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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Have you read Joshua Moehling’s debut novel, And There He Kept Her? If you have and you enjoyed the crime thriller, then you should check out the sequel, Where The Dead Sleep.
I actually liked the sequel more than I did the first book. Both books follow Sheriff Deputy Ben Packard, who works in a small and typically quiet town. The sequel picks up where the first book left off. The current investigation is into a home invasion that resulted in murder.
Overall, this series was just ok to me. I rated the first book 3 stars and the sequel 3.75 stars. I believe that overall most people will enjoy the read. I just read tons of crime thrillers and this series does not blow me away. Beware, the second book does end on a cliffhanger.
Thank you to @dreamscape_media and @netgalley for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Where The Dead Sleep ahead of publication in exchange for my honest review.
I actually liked the sequel more than I did the first book. Both books follow Sheriff Deputy Ben Packard, who works in a small and typically quiet town. The sequel picks up where the first book left off. The current investigation is into a home invasion that resulted in murder.
Overall, this series was just ok to me. I rated the first book 3 stars and the sequel 3.75 stars. I believe that overall most people will enjoy the read. I just read tons of crime thrillers and this series does not blow me away. Beware, the second book does end on a cliffhanger.
Thank you to @dreamscape_media and @netgalley for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Where The Dead Sleep ahead of publication in exchange for my honest review.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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:
No
ARC provided by Poisoned Pen Press via Netgalley for an honest review.
I enjoyed this second book about Sheriff Ben Packard as much as the first. There is a whole new mystery for Ben to solve, plus he is now running for sheriff of his small county in Michigan. There is a lot going on in his life now, but is he ready to let go of his past yet?
I enjoyed this second book about Sheriff Ben Packard as much as the first. There is a whole new mystery for Ben to solve, plus he is now running for sheriff of his small county in Michigan. There is a lot going on in his life now, but is he ready to let go of his past yet?
I really like Ben. He is good at his job and can not tolerate those around him who are not. He is finally feeling like he has roots in his new community and for the most part the people of Sandy Lake like him as well. Ben has good intuition that doesn’t steer him wrong, and he often gets that gut feeling that his suspects are not telling the truth, or at least holding back on parts of it. He also has a good sense of humor, which he often pulls out when it is needed.
There are a lot of secondary characters that play important roles in both of these books. Of course there are the other deputies who help him solve the murders, but there are some other towns folks as well. Many of these people rally behind Ben when he finally decides that he needs to run for Sheriff in the next election.
The plot of this book is what really shines and makes it stand out as an excellent, well crafted mystery. Just like Ben, the reader is also left with the feelings that not everyone is telling the truth. There are a lot of small town secrets involved in this story, and some have been kept hidden for a long time. The story is mostly told through Ben’s perspective, but there are a few chapters by others, mainly the wife of the murdered man. She was an interesting suspect and character who had the most to lose if Ben solves the case.
This is the author’s second book and it is just as strong as his first. I really enjoy his writing style and his mysteries are well crafted. His characters are realistic and believable and you can root for them when things don’t go their way. The setting of a small midwest town is also well done. There is at least one more book coming in this series and I am hoping that that one will solve one of the cases that has been haunting Ben for most of his life.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
Firstly, if you start a book from a dogs perspective, you have my attention. Kudos.
It's been so long since I picked up a crime book that I felt this invested in! Where the Dead Sleep is a well-written, detective mystery novel which had me hooked from the first page.
The story follows deputy Packard as he investigates the murder of Bill Sandersen. Amidst the investigation, suspicions arise not only around Carrie, Bill's wife, but also around Sherri, his ex-wife and Carrie's sister (I know, this case is getting messy, isn't it!?).
Deputy Packard's journey unfolds against a backdrop of complexity and personal struggles. While delving into the murder of Bill Sandersen, he confronts a series of intertwined dilemmas. Following his aspirations to become Sheriff, he juggles his private life as a gay man within the realm of his public law enforcement career. All whilst trying to also solve his own brother's mysterious disappearance. This man is a legend.
It wasn't until after reading it that I realised this is book number 2 in the series, but, as I had no idea, that shows how readable it is as a stand-alone. However, I need to get the first book in the series as I loved this one so much.
Character development is a key aspect for me, and this one did not disappoint! I loved Ben Packard, and found myself fully invested in his work and life. Complex characters, filled with complex mysteries and twists. So, Where the Dead Sleep, welcome to the 5-star club!
It's been so long since I picked up a crime book that I felt this invested in! Where the Dead Sleep is a well-written, detective mystery novel which had me hooked from the first page.
The story follows deputy Packard as he investigates the murder of Bill Sandersen. Amidst the investigation, suspicions arise not only around Carrie, Bill's wife, but also around Sherri, his ex-wife and Carrie's sister (I know, this case is getting messy, isn't it!?).
Deputy Packard's journey unfolds against a backdrop of complexity and personal struggles. While delving into the murder of Bill Sandersen, he confronts a series of intertwined dilemmas. Following his aspirations to become Sheriff, he juggles his private life as a gay man within the realm of his public law enforcement career. All whilst trying to also solve his own brother's mysterious disappearance. This man is a legend.
It wasn't until after reading it that I realised this is book number 2 in the series, but, as I had no idea, that shows how readable it is as a stand-alone. However, I need to get the first book in the series as I loved this one so much.
Character development is a key aspect for me, and this one did not disappoint! I loved Ben Packard, and found myself fully invested in his work and life. Complex characters, filled with complex mysteries and twists. So, Where the Dead Sleep, welcome to the 5-star club!
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Man I really don’t know how I feel about this one. I didn’t see a lot of things coming and was very surprised by Paul. Lots of twists and turns and just sadness at how much a family can hate and destroy each other, I kind of hate the ending because it feels so unresolved and I want answers for packard. I know this is the second book in the series but it was first for me, I immediately downloaded for first so guess that means I really did like it
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“I wondered how long it would take you to figure it out,” said the voice from the shadows.
This is a set in a small town full of secrets Bill Sanderson was shot to death in his home. It quickly seems like everyone is a suspect. Deputy Ben Packard is thrust into the investigation as acting sheriff, something he initially doesn't want to do. Ben is gay, something which he thinks will always keep him from being fully welcomed in the town.
The mystery in this book was solid but what I really enjoyed were the well written characters, especially the acting sheriff. Almost everyone in this story has a strong personality and even more important, a motive to kill Bill.
I found out after finishing this book that this is the second in the series but I never felt like I was missing anything.
Thank you netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for giving me an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a set in a small town full of secrets Bill Sanderson was shot to death in his home. It quickly seems like everyone is a suspect. Deputy Ben Packard is thrust into the investigation as acting sheriff, something he initially doesn't want to do. Ben is gay, something which he thinks will always keep him from being fully welcomed in the town.
The mystery in this book was solid but what I really enjoyed were the well written characters, especially the acting sheriff. Almost everyone in this story has a strong personality and even more important, a motive to kill Bill.
I found out after finishing this book that this is the second in the series but I never felt like I was missing anything.
Thank you netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for giving me an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Where The Dead Sleep is crime fiction at its best. Acting sheriff Ben Packard is up against a lot as he tries to solve the murder of a man who is shot in his bed while his wife was asleep in another room. First, the town through the typical gossip of small towns, has learned that Packard is gay. Second, while Packard has family ties to the small MN town and spent many summers there as a child he is essentially an outsider and not trusted by many, and third he is a good person and will not put up with looking the other way when someone prominent does something wrong. Nor will he look the other way when long-term deputies don’t do their jobs correctly. The mystery itself had me turning in circles as Packard uncovered bits and pieces of the lives of people involved. And, even though the murder was solved the ending left a lot of questions about what Ben Packard might face next.
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Advanced Reader's Copy Review
Ben Packard is officially one of my favorite detective characters of all time! This book really leaned into everything I enjoyed about the first. Packard got more character development and made more of his place in Sandy Lake. He showed more layers than just 'cop.' However, that hard law enforcement edge is still there and seen every minute of his investigation. This new investigation dives deep into the secrets that small towns and their residents can hold, with complicated family relationships, small town gossip, and an abundance of secrets. I always love a rich-people-behaving-badly plot and a everyone-is-lying-and- keeping-secrets-but-no-one-knows-the-whole-truth plot, and this book combines both in a dramatic, twisting mystery. As for the ending of this book, I am still screaming. Packard may have finished another investigation, but there is still lots going on in Sandy Lake. I cannot wait to see how his story continues. Overall, I highly recommend reading this book.
