A Long Time Gone is the third book in the Ben Packard, mysteries by Josh Moehling, when the book begins, Ben Packard is working security at the courthouse, where a man has taken Councilman wolf to court over property wolf claims is his. When it doesn’t go the homeowner‘s way he pulls out. a gun and Ben is force to shoot him when he don’t comply with Ben’s orders. due to the shooting, Ben is put on administrative suspension and decides to take this time to look into his brother‘s case when he learns the previous sheriff and his mentor has left the map to where his brother is buried he shares the news on a zoom call with his family and this is how his mom winds up in Sandy Lake. when his mom gets nostalgic and wants to visit the new owners of his grandpa‘s Lakeside cabin, it begins another mystery that some at first called an accident, but when Ben is finished, a whole nest of crime will be uncovered and at the same time, he will solve a lot of his own problems. The case will also bring Ben to his old stompping grounds, and he will reunite with an old friend. this encounter will teach him in order to have a good friend. Sometimes you have to be one, but his traveling doesn’t stop there before. The story ends Ben Packard like a fish out of water will go international, but the trip will bring some hometown truths that may help solve Nick‘s murder.. I love these books and it just seems like they just get better and better. I really hope Ben and the “beer guy“ get together soon and I also love that despite the new sheriffs distain for Ben it almost seems as if he has a grudging respect for him and his intelligence when it comes to policing. I love these books and cannot wait for the next one… OMG love these freaking books! Of course, I listen to the audio with narration by Linda Jones, who has a stellar voice for this type of book. She always does so well can’t wait to hear the next addition.#NetGalley,#DreamscapeMedia,#TheBlindReviewer, #JoshMoehling,#TheBenPackardMysteries, #ALongTimeGone,

I love this whole series but this one, the third book in the series, is my favorite. Ben Packard is a wonderful, multilayered protagonist with a slightly inappropriate (and hilarious) mother. All of the characters are well developed except perhaps Lady Gaga Pinot Grigio Margaret Ann String Cheese Reid. But she is a dog so I’ll give the author some leeway on that one.

The narration was as wonderful on this audiobook as the two previous titles. I found myself sitting in my vehicle waiting until the end of the chapter more than once.

This could be read as a standalone as the author does give plenty of backstory, but the first two were so good! Do yourself a favor and read them in order. There is a long standing mystery solved in this title that we’ve been wondering about since book one.

I hope the author continues this series for a very long time. I will be waiting patiently for book four.

3.5 stars. I don't think I would have read this if I realized it was third in a series, since I usually like to start from the beginning, and I did feel like I was missing some back story here. But overall, you can understand this story without having read the previous books. Pretty good mystery here--I liked that it was based on a recent Minnesota fraud scandal, as I enjoy ripped-from-the-headlines stories, especially if they're local. Ben Packard wasn't a hugely compelling character to me, but again--I might feel differently if I'd known him for two books already, and I did start to get a better sense of him towards the end as the storyline about his missing brother wrapped up. I may go back and read the earlier books and see if I can connect with the series better that way.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc,
I didn’t realize it was book 3 in a series, I was going to listen to it anyway as it could be read as a standalone, when it got to gay men I stopped listening, I have no issues with gay people I just did not feel like listening about gay men! So I did not finish! I didn’t listen long enough to give the best review so I’m rating 3 stars!

This read like a cozy mystery, even though there was death and attempted murder, the tone of the book helped digest those details. I haven’t read the previous books, and this can be read as a standalone which was cool, but I’ll definitely check out books 1&2 now.

Joshua Moehling (favorite author) returns with his popular Ben Packard series, following And There He Kept Her #1, and Where the Dead Sleep #2, with his most emotional and BEST yet—the one fans have been waiting for, A LONG TIME GONE #3.

The title, 'A LONG TIME GONE,' hints at the long-standing mystery of Ben's brother's disappearance, which is finally revisited in this installment.

Ben Packard, who lost his older brother, Nick, decades ago when he left on his snowmobile and never returned, is about to embark on a deeply emotional journey. Finally, he will get the closure and answers he has longed for. It's a poignant moment —a journey that will resonate with readers profoundly in addition to the other riveting cases.

About...

We return to Sandy Lake, Minnesota, , where the book opens with a gripping sequence of events. Shepard (Barney Fife) won the election (last book), and Ben happens to be at the courthouse when a shooting occurs. Now, he is on leave due to the investigation, adding a layer of suspense to the story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to unravel the mysteries.

Thirty years earlier, Nick Packard snuck out of his grandparents' house two nights after Christmas and never came home. Ben was twelve and the last family member to see his brother alive. He wanted to go with his brother, but Nick would not allow it, and he said he was meeting a friend.

Divers found the sled three days later in open water near the ice's edge. The previous year, Packard had searched NIck's file and found it was missing from the cold case storage.

It wasn't until Stan Shaw died and gave Packard the box that he realized his former boss had connected him to the boy who disappeared all those years ago. He gathers more information in the letter with an apology and a map. Could it be his brother? Everything is very mysterious.

Since it was January in the middle of the winter and snow, they would have to wait until April or later for the thaw.

In the meantime, Packard's mom, a character full of sass and wit, shows up (and Lordy, that woman is a hoot). She is every gay guy's dream mom, always ready to play matchmaker between her son and Kyle (the bartender). Her presence adds a touch of humor to the story and provides a much-needed break from the intense plot, leaving the readers thoroughly entertained.

The plot thickens as Ben and his mom head to their grandparents' former house while she is in town—only to discover the owner's mysterious death. As the bodies pile up, the case becomes increasingly complex, adding intrigue to the narrative.

Little does he know how the two cases will connect. Then, there is more action, and Ben is caught in the crossfire. Someone wants to keep him quiet the closer he gets to the truth about this case. Someone is hiding deadly secrets much more significant than you can imagine. Follow the money.

From here, toward the end of the book, we circle back to the search for his brother and the mystery. Ben follows many leads and flies to Europe for the first time to gather more information (no spoilers here), but what he learns shocks him and changes everything. A tragedy. Two families. Things he did not know about his brother and those associated with him.

How different would his life have been if he had someone to guide him to live without shame or secrets? Packard will risk everything to catch a killer and reveal the shocking truth about his brother.

My thoughts...

I'd follow Deputy Ben Packard anywhere. Bring on #4! 🎬Please, a TV series or movie! I want a front-row seat.

Ben is my hero, a fabulous, smart, and courageous gay cop. (This sets him apart from the normal series, making him a stand-out character). I love this series! (all 5 stars). I have read them all, and Joshua is one of my favorite authors.

Razor-sharp! Moehling impressively juggles multi-narratives, skillfully blending humor, suspense, action, murder, crime, cop procedural, mystery, and family dynamics with a literary flare— and a stellar cast of characters you are fully invested in. Ben Packard is one of my favorite characters, and the author showcases all his sides making him highly relatable. You root for him until the end.

I adore Ben's mom, full of sass and wit, plus all the supporting characters. I cannot wait to see what adventure Ben is involved in next.

The atmosphere adds to the story and intensity amid the harsh Minnesota winter. Deputy Packard is an intelligent and courageous gay cop (plus he is HOT), or so I imagine him to be. We also get to catch up with some fun characters (and some bad ones) from past books, which is always a good time.

While this novel can be read as a standalone, why miss out on all the fun and background? Read all three books so you will become a fan for life. I highly recommend the author and series!

Joshua is a master storyteller, and I am a huge fan. Top Books of 2025 and favorite series. Josh, congratulations on being a full-time author! I knew you would be a star since your debut.

Audiobook...

I read the book and listened to the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Linda Jones for a stellar performance, elevating the novel and bringing the characters to life. Listeners will be hooked from beginning to end.

Recs...

A LONG TIME GONE and the series is for avid fans of the author—and if you enjoy authors: Lisa Gardner, Lisa Unger, Heather Gudenkauf, Allen Eskens, Karin Slaughter, Mary Kubica, Alice Feeney, John McMahon, Carter Wilson, Christina McDonald, John Fram, and William Kent Krueger— this series is for you with Moehling's signature style.

