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Ben Packard #3
A Long Time Gone
It's time to put the past to rest…
Ben Packard was just a boy when his older brother disappeared. Ben watched him walk out the back door of their grandparents' house and into the cold night.
His brother was never seen again.
Decades later, Deputy Packard finds himself with too much time on his hands. A shooting has him on leave and under investigation, and for the first time in years, new information about his brother has surfaced that may lead them to the location of a body.
The midwinter ground is frozen solid. Worse, Packard is cut off from department resources. As he strikes out to finally uncover the truth behind his brother's disappearance, he stumbles on a separate, suspicious death. A tenuous connection exists between the two cases, and as Packard starts to dig, he meets fierce resistance from friends and foes alike who want him to stand down.
The winter is long and cold. By the end of it, Packard will risk everything to catch a killer and reveal the shocking truth about his brother.
Ben Packard was just a boy when his older brother disappeared. Ben watched him walk out the back door of their grandparents' house and into the cold night.
His brother was never seen again.
Decades later, Deputy Packard finds himself with too much time on his hands. A shooting has him on leave and under investigation, and for the first time in years, new information about his brother has surfaced that may lead them to the location of a body.
The midwinter ground is frozen solid. Worse, Packard is cut off from department resources. As he strikes out to finally uncover the truth behind his brother's disappearance, he stumbles on a separate, suspicious death. A tenuous connection exists between the two cases, and as Packard starts to dig, he meets fierce resistance from friends and foes alike who want him to stand down.
The winter is long and cold. By the end of it, Packard will risk everything to catch a killer and reveal the shocking truth about his brother.
400 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2025
396 people are currently reading
31005 people want to read
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November 6, 2024
Ben Packard was just a boy when his older brother disappeared. Ben watched him walk out the back door of their grandparents' house and into the cold night.
His brother was never seen again.
Decades later, Deputy Packard finds himself with too much time on his hands. A shooting has him on leave and under investigation, and for the first time in years, new information about his brother has surfaced that may lead them to the location of a body.
The midwinter ground is frozen solid. Worse, Packard is cut off from department resources. As he strikes out to finally uncover the truth behind his brother's disappearance, he stumbles on a separate, suspicious death. A tenuous connection exists between the two cases, and as Packard starts to dig, he meets fierce resistance from friends and foes alike who want him to stand down.
The winter is long and cold. By the end of it, Packard will risk everything to catch a killer and reveal the shocking truth about his brother.
This is the third book in the Ben Packard series. I did not read the first two books in the series. I am excited to read them because I really enjoyed this one. This book can be read as a standalone.
There are two mysteries in this one. And the first mystery, Ben's brother Nick snuck outside in the middle of the night at his grandparents house while they were asleep. Ben saw his brother leave and he was never found. Ben is trying to solve this mystery and find out what happened to his brother. Then in the other mystery is that Louise was found dead from falling down the steps. Was this a murder or an accident. This mystery is very involved and I thought it was complexed but I did enjoy it.
This started out with a slow burn but there were things that happened during the book that kept me very intrigued. I kept guessing and guessing who was involved in these crimes and I was wrong every time.
I really love Ben and his mother. His mother was extremely funny and amusing. There are some unlikable characters too. There was a dog in the story named, Lady Gaga Pinot Grigio Margaret Ann String Cheese Reid. What a Name! That is one long name, Haha!
I thought this one was a little dark, gripping and thought provoking.
I want to thank Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
His brother was never seen again.
Decades later, Deputy Packard finds himself with too much time on his hands. A shooting has him on leave and under investigation, and for the first time in years, new information about his brother has surfaced that may lead them to the location of a body.
The midwinter ground is frozen solid. Worse, Packard is cut off from department resources. As he strikes out to finally uncover the truth behind his brother's disappearance, he stumbles on a separate, suspicious death. A tenuous connection exists between the two cases, and as Packard starts to dig, he meets fierce resistance from friends and foes alike who want him to stand down.
The winter is long and cold. By the end of it, Packard will risk everything to catch a killer and reveal the shocking truth about his brother.
This is the third book in the Ben Packard series. I did not read the first two books in the series. I am excited to read them because I really enjoyed this one. This book can be read as a standalone.
There are two mysteries in this one. And the first mystery, Ben's brother Nick snuck outside in the middle of the night at his grandparents house while they were asleep. Ben saw his brother leave and he was never found. Ben is trying to solve this mystery and find out what happened to his brother. Then in the other mystery is that Louise was found dead from falling down the steps. Was this a murder or an accident. This mystery is very involved and I thought it was complexed but I did enjoy it.
This started out with a slow burn but there were things that happened during the book that kept me very intrigued. I kept guessing and guessing who was involved in these crimes and I was wrong every time.
I really love Ben and his mother. His mother was extremely funny and amusing. There are some unlikable characters too. There was a dog in the story named, Lady Gaga Pinot Grigio Margaret Ann String Cheese Reid. What a Name! That is one long name, Haha!
I thought this one was a little dark, gripping and thought provoking.
I want to thank Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2025
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 hell 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.
This is my second book from Mr. Moehling, and ill be honest and tell y'all that I'm annoyed as hell 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.
November 5, 2024
Gripping, tense, well thought out, and captivating! I was over the moon to be back in the world of Ben Packard! I have adored and rooted for him since reading the first book in this amazing series, And There He Kept Her! I also love Joshua Moehling's writing, the plots, the characters, and the settings in his Ben Packard's series. Plus, the atmosphere, tension, sense of dread, twists, and revelations in every book in this series are so well done.
Ben Packard's brother Nick has been A Long Time Gone and his family has never had closure. Ben was a child when his teenage brother disappeared, and Nick's disappearance has always weighed on him. Now that he has time on his hands after a shooting, he can investigate the information which has come in concerning his brother. Looking into his brother's disappearance and possible location of his body, Packard finds himself drawn into the case of a suspicious death!
This book has two captivating mysteries involving the disappearance of Ben's brother Nick and that of the suspicious death of Louise and the circumstances surrounding her death. I found myself fully invested in both mysteries and enjoyed the twists, turns, and shocking revelations.
