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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fresh off solving the Emmett Burr case (book 1 - And There He Kept Her), Ben Packard, acting sheriff of Sandy Lake, gets a call of a home invasion. But the home evasion turns to a murder investigation when Packard finds Bill Sanderson shot dead in his bedroom. The suspect list is lengthy: his wife, his ex-wife, his business partner, his gambling problem. But deep into the investigation, Ben uncovers bad blood and long-buried secrets in this small town.
What I loved:
✨Rural setting - Moehling nails all the feels of small-town Minnesota - gossipy townspeople, long-standing family history, rich out-of-towners, and local bars.
✨Ben Packard - I loved him in book 1, struggling between a private gay man and being a public servant. But I think in book two, Ben feels a bit more settled, ready to take on Sandy Lake. Moehling creates excellent character development throughout the series. You can read book 2 as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading in order to see Ben’s growth.
✨Mystery/police procedural - so many suspects and very few clues. But Ben’s ability to puzzle the pieces together smoothly drives the story's pace to the point that l completely lost track of time and devoured the book in 24 hours.
Highly recommend this series - fast-paced, strong character development, suspenseful mystery with multiple twists, and book 2 includes some dry wit humor. Plus, the ending sets up book 3 perfectly! I cannot wait.
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Last summer I read and loved the first book in this series - And There He Kept Her - and continue to recommend it to my library customers. This second installment in the series features a great main character in police detective Ben Packard, but this small-town suspense story it fell short of my expectations.
This wasn't a slow burn read. Instead, I'd describe it was more of a story that took waaay too long to get going because it wasn't until almost 50% in that the story took off. There were some good twists, but the storytelling felt convoluted with too many subplots and extraneous secondary characters. I wasn't drawn into the suspense, and it ended up being a book that took me a long time to finish.
Thank goodness for main character Ben Packard because he was the highlight of the book for me. He's a good guy and a good cop who just happens to be gay and I will read the next book in this series simply based on his character.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the complimentary digital copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.
This wasn't a slow burn read. Instead, I'd describe it was more of a story that took waaay too long to get going because it wasn't until almost 50% in that the story took off. There were some good twists, but the storytelling felt convoluted with too many subplots and extraneous secondary characters. I wasn't drawn into the suspense, and it ended up being a book that took me a long time to finish.
Thank goodness for main character Ben Packard because he was the highlight of the book for me. He's a good guy and a good cop who just happens to be gay and I will read the next book in this series simply based on his character.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the complimentary digital copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Acting Sherriff Ben Packard of Sandy Lake, Minnesota, has his hands full solving the murder of a man who was shot to death in his own bed as well as running for the position of Sheriff after a tragedy leaves the position vacant.
Bill Sanderson’s death is surrounded by a cloud of lies, deception, and family secrets. Bill had gambling debts, was investing in a business venture with a friend, and his personal life was complicated, to say the least, and Ben discovers in the course of the investigation. Who wanted him dead and why? Was it a burglary gone wrong or was the motivation more personal? The narrative follows Ben as he tries to unravel small-town secrets and find the killer all the while trying to navigate the internal politics within his department and people who would rather see him fail at his job.
Joshua Moehling’s Where the Dead Sleep is a well-paced and tightly plotted police procedural. The author does a wonderful job of setting the scene with the small-town secrets, an interesting cast of characters and quite a few surprises along the way. Though not entirely unpredictable I enjoyed the build-up to the finale. This is the second book in the author’s Ben Packard series. As in And There He Kept Her, I really enjoyed the procedural aspect and liked how the protagonist’s character arc is being developed. In fact, I enjoyed this installment more than the first book in the series, I look forward to the next book in the series, especially for the unraveling of a decades-old mystery from Ben’s past.
Though this book is the second in a series it would work well as a standalone.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Linda Jones who has done a decent job of voicing most of the characters. I do think, however, the narrator was trying a bit too hard while voicing the Indian character. But I guess that’s more of a personal observation and overall, I did enjoy listening to the audiobook.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the digital review copy and to Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Bill Sanderson’s death is surrounded by a cloud of lies, deception, and family secrets. Bill had gambling debts, was investing in a business venture with a friend, and his personal life was complicated, to say the least, and Ben discovers in the course of the investigation. Who wanted him dead and why? Was it a burglary gone wrong or was the motivation more personal? The narrative follows Ben as he tries to unravel small-town secrets and find the killer all the while trying to navigate the internal politics within his department and people who would rather see him fail at his job.
Joshua Moehling’s Where the Dead Sleep is a well-paced and tightly plotted police procedural. The author does a wonderful job of setting the scene with the small-town secrets, an interesting cast of characters and quite a few surprises along the way. Though not entirely unpredictable I enjoyed the build-up to the finale. This is the second book in the author’s Ben Packard series. As in And There He Kept Her, I really enjoyed the procedural aspect and liked how the protagonist’s character arc is being developed. In fact, I enjoyed this installment more than the first book in the series, I look forward to the next book in the series, especially for the unraveling of a decades-old mystery from Ben’s past.
Though this book is the second in a series it would work well as a standalone.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Linda Jones who has done a decent job of voicing most of the characters. I do think, however, the narrator was trying a bit too hard while voicing the Indian character. But I guess that’s more of a personal observation and overall, I did enjoy listening to the audiobook.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the digital review copy and to Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I loved And There He Kept Her and was so excited to be back to Sandy Lake with acting Sheriff Ben Packard. After a local was found shot to death in his bed, we follow Sheriff Packard as he chats with the townspeople to piece together what may have happened. As if that isn't enough on his plate, Ben learns that a special election will be held for a new Sheriff. But Ben doesn't really want the job, does he?
While the heart of this story is a murder mystery, @jmoehling does such a fantastic job bringing the town of Sandy Lake to life. This is what I like best about these books - the murder mystery is just one layer, we also dive into Ben's life as well as the people of Sandy Lake as a whole. Just like most small towns, Sandy Lake has it's share of secrets and I look forward to learning more of those secrets from this dynamic small town cast. (That's me being hopeful that there will be another book in this series😁🤞🏻)
Thank you to @netgalley @poisonedpenpress @dreamscape_media and @librofm for the gifted copy of this book.
While the heart of this story is a murder mystery, @jmoehling does such a fantastic job bringing the town of Sandy Lake to life. This is what I like best about these books - the murder mystery is just one layer, we also dive into Ben's life as well as the people of Sandy Lake as a whole. Just like most small towns, Sandy Lake has it's share of secrets and I look forward to learning more of those secrets from this dynamic small town cast. (That's me being hopeful that there will be another book in this series😁🤞🏻)
Thank you to @netgalley @poisonedpenpress @dreamscape_media and @librofm for the gifted copy of this book.
adventurous
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Acting Sherrif Ben Packard is called to an early morning crime scene to find local Bill Sandersen shot in the head. Bill had a reputation for gambling, drinking, and being everyone’s favorite poker buddy, and most people in the small town of Sandy Lake have a story about Bill to share. As Ben chases leads - the wife, the ex-wife, the business partner - everyone could potentially have a motive, yet connecting the dots isn’t straight forward. In addition to closing in on his newest case, Ben is also faced with an upcoming election and the choice of whether or not to run for the position of Sheriff that he is temporarily filling.
What is it about books that take place in Minnesota? I swear they are superior, and I say that as someone who has never been to the state. This was everything I want in a police-drama mystery! Ben is a great lead - new in town, openly gay and navigating how he is perceived by colleagues and townspeople, and smart without being egotistical. While I didn’t read the first in this series I absolutely added it to my list before I was finished with this one!
Thank you to Libro.fm, Dreamscape Media, and the author for the opportunity to listen to and review this book!
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
✦Where the Dead Sleep by Joshua Moehling✦
★★★★★ 5/5 stars!
Pub Date: August 15
✦ Synopsis
Ben Packard, still acting-Sheriff of the rural Minnesota town of Sandy Lake, is back & on a new case. A early morning call during Labor Day weekend finds a man shot in his bed. The business partner, the ex-wife, the current wife, the high-stakes poker buddies - any of them could be guilty. While trying to get to the bottom of this, Ben must juggle his very public job with his personal life, & decide if he wants to subject himself to the scrutiny of an election to keep his job as sheriff or step down into the role of detective.
