy through a spiritual bootcamp New Orleans is a city where the party never stops, even after death. But when the dead ignore "Last Call," a new bouncer must step in to get those lingering spirits to move along — and that's where Billy comes in. This truly unique novel blends life in New Orleans with a whimsical ghost story. Part of the brilliance of Poole's writing is how he uses his ghost characters to showcase the history, culture, and jazz music that make New Orleans so special. As one of the most haunted cities in America, it's the perfect setting for this story. Poole's supernatural urban fantasy is fun and easy to read; it never takes itself too seriously. Although the plot can be a bit predictable and Billy's redemption arc somewhat cliché, the amusing banter and quirky characters keep the story enjoyable. For readers looking for a dark, serious horror novel, this isn't the book for you. But for anyone who loves the culture and music of "sweet old New Orleans," Poole's story feels like a hot bowl of gumbo and a sugary plate of beignets — spicy yet sweet. Land of Dreams is perfect for readers who like their ghost stories with a wink and their heroes a little rough around the edges.