Renown Mystery writer Fred Finnegan has died and all his friends have gathered at his wake. His agent, Lenord Elmore, presides over the wake along with Fred's widow Joyce. Also in attendance are all of Fred's old friends: ex-police Chief Wambaugh. Danny Runyon, a reformed "wise guy" and Peaches Marie Crabtree. Agatha Fletcher, a news reporter from the Associated Wire. The 'Fredrick Finnegan Fan Club' at also present.

The wake starts off normally, but the circumstances of Freddie's death keep coming into question. The one guest who would appreciate answers is Fred himself because he is also there - in spirit -literally.

Only the nerd-ish fanboy Clyde Barker has the gift to "hear" dead people. Can Freddie use Clyde to find out what happened? There is a ghost of a chance. Was it someone at the wake? He's dying to find out.