Nearly Departed is the first novel by writer and journalist Lucas Oakeley, to be published by Bedford Square Publishers this summer.

Joel Foster is a hapless twenty-something. His girlfriend, Beth Lewis, would likely have been a hapless twenty-something too, had she not stepped in front of a very large cement truck. Years after the tragedy Joel is still grieving, but it’s time to enter the world of modern dating. Which is terrible at first and then less so when he thinks he might be falling for someone. Then, when he’s out for the all important first date, he sees Beth across the room. It turns out Joel is hunted by his dead girlfriend. Literally.

Lucas Oakeley has written for a range of publications including - but not limited to - GQ, Vogue, New York Magazine, National Geographic, Economist and Esquire. He was shortlisted as a finalist for the Guild of Food Writers’ Food Writing award in 2020.