I enjoyed both mysteries in this book. I also loved Ben's mother who comes to town and provides some laughs and support. She was such a great character, and fingers crossed we will see more of her in future books! Ben Packard is such a great character. He is strong, intelligent, vulnerable, brave, witty and I love reading his thoughts.
If you have not read this series, what are you waiting for? As this is the third book in the series, it will be easy to go back and read the previous books. I enjoy the mixing of mystery, police procedural, personal storylines, and character development in Moehling's Ben Packard series.
*A witches words buddy read.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Ben Packard's brother Nick has been A Long Time Gone and his family has never had closure. Ben was a child when his teenage brother disappeared, and Nick's disappearance has always weighed on him. Now that he has time on his hands after a shooting, he can investigate the information which has come in concerning his brother. Looking into his brother's disappearance and possible location of his body, Packard finds himself drawn into the case of a suspicious death!
This book has two captivating mysteries involving the disappearance of Ben's brother Nick and that of the suspicious death of Louise and the circumstances surrounding her death. I found myself fully invested in both mysteries and enjoyed the twists, turns, and shocking revelations.
I enjoyed both mysteries in this book. I also loved Ben's mother who comes to town and provides some laughs and support. She was such a great character, and fingers crossed we will see more of her in future books! Ben Packard is such a great character. He is strong, intelligent, vulnerable, brave, witty and I love reading his thoughts.
If you have not read this series, what are you waiting for? As this is the third book in the series, it will be easy to go back and read the previous books. I enjoy the mixing of mystery, police procedural, personal storylines, and character development in Moehling's Ben Packard series.
*A witches words buddy read.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
March 8, 2025
Long Time Gone” is the third book in the Ben Packard series.
Ben Packard is a standout figure in contemporary detective fiction. He skillfully blends moral integrity with a relatable charm, captivating readers with each new installment. As his character unfolds, it reveals layers that distinguish him from other protagonists.
During his enforced leave, the author portrays Packard in a vulnerable light as he grapples with a serious BCA investigation into a courthouse shooting. Through rich internal monologues, we explore his past and the challenges he faces today. The storyline masterfully intertwines the haunting memories of his brother with a pressing inquiry into a suspicious death, creating a compelling narrative tapestry. As Packard delves deeper into the shadows of a closed case, he uncovers a web of inconsistencies that demand his attention. What begins as an intriguing mystery soon exposes the dark corruption in Sandy Lake, igniting Packard's fierce determination to seek answers and deliver justice. Without sharing too much, once I started turning the pages, I was hooked! I found myself racing against the clock, fully immersed in the story and losing track of time until dawn broke, unveiling the intricate connections!
Packard’s quirky relationship with his mother is one of the most entertaining elements of the narrative. Though her appearances are brief, she infuses the story with warmth and humour, providing welcome moments of levity against the backdrop of more serious themes. Their exchanges are delightful, adding a playful contrast that enhances the overall tone.
The climax—the moment of exposition regarding his brother—unfolds with striking visual detail, delivering an emotional impact akin to a visceral shock. This revelation's subdued yet potent nature reverberates well beyond the narrative's conclusion, imparting a profound sense of catharsis that lingers in the reader's consciousness.
The upcoming release of “Long Time Gone” on February 4, 2025, promises to take us on an even deeper journey. This forthcoming installment builds on the incredible foundation laid by its predecessors. “A Long Time Gone” embodies all the hallmarks of gripping police procedural fiction: rich character development, a vivid sense of place, intricately crafted plots, and complex antagonists. It balances darker themes with refreshing humour and introspection, inviting readers to explore the human experience deeply. If you haven’t started this series yet, I highly recommend you do so—without fear of spoilers
Thank you,NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press on providing the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ben Packard is a standout figure in contemporary detective fiction. He skillfully blends moral integrity with a relatable charm, captivating readers with each new installment. As his character unfolds, it reveals layers that distinguish him from other protagonists.
During his enforced leave, the author portrays Packard in a vulnerable light as he grapples with a serious BCA investigation into a courthouse shooting. Through rich internal monologues, we explore his past and the challenges he faces today. The storyline masterfully intertwines the haunting memories of his brother with a pressing inquiry into a suspicious death, creating a compelling narrative tapestry. As Packard delves deeper into the shadows of a closed case, he uncovers a web of inconsistencies that demand his attention. What begins as an intriguing mystery soon exposes the dark corruption in Sandy Lake, igniting Packard's fierce determination to seek answers and deliver justice. Without sharing too much, once I started turning the pages, I was hooked! I found myself racing against the clock, fully immersed in the story and losing track of time until dawn broke, unveiling the intricate connections!
Packard’s quirky relationship with his mother is one of the most entertaining elements of the narrative. Though her appearances are brief, she infuses the story with warmth and humour, providing welcome moments of levity against the backdrop of more serious themes. Their exchanges are delightful, adding a playful contrast that enhances the overall tone.
The climax—the moment of exposition regarding his brother—unfolds with striking visual detail, delivering an emotional impact akin to a visceral shock. This revelation's subdued yet potent nature reverberates well beyond the narrative's conclusion, imparting a profound sense of catharsis that lingers in the reader's consciousness.
The upcoming release of “Long Time Gone” on February 4, 2025, promises to take us on an even deeper journey. This forthcoming installment builds on the incredible foundation laid by its predecessors. “A Long Time Gone” embodies all the hallmarks of gripping police procedural fiction: rich character development, a vivid sense of place, intricately crafted plots, and complex antagonists. It balances darker themes with refreshing humour and introspection, inviting readers to explore the human experience deeply. If you haven’t started this series yet, I highly recommend you do so—without fear of spoilers
Thank you,NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press on providing the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 29, 2025
I am really loving the time I’ve been spending catching up with my fave characters and series. This is one of my 2025 reading goals and so far, it’s been going really well. It’s been a while (Jan2023) since I caught up with Ben and the gang in Sandy Lake. They’re all back for this third installment that picks up about six weeks after the last one where Ben lost the election for Sheriff and his nemesis, Dep. Howard Shepard, is now Sheriff. Howard was a pretty worthless deputy and now appears to be just as useless as the Sheriff.
The book summary basically just introduces the different storylines with one being Ben’s continued search for his brother, Nick, who disappeared 33 years ago. This has actually been an underlying theme throughout the series. However, Ben now finds himself with a lot of spare time; Ben shot and killed an active shooter and is on administrative leave. Ben finally opens the box that the former Sheriff, Stan Shaw, left for Ben before Stan died a few months ago. The box was supposed to be the file on the original investigation of Nick’s disappearance. However, all Ben finds is a letter from Stan saying he found a man who apparently had info on Nick’s disappearance and Stan traded the file for the info the man had. This leads Ben to try and find the man based on the few clues that Stan did provide.
There is also another storyline that Ben and his mother, Pam (love Pam!), kind of stumble onto some suspicious findings and info while visiting an old family home and reminiscing of the time Nick disappeared. This leads Ben to begin to suspect that the woman, who owned the house after Ben’s family, did not die from an accident but was murdered and that the initial investigation (by Howard Shepard) was either a lousy and half-@$$ed investigation or possibly a cover up. It’s this storyline that kind of leads Ben down this rabbit hole of another humungous cover up of a multimillion-dollar fraud case.
It’s deep into the second half that all the different parts of Ben’s investigation start to merge and the repercussions are massive and wide spreading with intense and scary scenes for Ben and the gang. The end of the Nate storyline was emotional (at least for me). This is a telltale sign that I have become emotionally invested in the characters. For a character driven reader like me, this makes for a wonderful read.
The continued characterization of Ben along with some of the Sandy Lake crew was well done. I really hope we see more of Pam in future installments; she’s such a great character! The pacing was steady and the storyline very interesting. While there was a lot going on, Moehling managed it very well and the writing was well done. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.4 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #PoisonedPenPress #ALongTimeGone
The book summary basically just introduces the different storylines with one being Ben’s continued search for his brother, Nick, who disappeared 33 years ago. This has actually been an underlying theme throughout the series. However, Ben now finds himself with a lot of spare time; Ben shot and killed an active shooter and is on administrative leave. Ben finally opens the box that the former Sheriff, Stan Shaw, left for Ben before Stan died a few months ago. The box was supposed to be the file on the original investigation of Nick’s disappearance. However, all Ben finds is a letter from Stan saying he found a man who apparently had info on Nick’s disappearance and Stan traded the file for the info the man had. This leads Ben to try and find the man based on the few clues that Stan did provide.
There is also another storyline that Ben and his mother, Pam (love Pam!), kind of stumble onto some suspicious findings and info while visiting an old family home and reminiscing of the time Nick disappeared. This leads Ben to begin to suspect that the woman, who owned the house after Ben’s family, did not die from an accident but was murdered and that the initial investigation (by Howard Shepard) was either a lousy and half-@$$ed investigation or possibly a cover up. It’s this storyline that kind of leads Ben down this rabbit hole of another humungous cover up of a multimillion-dollar fraud case.
It’s deep into the second half that all the different parts of Ben’s investigation start to merge and the repercussions are massive and wide spreading with intense and scary scenes for Ben and the gang. The end of the Nate storyline was emotional (at least for me). This is a telltale sign that I have become emotionally invested in the characters. For a character driven reader like me, this makes for a wonderful read.
The continued characterization of Ben along with some of the Sandy Lake crew was well done. I really hope we see more of Pam in future installments; she’s such a great character! The pacing was steady and the storyline very interesting. While there was a lot going on, Moehling managed it very well and the writing was well done. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.4 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #PoisonedPenPress #ALongTimeGone
February 14, 2025
Outlier alert!
I enjoyed the first two books in the Ben Packard series so I was excited to read the latest installment. Unfortunately, this was my least favorite book so far.
Deputy Ben Packard has been relegated to courthouse security guard, where he shoots a man on duty and is put on leave during the investigation. With time on his hands, he investigates his older brother’s decades old cold case of his mysterious disappearance. When he comes across a suspicious death that leads him to a dead body, he must risk everything to catch the killer and finally uncover the truth about his brother.
The problem for me was with this book was my lack of interest in this particular case. The writing was great, and I enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Linda Jones, but I struggled to connect all of the characters involved in the investigation. I also found the reveal of the truth about his brother’s disappearance predictable and not worthy of the three book buildup.
I am definitely in the minority, so please check out other reviews.
3/5 stars
I enjoyed the first two books in the Ben Packard series so I was excited to read the latest installment. Unfortunately, this was my least favorite book so far.
Deputy Ben Packard has been relegated to courthouse security guard, where he shoots a man on duty and is put on leave during the investigation. With time on his hands, he investigates his older brother’s decades old cold case of his mysterious disappearance. When he comes across a suspicious death that leads him to a dead body, he must risk everything to catch the killer and finally uncover the truth about his brother.
The problem for me was with this book was my lack of interest in this particular case. The writing was great, and I enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Linda Jones, but I struggled to connect all of the characters involved in the investigation. I also found the reveal of the truth about his brother’s disappearance predictable and not worthy of the three book buildup.
I am definitely in the minority, so please check out other reviews.
3/5 stars
February 3, 2025
The third installment of the Ben Packard series starts off revisiting the disappearance of Ben’s brother, Nick. Nick disappeared from the family’s lakeside home when Ben was a kid and his body was never recovered. The lack of knowing has always haunted Ben and now it appears some of the leads could be promising on figuring out what happened. While hunting down one of these leads, Ben stumbles upon another murder in the same house.
The author did an amazing job of fluidly combining two separate storylines. At the beginning, I was following the investigation regarding Nick only then for it to seamlessly transfer direction to that of the new murders. I only realized, roughly 3/4 of the way through the book that this flip had happened. Another thing that I love about the author is that the characters, especially Ben, are always very well developed. As an aside, we got to meet Ben‘s mom Pam, who made me chuckle.
This book works great as a standalone, but also gives a big payout, albeit heartbreaking, to those of us who have been following Ben through the series. I typically do not like books that are in a series just due to the repetitive nature of them, but this one is not repetitive in the least. Would highly recommend this one, especially if you like murder mysteries without getting into the nitty-gritty of the details.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The author did an amazing job of fluidly combining two separate storylines. At the beginning, I was following the investigation regarding Nick only then for it to seamlessly transfer direction to that of the new murders. I only realized, roughly 3/4 of the way through the book that this flip had happened. Another thing that I love about the author is that the characters, especially Ben, are always very well developed. As an aside, we got to meet Ben‘s mom Pam, who made me chuckle.
This book works great as a standalone, but also gives a big payout, albeit heartbreaking, to those of us who have been following Ben through the series. I typically do not like books that are in a series just due to the repetitive nature of them, but this one is not repetitive in the least. Would highly recommend this one, especially if you like murder mysteries without getting into the nitty-gritty of the details.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2024
Ben Packard is literally one of the best protagonists I’ve ever encountered in a crime fiction series. Joshua Moehling’s third installment, A LONG TIME GONE, is the most personal book in this series and fans of Moehling’s storytelling will want to prioritize this one!
Ben Packard’s brother disappeared when Ben was just a boy, leaving only the memory of him walking out the back door into the cold night and never returning. Now a deputy, Ben is on leave after a shooting and haunted by the resurfacing of new information that might finally lead him to his brother’s body. As he investigates the case, he uncovers a suspicious death that may be connected, facing resistance from all sides as he risks everything to uncover both the truth about his brother and a dangerous killer.
A LONG TIME GONE is a slower-paced novel than Moehling’s previous two releases, but it also goes deeper into the personal life of Ben Packard more than ever before. This series continues to deliver and the ending literally brought tears to my eyes. I’m excited to see where Moehling will go with the continuation of this series!
Ben Packard’s brother disappeared when Ben was just a boy, leaving only the memory of him walking out the back door into the cold night and never returning. Now a deputy, Ben is on leave after a shooting and haunted by the resurfacing of new information that might finally lead him to his brother’s body. As he investigates the case, he uncovers a suspicious death that may be connected, facing resistance from all sides as he risks everything to uncover both the truth about his brother and a dangerous killer.
A LONG TIME GONE is a slower-paced novel than Moehling’s previous two releases, but it also goes deeper into the personal life of Ben Packard more than ever before. This series continues to deliver and the ending literally brought tears to my eyes. I’m excited to see where Moehling will go with the continuation of this series!
February 2, 2025
This is the third book in the Ben Packard mysteries. This series follows former Twin Cities police officer, Ben Packard as he navigates small town politics and investigates prior family secrets and the disappearance of his older brother when he was a child. You don’t have to read the previous novels, but I recommend that you do. There is a self-contained mystery in each one as well as developments regarding his brother’s cold case as an overall story arc across the series. Plus this is my favorite mystery series of recent years.
This installment finds Ben demoted to court security after the events of the previous book. Things quickly take a turn for the worse when circumstances leading to an officer involved shooting leave Ben temporarily off duty with time on his hands. Ben decides to use this time to delve deeper into his brother’s cold case, and insinuate himself into a suspicious death that was earlier dismissed as an accident that occurred in his childhood home.
I started off feeling so sorry for poor Ben who is clearly miserable in his new court security position or “checking ladies' purses” as several others called it, not to mention the misery of the rest of the department trying to keep up with their duties without his extra hands. His mother comes for a visit and gives him an assist both on the case and personally. She was a hoot. I loved her and how she read him like a book, especially regarding Kyle or rather “tall, dark and handsome.”
I really enjoyed the mystery in this one and the resolution of the story behind the disappearance of his brother went into a totally different direction than I expected, which I found surprising in a good way. I love it when that happens. Can’t recommend this series enough to mystery readers.
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy provided for an honest review.
This installment finds Ben demoted to court security after the events of the previous book. Things quickly take a turn for the worse when circumstances leading to an officer involved shooting leave Ben temporarily off duty with time on his hands. Ben decides to use this time to delve deeper into his brother’s cold case, and insinuate himself into a suspicious death that was earlier dismissed as an accident that occurred in his childhood home.
I started off feeling so sorry for poor Ben who is clearly miserable in his new court security position or “checking ladies' purses” as several others called it, not to mention the misery of the rest of the department trying to keep up with their duties without his extra hands. His mother comes for a visit and gives him an assist both on the case and personally. She was a hoot. I loved her and how she read him like a book, especially regarding Kyle or rather “tall, dark and handsome.”
I really enjoyed the mystery in this one and the resolution of the story behind the disappearance of his brother went into a totally different direction than I expected, which I found surprising in a good way. I love it when that happens. Can’t recommend this series enough to mystery readers.
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy provided for an honest review.
January 17, 2025
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!
Thank you, Sourcebooks, Poised Penn Press, and NetGalley, for this great ARC!
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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!
Thank you, Sourcebooks, Poised Penn Press, and NetGalley, for this great ARC!
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July 22, 2024
Damn, this book was phenomenal! I'm a huge fan of Ben Packard's character, and this is one of my favorite series. I've been in a huge reading slump with eyeball-reading (nonaudio books), and this book got me out of it.
The story begins shortly after the events of the second book (Where the Dead Sleep) ends. Packard lost the sheriff's election and is now working as court security. After events transpire at the courthouse, Packard finds himself in the middle of multiple mysteries that lead him down a rabbit hole of crime, secrets, and murder. I know that Packard is a fictional character, but if I was ever in trouble with the law, I would want him on my side. He will do anything to uphold the law and bring justice to those that are cut down by people in power. Also, we get to meet Packard's mother, who quickly became one of my favorite characters.
Joshua Moehling's writing is a tour de force! He is one of the best mystery/thriller authors writing today. I'll read every book this man writes. He has this ability to hook the reader from the very beginning and keep their attention through the book's entirety. He has created something truly wonderful with Ben Packard. As a reader, I feel completely immersed in this world almost like I'm part of Packard's inner circle. I always feel like I'm riding a rollercoaster of emotions reading these books to the point where I am fully invested in the lives of Packard and those close to him, which I believe is a testament to how talented Moehling truly is. I highly recommend this book and this series. If you are not reading these books, then you are totally missing out on something truly great. Read it now!
This book comes out on February 4, 2025!
Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Joshua Moehling for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
The story begins shortly after the events of the second book (Where the Dead Sleep) ends. Packard lost the sheriff's election and is now working as court security. After events transpire at the courthouse, Packard finds himself in the middle of multiple mysteries that lead him down a rabbit hole of crime, secrets, and murder. I know that Packard is a fictional character, but if I was ever in trouble with the law, I would want him on my side. He will do anything to uphold the law and bring justice to those that are cut down by people in power. Also, we get to meet Packard's mother, who quickly became one of my favorite characters.
Joshua Moehling's writing is a tour de force! He is one of the best mystery/thriller authors writing today. I'll read every book this man writes. He has this ability to hook the reader from the very beginning and keep their attention through the book's entirety. He has created something truly wonderful with Ben Packard. As a reader, I feel completely immersed in this world almost like I'm part of Packard's inner circle. I always feel like I'm riding a rollercoaster of emotions reading these books to the point where I am fully invested in the lives of Packard and those close to him, which I believe is a testament to how talented Moehling truly is. I highly recommend this book and this series. If you are not reading these books, then you are totally missing out on something truly great. Read it now!
This book comes out on February 4, 2025!
Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Joshua Moehling for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
January 26, 2025
The third in a series though I read this as a standalone, and then I loved it so much I went back and picked up books 1 and 2. Ben Packard is a gem (though I maybe love his mother even more), the kind of character who definitely deserves a whole series, To hear Joshua talking about his inspiration for Ben and this story, surf to killerauthorclub.com/killer-episodes
February 21, 2025
A Long Time Gone is the third book in the Ben Packard series by American author, Joshua Moehling. Having lost the election for Sheriff of Sandy Lake in the previous November to his ignorant, lazy colleague, Howard Shepard, Deputy Ben Packard is no longer on the detective desk, but relegated to the menial duty of courthouse security. Until, that is, he shoots someone in the line of duty and is on administrative leave pending the BCA investigation and the county attorney’s ruling on a charge.
Armed with the map the late Sheriff Stan Shaw left him, Ben would use the free time to search for his brother Nick’s body, but it’s February so the deep snow prevents that. But when he Zoom-calls his family to reassure them about the shooting, he also reveals the new information about their son/brother’s fate: not drowned in Redwing Lake as first thought.
Despite his protests, his mother Pam insists on travelling from Arizona to help sort Ben out spiritually: ”Her spirituality was an ever -evolving casserole of new age, Wiccan , Native, Buddhist, feminist, sex-positive beliefs that only made sense to her”. After visiting the approximate location, they also call in at what was his grandfather’s house, where the family spent many vacations, and from where Nick went missing some thirty years earlier.
Pam and Ben are shocked to learn that the most recent owner died after falling down the basement stairs months earlier. But a second visit to house has Ben doubting that Louise Larsen died accidentally, and he decides to investigate, much to the dismay of his boss, who was the careless deputy on the case, and his close colleague, Jill, who signed off on the accidental death, and to the extreme irritation of realtor, Jim Wolf, whose plans to pull down and rebuild are suddenly delayed.
The further he looks into it, the more things niggle, and when he stumbles on another body, he begins to realise there’s nothing simple about this case.
Meanwhile, during his mandatory psych eval, the therapist notes Ben’s approach to dealing with his life trauma’s so far and insightfully asks “What are you denying yourself by staying in a constant state of motion, by always moving forward, not slowing down, not looking back?” Talking later to a former colleague, Ben observes: “Dealing with shit on our own is not how things are supposed to work. Staying so busy you don’t have time to feel anything doesn’t help matters either.”
Moehling provides another tightly plotted police procedural with some excellent deductive work, and a twist or two that will keep the pages turning and the reader guessing right up to the final resolution. The dialogue offers plenty of humour, some of it quite dark, and the conclusion to Nick’s story will put a lump in many a throat.
Ben Packard is a complex and appealing character, a diligent cop who acts with integrity, and if they are to say goodbye to him in this third instalment, readers will certainly miss him and his well-intentioned, if humanly-flawed support cast. This is addictive crime fiction and anything further from Joshua Moehling will be a must-read!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press.
Armed with the map the late Sheriff Stan Shaw left him, Ben would use the free time to search for his brother Nick’s body, but it’s February so the deep snow prevents that. But when he Zoom-calls his family to reassure them about the shooting, he also reveals the new information about their son/brother’s fate: not drowned in Redwing Lake as first thought.
Despite his protests, his mother Pam insists on travelling from Arizona to help sort Ben out spiritually: ”Her spirituality was an ever -evolving casserole of new age, Wiccan , Native, Buddhist, feminist, sex-positive beliefs that only made sense to her”. After visiting the approximate location, they also call in at what was his grandfather’s house, where the family spent many vacations, and from where Nick went missing some thirty years earlier.
Pam and Ben are shocked to learn that the most recent owner died after falling down the basement stairs months earlier. But a second visit to house has Ben doubting that Louise Larsen died accidentally, and he decides to investigate, much to the dismay of his boss, who was the careless deputy on the case, and his close colleague, Jill, who signed off on the accidental death, and to the extreme irritation of realtor, Jim Wolf, whose plans to pull down and rebuild are suddenly delayed.
The further he looks into it, the more things niggle, and when he stumbles on another body, he begins to realise there’s nothing simple about this case.
Meanwhile, during his mandatory psych eval, the therapist notes Ben’s approach to dealing with his life trauma’s so far and insightfully asks “What are you denying yourself by staying in a constant state of motion, by always moving forward, not slowing down, not looking back?” Talking later to a former colleague, Ben observes: “Dealing with shit on our own is not how things are supposed to work. Staying so busy you don’t have time to feel anything doesn’t help matters either.”
Moehling provides another tightly plotted police procedural with some excellent deductive work, and a twist or two that will keep the pages turning and the reader guessing right up to the final resolution. The dialogue offers plenty of humour, some of it quite dark, and the conclusion to Nick’s story will put a lump in many a throat.
Ben Packard is a complex and appealing character, a diligent cop who acts with integrity, and if they are to say goodbye to him in this third instalment, readers will certainly miss him and his well-intentioned, if humanly-flawed support cast. This is addictive crime fiction and anything further from Joshua Moehling will be a must-read!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press.
March 20, 2025
4.5⭐️
There’s something I just really enjoy about this series. Ben Packard is a very likable main character who is the perfect mix of good guy with personal demons. He’s kind, tough, witty, and also closed off and tough to crack. I just enjoy reading about his life and these crimes he’s trying to solve.
This is part 3 in the series and we get a lot of closure here. We find out what happened to his older brother 30 years earlier, while also closing in on the small town politics with big secrets that have been running a muck in this small Minnesota town.
It reads like a cozy mystery with characters that’s I’m invested in and just really enjoy. I hope Joshua continues to write these characters because I don’t really want to say goodbye!
There’s something I just really enjoy about this series. Ben Packard is a very likable main character who is the perfect mix of good guy with personal demons. He’s kind, tough, witty, and also closed off and tough to crack. I just enjoy reading about his life and these crimes he’s trying to solve.
This is part 3 in the series and we get a lot of closure here. We find out what happened to his older brother 30 years earlier, while also closing in on the small town politics with big secrets that have been running a muck in this small Minnesota town.
It reads like a cozy mystery with characters that’s I’m invested in and just really enjoy. I hope Joshua continues to write these characters because I don’t really want to say goodbye!
May 6, 2025
After losing the Sheriff position to his nemesis, Detective Ben Packard finds himself demoted to County Court Security. After an incident at the courthouse, Ben finds himself on leave with lots of time on his hands. He decides to look into his brother's disappearance. Over thirty years ago, seventeen-year-old Nick Packard left the house in the middle of the night and was never seen again. His snowmobile was found near a half-frozen lake. It was believed that he drowned. Now new information has come to light and Ben believes that what they thought was an accidental drowning may have been murder.
As Ben revisits the home he grew up in, trying to remember his conversation with his brother before he vanished, he learns that the last owner of the house fell down the basement steps to her death. When Ben reads the file on the accidental death of Louise Larson, he discovers inconsistencies and starts to believe her death wasn't an accident at all. Now Ben has gone from being bored to working night and day and he investigates Louise's death while digging into his brother's case.
This is the third book in the Ben Packard series, and it has been my favorite so far. The series is getting stronger with each book. This book had two very interesting cases that kept me turning the pages. We also got to meet Ben's mother when she comes for a visit. She was a fun addition to the story. My rating: 5 Stars.
As Ben revisits the home he grew up in, trying to remember his conversation with his brother before he vanished, he learns that the last owner of the house fell down the basement steps to her death. When Ben reads the file on the accidental death of Louise Larson, he discovers inconsistencies and starts to believe her death wasn't an accident at all. Now Ben has gone from being bored to working night and day and he investigates Louise's death while digging into his brother's case.
This is the third book in the Ben Packard series, and it has been my favorite so far. The series is getting stronger with each book. This book had two very interesting cases that kept me turning the pages. We also got to meet Ben's mother when she comes for a visit. She was a fun addition to the story. My rating: 5 Stars.
February 27, 2025
Audio - 5 stars
Story - 5 Stars
Story - 5 Stars
February 5, 2025
As someone who's not particularly fond of book series, it says a lot that I anxiously await the next Ben Packard novel every year! He is one of the best protagonists and he just keeps getting better!
A Long Time Gone continues Ben's story with a focal point on his missing brother. This storyline has developed throughout the last two books and it was nice to see it get some more attention in the third installment. Of course, Ben is also up to his neck in work drama and another case that raises red flags for Ben though it was ruled an accident.
I liked that we got to know Ben a bit more this book. We absolutely learn so much more about his family and his past and his mother becomes a more prominent character. I also liked that we got a bit more of his love and personal life and hope that can build more in the next book.
I didn't find this book quite as exciting as the other stories but it did flow well with the story and set the stage for another book. I like that each novel is so different but still carries the story forward. I would recommend reading these books in order and not reading this as a standalone - Moehling is good about reminding readers of key details, but you really need the full backstory in order to appreciate a lot of the nuance.
Looking forward to learning more about Packard and already anxiously awaiting book 4! Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the copy!
A Long Time Gone continues Ben's story with a focal point on his missing brother. This storyline has developed throughout the last two books and it was nice to see it get some more attention in the third installment. Of course, Ben is also up to his neck in work drama and another case that raises red flags for Ben though it was ruled an accident.
I liked that we got to know Ben a bit more this book. We absolutely learn so much more about his family and his past and his mother becomes a more prominent character. I also liked that we got a bit more of his love and personal life and hope that can build more in the next book.
I didn't find this book quite as exciting as the other stories but it did flow well with the story and set the stage for another book. I like that each novel is so different but still carries the story forward. I would recommend reading these books in order and not reading this as a standalone - Moehling is good about reminding readers of key details, but you really need the full backstory in order to appreciate a lot of the nuance.
Looking forward to learning more about Packard and already anxiously awaiting book 4! Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the copy!
December 27, 2024
Ben Packard is back ! A very close second to my favorite detective ever - Vera of course - and now he is digging for more information about the disappearance of his beloved brother. And he does this while also reviewing a botched murder investigation. It must be said that he has some time on his hands as he is being put on non-active during an internal affairs investigation about a courthouse shooting. Never a dull moment in Packard's life.
I thoroughly enjoyed the glimpses into Ben's childhood and the life of his brother and his friends and I feel a bit sad that this part will probably closed off in the next installments. But I do hope that his mother will be more involved in her son's life, as she really is hilarious.
The only thing that I felt was superfluous was the explanation of the main storyline crime. I don't like it when authors think their readers can't connect the dots themselves. The crime was quite simple and logical and when it came to and end, no further explanation was needed. But then again, those few pages didn't take away any of the enjoyment I had from the rest of the story.
Now of course, a small town like Sandy Lake could ever have only one villain like Emmett Burr (and I would absolutely recommend reading And There He Kept Her first), and so I am curious to see if Packard will stay there to deal with small criminal crooks, or if he will be moving to another setting to meet another psycho like Burr. I just can't wait to read the next installment.
A very heartfelt thank you from the bottom of my heart to NetGalley, Poisoned Penn Press and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the glimpses into Ben's childhood and the life of his brother and his friends and I feel a bit sad that this part will probably closed off in the next installments. But I do hope that his mother will be more involved in her son's life, as she really is hilarious.
The only thing that I felt was superfluous was the explanation of the main storyline crime. I don't like it when authors think their readers can't connect the dots themselves. The crime was quite simple and logical and when it came to and end, no further explanation was needed. But then again, those few pages didn't take away any of the enjoyment I had from the rest of the story.
Now of course, a small town like Sandy Lake could ever have only one villain like Emmett Burr (and I would absolutely recommend reading And There He Kept Her first), and so I am curious to see if Packard will stay there to deal with small criminal crooks, or if he will be moving to another setting to meet another psycho like Burr. I just can't wait to read the next installment.
A very heartfelt thank you from the bottom of my heart to NetGalley, Poisoned Penn Press and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2024
Frank, the three legged corgi, and his human Ben Packard are back in action. I like the continued character building as this is the 3rd installment of this series. I have to say I enjoy Ben’s mother being more involved and his ultimate wing man. This book also incorporated real current events into the book. If you like murder mystery’s I would highly recommend this book and series. I am glad the family of Ben’s also received some long time coming closure about past events. If I ever needed someone to look for my killer I hope it would be Ben Packard. Thank you Joshua Moehling and Poisoned Press for the chance to read this ARC.
February 6, 2025
Ben Packard is back in the third installment of the Ben Packard series. Deputy Packard finds himself on administrative leave after a court house shooting lead to him having to pull his own weapon and shoot and kill the perpetrator. While on leave, Deputy Packard learns some new information on the disappearance of his brother, Kyle, who went missing when Ben was just a kid. With nothing better to do, Ben decides to devote his time to following this new lead into his brothers disappearance. But following this new lead, brings Packard to another suspicious death and down a rabbit hole of possible murders and suspicious activity. Will following this trail finally lead to the answers he has been looking for his entire life? Will his family find out what happened to Kyle? And who keeps trying to kill him?
Review:
A Long Time Gone was a great addition to the Ben Packard series. It has a lot of drama and a lot of different things going on. I really enjoy procedural books, so this series has been perfect for that! There are a lot of characters in this one and a lot of moving parts which kept me guessing until the very end. I never for a second predicted the outcome and was pleasantly surprised by the perpetrator in the multiple murders during this book. I am glad that we finally found out what happened to Kyle, but the reveal was a little underwhelming to me. I just felt like it could have been a little more intricate or drama filled especially since we had to wait three books to find out. This one also lost me a little bit when it got to the financial aspect and fraud. In general, that is not my favorite thing to read about, so that is more of a "me" problem. Overall, I felt like I had all of my questions answered from the previous two books. I am curious if there is going to be another book in this series because it does wrap up very nicely with no cliffhanger like book 2.
A Long Time Gone is now available and I definitely recommend picking it up if you enjoyed the other 2 books in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley, Joshua Moehling, and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC of A Long Time Gone in exchange for an honest review!
Review:
A Long Time Gone was a great addition to the Ben Packard series. It has a lot of drama and a lot of different things going on. I really enjoy procedural books, so this series has been perfect for that! There are a lot of characters in this one and a lot of moving parts which kept me guessing until the very end. I never for a second predicted the outcome and was pleasantly surprised by the perpetrator in the multiple murders during this book. I am glad that we finally found out what happened to Kyle, but the reveal was a little underwhelming to me. I just felt like it could have been a little more intricate or drama filled especially since we had to wait three books to find out. This one also lost me a little bit when it got to the financial aspect and fraud. In general, that is not my favorite thing to read about, so that is more of a "me" problem. Overall, I felt like I had all of my questions answered from the previous two books. I am curious if there is going to be another book in this series because it does wrap up very nicely with no cliffhanger like book 2.
A Long Time Gone is now available and I definitely recommend picking it up if you enjoyed the other 2 books in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley, Joshua Moehling, and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC of A Long Time Gone in exchange for an honest review!
March 22, 2025
I love the Ben Packard series! I'll be back to write a full review!
February 18, 2025
A heartbreaking but ultimately satisfying conclusion to the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Packard’s brother—a mystery that has played out over the first three books of this series.
This series is phenomenal. I’m so happy there’s going to be another book.
This series is phenomenal. I’m so happy there’s going to be another book.
June 21, 2024
Ben Packard is one of my favorite characters and I absolutely love this series. There are a lot of crimes and mysteries to solve in this one. Most notably Ben continues to seek answers about his older brother’s disappearance when they were kids. I loved the intricacies and overlap within the present day crimes and Nick’s disappearance and how their childhood home is a central location. It was also good to see Ben get outside of Sandy Lake when tracking down clues.
January 10, 2025
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.
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.
May 15, 2024
I would like to thank edelweiss and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I have been a fan of the Ben Packard series since it came out and couldn't wait read this one. While Ben is on leave for the investigation of a courthouse shooting, he has time on his hands, which means time on his hands to find out more about what happened to his brother Nick decades ago and a suspicious death people seem to think was just an accident. Are these two cases even though decades apart part of the same story, and why is the Sheriff trying to stop his investigation. It is up to Ben to finally find out what happened to his brother whether he wants to know the real truth or not. Can't wait for the next book.
February 27, 2025
A Long Time Gone by Joshua Moehling is the third in the Ben Packard police procedural series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Poisoned Pen Press and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – Contains spoilers from previous books)
Ben Packard moved to the small town of Sandy Lake Minnesota to forget the loss of his fellow officer, and boyfriend Marcus. He needed a fresh start, and although his brother Nick went missing in Sandy Lake, Ben decided he would move back to the area. Although he hasn't broadcast the fact that he is gay, word is getting around. He also hasn't let people know of his previous ties to the area. While his boss was on chemo, he took over the role of Acting Sheriff. He now has a new boss, and has been demoted to Deputy.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
After losing the election to Shepard, Ben is demoted to court house security. While on duty there, a man starts shooting, and Ben kills him. He is now on administrative leave while they figure out whether the shooting was justified.
As he has time off, he starts looking into the decades-old disappearance of his brother, as some new information has come to light, which may lead to the location of Nick's body. But he will have to wait until the ground thaws.
In the meantime, he finds another suspicious death, which may or may not be related. He is sure the woman living in his grandfather's old house was murdered, but at the time, no one investigated. His efforts now are being blocked. Ben just digs deeper.
His investigation leads to more bodies, and if he isn't careful, he may be next.
My Opinions:
I am starting to enjoy this series. The last book had me wondering, but this one cemented my interest.
I really like Ben, and his mother was a hoot in this one. With each book, depth is added to Ben's character, and to those surrounding him. I am glad that he learned more about his brother. Part of that was a surprise!
I was happy to see that there was more action in this book than the last, and the plot was quite good. It was quite complex, and although I knew the involvement of some, I did not identify the main perpetrator, so that was really good.
Overall, these books are a fast and entertaining read, and I will be continuing with this series.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
October 5, 2025
I saw quite a bit of buzz around A Long Time Gone and decided to pick it up, even though it’s the third book in the Ben Packard series. I was told it could be read as a standalone—and that’s true—but I do think I would’ve connected more deeply with Ben’s character had I read the earlier books.
The story begins with a courthouse shooting that places Deputy Ben Packard on leave, giving him time to look into his brother Nick’s decades-old disappearance. When an old woman’s supposed accidental death begins to look suspicious—and links back to Ben’s own family—he uncovers a web of secrets that tie the past and present together in unsettling ways.
This isn’t a fast-paced crime thriller; it’s more of a slow, melancholic mystery that leans heavily on atmosphere and character. The first half felt slow as it set the stage, but the second half picked up beautifully, leading to a poignant and satisfying resolution—especially surrounding Nick’s fate. I particularly enjoyed the moments between Ben and his mother; they brought warmth and humor to an otherwise somber narrative.
Having lived in Minnesota for over five years, I also found it fun to see all the familiar town names pop up—it added a lovely sense of nostalgia to the reading experience.
It's a 3/5 🌟 read for me.
While it didn’t deliver the pulse-pounding intensity I expected, it’s a well-crafted, introspective story that will appeal to readers who enjoy Three Pines-style mysteries—slow-burning, emotional, and quietly haunting.
The story begins with a courthouse shooting that places Deputy Ben Packard on leave, giving him time to look into his brother Nick’s decades-old disappearance. When an old woman’s supposed accidental death begins to look suspicious—and links back to Ben’s own family—he uncovers a web of secrets that tie the past and present together in unsettling ways.
This isn’t a fast-paced crime thriller; it’s more of a slow, melancholic mystery that leans heavily on atmosphere and character. The first half felt slow as it set the stage, but the second half picked up beautifully, leading to a poignant and satisfying resolution—especially surrounding Nick’s fate. I particularly enjoyed the moments between Ben and his mother; they brought warmth and humor to an otherwise somber narrative.
Having lived in Minnesota for over five years, I also found it fun to see all the familiar town names pop up—it added a lovely sense of nostalgia to the reading experience.
It's a 3/5 🌟 read for me.
While it didn’t deliver the pulse-pounding intensity I expected, it’s a well-crafted, introspective story that will appeal to readers who enjoy Three Pines-style mysteries—slow-burning, emotional, and quietly haunting.
January 19, 2025
"A Long Time Gone" by Joshua Moehling is an outstanding addition to the Ben Packard series. The writing is exceptional, skillfully weaving together the plot of Packard’s brother’s disappearance and the intense circumstances that lead to his administrative leave. The suspense is palpable, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to discover what would happen next.
The characters in this book are truly multidimensional. They are well developed, and the dialogue feels natural and engaging. I appreciated the perfect balance of humor interspersed throughout the story, which made me chuckle even amidst the more serious moments.
As the story unfolds, the mystery surrounding Ben’s brother’s fate is heart-wrenching. The emotional depth of this discovery left me with a heavy heart, highlighting Moehling's ability to evoke strong feelings in his readers. Overall, "A Long Time Gone" is a gripping read that expertly combines suspense, character development, and a touch of humor. I highly recommend it! 4.5/5 ⭐
Thank you to Joshua Moehling, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.
The characters in this book are truly multidimensional. They are well developed, and the dialogue feels natural and engaging. I appreciated the perfect balance of humor interspersed throughout the story, which made me chuckle even amidst the more serious moments.
As the story unfolds, the mystery surrounding Ben’s brother’s fate is heart-wrenching. The emotional depth of this discovery left me with a heavy heart, highlighting Moehling's ability to evoke strong feelings in his readers. Overall, "A Long Time Gone" is a gripping read that expertly combines suspense, character development, and a touch of humor. I highly recommend it! 4.5/5 ⭐
Thank you to Joshua Moehling, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.
February 4, 2025
The next Ben Packard book is out today! If you like crime fiction, you need to read this series!
Synopsis:
After losing the election to become sheriff, Ben is put on court security duty where he is forced to shoot a defendant who starts shooting up the courthouse. Ben is put on leave as the incident is investigated. While on leave, Ben finds out about an accidental death that might not have been an accident, discovers a dead body and may have uncovered a governmental fraud scheme. Ben is also still actively looking into his brother Nick’s disappearance from 30+ years ago.
My Thoughts
This is the third book in the Ben Packard series, and I have loved them all. Joshua Moehling’s writing is terrific, and I flew through the pages. I really adore Ben as he is tough, sympathetic, selfless and deeply flawed. In this book, we also dive deeper into Ben’s personal life which made me love him even more. I am so happy that we finally get answers surrounding his brother’s disappearance and the answers are truly heartbreaking. If you like crime fiction, you are going to love this series.
Thank you NetGalley for the copy of this book.
Synopsis:
After losing the election to become sheriff, Ben is put on court security duty where he is forced to shoot a defendant who starts shooting up the courthouse. Ben is put on leave as the incident is investigated. While on leave, Ben finds out about an accidental death that might not have been an accident, discovers a dead body and may have uncovered a governmental fraud scheme. Ben is also still actively looking into his brother Nick’s disappearance from 30+ years ago.
My Thoughts
This is the third book in the Ben Packard series, and I have loved them all. Joshua Moehling’s writing is terrific, and I flew through the pages. I really adore Ben as he is tough, sympathetic, selfless and deeply flawed. In this book, we also dive deeper into Ben’s personal life which made me love him even more. I am so happy that we finally get answers surrounding his brother’s disappearance and the answers are truly heartbreaking. If you like crime fiction, you are going to love this series.
Thank you NetGalley for the copy of this book.
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