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DCI Greg Geldard #2
Death on the Norfolk Broads
Previously published asGlass Arrows.
Newly promoted Detective Greg Geldard is back in Norfolk, ready to build a life in his new home. He barely has time to unpack before he's plunged into a baffling murder investigation.
A farmworker spots a human arm among a crate of dead turkeys. It’s DCI Geldard’s first day with Norfolk Police, and he didn’t expect to be dealing with murder quite so soon.
It looks like an accident. But a closer inspection reveals signs of foul play — the victim suffered a vicious blow to the head.
Days later, a second body is washed up a few miles away on Caister beach, a single stab wound to the chest.
Now Geldard has a double murder investigation on his hands. At home, things are no easier. His wife Isabelle is disappearing for hours on end, doesn’t answer her phone, and won’t tell him where she’s going.
He can’t deal with this right now — all eyes are on him, watching how his first case plays out.
Geldard isn’t just hunting a killer. There’s something rotten at the heart of Norfolk.
Perfect for fans of intelligent police procedurals, rich rural settings, and morally complex mysteries. Shortlisted for the East Anglian Book Awards 2021.
Newly promoted Detective Greg Geldard is back in Norfolk, ready to build a life in his new home. He barely has time to unpack before he's plunged into a baffling murder investigation.
A farmworker spots a human arm among a crate of dead turkeys. It’s DCI Geldard’s first day with Norfolk Police, and he didn’t expect to be dealing with murder quite so soon.
It looks like an accident. But a closer inspection reveals signs of foul play — the victim suffered a vicious blow to the head.
Days later, a second body is washed up a few miles away on Caister beach, a single stab wound to the chest.
Now Geldard has a double murder investigation on his hands. At home, things are no easier. His wife Isabelle is disappearing for hours on end, doesn’t answer her phone, and won’t tell him where she’s going.
He can’t deal with this right now — all eyes are on him, watching how his first case plays out.
Geldard isn’t just hunting a killer. There’s something rotten at the heart of Norfolk.
Perfect for fans of intelligent police procedurals, rich rural settings, and morally complex mysteries. Shortlisted for the East Anglian Book Awards 2021.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2021
About the author
Heather Peck
17 books16 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 29, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Glass Arrows is an unravelling rabbit hole of a crime story set in Norfolk. The dead body of Lithuanian turkey farm-worker Jonas is found amongst the turkeys that are awaiting their own fate of being culled following the discovery of a virus that has been identified within them that could result in a potential pandemic as the virus is believed to be transferable to humans.
The people that have been called in to oversee the operation to cull and remove the entire livestock are up against it as the police investigative team is trying to salvage what they can from the crime scene without causing a risk to the public.
Chief Inspector Greg Geldard is the officer in charge of the case. He has recently been promoted and has transferred from North Yorkshire to the area. During the investigation, he uncovers evidence of organised crime and slavery. As another linked death occurs, DCI Geldard struggles to bring the murderer to justice.
This is the second book in the DCI Greg Geldard series, though it works perfectly fine as a standalone. There is no doubt that the author, Heather Peck, has written a thriller that is both tough in subject matter and bang up-to-date. She has also approached the topic very sensitively.
I certainly loved the premise as it was clear from the get-go that this was deeper than just murder, however, there were so many people introduced in such a short space of time that I found it difficult to remember who was who. Further, without any descriptions of any of the character’s personalities or appearances, it all seemed a little rushed and I wasn’t sure initially if I was going to carry on reading more than the first few chapters. That said, I had become hooked and was desperate for justice.
Glass Arrows is definitely a fast-paced thriller that eventually became a page-turner after the initial stuttered start. I loved that the ending was full of suspense and I enjoyed the read immensely.
Glass Arrows is an unravelling rabbit hole of a crime story set in Norfolk. The dead body of Lithuanian turkey farm-worker Jonas is found amongst the turkeys that are awaiting their own fate of being culled following the discovery of a virus that has been identified within them that could result in a potential pandemic as the virus is believed to be transferable to humans.
The people that have been called in to oversee the operation to cull and remove the entire livestock are up against it as the police investigative team is trying to salvage what they can from the crime scene without causing a risk to the public.
Chief Inspector Greg Geldard is the officer in charge of the case. He has recently been promoted and has transferred from North Yorkshire to the area. During the investigation, he uncovers evidence of organised crime and slavery. As another linked death occurs, DCI Geldard struggles to bring the murderer to justice.
This is the second book in the DCI Greg Geldard series, though it works perfectly fine as a standalone. There is no doubt that the author, Heather Peck, has written a thriller that is both tough in subject matter and bang up-to-date. She has also approached the topic very sensitively.
I certainly loved the premise as it was clear from the get-go that this was deeper than just murder, however, there were so many people introduced in such a short space of time that I found it difficult to remember who was who. Further, without any descriptions of any of the character’s personalities or appearances, it all seemed a little rushed and I wasn’t sure initially if I was going to carry on reading more than the first few chapters. That said, I had become hooked and was desperate for justice.
Glass Arrows is definitely a fast-paced thriller that eventually became a page-turner after the initial stuttered start. I loved that the ending was full of suspense and I enjoyed the read immensely.
August 8, 2021
I have read so many really good books over the past few months and this one didn’t disappoint either. Another one of my favourite genres; crime / police procedural.
This is the second book in the DCI Greg Geldard crime series. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and even though I haven’t yet read Secret Places which is the first in the series, I didn’t feel that I had missed out on the back story as the author gives enough detail and background about the DCI. I will, however, be reading the first book in the series really soon, just to properly fill in those gaps.
I really enjoyed this book, another one of those that I stayed up late into the night to read ‘just one more chapter’. I was completely immersed in both the characters and the story. The story setting is quite close to where I live, so it was great to be able to visualise the places that more vividly and it really made the story real.
The writing style was fast paced and as I mentioned above, proper page turning stuff. The cliff ending chapters kept you on your toes and just when you thought you had beaten the detectives to how it all fitted together, another twist was thrown in and yet again you had to strap yourself in and rethink your theories and solutions.
The story also broaches into the sensitive, but topical issues surrounding people trafficking, gang masters, illegal immigrants and modern slave labour. All of these topics are dealt with sensitively and thoughtfully, and in such a way that anyone who is suffering or knows of anyone that is suffering, can take the right steps to help everyone.
I highly recommend this book for fans of crime thrillers and police procedurals. It would be a great summer holiday read, just as much at home on the beach / by the poolside / in the hot tub, as curled up warm and snuggling in a book nook with a nice cup of tea and a blanket. Just make sure that wherever you settle, you have plenty of snacks and drinks as you won’t want to tear yourself away from this immersive, page turner.
Thank you to Anne Cater, Random Things Tours and Heather Peck for a gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the DCI Greg Geldard crime series. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and even though I haven’t yet read Secret Places which is the first in the series, I didn’t feel that I had missed out on the back story as the author gives enough detail and background about the DCI. I will, however, be reading the first book in the series really soon, just to properly fill in those gaps.
I really enjoyed this book, another one of those that I stayed up late into the night to read ‘just one more chapter’. I was completely immersed in both the characters and the story. The story setting is quite close to where I live, so it was great to be able to visualise the places that more vividly and it really made the story real.
The writing style was fast paced and as I mentioned above, proper page turning stuff. The cliff ending chapters kept you on your toes and just when you thought you had beaten the detectives to how it all fitted together, another twist was thrown in and yet again you had to strap yourself in and rethink your theories and solutions.
The story also broaches into the sensitive, but topical issues surrounding people trafficking, gang masters, illegal immigrants and modern slave labour. All of these topics are dealt with sensitively and thoughtfully, and in such a way that anyone who is suffering or knows of anyone that is suffering, can take the right steps to help everyone.
I highly recommend this book for fans of crime thrillers and police procedurals. It would be a great summer holiday read, just as much at home on the beach / by the poolside / in the hot tub, as curled up warm and snuggling in a book nook with a nice cup of tea and a blanket. Just make sure that wherever you settle, you have plenty of snacks and drinks as you won’t want to tear yourself away from this immersive, page turner.
Thank you to Anne Cater, Random Things Tours and Heather Peck for a gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2021
Glass Arrows by Heather Peck is the second book in the DCI Greg Geldard series. This book could be read as a standalone but I must say I do think you will want to read the first after reading this one. I have read the first book and was glad to see I was invited to this tour also.
When the body of a farmworker is found during a turkey cull, the incident falls to DCI Greg Geldard to investigate. Newly promoted and newly transferred from North Yorkshire to Norfolk, he is about to face the most challenging case of his career. As he uncovers evidence of organised crime and modern slavery, the body count rises, a friend is threatened and he struggles to bring the murderer to justice.
As Geldard begins to unearth connections to Europe things begin to escalate and it becomes much more than first thought. Creating a crime/ police procedural that keeps you reading until the last page, and then you wish it was just 'one more page' as it is hard to leave these characters. Heather Peck has again brought us a story in which every character feels real and the plot is as tight as the first book. She doesn't shy away from the sensitive subjects and deals with them in a way that shows care and attention to detail too.
DCI Geldard is a character I warmed to from the first book and in this book I enjoyed learning more about him and what makes him tick. In fact there are a few characters that I think are solid ones and just help make this book as good as it is.
I am happy to say I easily recommend this to any police procedural or crime thriller lovers. The realness of this story hits home about certain subjects as well.
Thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours and Silverwood Books for my copy of the book.
When the body of a farmworker is found during a turkey cull, the incident falls to DCI Greg Geldard to investigate. Newly promoted and newly transferred from North Yorkshire to Norfolk, he is about to face the most challenging case of his career. As he uncovers evidence of organised crime and modern slavery, the body count rises, a friend is threatened and he struggles to bring the murderer to justice.
As Geldard begins to unearth connections to Europe things begin to escalate and it becomes much more than first thought. Creating a crime/ police procedural that keeps you reading until the last page, and then you wish it was just 'one more page' as it is hard to leave these characters. Heather Peck has again brought us a story in which every character feels real and the plot is as tight as the first book. She doesn't shy away from the sensitive subjects and deals with them in a way that shows care and attention to detail too.
DCI Geldard is a character I warmed to from the first book and in this book I enjoyed learning more about him and what makes him tick. In fact there are a few characters that I think are solid ones and just help make this book as good as it is.
I am happy to say I easily recommend this to any police procedural or crime thriller lovers. The realness of this story hits home about certain subjects as well.
Thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours and Silverwood Books for my copy of the book.
January 3, 2024
Story Impressions –
They say the perfect crime is to hide a body in plain sight, but can DCI Greg Geldard solve this case? It’ll test all his skills and fortitude yet can justice prevail. This crime thriller kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was listening. With themes ripped from today’s headlines such as bird flu, modern slavery, and animal smuggling. I couldn’t turn away. The audiobook is narrated poignantly so the characters and the crimes take centre stage. This series just keeps getting better and better.
Narrator’s overall voice –
Scott Fleming narrates the mystery with emotion and tension. His voice is engaging yet doesn’t undermine from the overall story.
Does the narrator fit the characters?
Yes, the narrator uses his voice like an instrument, differing it to fit the characters.
Narrator’s reading style –
There’s an broadmindedness to Scott Fleming’s style which makes listening to him a pleasure.
Narrator’s impact on reading experience –
Scott Fleming brings the characters to life. Readers can enjoy listening to him and ponder this whodunit.
Narrator’s pacing –
The pacing is constant and doesn’t diminish the reader’s attention.
Audiobook flow –
The audiobook flows well.
What makes this audiobook unique –
What I found so unique about this audiobook was the way the narrator expresses emotion and tension throughout the crime thriller.
Would I recommend this audiobook –
Yes, I would recommend it to any reader/listener. You’ll be entertained for hours.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
They say the perfect crime is to hide a body in plain sight, but can DCI Greg Geldard solve this case? It’ll test all his skills and fortitude yet can justice prevail. This crime thriller kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was listening. With themes ripped from today’s headlines such as bird flu, modern slavery, and animal smuggling. I couldn’t turn away. The audiobook is narrated poignantly so the characters and the crimes take centre stage. This series just keeps getting better and better.
Narrator’s overall voice –
Scott Fleming narrates the mystery with emotion and tension. His voice is engaging yet doesn’t undermine from the overall story.
Does the narrator fit the characters?
Yes, the narrator uses his voice like an instrument, differing it to fit the characters.
Narrator’s reading style –
There’s an broadmindedness to Scott Fleming’s style which makes listening to him a pleasure.
Narrator’s impact on reading experience –
Scott Fleming brings the characters to life. Readers can enjoy listening to him and ponder this whodunit.
Narrator’s pacing –
The pacing is constant and doesn’t diminish the reader’s attention.
Audiobook flow –
The audiobook flows well.
What makes this audiobook unique –
What I found so unique about this audiobook was the way the narrator expresses emotion and tension throughout the crime thriller.
