Bucket List

Two lonely strangers. One chance encounter. Six winning numbers. Dot is a lonely pensioner. Max is a young offender. But a chance meeting in their local park changes everything for this unlikely duo. They soon find they share a wicked sense of humour and a penchant for petty crime. When Dot wins the lottery, Max helps her make a bucket list of all the things she's always wanted to do but never had the chance. The pair gradually realise that it's not just expensive gadgets, fast cars and fun fairs that make them happy. And that the secret to living a rich life isn't money . . . Readers of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and The Keeper of Lost Things will love this book. 'Rarely does one read a novel that so nourishes the soul and completely restores one's faith in the inherent goodness of mankind. Jones is an exceptional writer' - Tendai Huchu, author of The Hairdresser of Harare 'A poignant, entertaining and uplifting read as loneliness, larceny and a lottery win lead to the unlikeliest of friendships' - Olga Wojtas 'There is pathos and poverty, brutality, and a longing for connection that sings throughout this book. I could not put it down' - Jane Yolen

Russell Jones is an Edinburgh-based writer and editor. He was the UK's first Pet Poet Laureate, has published six poetry collections, three fantasy novels, one graphic novel and has edited three writing anthologies. Russell was the deputy editor of Scotland's only sci-fi magazine from 2015-2023, organises literary cabaret nights in Edinburgh and has a PhD in Creative Writing.