Ben Packard is officially one of my favorite detective characters of all time! This book really leaned into everything I enjoyed about the first. Packard got more character development and made more of his place in Sandy Lake. He showed more layers than just 'cop.' However, that hard law enforcement edge is still there and seen every minute of his investigation. This new investigation dives deep into the secrets that small towns and their residents can hold, with complicated family relationships, small town gossip, and an abundance of secrets. I always love a rich-people-behaving-badly plot and a everyone-is-lying-and- keeping-secrets-but-no-one-knows-the-whole-truth plot, and this book combines both in a dramatic, twisting mystery. As for the ending of this book, I am still screaming. Packard may have finished another investigation, but there is still lots going on in Sandy Lake. I cannot wait to see how his story continues. Overall, I highly recommend reading this book.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC!
Publication date: 8/15/2023
This is book two of the Detective Ben Packard’s story, but can be read as a stand alone.
I loved the inclusion of a queer MC! Ben is gay and an acting sheriff in a small town in the US.
There is a bit of a slow start. It took ten chapter for me to really get invested.
Once it got going it really got going! From there the book was a series of twists and turns. I did not see the final connection!
I also enjoyed the subplot of the race for sheriff! The added conflict it brought to the table helped develop Ben’s character.
Very much like a police procedural. There was a lot of description of evidence and the investigation. I enjoyed that there was more of the case than his personal life!
I think if you are looking for a thriller that is like a non-romance slow burn, then this is the one for you!
Ending is a perfect setup for the next book!
Publication date: 8/15/2023
This is book two of the Detective Ben Packard’s story, but can be read as a stand alone.
I loved the inclusion of a queer MC! Ben is gay and an acting sheriff in a small town in the US.
There is a bit of a slow start. It took ten chapter for me to really get invested.
Once it got going it really got going! From there the book was a series of twists and turns. I did not see the final connection!
I also enjoyed the subplot of the race for sheriff! The added conflict it brought to the table helped develop Ben’s character.
Very much like a police procedural. There was a lot of description of evidence and the investigation. I enjoyed that there was more of the case than his personal life!
I think if you are looking for a thriller that is like a non-romance slow burn, then this is the one for you!
Ending is a perfect setup for the next book!
I was given this title from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I read this book in a few days. I couldn't put it down.
In the early morning hours a deputy is called to work. Deputy Packard shows up to a crime scene where a person is shot in their bed. Bill was local and loved easy money. But who would want him dead? The business partner, the ex wife or the current wife. Packard was made acting deputy because the former was sick. People wanted him to run for election but he was hesitant.
I was shocked at the twist and turns. But the ending to me was lacking. You did find out why and how everything happened. The one part that I couldn't understand is that its set up like there could be a third book but I didnt see any on Goodreads. There is a character called the shooter that took a shot at Packard. Im assuming to scare him to no run. But thats it you dont get anymore on the shooter other than he knows some people.
In the early morning hours a deputy is called to work. Deputy Packard shows up to a crime scene where a person is shot in their bed. Bill was local and loved easy money. But who would want him dead? The business partner, the ex wife or the current wife. Packard was made acting deputy because the former was sick. People wanted him to run for election but he was hesitant.
I was shocked at the twist and turns. But the ending to me was lacking. You did find out why and how everything happened. The one part that I couldn't understand is that its set up like there could be a third book but I didnt see any on Goodreads. There is a character called the shooter that took a shot at Packard. Im assuming to scare him to no run. But thats it you dont get anymore on the shooter other than he knows some people.
Responding to a call about a home invasion, Deputy Ben Packard heads out to the scene of the crime. When he arrives there he is shocked to find the owner of the house shot dead in his bed. Bill Sandersen wasn’t a squeaky clean guy, so when Packard begins looking into his life he comes to realize that there is a long list of potential suspects. Who wanted Bill dead and why?
Praises for the book: Hooked from the start this book entertained throughout. It’s fast-paced and wildly intriguing. The writing is sharp and the characters are well built. This is a thought-out mystery with lots of action; you will never feel bored with this book in your hands. A whodunit of another level that was hard to put down.
Will be buying this book when it’s released on August 15, 2023! You should too.
I received an ARC of this book and leave this review of my own accord.
#NetGalley #WhereTheDeadSleep
Praises for the book: Hooked from the start this book entertained throughout. It’s fast-paced and wildly intriguing. The writing is sharp and the characters are well built. This is a thought-out mystery with lots of action; you will never feel bored with this book in your hands. A whodunit of another level that was hard to put down.
Will be buying this book when it’s released on August 15, 2023! You should too.
I received an ARC of this book and leave this review of my own accord.
#NetGalley #WhereTheDeadSleep