I love Ben Packard. I can only hope this series keeps going and going. Based on the ending, I could see it happening. Fingers crossed.

The writing is so immersive, I get sucked into the story right from the start. Ben is such a charming character and I’m emotionally invested in him at this point. The plot here was a little convoluted but the explanation gets broken down into something easily digestible. Living with someone who suffers from post-combat PTSD makes me extra critical of such storylines, so that was just a personal bit that I didn’t love but I don’t fault the book for that.

It’s winter in Sandy Lake, Minnesota and Deputy Ben Packard has been demoted to working security at the courthouse in this third book of the series. Despite being a popular and effective acting sheriff, Ben lost the subsequent election to a candidate championed by powerful businessman and county commissioner Jim Wolf. The new sheriff is weak and ineffective and determined to make life as difficult as possible for Ben. Unfortunately, Ben’s day is just about to get worse when he is involved in a shooting at the courthouse. Stood down while the shooting is investigated, he suddenly finds himself with a lot of time on his hands.

When he was twelve Ben’s older brother Nick disappeared one wintery night and was presumed drowned in the lake, but now new evidence has come to light suggesting his body is buried elsewhere. As the ground is too hard and icy for an exhumation to begin until the spring thaw, Ben decides to spend his time taking a look at Nick’s case to try to discover what happened that night he vanished.

A nostalgic visit to his grandparents’ empty old house also rings alarm bells for Ben when he sees evidence suggesting that Louise, the elderly woman who bought the house from them, did not die from an accidental fall down the cellar stairs as reported at the time. Suddenly, Ben has his hands full with two cold case investigations and no one associated with either is happy about it. However, Ben is a dogged and determined detective and gradually uncovers a complex web of secrets and conspiracy that will reach into the town’s upper echelons.

Initially the plot builds gradually, setting the scene and the players for the two cases Ben is investigating, but then the tension really ramps up to become intense and gripping. Joshua Moehling writes a captivating tale and as a gay protagonist, Ben is a terrific character; smart and intuitive as well as warm and caring with a quirky sense of humour. Frank, his fearless three-legged corgi is delightful and Ben’s mother, who comes to visit him, is a spirited breath of fresh air (although Ben is relieved when she goes back home).

The multilayered crime that Ben eventually uncovers from his second look at Louise’s death is unexpected but so well developed as to be believable. Ben also eventually learns the truth about how his brother Nick died, not only bringing his family closure but also giving him new insights into Nick and all that he could have been. Despite this being the third episode in the series, it also works well as a stand-alone.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ERC of this enjoyable series. I liked having two different storylines to follow. I was definitely surprised how both of them played out, and that was a good thing!

It was great to be back with Ben Packard and his latest adventure in Sandy Lake! As Ben adjusts to post-election life, new evidence is uncovered in his search for his brother who went missing 30 years ago.. In the process of investigating his brother’s disappearance, Packard uncovers a new mystery regarding the death of a beloved elderly resident, which takes him on a wild goose chase to get to the bottom of Sandy Lake’s latest scandal.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC of A Long Time Gone. I’m not sure if this was the end of a trilogy, but I was pleased to finally get some closure with Deputy Packard!

This is the third entry in the Ben Packard series and it’s a good one! Takes place in Northern Minnesota and it may have some cross-appeal for William Kent Krueger fans.

Ben Packard is a cop who lost his brother when he was young. the case was never closed. ben finds himself on leave from work and uses his time off to follow a new lead in his brothers case. the new lead leads to another case entirely and he works both as he waits to be able to return to work.

i’ve enjoyed other books in the series but this one fell flat for me. I wasn’t as invested, wasn’t as eager to pick it up. there were some intricate plot weavings with some characters that left me having to think through who people were again since it took me so long to get through it. overall, it was too sluggish of a pace for me and just was underwhelming.

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for the gifted digital ARC!

Every book in the Ben Packard series just gets better and better. I absolutely love Packard as a protagonist and I love how twisty every novel has been. This one was definitely no exception and the storyline, despite being incredibly nuanced, was sooo well-handled.

I don't want to get too into the details because I don't want to spoil anything, but I absolutely love this series and hope it continues!

A Long Time Gone pub date is February 4, 2025.

I love Ben Packard! I have been so excited to read this & getting the ARC felt like a dream come true. Getting to read about a gay main character (especially a cop) is really nice, & I love the development of the other characters as well. I look forward to reading about even the smaller ones, like the saucy character that Ben got his dog from & the receptionist from the precinct. I liked that this book tied up a lot of loose ends beautifully, it really felt perfect. If I had to give any feedback for a HOPEFULLY fourth installment, I’d love a more “exciting” case like from the first book. Something about the stakes on that one just felt particularly high vs this one where no one but Ben felt there was even a case. I loved meeting his family, especially the mom who I really related to. Maybe I’m a bit of a hippie too!

I hope hope hope there’s another book to come next year, I love this writer & these characters. Thank you netgalley & the publisher for giving me this ARC!

As someone who's not particularly fond of book series, it says a lot that I anxiously await the next Ben Packard novel every year! He is one of the best protagonists and he just keeps getting better!

A Long Time Gone continues Ben's story with a focal point on his missing brother. This storyline has developed throughout the last two books and it was nice to see it get some more attention in the third installment. Of course, Ben is also up to his neck in work drama and another case that raises red flags for Ben though it was ruled an accident.

I liked that we got to know Ben a bit more this book. We absolutely learn so much more about his family and his past and his mother becomes a more prominent character. I also liked that we got a bit more of his love and personal life and hope that can build more in the next book.

I didn't find this book quite as exciting as the other stories but it did flow well with the story and set the stage for another book. I like that each novel is so different but still carries the story forward. I would recommend reading these books in order and not reading this as a standalone - Moehling is good about reminding readers of key details, but you really need the full backstory in order to appreciate a lot of the nuance.

Looking forward to learning more about Packard and already anxiously awaiting book 4! Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the copy!

Ben Packard was just a boy when his older brother disappeared. Ben watched him walk out the back door of their grandparents' house and into the cold night.

His brother was never seen again.

Decades later, Deputy Packard finds himself with too much time on his hands. A shooting has him on leave and under investigation, and for the first time in years, new information about his brother has surfaced that may lead them to the location of a body.

The midwinter ground is frozen solid. Worse, Packard is cut off from department resources. As he strikes out to finally uncover the truth behind his brother's disappearance, he stumbles on a separate, suspicious death. A tenuous connection exists between the two cases, and as Packard starts to dig, he meets fierce resistance from friends and foes alike who want him to stand down.

The winter is long and cold. By the end of it, Packard will risk everything to catch a killer and reveal the shocking truth about his brother.

This is the third book in the Ben Packard series. I did not read the first two books in the series. I am excited to read them because I really enjoyed this one. This book can be read as a standalone.

There are two mysteries in this one. And the first mystery, Ben's brother Nick snuck outside in the middle of the night at his grandparents house while they were asleep. Ben saw his brother leave and he was never found. Ben is trying to solve this mystery and find out what happened to his brother. Then in the other mystery is that Louise was found dead from falling down the steps. Was this a murder or an accident. This mystery is very involved and I thought it was complexed but I did enjoy it.

This started out with a slow burn but there were things that happened during the book that kept me very intrigued. I kept guessing and guessing who was involved in these crimes and I was wrong every time.

I really love Ben and his mother. His mother was extremely funny and amusing. There are some unlikable characters too. There was a dog in the story named, Lady Gaga Pinot Grigio Margaret Ann String Cheese Reid. What a Name! That is one long name, Haha!
I thought this one was a little dark, gripping and thought provoking.

I want to thank Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Gripping, tense, well thought out, and captivating! I was over the moon to be back in the world of Ben Packard! I have adored and rooted for him since reading the first book in this amazing series, And There He Kept Her! I also love Joshua Moehling's writing, the plots, the characters, and the settings in his Ben Packard's series. Plus, the atmosphere, tension, sense of dread, twists, and revelations in every book in this series are so well done.

Ben Packard's brother Nick has been A Long Time Gone and his family has never had closure. Ben was a child when his teenage brother disappeared, and Nick's disappearance has always weighed on him. Now that he has time on his hands after a shooting, he can investigate the information which has come in concerning his brother. Looking into his brother's disappearance and possible location of his body, Packard finds himself drawn into the case of a suspicious death!

This book has two captivating mysteries involving the disappearance of Ben's brother Nick and that of the suspicious death of Louise and the circumstances surrounding her death. I found myself fully invested in both mysteries and enjoyed the twists, turns, and shocking revelations.

I enjoyed both mysteries in this book. I also loved Ben's mother who comes to town and provides some laughs and support. She was such a great character, and fingers crossed we will see more of her in future books! Ben Packard is such a great character. He is strong, intelligent, vulnerable, brave, witty and I love reading his thoughts.


If you have not read this series, what are you waiting for? As this is the third book in the series, it will be easy to go back and read the previous books. I enjoy the mixing of mystery, police procedural, personal storylines, and character development in Moehling's Ben Packard series.

Wow! What a phenomenal written book and story line! This was my first book from this author (until I paused and picked up the others) and WOW. I was missing out! I started to read a few chapters and realized this was part of a series of books and had to read those first, hence why it took me an extra month or 2 to finally create this review! This book was well written and could have been a stand alone, but wanted to know the details prior! I love how the answers to the secrets/ mysteries were now solved and explained!

I will be reading more from this author very soon! 5+ stars!

Thank you Joshua Moehling and NetGalley for allowing me to read this amazing book!

Release: Feb 3
Publisher: poisoned pen press
 
Rating:  4.5/5 ★ 
 

In A Long Time Gone, Joshua Moehling delivers a gripping, suspense-filled story that pulls you right into the thick of small-town drama. The plot is full of twists and surprises, creating a sense of constant tension that makes it nearly impossible to put down. Each character is layered and real, dealing with personal struggles and moral complexities that make them feel so human. The small-town setting only adds to the suspense, with a close-knit community atmosphere that feels both comforting and claustrophobic. Moehling skillfully keeps up the pace, drawing you through each scene without any extra fluff. This is a novel that doesn’t just entertain but also makes you think long after the last page.
 

A Long Time Gone is a compelling mystery that masterfully weaves together elements of suspense and emotional depth. The story follows the protagonist, who is drawn back into a past filled with secrets and unresolved traumas when a body is discovered in his small town. As he grapples with the implications of this discovery, the narrative unfolds in a way that keeps readers engaged and guessing. 

Joshua Moehling excels in creating an atmospheric setting that enhances the tension throughout the book. The characters are well-crafted, each with their own complexities and motivations that add layers to the plot. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery and the confrontation of his past are particularly poignant, making the story resonate on a deeper level. 
The pacing is spot-on, with the right balance of intrigue and character development. Moehling skillfully builds suspense, leading to a satisfying climax that ties together the various threads of the story. 

A Long Time Gone is an engrossing read that will appeal to fans of mystery and psychological thrillers. It offers a rich exploration of how the past shapes our present and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a gripping story that combines mystery with emotional resonance. 

LOL moments:

 "You need to unclench your butt and let your root Chakra breathe"

"Lady Gaga Pinot Grigio Margaret Ann String Cheese Reid. Wait, that's the name of one dog?"
 
Favorite Quote: 
 
"Sometimes the past isn’t something we can escape; it’s something we must confront to move forward."

Although I enjoyed this book, just like the others, I felt like a lot of this story was a bit slow. There was intense moments throughout that kept me interested, but there were also chapters where it felt like the story line wasn’t at its best.

This is the 3rd book in the Ben Packard Series by Moehling. I love that he does continuations of the book before. You catch up with what happened after his case in book 2 was finished and I felt like that was a good touch if readers weren’t reading them back to back like I chose to.

Packard is at it again. He’s looking into the disappearance of his brother from 1991. After receiving some information to gave him a leg up on finding out the truth.

He also looks into a questionable case that was covered by another deputy. Things weren’t adding up with an old lady ends up dead at the bottom of her basement stars. A woman who doesn’t drink and has been living in that house for years. The more it’s looked into, the more Packard is adamant that there’s more to the story.

Although I enjoyed this book, just like the others, I felt like a lot of this story was a bit slow. There was intense moments throughout that kept me interested, but there were also chapters where it felt like the story line wasn’t at its best.

You get to know more about Packard’s past before he came to town, friends he had before when he worked in Minneapolis. The information and chapters about looking into his brothers disappearance was the most captivating for me. The ending was heartbreaking and well worth the wait!

Thank you to NetGalley and Poison Pen Press for the ebook version of this book. I loved being able to finish this series out on a high note

I am absolutely obsessed with the Ben Packard series. I literally stumbled upon it a few weeks ago and was blessed with an arc of book three. I read it in one sitting. I love the continued growth not only of Packard’s character but also his developing relationships. His mom was hilarious and real and my heart broke for her. The overall mystery and the conclusion to what really happened to his brother Nick was so well done. I love the layers of the story being revealed, each little piece letting the reader dig in deeper. Overall an absolutele 5 star mystery for me. The worst part is knowing I need to wait so long for the next one. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher access to this book for read and review..

3.75. Good story about a cop in Minnesota who is on leave for shooting someone. While on leave, he devotes himself to finding out what happened to his older brother many years ago, a mystery that was never solved. Simultaneously, he discovers a murder or two he wants investigated. He runs into a lot of intrigue involving top players in his small town. Plot is somewhat credible, which is not always the case in thriller novels. I enjoyed the book and recommend it.

Ben Packard is searching for answers about his brother who’s been missing, presumed dead, a long time. Ben’s a Deputy on routine leave after an officer involved shooting. It would be the perfect time to devote to his search if the Minnesota ground wasn’t frozen solid. He’s told his Mom and siblings about his plans. His Mom is a hoot, constantly egging him on about cute guys. She’s more comfortable with his identity than Ben himself. Ben is essentially reworking clues and leads from the old case file. It’s been so long that many witnesses are dead or moved away. The tone of the plot is somber and emotional. I can’t imagine how that not knowing for so many years must affect the family left behind needing closure. The author drew me into their lives and I could feel the loss and grief. The case itself is full of unlikely revelations with twists and turns. It had everything I expect from a good mystery – relatable people, suspense, family drama and it kept me engaged throughout. I’ve read some in this series but it can certainly be a standalone. I know I will certainly read more of the series.
Thanks to Sourcebooks, Poisoned Pen Press for providing an Advance Reader Copy of “A Long Time Gone” Ben Packard #3, (via NetGalley) by Joshua Moehling, publication expected 02/04/2025. These are my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

This has been one of my favorite series since I read the first book. This one is the third book in the series and builds on the previous one. Ben Packard is a sheriff's deputy in the small town of Sandy Lake, Minnesota. It is where Ben's parents had brought him and his brother during the summer, and where his older brother disappeared when Ben was still a child.

Ben has shot someone in the line of duty and is on leave until the investigation is complete. He decided to see what local people may remember about his brother - Ben has never accepted the idea that his brother had drowned. He can't give up without one last try, even though he knows it is a long shot since his brother disappeared decades ago. Then Ben starts finding bodies. Ben is calling in to report dead bodies daily, it seems - an unusual number of deaths in such a small town.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher Poisoned Pen Press and voluntarily read and reviewed it.

Sheriff Ben Packard returns in A Long Time Gone, the third book in this series, and Packard, having lost the last election for sheriff, is now a deputy assigned to court security. When Packard is involved in a shooting in the courthouse, he’s placed on admin leave, but soon becomes enmeshed in a murder investigation that gets murkier by the minute. He also receives some cryptic information concerning the disappearance of his long lost brother which may finally give him some closure. This is a standard police procedural, but the plot’s a little confusing, involving a lot of characters and an equal number of threads which slows the book down somewhat. Otherwise, it’s a rather vanilla read with a few loose ends tied up. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.