Freddie Jones is chosen to be a companion in after-life. He meets his tutor and guide, Theo who is a rather flambouyant character with outrageous dress sense. He is also introduced to the other companions who will assist him in guarding preddies (pre-deads or living beings) from the more malevolent spirits (spectres: wraiths: poltergeists). These evil spirits are led by Festering Festus, an evil lord who exists only to bring preddies under his control. The companions helping Freddie are Boomer, a long-necked youth from mid twentieth century; Charlie, a boy from seventeenth century plague-ridden London; and Sharon, a young girl from sometime in freddie's future. Together they are to be trained in the art of fighting Festus and his hordes of evil spirits.