Introduction

''Hello, is that Jonathan Rendall?''

''Speaking.''

''My name's Rachel. I''m calling from Yellow Jersey Press and I have a proposal for you. I''m looking for someone to give £12,000 to but the catch is they have to spend it all on gambling - horses, the dogs, casinos, boxing, golf, footie, that sort of thing - and then write a book about it. Any profits made are entirely that person''s but if they lose it all I still want my book. It''s high risk but without wanting to assume too much, I''ve heard a bit about you and somehow I thought it may appeal. Think about it - you''d have the opportunity to lay some serious bets offering serious returns, you could play hard ball in poker games for once, even go to Vegas and, as I said, those winnings are yours to blow in whatever way you wish''.

''When do I start?