A Dirty Job - Christopher Moore

http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780060590277-1: This is the predecessor tale to You Suck (see below). Second-hand store owner Charlie Asher is madly in love with his beautiful wife, Rachel. But, on the day she gives birth to their daughter Sophie, Rachel dies and suddenly Charlie finds that he himself is a "Death Merchant" charged with collecting soul objects from individuals dying in San Francisco. As Charlie endeavors to understand his new powers and mission, the city seems to be taken over by sewer harpies, and his daughter is suddenly being protected by two over-eager Hellhounds. Charlie must join forces with Minty Fresh, another Death Merchant to save the city, and the people he loves. Obviously, this story is not grounded in reality - but for those who like to venture over into the world of science-fiction every once in awhile, this is a fun read. It is more complex and better written than You Suck and a fun break from the types of books I normally read.