Joshua Moehling is a new author to me, but this book is the second book in the Ben Packard series. I was a little worried in the beginning that I would be disconnected from the book and the first one, but that was the furthest from the truth. This author made sure you weren't left out at any part.

Ben Packard has been named acting sheriff of Sandy Lake and he has to head up the investigation into a murder. He arrives on the scene and nothing looks right. In the midst of the investigation, the community board has decided that the town needs a permanent elected Sheriff, so elections are underway. Packard goes back and forth about whether to run and then is convinced to enter the contest.

Through twists and turns, the investigation gets more confusing when another body turns up. The Gherlick family holds a lot of secrets, and they all come to light with these two murders in a small town.

Moehling makes you not want to put this one down and now makes me want to read the first book. Where the Dead Sleep comes out August 15, 2023, so preorder your copy NOW!

#wherethedeadsleep #NetGalley

Thank you Poison Pen and Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book. This is the second book in the Ben Packard series. I have not read the first one but I certainly will be going back to read it after having read this one. Detective Packard has been promoted to acting Sheriff of a small town as the present Sheriff's health is deteriorating. The story line is fast paced and seldom has a lull in it. It caused me to have strong feelings towards some of the characters good and bad which for me means the author has done a great job building the characters and their backstories. Packard has been called out to a scene on his day off. William "Bill" Sandersen has been shot dead in his bed with supposedly no direct witness. Packard has to figure out - was it his wife, who was asleep upstairs, his EX-wife, his mother-in-law who has dementia, people he worked with, a friend he stole money from or another who did the deed. It might have been someone totally out of the realm of thoughtful possibility. Then on top of it all, Packard is semi-forced into running for Sheriff permanently while heading this investigation. It is never what it seems and the ending will throw you for a loop you didn't expect. I thoroughly enjoyed this first outing with this author and will following his books from here on out.

Book : Where the Dead Sleep
Author : Joshua Moehling
Pub Date : 15 Aug 2023

Thank you NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press & the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Do you love :
- Police Procedurals
- Detective books
- Investigative books
- Multiple POV

Then this book is a must snag!

I am a HUGE fan of police procedurals, detective and investigative books. I actually read this book as a standalone book and was not confused and still caught on to what was going. So if you haven’t read the first book before this one you will be just fine.

I loved the story line of Sheriff Ben Packard trying to solve a case in a tiny little town and it is more so a who-done-it case, it was full of me questioning and trying to figure out along with the MC the entire time. The storyline is perfection, the plot perfection, characters are fantastic, this book was all around such an amazing read! The authors writing is always fantastic.

Absolutely a must have book on your shelf or kindle. Put this on your TBR if you haven’t yet.

I’m a big fan of police procedurals and Where the Dead Sleep is a well done one. It’s the second in the Ben Packard series. But I hadn’t read the first and it worked fine as a stand-alone. Although, as much as I enjoyed this, I’ll probably try to go back and read the first.
Ben Packard has been the acting sheriff for over a year now, as the sheriff is dealing with cancer. On a rare day off, he’s called to investigate the murder of a man shot in his bed. And boy, does this man have a history. He’s the ex-husband of one sister and the current husband of another. He’s also a known gambler and has stolen from his business partner.
Ben is soon not only dealing with the investigation but needs to make a decision about whether to run for sheriff. As a gay man in a red -state-small-town, he’s not sure if he’s up for the scrutiny. Moehling has done a good job of creating not just Ben, but all the characters.
The story moved at a steady pace, the storyline was nice and taut. It flips between various POVs, but mostly Ben’s. I was engaged from beginning to end. The ending was well thought out and believable. This is definitely a series I will keep up with.
My thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advance copy of this book.

So Good!

I had the pleasure of getting an advanced readers copy of Joshua Moehling’s book And There He Kept Her. I absolutely loved it, so I was really excited for the next installment. While I think this second book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading them in order. Deputy Packard is such a likable character. He’s so smart and compassionate. He approaches his job with the utmost integrity. He’s definitely the star, but he’s surrounded by well developed characters. The three sisters in this book are so entertaining. They take sibling rivalry to the next level. Their antics kept me fully engaged in the storyline.

There is plenty of suspense and mystery to keep it interesting. Every time I thought I solved it, a new twist was thrown in. I was guessing up until the very end. Following Packard’s journey to try to make the leap from interim sheriff to elected sheriff is a great layer added to the story. I love how this story ends with hints of more cases for Packard to solve. I am anxiously awaiting what comes next for Ben Packard.

Moehling blew me away again with another five star read. Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Joshua Moehling for this advanced copy to review. #wherethedeadsleep #NetGalley.

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!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I read "And There He Kept Her" by Joshua Moehling & that was one of my favorite books of 2022 so I was super excited to see his follow up, "Where The Dead Sleep" available to review.
This book was a great follow up. It was very engrossing & the mystery was interesting & surprising.
I love how there was alot of unanswered questions for the next book in the series.

Joshua Moehling is quickly solidifying his place as the new must read author in the world of crime drama! In his follow up to the debut of the Ben Packard series we continue to follow Deputy Packard after being appointed acting Sheriff through the case of Bill Sandersen who was shot during a suspected home invasion. While investigating he must navigate the world of politics after announcing his candidacy for Sheriff as an openly gay man. The story takes you through the twists and turns of family history and complex relationships to a surprising conclusion while simultaneously exploring Packard’s own personal history and the case of his missing brother from 29 years prior. It sets you up for the next book in the series and leaves you needing the answers that Ben himself is trying to uncover.

Moehling does a fantastic job developing the characters in his book and drawing you into their storyline. The plot was strong and well done, it draws your attention and keeps you invested in what is happening. Very well written! All in all I see the start of a great series that I look forward to reading more of.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen for the advance copy.

This is the second novel in the detective Ben Packard series. I hadn’t read the first. I think it would have been better to read it in order, but I understood what was happening even so. I’ll read the first and look forward to the third.

In Where the Dead Sleep, acting sheriff Packard is called to what appears to be a home invasion with the dead body of Bill Sandersen. Bill spent most his life drinking and gambling, but he doesn’t appear to have any enemies who would want him dead. As Packard investigates the case, there are missed shots and more dead bodies that further complicate his ability to unravel the clues and solve the mystery.

This is well done. NetGalley provided an advance reader copy of this novel, which RELEASES AUGUST 15, 2023.

"Where the Dead Sleep" by Joshua Moehling is a gripping and atmospheric mystery novel that delves into the dark secrets of a small town where danger lurks around every corner. With its intriguing premise and skillful storytelling, Moehling takes readers on a thrilling journey as a young deputy unravels a complex web of secrets and uncovers the truth behind a shocking murder.

The story unfolds when Deputy Ben Packard responds to a gruesome scene—a home invasion that leaves Bill Sandersen dead in his bed. As Packard investigates, he finds himself entangled in a web of conflicting stories and unclear motives. With a long list of suspects, including the business partner, the ex-wife, the current wife, and high-stakes poker buddies, Packard must navigate the maze of clues and hidden connections to expose the truth.

Joshua Moehling's writing vividly captures the atmosphere of the small town, immersing readers in a sense of mystery and unease. His attention to detail and descriptive prose paint a haunting picture of the town and its secrets, heightening the suspense and keeping readers engaged throughout.

The character development in "Where the Dead Sleep" is a strength of the novel. Deputy Ben Packard is a relatable and compelling protagonist, driven by his determination to uncover the truth, even as he faces personal and professional challenges. The supporting cast of suspects and townsfolk adds complexity and depth to the story, with each character hiding their own motives and secrets.

Moehling crafts a tightly woven plot that keeps readers guessing until the final reveal. The pacing is brisk, with well-timed twists and turns that escalate the tension and maintain the momentum of the investigation. The author's skill in building suspense and maintaining a sense of mystery makes for an engaging and satisfying reading experience.

While the novel adheres to certain conventions of the mystery and crime genre, Moehling's ability to create multidimensional characters and interweave various storylines sets the book apart. Additionally, the exploration of themes such as identity, the cost of pursuing justice, and the consequences of unearthing buried secrets adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

In conclusion, "Where the Dead Sleep" is a captivating and atmospheric mystery that showcases Joshua Moehling's talent for crafting suspenseful narratives. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and exploration of themes, this book is highly recommended for fans of crime fiction and those who enjoy delving into a small-town mystery where the truth is as elusive as the secrets buried in the shadows.

This is the second book in the series. It doesnt matter if you havent read the first one. I very much connected to Bills character and will definately be going back to read #1. There he kept her.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the second in this wonderful police procedural series by Joshua Moehling - 5 stars!

Acting Sheriff Ben Packard is called to the scene of an early morning shooting of Bill Sandersen in his bed. There are plenty of suspects, because Bill left a trail of broken hearts and debts in his wake. That's not the only thing happening in Sandy Lake, Minnesota. There's a shooting while Ben is investigating and it appears that he was the target. Then the beloved sheriff dies and Ben must decide if he should run for office or not.

This was a fabulous follow up to And There He Kept Her and I can't wait for the next book in this series, but feel free to read this as a stand-alone if you must! It's a tightly written police procedural, full of wonderful characters, and the small town feel adds to the story. I was kept guessing until the end, which leads into promises of a third book - sign me up for that one, please! A great series to put on your list!

Where the Dead Sleep is the story of Detective Ben Packard's search for Bill Sandersen's murderer. There are a host of possible suspects, including Sandersen's ex-wife & current wife, sisters Sherrie and Carrie, and his best friend, Roger. But each time Packard thinks he has a lead, that quickly dissolves into another dead end.

The book was more plot-driven than action-driven, so it was a slow read for me since I prefer more action. Moehling did a good job of keeping the reader guessing and waited until the end to connect the dots. Where the Dead Sleep is the second book in Moehling's Ben Packard series; however, having not read the first book, And There He Kept Her, I didn't feel as if I had missed anything. The single thread that connects the two is Packard's missing brother, Nick, which will be why I read book 3. I want to know if Packard finds Nick's body and discovers how Nick ended up dead in the first place.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a review.

Started at 8:22pm and now its 2 in the morning, I could not put it down!!! 💀💀💀

Ben Packard is once again back with a murder case that's rather tricky. There are many suspects yet nothing concrete. A lot of bouncing around is expected but more so in this case given the messy histories and relationships between the parties involved.

I want to pivot back to about the first book, where we see Moehling lay down a very solid start for our dear MC with a gripping case. I'm assuming we're well familiar with the events in the first book so it's not a spoiler to mention that And There He Kept Her had kept me on my toes as they race against the clock to solve the case, what with his niece's life on the line and the urgency to find her before her insulin depletes, as well as no attempt to keep the antagonist's identity a secret from readers.

However in this book I have to commend the author for switching things up already. You really couldn't begin to guess, with the unknown motives, secrets and the he said/she saids. The twists were unexpected and not few either, and a little cheeky bait and switch was used by the author to really get us scratching our heads back at square one just as you think you're beginning to piece out the puzzle.

As a book, it is a mystery at its core, I would say it was satisfactory. I did feel it was quite lengthy but I'll admit I'm the impatient sort. The procedurals here were kept consistent throughout. I really do feel Packard takes what he does very seriously.

The subplots were great, focusing on the many facets of Ben Packard's identity as a (semi-out?) gay detective with a gloomy past in a conservative town. There's his uncertainty of his feelings regarding the upcoming elections tangling with the expectations from the people around him, the ice-cold case from his childhood, and even the suggestion of romance for our (very competent, very attractive and most importantly very single💅🏻💅🏻) main man here (Yes the last bit is rather important to me, as someone who grew up on those Josh Lanyon mysteries🤭🤭. I know this isn't suppose to be a romance but I'll take what I can get, which is gratifying all the same, ha!! But there IS potential and I'm confident it won't go to waste!😏).

You can tell the author has big plans for this series with the build up of information, people of interests (both recurring and hidden) that is going to span a complete series.
Consistency is key, and again, a very good follow up by Moehling to cement his skill as a writer and storyteller. I can only wonder where the 3rd book is going to explore but I'll be eagerly waiting all the same.

(Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in x-change for an honest review)


Also what do you mean his dick is "Well reviewed"??? You cant just say that and not provide the details SIR!!! This is unacceptable🤬😡🤬I demand compensation in future books 🙄🙄😤😤

It's a solid book, with good storytelling, good characters, and good setting. The denouement works, but the falling action seemed a little too "next week in Sandy Lake . . ."

I love this author and I love this series. I love that it takes place in northern Minnesota where I went to high school. I love that the main character is a gay outsider. I love how creative the plots get (the first book features a couple of high schoolers who break into an old man’s home to steal his meds and have broken into a truly horrific choice). But mostly I love how well Moehling writes. When so many mystery authors just phone it in, he writes like a writer. There is so much good description. There are so many interesting analogies and ways of phrasing things. It’s just well made.

There were things I didn’t care for as much in this book as the last but I don’t care. I’m committed to these characters and this story. I’m a ride or die reader of Joshua Moehling because I just plain enjoy what he does. I can’t wait till the third book and it had better not be the last in the series.

I read a digital advance copy of this book via NetGalley.

Where the Dead Sleep by Joshua Moehling

Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Pace: 4/5
Suspense: 5/5
Overall Enjoyment: 5/5

This is the second book I have read from Moehling and was absolutely not disappointed in either.

Bill Sanderson is dead after a home invasion and it is up to acting sheriff Deputy Ben Packard to sort through the mess. Sanderson has left a lot of people high and dry including lovers, and those he owed Money to. He also married his ex wife’s sister after taking her for all she had so obviously those two may want him dead. Yet no one seems to have a motive for killing him. Or do they? Packard handles the investigation by talking to those who hated Bill as well as following up on leads. Packard is also running for sheriff once his boss dies which adds more drama and complication to his life.

This is a great police procedural that that has an amazing ability to keep the reader engrossed while trying to figure out who in the world killed Sanderson. The plot was great and the pace seemed to get better with each chapter. The author leaves little bread crumbs for the reader although you are not able to predict the outcome. The ending is freaking explosive. I could not stop reading until I finished it. This is one of the best books with twists and turns that I have read.

Release date August 15 2023

Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review

I thought this book would be hard to review, because I’m not a big fan of mysteries. And to be honest, it took me a little while to get hooked on the story, perhaps, because I just was expecting not to like it.

But surprisingly, I enjoyed it. I like Joshua Moehling’s writing style, it’s quick and easy and flows from page to page.

I think what I liked the most was that when I thought I was finished,, when the main character had finally figured out “whodunnit,” I realized I had more to go! I was set up for the next book, and I’m actually looking forward to reading it. It harkens back to a mystery that started 29 years ago, is related to our main character’s brother, and will hopefully be solved in the next book!

I really enjoyed Where the Dead Sleep: the mystery was easy to follow, but there was enough of a plot twist that it wasn’t black-and-white and a disappointment when I got to the end.

A solid, straightforward detective procedural with a very compelling lead character in Ben Packard, and an interesting, well-constructed cast of supporting characters. Second in a series, this book reads very easily as a standalone work, but having finished it I'm definitely going back to read the first book, and I'll be eagerly awaiting future installments. If you've enjoyed Walt Longmire, Joe Pickett, or any permutation of Leaphorn and Chee, I think you're going to like Ben Packard. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this ARC!

First of all, I want to thank the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Where the dead sleep by Joshua Moehling is coming out on August 15, 2023.

This book is #2 in a series but can also be read as a standalone book. This is a quick read and a page turner for sure. This book/series is great for anyone who loves mysteries and loves a great main character. Ben Packard leaves you wanting more.

This book was for sure super entertaining and keeps you wanting more. Looking forward to book #3!!

#wherethedeadsleep #NetGalley