Where the Dead Sleep: A Novel

I just finished Where the Dead sleep by Joshua Moehling and here is my review.


Deputy Ben Packard is no stranger to strange crimes but the murder of Bill Sandersen doesn't look like it is an open and shut case. Everyone involved with Bill has a small motive to want him dead but each person is as likely as the next. An ex wife whom he divorced when the money dried up then married her sister. The wife who seems to have buyer's remorse with Bill... A business partner he stole money from and high roller poker players he got involved with.
Things get heated when someone takes a shot at Ben during the investigation. What is he getting close to that someone is willing to silence him over?


I wasn't sure about this book when I first started it but I was pleasantly surprised at how well written it was. You could feel the undercurrent of something more sinister than just a murder happening but you don't get any details on it so I do hope there is another book. I loved how all the characters had a motive and each one seemed to have secrets they were keeping too. Bill was a real menace and you can see why people had beef.


I did feel that the book kept trying to push that Ben was gay and felt it was really unnecessary to keep mentioning it. I didn't add to the story for me and it was a bit off putting. I loved that the lead character was gay... Didn't need a reminder every few chapters. Repetition in books is a major pet peeve for me.
I need to know more about this town and I am hoping another book is coming soon. I kinda got attached to Ben and now I need to know what happened to his brother. It was a really clever book and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller. It is book 2 but for me, it worked as an excellent standalone.


4 stars thank you @netgalley and @poisonpenpress for my gifted copy