What do you think?
Detective Liz Moorland #2
Lest Bridges Burn
Not goodbye, Auntie. Just 'til next time.
A little girl is missing. Homicide Detective Sergeant Liz Moorland has seen this before. Another child, eighteen years ago. Same colour hair and eyes. Same sweet smile. The same park. They never found her.
Liz has a connection to both disappearances and is convinced they are linked. But if she's to find this child then she has to keep her head. And with the chance of being removed from the most important case of her life, Liz can't make a mistake.
All signs point to a serial kidnapper but when the abductor calls, he'll only deal with Liz. Is this a cruel coincidence or a well-laid trap, planned for decades?
Haunted by the last words of her niece, Liz makes a promise to both girls.
She'll do whatever it takes to bring them home. Even if it means risking her career. And her life.
A little girl is missing. Homicide Detective Sergeant Liz Moorland has seen this before. Another child, eighteen years ago. Same colour hair and eyes. Same sweet smile. The same park. They never found her.
Liz has a connection to both disappearances and is convinced they are linked. But if she's to find this child then she has to keep her head. And with the chance of being removed from the most important case of her life, Liz can't make a mistake.
All signs point to a serial kidnapper but when the abductor calls, he'll only deal with Liz. Is this a cruel coincidence or a well-laid trap, planned for decades?
Haunted by the last words of her niece, Liz makes a promise to both girls.
She'll do whatever it takes to bring them home. Even if it means risking her career. And her life.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2023
About the author
Phillipa Nefri Clark
114 books383 followersPhillipa lives just outside a beautiful town in country Victoria, Australia. She also lives in the many worlds of her imagination and stockpiles stories beside her laptop.
She writes from the heart about love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.
With a passion for music, the ocean, nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story.
She writes from the heart about love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.
With a passion for music, the ocean, nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 3, 2023
Eighteen years ago, Detective Sergeant Liz Moorland's little niece, Ellen, was abducted while in Liz's care. She'd never been found; the case never solved. Now, another little girl had been abducted from the same park, with her mother sitting in the same seat as Liz had been all those years ago. Liz felt the chills spread through her as she realised the similarities - she knew she had to find Eliza and maybe she would discover what happened to Ellen at the same time.
Detective Pete McManus was Liz's partner and although rough around the edges as well as skirting the lines drawn, Liz trusted him with her life. When a new detective arrived to help out, Andy and Pete rubbed each other the wrong way. But Terry, their boss, told them to get on - the important thing was finding Eliza. With little to no sleep, the team members worked together, working through the night, searching everything they could. But Liz felt she was being kept in the dark and she was angry. Liz had vowed to do everything in her power to get Eliza back, but would putting herself in danger be a part of that promise?
Lest Bridges Burn is the 2nd in the Detective Liz Moorland series by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and it was phenomenal! An outstanding read from start to finish, one I was captivated with. The twist at the end was unexpected and breathtaking! Liz is a great character, and I'm looking forward to #3 in the not too distant future (hopefully). Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Pete McManus was Liz's partner and although rough around the edges as well as skirting the lines drawn, Liz trusted him with her life. When a new detective arrived to help out, Andy and Pete rubbed each other the wrong way. But Terry, their boss, told them to get on - the important thing was finding Eliza. With little to no sleep, the team members worked together, working through the night, searching everything they could. But Liz felt she was being kept in the dark and she was angry. Liz had vowed to do everything in her power to get Eliza back, but would putting herself in danger be a part of that promise?
Lest Bridges Burn is the 2nd in the Detective Liz Moorland series by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and it was phenomenal! An outstanding read from start to finish, one I was captivated with. The twist at the end was unexpected and breathtaking! Liz is a great character, and I'm looking forward to #3 in the not too distant future (hopefully). Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2025
Second in the Detective Liz Moorland series. I liked this character very much in book one and she was even better in this one.
A little girl is taken from a playground in almost identical circumstances to when Liz lost her niece eighteen years ago. Pretty soon it becomes apparent that the two cases are indeed linked and Liz is the common denominator. She and her team work round the clock to solve the mystery and find the abductor.
This is a book you cannot put down. The pacing is perfect, there is a lot of interesting police work, the characters are brilliant and the ending is suitably dangerous. It also leaves an aspect wide open for the next book. I enjoyed it so much I am starting book 3 Lest Tides Turn today!
A little girl is taken from a playground in almost identical circumstances to when Liz lost her niece eighteen years ago. Pretty soon it becomes apparent that the two cases are indeed linked and Liz is the common denominator. She and her team work round the clock to solve the mystery and find the abductor.
This is a book you cannot put down. The pacing is perfect, there is a lot of interesting police work, the characters are brilliant and the ending is suitably dangerous. It also leaves an aspect wide open for the next book. I enjoyed it so much I am starting book 3 Lest Tides Turn today!
November 18, 2023
I have been waiting for this one and was not disappointed, wow what a story, Liz Moorland is one of my favourite characters I love her determination and strength but also her empathy and caring nature to do all things right and solve cases, a fabulous story that was very hard to put down.
When a five year old girl, Eliza goes missing in the park that another five year old went missing in eighteen years ago, who was never found Detective Sergeant Liz Mooreland from homicide feels that there is a link but convincing her bosses is not easy, but Liz will never give up doing what she can to bring this little girl home and perhaps learn more about Ellen from eighteen years ago and this is personal so she must do everything right to stay on the case.
With missing person bought into the case as well as homicide there are some tensions between the two departments but Liz is very happy to be working with Pete again and the investigation is leaning towards a serial kidnapper, and both well planned, with links to people living in Liz’s apartment block, things are heating up and when the kidnapper calls and wants only to speak to Liz, the pressure is on, will they get their man and save Eliza and discover more about Ellen?
MS Clark had me on the edge of my seat with this one there are twists and turns and revelations uncovered will keep everyone on their toes, I was so invested in this story I was speaking to the characters along the way, Phillipa Nefri Clark knows how to pull her readers in, I do highly recommend this one and I am really looking forward to more in the series, bring them on.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
When a five year old girl, Eliza goes missing in the park that another five year old went missing in eighteen years ago, who was never found Detective Sergeant Liz Mooreland from homicide feels that there is a link but convincing her bosses is not easy, but Liz will never give up doing what she can to bring this little girl home and perhaps learn more about Ellen from eighteen years ago and this is personal so she must do everything right to stay on the case.
With missing person bought into the case as well as homicide there are some tensions between the two departments but Liz is very happy to be working with Pete again and the investigation is leaning towards a serial kidnapper, and both well planned, with links to people living in Liz’s apartment block, things are heating up and when the kidnapper calls and wants only to speak to Liz, the pressure is on, will they get their man and save Eliza and discover more about Ellen?
MS Clark had me on the edge of my seat with this one there are twists and turns and revelations uncovered will keep everyone on their toes, I was so invested in this story I was speaking to the characters along the way, Phillipa Nefri Clark knows how to pull her readers in, I do highly recommend this one and I am really looking forward to more in the series, bring them on.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
October 10, 2024
This series featuring Detective Liz Moorland are excellent thrillers and quite addictive.
December 15, 2023
Philipa Nefri Clark's novel, "Lest Bridges Burn," is a spellbinding journey through the complexities of childhood abduction and a criminal mastermind's twisted motives. The narrative weaves a web of suspense as the main character, haunted by a copycat crime echoing a past trauma, discovers an unimaginable connection to the perpetrator—her long-lost father.
Clark's storytelling prowess shines through in the cleverly crafted plot, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The characters are richly developed, each contributing to the intricate tapestry of the story. The dual narrative of two kidnapped girls, one now grown up, adds depth and emotion to the narrative, creating a compelling exploration of resilience and survival.
The author's ability to maintain suspense is commendable, as I found myself engrossed in the book to the point of reading during breaks at work—testament to the captivating nature of the story. Clark's brilliance is evident in the seamless integration of intricate details, creating a narrative that is both emotionally charged and intellectually stimulating.
"Lest Bridges Burn" is a testament to Philipa Nefri Clark's skill in crafting a gripping and thought-provoking thriller. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate a well-woven tale of mystery, familial ties, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Clark's storytelling prowess shines through in the cleverly crafted plot, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The characters are richly developed, each contributing to the intricate tapestry of the story. The dual narrative of two kidnapped girls, one now grown up, adds depth and emotion to the narrative, creating a compelling exploration of resilience and survival.
The author's ability to maintain suspense is commendable, as I found myself engrossed in the book to the point of reading during breaks at work—testament to the captivating nature of the story. Clark's brilliance is evident in the seamless integration of intricate details, creating a narrative that is both emotionally charged and intellectually stimulating.
"Lest Bridges Burn" is a testament to Philipa Nefri Clark's skill in crafting a gripping and thought-provoking thriller. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate a well-woven tale of mystery, familial ties, and the resilience of the human spirit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2024
Thank you Phillipa for gifting us a copy to read and review.
A child has gone missing, a scary and horrific situation for any parent.
Eighteen years ago another child disappeared.
The two cases have eerie similarities and Detective Liz Moorland has connections to both.
The latest one will unlock the pain and suffering of the past.
The race against time to find the missing child and dealing with the triggers of losing her own niece adds pressure on Liz.
The past will become an ally as the hunt escalates.
The culprit is clever and devious and has element of arrogance as he tactfully flirts with the law enforcement team and especially Liz.
Dramatic scenes, revelations, family dysfunction and internalised beliefs of hatred and superiority all unfurl.
This had my eyes glued to the page and sleuthing skills on high alert.
The breadcrumbs did lead me guessing but I ever so enjoyed the journey.
I loved the uniqueness of the two cases, the darker element of family secrets was fascinating and I believe Liz emerged and took the forefront in this.
A child has gone missing, a scary and horrific situation for any parent.
Eighteen years ago another child disappeared.
The two cases have eerie similarities and Detective Liz Moorland has connections to both.
The latest one will unlock the pain and suffering of the past.
The race against time to find the missing child and dealing with the triggers of losing her own niece adds pressure on Liz.
The past will become an ally as the hunt escalates.
The culprit is clever and devious and has element of arrogance as he tactfully flirts with the law enforcement team and especially Liz.
Dramatic scenes, revelations, family dysfunction and internalised beliefs of hatred and superiority all unfurl.
This had my eyes glued to the page and sleuthing skills on high alert.
The breadcrumbs did lead me guessing but I ever so enjoyed the journey.
I loved the uniqueness of the two cases, the darker element of family secrets was fascinating and I believe Liz emerged and took the forefront in this.
November 29, 2023
If you love a suspense mystery, this book is for you. If you love a book you can’t put down, this is for you. Homicide detective Liz Moorland is now investigating a kidnapping of Eliza, a little girl taken from a park. Liz has lived this before, when her niece Ellen was taken from the same park eighteen years ago. Can it be the same person? The kidnapping is the same as eye color, blonde hair, same age. Can that be a coincidence? Can Liz trust anyone? They think she might be too close to the situation and might not be mentally capable. Her co-workers are just trying to protect her. When then receive a phone call, things change. He only wants to deal with Liz. Can she handle it? Will they make her step away from the case? She is determined to solve it to save Eliza since she couldn’t for Ellen. Will she? Twists and turns. This is an emotional, gripping suspense. Worth the read. I couldn’t put it down. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily
November 12, 2023
Lest Bridges Burn by Phillipa Nefri Clark is the follow-up book to Lest We Forgive, and this time, the focus is on Detective Liz Moorland.
A young girl goes missing from the park in almost identical circumstances to those experienced by Moorland eighteen years previously, when her niece vanished without a trace. Is it coincidence, or is it something more sinister?
Moorland must try to remain professional in order to solve the case, as every twist and turn convinces her that solving this case will bring answers and closure to what happened to her niece all those years ago. But right now there is a distraught mother, and a little girl’s life at stake.
Clark is a master at weaving a suspenseful story filled with believable characters and twists and turns that will alternately keep your heart in your mouth and tug at your heartstrings.
Highly recommended, a five-star read from me.
A young girl goes missing from the park in almost identical circumstances to those experienced by Moorland eighteen years previously, when her niece vanished without a trace. Is it coincidence, or is it something more sinister?
Moorland must try to remain professional in order to solve the case, as every twist and turn convinces her that solving this case will bring answers and closure to what happened to her niece all those years ago. But right now there is a distraught mother, and a little girl’s life at stake.
Clark is a master at weaving a suspenseful story filled with believable characters and twists and turns that will alternately keep your heart in your mouth and tug at your heartstrings.
Highly recommended, a five-star read from me.
December 5, 2023
What a great story! It had everything a reader could want from a police procedural: interesting and complex characters, plenty of suspense, surprises and lots of twists and turns. Detective Liz Moorland investigates the disappearance of a five year old girl from a park she was visiting with her mother in Melbourne, Australia. The case bears striking similarities to the disappearance of Liz's niece eighteen years earlier from the same park. Are the two cases related? Find out by reading this intriguing book. I highly recommend it to other police procedural readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
September 8, 2026
The second book of this series was not as good as the first book. The double plot was the same as the first book which makes me leary of buying the third book. I do not like trashing an author, but this author is better than this read.
Liz, the police detective, solves two cases at the same time. Who is the plant in the squad? Is Kyle going to be resurrected? Where was the little bit of romance? Was Liz' momentary attraction to another female character going to bloom into a relationship that I would just as well not know? Would I love to live by the sea in Australia? Yes!
Thank you for the read.
Liz, the police detective, solves two cases at the same time. Who is the plant in the squad? Is Kyle going to be resurrected? Where was the little bit of romance? Was Liz' momentary attraction to another female character going to bloom into a relationship that I would just as well not know? Would I love to live by the sea in Australia? Yes!
Thank you for the read.
November 29, 2023
Detective Sargent Liz Moorland has to confront her painful past to find an abducted child before it's too late. The author does such an amazing job describing Liz's trauma and how it still incapacitates her years later. Knowing the outcome if she can't focus all her attention on this new case was very emotional for me as a reader. Great suspense read!
December 22, 2023
Another great book by Phillipa. This book keeps you guessing who it is who kidnapped Eliza. Liz is determined to find Eliza after her niece Ellen was taken 18 years while she was with Liz in the same park Eliza was taken from. Liz feels her colleagues are keeping something from her. Truely a great read. I highly recommend reading.
August 8, 2025
Great Book!
This book was fun to read. It was fast paced and exciting! There were lots of detectives and I had trouble keeping them straight, but everything came together at the end. Liz was my favorite character, as she was brave and unstoppable! Check this book out if you love exciting stories!
This book was fun to read. It was fast paced and exciting! There were lots of detectives and I had trouble keeping them straight, but everything came together at the end. Liz was my favorite character, as she was brave and unstoppable! Check this book out if you love exciting stories!
January 3, 2026
Page turner
Liz still blames herself for her niece disappearing while she was with her. Now another little girl has gone missing, and the similarities draw the cases together. Although there is a conclusion to part of the story, there is obviously room for more. I look forward to reading book 3.
Liz still blames herself for her niece disappearing while she was with her. Now another little girl has gone missing, and the similarities draw the cases together. Although there is a conclusion to part of the story, there is obviously room for more. I look forward to reading book 3.
May 26, 2026
JUST FABULOUS!
Phillipa has done it again wonderful wonderful book. Exciting suspenseful I read it in one day I could not stop reading and now I’ve got to go to sleep, but I couldn’t stop because I wanted to see how it ended.. I absolutely love all these people in her books. I cannot wait to read the next one.
Phillipa has done it again wonderful wonderful book. Exciting suspenseful I read it in one day I could not stop reading and now I’ve got to go to sleep, but I couldn’t stop because I wanted to see how it ended.. I absolutely love all these people in her books. I cannot wait to read the next one.
September 24, 2024
A brilliant read by my favourite Aussie author.
Fast paced, short chapters, keeps the reader interested and longing for the next book in the series.
The characters are very easy to relate to and have stories I am eager to follow.
Fast paced, short chapters, keeps the reader interested and longing for the next book in the series.
The characters are very easy to relate to and have stories I am eager to follow.
February 4, 2025
Top!
Le premier tome était intéressant mais ce second le surpasse. Une enquête extrêmement complexe comme la psychologie des différents protagonistes. Bravo à l’auteur! Je me jette dès maintenant sur le tome 3.
Le premier tome était intéressant mais ce second le surpasse. Une enquête extrêmement complexe comme la psychologie des différents protagonistes. Bravo à l’auteur! Je me jette dès maintenant sur le tome 3.
December 18, 2025
Ok but ..
The story was interesting but somewhat drawn out. The writing however was terrible. I found myself re-reading sentences to try to figure out what they meant. Needs a good editor.
The story was interesting but somewhat drawn out. The writing however was terrible. I found myself re-reading sentences to try to figure out what they meant. Needs a good editor.
May 12, 2026
A great story well told.
The story was well told with good interesting characters in a super plot.Lisa and her partner had a difficult time solve the mystery without getting killed.
The story was well told with good interesting characters in a super plot.Lisa and her partner had a difficult time solve the mystery without getting killed.
December 23, 2023
Another fantastic book
Loved it, good pace and easy read, highly recommend. I hope there are more in this series. Absolutely brilliant author
Loved it, good pace and easy read, highly recommend. I hope there are more in this series. Absolutely brilliant author
December 28, 2023
Brilliant! Loved learning who Liz is and what makes her tick. This book was outstanding g and the series is going from strength to strength.
October 16, 2024
Phillipa Nefri Clark is such a great author, she writes with great imagination and her plots are so good.
She lives outside Melbourne, in some town nearby, and is a very good Australian thriller writer.
She lives outside Melbourne, in some town nearby, and is a very good Australian thriller writer.
October 25, 2024
Intense.
November 13, 2024
Great reading
This book just kept me at the edge of my seat. The story plot is mysterious but really interesting. It’s a must read.
This book just kept me at the edge of my seat. The story plot is mysterious but really interesting. It’s a must read.
July 26, 2025
Captivating
This was a good storyline with characters you could believe in and relate to. I’d love to know what happens next in Liz’s story.
This was a good storyline with characters you could believe in and relate to. I’d love to know what happens next in Liz’s story.
August 9, 2025
A fairly believable story.
One of the more believable Misper stories. The characters are okay and things move along well so I enjoyed the read.
One of the more believable Misper stories. The characters are okay and things move along well so I enjoyed the read.
October 11, 2025
up too late finishing it
This is a very gripping tale. Good, believable characters. Story moves forward with just the right pace. I highly recommend this book.
This is a very gripping tale. Good, believable characters. Story moves forward with just the right pace. I highly recommend this book.
October 21, 2025
Very good
Enjoyed this book very much . Good characters, exciting storyline. Kept me reading when I should have been doing other things.
Enjoyed this book very much . Good characters, exciting storyline. Kept me reading when I should have been doing other things.
November 8, 2025
I really like all the characters and the story lines keep me guessing until the end
December 16, 2023
Another fabulous crime fiction read by Phillipa Nefri Clark, this is one series I hope gets a few more books.
In Lest We Forgive we met Detective Liz Moorland and I knew then there was a lot more of her to uncover. In Lest Bridges Burn we uncover a tragic event in her past, one which has paved the way much of her life has taken.
When a child goes missing in the park near her building, the same way another 5-year-old disappeared 18 years before Liz is determined things will be done properly this time, unlike the last time no stone will be left unturned.
The author has woven a carefully connected plot where every suspect and clue will have you guessing as to who took her and why. Liz, aided by her coworker Pete and her friend and ex-coworker Vince (from book 1), Liz must delve into the past and a botched investigation as well as look at the clues now. While she is determined to get this child back alive, she doesn't lose hope that she will at least find out who took the other young child.
There are many hoops to jump through and sometimes rules need to be broken in order to get the result you want. Liz is in for some big and unpleasant surprises as she pursues this case, I'm sure I couldn't do the job she does and remain as clear-headed as she did for the most part. The ending was both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Another book that I didn't want to put down & had me staying up well past my bedtime in order to read just one more chapter.
In Lest We Forgive we met Detective Liz Moorland and I knew then there was a lot more of her to uncover. In Lest Bridges Burn we uncover a tragic event in her past, one which has paved the way much of her life has taken.
When a child goes missing in the park near her building, the same way another 5-year-old disappeared 18 years before Liz is determined things will be done properly this time, unlike the last time no stone will be left unturned.
The author has woven a carefully connected plot where every suspect and clue will have you guessing as to who took her and why. Liz, aided by her coworker Pete and her friend and ex-coworker Vince (from book 1), Liz must delve into the past and a botched investigation as well as look at the clues now. While she is determined to get this child back alive, she doesn't lose hope that she will at least find out who took the other young child.
There are many hoops to jump through and sometimes rules need to be broken in order to get the result you want. Liz is in for some big and unpleasant surprises as she pursues this case, I'm sure I couldn't do the job she does and remain as clear-headed as she did for the most part. The ending was both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Another book that I didn't want to put down & had me staying up well past my bedtime in order to read just one more chapter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews