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DCI Greg Geldard #1
Secret Places: A Gripping Norfolk Crime Mystery
WOULD YOU KILL TO ESCAPE ABUSE?Goat farmer, cheese maker and weaver Tristan Smith is working on her North Yorkshire smallholding when a chance visit by archaeologists exposes a skeleton in an abandoned WW2 bunker. But it’s not a wartime casualty.
Tristan becomes involved in the search for the truth as DI Greg Geldard unravels a trail of secrets from North Yorkshire to the Norfolk Broads. Another victim is searching for a new life, but will history repeat itself? Will bad choices lead to the same mistake?
"We all have secret places. Places where we can go when it all gets too much. Or a place where we hide the unthinkable."
If you enjoy the gripping suspense of Elly Griffiths and the atmospheric settings of L J Ross, you'll love Secret Places. Get ready for your thrilling introduction to the multi-award-winning DCI Geldard Norfolk Mystery Series.
Click the Buy Now button and start your journey before the price changes.
Tristan becomes involved in the search for the truth as DI Greg Geldard unravels a trail of secrets from North Yorkshire to the Norfolk Broads. Another victim is searching for a new life, but will history repeat itself? Will bad choices lead to the same mistake?
"We all have secret places. Places where we can go when it all gets too much. Or a place where we hide the unthinkable."
If you enjoy the gripping suspense of Elly Griffiths and the atmospheric settings of L J Ross, you'll love Secret Places. Get ready for your thrilling introduction to the multi-award-winning DCI Geldard Norfolk Mystery Series.
Click the Buy Now button and start your journey before the price changes.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2021
286 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Heather Peck
21 books13 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 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 1, 2021
A very interesting story crafted in an unusual way.
This is the first book I have read that switches between a third person and first person narrative. I was a little put off by that at the beginning but I am glad I continued to read it because the intention behind that became clear as the story progressed.
The narrative moves between the police and the murderer, which is not unusual. But in this book, you realise your sympathies lie with the killer since it is a tale of domestic abuse. I kept reading not to know who-did-it, but rather to find out what happened to the murderer at the end.
I have given only 4-stars for a different reason. There seemed to be a lot of repetition of facts and I skimmed through quite a few pages because of that. Also, the final page which is meant to be a "big reveal" and "twist in the tale" doesn't quite add up with the evidence given before. How could that happen if he broke his neck???
Nevertheless, it is a good read.
There are helpline numbers at the end to support victims of abuse.
This is the first book I have read that switches between a third person and first person narrative. I was a little put off by that at the beginning but I am glad I continued to read it because the intention behind that became clear as the story progressed.
The narrative moves between the police and the murderer, which is not unusual. But in this book, you realise your sympathies lie with the killer since it is a tale of domestic abuse. I kept reading not to know who-did-it, but rather to find out what happened to the murderer at the end.
I have given only 4-stars for a different reason. There seemed to be a lot of repetition of facts and I skimmed through quite a few pages because of that. Also, the final page which is meant to be a "big reveal" and "twist in the tale" doesn't quite add up with the evidence given before. How could that happen if he broke his neck???
Nevertheless, it is a good read.
There are helpline numbers at the end to support victims of abuse.
December 21, 2022
A good book which held my attention
May 7, 2025
I originally bought this because I thought it was set in Malton, and area I know well. But although the book starts there the action soon moves to Norfolk.
Nevertheless I enjoyed this first outing for DI Greg Geldard. The storyline follows the murder investigation but we also see things from the POV of the killer, and I couldn't help having sympathy for her.
The book is well narrated by Scott Fleming.
Nevertheless I enjoyed this first outing for DI Greg Geldard. The storyline follows the murder investigation but we also see things from the POV of the killer, and I couldn't help having sympathy for her.
The book is well narrated by Scott Fleming.
