A Long Time Gone by Joshua Moehling, Narrated by Linda Jones

As a detective does his investigation into a case, he uncovers leads into the disappearance of his brother from over 20 years ago. As he uncovers more clues, the story becomes more and more of a mystery.

A great investigative, who-done-it crime thriller that will jeep you guessing. Linda Jones did an excellent job with the narration. I very much enjoyed this audiobook! Thank you @NetGalley, @DreamscapeMedia and @JoshuaMoehling for this DRC audiobook!

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future. I wish I could give it 6 stars! I'm a big fan of this entire series.

Joshua Moehling delivers a gripping and well-crafted murder mystery in A Long Time Gone, blending suspense with meaningful representation. This novel stands out not just for its taut, compelling investigation but also for its nuanced portrayal of an LGBTQIA+ protagonist, whose identity is seamlessly woven into the story without overshadowing the central crime narrative.

At its core, this is a thrilling detective story that keeps readers engaged as the protagonist navigates the twists and turns of the investigation. The stakes are high, and Moehling ensures that every revelation adds depth and complexity to the case. What makes this novel particularly refreshing is how the main character’s sexuality is an integral part of his life without being the sole focus—offering a natural, authentic representation within the mystery genre.

Beyond the suspense, the novel also boasts strong character development. The protagonist’s journey is both emotional and intense, showcasing his determination and resilience. The inclusion of a witty and supportive mother adds levity to the tension, balancing the darker themes with humor and heart.

With its sharp writing, intricate plotting, and well-developed characters, A Long Time Gone is a standout mystery that delivers both thrills and meaningful representation. Moehling proves that diversity in crime fiction not only enriches the genre but also creates stories that feel fresh, relevant, and engaging.

Verdict: A smart, well-paced murder mystery that seamlessly integrates LGBTQIA+ representation while delivering all the intrigue and suspense mystery lovers crave. Highly recommended for fans of crime fiction with depth and heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I am loving this series! Packard is an amazing main character and I really enjoy how he investigates all of his cases and how he works through his struggles. The plot in this latest novel was so good and I loved that there were the two cases running side by side in the book. I really enjoyed the twists in this book and how we finally have answers for Packard about his brother’s death. This was a great mystery and I hope there will be more books in this series in the future.

Amazing! I love a good police procedural! Ben Packard is a sharp witted investigator that never disappoints. This is a series but I read it as a standalone and it worked well. I definitely enjoyed the audio version of this title as the narrator was smooth and their intonation perfect for the story, The pacing was just right and the transitions between chapters were smooth. I definitely recommend this title to anyone looking for a new fast paced series!

This is the third book in the Ben Packard series but can be read as a standalone as I have not read the first two and enjoyed this story immensely. I’m looking forward to reading the previous books and any subsequent ones.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest in the Ben Packard series by Joshua Moehling, perfectly narrated by Linda Jones. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Ben Packard was just a boy when his older brother, Nick, disappeared. Ben watched him walk out the back door of their grandparents' house and he was never seen again. Decades later, Deputy Packard finally has some new information that may lead them to the location of Nick's body and provide some closure for their family. When Ben and his mom visit his grandparents' house, he comes across another dead body. Is there a connection?

This is one of my favorite series - just wonderful characters in a sharp police procedural. If you haven't read the first two, you definitely should, but this would stand alone on its own merit as well. Both mysteries are gripping and tense, and kept me guessing, but it's the characters that really shine. I loved Ben's mother and she added some comic relief to the suspense. I also appreciate that nothing is over the top graphic. The author juggles both mysteries, family dynamics, a small town Minnesota setting, and I couldn't look away. I can't wait for the next book in this series - highly recommended!

Moehling returns with another compelling installment, delivering everything fans love about Ben Packard. This police procedural masterfully blends an engaging mystery with heartfelt storytelling, seamlessly weaving in family drama and characters that feel instantly relatable. His character development is unmatched, and I love that he never sacrifices twists and revelations while consistently delivering heart.

Moehling’s prose is as compelling as ever, weaving a poignant tale of loss and redemption as Packard relentlessly seeks the truth about his brother. While this can be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the full series to fully appreciate the depth of character growth and maximize your engagement.
I’m fully invested in his journey—sign me up for more!

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. The narrator, Linda Jones does a great job portraying Ben and many of the other characters. It was such an addicting listen that I listened to it in a day. Very well done.

This was my first dive into the world of Ben Packard, but I didn't have trouble following the storyline at all. I would like to read the first two books after enjoying this one so much. Ben is a great main character with a complex backstory coming into play with the disappearance of his brother, and a newer case being the focus. I was thoroughly entertained as would fans of crime thrillers or police procedurals.