Beneath a Broken Sky

Ben Packard #4

by Joshua Moehling

From award-nominated and USA Today bestselling author Joshua Moehling comes a tense, atmospheric thriller about one detective's search for a mysterious killer in the chaos following a deadly storm…

Detective Ben Packard has put down roots in the small town of Sandy Lake. A difficult thing to do; it's a hot, miserable summer, and a tornado has swept through causing irreparable damage. Trees are felled, homes destroyed, and people are desperate. Worse, the storm has also blown in a group of storm chasers with something to hide.

Then a woman is killed in her home. The mother of a gay boy and unpopular among the locals for the hell she recently raised at school when the administration refused to punish a group of students who were bullying her son, there's almost too many suspects to count. 

But to Packard, the case hits close to home. And when someone from his past shows up on his doorstep out of the blue, he realizes he'll have to confront the reality of navigating life as a gay man in a small town bent on tradition, no matter the cost.

The heat suffocates. The violence simmers. Before the summer is out, someone else will die.

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Suspense, LGBT

336 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication May 26, 2026

Reviews

[Dutchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be the best installment yet in the Ben Packard series!

Ben is investigating yet another murder in Sandy Lake. For such a small town, it sure does see a lot of crime. Along with the investigation, we delve further into Ben’s personal life.

There were a few things that stopped me from rating this five stars. There was a POV that I just didn’t like. Ben is so written so well that it’s a tough act to follow with other characters. Ben’s POV had so much depth and dealt both with personal and the mystery, whereas the second POV was just more a plot advancement. I would always find myself putting the book down during those chapters. Secondly, it felt like there was a subplot, too many. How everything tied together was done perfectly, but the cartel item could’ve been left out for sure. I would’ve preferred more Symphony. These are all just personal preferences; other readers might have found these things perfectly fine, but it’s just what hindered me from giving it five stars. What really drives these books is more character driven along with a unique investigation what makes it hard to put down. They are all resolved and more realistic than OTT.

Now let’s talk about that ending! I need to know how that all panned out! I guess I’ll just have to wait for the next book. There is a next book, right?!

This could possibly be read as a standalone as a lot of the previous installments are mentioned, but not with any spoilers. However, I believe you’ll miss out on knowing who Ben is and what he’s been through if you don’t start from the beginning. And Ben is a great character!

This is definitely a series that I can highly recommend. I’m not big into reading series; I think I’ve read maybe two or three that I’ve stuck with, and this is definitely one of them.

4.5 Stars

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

[Marieke (mariekes_mesmerizing_books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the past few years I’ve been coming back to two mystery authors. One of them is A. C. Rosen and the other one is Joshua Moehling. It’s not because their series are particularly thrilling. In fact, it’s the opposite. Their books move at a slower pace, but I don’t mind because their characters feel so incredibly human. Add, in the Ben Packard series, how timely each installment feels and I just can’t stop hoping for a new book.

Beneath a Broken Sky, the fourth installment in the series, is about the aftermath of a massive storm. About undocumented workers. About Ben’s past, and at the ways that past shapes his love life. And yes, of course, there are murders too.

I already want to read the next book. Joshua, how could you leave me hanging like that? With that ending? I didn’t want to stop there.

So I loved this one. Again!

If you enjoy mystery novels but love stories about humanity even more, then I urge you to read the Ben Packard series.

Thank you, Poisone Pen Press and NetGalley, for this amazing ARC!

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[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Detective Ben Packard is navigating life as a gay man in a small town that’s pretty set in its traditional ways, and a lot of the story focuses on his personal life. Now, I’ve only read the first book in the series, so maybe if I had more of his history, this would have landed differently. But for me, it ended up overshadowing the crime a bit. I just wasn’t all that interested in the personal side of things, and it slowed the pacing down.

There are a few twists and turns, but the plot started to feel overly convoluted, carrying more weight than it needed to. Instead of pulling me in, it kind of had the opposite effect. This definitely wasn’t one of those “just one more chapter” reads for me, and I found myself not really wanting to pick it up again.

There’s also a lot of time spent talking through the murders and working out the details of the case. And maybe this is just me, but I like trying to piece things together myself while I’m reading. Here, it felt like the story was doing a lot of the explaining, instead of letting the reader play detective along the way.

In the end, this one just didn’t quite hook me, though readers who enjoy a slower, more methodical mystery might find more to appreciate here.

This was a Witches Words buddy read with Debra, Carolyn and Dorie.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley

[Louis Muñoz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. I've been meaning to read this author for a few years now. I ended up getting a digital ARC of this book ahead of its publication, so figured I would start with this book, not realizing till after I started reading that this is not a stand-alone but actually the fourth in a series. It worked out well; yes, there were certain spoilers regarding outcomes of previous cases worked by the main character, Ben Packard, as well as about things that had happened to him before, but nothing that I think most readers would mind finding out about.

Regarding the book itself, this was a solid read and kept me engaged right from the start. The mysteries - one central one, but several additional ones - were well-plotted and executed, and the author interwove various threads quite well, I felt. One example is a side story involving a seasonal worker named Charlie, who figures prominently throughout, and I wondered how what was happening with him was going to connect with the main story. Let's just say the connections played out interestingly and convincingly.

One of the reasons I was drawn to this author was the book having a gay main character working to solve crimes in rural Minnesota, and I was not disappointed. The MC had depth and flaws and was (mostly) believable and relatable, and I'm looking forward to going to the first three books in the series and hoping the author continues the series past this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[mtrics · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought I had this book figured out right from the first few pages—I had previously read another novel with a motive that could have fit. By 40% of the novel, I was convinced of my theory: every detail fit so neatly. I should have known better than to doubt how twisty this series's mysteries can be!

This one is definitely a return to form for the series. While the first book blew me away when I first read it (I love a good howcatchem, where you know who the killer is and how they did it, but follow how they're stopped; they're so rare!), I wasn't a fan of the second, and the third made me quite worried (admittedly, half of it was just how unlucky that release timing was 😬). This new opus has a lot of heart and poignant themes. I was completely taken by the mystery, enjoyed seeing old favorites from Sandy Lake around, and grew attached to the new cast, though of course, I knew no one was safe. Some of those deaths got me misty-eyed! Thankfully, the concerns that grew in me during the last book were also laid to rest.

Ben Packard's arc is the throughline stitching all the books together, and he's really coming into his own. While he's charming right from book one, I've been enjoying seeing him grow a spine: he had me laughing out loud in the last book with his comebacks ("That's not like me at all!"), and in this one, I appreciated him finally standing up for himself and his (queer) community, as well as coming out of his shell. A clear progress from all the derogatory innuendos he'd just let slide in the first couple of books.

I appreciate Joshua Moehling's commitment to realism. I believe it's hard to write fiction extrapolating from our real-life contemporary setting and dodging the related *gestures broadly* minefield, while keeping it entertaining; avoiding tropes, clichés, or cinematic twists without substance. My personal preference would be for the books to stay away from mentioning real-life events (George Floyd's murder, COVID, Canadian wildfires), because now we've walked into a really sticky situation. I'm worried about the next books possibly dealing with the ICE raids & subsequent citizen assassinations in Minneapolis; all while decrying "why can't we all get along?", a statement sure to alienate most politically-inclined readers, no matter where they stand on the """issue""". But I also understand the author's choice: after all, what's the point of building up such a strong sense of setting, of writing such a love letter to Minnesota, if you can't draw from its well of history? So now I can only send the author an agnostic prayer and wish him good luck with *gestures broadly* all of that.

I've said since the first book that I also admire Joshua Moehling's writing; it has only gotten more evocative throughout the series while still avoiding the pitfall of becoming flowery. It's always no-nonsense prose in service of the plot. My favorite kind 😁. No matter the detours the story takes, I always trust it'll all be tied together in a satisfying manner by the end. And the ending! This one had me choking on my tongue!

I saw the author signed with his publisher for two more books in the series, plus one unrelated standalone. I'm so looking forward to them, I really can't wait! I hold this series near and dear to my heart, and I'm so glad I'll have the opportunity to read more very soon!

[Gareth Jones-Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic read

[sniksnak · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the sweltering heat of a Minnesota summer, thick wildfire smoke suffocates the air as Sandy Lake battles to recover from the devastation wrought by a tornado.
Detective Ben Packard finds himself entangled in a murder investigation involving a mother who fiercely defended her bullied son. This case stirs suspicion and forces Ben to confront his identity as a gay man in a traditionally conservative community. As someone from his past resurfaces, reopening the wound of his late partner Marcus’ death, Ben must grapple with these challenges.
The book creates a tense and oppressive atmosphere, gradually building toward inevitable violence. Beneath the surface, an underlying unease and simmering tension permeate the narrative that kept me in a state of suspense.
**I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with the opportunity to read this gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review.
#ARC #NetGalley
#BeneathABrokenSky

[Hot Mess Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Beneath a Broken Sky" is nothing short of fantastic. Moehling’s characters are superb and developed with incredible depth; I found myself deeply invested in the entire cast. The wit and banter are top-notch, providing a perfect balance to the tension. While I was a little disappointed not to see Mama Packard this time around, it just gives me an excuse to revisit Homicide for the Holidays. Moehling definitely has a way of making Sandy Lake feel like a real place you could visit (for better or worse). He has a true knack for layering a mystery within a mystery, and his ability to weave in meaningful representation while keeping every detail relevant is impressive. I cannot wait to see where Packard and the rest of the Sandy Lake crew head next!

[Cara Elizabeth | justanotherbookishgal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved so much every Ben Packard book I’ve read, so it hurts me to give this 3 stars. However, for me, 3 stars means there were some good moments. Just not a lot stood out to me.

