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DCI Greg Geldard #5
Dig Two Graves
Greg stumbles upon the gruesome murder of a police informant and realizes his colleague has gone missing, presumed kidnapped.
As he seeks Sarah in a desperate race against time, he uncovers a sinister County Lines operation, entangled with money laundering and a labyrinthine network of organised crime. The pursuit is intensifying when the man at the centre of the web directs his malevolence towards Greg, targeting not only his home and his cat, but also his beloved partner, Chris.
Set in the captivating world of the Norfolk Broads, this gripping thriller explores a number of pressing current issues, from knife crime to the profound consequences of revenge on perpetrator and victim.
As he seeks Sarah in a desperate race against time, he uncovers a sinister County Lines operation, entangled with money laundering and a labyrinthine network of organised crime. The pursuit is intensifying when the man at the centre of the web directs his malevolence towards Greg, targeting not only his home and his cat, but also his beloved partner, Chris.
Set in the captivating world of the Norfolk Broads, this gripping thriller explores a number of pressing current issues, from knife crime to the profound consequences of revenge on perpetrator and victim.
- GenresMystery
312 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2023
About the author
Heather Peck
20 books17 followersHeather Peck is the author of the Greg Geldard series of murder mysteries, set in rural North Yorkshire and Norfolk. As she says:
‘I’ve had a life of two halves. In the first I was both farmer and agricultural policy adviser. I bred sheep and alpacas, reared calves, broke ploughs, represented the UK in international negotiations, specialised in emergency response from Chernobyl to bird flu, managed controls over pesticides and GM crops, saw legislation through parliament and got paid to eat KitKats while on secondment to Rowntree. In the second I chaired an NHS Trust, worked on animal welfare, sailed a boat on the Norfolk Broads, volunteered in Citizens Advice and the Witness Service and vaccinate humans against Covid. Two golden threads have run through everything; my love for both reading and writing, and the wise words of my Gran. ‘You can do anything if you try hard enough.
Now I write about the countryside and the animals I love, the industry (farming) I hold in deepest respect, and the various ways in which humans make things bad for each other and the world around them, always being very aware of the sad fact that cruelty to animals usually goes hand in hand with cruelty to other humans. Much of my time in the Witness Service and in Citizens Advice has indeed brought me face to face with some of the more tragic aspects of family life and work.
I write about the rural world because I want to share its wonders, peculiarities and hilarious moments with people who may not have been privileged to see it as I have seen it. But I wrote these specific books, Secret Places and Glass Arrows, because each uncovers problems that are probably hidden to most of us and about which I care passionately.
My main protagonist has grown with each story and his life has changed in ways I couldn’t have predicted at the start. When I started writing Secret Places I didn’t intend Greg Geldard to be the main protagonist. But I find that he, and other characters, take on a life of their own. How they react to circumstance affects what and how they feel, and therefore how they evolve. That too gives me immense satisfaction. Greg Geldard is now a man with a rounded personality; some strengths, some weaknesses, some insights and some blind spots. I’d like to meet him.’
‘I’ve had a life of two halves. In the first I was both farmer and agricultural policy adviser. I bred sheep and alpacas, reared calves, broke ploughs, represented the UK in international negotiations, specialised in emergency response from Chernobyl to bird flu, managed controls over pesticides and GM crops, saw legislation through parliament and got paid to eat KitKats while on secondment to Rowntree. In the second I chaired an NHS Trust, worked on animal welfare, sailed a boat on the Norfolk Broads, volunteered in Citizens Advice and the Witness Service and vaccinate humans against Covid. Two golden threads have run through everything; my love for both reading and writing, and the wise words of my Gran. ‘You can do anything if you try hard enough.
Now I write about the countryside and the animals I love, the industry (farming) I hold in deepest respect, and the various ways in which humans make things bad for each other and the world around them, always being very aware of the sad fact that cruelty to animals usually goes hand in hand with cruelty to other humans. Much of my time in the Witness Service and in Citizens Advice has indeed brought me face to face with some of the more tragic aspects of family life and work.
I write about the rural world because I want to share its wonders, peculiarities and hilarious moments with people who may not have been privileged to see it as I have seen it. But I wrote these specific books, Secret Places and Glass Arrows, because each uncovers problems that are probably hidden to most of us and about which I care passionately.
My main protagonist has grown with each story and his life has changed in ways I couldn’t have predicted at the start. When I started writing Secret Places I didn’t intend Greg Geldard to be the main protagonist. But I find that he, and other characters, take on a life of their own. How they react to circumstance affects what and how they feel, and therefore how they evolve. That too gives me immense satisfaction. Greg Geldard is now a man with a rounded personality; some strengths, some weaknesses, some insights and some blind spots. I’d like to meet him.’
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 8, 2023
Based in the beautiful and captivating setting of the Norfolk Broads, DCI Greg Geldard continues his police investigations in book five of this series “Dig Two Graves”, written by award wining author Heather Peck.
As the Chinese saying goes “when you begin a journey of revenge, start by digging two graves: one for your enemy and one for yourself” and it is by this, that the story has its theme, revenge against perpetrator and victim and a cat and mouse race against time to save a police colleague of Greg’s.
This book didn’t half start with a jaw dropping and engrossing bang and it continued to roll out the tension, action and intrigue non stop, till the very, very end. Having read the fourth in the series “The Temenos Remains” and being left there with a cliff hanger ending, I’ve been awaiting the release of this book with bated breath. No disappointments, the opening chapter dived straight into the action, exactly where the previous book finished.
As the search for Sarah intensified, I really was on the edge of my seat and with a sadistic psychopath possibly being responsible for her abduction it was a worrying scenario for both the reader and the characters, knowing exactly what they were capable of from previous crimes.
I really like DCI Geldard and the scene with his parents brought some light relief in an otherwise very tense and action packed story. I raced through this book and as this talented author is now cleverly wanton of doing, another cliff hanger beckoned and once again I keenly await the next instalment! As soon as possible please Heather!!
A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ action packed read
As the Chinese saying goes “when you begin a journey of revenge, start by digging two graves: one for your enemy and one for yourself” and it is by this, that the story has its theme, revenge against perpetrator and victim and a cat and mouse race against time to save a police colleague of Greg’s.
This book didn’t half start with a jaw dropping and engrossing bang and it continued to roll out the tension, action and intrigue non stop, till the very, very end. Having read the fourth in the series “The Temenos Remains” and being left there with a cliff hanger ending, I’ve been awaiting the release of this book with bated breath. No disappointments, the opening chapter dived straight into the action, exactly where the previous book finished.
As the search for Sarah intensified, I really was on the edge of my seat and with a sadistic psychopath possibly being responsible for her abduction it was a worrying scenario for both the reader and the characters, knowing exactly what they were capable of from previous crimes.
I really like DCI Geldard and the scene with his parents brought some light relief in an otherwise very tense and action packed story. I raced through this book and as this talented author is now cleverly wanton of doing, another cliff hanger beckoned and once again I keenly await the next instalment! As soon as possible please Heather!!
A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ action packed read
August 1, 2023
Dig Two Graves begins literally as the final scene of The Temenos Remains fades out. We are in Norfolk and crime fiction buffs will know that this is no rural idyll; readers of Jim Kelly's Peter Shaw series - and the excellent Ruth Galloway novels by Elly Griffiths - will be well aware that away from the "Chelsea-On-Sea" second homes of North Norfolk and the gentle downlands beyond Sandringham, Norwich and Great Yarmouth provide, to adapt the immortal words of Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi, as wretched a hive of scum and villainy as one could wish to experience.
The "scum and villainy" in this case are provided by the brutal Lithuanian gangsters Constantin Gabrys and his psychopathic son Mica. As a local, Heather Peck will be only too cogniscant of the fact that Freedom of Movement in the dark days of EU membership brought tens of thousands of Eastern Europeans to the area to pick and process the food crops on which we all rely; like many others, she will also know that with the decent folk came gangsters, drug barons and people-traffickers, and this is the background to this novel.
DCI Greg Geldard and his team have found a Romanian woman - Madame Trieste, real name Adrianne Laurientiu - brutally murdered. The killers, in no particular order, have crucified the nail-bar owner, cut her throat, and made her swallow her own eyeballs The first police officer on the scene, DI Sarah Laurence has been abducted by the killers. The search for Sarah Laurence and the determination to bring her captors to justice drives the police on, and provides us with an excellent read.
I finished this excellent novel in just two sessions, and that should tell you that it is a genuine page-turner. My rather weather-beaten maxim for judging crime novels is in the shape of a question - do we care about the principal characters in the novel? Here, I can deliver a resounding 'Yes!". Geldard is thoroughly human and believable, and it doesn't hurt that he his "significant other" is colleague DS Chris Matthews. Heather Peck doesn't make a meal of this relationship, but she makes us aware that the police top brass are not entirely in favour. Peck resolves the problem, rather delightfully, in the last few paragraphs.
Dig Two Graves is a superior police procedural that rattles on at a breathtaking pace, and features genuinely vile criminals pursued by well-observed and authentic coppers. It was published by Ormesby Publishing on 28th June.
The "scum and villainy" in this case are provided by the brutal Lithuanian gangsters Constantin Gabrys and his psychopathic son Mica. As a local, Heather Peck will be only too cogniscant of the fact that Freedom of Movement in the dark days of EU membership brought tens of thousands of Eastern Europeans to the area to pick and process the food crops on which we all rely; like many others, she will also know that with the decent folk came gangsters, drug barons and people-traffickers, and this is the background to this novel.
DCI Greg Geldard and his team have found a Romanian woman - Madame Trieste, real name Adrianne Laurientiu - brutally murdered. The killers, in no particular order, have crucified the nail-bar owner, cut her throat, and made her swallow her own eyeballs The first police officer on the scene, DI Sarah Laurence has been abducted by the killers. The search for Sarah Laurence and the determination to bring her captors to justice drives the police on, and provides us with an excellent read.
I finished this excellent novel in just two sessions, and that should tell you that it is a genuine page-turner. My rather weather-beaten maxim for judging crime novels is in the shape of a question - do we care about the principal characters in the novel? Here, I can deliver a resounding 'Yes!". Geldard is thoroughly human and believable, and it doesn't hurt that he his "significant other" is colleague DS Chris Matthews. Heather Peck doesn't make a meal of this relationship, but she makes us aware that the police top brass are not entirely in favour. Peck resolves the problem, rather delightfully, in the last few paragraphs.
Dig Two Graves is a superior police procedural that rattles on at a breathtaking pace, and features genuinely vile criminals pursued by well-observed and authentic coppers. It was published by Ormesby Publishing on 28th June.
August 4, 2023
The story:
When DCI Greg Geldard arrives at the scene of a murder, there is no sign of the colleague who has sped there to protect the unfortunate victim. The search soon links to an ongoing county lines investigation, with the possible grooming of local school children to transport drugs. The trail leads Geldard and his team to a man they suspect of being the head of the organisation, and also suggests that Norfolk police might have a leak... But when another death occurs, this time one of the criminals, revenge threatens to destroy everything Geldard holds dear.
My thoughts:
I was excited to read this next instalment of the DCI Greg Geldard series, as the author left us on quite a cliffhanger in the last book! "The Temenos Remains” ended with a member of DCI Geldard's Norfolk-based team abducted after walking in on the murder of an informant, and the action of "Dig Two Graves" picks up immediately where the last one left off.
The title of this book refers to the proverb “Seek revenge and you should dig two graves, one for yourself” (sometimes attributed to Confucius); meaning that the person seeking revenge is as likely to be damaged by their actions as the person they are seeking revenge on. And revenge is a theme throughout this book, both on the side of the criminals and the police.
I've really enjoyed the books I've read by Heather Peck, and this was no exception – the writing is great, with short, snappy chapters allowing me to fly through the exciting, fast-paced story. As mentioned in my previous review, the plots are multilayered and really draw you in. Geldard himself is a very likable protagonist – not perfect, but dedicated to his work and his team.
The ending is both satisfying, and once again sets us up nicely for the story to continue. As mentioned, this book dives straight into the action of the previous story, and while I think you could read this as a standalone, I'd definitely recommend going back and at least reading "The Temenos Remains" to get up to speed! Overall, this is once again a very satisfying and dramatic crime thriller, and I look forward to reading more from the author soon!
When DCI Greg Geldard arrives at the scene of a murder, there is no sign of the colleague who has sped there to protect the unfortunate victim. The search soon links to an ongoing county lines investigation, with the possible grooming of local school children to transport drugs. The trail leads Geldard and his team to a man they suspect of being the head of the organisation, and also suggests that Norfolk police might have a leak... But when another death occurs, this time one of the criminals, revenge threatens to destroy everything Geldard holds dear.
My thoughts:
I was excited to read this next instalment of the DCI Greg Geldard series, as the author left us on quite a cliffhanger in the last book! "The Temenos Remains” ended with a member of DCI Geldard's Norfolk-based team abducted after walking in on the murder of an informant, and the action of "Dig Two Graves" picks up immediately where the last one left off.
The title of this book refers to the proverb “Seek revenge and you should dig two graves, one for yourself” (sometimes attributed to Confucius); meaning that the person seeking revenge is as likely to be damaged by their actions as the person they are seeking revenge on. And revenge is a theme throughout this book, both on the side of the criminals and the police.
I've really enjoyed the books I've read by Heather Peck, and this was no exception – the writing is great, with short, snappy chapters allowing me to fly through the exciting, fast-paced story. As mentioned in my previous review, the plots are multilayered and really draw you in. Geldard himself is a very likable protagonist – not perfect, but dedicated to his work and his team.
The ending is both satisfying, and once again sets us up nicely for the story to continue. As mentioned, this book dives straight into the action of the previous story, and while I think you could read this as a standalone, I'd definitely recommend going back and at least reading "The Temenos Remains" to get up to speed! Overall, this is once again a very satisfying and dramatic crime thriller, and I look forward to reading more from the author soon!
August 1, 2023
As a new reader to the series, it was, at first difficult to get into the book. The book begins immediately after the close of book 4, and the reader is thrust straight into the crime scene with characters unheard of, unless you've read the previous book, with no preamble to help out a newcomer.
Nevertheless, refusing to be undeterred, I continued reading! The author had provided a handy character list at the front of the book, and I did find myself having to refer back to this quite frequently. There was also a glossary for police terms so if you are new to the crime genre, that is a handy feature.
The opening chapter describes quite a gruesome murder - fine by me! - and the reader is very quickly swept along with the action. Short chapters are always a win with me, particularly in this genre as I find it really helps to increase and maintain the fast pace required with a crime thriller where time is of the essence.
However, for me, the book tried to do too much and I felt at times like I was being robbed of detail and the build-up of suspense. So many things happened, and really quickly! I would have liked to have seen more made of Sarah's incarceration - she was rescued very swiftly and, although I don't agree with violence for the sake of it, I felt more could have been done to increase the tension, making this a more prominent part of the story. There were lots of incidents that seemed to be resolved very quickly and easily which seemed juxtaposed against the initial grisly crime.
Nevertheless, this will not deter me from reading books by this author again. I would like to go back and start at the beginning, as coming to the series at book 5 felt like I had missed out on essential character building that happens naturally in such series. Therefore, I am giving this book 3 stars, but this is due to the fact that I've missed out on the lead up to this point.
Nevertheless, refusing to be undeterred, I continued reading! The author had provided a handy character list at the front of the book, and I did find myself having to refer back to this quite frequently. There was also a glossary for police terms so if you are new to the crime genre, that is a handy feature.
The opening chapter describes quite a gruesome murder - fine by me! - and the reader is very quickly swept along with the action. Short chapters are always a win with me, particularly in this genre as I find it really helps to increase and maintain the fast pace required with a crime thriller where time is of the essence.
However, for me, the book tried to do too much and I felt at times like I was being robbed of detail and the build-up of suspense. So many things happened, and really quickly! I would have liked to have seen more made of Sarah's incarceration - she was rescued very swiftly and, although I don't agree with violence for the sake of it, I felt more could have been done to increase the tension, making this a more prominent part of the story. There were lots of incidents that seemed to be resolved very quickly and easily which seemed juxtaposed against the initial grisly crime.
Nevertheless, this will not deter me from reading books by this author again. I would like to go back and start at the beginning, as coming to the series at book 5 felt like I had missed out on essential character building that happens naturally in such series. Therefore, I am giving this book 3 stars, but this is due to the fact that I've missed out on the lead up to this point.
August 2, 2023
Time is of the essence when a fellow police officer is a caught up in a vicious murder and taken hostage, the problem is the culprit doesn’t know who they are and sees them as an opportunity. The clock is ticking to get Sarah back before it’s too late.
With a clever reference to the appalling behaviour of the Met police, the author also includes the kind of crossing of boundaries that put the police in the camp of the criminals. When misogyny rules and the systemic abuse and harassment of women is no different than that of the street criminal, deviant or abuser, then the police loses all authority and respect.
Instead of a police force people can trust, colleagues have to worry about the people they work with and deal with the same level of abuse and harassment at work and in their lives. Trust can’t be created when men always treat women like potential prey. With that in mind there is a scene – a fleeting moment really – where Greg wanders on the border of this problem. His instinctive reaction to Sarah is torn between victim and victim blaming. It’s an interesting point to make. Subtle and very poignant.
It’s a fast-paced crime read that doesn’t stop, even at the end.
With a clever reference to the appalling behaviour of the Met police, the author also includes the kind of crossing of boundaries that put the police in the camp of the criminals. When misogyny rules and the systemic abuse and harassment of women is no different than that of the street criminal, deviant or abuser, then the police loses all authority and respect.
Instead of a police force people can trust, colleagues have to worry about the people they work with and deal with the same level of abuse and harassment at work and in their lives. Trust can’t be created when men always treat women like potential prey. With that in mind there is a scene – a fleeting moment really – where Greg wanders on the border of this problem. His instinctive reaction to Sarah is torn between victim and victim blaming. It’s an interesting point to make. Subtle and very poignant.
It’s a fast-paced crime read that doesn’t stop, even at the end.
August 19, 2023
Even though this is Book Five in the DCI Greg Geldard Norfolk Mysteries, you can read this one as a standalone in its own right. Straight away it draws you in through its gruesome opening linked to murder and kidnapping ; so much so that you want to find out more and the story doesn't disappoint as it progresses.
there are the usual types of character you would expect in most Detective/ Murder Mysteries though, for me, some of them were taken to a far darker level that had me feeling emotionally moved at times due to the excellent descriptive writing that Heather uses to pull the reader in.
The story touches on issues that are happening all around us in the times we live in and it doesn't matter whether you are living in the countryside or in the middle of a city, these ruthless gangs are all around.
The characters that Heather creates within her books develop until you feel as though you have known them for years , as her descriptive writing creates images for you until you feel as though you are there observing what is happening.
If you haven't read any of Heather's books before they are well worth adding to your list of Detective Mystery stories.
there are the usual types of character you would expect in most Detective/ Murder Mysteries though, for me, some of them were taken to a far darker level that had me feeling emotionally moved at times due to the excellent descriptive writing that Heather uses to pull the reader in.
The story touches on issues that are happening all around us in the times we live in and it doesn't matter whether you are living in the countryside or in the middle of a city, these ruthless gangs are all around.
The characters that Heather creates within her books develop until you feel as though you have known them for years , as her descriptive writing creates images for you until you feel as though you are there observing what is happening.
If you haven't read any of Heather's books before they are well worth adding to your list of Detective Mystery stories.
August 7, 2023
This is Book 5 in the 'DCI Geldard' series: If seeking revenge, Dig Two Graves-is one for yourself (DCI Greg Geldard.
This is the first book in the series that I have read. Madame Trieste, also known as Adrianne Laurientiu, a nail-bar owner has been brutally murdered. Whoever has done this this has cut her throat and made her swallow her own eyeballs. DI Sarah Laurence has been taken by the murderers. With them taken one of their own, finding DI Sarah Laurence is high, if that means up setting a few people in the process, so be it. But is it really going to be that simple or is there more to this. I liked how the author has added a character list, so we know who is who and also a glossary of police terms. I read this in one sitting as it kept me wanting to turn the pages. I will be going back and reading the other books in the series.
This is the first book in the series that I have read. Madame Trieste, also known as Adrianne Laurientiu, a nail-bar owner has been brutally murdered. Whoever has done this this has cut her throat and made her swallow her own eyeballs. DI Sarah Laurence has been taken by the murderers. With them taken one of their own, finding DI Sarah Laurence is high, if that means up setting a few people in the process, so be it. But is it really going to be that simple or is there more to this. I liked how the author has added a character list, so we know who is who and also a glossary of police terms. I read this in one sitting as it kept me wanting to turn the pages. I will be going back and reading the other books in the series.
October 1, 2026
gangsters in Norwich
An enjoyable read of gangsters and their pursuit by Greg and his team, not without a deal of danger. Drugs, money laundering and human trafficking by a Lithuanian organised crime syndicate in Norwich headed by a feared leader and his psychopathic son. Looking to take down this group Greg and his team investigate, their paths lead them into dangerous waters, one of the team is kidnapped and in the resulting rescue the leaders son is killed. What follows is more danger for Greg, his team and turmoil in his personal life adding to the pressure.
A worthy page turner.
An enjoyable read of gangsters and their pursuit by Greg and his team, not without a deal of danger. Drugs, money laundering and human trafficking by a Lithuanian organised crime syndicate in Norwich headed by a feared leader and his psychopathic son. Looking to take down this group Greg and his team investigate, their paths lead them into dangerous waters, one of the team is kidnapped and in the resulting rescue the leaders son is killed. What follows is more danger for Greg, his team and turmoil in his personal life adding to the pressure.
A worthy page turner.
June 12, 2026
Another Very Intriguing Addition to this series!
Book 5 takes up exactly where the last book ended with the gruesome murder of a older woman and the disappearance of
DSI Sarah Laurance. With an intense hunt on to find their colleague the team levels up the pressure against all who may be able to help locate her unharmed. Intense and with extreme resolve this book was simply dynamic! Can not wait for the next book in the series!
Book 5 takes up exactly where the last book ended with the gruesome murder of a older woman and the disappearance of
DSI Sarah Laurance. With an intense hunt on to find their colleague the team levels up the pressure against all who may be able to help locate her unharmed. Intense and with extreme resolve this book was simply dynamic! Can not wait for the next book in the series!
August 1, 2023
Heather Peck has done it again with another action packed novel with our main character DCI Greg Geldard. It’s super fast paced and you don’t want to put it down.
This follows directly on from The Tenemos Remains so you probably want to read that one first!
If you love a good crime/police procedural novel then this is for you (and definitely read the whole series!)
This follows directly on from The Tenemos Remains so you probably want to read that one first!
If you love a good crime/police procedural novel then this is for you (and definitely read the whole series!)
January 11, 2026
another great book in the series of dci Greg geldard. A gripping story one I could put down once I got into it looking forward to the next one
June 11, 2026
Am really enjoying these Heather Peck Brooks.
Getting to know the characters well.looking forward too the next one.but think Greg and Chris rather rushed into the relationship.
Getting to know the characters well.looking forward too the next one.but think Greg and Chris rather rushed into the relationship.
June 21, 2026
Great Read
The whole series was great 👍 look forward to the continuation of the series there where times I couldn't stop reading thank you Heather.
The whole series was great 👍 look forward to the continuation of the series there where times I couldn't stop reading thank you Heather.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews