Beyond Closed Doors

DCI Greg Geldard #6

by Heather Peck

The streets may be quiet, but violence lurks beyond closed doors.

Greg has his challenges. Trying to get Chris to take his marriage proposal seriously is one. Finding the mole who is leaking intelligence from Norfolk Police is another. Add in a pandemic, a knife-wielding nutter with delusions of grandeur and two missing children, and he is going to need all the help he can get.

Then his parents fall ill with Covid, Chris gets promoted and moves in, complete with her foul-mouthed parrot, Tally.

Life is definitely not dull.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 22, 2024

About the author

Heather 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.’

Reviews

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'Beyond Closed Doors' by Heather Peck.

This may be the first book I have read by this incredible author but it most definitely wont be my last!! It is also the sixth book in the 'DI Greg Geldard Norfolk Mystery' series but can be read as a standalone.

What did I just read and why have I not read any of this series before?!?! What an absolutely page turning, heart racing read!!


I cannot believe I have never read the previous books in this absolutely amazing series before!! Well I most certainly will be reading more in the future!!! This book is fantastically written and had me hooked from the first page until the last. The descriptions were so vivid and realistic I felt myself biting my nails and on the edge of my seat while I was frantically turning the pages!! The storyline is packed with tension, suspense, crime, romance, friendship, investigations and filled with twists and turns. However, I do need to let readers know that there are several difficult topics mentioned throughout the storyline that an be upsetting for some readers and/or unsuitable for others. Some of these topics include domestic violence, COVID and COVID related death amongst others. Heather does an absolutely wonderful job of not only weaving these difficult topics into a fantastic storyline but also does so with compassion, respect and sensitivity but I always feel it is important to mention any topics that readers may struggle with at the beginning of my review. Now that I have covered that I will continue with my review. The first thing I noticed when I opened this book is that Heather has wonderfully included a list of the key characters under their roles which include the police, legal services, medical experts, baddies and other participants. She has also included a glossary explaining what several of the terms mentioned in the book mean including ANPR, APB, CCTV, GP, IMSI, 'on the huh', IOPC, RIB and Tender. I think this is an absolutely fantastic and thoughtful idea and I wish more authors would do the same. I find it extremely helpful to have a list of characters and glossaries when required in books and especially if that book is part of a series as it makes it so much easier on readers just discovering the series so a huge thank you and well done Heather for including these!! The storyline itself is extremely fast paced and had me hooked immediately! I love the fact that there is not just the one storyline but several which ensured there was always something going on. Helen does a brilliant job of weaving the multiple storylines through the book in a way that ensures the reader does not get confused. The storylines include a leak in the team, DC Matthews applying for a new position, DCI Greg's parents getting struck with COVID, several murders, attacks and missing children. All of this is going on in 2020 and as we all remember this is when the world went into COVID lockdown which makes DCI Geldard and his teams jobs much harder with less witnesses on the street, hospital restrictions, CPS backlogs and more!!! It can be a difficult decision whether an author includes COVID in their storylines as it is a hit and miss subject with some people not wanting to go back to the time and others seeing the storylines as more realistic as it is a time we have all lived through. I am in the latter list and am pleased that Helen decided to use this timeline in her book. I just absolutely loved everything about this book from the action packed storyline to the realistic and likeable characters to the beautiful setting of Norfolk and I really cannot wait to grab the previous 5 books in this absolutely riveting series along with future books especially after that jaw dropping cliff hanger that Heather leaves this book with!!! I was absolutely shocked with the way the book ended as it is rare to come across a book with a cliff hanger ending like that but Heather definitely leaves the reader wanting, no needing, more!!! Heather has obviously done her research on police procedurals which is yet another bonus as I've read many crime novels where the authors make massive mistakes due to not doing enough research. The storyline is realistic and I loved everything about it. This book really would make an absolutely incredible TV series and I will definitely be the first in line to watch it!! There was so much going on in this book that it doesn't give you a minute to get bored, or able you to put the book down!!! I gave up telling myself just one more chapter and I ended up absolutely devouring it in one sitting of several hours. Heather manages to weave the story lines of all the characters romantic, criminal, stressful and action packed lives together ensuring the reader can go from what one character is doing to another without any worry of confusion.

This may be the sixth book in the series but I had no problems reading it as a standalone. Any relationships, friendships and past cases mentioned are explained in just the right amount of detail so new readers of this gripping series understand what's happened previously but not too much that previous readers get bored by repetition. This is an absolutely unputdownable page turner and I cannot wait to read the previous and future books in what is promising to be an addictive series.

I love that there are so many amazing and colourful characters in this fantastic book and I became completely invested in each and every one of their lives. They became like good friends, with a pinch of enemies, thrown in and I am going to miss the majority of them. I cannot wait to read the previous five books in this absolutely amazing series as well as any more that come out!! The characters were all realistic and it was lovely to watch all the different relationships and friendships between different characters develop and grow. There was the perfect amount of romance sprinkled throughout to ensure some light-hearted moments in between the crime and darker times. DCI Greg Geldard and his team work perfectly together and I really enjoyed seeing how they all worked as individuals and as part of the team. I also love the fact that this book includes a police dog called Turbo!! I am a massive animal lover and run my own rescue called Golden Oldies Cat Rescue And Hospice which you can find on social media. Turbo may not be a cat but an adorable springer spaniel but any animals in books are a huge bonus for me and I love the fact that Turbo plays such a big part!! I'm not going to say anymore about this book now apart from grab your copy today, it is currently available on Kindle Unlimited too so now is a great time!! I can promise you will not regret it but clear your schedules before picking it up as it is completely unputdownable!!!

Congratulations Heather on what promises to be a huge success!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your books and I would like to welcome you to my favourite author list!!! Here is to your next success 🥂 I'm now off to add every one of your books to my wish lists

Overall an absolutely addictive, heart racing and unputdownable crime thriller that will keep you up all night


#BeyondClosedDoors #DCIGregGeldardNorfolkMystery #HeatherPeck #OrmesbyPublishing #RandomThingsTours #RandomTTours

@HeatherPeck @OrmesbyPublishing @RandomThingsTours @RandomTTours

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[KathVBtn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond Closed Doors is the sixth in the series of DCI Greg Geldard books, all based in Norfolk where it seems that crime never sleeps! This is the first that I've read and I think I would have benefitted from reading at least one or two beforehand to give me some back story on the main characters.

Having said that, its a very readable crime fiction book, with some strong story lines and relatable recognisable characters. The book is set just at the start of the Covid lockdown, and everyone is getting used to the new lockdown rules and the impact on jobs, schools, socialising and everything else.

The main characters DCI Greg Geldard and his partner DS Chris Matthews are part of a tight-knit policing team, managing all manner of high level criminal investigations. In previous books, they have arrested a Lithuanian gangster Constantin Gabrys following a long investigation including his own family giving evidence against him. Book number 6 opens with an attack on one of the key witnesses who has been in witness protection. How did anyone know who he was or where he was living? The police enquiries into this unravel a messy case including some police insiders sharing information with the criminal gang and family member Helen Gabrys not being as squeaky clean as first thought.

This runs alongside a sad story of a family suffering from domestic violence; dad Kit is an angry alcoholic who takes it out on wife Anne and children Karen and Jake. Karen relies on school as her safe space, but when Covid means that Kit is home on furlough and that school is closed, her refuge is taken away from her. Despite mum Anne's best attempts, Karen isn't allowed to engage with her school work. Her teacher is worried about her, knowing that this is not in character, and also aware of the rumours around dad Kit, but can she intervene without making things worse for the family?

'Beyond Closed Doors' is a great page-turner that kept me wanting more; I'll definitely be back to find out what's next for DCI Geldard and colleagues.

[Karolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is my review for Beyond Closed Doors by Heather Peck

I got into this police crime story straight away and I really enjoyed reading it. It was full of suspense and I liked the main characters who were police officers. There are several little plots all going on that DCI Greg Geldard is involved with and some he is pulling his hair out with. It doesn't help that COVID has hit and lockdown is in force so new rules apply so they have to get used to new working practices, the whole nation does. This is a new author to me so a new series to read as I have loved this book so much and it is set in lovely Norfolk, where I live. I found it very easy to read and the writing style is very good. I liked the plots too. I liked that there was information on the main police characters' home lives and their families, it’s a nice touch. Also, there is a list of characters at the beginning and a Glossary with a list of acronyms ie ANPR Automatic Number Plate Recognition, which will pop up in the book somewhere, so it’s for reference use.

Blurb :

The streets may be quiet, but violence lurks beyond closed doors.

Greg has his challenges. Trying to get Chris to take his marriage proposal seriously is one. Finding the mole who is leaking intelligence from Norfolk Police is another. Add in a pandemic, a knife-wielding nutter with delusions of grandeur and two missing children, and he is going to need all the help he can get.
Then his parents fall ill with Covid, Chris gets promoted and moves in, complete with her foul-mouthed parrot, Tally.
Life is definitely not dull.

If you enjoy the gripping suspense of Elly Griffiths and the atmospheric settings of L J Ross, you'll love Beyond Closed Doors - Book 6 in the multi-award-winning DCI Geldard Norfolk Mystery series

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in March 2020 and focusing quite heavily on Covid restrictions and protocols, “Beyond Closed Doors” sees DCI Greg Geldard and his team, try to solve their cases in the most inhospitable of times ever encountered and considering what freedom they had to work with, it’s amazing any crimes were ever solved! With a long wait for court dates, it was frustrating for Greg to realise how Covid was affecting remand and trials. It’s hard to believe the pandemic was 4 years ago now and we experienced the many changes to everyday life but sudden deaths did occur and the author tied this into the story, with the respect and empathy it deserved.

Neat short chapters, allow for easy reading and quick scene changes that reflect the different layers to the story, whilst still keeping the atmospheric Norfolk Broads this author is renowned for.

Anything in the story that refers to a previous novel, the author points this out to the reader and directs you to the correct book. However, you don’t need to read any previous ones, as this quite easily reads as a stand-alone but the books do follow on immediately from the one previous, so for complete continuity, reading them in order is recommend but not essential.

Now don’t expect this book to arrive at a nice and tidy conclusion because Heather Peck does not do this! She leaves irresistible cliffhangers, with a tease that is just too enticing to ignore and as usual I’m begging you Heather, to not wait too long to write the next book……this particular cliffhanger is going to be truly interesting!

#BeyondClosedDoors - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the DCI Greg Geldard Norfolk Mystery Series - but only the first that I've read.
Now, I know that I've told you I hate reading series out of order - but there was no way I'd have caught up on 5 whole books before my date for this one came about - and having read other books by this author (and loving them) and promising to give this series a try, I just couldn't resist the chance to read and review this, the newest book in the series.

So, as expected, there was a lot of character progression that I just completely missed out on - and maybe definite spoilers for some of the other books - but otherwise, this was a self contained story and full case for Greg and his team.
Definitely one that works well as a standalone read, but I absolutely loved that where previous cases were mentioned - Heather leaves us a note of which book it refers to!

I really liked Greg and Chris as characters and could tell that their part of the storyline (which I presume arcs over the whole series) was well developed and had an interesting history.

This storyline focusses on a case which is set during 2020 and as such does mention the pandemic and it's consequences a lot.
I know that for many, these times are still very sensitive and are at the forefront of our minds, but it's hard to believe that 4 years have now passed.

I honestly don't mind this being mentioned in books - it happened and it's important to keep details about it around in literature too.
Here the details are clear and concise and dealt with sympathetically and in the context of developing the storyline which worked brilliantly.

The case was an intriguing one and it really showed a different side to the pandemic than I've seen before.
I've read books where it's mentioned, but never from this pov in such detail. Showing us the further reaching consequences, here, withing the legal and judicial systems.

I loved the writing style - even though a completely different genre from my other two reads by this author - we see the same easy style and pacing throughout with those moreish short chapter lengths.

A great read and I'm really hoping to be able to fit in the rest of the series before I spot book 7 coming (🤞).... Although if not, we are left on a cliffhanger and I know I won't be able to resist grabbing it....

[Emma_bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Closed Doors is book 6 in the DCI Greg Geldard series, I've read this out of order of the series but still feel it's good as a standalone because of how Heather writes. I like the way if Greg or the team meet someone from a previous book, Heather has referenced which book they are from with an asterisk.

I also love reading books where the author mentions places I've been before, this series is set around Great Yarmouth and a few smaller places in Norfolk and it's nice to hear of Acle, Lowestoft, Ormsby to name a few.

This book is about the Mirren Family, set in 2020, lockdown has started, people are furloughed and the streets are quieter but it's "Behind closed doors" where you need to be. Kit Mirren is an abusive husband, he's controlling and not nice at all! Due to being furloughed, he's now at home all day, his usual was to go to the pub after work and drink into oblivion but now, pubs shut, he brings it home instead. His two children and wife are the brunt of his antics but because no one is meant to leave the house, it goes unseen. Until the school's close and zoom classes start and a teacher is concerned for Karen, usually a hands on, excited to learn child but when she doesn't log on, it's out of character and the teacher decides to visit.

I like the behind the scenes of Greg and Chris's romance going from strength to strength, I remember their interest from book four and glad to see it's progressed.

Looking forward to book seven!

[Paula Learmouth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book Six in the 'DCI Greg Geldard' series. I've loved the other books in the series, so I was looking forward to see what DCI Geldard was getting up to next. The book starts in 2020, Covid pandemic and restrictions are high on the list. Just as DCI Greg Geldard was trying to ask DS Chris Mathews, they are called into work as there is a leak, but who and why? This isn't going to be easy with everything that's happening in the world. DCI Geldard is asked if his team and himself can find out where the leak is, either at the station or with the Protection Team. It needs sorted out quickly, but only having limit staff at the station means everyone has to work that bit harder. When people start going missing, DCI Geldard starts to think is this linked to the leak, but surely not who they are asked to look into a bit deeper. DC Mathews is also hoping to get a new posting which will make life a bit easier with work. I'm not saying anything more, it's up to you to read and find out. I love everything about Heather's books, she never disappointed yet. Heather's writing style pulls you into the story making you want to read more and having you guessing till the end. I can't wait to see what she has installed for her next book

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book six of the Dci Greg Geldard series, but if like me you have not read read the previous five books, then please note this reads as a standalone too.

When I first picked this book up, I saw that there was a list of key characters and a glossary of police abbreviations so I thought it was going to be complicated and a hard read but it wasn't it was really easy to follow what was going on and a really enjoyable story, this was so well written It could easily be transfered to a TV series.

This was during Covid times, so it shows just how much harder police work was with a lack of witnesses.

The story starts with Greg trying to find out who's leaking information on witnesses whereabouts. Who is the mole?
Then there is the question of who's the killer with the knife and where are the missing children?

It's a fast-paced, punchy crime mystery that unfolds before your eyes.... And what about that ending????

I will definitely be reading more of the Greg Geldard books in the future, so go and grab a copy and enjoy.

[Lauren Flewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Peck does it again. A great, easy flowing novel with a great plot and familiar characters.

I love the shortness of the chapters making it easy to pick up the book at any opportunity and put it down again as needed.

This is book six in the DCI Greg Geldard series and I love going back to the familiar characters and finding out the next part of their stories as well as seeing them solve crime.

[Dave Chats Games · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

GOOD

I give Beyond Closed Doors a good score of 4 ⭐, a good bit of down to earth crime writing, Heather is potentially one of my favourite crime writers of the moment from reading this book, would definitely recommend picking this one up.

[Dawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

One star because I do not appreciate investing time, money and emotion in a book to discover that the author couldn’t be bothered to finish writing it and ends it part way through in a cynical attempt to force the reader into buying the next book!

[Sandra Schug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The fact it was set at start of COVID brought back memories. I am enjoying the life story of Greg and Chris and very much looking forward to reading the next installment