This one leans more into Ben and his relationship too, which I didn’t mind. Probably the more enjoyable parts actually. I just wish the plot as a whole had been more interesting. The first half of the book truly felt like it moved at a glacial pace. Usually with these books I’m flying through them. But it took me so long to get to the 50% mark. Unfortunately I didn’t care too much about the murders and what happened or how it all connected. The pace sped up for the last 25% or so which helped. All in all, this one felt different than the previous books in the series and it unfortunately didn’t work as well for me.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley

So, I went into this novel completely blind. I was not familiar with the author or even that this was the fourth in a series. But living in a city that has been devastated by hurricane in the past I was immediately interested in a mystery/thriller set in the aftermath of a storm (tornado, in this case). There is something very surreal and transitory in the recovery of a disaster that makes for an excellent backdrop to a murder.

The pace of the novel is much less frenetic than most thrillers/mysteries that I've read and I definitely prefer this pace. Ben Packard, and his investigation into the murder, felt very realistic due to steady tempo that the novel maintained.

But what I appreciated the most out of this novel is that Ben is gay. I love queer representation and am always looking to diversify my reads so I was honestly delighted to discover this was a story about a gay man living his life and doing his job in a genre that is lacking in representation, imo.

This story would be good for anyone who enjoys a solid murder-mystery with excellent atmosphere and queer representation.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela bookish_mamabear on IG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much!! Ben is my favorite and he’s fighting his way through solving the latest murders in Sandy Lake and tricky entanglements that might have you screaming at the end! Woah!!!

[Catherine Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! I thoroughly enjoyed this and the way it was written. The protagonist was excellent, had depth and warmth. The plot was good and kept my attention throughout, it flowed really well - a real page turner. I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work. Thank you @netgalley for the ARC 🙏

[Szalene Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid addition to Ben Packard’s series. I enjoyed trying to solve this mystery along with Ben and the deeper dive into his personal life. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

Bare bones : Ben Packard is swamped with work after devastating storm brought havoc on Sandy Lake. Even his own house needs urgent repairs, but with Thielen on maternity leave Packard has a lot on his plate, including a brutal murder of a mother of two. It doesn't help that he receives a sudden visit that forces him to deal with the other big loss in his life.

So, let's start with a crime. The thing about Moehling's series I really enjoy is that he understands how sometime crime is, in more ways then one, a perfect storm. Sandy Lake is a small town and a big storm leaves consequences: houses needs to be repaired and government reimbursement is not enough, the quality of air is abysmal so people are staying home which makes local businesses suffering. Murder cannot be always miraculously solved with a security footage because sometimes the owner just can't afford to buy a subscription that would allow backup. It's things like these that affect the investigation, it's a state of economy that makes people desperate. The crime never happens in isolation and Moehling understands this so damn well. It's circumstances building on itself creating a situation- and, above everything else a human nature. It makes for a messy, complicated crime that keeps exacerbating further. Moehling always includes the point of view chapters from someone on the other side of investigation and I like how he always makes them ordinary and human, even banal. The way Moehling writes crime in a small city just works for me.
The other part of the novel is dealing with Packard himself. This is the most reflective novel in the series because Ben is coming to grip with Marcus's death with an unexpected visit (and I will say I didn't particularly understand nor like this character's inclusion). But it's only the part of overall state of Ben Packard. Despite the friends he made in the community, he is still a very lonely guy and there are many things pointing that he is at a crossroads of sorts. His relationship with Thielen is the highlight of the novel and they are great together, but she is on a leave and a new mother. The roof of his house is in a need of repair due to the storm and his yard is a mess but he cannot find the time nor the will to deal with it. We know he was renovating the house by himself for the past five years and to see him just kinda letting it was unusual. Shepard, now his boss, is still terrible but Ben doesn't particularly care nor get angry. Homophobic sentiments are still alive in Sandy Lake and it feels like it's a routine on his job to listen people mention his sexuality. He feels resigned, anchorless and it occurred to me that author is perhaps setting the sequel with Packard leaving Sandy Lake or perhaps contemplating this. There is a scene of the family moving away after devastating event and perhaps it's a foreshadowing of sorts. The whole house project was something he threw himself in due to Marcus's death and with this novel it feel like he is ready to move on from Marcus. This is also reflected in his personal life that got messier with a very "Real Housewives" ending.
I don't know if this is indeed Moehling's intention, but it was my impression and I am looking forward to read what he has in a store for Packard in the next one.


I would like to thank Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Joshua Moehling for an advanced copy of Beneath a Broken Sky. All opinions are my own.

[Shannon Mabrito · Rating 4 out of 5]

A town ravaged by a tornado in Northern Minnesota will get more than it bargained for in this whodunit tale. With homes damaged, trees down everywhere, power outages leaving people without air conditioning and air quality from Canadian wildfires causing breathing issues all around, Sheriff's Deputy Ben Packard has more on his plate when the murders happen. His own home was damaged in the storm, but everything takes a back burner when the body of a local mother is found in her own home.

Ben, along with other members of the Sandy Lake sheriff's department, work tirelessly, often around the clock, to find the killer in their midst. All the while, the town is dealing with "storm chasers", home improvement workers that follow storms throughout the country to take advantage of the disadvantaged. Roofers, tree trimmers, siding replacement companies, you'll find them all in Sandy Lake.

Ben, a homosexual police officer, deals with the blowback of a past romance when that man's sister arrives unannounced in town, years after his beloved's death, all while trying to keep in touch with Thielen, his best friend and colleague in the department out on maternity leave for several weeks.

Through his perserverance, they are able to apprehend several key players in the murders, going across state lines into Wisconsin. For Ben, getting the answers to who did this to the local people of his town will take more out of him than he even understands.

Ben Packard is hardened to his life as a police officer; moving to Sandy Lake allowed him to refresh his mind, slow down...but despite his best intentions of keeping a lower profile in this sleepy lake side town, Ben is always prepared for everything. While the town and several individuals are aware of his sexual preferences, they do nothing in how they regard him as a police officer, and this is refreshing to see in a novel. Typically there is always one or several people who don't want anything to do with the gay/lesbian police officer. Ben is messy, dealing with several side relationships during the course of the novel, but this adds a bit of comedic value when you really dive deep into it. Just like any other single person trying out the dating scene for the first time in a long time, he often would find himself in sticky situations but nothing ever got out of hand.

Beneath a Broken Sky appeals to the weather lovers, those who have dealt with similar or even same scenarios when it comes to Mother Nature can appreciate the detail that Joshua Moehling goes into when describing the carnage left behind in a storms wake, and the never-ending appearances of those who appear to be trying to help when it really is just another job for them...a way to make money on those people who have suffered greatly at the hands of nature's greatest storms.

Thank you to Joshua Moehling, Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Alyssa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for my gifted copy!

“The way to get through this disaster and the one after that and the one after that was to ask for help and share resources and grieve what had been lost. A bridge, a riverbank, so many trees. A long time from now, when the people of Sandy Lake told stories about the summer of the storm, he hoped it was with a sense of awe at their strength and resilience, and he hoped the stories came from a place of comfort, and not some dark, unimaginable future that made them long for the past.”

The warmth of returning to Sandy Lake, of reading Joshua Moehling’s words, of spending time with Ben Packard again, is one of my favorite experiences. Moehling has something special going on with this world he’s crafted. It’s unfortunate that I’ve never been to Minnesota, but it feels familiar. Like home. Because of how well Moehling writes. Because of how he reminds me of how much I love the deep winters and suffocating summers of the Midwest.

I’ve spent four (and a half) books with Ben Packard. Four years so far, and it feels like watching him grow. You know when you start a series, and you meet these characters that you can tell are special. You finished the series, you’ve grown with the characters, and you go back for a rewatch. You realize how much the actors also grew with their characters. You see the actors settle into who they’re playing, and they become more fully developed. You see more and more unique traits shine through. That’s how it feels over these past four years with Ben Packard. His humor gets even more unhinged and funny, and his character fleshes out more and more. I truly mean it when I say he is one of my favorite characters of all time.

Beneath a Broken Sky was emotional. It took me back to last summer when taking a walk outside was suffocating because of the smoke from Canadian wildfires. The simmering anxiety, the tight chest, the exhaustion, the worry for Mother Nature. I could feel that same worry and fear in this book, and the plot reaffirms this. Disturbing murders, a cast of villains, with brilliant social commentary.

I think this is the darkest Packard book yet, and I loved it. It has a haze about it, a darkness that pulls you in, and it was beautiful. I was emotional finishing it, because I didn’t want it to end.

[Mary Taber · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw that Netgalley was offering this book for review, I pounced on it. I have read several other books in the Ben Packard series and loved them. Thus, I anticipated that this one would be good as well. I think that Joshua Moehling keeps getting better, and this book did not disappoint. The pacing, character development, and vivid descriptions were similar to those in his previous books, keeping the book lively and fast-moving.
The story focuses on the murder of Ashley Turner, a young mother of two boys, Jake and Noah, and the wife of Tom. The family had just finished lunch, and Tom and the boys went wakeboarding on the lake while Ashley cleaned up the lunch things. It was then that an intruder broke into her house and killed her at knifepoint.
The author described scenes from the story with thoughtfulness and vivid detail. For example, his description of Ashley’s body on the kitchen floor was superb, making the reader feel as if he/she was right there. The author also used foreshadowing in his prologue, depicting most of the events that happened in the story. As the story unfolds, the reader sees the context for each of these events.
A shady roofing company from out of state, the bullying of Noah at school for being gay, and a philandering husband all figure into the story. As the story progresses, we discover that the people in Shady Lake are not at all as they seem. Themes of loyalty, acceptance, illegal immigration, bullying, and abuse are part of the fabric of the story.
The weather and other environmental issues played a big part in this story. Shady Lake, Minnesota, had just experienced a severe storm where roofs were lost and trees felled. There were fires in Canada that compromised the air quality, making it difficult to breathe. Devastation was everywhere in this little town, and people were attempting to rebuild what they could. Packard’s house was partially destroyed as well.
Finally, Ben Packard is gay, a fact that I learned from the first book that I read in this series. He has difficulty “fitting in” in this small, close-knit community and must prove himself to be a worthy sheriff. One of the ways that he does this is by befriending Noah, Ashley’s older son, who is gay.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to read and comment on this wonderful book.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tornados are scary enough, but when you throw murder into the mix, things become downright terrifying. Detective Ben Packard is investigating the murder of a woman in her home who was upset that the local school was doing nothing to protect her gay son from being bullied. On top of the investigation hitting too close to home for Packard, a blast from his past arrives in the form of the sister of Marcus, a man he used to date.

I have enjoyed the Ben Packard series since the very beginning. I enjoy the author's take on a small-town life paired with Ben Packard being a gay detective trying to make a name for himself while protecting his new community.

Beneath a Broken Sky was atmospheric, tense, and brimming with dread. As storm chasers' descent upon the town, so do those looking to fix roofs. This makes for a book full of many characters and more than one murder. Who is taking advantage of the damage done by the storm to do their own damage? How many will come to harm before the case(s) is solved. I always like to try and figure out whodunit, while reading a mystery and could not come up with a viable suspect while reading.

Joshua Moehling provides readers with a bigger look into Packard's personal life while also having him investigate the murders in town. I always enjoyed his banter with Thielen and was happy to see her in this book. This investigation is not an easy one, and readers watch as Packard investigates clues after clues.

There were some twists, turns, and reveals in this book. There were also, as I mentioned, quite a few characters. I believe I would have enjoyed this book a bit more if there were less characters to keep track of. While this was not my favorite book in the series, I still found it to be enjoyable and look forward to reading more books in the series.

*A witches words buddy read with Carolyn, Dorie - Cats&Books :), and Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch. Please read their reviews to get their thoughts on Beneath a Broken Sky.

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 📖

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, Joshua Moehling, and Poisoned Pen Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ben Packard Book #4! I was so excited when I received this book because I love this series! Even better, Joshua Moehling is a local to me author and I love being able to support local.

It's a miserable, storm ridden summer in the Northern Minnesota small town of Sandy Lake. Ben is finally settled into his role as detective but still navigating his life as a gay man in a small town. One violent storm strikes and causes extreme damage across the town, with downed trees, missing roofs, and homes completely destroyed... even Ben's recently remodeled home is damaged. The storms bring in multiple out of town "storm chasing" crews looking to make easy money to get rid of downed trees and replace damaged roofs.
In the aftermath of the destructive home, Ben is called to the home of a local mother found dead in her kitchen by her son, the victim of a murder. As Ben begins to investigate, he is torn in multiple directions with more and more rabbit holes and unanswered questions. Was Ashley murdered by her husband or one of his former lovers? What about the hate crime vandalism incident involving her gay son that she was so outspoken about? Who are these out-of-town crews and why does no one know anything about them?
Along with everything Ben is already going through, having to leave his beloved pet with a friend, working long hours every day, and trying to figure out what to do with his home, he is going through it personally with someone from his past showing up and trying to figure out what is next for his love life.

I loved this one! I love Ben's perspective, his goodness, and his loyalty; even though he has experienced so much grief in his life and seen the worst in so many people, he has a sense of optimism and hope. We also get an additional POV in this book that gives you additional insight in what is happening around town and with these storm chasers but also has you questioning "who is the killer?" multiple times.

Sometimes bad things happen to good people, but how you react and face those things determines the type of person you are.

Also.. the ending will make you wanting Book 5 ASAP.
#beneathabrokensky #netgalley

[Hope Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneath a Broken Sky is easily the grittiest installment in Joshua Moehling’s Ben Packard series yet, a suffocating, pressure-cooker of a crime novel that never really lets you breathe.

Set against the wreckage of a tornado-ravaged town, the story leans hard into atmosphere. The heat, the smoke-filled air, and the lingering devastation create a constant sense of unease that mirrors the investigation itself. Reviewers consistently note how the novel “radiates tension and unease” and captures a community on edge, where suspicion spreads as quickly as fear. That pressure is relentless. Every interaction feels loaded, every clue heavy with consequence.

This time around, Moehling pushes both the darkness and the emotional stakes further than before. The murders are more disturbing, the themes more raw, and the social undercurrents such as bullying, prejudice, and small-town divisions cut deeper. Several readers have called it the darkest Packard book yet, and that feels exactly right. There is a weight to this story that lingers long after you have put it down.

