Carisbrooke Castle is reputedly 1 of the most haunted sites on the Isle of Wight, therefore, it was entirely appropriate that renowned author Peter J Murray chose the Castle Museum to launch his latest gothic horror book, ‘The Darker Side of Wight’.
After a welcome and introduction from Peter Harrigan, the publisher at Medina Publishing, based in Cowes, the author proceeded to give a full hour of entertainment.
Despite, in his own words, being hopeless at maths at school he became a teacher, some of this time at Cheam where King Charles III was once a pupil, for 15 years. His chosen subject being maths! During that period, he was the entertainment officer which is apparent from his professional performance. At school, his nickname was DJ-think about it!
As a child, he often holidayed with his family on the Isle of Wight, or, as he calls it, the Isle of Fright. He enjoys the Island so much in fact, that he is currently living in temporary accommodation on the island but plans to move here permanently soon with his wife of 50-plus years, Kath. They both often visit Island schools for book reading sessions and have taken these same sessions, which introduce children to reading, around the UK and the World.
After outlining his early life and his teaching career he revealed one of his characters, Mokee Joe, the product of his own imagination, started him on his road as a published author. Self- published in 2003 ‘Mokee Joe is Coming’ became a big seller and he has never looked back.
During his performance, King Charles I came to life by means of a brief ‘appearance’, while another resident of the Castle- a bat flew in and did a few laps of the room before disappearing. Amongst the audience there was a mixture of fright, disbelief, and a degree of laughter. How did he do it? Well, he didn’t, actually. It was purely an unscripted moment- even Peter J was taken aback.
As for the book itself which is aimed at children but suitable for adults, there are 12 individual stories, all with Island connections, with an introduction for each by the author.
‘The Darker Side of Wight’ features various characters like John (Jax) Alexander, the alien boy. Witch Hazel, Mary in Carisbrooke Castle well house, A Lucard (use a mirror) and the Siamese Twins at Brading Wax Museum.
You don’t need to be an Island resident to enjoy this book. Even visitors will recognise some of the locations and relate to spooky lane or shute adventures. Cover artwork and inner line drawings are by Paul Bryn Davies, who has been commissioned by no less than Stephen King. Graphic design of this hardback book cover is by Louise Drew.
This book, just look out for the dark side of the hare, is available from Medina Bookshop Cowes and other outlets.
I always thought the most haunted place was Brook!
Knighton Gorge, too.