A Lancaster woman has explained how the city's fascinating ghostly history has inspired her debut horror novel.
MJ Mars popped into the Beyond Radio studio on Friday to talk about her first release 'The Suffering' and its links to 18th century Lancaster.
One of the characters in the novel came to her while she was on a guided tour of the city.
MJ, real name Michelle Marsden, said the gruesome history of Lancaster has given her plenty of inspiration for her book, which is getting great reviews.
LISTEN to our interview with MJ Mars
"I've always loved horror for as long as I can remember," said MJ.
"That excitement and a little bit of fear, monsters, were the only things that gave me that kind of rush, after that. That thumping heart and the excitement that horror brings has been in my life since I was a tiny tot.
"I knew I wanted to put Lancaster in the book in some way because there's so much history. I love living here and I visiting the castle to learn about all the dark things that have happened over the years.
"One of the ghosts who haunts the students in The Suffering is based on a woman from the 1700s, who would entertain the sailors on St George's Quay."
The Suffering, published by Wicked House Publishing, is available on Kindle and in paperback from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Related Story: Lancaster author releases debut horror novel with ghostly links to city - Beyond Radio


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