Man, this was a GREAT follow-up to And There He Kept Her. I enjoyed that one a great deal and remember thinking that I hope we see Ben again, and here it is - I got my wish! This was a great follow up, more of a classic "whodunnit" opposed to a thriller like the first book, but it was no less captivating. 4.5 stars and I really hope there's a third book, and soon!

Where the Dead Sleep picks up a few months after the end of And There He Kept Her and I was sucked in from the very beginning. I loved the continued character growth of Ben and seeing all the side characters we loved in the first book.

A grizzly early morning murder brings Ben Packard into a web of family ties and history. Going into this one blind will help a ton and if you did not read the first one I believe you can still really enjoy Where the Dead Sleep.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this ARC and give my honest thoughts and review!

First off, this was my first book I have read by Joshua Moehling but I can definitely say it won’t be my last! His writing is very punchy, smooth, and honestly made me feel like I was watching a movie the way the plot unfolded. While this book is second in a series, you can honestly read this as a standalone because you get some back story as the book progresses (and honestly I wouldn’t have known it was part of a series until I read the Author Q&A at the end!)

Our main character, Ben Packard, gives me Benoit Blanc (from Knives Out) vibes as we follow him as he tries to solve a homicide that quickly unfurls into a case involving stolen money, decades-old revenge, and complicated marriage/family relationships. Packard is also running for sheriff in his small town (not really by choice but at the request of the former sheriff) and you can see all the small-town politics at play as it gets closer to Election Day!

If you are looking for a twisty mystery (with a cliffhanger that will make you want the next book NOW), then look no further! Also Packard has a little corgi named Frank - need I say more?

Small town crime novel? Count me in!

Acting sheriff Ben has to solve the murder of a man who was shot dead in his bed. This was great. A little slow to start but then the pacing picked up and I was absolutely hooked. I didn’t read the first book, but this seems to be an interconnected standalone. I definitely plan to read the first book now, though ☺️

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review

We have a home invasion that Deputy Ben Packard is investigating. A man is found shot to death in his bed. Ben struggles to find a suspect with a clear motive. Then we also have the drama at the Sheriff's office and the secrets of this mysterious small town. Ben struggles with this as the outsider. Although this is the second book about Ben Packard, I don't feel like I was lost at any point so I do think it can be read as a standalone. I do want to go back and read the first one. I love the writing - a more gritty type of police procedural. I think Ben is a great character and I really enjoyed reading about his personal life. Since this did end on what seems like a cliff hanger, I really hope there are more books.

**Review: Where the Dead Sleep by Joshua Moehling**

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5 out of 5 stars)

*Where the Dead Sleep* by Joshua Moehling is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that immerses readers in a chilling tale of mystery and suspense. Moehling's knack for crafting a haunting narrative is evident in this novel, which keeps readers engaged with its intricate plot and well-developed characters.

The story revolves around [Protagonist's Name], a [brief description of protagonist], who becomes entangled in a series of unsettling events when [brief summary of the central conflict or mystery]. Moehling excels at creating a palpable sense of unease, drawing readers into a world where danger lurks around every corner.

One of the standout elements of the book is its setting. The eerie, desolate backdrop serves as a perfect canvas for the unfolding drama, adding an extra layer of tension and suspense. Moehling's descriptive prose brings the setting to life, making it almost a character in its own right.

The characters are well-drawn and complex, each with their own secrets and motivations. [Protagonist's Name]'s journey is particularly compelling, as [he/she/they] navigates the twists and turns of the plot. However, some secondary characters could have benefited from further development to enhance their impact on the story.

While *Where the Dead Sleep* is a compelling read, it is not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven at times, with certain sections feeling slow and others rushing through crucial plot points. Additionally, some of the twists, though intriguing, are somewhat predictable, which may detract from the overall suspense.

Despite these minor issues, *Where the Dead Sleep* remains an engaging and atmospheric thriller. Moehling's ability to create a tense, immersive environment and his skillful characterizations make this book a worthwhile read for fans of the genre.

In summary, *Where the Dead Sleep* by Joshua Moehling earns 3.5 stars. It's a solid thriller that offers a chilling atmosphere and compelling characters, even if it occasionally falters in pacing and plot originality. For readers looking for a suspenseful and eerie mystery, this novel is a commendable choice.

Acting Sheriff Ben Packard is back and he's dealing with both a murder (murders?) investigation and a run to be elected Sheriff of Sandy Lake against two incompetent bozos.

I thought the story was fun and fast-paced and really enjoyed it. But what I loved the most was Joshua Moehling's world-building - getting to know Sandy Lake and it's history and inhabitants. I love how references were made back to his first Packard book, as well as references to people and places we might get to know a little better in the future. The characters are so well-formed and I would love to keep reading this series.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

"𝐇𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞, 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝟖 𝐚𝐦."

Joshua Moehling introduced Detective Ben Packard in And There Kept Her, and he quickly became one of my new favourite protagonists. Moehling creates a worthy follow-up and lays the groundwork for a solid new series.

One thing I really appreciate about this series as a whole is how well developed Packard is as a protagonist; not only is he witty, slightly sarcastic, handsome, and very patient, he is also realistic - I feel like I could know Packard in real life. This is partially achieved by the small details of his life (going swimming every morning, making an omelette with a slightly wrinkled red pepper) juxtaposed with the bigger events of the story's investigation and of the sheriff election. I like that Packard being gay is a part of who he is, and although he worries how people will perceive him (especially with the classic small-town gossip mill and judgement), it never becomes a huge issue. The secondary characters are just as well developed, especially the regulars in town (any interaction with Kelly in particular is always a hoot). Moehling also introduces suspects that are suspicious with many motives for murder (and full of family drama!). The central mystery is complex, and although it starts off a little slow, the payoff is worth it in the second half. Moehling sticks the ending really well - not only does the central mystery wrap up with a satisfying conclusion, but also leaves a sprinkle of a longer cat-and-mouse game to come in book 3, relating to the disappearance of Packard's brother when he was a kid.

Where The Dead Sleep is a story of loneliness, family, small-towns, politics, and jealousy. It feels so good to be reunited with Deputy Ben Packard and the inhabitants of Sandy Lake. Both books would make for such a good tv series, and I am anxiously awaiting the next book. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the digital copy!

Where the Dead Sleep is the second in the Ben Packard series, and a very readable and very modern-Minnesotan mystery.

This was another book that was on my Netgalley shelf. I read it and listened to it while I painted my son's school room. I didn't dislike or like one format over the other.

This was a police procedural thriller book. I couldn't get past how the man was dating one sister in high school, then married the other sister and then divorced her, only to marry the sister he dated in high school. I just couldn't believe that they both agreed to marry him. 😆. He was a piece of work.

I was rooting for acting Sheriff Packard getting elected in the election. I loved the people who rallied around Packard, trying to get him elected.

This is book 2 in the series. It can be read as a standalone. I'll be honest I forgot I read the first one until I looked at Goodreads. I did read And There He Kept Here. I really enjoyed that book. It was more of a thriller horror mix IMO. Both book are good, and I'm putting them as  BORROW on my little scale. I need to get better about remembering to use it.

If you're looking for a who-dun-it with an m*rdered husband, this is one to look into.

Thank you to Poison Pen Press for sending me a copy of WHERE THE DEAD SLEEP. This one is out now.

This one is your quintessential small town detective mystery. Hidden histories and newcomers to this town spark all kinds of issues, especially of the family drama type.

This is the second in a series with Ben Packard as the detective on a crime. "Where They Kept Her," the first in the series, was an incredible debut by Moehling that held my attention from start to finish. This novel also hooked from the beginning and had me guessing until the end.

In this novel (which could be a stand alone), Packard investigates the murder of Bill Richardson, a well known member of the community who had several ties to a group of wealthy gamblers. There are many suspects and Moehling's pacing keeps the book interesting throughout.

Moehling is a very skilled writer and Packard is a multi-layered, complex character whose presence works well in these mysteries. I am looking forward to reading his next novel.

A solid crime thriller that didn’t quite grasp my attention and keep it.
It was well written with a decent pace set, Packard was a strong character and interesting but the plot just didn’t do it for me, I found it a bit drawn out and I struggled to complete the novel.
I would give another Packard story a chance though as I liked the character and he was well written.

Where the dead sleep is an engrossing whodunit by moehling. This novel is in the second series featuring a small-town deputy who must not only solve the mystery of the murder of a local man who chased money his whole life. His quest for wealth has led him to make many enemies and the list of suspects is long. Deputy Ben is an outsider and is trying to piece together the secrets of the town and keep himself safe and those he loves in the process.

An engrossing mystery that will keep readers turning the page. Love the small town setting and the mysteries surrounding the book. This a fun, fast-paced read that will please many readers and lovers of mysteries and who dun its.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Joshua Moehling

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

*I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for my honest review.*

This novel is the second in the series and I was hoping that it would be just as fantastic as the first book. It did not disappoint! Not one bit!

Ben Packard is still the acting sheriff in Sandy Lake and is investigating a death of a guy who was in his bed. And so many people seem to be on the suspect list. While Ben is investigating everyone, the actual sheriff passes away and Ben has to add running for sheriff to his list of duties even though he doesn't really want the job because of the public scrutiny it would bring. But a lot of people in town who know him push him to run and he starts to believe that he can win.

There are many suspects in this investigation and that means many characters introduced and they are all pretty unique and memorable. The story is so well written and the pace is on point. I feel like it has been quite a while since I have read such a series.

I highly recommend!

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

thank you to netgalley for this arc copy
thank you to the publishing company as well. And most importantly thank you to the author for taking their time to write this novel and offering it through netgalley

I absolutely loved this book, such a great mystery read that had me completely hooked. I really enjoyed the characters and love a small town mystery type vibe in a book. Highly recommend for thriller readers out there.

After reading “and there he kept her” I was excited to learn there was a sequel, and thank goodness for Amazon 1 day shipping because I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. Now that I have finished it, I am desperate for the third to be released! This book kept me interested all the way through, and that’s difficult for me. I definitely recommend!