Member Reviews

This was my first read by Joshua Moehling. I liked the book, however I felt a lot was unnecessary to the storyline. It had some twists & turns that kept me interested but at times, it was tedious. With the way it ended, I’m assuming there will be a follow up book. It was a good read.

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When I read Joshua Moehling's first book, and there he kept her, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to read it. But once I got past the first chapter I ate it up. Finished it in like 2 days and thoroughly enjoyed the detective, sheriff, Packard character.

When I found out he wrote a second book with Packard, I instantly searched for it in netgalley to request the arc. Thank goodness they approved the book and I was finally able to read it. It feels like a coming home, we learn so much more about Ben Packard and how he operates, and why he is such a good sheriff and character. The author has thoroughly left open the door for another book and I can't wait to read that one as well.

Thank you to netgalley we're allowing me to read this Arc in exchange for an honest review.

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I just couldn't connect with anything -- plot, characters, dialogue, setting. Things didn't work for me. It wasn't badly written, it never engaged me and was a chore to finish.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Deputy Ben Packard is back! I just love this guy! This was a slow burn for me but great book overall! Definite twist at the end that I never saw coming!

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Deputy turned interim-Sheriff Ben Packard is called to a home invasion where he finds a local man dead. Everyone he knows seems to have motive to kill Bill but who did it? Secrets are uncovered in this book that kept me going page after page. This was great. Definitely recommend!

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Where the Dead Sleep is equally as good as the author’s first book, And There He Kept Her. The mystery is: who killed Bill Sanderson. There are many potential suspects and detective/sheriff Ben Packard unravels the whodunit. Ben is an ordinary guy and conscientious detective, still trying to fit in in small town, Sandy Lake, MN after having worked in Minneapolis. It’s a complex story but not a bit confusing. There is Bill’s murder, of course, with another murder thrown in, high-stakes poker, crooked cops, and just enough about social issues to keep it interesting. (So much today regarding minorities and gays is ‘in your face’ and preachy. This is not.) Just like the last book, some of the characters were ho-hum, some were interesting, and some were despicable; and it all worked. The ending leaves the door open for another Ben Packard mystery … I hope. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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Can’t get into it. Lots of fluff and will pass on reading it. No offense, my attention needs to be grabbed from the beginning.

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Loved this book!
This is the second in a series with Det. Packard as the lead, but was written well enough that this could be a stand-alone. I am, however, planning to read the first one!
Packard is a fantastic main character who I rooted for during the entire novel and sheriff’s race. The antagonists (there were several unlikeable characters) were well written and provided just enough drama to keep me engaged and wanting more.
This novel is two main story lines running throughout it - one storyline was kept open at the end, I assume to set up the next in the series., which I am eagerly awaiting!
Overall, really loved Packard, the writing style, plot line and twists, and can’t wait to read more!

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I thought this was a great book. It was a quick read as I thought it was fast paced. I really enjoyed the characters & look forward to learning more about Ben. I had not read the first book in the series but now I definitely will. Will be recommending this book to other readers

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Thank you NetGalley and Poison Pen Press for the ARC. Where the Dead Sleep was a well paced thriller with a couple twists I didn't anticipate. I enjoyed this novel and recommend giving it a read.

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I enjoyed this read. It was fast paced and offered a nice plot twist! I will definitely be looking to read more from this author! I enjoyed their righting style!

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Wow, wow, wow. Moehling has done it again.

Where the Dead Sleep re-introduces readers to Ben Packard, a detective turned stand-in sheriff in the town of Sandy Lake, Minnesota. Packard is a lovable, smart, flawed man and always has the town's best interest at heart. When an early morning call comes, reporting a home invasion homicide, Packard races to the scene. A grieving widow, a surprising ex-wife, and a history of gambling surround the victim. As Packard questions the victim's orbiting circle, he remains at a loss for both a motive and a suspect. Packard uses his quick wit, his unquestionable detective skills, and his charming personality to delve deep into the secrets of Sandy Lake in the hopes of solving this homicide.

The first book in the Ben Packard series was an instant 5 stars for me. This one is no different. Joshua Moehling is a gifted author, smoothly and aptly filling pages with adventure, mystery, and characters worth rooting for. Where the Dead Sleep can be read as a stand-alone book, but I would highly recommend both novels by Moehling. The worst part about this book was finishing it and longing for more (hopefully a Ben Packard series #3 in the future?). I simply can't get enough.

Special thank you to Joshua Moehling, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

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This is the first book I have read by this author and didn’t realize this was the second book in a series.
The main character is likable and the small town feel/vibe was spot on.
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen for my ARC.

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I loved this book. I didn't realize until halfway through that it was the 2nd book in this series...ooops. 😳 Anyway, it was still a really good book. Packard is such a great main character. He is so relateable and real. It is refreshing. The case he is trying to solve had me guessing everyone as a suspect, which I loved. That is how I want these kinds of books. Now I am going to read the first one!

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Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book featuring acting Sheriff Ben Packard. I was excited to continue reading about him and the people of Sandy Lake.

The primary mystery, the murder of Bill Sanderson, was moderately engaging although it was a bit slow-moving to start out. Ben evolves as a character and seems more willing to embrace his place in Sandy Lake and the loyal friends he has made. Much of the book is focused on his election bid for the permanent position of sheriff, which is open due to the death of the beloved former sheriff, who entrusted to role to Ben,

This installment didn't advance the overarching mystery of Ben's brother's death very much and I look forward to unraveling that in the next book (books?) I liked this book enough to know that I will read future installments in the series,

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ARC COPY.
Another great book, not as fast paced as the first book but I felt it picked up towards the end.
Packard is a very interesting guy as he hides a lot of himself to others but not so much through this book and it has to be said how can you end a book like this 😡😡 I need book 3 NOW!!!!!!!!

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Josh Moehling has completed his second Sandy Lake mystery and somehow, it is even better than the first. Bill Sandersen is found shot in his bed by his wife with no apparent robbery, attempt to kill the wife or an obvious motive. Acting Sheriff Packard follows the evidence’s winding dark path of gambling, family history, and of course betrayal.
I am not the best review writer, I tend to review with my heart. That being said, READ THIS BOOK!!! I have read a lot of suspense/thriller and procedural novels. This book is full to the brim of realism. I feel like I am reading Ben Packard’s diary and we get to process a lot of emotions through his day to day life. His banter between himself and Kelly constantly makes me laugh. I also feel that Moehling does something that is so important and that is to include minorities, LGBTQ+, and social issues that we all experience, in a way that is truthful and honest. If you are like me and enjoy an honest portrait of a human, this is your novel.

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Terrific! So excited about this series! I enjoyed "And There He Kept Her", which was phenomenal and has now been followed by "Where The Dead Sleep." This is not a simple whodunit. There are breadcrumbs and trails to follow. I could not quite decide who I liked for one crime before another took place. Secrets and daytime talk show messiness unfold as well There is nothing boring about this book. But, most of all, there is the promise of more secrets to unearth. I am anxiously waiting for what's next. I don't think I will be disappointed.

I received an e-arc from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an unbiased review.

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There was nothing inherently wrong with this book, it just didn't hold my attention very well. I got to 34% and had to DNF because I was forcing myself to continue. I enjoyed staying in the same world as And There He Kept Her, but I could have done without the further look into Packard's personal life.

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This is the first book I have read by Joshua Moehling and didn’t realize this was the second book in a series. With that being said, I felt the book could have easily been a standalone.
Sheriff Ben Packard finds himself investigating the murder of a man whose family has a sorted history in town. The wife, as usual is the chief suspect. I found the story to be somewhat cliché and predictable. The main character is likable and the small town feel/vibe was spot on.
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen for my ARC.

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