Peter J. Heck (1941–2017) was an American author, Presbyterian minister, and theologian known primarily for his Christian apologetics and mystery fiction. He wrote both non-fiction works defending Christian theology and a popular mystery series featuring a philosophy professor as the main character.

Heck’s primary impact came through his efforts to make philosophy and Christian theology accessible to general readers. His mysteries were somewhat unique in that they featured an academic philosopher solving crimes using logic and philosophical reasoning, helping to introduce intellectual themes into genre fiction. His apologetics writing also contributed to discussions of faith and reason within Christian communities.