Interview...

Check out my fun QA INTERVIEW: I am delighted to feature Joshua for my Feb #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A, where we go behind the book and the series and up close and personal with this talented SUPERSTAR.

Special thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for a digital ARC via NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Feb 4, 2025
Feb 2025 Must-Read Books
Featured #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A
Top Books & series of 2025

My Reviews: Ben Packard Series:
And There He Kept Her #1,
Where the Dead Sleep #2

Elevator Ride Interviews:
And There He Kept Her #1,
A Long Time Gone #3

I’m a big fan of gay, good hearted Ben Packard. As the third in the series, I recommend reading these books in order. Moehling does a great job of recapping the key storylines but Packer’s backstory is probably more enjoyable reading in order.

For the first time in years, new information about Ben’s missing brother Nick has surfaced. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this, so I couldn’t wait to get into it.

After a shooting, Ben gets put on leave, so spends time on his brothers cold case. But half way in, he sniffs out a murder and that takes up a large bulk of the book. Not gonna lie, this didn’t interest me half as much as the cold case.

The audiobook was just as good as the previous two. I love when a series has the same narrator throughout - it feels so cozy.

Two highlights of this book were Ben’s mom who is now one of my favorite book characters- let’s hope we get more of her - and finally learning about brother Nick. It was super satisfying but heartbreaking in ways I didn’t anticipate.

Fans of crime thrillers will love this series and I’m hoping this isn’t a closed door on Packard and Sandy Lake, Minnesota.

Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review

4.25 stars
A Long Time Gone by Joshua Moehling is a gripping and suspenseful read that will captivate fans of police procedurals and crime thrillers, particularly those who enjoy complex mysteries, intricate plots, and a dash of emotional depth, making it a perfect fit for readers who crave a thrilling and thought-provoking page-turner.

Ben was just a young boy when his older brother disappeared, as a grown man and a now deputy on suspension Ben is working on this cold case to find out what exactly has happened to his brother.

The third book in a small town police procedural series that can be read as a standalone has a police detective trying to solve a crime that has connections to his past. Good on audio, this was my first by Joshua Moehling and I quite enjoyed it. Will be looking into the other books in the series and recommending it for fans of winter thrillers with emotional depth. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was so good!!! I loved how there were so many different things that all tied together but were separate at the same time!

I really enjoined Long Time Gone. It was a bit of a slow burn and the two mysteries in the story kept me guessing. This book has my favorite character name ever - a dog named Lady Gaga Pinot Grigio Margaret Anne String Cheese Reed! ❤️

This is the 3rd book in the Ben Packard series by Joshua Moehling. Starting with book 3 didn’t hinder my enjoyment, understanding or ability to follow the story. I plan to go back and read book 1 & 2. Linda Jones did an excellent job with the narration.

Thank you to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I couldn’t get into this story and think it’s because I haven’t been with the MC or other characters all along. While technically the book/story can stand alone, I feel like you need the emotional connection and history with the MC and the subject of this case to enjoy it/care to learn more.

Thanks netgalley

A Long Time Gone is an excellent mystery with a wonderful main character who has many layers. Five stars!

This was a good story. A bit personal, a bit political, a bit police procedural, a bit of sleuthing. A lot of bad people, and some not so much.Told with a hint of humor, Ben has grown on me and I'm looking forward to his continued career. Great audiobook narrator and story telling. Thank you to Dreamscape for my ALC.

I like this series! I really enjoyed finding out what happened to his brother and I liked how the other loose ends from the last book were tied up too

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Pub Date: 2/4
•
Ben Packard, may be my favorite cop ever. The stoicism, the one liners, not backing down, this man is just the total package. I love him so much and will always follow his stories. After finishing Where the Dead Sleep (book two in the series), I knew that I was going to have to read book three because of that cliffhanger ending, which was one of my favorite endings ever. So of course, as soon as this went on NetGalley, I jumped at the opportunity to read it. 
•
Just like the other two books in this series, I flew through this one very quickly. I loved how invested I am in this character and wanted to know exactly what happened (I will keep exactly what to myself to avoid any spoilers). I love how Moehling created two different story lines essentially and managed to make them connect while not making them connect if that makes sense. There are new characters introduced who I loved. And lastly, my favorite part - we got answers to the ending of book two!! Fantastic addition to the series!
•
I listened to this one while reading the ebook and it was narrated by Linda Jones. I've said this in my past reviews, but I really don't like that this story is narrated by a female, even if the story is told in a third person POV. She does a great job for sure, but I feel like the story would go better if it was narrated by a male..
•
The series definitely needs to be read in order, but it is a great series, so if you are looking for a new series - be sure to pick this one up!! Thank you to NetGalley, Joshua Moehling, Dreamscape Media and Poisoned Pen Press for the ALC and eARC in exchange for my honest review!

I didn't know this was the third book in a series. There's enough information to not feel lost, but at the same time I like to do stuff in order. I did enjoy this one but it didn't feel super exciting. The story was nice to follow and the protagonist Ben is such a great character. I am definitely going back to read the previous books.

This book had be riveted throughout the entire story. This is the third book in a series but I felt that the author gave me enough information that this book can stand-alone for a reader to pick up and understand. With that said, I plan to go back to the first two books and pick them up because the character and the writing are so intriguing. Ben Packard is a deputy sheriff who has recently lost an election for the sheriff position that he was previously holding as an acting sheriff after the long-term sheriff died. There is a cop involved shooting that starts off the story involving Ben and it puts him on leave. During this leave, he becomes entangled in looking into his the open case involving his missing brother who disappeared when Ben was a young boy and crosses path with another case that takes him in multiple directions. I think what I found fascinating is nothing feels cheesy or overly obvious. Pieces of the puzzle slot in nicely and there's a build up of suspense that is handled perfectly. I will say two things that took me by surprise was the audiobook was a female narrator for a MMC and that the deputy is openly gay. That fact is featured as part of the reason he may have not gotten enough votes to be elected to the sheriff position and I think that there is a character who has this struggle in his life in a male dominated field is an interesting twist. The female narrator does a pretty good job of making me forget that she's voicing a male character so I would say it was successfully done but it was an interesting choice. Both cases that Ben is part of come to a conclusion and from what I can tell his brother's case is carried over from book 1 and 2 so I think fans of the series will enjoy knowing there is some closure here. I look forward to more from this author.

Joshua Moehling has done it again!

I was delighted to see Deputy Ben Packard again. In this novel, we follow the slow investigation of the cold case of Ben's own brother, who had gone missing several years ago. We follow Ben and the difficulties and challenges of discovering the truth. During this time, Ben discovers another suspicious death. The ending was not expected.

Loved it! Thanks to Poisoned Pen and Net Galley for the ARC.

Title: A Long Time Gone
Author: Joshua Moehling
Series: Ben Packard #3
Format: 🎧
Narrator; Linda Jones
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date was: February 4, 2025
My Rating: 3.5 rounded up
Pages: 336

Thirty years ago when Ben was twelve years-old his older brother Nick decided to leave their grandparents home where they were both spending the night. Ben begged Nick to take him. Nick laughed and picked him up and took him out into the snow. Ben ran back inside and Nick took off on a snowmobile. The snowmobile was found, as well as one frozen glove but no Nick.

Now Ben is the Deputy in Sandy Lake, Minnesota, a nice quiet town. However, he is currently on leave as he and another deputy were courthouse Deputies The man on trial turned into an active shooter and hit an innocent person , the shooter was shot and killed so now an investigation is required.
Packard recently got some new information about his brother and decided since he has the time he would investigate, he of course, is on own without department resources. When doing his research he comes across a suspicious death and has a feeling tit might be connected to his brother’s case.

Story kept me curious as like Ben and I wanted him to find closure regarding the disappearance of his brother.
As in the other two stories I read there are unlikeable characters- I wasn’t a fan of their foul language- however, I believe this was the best in this series.

Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for granting me this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date was February 4, 2025.