✦ My Thoughts
I loved And There He Kept Her (a 5☆ read for me in January), so of course I was so excited to get my hands on the sequel! This book has it all - murder, mystery, suspense, small town drama, blackmail. Those who enjoy police procedurals & crime fiction will love the investigative details. I really enjoyed the character development in this one. I was just as invested in the characters as I was the action. The plot twists & red herrings kept me guessing until the very last page! The cliffhanger of an ending left me eager to return to Sandy Lake in a 3rd book for more of Ben Packard’s story.
Linda Jones is the perfect narrator for these stories. It feels like listening to an episode of a true crime show, & she has a way of differentiating each character in a way that makes it so easy to follow along. I would listen to anything she reads!
thanks to Joshua Moehling, Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press, & Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to read & listen to this ARC! ◡̈
I love Ben Packard! Honest as the day is long and pretty much pulls no punches with regards to his job or his sexuality. The second installment in this series includes a man killed in his bed. And wow wait until you hear who the possible suspects are! What a mess! At the same time, Packard is facing some solid challenges with his job. Should he run for Sheriff? Does he want to be Sheriff? A lot of people really want him to. But a lot of people don't want him as Sheriff and are they willing to kill him to keep him from the position? Or is that a suspect trying to stop the investigation? Yes, there is a lot going on in this book. The characters are well developed and feel like people anyone would know. I love the continuation of their, and Ben's, stories along with the mystery. The worst part of finishing this book is now I need to wait for the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
As much as I loved the first installment of the series, I simply could not get into this one.
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Where the Dead Sleep
Ben Packard #2
By Joshua Moehling
Narrated by Linda Jones
Poisoned Pen Press - Book
Dreamscape Media - Audiobook
Pub Date 15 Aug 2023
Thriller
Rating: 4.5/5
Where the Dead Sleep is the second in the Ben Packard series, but can be read standalone. Where the Dead Sleep follows Deputy Ben Packard investigating a murder in the small town he moved to after a devastating loss. Additionally, he must make the tough decision whether to run for sheriff or continue his job as a detective. The first book in the series is titled And There He Kept Her. The police procedural series is twisty and intriguing.
In the wake of Bill Sanderson's murder in his bed, Ben Packard returns to solve the case. Uncovering the mystery of who killed Bill is a priority for Ben, and he is determined to find the clues that will lead to the perpetrator. Could it be Bill's ex-spouse, his present wife, his business acquaintances, or his high rolling poker opponents? Despite the fact that no one has a clear motive, everyone is suspect.
Thank you Joshua Moehling and Poisoned Pen Press for the gorgeous book copy sent to my house. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for sharing the audiobook with me. In this audiobook, the very talented Linda Jones narrates the story with a voice that masterfully transports you into the story. Moehling's writing is very enjoyable for me since I enjoy intricate mysteries. I'm eager to read more.
Ben Packard #2
By Joshua Moehling
Narrated by Linda Jones
Poisoned Pen Press - Book
Dreamscape Media - Audiobook
Pub Date 15 Aug 2023
Thriller
Rating: 4.5/5
Where the Dead Sleep is the second in the Ben Packard series, but can be read standalone. Where the Dead Sleep follows Deputy Ben Packard investigating a murder in the small town he moved to after a devastating loss. Additionally, he must make the tough decision whether to run for sheriff or continue his job as a detective. The first book in the series is titled And There He Kept Her. The police procedural series is twisty and intriguing.
In the wake of Bill Sanderson's murder in his bed, Ben Packard returns to solve the case. Uncovering the mystery of who killed Bill is a priority for Ben, and he is determined to find the clues that will lead to the perpetrator. Could it be Bill's ex-spouse, his present wife, his business acquaintances, or his high rolling poker opponents? Despite the fact that no one has a clear motive, everyone is suspect.
Thank you Joshua Moehling and Poisoned Pen Press for the gorgeous book copy sent to my house. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for sharing the audiobook with me. In this audiobook, the very talented Linda Jones narrates the story with a voice that masterfully transports you into the story. Moehling's writing is very enjoyable for me since I enjoy intricate mysteries. I'm eager to read more.
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated