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.