Bedford Square haunted by journalist Lucas Oakeley's debut novel

Bedford Square Publishers has acquired Nearly Departed, the first novel by writer and journalist Lucas Oakeley.

Carolyn Mays bought world English-language rights from Barbara Levy at Barbara Levy Literary Agency.

The synopsis states: "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, 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."

Mays commented: "Lucas takes a story of love and bereavement we’ve all read before, turns it inside out and makes it his own. I loved his wonderfully real characters, particularly Joel: a flawed protagonist that so many readers will recognise."

Oakeley added: "I’ve wanted to write a book for as long as I can remember, and I’m very happy to have found a home for my debut novel at Bedford Square."

Nearly Departed will be published in August 2025.