Lucky Number – A Story About a Shoeshine Boy

Introduction

"Lucky Number" is a book for starter-level English learners. It is part of the Macmillan Readers series. The book is written by John Milne. The story is easy to read and has pictures to help understand the words. It also comes with an audio CD. This book is good for students who are learning English at A1 level.

The Story

The story is about a boy named Charlie. Charlie is a shoeshine boy. He works on the streets and cleans shoes to make money. He is very poor and does not go to school. One day, Charlie buys a lottery ticket. He hopes to win money and change his life.

Charlie’s life is hard, but he is a kind and hopeful boy. He dreams of a better future. The story follows Charlie as he waits to see if his number is the lucky one. Will he win the lottery? Will his life change? You must read the book to find out!

Characters in the Story

• Charlie – He is the main character. He is a young boy who cleans shoes to earn money. He is poor but hopeful.

• The Lottery Seller – This person sells lottery tickets to Charlie.

• The Shoe Customers – These people give Charlie money for cleaning their shoes.

• Other People in the City – Charlie meets many people in his daily life.

Why You Should Read This Book

• Easy to Read – The book uses simple English words and short sentences.

• Interesting Story – The story is fun and makes you want to know what happens next.

• Good for Learning English – It helps you learn new words and practice reading.

• Pictures Help Understanding – There are pictures to explain difficult words.

Conclusion

"Lucky Number" is a great book for beginner English learners. It is a short and simple story but very interesting. If you want to improve your English and enjoy a good story, this book is perfect for you. Read the book and find out if Charlie’s number is really lucky!

John Milne policeman, art student, crime novelist and television scriptwriter 

John Milne: A Master of Crime Fiction and Television Drama

From Policeman to Painter to Prolific Writer

John Milne’s journey to becoming a celebrated crime novelist and television scriptwriter was anything but predictable. Born in Bermondsey in 1952, Milne took an unconventional path to writing, first training as a policeman before working as a factory laborer. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay in the arts, leading him to train as a painter. While his artistic ambitions did not define his career, they perhaps played a role in shaping the vivid imagery and depth of atmosphere that later characterized his writing.

Despite these early detours, Milne eventually discovered his talent for storytelling. His ability to create gripping narratives and complex characters made him a standout figure in both crime fiction and television scriptwriting. Over the years, he became known for his sharp, well-crafted dialogue and his deep understanding of human nature, qualities that made his work both compelling and memorable.

The Crime Novelist: Sharp Dialogue and Suspenseful Plots

Milne made a significant mark in the literary world with his crime novels, which were widely praised for their realism, psychological depth, and engaging storytelling. His notable works include:

• Alive & Kicking
• Dead Birds
• The Moody Man
• Daddy’s Girl

His novels often featured gritty urban settings and complex, flawed protagonists, drawing readers into fast-paced narratives filled with tension and intrigue. Milne’s ability to balance plot-driven suspense with character development set him apart in the crime fiction genre.

In addition to crime fiction, Milne explored historical storytelling under the pseudonym Tom Bowling. He authored The Antigallican, the first novel in a projected three-part historical naval series. This work demonstrated his versatility as a writer, seamlessly blending historical detail with compelling storytelling.

A Powerhouse in British Television

While his novels gained him literary acclaim, Milne’s impact on British television was equally remarkable. He wrote for some of the most popular crime and drama series of the late 20th century, bringing his signature tension and narrative expertise to the screen. His scriptwriting credits include:

• Bergerac
• EastEnders
• Lovejoy
• The Bill
• Boon
• Taggart
• Wycliffe
• Silent Witness

Milne’s work on these shows helped shape the landscape of British television crime drama. His scripts were known for their intricate plotting, realistic dialogue, and gripping suspense. His outstanding contribution to television writing was recognized in 1998 when he won the prestigious Edgar Award for an episode of Silent Witness, one of the UK’s most respected crime dramas.

A Lasting Legacy in Crime Fiction and Television

John Milne spent his later years in Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, where he continued writing until his passing in May 2022. His work remains influential, with his novels still read by crime fiction enthusiasts and his television scripts remembered as some of the most gripping in British drama.

Milne’s ability to tell a great crime story—whether through books or television—cemented his reputation as a master storyteller. His legacy endures, inspiring future generations of crime writers and screenwriters. Through his sharp, insightful writing, he brought crime fiction and drama to life, leaving behind a body of work that continues to captivate audiences today.