March 20, 2021
I enjoyed this book, it was quite an unique storyline. I liked the main characters and I felt that the story being told from different viewpoints in different times was very engaging. Tristan who finds herself embroiled in a hunt to find out what happened to the skeleton found in a wartime bunker on her farm is a likeable character and her determination to keep a farm running is a great role model for female characters. Brought into look into the case is DI Greg Geldard whose journey into finding out what has happened leads him to not only listen to locals in the area with a story to tell but to journey to the Norfolk Broads to dig a little deeper and solve this crime. Then we have Rachel who is living on a houseboat and for me is a character who finds herself in a situation where she risks loosing everything that she wants. Her experiences have left her seeking solace but unfortunately she in unable to find that peace she so desperately needs. As her backstory is slowly revealed it becomes apparent why she is living the life she is and I had a lot of sympathy for her, although my fear for her was that history was repeating itself.
There was some significant topics discussed in this book and I think they were dealt with in an intelligent and empathetic manner. The descriptions of one of the main characters coping mechanisms was well described and therefore some of the content comes with trigger warnings. There was vivid descriptions of farming and the author's knowledge of this was very interesting and made the setting on the farm excellent.
I enjoyed this book, I would recommend it to those who like a good murder mystery, although there are triggers for some relationship issues. Many thanks to the author, the publisher and Random Things Tours for a place on the blog tour
There was some significant topics discussed in this book and I think they were dealt with in an intelligent and empathetic manner. The descriptions of one of the main characters coping mechanisms was well described and therefore some of the content comes with trigger warnings. There was vivid descriptions of farming and the author's knowledge of this was very interesting and made the setting on the farm excellent.
I enjoyed this book, I would recommend it to those who like a good murder mystery, although there are triggers for some relationship issues. Many thanks to the author, the publisher and Random Things Tours for a place on the blog tour
March 4, 2021
I read this as part of a blog tour, thank you for my [AD-GIFTED] copy
I thoroughly enjoyed this very unexpected novel. Initially I thought this was going to be a great police procedural type story with Tristan, the goat farmer, helping to solve the crime. I was drawn to her character quickly, she is solid and warm and has a friend Ben, who is ex-police and I thought, ok, I know where this is going. BUT…..BUT……
𝑾𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔 - 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅, 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔.
Early on it is made clear that the skeletal remains belong to one of the previous owners, who is meant to have run off and left his wife, Rachel several years before.
The story is told from multiple POV’s and events are experienced through the eyes of different characters but mainly Rachel, the previous landowner. As the story progresses it changes to a story about new life and escaping the past - it is much less formulaic and much more interesting.
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔. 𝑰 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒕 𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆.
The narrative then swings away unexpectedly and concentrates on Rachel the previous owner- telling her story in flashback and slowly revealing what happened to her and led to the discovery of the body on the farm. There are tough subjects tackled here including abuse, coercive control and manipulative bullying which could be triggering for some readers.
This novel was not what I expected and did not go where I expected it to go but it was an excellent read and I look forward to the next in the series!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I thoroughly enjoyed this very unexpected novel. Initially I thought this was going to be a great police procedural type story with Tristan, the goat farmer, helping to solve the crime. I was drawn to her character quickly, she is solid and warm and has a friend Ben, who is ex-police and I thought, ok, I know where this is going. BUT…..BUT……
𝑾𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔 - 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅, 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔.
Early on it is made clear that the skeletal remains belong to one of the previous owners, who is meant to have run off and left his wife, Rachel several years before.
The story is told from multiple POV’s and events are experienced through the eyes of different characters but mainly Rachel, the previous landowner. As the story progresses it changes to a story about new life and escaping the past - it is much less formulaic and much more interesting.
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔. 𝑰 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒕 𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆.
The narrative then swings away unexpectedly and concentrates on Rachel the previous owner- telling her story in flashback and slowly revealing what happened to her and led to the discovery of the body on the farm. There are tough subjects tackled here including abuse, coercive control and manipulative bullying which could be triggering for some readers.