What continues to elevate the series is Ben Packard himself. His personal struggles, particularly navigating identity and belonging in a town that does not always accept him, are woven tightly into the case, adding an emotional intensity that never feels forced. The investigation is not just about solving a crime. It is about survival, both personal and communal.

That said, the sheer number of characters and overlapping threads can feel overwhelming at times, slightly muddying the pacing and making it harder to stay fully anchored in the mystery. It is a minor drawback, but noticeable in an otherwise tightly controlled narrative.

Still, the overwhelming sense of pressure, emotional, environmental, and psychological, is what defines this book. It is tense, immersive, and deeply unsettling in the best way. Moehling does not just tell a story. He traps you inside it.

A dark, gripping read that proves this series is only getting sharper and heavier with each installment.

[Cc Readsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release: May 26, 2026
Author: Joshua Moehling
Publisher: Poisoned Pen

Rating: 4★ 

Thoughts:
Joshua Moehling’s beneath a broken sky is a suspenseful and atmospheric thriller that blends small-town tension with the aftermath of a devastating storm. Set in Sandy Lake, a community struggling to recover from a tornado’s destruction, Detective Ben Packard is thrust into a complex investigation when a mother, unpopular for advocating for her bullied gay son, is found dead in her home. The case is tricky, with too many potential suspects, and Ben finds himself personally invested, navigating the difficult reality of being a gay man in a town that doesn't quite understand him.
The blend of personal and professional struggles makes Torn Apart gripping, as Ben’s journey to solve the murder also forces him to confront his own identity. The tension is heightened by the oppressive heat, the chaos caused by the storm, and the sudden arrival of storm chasers with their own secrets to hide. The plot unfolds steadily, with surprising twists that keep the reader guessing.

This book suits someone in the mood for: mysterious, tense
Pace:
Medium
Plot or Character Driven?:
A mix
Strong Character Development?: Yes
Loveable Characters?: yes
Diverse Cast?: no
Are Character Flaws a Main Focus?: Yes
Main Themes / Tropes:
Small-town tension, LGBTQ+ identity, personal and professional conflict, murder mystery, atmosphere of chaos, secrets and hidden motives.

Synopsis:
In the wake of a deadly tornado, Detective Ben Packard is called to investigate the murder of a mother who was an outspoken advocate for her bullied gay son. As Ben navigates a case filled with secrets and potential suspects, he must also confront his own identity as a gay man in a town that doesn’t fully accept him. The tension builds, and by the end of the summer, another life will be lost.


Favorite Quote:
"there's no sauna that can keep you as warm as the love of a good dog."

[vlm · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Beneath a Broken Sky" by Joshua Moehling is another outstanding installment in what has quickly become one of my all-time favorite series. Each time I return to Sandy Lake, I’m reminded of why Detective Ben Packard is such a compelling and deeply human character. This latest entry raises the stakes both emotionally and atmospherically.

Set against the sweltering aftermath of a devastating tornado, the novel radiates heat, tension, and unease. Moehling’s writing effectively captures the suffocating humidity and simmering unrest of a small town struggling to rebuild. The arrival of secretive storm chasers adds an undercurrent of suspicion, but it is the murder of a controversial local mother that truly ignites the story. The victim’s fierce advocacy for her bullied son makes the case layered and painfully relevant, with no shortage of motives among the townspeople.

What continues to set this series apart is the emotional depth Moehling brings to Ben Packard. This case strikes close to home, and as someone from Ben’s past resurfaces, we see him confront personal truths about identity, belonging, and what it means to live openly in a traditional small-town community. The balance between procedural investigation and personal reckoning is masterfully executed. Nothing feels forced; every thread—emotional and investigative—tightens with purpose.

The pacing is taut, the atmosphere immersive, and the payoff deeply satisfying. By the time the final pages turn, the sense of looming tragedy promised from the start lands with full impact. I was completely invested from beginning to end.

This series has become a must-read for me, and I eagerly look forward to more from Joshua Moehling—and especially more of Ben Packard’s story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐈𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞, 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐭𝐚, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬.

The fourth installment in this beloved series finds Detective Ben Packard trying to keep his footing in Sandy Lake as the town buckles under a miserable summer and the devastation left behind by a tornado. Homes are gone, nerves are frayed, and even the storm chasers who drift into town feel like another kind of threat. When a woman is murdered in her home, the community’s simmering tensions boil over, especially given her recent fight with the school over the bullying of her gay son. The case is urgent, messy, and dangerous, and Ben can feel from the start that this one is going to cut deep. If that's not enough, a visitor connected to a deeply personal past loss shows up unexpectedly, and Ben finds himself revisiting a past he thought was long buried.

What makes this book so powerful is how personal everything feels. Packard isn’t just solving a murder; he’s carrying the weight of a world that can be isolating, along with the constant effort of building a life as a gay man in a place that doesn’t always make room for him. The writing has such tenderness and intensity that I felt every quiet moment as much as the big ones. The atmosphere he created has the aftermath of the storm as symbolism for almost everything Ben is facing. The heat is suffocating, violence is simmering, and the emotional pressure keeps tightening until it’s almost unbearable.

