Picture a British storyteller who traded alpaca farming and crisis management for crafting gripping crime novels and heartwarming children’s tales—meet Heather Peck! This Norfolk-based author weaves her eclectic life into stories that pulse with authenticity, from moody murder mysteries to puppy adventures that teach kids about the world. With a knack for blending rural charm with sharp social commentary, Peck’s work is as unique as her journey.
The Making of Heather Peck
Born with a love for books and a farmer’s grit, Heather Peck’s life reads like a novel itself. She spent decades in agriculture, both as a hands-on farmer breeding sheep and alpacas and as a civil servant tackling crises like Chernobyl and bird flu. Her career took her from international negotiations to eating KitKats on secondment at Nestlé Rowntree. After retiring early, she chaired an NHS Trust, volunteered as a Covid vaccinator, and sailed the Norfolk Broads, all while her Gran’s wisdom—‘You can do anything if you try hard enough’—urged her to write. A course at the University of East Anglia’s National Centre for Writing sparked her debut novel, launching a new chapter.
Heather Peck’s Unforgettable Stories
Peck’s DCI Greg Geldard series, starting with Secret Places (2021), plunges readers into the haunting Norfolk Broads, where rural beauty masks dark crimes. Novels like The Temenos Remains (2023) tackle serial killers and misogyny, while Dig Two Graves (2023) explores revenge and County Lines crime, earning Firebird Book Awards for Best Mystery and Thriller. Her novellas, Death on the Rhine (2022) and Death on the Norwich Express (2024), delve into elder abuse and stalking, showcasing her knack for weaving societal issues into tight plots. Peck’s children’s book, Tails of Two Spaniels (2023), narrated by puppies, teaches kids about pet care and environmental responsibility, with sequels like The Animals of White Cows Farm (2024) expanding her wholesome world. Her style—gritty yet heartfelt—mirrors her dual life as a farmer and advocate, with vivid settings and authentic characters that linger.
Whether she’s crafting a tense police procedural or a puppy’s tale, Peck’s writing shines with her love for the countryside and sharp eye for human nature. Her crime novels, often compared to Elly Griffiths and L.J. Ross, balance atmospheric settings with unflinching looks at issues like domestic violence and knife crime, while her children’s books charm with their warmth and subtle lessons.
Why Heather Peck Matters
Heather Peck’s impact lies in her ability to bridge worlds—rural and urban, adult and child, gritty and gentle. Her crime novels shine a light on overlooked issues, from sex worker stigma to elder abuse, making readers think while keeping them hooked. Her children’s books foster empathy and environmental awareness, inspiring young readers to care for animals and the planet. By drawing on her diverse life, Peck brings rare authenticity to British literature, proving that a farmer-turned-author can leave a lasting mark. Her multiple Firebird Book Awards and East Anglian Book Award nomination underscore her growing influence.
- Born: Date unavailable, based in Norfolk, UK
- Key Works: Secret Places, Dig Two Graves, Tails of Two Spaniels
- Awards: Firebird Book Awards (Best Crime Fiction, Novella, Mystery, Thriller), East Anglian Book Award nominee
Ready to dive into Heather Peck’s world? Snag Secret Places for a thrilling mystery or Tails of Two Spaniels for a charming kids’ read—her stories are as vibrant as the Norfolk Broads!