This novel was not what I expected and did not go where I expected it to go but it was an excellent read and I look forward to the next in the series!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 1, 2024
Not sure why this is advertised as an inspector Geldard mystery, as he is a very minor character in the book
I didn’t particularly like any of the characters except for the dog
One doesn’t get any idea of the locations whether it is Yorkshire or Norfolk and I still don’t understand what kind of boat it was that had a GPS signal but not a radio. Is that normal?
Settings and characters are not well developed and there is no mystery. You know who the culprit is from the get-go so most of the story revolves about a woman falling for an abusive man x 2 and her plans to get out of the relationship.
I didn’t particularly like any of the characters except for the dog
One doesn’t get any idea of the locations whether it is Yorkshire or Norfolk and I still don’t understand what kind of boat it was that had a GPS signal but not a radio. Is that normal?
Settings and characters are not well developed and there is no mystery. You know who the culprit is from the get-go so most of the story revolves about a woman falling for an abusive man x 2 and her plans to get out of the relationship.
December 24, 2022
Where was DCI Geldard?
The DCI hardly featured in the book! Lots of tooing and froing but not much police work so not for me I’m afraid.
The DCI hardly featured in the book! Lots of tooing and froing but not much police work so not for me I’m afraid.
November 21, 2023
Story Impressions – When a body is discovered in a World War Two bunker, DI Geldard digs up more than he bargained for. A gripping mystery that had me on the edge of my seat. The characters are engaging, and I connected with them. There are some intense moments dealing with the emotional and psychological ramifications from domestic abuse. It made me riveted while listening. This is book one in the series, and I can't wait to listen to more. If you love crime thrillers, this is a must-listen.
Narrator’s overall voice –Scott Fleming narrates the mystery without flaw. His voice is appealing yet doesn’t detract 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 easiness to Scott Fleming’s style which makes listening to him a breeze.
Narrator’s impact on reading experience –Scott Fleming makes the characters come alive. Readers can enjoy listening to him and ponder this whodunit.
Narrator’s pacing –The pacing is even and doesn’t detract 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 throughout the crime thriller.
Would I recommend this audiobook –Yes, I would recommend it to any listener. You’ll be entertained for hours.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by:: Nancy
This audiobook review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Narrator’s overall voice –Scott Fleming narrates the mystery without flaw. His voice is appealing yet doesn’t detract 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 easiness to Scott Fleming’s style which makes listening to him a breeze.
Narrator’s impact on reading experience –Scott Fleming makes the characters come alive. Readers can enjoy listening to him and ponder this whodunit.
Narrator’s pacing –The pacing is even and doesn’t detract 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 throughout the crime thriller.
Would I recommend this audiobook –Yes, I would recommend it to any listener. You’ll be entertained for hours.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by:: Nancy
This audiobook review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
November 4, 2023
This is the first book I have read that switches between a third person and first person narrative. I was a little put off by that at the beginning but I am glad I continued to read it because the intention behind that became clear as the story progressed.
The narrative moves between the police and the murderer, which is not unusual. But in this book, you realise your sympathies lie with the killer since it is a tale of domestic abuse. I kept reading not to know who-did-it, but rather to find out what happened to the murderer at the end.
I have given only 4-stars for a different reason.
There seemed to be a lot of repetition of facts and I skimmed through quite a few pages because of that.
Also, the final page, which is meant to be a "big reveal" and "twist in the tale", doesn't quite add up with the evidence given before. How could that happen if he broke his neck?
Nevertheless, it is a good read.
There are helpline numbers at the end to support victims of abuse.
The narrative moves between the police and the murderer, which is not unusual. But in this book, you realise your sympathies lie with the killer since it is a tale of domestic abuse. I kept reading not to know who-did-it, but rather to find out what happened to the murderer at the end.
I have given only 4-stars for a different reason.
There seemed to be a lot of repetition of facts and I skimmed through quite a few pages because of that.
Also, the final page, which is meant to be a "big reveal" and "twist in the tale", doesn't quite add up with the evidence given before. How could that happen if he broke his neck?
Nevertheless, it is a good read.
There are helpline numbers at the end to support victims of abuse.
