Vodka bottle attack man is jailed
MYSTERY and intrigue combine with football in an Accrington school teacher’s second novel.
‘Once Upon A Time There Was A Man’ by Peter Scholes, follows the story of private investigator Paul Brunskill, who sets off on a journey to discover the truth behind a mystery letter.
In the early part of the book, Peter decided to set some of his characters’ preliminary investigations in Rochdale.
An avid Carlisle United fan, Peter, who works as a teacher at Spring Hill Primary School in Accrington after moving to the town 15 years ago, felt a fondness for Rochdale after visiting for numerous away trips to their Spotland ground over the years.
“It’s one of those places
I’ve always had a fondness for and I decided it would be an ideal place to use as part of the book,” said Peter.
“I’ve walked the area I’ve written about, I’ve been to the places that I’ve mentioned.
“It’s been quite strange during the lockdown not being able to get somewhere that’s only 15 miles down the road.
“So I had Google Street View on to see where he would park his van or the shortcuts he would take - it’s been quite fascinating.”
The book is also set in Devon, Lancashire, the North East, Cumbria and even New York.
For research Peter sent the book to members of local Facebook groups in the places he was writing about and says the response was fantastic.
“The local people have been really helpful and Rochdale has been no exception,” said Peter, who also writes children’s books and educational resources.
“I think it’s got the makings of something a little bit special. I just want people to read my work.
“It’s a human story, it’s quite touching in a lot of ways. It’s up and down with the emotions, it pulls at the heart strings but hopefully it will give you a belly laugh as well - that’s the idea.”
The book is available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle.