Wow!!!! This is my favorite story in this series. I love Ben Packard! He is such an awesome character. This story, woah! Talk about intense! Fantastic plot. What a great murder mystery! Full of suspense, heart, intrigue, and lots of twists. This story kept me anxious to the end. Fantastic!

A Long Time Gone by Joshua Moehling is the third installment of the Deputy Ben Packard detective series.

When I picked up this book I hadn’t realized this book was part of series, and was concerned that it would be difficult to follow or it would be confusing learning and keeping track of recurring characters. I was grateful to find that this was far from the case- recurring characters were brought into the story in a way that wouldn’t be distracting for someone who’d been reading the series and in an informative enough way for people just jumping in.

By the first chapter, Moehling wastes no time diving into the action. This seems to be the pattern as each twist and turn of the plot was introduced with explosive intensity that keeps you wondering what could possibly happen next. As Packard pours himself into an impromptu investigation he unveils deeper and deeper levels of conspiracy that lead to the unveiling of detailed cover-ups, high dollar fraud and multiple gruesome deaths, all while being called back to the mystery of his own brothers disappearance.

The only thing that got in the way for this being essentially perfect for me was how each lead ended. At the end of the story, no perpetrator was left alive (including within the unveiling truth of his brother’s demise) and the one that is was not heard of again. I wish something had been done differently with any of the antagonists but other than that small issue, I felt the book was overall engaging and satisfying.

I would recommend this series to anyone interested in classic detective style novels, and it doesn’t hurt to sprinkle in the inclusion LGBTQ+ characters for those who seek out that material.

Thanks to @netgalley and @poisonedpenpress I had the honor of reading A Long Time Gone by @jmoehling before its release date.

YOU GUYS. You. Freaking. Guys. This was even better than I hoped it would be. When I tell you Ben Packard sits beside Will Trent as an absolute favorite book character, I am not exaggerating. He’s THAT good.

Raw and gritty, Moehling’s books get to the heart of what it means to be fully human in every sense. These books may stand out from others in the genre due to the fact that the MC is a gay detective, but let me emphasize that Ben’s sexuality is the least interesting thing about him. He is a multifaceted character that I fall in love with every time I read one of these books. This one in particular.

If you’re a fan of Karin Slaughter, trust me when I tell you, you’ll be a fan of Joshua Moehling. He brings the same heart, twists, and page-turning intrigue that’ll keep you reaching for his books whenever you see them. He’s also just a really cool human who doesn’t get annoyed when I keep messaging him while I read 😂

My most anticipated release of the year! I am not particularly fond of series, mostly because it usually picks up on supporting characters view points for the addional books in the series, but this series is PERFECTION! I read "And There He Kept Her" and "Where The Dead Sleep" back to back at the beginning of 2024 and have been waiting since the summer when I found that book 3 was coming.

Packard…WOW, what a protagonist! I was swept up in the entire story and his character: devoted, accountable, detailed-driven, caring, but desperate for answers. Packard is completely devoted to his career. You never doubt that he would get to the bottom of what happened but with each twist and turn, I kept thinking this may never end. I only foresaw one twist of the many twists and turns. I secretly hope this isn't the end of his story…let's not forget to mention his mom. She is the mother we all wished we had and is funny. Her love for her child exudes unconditional love.

Thank you so much for the ARC and the chance to work with you.

First off make sure you read the first 2 of this series before this one. With that being said this book was confusing and really slow paced for a thriller. While I appreciate the advance copy I struggled with the writing . The premise sounded so good but the execution fell flat

I really enjoy reading this series. Joshua Moehling blends crime, suspense, and Ben's personal story into the story. In this story Ben visits the house of his grandparents only to learn the owner has died by falling down the steps. After looking at the house Ben does not believe she fell. Also, Ben is still searching for his missing brother.
This story is the kind of book I love. It will keep you turning the pages to see what trouble Ben will get himself into next. I would highly recommend reading this series.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #JoshuaMoehling and #PoisonedPenPress for a copy of this book.
#ALongTimeGone

I loved Ben Packard from the moment I started reading Where the Dead Sleep, and I’m so happy to say that the third book in this series is as good as its predecessor (I haven’t read the first one). And if you haven’t read the first two books, they’re pretty good and easily readable as standalone.

Joshua Moehling’s writing is very accessible, and therefore, I flew through the pages. This series is comparable to Lev C. Rosen’s Andy Mills series and William Hussey’s Scott Jericho series. All three series have a gay detective focused on solving a mystery while, at the same time, more and more about the detective’s personal life comes to the surface.

So, I loved meeting Ben’s mom and learning more about his backstory, especially the disappearance of his older brother Nick at seventeen and the way Ben tends to push his feelings aside by working more instead of finding a hobby or connecting to other people.

There was one thing, one tiny thing, or I should say one person, who I wanted to see more of, and that person was Kyle. Sadly, he only made an appearance at the start and the end of the story. Overall, I highly recommend this book or the whole series!

Ben Packard returns in A Long Time Gone resuming his police officer duties but now working at the local courthouse. After an unfortunate incident that ends in a fatal shooting during a court hearing one morning, Packard is placed on leave. He begins to research his brother Nick’s unsolved disappearance after new information comes to light. Packard was a child when his teenage brother left home and never returned, and a body was never found.
Packard is also working on a newly developed mystery in town involving an elderly woman who lived in his family’s home after they vacated when he was a child after Nick’s disappearance. He suspects her fall down a flight of stairs was not an accident and may be connected to a much sinister crime.
Both mysteries set Packard on an emotional, dangerous, and tumultuous journey that he has to prepare himself for.
This was a 4*read, thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the E-Arc and the chance to review it!

I am definitely a fan of Ben Packard, and I really enjoy this series! In this latest book, there are really two different crime strands at play, and both of them kept me on my toes and wanting to know more. Moehling is great at executing his plot, and even though there are many pieces, it all makes sense and is easy to follow along with. I wish a little more had been done with the storylines around his romantic life as it felt unresolved in the end (but maybe that is for the next book which I am definitely going to read). If you are looking for a strong detective series to start, then I would definitely recommend this one!

I made it to 34%. Unfortunately I just could not get into this one. I love Ben Packard but I was not able to get hooked in.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc. I really enjoyed this and I would recommend reading this. This was my first book by this author and he did not disappoint. I would rate this book 5 stars.

𝐀 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐞
𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐞𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝟓⭐️

Ahh BEN PACKARD!! One of my most favorite fictional characters of all time and author @jmoehling has created one of my most favorite series.

𝐀 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐞 is the third book in the Ben Packard Series and it of course did not dissapoint. Back in 2022 the first book of the series 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫 released and to this day it is still one of my favorite books! @jmoehling knows how to write a mystery and execute an intriguing, addictive, storyline. His plots are realistic, it’s almost like reading a true crime story. I love a thriller/mystery that is not over the top, so many thrillers these days are just way too unrealistic.

Main character Ben Packard is just the perfect character. We’ve seen him grow from book one in so many ways, and his back story is just everything. He’s a complex, likeable character, an amazing DOG DAD and I’ve rooted for him always!

I’ve also always loved the small town setting that @jmoehling has used in each book, it works well for the storyline. I need this series to continue forever! Thank you to @netgalley and @poisonedpenpress for the early copy!

This can be read as a stand alone, but I highly reccomened starting with book one- you won’t regret it! Synopsis in comments.
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#joshuamoehling#alongtimegone
#benpackardseries#benpackard
#posionedpenbooks#bookreview
#bookrecommendations

My thanks to Poisoned Pen Press, and Joshua Moehling.
This is my second book from Mr. Moehling, and ill be honest and tell y'all that I'm annoyed as he'll that I missed his other.
I'm not here to blow smoke up your arse. This is a fantastic book.
Ben might be of my favorite people.
Yeah, I know. Lousy review. I'm sick and really just tired.

I received an eARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

In A Long Time Gone, the third volume of Joshua Moehling’s Ben Packard saga, Moehling continues to demonstrate why he and his characters are exactly what the mystery and suspense genre needed. Amid a sea of repetitive narratives, this series breathes fresh air into the genre, offering complex, relatable characters and a gripping plot.

In this installment, Ben Packard has left the sheriff’s office and now works as court security—a position assigned by the new sheriff, a lackluster figure more interested in collecting a paycheck than serving justice. When a court incident goes awry, Packard is placed on administrative leave while the county attorney reviews his future on the force. Suddenly faced with an abundance of free time, he turns his attention to a personal mystery: his brother’s decades-old disappearance. A fresh lead—an address—sparks new hope, but winter’s harsh grip stalls any immediate action until the snow melts.

Despite the seasonal delay, Packard dives into the unresolved clues left by his late boss, Sheriff Stan Shaw, regarding his brother’s case. However, progress is slow, and his optimism wanes. Adding to the intrigue, a visit to his late grandfather’s home raises new suspicions about the mysterious death of its last owner, Louise Larsen.

Balancing two major plotlines in a single novel can be a daunting challenge, but Moehling handles it with exceptional skill. The intertwining investigations—one into Louise Larsen’s death and the other into the truth behind Packard’s brother’s disappearance—are seamlessly woven together. Each twist and turn keeps readers engaged, while Moehling’s steady pacing ensures no loose ends are left unresolved.

Reading this third installment was an absolute delight. Every time I picked up the book, I found myself unable to put it down, eager to uncover what would happen next. The narrative is so compelling that stopping at a "safe" point felt nearly impossible—every page offered new surprises. The depth and development of the characters, combined with the intricate storytelling, kept me on edge throughout.

This series has quickly become one of my favorites, and A Long Time Gone solidifies my commitment to following Ben Packard’s journey. I’m already eagerly anticipating the next volume and can’t wait to see what Moehling has in store. If you haven’t started this series yet, now is the perfect time to dive in.

Decades later, Ben finds himself working his brother's case to finally discover what happened many years ago. This journey was heartbreaking, beautiful, and forgiving. While Ben is working on his brother's case he is also working on another case. Both are equally intriguing on their own but the investigation on his brother's case was moving for me. The author made me shed some tears and for that this book deserves all the stars. Not sure what's next for Detective Packard, but I hope there is more to come. This one gave me such a good book hangover.

Love this series. Ben Packard is one of my favorite characters, and has had me coming back for more since the first novel. And it’s so bittersweet that this is likely the last book (however, I’d love another!).

If you love detective novels and stories that weave together past and present events in a shocking way, this is a series for you.

Thank you again to Poisoned Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy…available for sale on 2/4/2025! ✨

Main Characters:
-- Ben Packard – Sandy Lake Sheriff’s Deputy, recently lost an election for Sheriff after being acting Sheriff and lead investigator, current Sheriff assigned him to courthouse security
-- Howard Shepard – newly elected Sandy Lake Sheriff, former investigator who Ben had been ready to fire
-- Jim Wolf – chair of the county board of commissioners who had led Howard’s campaign
-- Jill Thielen – Sheriff’s Deputy, close friend and ally to Packard, still works as lead investigator
-- Deputy Reynolds – newest deputy, being trained by Thielen, Packard borrows him for some of his investigation
-- Ray Wiley – a lawyer with a small firm in Sandy Lake, played bridge with Louise Larsen who recently died from a fall down her stairs, Howard’s father-in-law
-- Lisa Washington – Ray’s daughter and a public defender, her sister is married to Howard

"A Long Time Gone" is the third is a series of books featuring Ben Packard, a Deputy Sheriff in Sandy Lake, Minnesota. Packard recently lost a contentious election against Howard Shepard for Sandy Lake Sheriff. With no love lost between the two men, Shepard assigned Packard to courthouse security, quite the step down from the lead investigator and acting Sheriff he had been before the election.

The story starts during a court recess. Jim Wolf is involved in a case against Robert Clark, and Wolf stands to make a lot of money if he wins. As the recess comes to a close, Clark pulls a gun aimed at Wolf, and Packard is forced to shoot him. Since an officer-involved shooting has to go through an investigation, Packard is put on leave.

The author does a great job at making this a stand-alone novel, so I didn’t feel like I was missing much, even though I don’t have the entire back story between Packard and Shepard. Not gonna lie, I might go back and read the first two books because I enjoyed this one enough that I’m curious about the history.

What I do know is this: The former Sheriff passed away, which is how Packard came to be acting Sheriff. While acting Sheriff, Packard investigated a case of someone who abducted and killed several women, reminding him of the disappearance of his own brother 30 years before. He went looking for his brother’s case file, but it turned out to contain only some pictures, a handwritten letter from the former Sheriff, and a map indicating where his brother’s remains are said to be.

Since that he’s on leave with endless time on his hands, Packard decides to start looking into the disappearance of his brother. It’s winter, and the ground is frozen, so Packard figures he can ask some of the residents about one of the pictures to determine whether they can identify two teenagers pictured with his brother.

When Packard shares what he knows with his family, his mother decides to visit him, and they drive to together to Lake Redwing where Packard’s grandfather used to own a lake house. The hope is to find out who lived around the lake when his brother was alive, and his mother hopes to see Louise Larsen, who purchased their family home.

Upon their arrival in Lake Redwing, Louise’s front door is sealed with police tape, and they discover that she died from a fall down her basement stairs the previous summer. When Packard lets himself into the house, he’s suspicious of the determination that Louise’s death was accidental and starts poking around that case as well.

That’s the setup. What follows takes so many turns. The more information Packard uncovers, the more suspect everyone in this affluent town becomes. It gives the classic small-town vibe of everyone knows everyone and everything, but everyone has secrets they’re trying to hide. And the deeper Packard gets into those secrets, the more dangerous the situation becomes.

By the end, there have been disappearances, murders, fraud, theft, cover-ups, you name it. This story overflows with action, and Packard finds himself at the center of everything. The author does a great job with the characters too. Packard describes his mom by saying “Her spirituality was an ever-evolving casserole of new age, Wiccan, Native, Buddhist, feminist, sex-positive beliefs that only made sense to her.” She’s a bit over the top…ok, a lot over the top, and the sex-positivity goes a little too far for my tastes, but I feel like it rings true for her character.

We get a taste for the friendship between Thielen and Packard in their interactions. When she mentions having some recent stomach issues and Packard suggests maybe she’s pregnant, she comes back with “Maybe you’re an asshole who should get out of my office if you’re not here to do any actual work.” But Packard regularly goes for dinner with her and her husband. They’re friends outside of work and bust each other’s chops on a regular basis.

I won’t give away how the whole story line unfolds or resolves. It’s a bit complicated, and I don’t want to spoil it anyway. I enjoyed seeing how everything wraps up, and I’m hopeful that Packard will find his place back in investigation (and maybe behind the Sheriff’s desk) in future books.

This third installment in the Ben Packard series was just as good as the first two and in some ways even better. This is a twisty police procedural with a great cast of suspects and finally we find out what happened to Ben’s brother when he disappeared decades ago.

Ben is such a great character. He is complex, diligent and has a lot of integrity. He follows his moral compass to find the truth even when that jeopardizes his job. He is also good at paying attention to details which is what makes him such a good detective. But he also questions himself at times which makes him work even harder to overcome his doubts about the investigations. The memories of his brother are woven into the story in such a way that makes them heartbreaking. I also loved his relationship with his mother, who is a bit much, but wants what is best for her son.

This book has three plots interwoven together to form a very interesting story. The book opens with Ben being involved in a shooting, which puts him on leave. This means he has a lot of time on his hands. He ends up looking at a death of an elderly woman more closely. These two stories intertwine with the mystery of what happened to Ben’s brother. All of the stories will keep you guessing as to what is really going on. The suspects are well rounded and written in a way that makes you think they are all guilty of something. The pacing is a little bit slow at times, but the characters keep you interested in knowing what happens. The truth of what happened to Ben is gut wrenching but gives the story closure.

I am hoping that this is not the last book featuring Ben Packard. I love the small town feel to the story and Ben is such a great character that I am not ready to say goodbye to. His fellow sheriffs are also a fun bunch to hang with. The mysteries are also well done and are twisty enough to keep you guessing until the end. This is a series I highly recommend.

Deputy Packard, on administrative leave while a shooting is investigated, has time to kill, so he returns to the home where he was raised. His childhood memories flood back, of the tragedy, when his older brother, aged sixteen, went missing. He was presumed to have drowned, but his body was never recovered. And now Ben starts to dig for answers. In the process, Ben unearths a second mystery in which a retired widow, was found at the bottom of the basement stairs. The easy answer is that she was drunk and just fell, but Ben isn’t so sure.

What a character! Ben Packard is a classic police detective, and Joshua Moehling does a great job of creating a fictional protagonist who sounds and acts true to life. He has a quirky personality and a quick wit. But he’s not my favorite character. Ben’s mama is the best! Oh, and there’s the three-legged corgi named Frank who’s also loveable.

A LONG TIME GONE is the third book in the series, but the story can stand alone.

Title: A Long Time Gone
Author: Joshua Moehling
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Pub date: 2/4/2025


Book 3 in the Ben Packard series.

Ben Packard is a police officer that just lost the Sheriff’s election. As he gets put on leave, he stumbles across a murder he feels driven to solve. He also wants to find out what happened years ago to his older (then teenage) brother who disappeared one winter night in MN.

Ben is an upstanding Deputy who is dogged in his determination to get answers wherever they may lead.

I couldn’t help but root for Ben Packard throughout the story. As the reader, you will discover the evidence as Packard does. The story will take you for a few twists and turns along the way. The further you get into the story, the more engrossing it became.

If you like police procedurals then you will enjoy this one. Ben Packard is one of my favorite reads.

Thank you #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for the opportunity to read this story in advance.