I honestly didn't want this book to end. Ben Packard has become one of those characters I genuinely care about, the kind you root for with your whole chest. Watching him navigate grief, fear, loyalty, resilience, and hope hit me harder than I expected. This book was heartbreaking and beautiful in the way it honors both the mystery and the humanity at its center. So many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for this stunning early copy that publishes May 26, 2026.

[Mackenzie RM · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tornado has swept through the small town of Sandy Lake, leaving devastation in its wake. To make matters worse, the smoke from Canadian wildfires is suffocating. Storm chasers are in town, each with something to hide. When a woman is killed insider her home, Detective Ben Packard quickly realizes there are too many potential suspects to count.

BENEATH A BROKEN SKY is the fourth book in the Ben Packard series but can be read as a standalone if you wish. I’d recommend picking up the series in order to get the best context of Ben’s character and history. As its predecessors, BENEATH A BROKEN SKY is set in small town Sandy Lake, Minnesota. It’s a dual POV read featuring Detective Packard’s POV with an initially unknown viewpoint as the second POV. While I, of course, enjoyed Packard’s POV most, I did appreciate the second POV and the context it gives to the reader about the bigger picture of the plot.

The novel has a swiftly paced plot that is complex and engaging. It features a lot of inconsequential evidence that makes it seem like solving this murder will be a long shot. As the plot continues to unfold, the pieces fall together neatly. The storytelling ties closely with Packard’s investigation, leaving the reader to figure out the case as he does. This is great but did leave little opportunity for my own personal investigative work.

I am really enjoying the personal relationships that Ben is building over the course of this series and am eager to see what is to come. That ending though? A cruel way to leave us readers hanging!

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jessica Kirkpatrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beneath a Broken Sky by Joshua Moehling is the fourth book in the Ben Packard series. After a tornado hits Sandy Lake, Minnesota, outside roofing crews and contractors flood into town looking for work. Around the same time, Ashley, a local mother who had been pushing the school to address the bullying of her gay son, Noah, is found murdered in her home. Detective Ben Packard investigates as suspicion falls on everyone from townspeople to the storm-chasing roofers.

Since this is book four, there were a lot of references to prior books and past character dynamics that felt a little lost on me at times. I think readers who have followed the series from the beginning would probably connect with those details more, but coming in without all of that fresh in my mind made some parts feel harder to fully invest in.

There is also some focus on Ben being a gay man in a conservative small town, which added an interesting layer to his character and the social dynamics around him. However, the relationship plotlines felt underdeveloped. They would be brought up and seem important, only to be dropped or forgotten about completely, which made that aspect feel incomplete.

Overall, the story itself felt a bit convoluted and didn’t completely pull me in the way I wanted. I never had that strong urge to keep picking it up, and some of the plot threads felt tangled rather than suspenseful. That said, I did enjoy the ending and thought it brought some satisfying closure, even though it felt a little hurried and rushed compared to the buildup.

Overall, I’d give this one 3 stars. It had strong moments, especially at the end, but I wanted more emotional depth and a tighter, more engaging story throughout. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jude · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth entry in the Ben Packard series about a deputy/detective working for a small town in Minnesota. After losing the election for sheriff, Ben is relegated to working the security screening at the courthouse and is now being given assignments on higher level cases. In this one, the small town has been besieged by storms and smoke coming down from Canada. In the aftermath, licensed roofers, tree trimmers, etc. are flooding the area looking for work. When the wife of a local is brutally murdered in her home, Ben takes on the investigation. Two subsequent murders gives Ben a run for his money in solving the murders and linking them together.

This book did not pull me in the way the other three did. If this had been the first book, I don't know if I would have continued on with the series. The writing is good and some characters are interesting, but I didn't care for the roofers/tree trimmer plot line, as I felt too much time was spent on it. And while it was fascinating to learn more about Ben's love life and past with his old friend, Marcus, I would have rather spent the time reading about the character Gary, and about Ben's dog, Frank. But I guess knowing these people doesn't make for a believable plot line for murder.

I hope he will bring back Marcus' sister, Symphony, in his next book and somehow get rid of the stupid sheriff by an excellent revenge on that fool. I really enjoyed the first three books of this series, but just didn't get the same vibe from this one.

Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for my opinion.

[Amber Boos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew way back when I read And There He Kept Her, I was beginning a really special series. Beneath a Broken Sky is Book 4 in the Ben Packard series and it may just be the best one yet. Ben is a detective in the small town of Sandy Lake, Minnesota. A tornado has just swept through the town, causing some serious damage even including wildfires. It is also summer and extremely hot. Tensions are at an all-time high. and an unpopular resident has been killed. Probably not due to the tornado. Enter Ben Packard. The murder victim was a mother who was very vocal about protecting her bullied gay son. There is also the fact that Ben himself, is a gay man. That is just a small part of this amazing character. Ben is so well written. He is a flawed human, although a lot of his flaws are just in the way he views himself. He feels like an old friend, and I look forward to revisiting with him with each book. I am not a big series fan and probably would have never read Book 1 had I known it would become a series but that would have been a huge mistake on my part. But back to the story! Ben must contend with the rebuilding after the storm, including his own house, flooding and mudslides, keeping up town morale in a town that the majority doesn't accept him, and oh yeah, solving a murder! I love reading each entry but hate saying goodbye to everyone at the end. Until next time, Ben and company!

Thank you to #NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Joshua Moehling for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[HappyBookWorm2020 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Ben Packard series by Joshua Moehling, one of my favorite authors. In the previous book, Ben lost the election for sheriff, and he is now a deputy.

The town of Sandy Lake has just suffered a tornado that left the entire city and most of the rural houses around them without power (and no air conditioning) and some without water. Roads were also washed out. It is blistering hot which does not help the citizens who live in and around Sandy Lake.

Then a woman in the town - who didn't get along well with many people in the town - was found murdered in her own home, which made matters worse. She had been up in arms about the bullying of her gay son - but was that why she was killed? People began looking at their neighbors suspiciously, wondering who the murderer was. It was Ben's job to visit these people who had clashed with the murdered woman and question them.

To add to Ben's troubles, a group of men and one boy had come into town offering to repair or replace the roofs of damaged houses. Many desperate homeowners took them up on it. The roofers only added new mysteries. The boy didn't speak English and was underage, and some of the men were misrepresenting who they were. And there were more deaths.

While this author continues to be one of my favorites, I thought there were too many mysteries crammed into one book, particularly the mysteries surrounding the roofers. I received an e-arc from the publisher Poison Pen Press via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.

[Madison Feldhahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When the world felt out of control, people demanded a reason. If you have them one they didn’t like, they’d make up their own.”

We join Detective Packard in the small town of Sandy Lake, Minnesota, which has been hit by a tornado. The tornado has caused irreparable damage and has blown in the smoky air of Canadian wildfires. The storm has also marked the arrival of a group of roofers who are chasing storms–and work–across the country. Then, a woman is murdered in her home. The woman is the mother of a gay boy who’s been bullied at school and the case hits close to home for Ben.

Beneath a Broken Sky is book four in the Ben Packard series and I can confidently say this book can be read as a standalone novel and be more than capable of following all of the pieces.

The story is told across several POVs. I was a big fan of this narrative style because it gave me reasons to care about all of the cast. This novel did have a big cast, but I felt like they were all necessary to the story. Ben spends the novel chasing down lead after lead, often on little sleep. I thought Moehling did an excellent job with the pacing. He really highlighted the exhaustion and the constant grind of the investigation.

I really enjoyed how the story wrapped up. I thought it was a neat ending, but it also left the door open for interpretation on some of the characters. This was my first ever Ben Packard novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ll definitely go back and read the others.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Joshua Moehling for my eARC in exchange for an honest review! Out May 26!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life in Sandy Lake, Minnesota is miserable as residents try to recover from a fierce tornado which destroyed homes, felled trees and caved in roofs. The heat is suffocating and rampant bush fires in Canada have turned the air smoky and yellow so that at times it’s hard to breath. Shady ‘storm chasing’ crews of tree fellers and roofers have moved in to town, looking to make a quick buck, before moving on to the next disaster area.

For Detective Ben Packard, who moved to Sandy Lake following the death of his partner Marcus, the improvements he had made to his house have been destroyed by water damage from the hole in his roof. However, when the mother of two boys, Ashley is killed by an intruder, with no obvious motive, he has no time to worry about his own problems.

Ben is a warm, compassionate man who is still trying to navigate living in a conservative, close knit small town as a gay man. He is starting to feel more at home with people who care about him, including his colleague Thielen, currently on maternity leave, who still keeps him on his toes and makes him face his problems, even as she is grappling with a newborn. Ben is also starting to explore new romantic relationships, although still feels the need to be discrete in Sandy Lake, especially around his judgmental Sheriff.

The novel has a strong sense of place and the hot, smoky atmosphere adds to the suffocating feel of unease and tension. There is a diverse cast of suspicious characters in town (almost too many to keep track of), with the arrival of the storm chasers who include those living on the edge of society – some undocumented immigrants and others hiding from the police.

There are quite a few twists and false turns in what felt like an overly convoluted plot, before Ben eventually works out who killed Ashley and why. Overall, I enjoyed this fourth episode in the series, especially the claustrophobic atmosphere and sense of unease and look forward to the next episode.

*This was a buddy read with Debra, Brenda and Dorie of Witches Words.

With thanks to Poisoned Pen Press via Netgalley for a copy to read.