May 9, 2025
Prejudices. And some pride
This is an extraordinary book Which reviews a criminal case from nearly all sides . We are privileged to access the voices of most characters and to witness the roles of the police and the process of the carriage of justice. In this we the readers have a role. As the evidence mounts it does reveal our particular prejudices. The court does not get to hear all the evidence we do. Even then, we took can pick and choose as the characters do themselves. Please read this book. It is wonderful, and quite unique
This is an extraordinary book Which reviews a criminal case from nearly all sides . We are privileged to access the voices of most characters and to witness the roles of the police and the process of the carriage of justice. In this we the readers have a role. As the evidence mounts it does reveal our particular prejudices. The court does not get to hear all the evidence we do. Even then, we took can pick and choose as the characters do themselves. Please read this book. It is wonderful, and quite unique
June 7, 2025
Intriguing
This story shows the effect of abusive control and says in which the human brain deals with these things but does it through the tale of a murder investigation. You are encouraged through the writing to feel empathy with Rachel. At the same time the characters involved in DC I Geldreds team are developed in a friendly, sympathetic way. I look forward to reading more
This story shows the effect of abusive control and says in which the human brain deals with these things but does it through the tale of a murder investigation. You are encouraged through the writing to feel empathy with Rachel. At the same time the characters involved in DC I Geldreds team are developed in a friendly, sympathetic way. I look forward to reading more
July 27, 2023
I’m not too sure why this is categorised as a DCI Greg Geldard book as he makes very little contribution to the events but perhaps he will show up more in subsequent books. It is however worth reading with or without him
December 19, 2025
A good start to this series, first time reading this author. The characters are interesting and well developed. The plot kind of linear, but captivating. This is easily read in one sitting and the end ties up the loose ends well.
August 18, 2024
Slow start, but improved as it got going.
August 18, 2024
Ugh. Good story until we get to Rachel. Too dumb to be believed. Not enjoyable to read about her tolerating abuse all while being naively blind in a way that’s not credible at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2024
Wow - for personal reasons this book had me scared and page turning all at the same time.
March 27, 2025
steady
It’s a good start to a series although I don’t feel I know much about the main characters and so on. I liked the way the story was handled
It’s a good start to a series although I don’t feel I know much about the main characters and so on. I liked the way the story was handled
July 4, 2025
I enjoyed this first book by Heather peck will read more. I know most of the places mentioned in the book
July 24, 2025
a nice read - albeit a serious topic!
March 19, 2021
Blog Tour Day! https://featzreviews.com
When Anne Carter sent me an invite to participate in the Blog Tour for Secret Places by Heather Peck the first thing in the blurb that caught my eye was the name: Tristan Smith more importantly that this character is female – My eldest daughter is Tristan Smit – how could I not read this book? I was curious before I even started.
Secret Places is a crime mystery, with a strong message below the surface. The author subtly highlights the effects domestic abuse has on not only the victim but also on the people around the victim. Heather Peck ends the book with contact information for any reader who may find themselves in a similar situation and requires help – this was a nice touch which shows that Heather Peck cares. However, the story does not heavily focus on abuse – it’s a soft underlining message that does not overpower the extremely entertaining main story.
Secret Places is set in a farming village in North Yorkshire and the author writes in the local lingo. Living on the other side of the world, and having never experienced this way of speaking before, I at first thought there were spelling mistakes all over the book – but after being a few pages in I pick up on the local speech patterns. The author did a marvellous job with this and I found myself imagining what these people would sound like if they spoke to me.
When a skeleton is discovered on Tristan Smith’s goat farm her world is turned upside down by the media attention, especially when the police consider her to a suspect. However, soon everyone’s attention is turned to the previous owners of the farm and Tristan finds herself involved in the search for the truth. At the same time Rachel Wade is in the Norfolk Broads, looking for a new start, but will she be able to leave Coombe Farm behind her?
Once I had my ear tuned to the local lingo, I found myself emerged in this story, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next. The characters were fantastic and the way the author drew the topic of domestic abuse into her story moving and had me caring for the characters rather deeply. Anyone who loves animals’ rate highly with me and Heather Peck stole my heart with her clear passion for animals.
I started reading the book because of Tristan Smith (already explained) – but several characters stand out for me – Rachel Wade; this woman broke my heart, I wanted to reach into the book and hug her while at the same time wanting to shake some sense into her. Ben Asheton was interesting, and I look forward to the next book – Glass Arrows – simply because he will be included. Amy from the tea shop was lovely, but my favourite character was Sharon Dyble – the village gossip – we all know at least one person just like Sharon – she was brilliant!
This book was not your standard mystery thriller – the author successfully included an underlining message which was not allowed to overpower the story – I loved this book, and the animal love alone added a star to my rating…… Brizo while being a collie cross, shared a lot of personality trait with my terriers – she was a dog anyone would be privileged to share their space with!
This book will work well for mystery fans, but animal lovers and women’s fiction enthusiasts can add this to their TBR’s as well. It is a quick read, with colourful characters and an underlying message to highlight domestic abuse.
Would I recommend this book? YES! It is an astounding tale that is guaranteed to keep you entertained to the very last page.
When Anne Carter sent me an invite to participate in the Blog Tour for Secret Places by Heather Peck the first thing in the blurb that caught my eye was the name: Tristan Smith more importantly that this character is female – My eldest daughter is Tristan Smit – how could I not read this book? I was curious before I even started.
Secret Places is a crime mystery, with a strong message below the surface. The author subtly highlights the effects domestic abuse has on not only the victim but also on the people around the victim. Heather Peck ends the book with contact information for any reader who may find themselves in a similar situation and requires help – this was a nice touch which shows that Heather Peck cares. However, the story does not heavily focus on abuse – it’s a soft underlining message that does not overpower the extremely entertaining main story.
Secret Places is set in a farming village in North Yorkshire and the author writes in the local lingo. Living on the other side of the world, and having never experienced this way of speaking before, I at first thought there were spelling mistakes all over the book – but after being a few pages in I pick up on the local speech patterns. The author did a marvellous job with this and I found myself imagining what these people would sound like if they spoke to me.
When a skeleton is discovered on Tristan Smith’s goat farm her world is turned upside down by the media attention, especially when the police consider her to a suspect. However, soon everyone’s attention is turned to the previous owners of the farm and Tristan finds herself involved in the search for the truth. At the same time Rachel Wade is in the Norfolk Broads, looking for a new start, but will she be able to leave Coombe Farm behind her?
Once I had my ear tuned to the local lingo, I found myself emerged in this story, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next. The characters were fantastic and the way the author drew the topic of domestic abuse into her story moving and had me caring for the characters rather deeply. Anyone who loves animals’ rate highly with me and Heather Peck stole my heart with her clear passion for animals.
I started reading the book because of Tristan Smith (already explained) – but several characters stand out for me – Rachel Wade; this woman broke my heart, I wanted to reach into the book and hug her while at the same time wanting to shake some sense into her. Ben Asheton was interesting, and I look forward to the next book – Glass Arrows – simply because he will be included. Amy from the tea shop was lovely, but my favourite character was Sharon Dyble – the village gossip – we all know at least one person just like Sharon – she was brilliant!
This book was not your standard mystery thriller – the author successfully included an underlining message which was not allowed to overpower the story – I loved this book, and the animal love alone added a star to my rating…… Brizo while being a collie cross, shared a lot of personality trait with my terriers – she was a dog anyone would be privileged to share their space with!
This book will work well for mystery fans, but animal lovers and women’s fiction enthusiasts can add this to their TBR’s as well. It is a quick read, with colourful characters and an underlying message to highlight domestic abuse.
Would I recommend this book? YES! It is an astounding tale that is guaranteed to keep you entertained to the very last page.
August 12, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley, publisher BooksGoSocial, and author Heather Peck for the electronic copy.
This is just such an intriguing read: it's well-written, with good characters and believable dialogue, and I particularly enjoyed the format of the storyline which is told from past and present from the main character, Rachel's point of view, gradually colliding with the current police investigation moving from Yorkshire to the Norfolk Broads; there's lots of twists as the story unfolds.
Tristan Smith and assistant Chris work Coombe Farm in the Vale of York. Unbeknown to them, 75 years previously a WW2 underground bunker was built in preparation of any invasion. Following its closure it had been used by the landowners as a disposal pit for animal carcasses from the original large sheep farm. Out of the blue, two researchers from a museum in Parham, Suffolk, contact Tristan in order to access the structure and, on doing so, discover a human skeleton amongst the animal remains. One which had not been there since war time.
DI Greg Goddard and his team start their intricate investigation, which leads them to having to find Rachel Wade's whereabouts - last known to have moored a boat on the Norfolk Broads.
This is a fascinating and complex story, but tackles the subject of domestic abuse, coercion and control. Rachel loses all sense of self-worth during her marriage to Matthew - who then abandons her. She starts a new life with dog Bozo on the Broads and falls into the same trap when a local shopkeeper, Phillip, muscles-in on her life - leading her to some very desperate thinking, and actions, leading to a very dramatic ending.
Held my attention throughout.
This is just such an intriguing read: it's well-written, with good characters and believable dialogue, and I particularly enjoyed the format of the storyline which is told from past and present from the main character, Rachel's point of view, gradually colliding with the current police investigation moving from Yorkshire to the Norfolk Broads; there's lots of twists as the story unfolds.
Tristan Smith and assistant Chris work Coombe Farm in the Vale of York. Unbeknown to them, 75 years previously a WW2 underground bunker was built in preparation of any invasion. Following its closure it had been used by the landowners as a disposal pit for animal carcasses from the original large sheep farm. Out of the blue, two researchers from a museum in Parham, Suffolk, contact Tristan in order to access the structure and, on doing so, discover a human skeleton amongst the animal remains. One which had not been there since war time.
DI Greg Goddard and his team start their intricate investigation, which leads them to having to find Rachel Wade's whereabouts - last known to have moored a boat on the Norfolk Broads.
This is a fascinating and complex story, but tackles the subject of domestic abuse, coercion and control. Rachel loses all sense of self-worth during her marriage to Matthew - who then abandons her. She starts a new life with dog Bozo on the Broads and falls into the same trap when a local shopkeeper, Phillip, muscles-in on her life - leading her to some very desperate thinking, and actions, leading to a very dramatic ending.
Held my attention throughout.
July 24, 2021
Don’t you just love it when you read a book and you’re reading it in full speed, the same pacing the story is going. That’s what happened to me here.
This book gave me Raymond Chandler vibes. We start with the detective in his apartment, a woman bidding his goodbye. He’s looking for a change in his routines schedule. A body is found is found in an observation base.
I think the reason it gave me Chandler vibes was because of the way it was written. It’s different. You can feel it. And I really like it. Even though the story is based in 2015, it has a noir vibe. And it works really well with detective stories.
I also noticed that the author has taken the time cultivate the characters and the plot. From the first chapter, the reader can sense the atmosphere of the story. It’s like a painted picture in my mind. The characters are established, their place in the story is known. I also like that all the characters are made important in some way. They don’t feel like they are placed randomly to fill a void.
The mystery is interesting in a way that I couldn’t predict it. I was so engrossed in the flow of the story that I forgot to rack my brain to guess. I truly enjoyed it.
I think I’d recommend this book to Agatha Christie readers and Raymond Chandler fans. It has the same atmosphere, mystery and the sense of urgency to find out more.
This book gave me Raymond Chandler vibes. We start with the detective in his apartment, a woman bidding his goodbye. He’s looking for a change in his routines schedule. A body is found is found in an observation base.
I think the reason it gave me Chandler vibes was because of the way it was written. It’s different. You can feel it. And I really like it. Even though the story is based in 2015, it has a noir vibe. And it works really well with detective stories.
I also noticed that the author has taken the time cultivate the characters and the plot. From the first chapter, the reader can sense the atmosphere of the story. It’s like a painted picture in my mind. The characters are established, their place in the story is known. I also like that all the characters are made important in some way. They don’t feel like they are placed randomly to fill a void.
The mystery is interesting in a way that I couldn’t predict it. I was so engrossed in the flow of the story that I forgot to rack my brain to guess. I truly enjoyed it.
I think I’d recommend this book to Agatha Christie readers and Raymond Chandler fans. It has the same atmosphere, mystery and the sense of urgency to find out more.
July 31, 2021
'Secret Places', the latest novel from author Heather Peck puts us smack bang in the middle of the grey area in a troubled woman's mind.
Goat farmer, cheese maker and weaver Tristan Smith is working on her North Yorkshire smallholding when a chance visit by archaeologists exposes a skeleton in an abandoned WW2 bunker. But it’s not a wartime casualty.
Tristan becomes involved in the search for the truth about her predecessors, as DI Greg Geldard follows a trail from North Yorkshire to the Norfolk Broads. He is seeking justice for a long-dead victim; but another casualty is hunting for a new life and a safe place to start again.
Peck knows how to put readers on edge whilst maintaining some mystery right up until she is ready to reveal secrets that drive this story along. Secret Places feels part detective thriller and part PTSD. Tristan is for the most part a likable character but she also has a dark side, which could be triggered when her freedom is threatened.
This isn't a long read and will keep readers gripped until its conclusion.
Goat farmer, cheese maker and weaver Tristan Smith is working on her North Yorkshire smallholding when a chance visit by archaeologists exposes a skeleton in an abandoned WW2 bunker. But it’s not a wartime casualty.
Tristan becomes involved in the search for the truth about her predecessors, as DI Greg Geldard follows a trail from North Yorkshire to the Norfolk Broads. He is seeking justice for a long-dead victim; but another casualty is hunting for a new life and a safe place to start again.
Peck knows how to put readers on edge whilst maintaining some mystery right up until she is ready to reveal secrets that drive this story along. Secret Places feels part detective thriller and part PTSD. Tristan is for the most part a likable character but she also has a dark side, which could be triggered when her freedom is threatened.
This isn't a long read and will keep readers gripped until its conclusion.
July 26, 2021
My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
Well written atmospheric clever descriptive this is an intelligent engaging read. Told from several points of view and past and present so you gather what's happening from different perspectives and various versions of what happened. Complex emotional and at times poignant a tale of abuse in all it's forms and the after affects.
WARNING :- Slight Spoiler alert.
Having finished the book I was pleased to read the Author state there was a sequel, which I assumed would deal with the aftermath of this book, and maybe deal with how several excellent characters moved on. However when looking up on Amazon I was somewhat gobsmacked that this book was the second in the DCI Greg Geldard series, in my opinion by far the least interesting character in the book and who by my recollection had a smaller part than brilliant Brizo the dog.
Recommended.
Well written atmospheric clever descriptive this is an intelligent engaging read. Told from several points of view and past and present so you gather what's happening from different perspectives and various versions of what happened. Complex emotional and at times poignant a tale of abuse in all it's forms and the after affects.
WARNING :- Slight Spoiler alert.
Having finished the book I was pleased to read the Author state there was a sequel, which I assumed would deal with the aftermath of this book, and maybe deal with how several excellent characters moved on. However when looking up on Amazon I was somewhat gobsmacked that this book was the second in the DCI Greg Geldard series, in my opinion by far the least interesting character in the book and who by my recollection had a smaller part than brilliant Brizo the dog.
Recommended.
June 2, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the eARC.
Even though it felt a bit uneven at times, I really liked this book. It starts out with archeologists finding a skeleton in a WWII bunker on Tristan Smith's farm. She's a goat and sheep farmer, making cheese and rugs. DI Greg Gillard and his team investigate and are looking for the ex-owner of the homestead, Rachel, whose husband mysteriously vanished. She proves difficult to find as she and her dog Brizo are basically on the run. She's a fascinating character, beaten down psychologically by her husband and consequently another man. I felt sad for her, but mad at the same time, making the same mistakes over and over again, even posing danger to her beloved Brizo.
I'm hoping this is the start to a new series and that we will meet Gillard and even Tristan (another excellent character) again. Highly recommended!
Even though it felt a bit uneven at times, I really liked this book. It starts out with archeologists finding a skeleton in a WWII bunker on Tristan Smith's farm. She's a goat and sheep farmer, making cheese and rugs. DI Greg Gillard and his team investigate and are looking for the ex-owner of the homestead, Rachel, whose husband mysteriously vanished. She proves difficult to find as she and her dog Brizo are basically on the run. She's a fascinating character, beaten down psychologically by her husband and consequently another man. I felt sad for her, but mad at the same time, making the same mistakes over and over again, even posing danger to her beloved Brizo.
I'm hoping this is the start to a new series and that we will meet Gillard and even Tristan (another excellent character) again. Highly recommended!
March 26, 2021
A skeleton found in an old WW2 bunker - a bunker that’s been used as a dumping ground for dead sheep and cattle over the years. How and when did the body get there? Who hid it? A very promising start to a murder story.
I enjoyed the characters of Tristan, Rachel and in particular Bristo. I was a bit disappointed that Tristan didn’t feature more in the story as I felt that she would have been a strong lead character in solving the crime. Rachel selling up and starting her life over on a barge, looking for a slower paced fresh start, an escape from her previously abused life - will she fall into the same patterns as before?
A quick enjoyable read with an unexpected, disturbing yet satisfying conclusion. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed the characters of Tristan, Rachel and in particular Bristo. I was a bit disappointed that Tristan didn’t feature more in the story as I felt that she would have been a strong lead character in solving the crime. Rachel selling up and starting her life over on a barge, looking for a slower paced fresh start, an escape from her previously abused life - will she fall into the same patterns as before?
A quick enjoyable read with an unexpected, disturbing yet satisfying conclusion. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 5, 2021
This is a brilliantly written book, that successfully explores the subject of abuse and the repercussions that it can have.
When a body is found on Tristan’s farm she is in shock, found in an old WW2 bunker, it is assumed the body dates from that period. However after further investigation it is found the body has been left in the bunker far after the 1940’s.
So who does the body belong to and why has it been left unfound in a bunker for over fifty years? The story unfolds through different people’s perspective that finally answer the question.
Such a great debut I really do hope it is the first in the series for DI Greg Geldard, I really liked his character and would like to know more.
When a body is found on Tristan’s farm she is in shock, found in an old WW2 bunker, it is assumed the body dates from that period. However after further investigation it is found the body has been left in the bunker far after the 1940’s.
So who does the body belong to and why has it been left unfound in a bunker for over fifty years? The story unfolds through different people’s perspective that finally answer the question.
Such a great debut I really do hope it is the first in the series for DI Greg Geldard, I really liked his character and would like to know more.
June 18, 2021
An easy read with a twist I wasn't expecting. Changing the POV mid way was interesting and I don't normally like it when books do that but this was different and it carried on to the end of the story, with the result that you see the story from a completely different perspective. Look forward to the next one in the series. Thanks for the ARC
December 31, 2022
Interesting approach to murder
The author very accurately describes a pattern of marital abuse that leads to murder. It made my blood run cold, it's a bit of a trigger if you've ever been in a abusive relationship. The sympathy is very much with our central character, Rachel.
The author very accurately describes a pattern of marital abuse that leads to murder. It made my blood run cold, it's a bit of a trigger if you've ever been in a abusive relationship. The sympathy is very much with our central character, Rachel.
August 12, 2021
This book first drew me in because of the location, the tidbit of history we learn, and then the mystery and the determination of friends and family to solve it. I truly enjoyed it.
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