Nearly Departed by Lucas Oakeley Review (Gifted/AD)

Hello Readers,

Thank you Netgalley and Bedford Square Publishers for the early copy of Nearly Departed. I received a complimentary eBook in exchange for an honest review. Since tomorrow is publication day, rest assured this review is completely spoiler-free.

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the cover image featured in this post. It is used under Fair Use for the purposes of review and recommendation, in line with sections 29 and 30 of the Copyright Act.
 

Happy Early Publication Day

 
Title: Nearly Departed
Author: Lucas Oakeley
Publication Date: 14^th August 2025
Genre: Romance novel, Ghost story, Humorous Fiction
Pages: 320
Cover Image:

Synopsis: Joel Foster is a hapless twenty-something. His girlfriend, Beth Lewis, would likely have been a hapless twenty-something, too, had she not been obliterated by a very large cement truck. Some time after Beth’s tragic death, Joel is still trying to juggle grief with the world of modern dating. And while he still feels like a widower, he has to find a new love before three years is up.

The catch? Just as Joel thinks he’s finally falling for someone, he starts getting haunted by Beth.

It’s not a ghost story, it’s a love story. With ghosts.

Miniature Review

Nearly Departed, the debut novel from Lucas Oakeley, is a refreshingly original blend of dark humour, romance, and ghostly intrigue that explores the messy reality of grief and the awkward chaos of modern dating. Joel Foster’s world is shattered when his girlfriend, Beth Lewis, is tragically killed. Still haunted by loss, Joel must navigate the impossible task of moving on.

Lucas masterfully captures the complicated emotions of heartbreak, grief, and healing with sharp wit and surprising tenderness. The novel’s honest portrayal of loss, paired with its unique supernatural twist, offers a profound yet often laugh-out-loud look at what it means to love again when your past refuses to stay buried.

Though some readers might wish for deeper character development, Nearly Departed is a story about authentic emotional depth and an irresistible charm. If you’re drawn to stories about love, loss, and the ghosts that follow us, this one’s a must-read.

L x

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