David Blackthorn, a preacher from Meridian Mississippi, finds himself having a conversation with the Angel of Death after suffering from a heart attack while attending a potluck for his conjuration. As David awaits Death's judgment, they strike up a conversation that explores concepts ranging from God to the universe. The soul of David's deceased mother appears to save David from Death's judgment, only to be cast into the fires of Hell. What follows is David's adventure as he attempts to save his mother from her torment. He faces numerous demons, uncovers the esoteric history of God, the inner workings of the universe, discovers that there are, in fact, many gods, and comes to face the fact that his trip into the Underworld may just be a choice between a life he cannot refuse or damning all of humanity.