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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
mysterious
I actually really enjoyed the storyline of the book, and the twists in the reveal. However, I didn't realize that this is the 2nd book in a series - which wouldn't normally be a problem - but the plot from the previous book was mentioned ALONG WITH THE CULPRIT. Now I guess I don't need to read the 1st book, which is a bummer. My other issue is that a couple of other mysteries were built up throughout the book, but then the book ended with a cliffhanger and no solutions.
This is book two in the Ben Packard mysteries and I recommend that you start with book 1, And There He Kept Her, but you can read this as a stand-alone. The series follows acting sheriff Ben Packard in a small town in Minnesota. He was appointed sheriff by the previous sheriff who took a leave of absence due to illness and now certain local citizens are pushing for an election to choose their own sheriff, someone who’s one of them and understands how things work in this town, and probably not gay.
As with book one, there’s some kindly people in this town and there’s also a whole heap of crazy. This time Packard is juggling a new murder of a supposed well-liked local along with a decision on whether to run for sheriff or end up with an idiot boss AND someone is possibly out to kill him. I enjoyed the mystery in this one along with some new clues on Ben’s past and his familial connection to the town, namely his brother’s case. I find the quiet, complex main character to be compelling in his own right. Looking forward to the next installment of this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy provided for an honest review.
As with book one, there’s some kindly people in this town and there’s also a whole heap of crazy. This time Packard is juggling a new murder of a supposed well-liked local along with a decision on whether to run for sheriff or end up with an idiot boss AND someone is possibly out to kill him. I enjoyed the mystery in this one along with some new clues on Ben’s past and his familial connection to the town, namely his brother’s case. I find the quiet, complex main character to be compelling in his own right. Looking forward to the next installment of this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy provided for an honest review.
I loved Joshua Moehling’s first novel and was thrilled to get my hands on this second one in the Sheriff Ben Packard series. Moehling’s writing style is smooth and very readable which makes for a very pleasant bibliophile experience. This was definitely a different scenario and overall feeling from his first novel, but very enjoyable. I already can’t wait for his third novel to continue the adventures of Packard and his three-legged dog Frank.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
3.75 Stars
*Can be read as a standalone.*
Deputy Ben Packard is currently investigating the homicide of Bill Sandersen. Bill was found dead in his bed, with two gunshot wounds. Could Bill's death have been the result of a dispute over money or was there something more nefarious at play? As a well-known gambler, it's possible that he was involved in some unsavory business dealings.
Although this crime novel had a slower pace, the author managed to capture and maintain the reader's interest throughout. Would recommend.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Joshua Moehling, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
*Can be read as a standalone.*
Deputy Ben Packard is currently investigating the homicide of Bill Sandersen. Bill was found dead in his bed, with two gunshot wounds. Could Bill's death have been the result of a dispute over money or was there something more nefarious at play? As a well-known gambler, it's possible that he was involved in some unsavory business dealings.
Although this crime novel had a slower pace, the author managed to capture and maintain the reader's interest throughout. Would recommend.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Joshua Moehling, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
While this is the second book in a series, I didn't have any difficulty getting into the story. I liked the character of Ben Packard and his friends and colleagues, but found the main plotline 9nly so-so. This wasn't a bad book, but I never got into the investigation. I'm not giving up on this author or character and will look into the first book.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for access to a digital ARC on Netgalley.com.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for access to a digital ARC on Netgalley.com.
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I love Joshua Moehling!!!
I'm not usually a fan of series but I stumbled upon And There He Kept Her last year and loved it. The story totally sucked me in, I loved how authentic the procedural felt, and I absolutely loved Packard as the protagonist.
Jumping into Where the Dead Sleep a whole year later, I didn't expect to remember much (if anything) from the first in the series. I was shocked when Packard and Emmett Burr came tumbling back and was even more surprised about little details I remembered along the way. I loved that pieces of And There He Kept Her came back naturally - so often series spend the first chapter rehashing the last book and I generally find it tedious and poorly written. SO not the case here! So much so that I truly think you can read this as a standalone novel and still absolutely adore it.
Even more strange with a series, I think I actually liked Where the Dead Sleep MORE than the first book! The crime was super intriguing and I was totally sucked in to the family drama. I had NO idea how the pieces fit, who was guilty, or why Bill was murdered. It was really fun putting the puzzle together with Packard. Further, I truly enjoy the Sheriff's race. It's not often that politics interest me but Moehling presented the race in such a great way. I also appreciated that there was less focus on Packard's sexuality in a negative light - it really could have been the focus with the Sheriff's race but I thought it was classy that it wasn't.
Packard is just the best. He's so genuine, intelligent, and true to himself. You can tell he's just a hardworking, good human and we need more of that!
I listened to this novel on audio. I had also listened to the first one on audio and it was the same narrator. I think this fact is important because the narrator was partly what transported me back and helped trigger memories. She does a stellar job and it's safe to say I was totally hooked by page 1.
There's no doubt in my mind I'll keep following Packard's story and I can't wait for some of our questions to be answered!
Thank you to Poisoned Press, Libro.fm, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for the copy.
I'm not usually a fan of series but I stumbled upon And There He Kept Her last year and loved it. The story totally sucked me in, I loved how authentic the procedural felt, and I absolutely loved Packard as the protagonist.
Jumping into Where the Dead Sleep a whole year later, I didn't expect to remember much (if anything) from the first in the series. I was shocked when Packard and Emmett Burr came tumbling back and was even more surprised about little details I remembered along the way. I loved that pieces of And There He Kept Her came back naturally - so often series spend the first chapter rehashing the last book and I generally find it tedious and poorly written. SO not the case here! So much so that I truly think you can read this as a standalone novel and still absolutely adore it.
Even more strange with a series, I think I actually liked Where the Dead Sleep MORE than the first book! The crime was super intriguing and I was totally sucked in to the family drama. I had NO idea how the pieces fit, who was guilty, or why Bill was murdered. It was really fun putting the puzzle together with Packard. Further, I truly enjoy the Sheriff's race. It's not often that politics interest me but Moehling presented the race in such a great way. I also appreciated that there was less focus on Packard's sexuality in a negative light - it really could have been the focus with the Sheriff's race but I thought it was classy that it wasn't.
Packard is just the best. He's so genuine, intelligent, and true to himself. You can tell he's just a hardworking, good human and we need more of that!
I listened to this novel on audio. I had also listened to the first one on audio and it was the same narrator. I think this fact is important because the narrator was partly what transported me back and helped trigger memories. She does a stellar job and it's safe to say I was totally hooked by page 1.
There's no doubt in my mind I'll keep following Packard's story and I can't wait for some of our questions to be answered!
Thank you to Poisoned Press, Libro.fm, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for the copy.