Would I recommend this audiobook –
Yes, I would recommend it to any reader/listener. You’ll be entertained for hours.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
April 10, 2026
Interesting And Intriguing!
This second book finds Detective Greg Geldard facing multiple facets extending from what started as a suspicious death at a poultry farm. Avian bird flu has been diagnosed in the flock of turkeys and while dealing with the disposal of the contaminated ones a body is discovered in the gassing chamber. When it turns out the farm worker was murdered it triggers a mind boggling chain of events.
This story was riveting in that you didn't know what to expect next. Illegal workers as well as corruption on a higher level, smuggling both in and out of the country, more suspicious deaths, abuse and intimidation of workers just to name a few. Added into everything else Detective Geldard is facing trouble at home on a very unexpected level. Fast paced with multiple story lines, and a lot of guessing on my part before all the loose ends are finally tied up. I am hoping there are more books to come in this series, as I rather like this Detective and would definitely enjoy reading more about him.
This second book finds Detective Greg Geldard facing multiple facets extending from what started as a suspicious death at a poultry farm. Avian bird flu has been diagnosed in the flock of turkeys and while dealing with the disposal of the contaminated ones a body is discovered in the gassing chamber. When it turns out the farm worker was murdered it triggers a mind boggling chain of events.
This story was riveting in that you didn't know what to expect next. Illegal workers as well as corruption on a higher level, smuggling both in and out of the country, more suspicious deaths, abuse and intimidation of workers just to name a few. Added into everything else Detective Geldard is facing trouble at home on a very unexpected level. Fast paced with multiple story lines, and a lot of guessing on my part before all the loose ends are finally tied up. I am hoping there are more books to come in this series, as I rather like this Detective and would definitely enjoy reading more about him.
December 29, 2025
This book started slow and I almost put it down but decided to keep reading. The pace picked up and the plot became more complex and interesting. I was a bit disappointed with the ending, seemed to leave some threads open. I will continue with this series and it does appear that it is best to read them in order.
April 12, 2026
Good police procedural
This was a good story. I had not read book 1 so was not familiar with Detective Geldard. I didn't connect with the character right away but the story kept me interested and moved at a good pace. Peck pulled at the strings of the story and kept it plausible. I liked it and would like to read more of Geldard and his team.
This was a good story. I had not read book 1 so was not familiar with Detective Geldard. I didn't connect with the character right away but the story kept me interested and moved at a good pace. Peck pulled at the strings of the story and kept it plausible. I liked it and would like to read more of Geldard and his team.
Did Not Finish
April 19, 2026Just couldn't get into massive slaughter of poultry due to a viral infection. Kill all the people you want in a story but leave the animals out of it.
I can pretty well predict how this will unfold: a murder, corporate greed. Lots of dead turkeys.
I can pretty well predict how this will unfold: a murder, corporate greed. Lots of dead turkeys.
April 25, 2026
Loved it
I loved reading this book, so insightful into illegal gangmastering and animal smuggling both ways. And best of all a lovely ending for DCI Geldard.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I loved reading this book, so insightful into illegal gangmastering and animal smuggling both ways. And best of all a lovely ending for DCI Geldard.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
September 28, 2023
Good read
I loved this second book can't wait to read the rest and it kept revealing things that were very interesting
I loved this second book can't wait to read the rest and it kept revealing things that were very interesting
March 9, 2025
Another good book, multiple story lines all coming together. Well written, enjoying getting to know the main characters a little better. Bring on #3
March 31, 2025
loving it
This is getting better and better! The story was more complex and the characters are rounding out nicely. On to the next
This is getting better and better! The story was more complex and the characters are rounding out nicely. On to the next
July 25, 2025
Lots of characters to remember but I was so glad they were listed at the back which really helped.
July 27, 2025
a brilliant read so factual . I love this as local to many of my family and places I know well. I couldn't put this book down. I loved every chapter of this book can't recommend highly enough
January 29, 2026
very readable yarn
April 13, 2026
Excellent.
I have loved both of these books, and I hope there will be many more in the DCI Geldard series.
I have loved both of these books, and I hope there will be many more in the DCI Geldard series.
April 20, 2026
Good read
Enjoyed both books.New author to me hope.more.to come as there is plenty to explore with the caricatures in the book
Enjoyed both books.New author to me hope.more.to come as there is plenty to explore with the caricatures in the book
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews