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Detective Liz Moorland #1
Lest We Forgive
Protect first. Regret later.
A late night. An icy road. A car wrapped around a tree.
When Detective Liz Moorland stares at the lifeless faces of her ex-colleague’s daughter and son-in-law, she knows it is enough to push Vince Carter over the edge.
Vince, a bitter and reclusive retired cop, was once a hero to many. But in his eyes, he has failed those he most loved. Estranged from his daughter before her death, the enormity of his loss is immeasurable.
While Liz’s hands are full chasing an escaped criminal, Vince—alongside his fight for custody of Melanie, his eight-year-old granddaughter and sole survivor of the wreck—pieces together a compelling theory that the crash was no accident.
Vince’s theory provides Liz with an unexpected connection to her case and simultaneously raises concerns over Melanie’s safety and what she saw that fateful night.
Those concerns are justified. One person knows what the little girl saw.
The killer.
A late night. An icy road. A car wrapped around a tree.
When Detective Liz Moorland stares at the lifeless faces of her ex-colleague’s daughter and son-in-law, she knows it is enough to push Vince Carter over the edge.
Vince, a bitter and reclusive retired cop, was once a hero to many. But in his eyes, he has failed those he most loved. Estranged from his daughter before her death, the enormity of his loss is immeasurable.
While Liz’s hands are full chasing an escaped criminal, Vince—alongside his fight for custody of Melanie, his eight-year-old granddaughter and sole survivor of the wreck—pieces together a compelling theory that the crash was no accident.
Vince’s theory provides Liz with an unexpected connection to her case and simultaneously raises concerns over Melanie’s safety and what she saw that fateful night.
Those concerns are justified. One person knows what the little girl saw.
The killer.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2023
1248 people are currently reading
2777 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Nefri Clark
92 books355 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 87 reviews
January 17, 2023
When Detective Sergeant Liz Moorland was called to a crash site late in the evening, her shock on seeing her good friend and daughter of her ex-partner in the force, Suzie, dead, along with her husband David, was enough to drive her to her knees. The only piece of good news was that Melanie, their eight year old daughter, was alive, heading to hospital with a broken arm. When Vince Carter was notified of the accident, and Melanie's survival, he didn't have time to grieve, but inside he was broken. Looking after and taking care of Melanie would now be the biggest focus in his life.
Liz and her superior, Terry, were tied up with the escape of a prisoner from a court room, someone who was a vicious killer with no thought for the people whose lives he took. So when Vince spoke to Liz about his suspicions, it confirmed her own thoughts about the crash. She tried to persuade Vince to let her and her colleagues do their job, but Vince needed to find the evidence he was sure was there. His care for Mel would always come first though. What would be the outcome from this dreadful game of cat and mouse that Mel and her family had become involved in?
Lest We Forgive is the 1st in the Detective Liz Moorland series by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and it was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, characters, place and emotions - which were in me as well as the players. Mel is an adorable little girl, and her new kitten Robbie, along with Apple the pony, are both stars! I'm looking forward to #2 in the series and hope it's not too far away! Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Liz and her superior, Terry, were tied up with the escape of a prisoner from a court room, someone who was a vicious killer with no thought for the people whose lives he took. So when Vince spoke to Liz about his suspicions, it confirmed her own thoughts about the crash. She tried to persuade Vince to let her and her colleagues do their job, but Vince needed to find the evidence he was sure was there. His care for Mel would always come first though. What would be the outcome from this dreadful game of cat and mouse that Mel and her family had become involved in?
Lest We Forgive is the 1st in the Detective Liz Moorland series by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and it was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, characters, place and emotions - which were in me as well as the players. Mel is an adorable little girl, and her new kitten Robbie, along with Apple the pony, are both stars! I'm looking forward to #2 in the series and hope it's not too far away! Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2024
The first in a new mystery series, this time about Detective Liz Moorland and her ex partner Vince Carter.
Vince has retired to his off the beaten track home. His wife died many years ago and he raised their daughter, Suzie, on his own. He has become estranged from her and his granddaughter, Melanie, and when Suzie is killed in a car crash he finds himself in a custody battle for the little girl. He also believes the crash to have been suspicious and manages to get Liz searching for who was responsible and why.
At the heart of this book is an interesting mystery and some excellent police work, but there is also a lot of family drama. Little Melanie is a very sweet girl and the story becomes quite tense when the arguments begin over her future. This is a very enjoyable book with sad moments but also very positive and happy ones. I am looking forward to book 2.
Vince has retired to his off the beaten track home. His wife died many years ago and he raised their daughter, Suzie, on his own. He has become estranged from her and his granddaughter, Melanie, and when Suzie is killed in a car crash he finds himself in a custody battle for the little girl. He also believes the crash to have been suspicious and manages to get Liz searching for who was responsible and why.
At the heart of this book is an interesting mystery and some excellent police work, but there is also a lot of family drama. Little Melanie is a very sweet girl and the story becomes quite tense when the arguments begin over her future. This is a very enjoyable book with sad moments but also very positive and happy ones. I am looking forward to book 2.
January 26, 2023
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Phillipa Nefri Clark for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Having read and enjoyed a previous novel by Phillipa Nefri Clark, I eagerly grabbed for this ARC. Clark spins a great crime thriller with this novel, combining a police manhunt with a family struggling to put the pieces back together. Set in Australia, there is an added flavouring to the story, though the setting is enough of a backdrop that the novel would work in any locale. Impactful until the final pages, Clark proves that she is one to watch in what appears to be the debut of a new series.
After a horrible car accident claims the lives of her parents, eight-year-old Melanie is left in limbo. Having been in the vehicle at the time, she suffers a number of physical and psychological injuries, but will also need a guardian to take care of her. Melanie’s grandfather, Vince, is a former detective and has disappeared into the bottle since his wife’s death, alienating his own daughter in the process. With Melanie needing someone, Vince steps up to help, thinking that family is Melanie’s best option.
While Vince begins to wonder about the crash and whether it might have been a targeted hit, he has an inkling that his son-in-law’s business partner could be up to no good. When Vince reaches out to Homicide Detective Liz Moorland, she is anything but pleased. With the recent escape of a murderer from the local jail, Moorland has her hands full and does not need any half-baked ideas clouding her focus. Vince refuses to stand down and does his own exploration into things, including the night of the fatal crash.
While Vince is trying to help Melanie acclimate to a life with him, he’s able to make some headway on the case. Detective Moorland is willing to take another look, though her attention remains focused elsewhere, as new bodies pile up the more the manhunt intensifies. The pieces begin to come together, as Melanie begins to come out of her shell. She remembers things about the night of the crash, things that could implicate people to a larger crime. Vince will not rest until he gets to the bottom of what is going on, whether Detective Moorland wants to help or leave him to his own devices. The truth is out there, though someone is lurking in the shadows, wanting to tie off any loose ends that appear, even if that means wiping Melanie off the map. Clark offers up a chilling story that mixes the hunt for justice with the slow and methodical healing of a little girl.
There’s something about an author that can juggle multiple themes effectively in their writing that has me very impressed. Phillipa Nefri Clark does that with ease as she tackles a debut novel in this series, sure to be crime thriller based. Clark uses all the tools she has to paint a great picture of what is going on in a small community, as well as the struggles for truth and healing that are inherent when an accident harms a handful of people. A great balance of police procedural, mystery, and emotional connection, Clark weaves them all together to keep readers impressed throughout the journey.
With a strong narrative base, the story is sure to impress many who are looking for something that will capture their attention. Clark does well to keep things moving and never lets the momentum wane as the story and its plots become more involved. A handful of key characters keep things exciting for the attentive reader, offering multiple perspectives to enrich the story. I can only hope that Clark keeps the same recipe for the next book in the series, as I am eager to see what is to come of Detective Liz Moorland and the rest of the Melbourne Homicide Squad.
Kudos, Madam Clark, for a great start to the series. I cannot wait to see what’s to come.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Having read and enjoyed a previous novel by Phillipa Nefri Clark, I eagerly grabbed for this ARC. Clark spins a great crime thriller with this novel, combining a police manhunt with a family struggling to put the pieces back together. Set in Australia, there is an added flavouring to the story, though the setting is enough of a backdrop that the novel would work in any locale. Impactful until the final pages, Clark proves that she is one to watch in what appears to be the debut of a new series.
After a horrible car accident claims the lives of her parents, eight-year-old Melanie is left in limbo. Having been in the vehicle at the time, she suffers a number of physical and psychological injuries, but will also need a guardian to take care of her. Melanie’s grandfather, Vince, is a former detective and has disappeared into the bottle since his wife’s death, alienating his own daughter in the process. With Melanie needing someone, Vince steps up to help, thinking that family is Melanie’s best option.
While Vince begins to wonder about the crash and whether it might have been a targeted hit, he has an inkling that his son-in-law’s business partner could be up to no good. When Vince reaches out to Homicide Detective Liz Moorland, she is anything but pleased. With the recent escape of a murderer from the local jail, Moorland has her hands full and does not need any half-baked ideas clouding her focus. Vince refuses to stand down and does his own exploration into things, including the night of the fatal crash.
While Vince is trying to help Melanie acclimate to a life with him, he’s able to make some headway on the case. Detective Moorland is willing to take another look, though her attention remains focused elsewhere, as new bodies pile up the more the manhunt intensifies. The pieces begin to come together, as Melanie begins to come out of her shell. She remembers things about the night of the crash, things that could implicate people to a larger crime. Vince will not rest until he gets to the bottom of what is going on, whether Detective Moorland wants to help or leave him to his own devices. The truth is out there, though someone is lurking in the shadows, wanting to tie off any loose ends that appear, even if that means wiping Melanie off the map. Clark offers up a chilling story that mixes the hunt for justice with the slow and methodical healing of a little girl.
There’s something about an author that can juggle multiple themes effectively in their writing that has me very impressed. Phillipa Nefri Clark does that with ease as she tackles a debut novel in this series, sure to be crime thriller based. Clark uses all the tools she has to paint a great picture of what is going on in a small community, as well as the struggles for truth and healing that are inherent when an accident harms a handful of people. A great balance of police procedural, mystery, and emotional connection, Clark weaves them all together to keep readers impressed throughout the journey.
With a strong narrative base, the story is sure to impress many who are looking for something that will capture their attention. Clark does well to keep things moving and never lets the momentum wane as the story and its plots become more involved. A handful of key characters keep things exciting for the attentive reader, offering multiple perspectives to enrich the story. I can only hope that Clark keeps the same recipe for the next book in the series, as I am eager to see what is to come of Detective Liz Moorland and the rest of the Melbourne Homicide Squad.
Kudos, Madam Clark, for a great start to the series. I cannot wait to see what’s to come.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 3, 2023
This book is brilliant, fabulous I loved it from start to finish, MS Clark knows how to put words down on a page and bring them together in the best way for her readers, this is a new series and I am truly excited for more to come, after getting to know Liz Moorland and the wonderful characters in book one, bring them on.
A single car crash on a quiet road leaves two people dead and a child injured, but the worse is that occupants are the daughter and son in law of Liz Moorlands ex- partner, Vince Carter and she knows what pain this is going to cause to him. She knows that he will never give up on finding out what happened to cause it.
Vince arrives at the hospital to care for his eight year old granddaughter Melanie and he is determined to be the best grandfather he can be, grieving is going to be hard after all that had happened between him and is daughter and their estrangement but he loves Melly and will do all he can to keep her safe and happy.
Liz and her partner Pete and their boss Terry, Vince’s old mate are very busy trying to recapture an escaped dangerous prisoner, and Vince starts to investigate the accident and this opens up a can of worms that involves the company that his son in law owned with Bradley Pickering, who with his wife Carla are doing their best to get custody of Melanie.
As the plot thickens and the police and Vince uncover more clues with their investigation, danger lurks around corners and people’s lives are at risk, will Melanie be safe, who will get custody of Melanie and how and why did the accident happen?
You must read this book if a good thriller, mystery, crime is what you love, because you will not want to put this one down once you pick it up. The characters come alive on the pages good and bad and tension flows along with the emotions, there were tears and cheers from me in this one and all I can say is when I book two released?
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
A single car crash on a quiet road leaves two people dead and a child injured, but the worse is that occupants are the daughter and son in law of Liz Moorlands ex- partner, Vince Carter and she knows what pain this is going to cause to him. She knows that he will never give up on finding out what happened to cause it.
Vince arrives at the hospital to care for his eight year old granddaughter Melanie and he is determined to be the best grandfather he can be, grieving is going to be hard after all that had happened between him and is daughter and their estrangement but he loves Melly and will do all he can to keep her safe and happy.
Liz and her partner Pete and their boss Terry, Vince’s old mate are very busy trying to recapture an escaped dangerous prisoner, and Vince starts to investigate the accident and this opens up a can of worms that involves the company that his son in law owned with Bradley Pickering, who with his wife Carla are doing their best to get custody of Melanie.
As the plot thickens and the police and Vince uncover more clues with their investigation, danger lurks around corners and people’s lives are at risk, will Melanie be safe, who will get custody of Melanie and how and why did the accident happen?
You must read this book if a good thriller, mystery, crime is what you love, because you will not want to put this one down once you pick it up. The characters come alive on the pages good and bad and tension flows along with the emotions, there were tears and cheers from me in this one and all I can say is when I book two released?
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
March 12, 2023
Thank you Phillipa for gifting us a copy to read and review.
Mysterious deaths, an orphaned child and a father desperate for justice and answers in tandem with crooked business dealings, an escaped criminal and an abundance of violence.
A criminal suspense that is technically on point and creates the right level of drama to keep the reader glued to the pages.
Vince Carter, a reclusive cop has lost his estranged daughter and son in law in a car crash.
His grand daughter survived and is his only family link.
Grief and police intuition make him determined to delve more into this accident.
A custody dispute over the grand daughter threatens to derail the peaceful equilibrium Vince has created.
Strange threats from the god parents causing suspicion.
A cookie crumb trail leads to an explosive end in this Melbourne set story.
The addition of some furry friends highlighting how important they can be especially at in times of duress.
I was wowed by this story and I reflected on the different genres this author does well.
The cover and title really set the scene for me and I was not disappointed by it’s contents as I devoured them.
Although a criminal thread was prominent, a humanistic motif was striking and complimented the style.
It was great to meet Detective Liz Moorland and look forward to solving more crimes with her in the future.
Mysterious deaths, an orphaned child and a father desperate for justice and answers in tandem with crooked business dealings, an escaped criminal and an abundance of violence.
A criminal suspense that is technically on point and creates the right level of drama to keep the reader glued to the pages.
Vince Carter, a reclusive cop has lost his estranged daughter and son in law in a car crash.
His grand daughter survived and is his only family link.
Grief and police intuition make him determined to delve more into this accident.
A custody dispute over the grand daughter threatens to derail the peaceful equilibrium Vince has created.
Strange threats from the god parents causing suspicion.
A cookie crumb trail leads to an explosive end in this Melbourne set story.
The addition of some furry friends highlighting how important they can be especially at in times of duress.
I was wowed by this story and I reflected on the different genres this author does well.
The cover and title really set the scene for me and I was not disappointed by it’s contents as I devoured them.
Although a criminal thread was prominent, a humanistic motif was striking and complimented the style.
It was great to meet Detective Liz Moorland and look forward to solving more crimes with her in the future.
Currently reading
April 4, 2023🎧Available in Audio🎧
Narrated by John Wood - Aussie TV icon and voice of gold.
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Narrated by John Wood - Aussie TV icon and voice of gold.
Audible US: https://www.audible.com/pd/Lest-We-Fo...
Audible AU: https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Lest-We...
Audible UK: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Lest-We-...
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/...
Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/audiobook/6315...
Chirp: https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/...
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lest...
GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/audiobo...
Audiobooks.com: https://www.audiobooks.com/audiobook/...
General link: https://geni.us/LWFAudio
Direct from author website: https://phillipaclark.com/shop/
June 30, 2025
My first book from this author, but I don't plan to read further after this intro to Detective Liz Moorland.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
June 16, 2024
Lest We Forgive is a well-paced and engrossing read. Author Phillipa Nefri Clark combines plenty of police procedural action with a heart-warming family narrative.
The book opens with a family being watched as they leave their home in Melbourne's western suburban fringe to go out for dinner on a Friday night. Later that evening, Susie Weaver and her husband David are forced off the road and killed on their way home, their eight-year-old daughter Melanie surviving the accident in the back seat.
Despite being in the thick of a search for an escaped prisoner, notorious murderer Malcolm Hardy, Detective Sergeant Liz Moorland rushes straight to the scene of the accident when she hears the news. Susie Weaver is the daughter of her former colleague Vince Carter, now retired from the police force, and this is a family who have already suffered their fair share of tragedy. In the aftermath of the accident, the injured and traumatised Melanie goes to live with her grandfather at his country cottage as they both begin the slow process of dealing with their grief and working out a way forward.
Neither Liz nor Vince is convinced that the collision that caused Susie and David's death was in fact an accident, a conviction that is reinforced when the empty Weaver home is broken into and when evidence surfaces that all was not well between David and his business partner, Bradley Pickering. Pickering and his wife Carla are Melanie's godparents and soon begin agitating to have more involvement in her life going forward - in fact they want full custody of the little girl, much to Vince's horror.
Meanwhile, the investigation into Malcolm Hardy's whereabouts is ongoing, with two murders in suburban Melbourne attributed to the killer on the run. Then connections surface between Hardy and the deaths of the Weavers - his solicitor has shady links with Bradley Pickering's warehouse manager, and there is clearly skulduggery going on within the logistics business of which the late David Weaver was also a partner. Could Bradley Pickering's money-making schemes and criminal connections have led to the Weaver's deaths? As the two investigations converge, events race to a dramatic conclusion during a thunderstorm - can Vince Carter finally step up to protect is family, finding redemption for what he perceives as his past failings?
I found Lest We Forgive a gripping read, and finished it in virtually a single sitting. The central characters are complex and believable, the story well structured with plenty of twists and turns and the conclusion satisfying, but for one tiny point (). The storyline around Vince's relationship with his granddaughter in the aftermath of their shared tragedy was full of pathos, but with many touching moments and signs of hope for the future. Their story brought a real human element to the narrative, which is sometimes lost in mystery-thrillers that focus solely on the crime and its investigation.
Lest We Forgive was a great read, and I'm looking forward to reading book #2 in the series, Lest Bridges Burn soon!
The book opens with a family being watched as they leave their home in Melbourne's western suburban fringe to go out for dinner on a Friday night. Later that evening, Susie Weaver and her husband David are forced off the road and killed on their way home, their eight-year-old daughter Melanie surviving the accident in the back seat.
Despite being in the thick of a search for an escaped prisoner, notorious murderer Malcolm Hardy, Detective Sergeant Liz Moorland rushes straight to the scene of the accident when she hears the news. Susie Weaver is the daughter of her former colleague Vince Carter, now retired from the police force, and this is a family who have already suffered their fair share of tragedy. In the aftermath of the accident, the injured and traumatised Melanie goes to live with her grandfather at his country cottage as they both begin the slow process of dealing with their grief and working out a way forward.
Neither Liz nor Vince is convinced that the collision that caused Susie and David's death was in fact an accident, a conviction that is reinforced when the empty Weaver home is broken into and when evidence surfaces that all was not well between David and his business partner, Bradley Pickering. Pickering and his wife Carla are Melanie's godparents and soon begin agitating to have more involvement in her life going forward - in fact they want full custody of the little girl, much to Vince's horror.
Meanwhile, the investigation into Malcolm Hardy's whereabouts is ongoing, with two murders in suburban Melbourne attributed to the killer on the run. Then connections surface between Hardy and the deaths of the Weavers - his solicitor has shady links with Bradley Pickering's warehouse manager, and there is clearly skulduggery going on within the logistics business of which the late David Weaver was also a partner. Could Bradley Pickering's money-making schemes and criminal connections have led to the Weaver's deaths? As the two investigations converge, events race to a dramatic conclusion during a thunderstorm - can Vince Carter finally step up to protect is family, finding redemption for what he perceives as his past failings?
I found Lest We Forgive a gripping read, and finished it in virtually a single sitting. The central characters are complex and believable, the story well structured with plenty of twists and turns and the conclusion satisfying, but for one tiny point (). The storyline around Vince's relationship with his granddaughter in the aftermath of their shared tragedy was full of pathos, but with many touching moments and signs of hope for the future. Their story brought a real human element to the narrative, which is sometimes lost in mystery-thrillers that focus solely on the crime and its investigation.
Lest We Forgive was a great read, and I'm looking forward to reading book #2 in the series, Lest Bridges Burn soon!
April 19, 2025
Lest We Forgive is book one of the Detective Liz Moorland series by Phillipa Nefri Clark. Vince Carter does not believe that the death of his daughter and son-in-law was an accident, and he needed answers for his granddaughter. Vince Carter went to the police to talk to his ex-partner, Detective Liz Moorland, and ask for help; initially, they did not believe him. However, Detective Liz Moorland looked into the case and believed her ex-partner viewed his daughter as having been murdered. Both Vince and Detective Liz Moorland wondered if Malenie saw who killed her parents. Readers of Lest We Forgive will continue to follow Vince Carter and Detective Liz Moorland as they discover what happens next.
Lest We Forgive is a fantastic start to a new series by Phillipa Nefri Clark and an excellent book to read. Reading this book prompted me to think about the problems of greed and its impact on everyone. I like Phillipa Nefri Clark's writing style and how she portrays her characters. I always engage with Philipa Nefri Clark's stories; Lest We Forgive has kept the tradition. Lest We Forgive is well-written and researched by Phillipa Nefri Clark. I like Phillipa Nefri Clark's description of the settings of Lest We Forgive, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
Lest We Forgive is a fantastic start to a new series by Phillipa Nefri Clark and an excellent book to read. Reading this book prompted me to think about the problems of greed and its impact on everyone. I like Phillipa Nefri Clark's writing style and how she portrays her characters. I always engage with Philipa Nefri Clark's stories; Lest We Forgive has kept the tradition. Lest We Forgive is well-written and researched by Phillipa Nefri Clark. I like Phillipa Nefri Clark's description of the settings of Lest We Forgive, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
June 9, 2023
Intense and Intriguing Murder Mystery
Vince is a former policeman who suddenly has his granddaughter to take care of because his daughter and her husband were both murdered in a car accident. Melanie is a sweet child, ready to love but confused with all of the changes in her life. I really enjoyed meeting all of the characters who were all relatable and realistic. I especially enjoyed the mysterious neighbor Lyndall who has some awesome hidden talents that certainly come in handy. The villains are revealed early in the story but how the police and Vince find out who they are and what their motives are in intriguing. The action is fast and the suspense is intense. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Disclaimer
I won a copy of this book from Amazon via a Goodreads Giveaway. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Vince is a former policeman who suddenly has his granddaughter to take care of because his daughter and her husband were both murdered in a car accident. Melanie is a sweet child, ready to love but confused with all of the changes in her life. I really enjoyed meeting all of the characters who were all relatable and realistic. I especially enjoyed the mysterious neighbor Lyndall who has some awesome hidden talents that certainly come in handy. The villains are revealed early in the story but how the police and Vince find out who they are and what their motives are in intriguing. The action is fast and the suspense is intense. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Disclaimer
I won a copy of this book from Amazon via a Goodreads Giveaway. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
June 7, 2024
It was nice to read something centred around Melbourne where I grew up and spent most of my adult life because I could picture the places referred to.
This book centred around Vincent Carter, an ex-cop, and his granddaughter, and I certainly got attached to these characters and hoped that things would work out for them.
Vince had the task of not only caring for his newly orphaned granddaughter but also try to find out what caused the death of her parents. For this, he relied on help from his ex-partner Liz Moreland.
I felt this was a soft introduction to Detective Liz Moreland and felt more like a book about an ex policeman and his family but the main characters were developed well and I enjoyed the story.
This book centred around Vincent Carter, an ex-cop, and his granddaughter, and I certainly got attached to these characters and hoped that things would work out for them.
Vince had the task of not only caring for his newly orphaned granddaughter but also try to find out what caused the death of her parents. For this, he relied on help from his ex-partner Liz Moreland.
I felt this was a soft introduction to Detective Liz Moreland and felt more like a book about an ex policeman and his family but the main characters were developed well and I enjoyed the story.
October 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, my first by this author. It kept me reading through the night. Great plot, interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from this author.Had hoped there would be a follow up to find out what happened next?! Doesn’t seem to be only more on detective Liz Moorland. This book leaves too many unanswered questions and unfulfilled possibilities.
May 28, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. A gripping tale of deception, blackmail and murder. Follow the twist and turns of a retired hero policeman who tries to uncover the truth of the death of his daughter and keep custody of his granddaughter.
October 13, 2025
A thoroughly enjoyable detective read, good holiday reading, nice planting of seeds to make you want to learn more about the central characters
August 17, 2023
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
I don't read a lot of crime fiction, so when I do it's because it sounds too good not to read, and Lest We Forgive (Detective Liz Moorland #1) by Phillipa Nefri Clark was exactly that.
It had me hooked from the get-go and I stayed up until god knows what time reading it because I couldn't put it down (didn't want to, who needs sleep).
The cast of characters was vast but well done. I felt like I already knew Vince, the bitter, reclusive retired cop who is the driving force behind wanting to find out what really happened to cause the crash that took his daughter Suzie and her husband David, leaving him fighting for custody of his granddaughter Mel against her godparents, Carla and Bradley, the latter being business partners with David.
There was a lot of emotional baggage to unpack with Vince, he's a complicated character and I think if he hadn't been forced to deal with it after taking on the care of Mel, then maybe he would never have got there and started to heal.
Vince is a force to be reckoned with and he will go to any lengths to uncover the truth, drawing his ex-police partner and friend, Detective Liz Moorland, who was called to the scene of the accident, into his investigation. Liz is already investigating the disappearance of an escaped and dangerous prisoner but is drawn into the investigation of the crash when evidence is uncovered that proves it wasn't an accident. I really liked Liz, she was a strong female character who wasn't afraid to go after the truth or put her partner Pete in his place when he acted out of line. The friendship between Vince and Liz blurred some of the lines in her investigation, but also helped Vince on his path to healing.
Mel was a fabulous character, for a little girl who's lost her parents and had her life completely turned upside down, she brings a lot to this story and plays an important part in uncovering some of the clues that lead Vince and Liz to dig further into David and Bradley's business, but also put her in danger. There are also some lovely scenes between Mel and her kitten Robbie and a horse called Apple and also Vince's neighbour.
There are many twists in this story, unexpected connections that arise, danger from different sources, schemes and blackmail and dodgy business dealings and more murders. The bad guys are not nice people at all and I was stunned at the lengths some were willing to go to for money.
There is also a deeply emotional element running through as Vince, Mel and Carla deal with their losses Vince also has to deal with his past in order to be what Mel needs in the present and Carla deals with her desperate need to have a child and wants custody of Mel.
This book had me rapidly turning pages as I was drawn into uncovering the truth behind all that was going on, the tension ramping up to a really great ending.
Though the series is Detective Liz Moorland's, I feel we only uncovered the tip of the iceberg with who she is so I'm looking forward to more Detective Liz Moorland books in the future and finding out just how far she will go to uncover the crimes and catch the bad guys.
Second reading I listened to the audiobook,John Woods does a great job but I did need to up the speed to x1.2 because he spoke a little too slow for me to follow comfortably.
I don't read a lot of crime fiction, so when I do it's because it sounds too good not to read, and Lest We Forgive (Detective Liz Moorland #1) by Phillipa Nefri Clark was exactly that.
It had me hooked from the get-go and I stayed up until god knows what time reading it because I couldn't put it down (didn't want to, who needs sleep).
The cast of characters was vast but well done. I felt like I already knew Vince, the bitter, reclusive retired cop who is the driving force behind wanting to find out what really happened to cause the crash that took his daughter Suzie and her husband David, leaving him fighting for custody of his granddaughter Mel against her godparents, Carla and Bradley, the latter being business partners with David.
There was a lot of emotional baggage to unpack with Vince, he's a complicated character and I think if he hadn't been forced to deal with it after taking on the care of Mel, then maybe he would never have got there and started to heal.
Vince is a force to be reckoned with and he will go to any lengths to uncover the truth, drawing his ex-police partner and friend, Detective Liz Moorland, who was called to the scene of the accident, into his investigation. Liz is already investigating the disappearance of an escaped and dangerous prisoner but is drawn into the investigation of the crash when evidence is uncovered that proves it wasn't an accident. I really liked Liz, she was a strong female character who wasn't afraid to go after the truth or put her partner Pete in his place when he acted out of line. The friendship between Vince and Liz blurred some of the lines in her investigation, but also helped Vince on his path to healing.
Mel was a fabulous character, for a little girl who's lost her parents and had her life completely turned upside down, she brings a lot to this story and plays an important part in uncovering some of the clues that lead Vince and Liz to dig further into David and Bradley's business, but also put her in danger. There are also some lovely scenes between Mel and her kitten Robbie and a horse called Apple and also Vince's neighbour.
There are many twists in this story, unexpected connections that arise, danger from different sources, schemes and blackmail and dodgy business dealings and more murders. The bad guys are not nice people at all and I was stunned at the lengths some were willing to go to for money.
There is also a deeply emotional element running through as Vince, Mel and Carla deal with their losses Vince also has to deal with his past in order to be what Mel needs in the present and Carla deals with her desperate need to have a child and wants custody of Mel.
This book had me rapidly turning pages as I was drawn into uncovering the truth behind all that was going on, the tension ramping up to a really great ending.
Though the series is Detective Liz Moorland's, I feel we only uncovered the tip of the iceberg with who she is so I'm looking forward to more Detective Liz Moorland books in the future and finding out just how far she will go to uncover the crimes and catch the bad guys.
Second reading I listened to the audiobook,John Woods does a great job but I did need to up the speed to x1.2 because he spoke a little too slow for me to follow comfortably.
April 30, 2023
This is the first in a series detective story by an Australian author whom I've never read before. Actually, as an American, I haven't read all that many series set in Australia and chose this because I'm making an effort to branch out and read more from there. I've read Harper, Fox, and Hammer, but I wanted to try lesser known (to me) authors.
An accident takes place almost right away in this story, so I don't feel I'm sharing spoilers. This story sets the stage for a series of detective work featuring Liz Moorland. She is stuck with an insufferable, arrogant partner now but when she started out she was partnered with Vince Carter, who has just lost his estranged daughter and son-in-law in a fatal car crash on a straightaway road. The crash is written off as an accident but Vince hears damning evidence on his daughter, Suzie's, phone message. Was the person targeting Suzie or her husband, David, who is partners with her best friend's husband? The four of them are very tight, and Melanie, the young daughter of Suzie, is extremely close to her godparents, Carla and Bradley. Vince gets involved with the investigation and takes Melanie in to care for her, though Carla is bitter about this and wants to care for Melly.
The plot is easy to follow and there is decent character development here. Some side characters, such as Vince's neighbor Lyndal, will surely figure into the series as it continues. It is not a cozy mystery but there is no explicit situations or language to offend the cautious reader. Recommended for any readers of procedurals or mysteries that are quick reads, easy to read and understand.
Thanks to the publisher for my copy and this is just my opinion of the story.
An accident takes place almost right away in this story, so I don't feel I'm sharing spoilers. This story sets the stage for a series of detective work featuring Liz Moorland. She is stuck with an insufferable, arrogant partner now but when she started out she was partnered with Vince Carter, who has just lost his estranged daughter and son-in-law in a fatal car crash on a straightaway road. The crash is written off as an accident but Vince hears damning evidence on his daughter, Suzie's, phone message. Was the person targeting Suzie or her husband, David, who is partners with her best friend's husband? The four of them are very tight, and Melanie, the young daughter of Suzie, is extremely close to her godparents, Carla and Bradley. Vince gets involved with the investigation and takes Melanie in to care for her, though Carla is bitter about this and wants to care for Melly.
The plot is easy to follow and there is decent character development here. Some side characters, such as Vince's neighbor Lyndal, will surely figure into the series as it continues. It is not a cozy mystery but there is no explicit situations or language to offend the cautious reader. Recommended for any readers of procedurals or mysteries that are quick reads, easy to read and understand.
Thanks to the publisher for my copy and this is just my opinion of the story.
April 16, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
Detective Liz Moorland faces a chilling mystery in "Lest We Forgive", the gripping debut novel by Phillipa Nefri Clark. Set against a backdrop of icy roads and hidden secrets, this heart-wrenching murder mystery keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Late one night, an accident leaves a car wrapped around a tree. Detective Liz Moorland stares at the lifeless faces of her ex-colleague's daughter and son-in-law. But this tragedy isn't just an accident—it's a puzzle waiting to be solved. Vince Carter, a bitter and reclusive retired cop, believes there's more to the crash than meets the eye. Estranged from his daughter before her death, Vince is haunted by guilt. As he fights for custody of his eight-year-old granddaughter, Melanie—the sole survivor of the wreck—he pieces together a compelling theory. The crash was no accident; it was deliberate. And one person knows the truth: the killer.
Liz Moorland is a likable and determined detective. Her commitment to justice drives her, even as she juggles chasing an escaped criminal with concerns about Melanie's safety. Vince Carter, once a hero, now grapples with failure and loss. His theory connects him to Liz's case, intertwining their fates in unexpected ways.
Clark masterfully creates an atmosphere of tension. The icy roads mirror the chilling secrets hidden beneath the surface. As Vince's theory gains traction, readers are drawn into a web of intrigue. Who can Melanie trust? What did she witness that fateful night? The suspense builds, leaving us hungry for answers.
Clark's prose is evocative, painting vivid scenes against the Australian backdrop. Her characters leap off the page, their emotions raw and palpable. The pacing keeps readers engaged, with twists and turns that surprise at every corner.
This novel is a journey into the depths of guilt, redemption, and the bonds that tie us together. Phillipa Nefri Clark's debut promises a thrilling series with Detective Liz Moorland at its heart. Prepare to lose sleep—this book demands to be devoured in one sitting.
Detective Liz Moorland faces a chilling mystery in "Lest We Forgive", the gripping debut novel by Phillipa Nefri Clark. Set against a backdrop of icy roads and hidden secrets, this heart-wrenching murder mystery keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Late one night, an accident leaves a car wrapped around a tree. Detective Liz Moorland stares at the lifeless faces of her ex-colleague's daughter and son-in-law. But this tragedy isn't just an accident—it's a puzzle waiting to be solved. Vince Carter, a bitter and reclusive retired cop, believes there's more to the crash than meets the eye. Estranged from his daughter before her death, Vince is haunted by guilt. As he fights for custody of his eight-year-old granddaughter, Melanie—the sole survivor of the wreck—he pieces together a compelling theory. The crash was no accident; it was deliberate. And one person knows the truth: the killer.
Liz Moorland is a likable and determined detective. Her commitment to justice drives her, even as she juggles chasing an escaped criminal with concerns about Melanie's safety. Vince Carter, once a hero, now grapples with failure and loss. His theory connects him to Liz's case, intertwining their fates in unexpected ways.
Clark masterfully creates an atmosphere of tension. The icy roads mirror the chilling secrets hidden beneath the surface. As Vince's theory gains traction, readers are drawn into a web of intrigue. Who can Melanie trust? What did she witness that fateful night? The suspense builds, leaving us hungry for answers.
Clark's prose is evocative, painting vivid scenes against the Australian backdrop. Her characters leap off the page, their emotions raw and palpable. The pacing keeps readers engaged, with twists and turns that surprise at every corner.
This novel is a journey into the depths of guilt, redemption, and the bonds that tie us together. Phillipa Nefri Clark's debut promises a thrilling series with Detective Liz Moorland at its heart. Prepare to lose sleep—this book demands to be devoured in one sitting.
June 1, 2023
When ex-detective Vince Carter calls his old partner detective Liz Moorland to ask her to look into the single car crash on a quiet road in Melbourne that killed his daughter Susie and son in law David, she already had her hands full trying to hunt down an escaped criminal. However, she eventually looks into it and discovers signs that the crash might not have been an accident and that David was having problems with his business partner Bradley.
Although he was alienated from his daughter and her husband at the time of their death, Vince has taken in his granddaughter, eight year old Melanie, who survived the crash and is determined to find out the truth for her sake. He’s taken her to live on his property where her mother grew up so happily and she’s gradually recovering from her injuries and the trauma of losing her parents. However, Liz is also concerned that Melanie may have witnessed what happened that night and her life might be in danger.
First in a new series, this is a twisty, mystery as Liz’s two cases become more complex and difficult to solve. The plot is well put together with each mystery being developed well and kept interesting as the pieces gradually fall into place. Melanie is a delightful little girl and is bringing a new lease of life for Vince, who has let both himself and the property decline since his retirement. His friendly neighbour Lyndall clearly has an interesting backstory and I suspect we’ll see more of her in the future. Liz is both an excellent detective and friend to Vince, so I look forward to her next investigation.
With thanks to BooksGoSocial via Netgalley for a copy to read
Although he was alienated from his daughter and her husband at the time of their death, Vince has taken in his granddaughter, eight year old Melanie, who survived the crash and is determined to find out the truth for her sake. He’s taken her to live on his property where her mother grew up so happily and she’s gradually recovering from her injuries and the trauma of losing her parents. However, Liz is also concerned that Melanie may have witnessed what happened that night and her life might be in danger.
First in a new series, this is a twisty, mystery as Liz’s two cases become more complex and difficult to solve. The plot is well put together with each mystery being developed well and kept interesting as the pieces gradually fall into place. Melanie is a delightful little girl and is bringing a new lease of life for Vince, who has let both himself and the property decline since his retirement. His friendly neighbour Lyndall clearly has an interesting backstory and I suspect we’ll see more of her in the future. Liz is both an excellent detective and friend to Vince, so I look forward to her next investigation.
With thanks to BooksGoSocial via Netgalley for a copy to read
April 1, 2023
*** I received a digital ARC from the author. Many thanks for including me for this one, Ms Clark. This review is strictly my own opinion and given willingly. ***
My normal choice for mysteries is the cozy variety. The description I received for this one was too enticing to pass up. I'm so glad I didn't pass, as it is one of the best in the genre I have read in a very long time, and I've read many! The story grabbed me from the first few pages and held me the entire length. The plot is woven in an interesting way, the characters range in various ages and temperaments and are very well defined and developed. We even get a glimpse of a few scenes from the criminal's view, making for a better understanding of that character. The author tells the story in a way that less is more without losing importance of what matters. On a personal note, I have a degree in criminal justice and worked in law enforcement in the US for a number of years in two states. This story takes place in Australia. Although some of the language is different, I was happy to see basic crime solving isn't that different between our countries. I would highly recommend this for readers who enjoy police procedurals with thriller aspects and mysteries. I am impressed the author refrains from using a lot of descriptive violence and language when it could have been. She shows the story in words and actions without the unnecessary usage that can often put me off. This is a first in a new series that I am looking forward to with great anticipation. Once more, thank you for a fantastic read MS Clark!
My normal choice for mysteries is the cozy variety. The description I received for this one was too enticing to pass up. I'm so glad I didn't pass, as it is one of the best in the genre I have read in a very long time, and I've read many! The story grabbed me from the first few pages and held me the entire length. The plot is woven in an interesting way, the characters range in various ages and temperaments and are very well defined and developed. We even get a glimpse of a few scenes from the criminal's view, making for a better understanding of that character. The author tells the story in a way that less is more without losing importance of what matters. On a personal note, I have a degree in criminal justice and worked in law enforcement in the US for a number of years in two states. This story takes place in Australia. Although some of the language is different, I was happy to see basic crime solving isn't that different between our countries. I would highly recommend this for readers who enjoy police procedurals with thriller aspects and mysteries. I am impressed the author refrains from using a lot of descriptive violence and language when it could have been. She shows the story in words and actions without the unnecessary usage that can often put me off. This is a first in a new series that I am looking forward to with great anticipation. Once more, thank you for a fantastic read MS Clark!
September 3, 2023
🚨Excellent read!😍
My first time reading a book by this author and it definitely won't be the last! I loved the building closeness between young Melanie and her grandfather, ex-cop Vince Carter, and the simultaneous investigations of the car crash that killed Melanie's parents and the hunt for a deadly escaped convict. Victoria State Police Detective Liz Moorland is no nonsense, but with a heart and conscience; I liked her style and this story has me wanting more from her.
I will admit that the book sat on my shelf for a while because I was a bit intimidated by its length. And it took several chapters and frequent appearances by young Melanie before I really got into it. But then, the pages flew by pretty effortlessly. The writing is direct: no excess descriptions or irrelevant flights of fancy here!
Vince, a loner who finds former colleagues (except for Liz) distant and unhelpful when he insists that his daughter's death was not an accident, was my favorite adult character. His grief and regret were palpable, as was his fierce love for his orphaned granddaughter.
I was first drawn to the story by its Australian setting then stayed for the excellent plot and interesting range of characters. I'm already looking forward to the author's next release, even though it's in a different genre, and a new Liz Moorland story late in 2023.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
My first time reading a book by this author and it definitely won't be the last! I loved the building closeness between young Melanie and her grandfather, ex-cop Vince Carter, and the simultaneous investigations of the car crash that killed Melanie's parents and the hunt for a deadly escaped convict. Victoria State Police Detective Liz Moorland is no nonsense, but with a heart and conscience; I liked her style and this story has me wanting more from her.
I will admit that the book sat on my shelf for a while because I was a bit intimidated by its length. And it took several chapters and frequent appearances by young Melanie before I really got into it. But then, the pages flew by pretty effortlessly. The writing is direct: no excess descriptions or irrelevant flights of fancy here!
Vince, a loner who finds former colleagues (except for Liz) distant and unhelpful when he insists that his daughter's death was not an accident, was my favorite adult character. His grief and regret were palpable, as was his fierce love for his orphaned granddaughter.
I was first drawn to the story by its Australian setting then stayed for the excellent plot and interesting range of characters. I'm already looking forward to the author's next release, even though it's in a different genre, and a new Liz Moorland story late in 2023.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
January 23, 2025
Lest We Forgive
After the death of her parents in a horrific car crash, eight-year-old Melanie who was also in the car accident, goes to live with her grandfather, Vince Carter, an ex police officer. Vince has never forgiven himself when his wife Marion died while he was on duty. In recent years he has been estranged from his daughter Susie and when she and David's daughter comes to live with him, Vince is at first at a loss how to help Melanie through a tragedy that effects them both.
Whit a dangerous Killen on the run and questionable activities in the business where David was a partner with Bradley Pickering, lies and doubts cause Vince to fall back on his police training and active duty to enable him to discover just what is going on. Still a friend of Vince's from the days when they were work partners, Detective Liz Moreland continues to keep Vince up to date as far as she can with the investigation into the deaths of David and Susie while also invrstigating the disappearance of a killer.
This is Book #1 in the Detective Liz Moreland series and it is a ripper of a story that kept me intrigued from beginning to end I look forward to reading the next three books. Thank you Phillipa Nefri Clark, Detective Liz Moreland series is another winner for me.
After the death of her parents in a horrific car crash, eight-year-old Melanie who was also in the car accident, goes to live with her grandfather, Vince Carter, an ex police officer. Vince has never forgiven himself when his wife Marion died while he was on duty. In recent years he has been estranged from his daughter Susie and when she and David's daughter comes to live with him, Vince is at first at a loss how to help Melanie through a tragedy that effects them both.
Whit a dangerous Killen on the run and questionable activities in the business where David was a partner with Bradley Pickering, lies and doubts cause Vince to fall back on his police training and active duty to enable him to discover just what is going on. Still a friend of Vince's from the days when they were work partners, Detective Liz Moreland continues to keep Vince up to date as far as she can with the investigation into the deaths of David and Susie while also invrstigating the disappearance of a killer.
This is Book #1 in the Detective Liz Moreland series and it is a ripper of a story that kept me intrigued from beginning to end I look forward to reading the next three books. Thank you Phillipa Nefri Clark, Detective Liz Moreland series is another winner for me.
April 18, 2023
Lest We Forgive by Australian author Phillipa Nefri Clark is a must read for anyone who likes a crime suspense novel with a bit of grit that is hard to put down. This story kept me up until 2am one morning because I just had to know how it all ended and it didn't disappoint.
Detective Liz Moorland attends a crash scene, at first it looks like a simple accident but things just don't add up. The casualties are people she knows, Susie and David are her previous partner, Vince Carter's daughter and son-in-law. Only their daughter Melanie survives. Vince is desperate to right the wrongs of the past and steps up to care for his granddaughter, but the circumstances around his daughters death just don't add up and so he starts to investigate. Meanwhile Liz is busy trying to track down an escaped prisoner who seems to have just vanished into thin air. Soon the crimes start to intertwine and you're left to eagerly keep reading to find out what happens next.....
Lest We Forgive is the 1st in the Detective Liz Moorland series and I'm eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
Thank you to the Phillipa Nefri Clark for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Liz Moorland attends a crash scene, at first it looks like a simple accident but things just don't add up. The casualties are people she knows, Susie and David are her previous partner, Vince Carter's daughter and son-in-law. Only their daughter Melanie survives. Vince is desperate to right the wrongs of the past and steps up to care for his granddaughter, but the circumstances around his daughters death just don't add up and so he starts to investigate. Meanwhile Liz is busy trying to track down an escaped prisoner who seems to have just vanished into thin air. Soon the crimes start to intertwine and you're left to eagerly keep reading to find out what happens next.....
Lest We Forgive is the 1st in the Detective Liz Moorland series and I'm eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
Thank you to the Phillipa Nefri Clark for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2023
Rating: 1.6/5
Review: This was a not-mystery. As in, there was no mystery/whodunnit whatsoever. Zip, nada. Now don't think I was not pulling for some left field surprise all they way through this fkr. Like Carla is revealed as some criminal master-mind whom has an evil and sinister bent while calmly running a dark business with her husband unawares. Now that would have been a monster of a novel.
Too bad. The killer while being drawn as obivious is scantily hidden from view. There really was never any attempt by the author to hide and subsequently reveal a surprise. What we get are pages of moping interludes, suffused with self-recriminating behavior. Page after page of whining that contributes nothing to building a character and more importantly, fails the story line which is being sold as a MYSTERY!
I dunno, maybe burn the pages of tears and what could have beens and throw out the chapters on "what a resilient and courageous little girl Melly-Belly is". Cut down Carla's interference by at least a third, or run her over with a truck at the get go. When you uncover someones nefarious past, use it as bait to hide the real culprit.
Review: This was a not-mystery. As in, there was no mystery/whodunnit whatsoever. Zip, nada. Now don't think I was not pulling for some left field surprise all they way through this fkr. Like Carla is revealed as some criminal master-mind whom has an evil and sinister bent while calmly running a dark business with her husband unawares. Now that would have been a monster of a novel.
Too bad. The killer while being drawn as obivious is scantily hidden from view. There really was never any attempt by the author to hide and subsequently reveal a surprise. What we get are pages of moping interludes, suffused with self-recriminating behavior. Page after page of whining that contributes nothing to building a character and more importantly, fails the story line which is being sold as a MYSTERY!
I dunno, maybe burn the pages of tears and what could have beens and throw out the chapters on "what a resilient and courageous little girl Melly-Belly is". Cut down Carla's interference by at least a third, or run her over with a truck at the get go. When you uncover someones nefarious past, use it as bait to hide the real culprit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2023
This is book # 1 in the Detective Liz Moorland series and my first read by this author. It was a great read and I look forward to the next book in the series. I recommend😊
Detective Liz Moorland is called to the scene of a horrific car accident and finds that the daughter of her ex-colleague has been killed, along with her husband. Miraculously, their daughter survived the crash.
Vince Carter has been living on his farm since his retirement. He suffered the loss of his beloved wife on the same day that he stopped a terrible crime. He was hailed a hero but he has never forgiven himself for not being there for his wife.
Now Vince is caring for his granddaughter, while her Godparents are seeking custody of Melanie for themselves. Vince is determined that the crash was no accident and begins to investigate himself after he discovers a strange voicemail on his daughters home machine.
Someone doesn’t want the truth to come out and will silence anyone that stands in the way of his plans. Can Vince and Liz’s team discover the truth and keep Melanie safe from her parents killer.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance
Detective Liz Moorland is called to the scene of a horrific car accident and finds that the daughter of her ex-colleague has been killed, along with her husband. Miraculously, their daughter survived the crash.
Vince Carter has been living on his farm since his retirement. He suffered the loss of his beloved wife on the same day that he stopped a terrible crime. He was hailed a hero but he has never forgiven himself for not being there for his wife.
Now Vince is caring for his granddaughter, while her Godparents are seeking custody of Melanie for themselves. Vince is determined that the crash was no accident and begins to investigate himself after he discovers a strange voicemail on his daughters home machine.
Someone doesn’t want the truth to come out and will silence anyone that stands in the way of his plans. Can Vince and Liz’s team discover the truth and keep Melanie safe from her parents killer.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance
June 3, 2023
This is book # 1 in the Detective Liz Moorland series and my first read by this author. It was a great read and I look forward to the next book in the series. I recommend😊
Detective Liz Moorland is called to the scene of a horrific car accident and finds that the daughter of her ex-colleague has been killed, along with her husband. Miraculously, their daughter survived the crash.
Vince Carter has been living on his farm since his retirement. He suffered the loss of his beloved wife on the same day that he stopped a terrible crime. He was hailed a hero but he has never forgiven himself for not being there for his wife.
Now Vince is caring for his granddaughter, while her Godparents are seeking custody of Melanie for themselves. Vince is determined that the crash was no accident and begins to investigate himself after he discovers a strange voicemail on his daughter's home machine.
Someone doesn’t want the truth to come out and will silence anyone that stands in the way of his plans. Can Vince and Liz’s team discover the truth and keep Melanie safe from her parent's killer.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance
Detective Liz Moorland is called to the scene of a horrific car accident and finds that the daughter of her ex-colleague has been killed, along with her husband. Miraculously, their daughter survived the crash.
Vince Carter has been living on his farm since his retirement. He suffered the loss of his beloved wife on the same day that he stopped a terrible crime. He was hailed a hero but he has never forgiven himself for not being there for his wife.
Now Vince is caring for his granddaughter, while her Godparents are seeking custody of Melanie for themselves. Vince is determined that the crash was no accident and begins to investigate himself after he discovers a strange voicemail on his daughter's home machine.
Someone doesn’t want the truth to come out and will silence anyone that stands in the way of his plans. Can Vince and Liz’s team discover the truth and keep Melanie safe from her parent's killer.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance
August 19, 2025
I bought this back in 2024 and also have book 2 downloaded. It's a new author to me and I wasn't aware it's set over in Australia. I did get a bit bored about three-quarters of the way in and there were a lot of daft errors that started to get my back up as well. Apostrophe mistakes for starters, which are schoolgirl errors, missed-off question marks, words missing in sentences, we had titled not tilted, dropped fullstops then she writes, "no need to sweet coat it" whereas it's usually, "no need to sugar coat it" but then that might be a language issue !!
Then in one chapter David was sitting at a desk in Susie's house but we'd already heard he was out shopping and then visiting his neighbour so I'm not sure when he did this ??
There were some funny little comments in it and quite a few parts had me also swallowing a big old lump in my throat. The story was a good one and I'll also read the next one, and just hope the proofreading is a bit more up-to-snuff !! I liked Liz and it will be interesting to see what happens. I hope she retains her friendship with Vince as well.
Then in one chapter David was sitting at a desk in Susie's house but we'd already heard he was out shopping and then visiting his neighbour so I'm not sure when he did this ??
There were some funny little comments in it and quite a few parts had me also swallowing a big old lump in my throat. The story was a good one and I'll also read the next one, and just hope the proofreading is a bit more up-to-snuff !! I liked Liz and it will be interesting to see what happens. I hope she retains her friendship with Vince as well.
January 26, 2023
Detective Liz Moorland's newest case hits her hard. She arrives at a horrible car accident in which only the child surrives. Liz realizes she knows the mother of the child, it's her old partner Vince Carter's daughter. Vince is devastated to learn his daughter Susie and son-in-law David were killed in a car crash that may not have been an accident. It was a miracle his grandaughter Melanie survived. Slowly details of David's business partner Bradley and his associates lead Liz and Vince to believe the crash wasn't an accident. I found myself completely immersed in the story from the start. The vivid descriptions of the environment and the rich details characters enabled me to see the story in my mind easily. I really hope this will become a series because in the two days it took for me to read the story, I fell in love with the characters.
March 29, 2023
This book was an enthralling police procedural. It was filled with suspense and surprises which had me on the edge of my seat. David Weaver, his wife Susan, and their daughter, Melanie, are run off the road by another vehicle after having dinner with David's business partner, Bradley Pickering and his wife, Carla. Carla is Susan's best friend, and the Pickerings are Melanie's godparents. Melanie Weaver survives the car crash while her parents do not. Vince Carter, Susan's father and retired policeman, believes the crash was intentional and enlists the help of his former partner, Liz Moorland, to investigate it. Is he right? Why would anyone want to kill the Weavers? Read this uputdownable book to find out. I highly recommend it to other police procedural readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
January 25, 2023
Wow. This is how books should be written. Excellent read, great foreshadowing, ratchets up the adrenaline while you anticipate what will happen next. Phillipa Nefri Clark writes a very suspenseful story about who is doing what to who and well as who did it. The police procedural is woven into an emotional mystery about motives from several characters' viewpoints. It was a joy to read such a fine book and I highly recommend this one. As you will see, it is based in Australia, so that was interesting as well, with a few Aussie terms included here and there, but they don't spoil the reading of this book, they enhance it.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2024
Spannend geschreven verhaal waar verschillende verhaallijnen bij elkaar komen.
Maar aan het eind is het eigenlijk gewoon een thriller, waar veel zaken er eigenlijk niet toe doen.
Wat een gewoon ongeluk lijkt, blijkt door een gepensioneerde politie agent anders ingeschat te worden. Zijn dochter en haar man overlijden en enig kleindochter overleeft dit. Tja, dan blijkt deze oud agent een drank probleem te hebben, maar ook weer niet. Schuldgevoelens over de dood van zijn vrouw. Maar op het eind doet dit er allemaal niet toe.
Wat overblijft een spannend verhaal met een hoofdpersoon, die wel fors aanwezig is in het verhaal, maar voor mijn gevoel niet echt de hoofdrol speelt. Ook genoeg aanknopingspunten voor een vervolg.
Maar aan het eind is het eigenlijk gewoon een thriller, waar veel zaken er eigenlijk niet toe doen.
Wat een gewoon ongeluk lijkt, blijkt door een gepensioneerde politie agent anders ingeschat te worden. Zijn dochter en haar man overlijden en enig kleindochter overleeft dit. Tja, dan blijkt deze oud agent een drank probleem te hebben, maar ook weer niet. Schuldgevoelens over de dood van zijn vrouw. Maar op het eind doet dit er allemaal niet toe.
Wat overblijft een spannend verhaal met een hoofdpersoon, die wel fors aanwezig is in het verhaal, maar voor mijn gevoel niet echt de hoofdrol speelt. Ook genoeg aanknopingspunten voor een vervolg.
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