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Milestones
A new, standalone thriller from the multi-award-winning author of the DCI Geldard Norfolk In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there have been a number of significant dates when millions of people around the world can say ‘I know where I was when...’Aelfwyth, born on the day Elizabeth II was crowned Queen, finds her life has shared many pivotal events with such milestones, from the childhood moment when she heard of the death of Kennedy and met the Five Towns Flasher, through wars and the Chernobyl disaster to the culmination of her ex-husband’s persecution coinciding with 9/11.Milestones follows a life through joys and disasters, from first love to last, through loss and abuse to survival and the realisation, at the end, that what really matters is love and hope
282 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2024
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Heather Peck
19 books14 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 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 18, 2024
I have not read a Heather Peck book since I reviewed Secret Places in March 2021. When this blog tour invite landed in my inbox I could not resist. This book wants to read like a memoir, but it quickly turns into a gripping mystery you do not want to walk away from.
The book traces the life of Aelfwyth, born on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. In this standalone novel, the author navigates the late 20th and early 21st centuries, intertwining Aelfwyth’s experiences with globally significant events that shape the era.
The novel captures the essence of historical moments that resonate universally, evoking your own memories of where you were during pivotal events. Aelfwyth’s life becomes a lens through which you witness the impact of historical milestones, from the death of Kennedy to the Chernobyl disaster and the tragic events of 9/11. The author weaves personal narratives with larger historical tapestries, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.
The exploration of Aelfwyth’s life is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, touching on themes of love, loss, abuse, survival and the enduring power of hope. The author crafts a story that spans from the innocence of first love to the complexity of adult relationships, providing a details portrayal of the experience. The pacing of the story well having a slow start is well-balanced, allowing you to absorb the weight of each milestone without losing the overall momentum of the story. The author’s writing is both sensitive and powerful, drawing you into the emotional landscape of Aelfwyth’s journey. The story ends with the realisation that love and hope are the true anchors in life, emphasising the resilience of the human spirit.
While the story captures the emotional tones of Aelfwyth’s life, there were moments where the transactions between historical events felt abrupt. However, these instances do not distract significantly from the overall impact of the novel. Milestones is a moving and evocative thriller that blends personal narratives with historical milestones. The author’s exploration of universal themes makes this book a compelling and worthwhile read, earning it a solid four stars.
https://featzreviews.com/milestones-b...
The book traces the life of Aelfwyth, born on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. In this standalone novel, the author navigates the late 20th and early 21st centuries, intertwining Aelfwyth’s experiences with globally significant events that shape the era.
The novel captures the essence of historical moments that resonate universally, evoking your own memories of where you were during pivotal events. Aelfwyth’s life becomes a lens through which you witness the impact of historical milestones, from the death of Kennedy to the Chernobyl disaster and the tragic events of 9/11. The author weaves personal narratives with larger historical tapestries, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.
The exploration of Aelfwyth’s life is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, touching on themes of love, loss, abuse, survival and the enduring power of hope. The author crafts a story that spans from the innocence of first love to the complexity of adult relationships, providing a details portrayal of the experience. The pacing of the story well having a slow start is well-balanced, allowing you to absorb the weight of each milestone without losing the overall momentum of the story. The author’s writing is both sensitive and powerful, drawing you into the emotional landscape of Aelfwyth’s journey. The story ends with the realisation that love and hope are the true anchors in life, emphasising the resilience of the human spirit.
While the story captures the emotional tones of Aelfwyth’s life, there were moments where the transactions between historical events felt abrupt. However, these instances do not distract significantly from the overall impact of the novel. Milestones is a moving and evocative thriller that blends personal narratives with historical milestones. The author’s exploration of universal themes makes this book a compelling and worthwhile read, earning it a solid four stars.
https://featzreviews.com/milestones-b...
March 20, 2024
I've had the pleasure of reading and reviewing a few of Heather's books and she has never ever disappointed me and she has with this book either. In this book we follow the life of Aelfwyth and how her life has almost been mapped out by milestones within the life and world we live. Aelfwyth was born on 2 June 1953, the day Elizabeth 11 was crowned Queen and her mother always made a comment on how she missed the coronation because she was born on the same day. But things don't stop there, Aelfwyth remembers many other times that things have happened, at ten-year-old she was walking home with her best friend Katy, and that's where she hit a man with her school bag. When she got home Sophy the babysitter told her about the flasher, just when she was going to say something there was a new flash on the telly to say President Kennedy had been shot. Through out the book we are reminded of different milestones that intertwine with Aelfwyh own personal life. I don't want to say much more and spoil it for others to read. There were things within the story that I remembered where I was at that time, especially the death of Princess Diana, I remember putting the telly on after making a cuppa and breakfast for my children, and it was all over the news, I remember the weather outside was grey and raining. It story wasn't as fast pace as some of Heather's other books, but that what I enjoyed about this book, it gave me time to think about where was I when this happened, Aelfwyth, is a strong woman and a character you can't help but love.
April 3, 2024
I am so drawn in to books that have an excellent story, and find a way to tie in to the events happening in the real world. This book thrives off of that brilliant thread of connection, which allows for us, as readers to really become part of the journey.
I really enjoyed getting to know the main character. I found it interesting how the author wove life amongst the happenings and the main character gave us a very honest feel for how they felt and thought about the situations. It really made you feel like you were part of the really exciting ing journey the book took.
I also really liked the pace of the book and found it was one that made me want to keep reading, no matter how late it got. I liked how we moved toward the end of the book and found it very interesting. Overall, a really good read.
I really enjoyed getting to know the main character. I found it interesting how the author wove life amongst the happenings and the main character gave us a very honest feel for how they felt and thought about the situations. It really made you feel like you were part of the really exciting ing journey the book took.
I also really liked the pace of the book and found it was one that made me want to keep reading, no matter how late it got. I liked how we moved toward the end of the book and found it very interesting. Overall, a really good read.
March 25, 2024
Book Review
Milestones by Heather Peck
I wasn’t completely sure what I was going into upon reading this book. I was pleasantly surprised.
It was interesting to read about the main characters milestones within her personal life, as well as through major events that happened in the outside world.
It was interesting to read how significant events in the world intertwined with Aelfwyth’s life. Her decisions around these events had big impacts for her, and those around her.
It was a fab writing style which really immersed me into the story. A different take to a thriller, and different to what I am used to, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
I gave this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Milestones by Heather Peck
I wasn’t completely sure what I was going into upon reading this book. I was pleasantly surprised.
It was interesting to read about the main characters milestones within her personal life, as well as through major events that happened in the outside world.
It was interesting to read how significant events in the world intertwined with Aelfwyth’s life. Her decisions around these events had big impacts for her, and those around her.
It was a fab writing style which really immersed me into the story. A different take to a thriller, and different to what I am used to, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
I gave this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 25, 2026
A very good read.
This is a book that I could not put down. I had to keep reminding myself that it was fiction and not a biography. Also enjoyed Murder on the Norfolk Broads, but disappointed that that none of Heathers other books are available on Kindle.
This is a book that I could not put down. I had to keep reminding myself that it was fiction and not a biography. Also enjoyed Murder on the Norfolk Broads, but disappointed that that none of Heathers other books are available on Kindle.
March 28, 2024
My review for this exceptional read is on my blog https://thefallenlibrarian.wordpress....
April 3, 2024
About a year ago, I read Tails Of Two Spaniels which was written by this author and really loved it!
So, when I spotted this book, I initially thought that maybe it was more of a memoir style book.
Although this does read a little in this style, we do follow the life of our fictional main character, Aelfwyth, and explore the milestones that have occurred both within her own personal world and outside events that shook the whole world too.
This was such a contrast from my previous Peck read (I hadn't realised that they had also written a whole mystery series too!) - and I was completely mesmerised by this.
I don't really want to give any spoilers so won't talk too much about the plot or storyline - but I will say that as we travel through life with Aelfwyth, we see how these significant events intertwine with her own personal experiences to create pivotal moments of choice and decision that change both her own life and that of others around her.
The timeline spans the late 20th century onwards and although there are a few years/events that were slightly before my time, the majority of the book covers a time period that I also lived and know well.
The pacing was steady - rather than the usual fast-paced - on the edge of your seat thriller - and I really appreciated that this gave me time to really immerse myself in this character - but also to reflect on those events that also shattered my own world. Remembering the events in detail and where I was in my own life too.
This was such a great read and has really made me want to explore the Norfolk Mysteries next.
So, when I spotted this book, I initially thought that maybe it was more of a memoir style book.
Although this does read a little in this style, we do follow the life of our fictional main character, Aelfwyth, and explore the milestones that have occurred both within her own personal world and outside events that shook the whole world too.
This was such a contrast from my previous Peck read (I hadn't realised that they had also written a whole mystery series too!) - and I was completely mesmerised by this.
I don't really want to give any spoilers so won't talk too much about the plot or storyline - but I will say that as we travel through life with Aelfwyth, we see how these significant events intertwine with her own personal experiences to create pivotal moments of choice and decision that change both her own life and that of others around her.
The timeline spans the late 20th century onwards and although there are a few years/events that were slightly before my time, the majority of the book covers a time period that I also lived and know well.
The pacing was steady - rather than the usual fast-paced - on the edge of your seat thriller - and I really appreciated that this gave me time to really immerse myself in this character - but also to reflect on those events that also shattered my own world. Remembering the events in detail and where I was in my own life too.
This was such a great read and has really made me want to explore the Norfolk Mysteries next.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews