Peter Turnham

It is with great regret that I have to announce to all of Peter's thousands of readers and loyal fans that I lost him very suddenly at the end of last year to a particularly virulent form of cancer; we had just two months to adjust to the diagnosis. I have lost a hugely talented and loving husband, a true entrepreneur who came from a normal chlldhood to create an extremely successful business, enabling him to retire at age 46 and - never afraid of hard physical work - he then personally created some lakes for our new fly fishing syndicate, bred the Rainbow Trout in our own Hatchery, built our beautiful home involving twelve years of perseverance in all weathers, finally becoming an author because he was bored with sitting still after having ruptured his

Achilles' tendon. A man of many parts, intellectually and physically, my tower of strength, a man who gave so much joy to us all.

I do hope you will continue to read and enjoy his six published books. I shall be publishing his final manuscript at a later date,

when I have had time to edit the words.

Please continue on to read the remainder of his biography below - he was a wonderfully talented and gentlemanly man.

Peter retired from a successful business career to live the good life in the Cotswold Hills of England. He applied his energies to various activities until a tennis accident snapped his Achilles tendon. Inactivity did not remotely suit his industrious nature. The enforced rest quickly became intolerable, and in sheer desperation, he pronounced to his wife, Carol, that he would write a novel. This was an improbable suggestion for someone with no previous writing experience. However, Peter found he had an undiscovered talent, and an "unlikely author" emerged.

Being a natural researcher, he gravitated towards historical fiction, where his characters weave an indistinguishable path between fact and fiction. Peter’s undiscovered talent is his ability to bring his characters to life. He intends for his readers to not just read about his characters' lives; they should experience them. His many thousands of reviews confirm this ambition. Peter’s last four books are set in WW2 England, where his accurate retelling of history and vivid portrayal of characters bring a period of history to life in a way that few have experienced before.

Shortlisted for the self-published book of the year 2022, Peter’s book “None Stood Taller” achieved best-seller status and has met with considerable acclaim. The three-part “None Stood Taller” series describes the planning for D-Day and the involvement of SOE from the human perspective of those involved. The characters are fictitious, but their emotional story continues to beguile readers worldwide. His latest book, “Parallel Lives,” continues the theme of WW2, this time from the perspectives of a doctor and a policeman during the London Blitz. After two years of work, this book was immediately met with accolades from readers. It is a significant work both in terms of size and ambition. Peter regards this as his finest achievement so far, and following Peter's death, I received the news that this book "Parallel Lives" was also on the short list for the Selfies for 2026.

Reviews for "Parallel Lives"

Peter Turnham’s novels have it all – history, love stories, flawed but lovable characters who do heroic things small and large. The reader learns more about WWII while falling in love with the main characters. The weaving of character and plot is seamless and Turnham’s writing is fast paced while beautifully descriptive. I have rarely stood inside a story and lived along with the characters experiencing the war from another perspective as in this series. You will be enthralled and enriched. Rosalie Perry

Impeccably researched and brutally honest about what happened to the people in London during the Blitz. Peter Turnham’s ability to understand relationships of men and women is handled with deftness and sincerity. The writing and insights into human nature is superb. This is a must read for anyone interested in history and a desire to prevent another dictator from coming to the fore again. In these perilous times, this book hits the mark. Carol Hazelwood

Peter's descriptions of the London Blitz are so vivid and authentic. His storytelling is majestic. Honestly this is one of the best books I have ever read. Nigel Messenger

Firstly, do not be put off by the size of the book entitled “Parallel Lives”…the subject and story are so compelling you will only put it down when you HAVE to do something else!

Secondly, this book is special. It follows other excellent books written by this talented author, but in my opinion it’s in a class of its own. The combination of authentic historical facts and the unravelling story based in this period, combined with the enthralling fictional narrative of the subjects involved makes this a must-read.

I hope Peter Turnham will put pen to paper again and let us know what happens next to these characters that are so realistic I feel I know them. Judy P, UK.

I’ve read all of Mr Turnham’s books and have enjoyed them immensely. I found it hard to put them down and so I kept reading for days. Not only did I connect with all the characters, but I learned so much about the war. Mr Turnham is a wonderful writer and story teller. Please write more. I have become your biggest fan. Liz Downey

Reviews for "None Stood Taller" series

What a brilliantly written book. I was totally engrossed within the story and the history in this book. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about WW2 A fictional story woven around true facts. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Oh my goodness! I've no words to describe how beyond this book was. Wow! This book is a keeper. I want to buy copies to hand around to friends and family. I want to read it outload to my children. I want to reread it myself. It has inspired me. It has uplifted me with the strength of spirit displayed. I will never treat June 6th the same again, ever. It will not be just a day in history. It is real. It is our life! Without it we would not be as we are. Bravo Peter Turnham. Bravo.

It is the most amazing book I have read. The quality writing is a tremendous credit to the Author. I felt I was part of the entire story, and loved all the characters. I was totally engrossed. A fantastic World War 2 novel.

Loved the history, loved the characters, read the following two books straight afterwards. Best series I’ve ever read.

Loved the book, I couldn’t put it down. The characters were really well thought out and I can’t wait to read the next instalment. What an amazing author. A complete page turner, I couldn't put it down.

I literally could not put this book down, loved it from start to finish. From the Blitz and the East End spirit to secret WWII missions, this great book has it all with a fabulous love story thrown in for good measure! You definitely won't be disappointed

I am amazed at the attention to detail that Peter Turnham has written. I cannot imagine the work that went into this well constructed novel and will start the second in the series immediately. Highly recommend this book.

I always enjoy good historical fiction. But this novel is a fantastic standout. The author's development of the characters and the unfolding of story line and climactic conflict left me spellbound. I simply could not put the book down. I look forward to more works by this wonderful and capable author! Gripping!

I've read loads of WW2 fiction, but this gem stands out from many. It was utterly wonderful, from the story line to the character development. What a gift to honour the Greatest Generation! Marvellous.

I really enjoyed how the author made you see how the war touched so many different groups of people. How he used the facts of history to weave a tale of how they were able to drop social protocol to become a team working to win the war. I loved the ending. Best WW2 book I have read.

I have no words other than masterpiece…inspiring…compelling…amazing..extraordinary. This a truly a must read, poignant, funny, heart-warming. I am so glad I found this!

I have read many, many books about WWII, but never one like this. To see the planning that went into D-Day and all of the sacrifices put me in awe of the little band that engineered the whole thing.

This is one of the best historical "fiction" books I've ever read. Filled with facts I wasn't aware of. Loved every page and will read the other books associated with this. An amazing read!

One of the best books that I have read. It is amazing to read about the intricate planning that happened with D Day. Great story.

One of my all-time favourites. A personal and intriguing account , set against backdrop of WW2. like you've never experienced before. Stunning.Loved the characters, the development of each person

What a story. It's written so well I couldn’t put it down. These were amazing people that inspired the book. What a write!