Book 2 of the police procedural series starring Acting Sheriff Ben Packard, “Where the Dead Sleep” will leave you wanting more.

Joshua Moehling does an excellent job of keeping readers invested in the story throughout.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series and would recommend it to anyone that’s a fan of police procedurals for sure.

Thank you NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Joshua Moehling for selecting me to read this advanced copy.

I enjoyed everything about Where the Dead Sleep by Moehling.. But the cliffhanger ending just left me anxious for the next book in the series to come out.

I really enjoyed this and now feel extra dumb for not already reading And There He Kept Her. Suffice it to say, this works quite well as a standalone if you've not read the first book in the Ben Packard series.

Love Ben as a character and love the small town Minnesota setting with all of the gossip and intrigue you'd expect -- the dead guy married his ex-wife's SISTER?!?

Excited to see what happens next for Packard!

My first mistake was not realizing this was a series, but that was okay. I struggled to get through this book, and I had trouble connecting with the characters. The premise was good, but I did not find myself engaged, or caring what was going to happen. I do think that some of this could have been eliminated if I had read the first book, but this was just not for me.

4 out of 5
Where the Dead Sleep is the second installment in the Ben Packard series. The story follows Deputy Ben Packard, who is called to investigate a home invasion that resulted in the murder of Bill Sandersen. As Packard digs deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies involving Bill’s family, friends, and enemies. During this investigation, Packard is also dealing with his own personal issues: his missing brother, his uncertain future, and his complicated love life.

As mentioned, this is the second book in the series and while it could be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the first book, “And There He Kept Her.”

Overall, this book was well written and perfectly paced for this reader. I appreciate that the ending left things open for the next book, I am curious to see where Ben ends up next!

Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press, the author, and Net Galley for the ARC.

I had not read the first novel in this series before reading Where the Dead Sleep. This was able to be read as a standalone. That being said, I would definitely like the read the first to get more background on Ben's character. Ben has been the stand-in sheriff while the current sheriff is suffering from cancer. Ben is called to a murder where Bill Sandersen has been shot. There are many layers to this man's life, including being currently married to his ex-wife's sister!! This was very enjoyable and you can't help but just love Ben's character. I will definitely be looking for more from Joshua Moehling in the future.

I wanted to like this book a bit more since I loved the first book but it didn't work out for me. I just couldn't get into the story.

I hadn't read the first in this series, however, they can be read on their own. I did really enjoy the pace of this novel, as well as how the author layered all the ideas and plotlines throughout. I really enjoyed this book overall and read it very quickly for me!

I wanted to love this book, but it was a book that was more of the middle of the road. This was my second book by Josh Moehing. I liked the writing but I do with that it grabbed my attention a little bit better.

Beneath the snowdrifts of Sandy Lake, Minnesota, lies a web of deceit and a murder that sends Deputy Ben Packard on a hunt for the truth that chills as much as it enthralls. Joshua Moehling's "Where the Dead Sleep" is a masterclass in weaving a suspenseful mystery that keeps you guessing until the very last page.

Packard, a newcomer to the sleepy town, finds himself thrown into the heart of a storm when Bill Sandersen, a local with a past as checkered as a backgammon board, is found dead. As Packard delves deeper, he uncovers a tangled mess of resentments, broken promises, and hidden agendas, making every resident a potential suspect.

Moehling's skill lies in crafting characters that are as flawed as they are fascinating. Packard, haunted by his own past, grapples with his own demons while navigating the treacherous waters of small-town politics and simmering feuds. The supporting cast, from the enigmatic ex-wife to the tight-lipped business partner, are all meticulously drawn, each with their own secrets to bury and motives to conceal.

The mystery itself is a serpentine knot, expertly unraveled by Packard's relentless pursuit of the truth. Red herrings abound, keeping you off balance as you desperately try to piece together the clues. Just when you think you've figured it out, Moehling throws in another twist, leaving you breathless and eager to devour the next chapter.

But "Where the Dead Sleep" is more than just a whodunit. It's a poignant exploration of the scars the past leaves, the weight of guilt and regret, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. The novel paints a vivid picture of Sandy Lake, a town where the icy winds blow not just through the streets, but also through the cracks in lives built on shaky foundations.

Moehling's prose is clear and sharp, perfectly capturing the bleak beauty of the Minnesota winter and the simmering tension beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives. He masterfully builds suspense, layering each scene with hints and foreshadowing that keep you glued to the page, desperate to uncover the truth.

"Where the Dead Sleep" is a haunting and suspenseful read, perfect for fans of mysteries that linger long after the final page is turned. It's a story that will leave you questioning your own judgment, wondering who you can trust, and ultimately realizing that sometimes, the dead can hold the key to unlocking the secrets of the living.

So, grab a thermos of hot cocoa, curl up by the fire, and prepare to lose yourself in the icy grip of "Where the Dead Sleep." You won't regret it.

This book was story number 2 in a series, but it can be read as a standalone as well. We follow Ben Packard, the acting sheriff and how he has gotten to where he is today, would be best understood if you read the first book before adventuring into this one....
I do think I enjoyed the first novel better, but isn't that the case with most sequels lately? Still worth the read, Packard is not only trying to solve a murder, but also battling his own thoughts on whether or not to run for sheriff while wondering if someone is after him too... It is slightly easy to guess what will happen from early on in this one, but it is action packed (slower in some parts) & filled with so many layers, you will be intrigued the whole ride.
I am still looking forward to the next adventure. I know after ending on a cliffhanger like that, there just has to be more!!
This is my new favorite police procedural series!
3.5 stars rounded up!
Thank you to #Netgalley & publishers for the arc of this one in exchange for my honest review.

Great book by an author not known to me. Enjoyed the storyline and characters. I would definitely recommend. 4 stars

The book was very fastpaced so I read it in two days, also due to the fact it was really captivating.
I did not read the first book of the series but I did not have the feeling I missed something, although maybe a bit about the boat-shooter, that story keeps it alive and makes you really want to read the next books.
Although I really liked the storyline, I hoped there would be more of OMG-factor while reading the plot but altogether a really nice read.

When there is a murder in a small town, it tends to be a big story. Ben Packard, acting sheriff, is called in to be the lead investigator in the death of Bill Sanderson, who was shot twice in his bed while he was sleeping. His second wife, Carrie, claims to have only heard one shot, but doesn't seem to be giving the full story. It all revolves around a hummingbird pin and $20,000 that Bill withdrew shortly before his death. Things become even more complicated as Ben becomes a target and another death occurs, all while he's balancing the race for sheriff.
Joshua Moehling is a genius when it comes to weaving in clues and deception throughout his novel, and he kept me guessing until the end. It truly was a fun novel and I cannot wait for the third book in the Ben Packard saga. This book kept me on my toes and was an addicting, thrilling read.
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for a copy of this book, all opinions are my own :)

Okay, I am thinking I should have read the author's other book first? Because it seems like everyone else says this is part of a series?! Yet, there is no series indicator in the title or description? Can we get serious about properly marketing/clarifying standalone books in an interconnected series? *screams in Virgo*

Anyway, I think the author is simply not for me. The pacing was all over the place, scenes jumped so abruptly from one to another, and though you expect a thriller to be fast-paced, this was too much. It stressed me out, and it wasn't just the story that stressed me out. It was the exposition, the storytelling, the pace, the tone of the book. It was the writing. The plot was enjoyable enough but my brain could not follow the writing that well. I think I'm the outlier here because everyone else adored it, but that's okay.

This is the second book in this series, I haven't read the first and had no trouble following along. Although, after finishing I would like to go back and read BK 1.

I enjoyed Packard as our main character, he is smart and determined to solve the case. And I can't wait to dive deeper into his life and learn more about him. The case Packard works on in this book is especially twisty and turny. When a man is murdered in his bed the prime suspect is not only his wife but her two sisters as well, and I loved watching Packard put all the puzzle pieces together. I also loved how it ended, and am really excited to continue this series and see where it all is going to go from here.

A mystery and suspense novel meets crime procedural. The second in the “Ben Packard” series (and what doesn’t seem will be the last), this story follows Deputy/interim Sheriff Ben investigating the home invasion murder of a popular local known to get himself in trouble. With plenty of suspects…ranging from shady gambling connections to his wife or her sister (aka his ex-wife…yes, that’s some additional drama), Packard has his work cut out for him to find the suspect in time.
As the investigation continues in the tiny Minnesota town, some are set to make sure their secrets remain just that.
I liked this and hope Joshua Moehling will continue the series. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is out now.

4 stars

Bill Sandersen is shot twice in his bed in the quiet Minnesota town of Sandy Lake. While Bill was well-liked within the town (despite having bad debt and a trail of broken hearts following him) it was clear someone had sinister motives. When Deputy Ben Packard questions those close to Bill, everyone has a story but none with a clear motive. So, who did it? Was it the business partner? The ex-wife? The current wife (who is also the ex-wife's sister)? Or someone with an ulterior motive?

This was my first Moehling book and definitely won't be my last! While I have heard of And There He Kept Her, I didn't make the connection that these were a part of the same series until about halfway through the book. It didn't take away from the story though and this book could definitely be read as a stand-alone.

This story was so captivating and thrilling, that I felt like I was living in the town and investigating this murder alongside Packard. Where the Dead Sleep was very fast-paced and easy to read, I devoured it in a couple of sittings. The unpredictability of the story also made you keep guessing who did it the whole way, with many twists and turns, you'll be on the edge of your seat. This one also ends with a pretty big cliffhanger and sets it up nicely for the next book.

I would recommend this to anyone who is after an intense page-turner, with a plot that will keep you guessing right up to the very end.

Thank you to Netgalley and Poison Pen Press for sending me an ARC to read and review. I really enjoyed this one!

Title: A Riveting Dive into the Dark: "Where the Dead Sleep" by Joshua Moehling

Rating: ★★★★☆

Joshua Moehling's "Where the Dead Sleep" is a compelling and atmospheric journey into the heart of a small town plagued by a haunting mystery. With its evocative prose and well-crafted characters, the novel successfully captures the essence of a gripping supernatural thriller.

The story revolves around the enigmatic disappearance of a young woman, and Moehling skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives, creating a narrative tapestry that adds depth and complexity to the plot. The characters, each with their own secrets and vulnerabilities, contribute to the atmospheric tension that permeates the pages.

Moehling's descriptive prowess shines in his portrayal of the town and its eerie surroundings. The setting becomes a character in itself, contributing to the overall sense of foreboding that keeps readers engaged. The author's ability to build and sustain an atmosphere of suspense is commendable, making "Where the Dead Sleep" a page-turner from start to finish.

The pacing is well-managed, with the narrative unfolding at a steady rhythm that allows for tension to build gradually. The author skillfully balances plot twists and revelations, keeping readers guessing about the true nature of the mystery until the very end. The supernatural elements are seamlessly integrated into the story, adding an extra layer of intrigue without overshadowing the human drama at the core of the novel.

Character development is another strong suit of the book. The protagonists are relatable and flawed, making their struggles and triumphs resonate with readers. The relationships between characters feel authentic, adding emotional depth to the unfolding events. Moehling's ability to create empathetic connections with his characters enhances the overall impact of the story.

While the resolution is satisfying, some readers might find certain aspects of the conclusion to be slightly predictable. However, the journey to that point is so engaging that it doesn't diminish the overall enjoyment of the novel.

In conclusion, "Where the Dead Sleep" is a captivating read for those who enjoy a blend of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. Joshua Moehling's storytelling prowess and his ability to craft a vivid and atmospheric world make this novel a worthy addition to the genre.

I found this book to be very interesting and intriguing. I would recommend this a friend because this is a book for everyone. I really enjoyed emerging myself into this book and it was just wonderful.