Spud is a prescient three-year old, wise beyond his years. His mother, Angela, was left alone following the sudden death of Spud's biological father, Scott. Though Angela had the love and support of both her parents and Scott's, she elected to strike out on her own and leave the family farm – and her longtime friends – behind.

Settled into a flat in Walcote, about two hours' drive from her parents' home, Angela crosses paths with several individuals, including Geoff, a would-be suitor, and his demolition team. Geoff introduces her to Reg and Phyllis, aging neighbors who lost their daughter, Debbie, six decades earlier in a freak accident – yet Spud is able to see and hear Debbie as if she was in the room with them. The twists and turns of village life quickly turn macabré as Angela's neighbor and closest friend is murdered.

Spud has awareness of a life "before," with his "other mummy," Alma, when they were sent to "Outfits." (Auschwitz). Spud shares this with his grandfather, who believes Spud's insights. However, Angela is taken quite aback by what she at first thinks to be Spud's overly vivid imagination. It isn't until she meets up with her old friend, Luke, back in her hometown, Dereham, at Christmastime that she is convinced her son is not simply imagining things. An unusual encounter with Luke, an accomplished violinist, brings the truth of Spud's story out in the open.