Beneath a Broken Sky: A Novel

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, LGBT, Fiction, Crime, Suspense

327 pages, Kindle Edition

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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[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more I learn about Deputy Ben Packard the more I like him. He is a tough guy with a heart of gold. He has had to deal with so much in his life, and he just keeps on going. Being a gay man in a small town is hard enough, he also has to deal with being known as the gay cop in town. I love his attitude, determination and strength.

A violent storm hits Sandy Lake, destroying homes and lives in its aftermath. Storm chasers hit town and tensions are high. Once the storm passes, the air quality deteriorates rapidly with the smoke from the wildfires in Canada. If this isn’t enough, a woman is brutally murdered in her home.

Ben has his hands full all around, on top of all this his past comes back into his present life. He feels like he is abandoning his 3 legged dog Frank by being away working so much.

It is a dark and violent case, at the same time emotional. I would want Ben in my side if I was in trouble. This is book 4, and I feel you need to read these books in order to completely understand Ben and his life.

Thanks so much to Poisoned Pen Press on NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.

[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

[Christina Faris (books_by_the_bottle) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Ben Packard is trying to settle into life in Sandy Lake, but the town is reeling after a tornado wrecks havoc during a brutal summer heatwave. When a local woman is murdered—a woman facing controversy for defending her bullied son— everyone is a suspect. As Packard investigates, the case quicks turns personal, especially when someone from his past suddenly returns…

Ben Packard is my biggest book crush, even if he will never love me back quite the same way - lol! He’s one of my favorite characters and I was pumped to get an early copy of this one! (Also, my Barnes & Noble pre-order came early so I could add this beauty to my shelves!) I found this book to be a little different from the previous ones in the series. Ben has settled and found his footing, and that almost made his pace a little different here - it felt like coming home, if that makes sense. I absolutely loved taking this part of the journey with Ben, as he has a home, friends and love interest (or two!) The case also became deeply personal, as Ben related so much to it. Add in a surprise person from his past and I just wanted to give him a hug. The ending, though, made me chuckle - what’s my boy going to do?! And how am I going to wait for the next book to find out? Lol!
I truly love this character and this series so much - Ben is such a likeable character and he has grown so much too. Did I mention there’s also a dog?

“Beneath a Broken Sky” releases May 26, 2026. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)

[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 🙏

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Moehling returns with an exceptional, multi-POV whodunit, and small-town secrets collide in a storm-ravaged town."

Joshua Moehling, a favorite, returns with the highly anticipated fourth installment of his popular Ben Packard series, which is his most atmospheric work to date. In "Beneath a Broken Sky," Packard must navigate a complex web of cases, raging storms, and escalating violence that threatens the fragile peace of Sandy Lake, Minnesota.

The engrossing plot follows Detective Ben Packard investigating a murder in the chaotic aftermath of a devastating tornado, forcing him to balance a tricky case with his own personal journey as a gay man in a traditional, tight-knit town.

Moehling captivates readers with a gripping blend of a climate disaster and a multi-view police procedural. This character-driven thriller reflects deep socio-cultural tensions, exploring the conflict between individual identity and a rigid community.

At its heart is a gripping murder mystery that unfolds when a controversial local mother is found murdered after a tornado. The author crafts a classic whodunit, blending environmental destruction and small-town secrets that hold crucial clues. As wildfire smoke envelops Sandy Lake, the investigation becomes a frantic race against time, exposing the town's deep-seated prejudices, especially with the arrival of an unexpected visitor from Ben's past, which will keep the pages turning.

Genre Police Procedural / Midwestern Noir / Psychological Thriller

The Elevator Pitch
"A town broken by nature. A detective trapped by prejudice."

When a devastating tornado strips Sandy Lake bare, it uncovers a brutal murder and a dark past Detective Ben Packard thought he had left behind.

The Setting:
~Sandy Lake, Minnesota
~Suffocating Chaos
~The Fog of War

The Vibe:
~Gritty & Grounded
~Melancholic but Hopeful
~Atmospheric and melancholic

CLAUSTROPHOBIC & GRITTY
"The toxic wreckage inside Packard’s world perfectly mirrors the tragic crime scene outside."

Author Writing
~Masterful Narrative Symmetry
~Elevated Psychological Edge
~Dual Structure

Tone
~Mood: Suffocating, hostile, volatile, raw
~Tone: Sharp, masterfully interconnected, emotionally urgent
~Aesthetic: Storm-ravaged, smoke-choked midwestern noir

Themes
~Tradition vs. Acceptance
~The Illusion of Small-Town Charm
~Environmental and Societal Devastation
~Vulnerability and Interdependence

Standout Characters
~Detective Ben Packard: Brilliantly compartmentalized, deeply vulnerable, and fiercely determined.
~The Hostile Guest: A closed-minded woman tethered to Packard's past love whose deep-seated homophobia forces an intense domestic standoff.

Feature Standouts
~Tense Domestic Parallel
~The Murder Mystery
~Climate Backdrop

The Driving Metaphor
"A House Divided, A Town Shattered." The prejudice that led to a brutal murder in Sandy Lake is the very same hatred Packard is forced to harbor under his own roof.

The story skillfully utilizes its climate backdrop as a mirror for human suffering, physically fractured by a violent tornado, suffocating wildfire smoke, and economic hardship. This wreckage serves as a literal and metaphorical playground for exploitation

Why You Should Read It
"A masterfully paced, smoke-choked masterpiece of midwestern noir."
It is a rare, high-stakes crime thriller where the agonizing emotional stakes match the relentless, clock-ticking pacing of the central murder investigation.

Title Significance: Beneath a Broken Sky
"The sky is not only marred by tornadoes and smoke; it symbolizes the shattered safety, unyielding prejudices, exposed vulnerabilities, and fractured peace of Sandy Lake's residents."

Takeaway: The core takeaway is that true justice requires confronting both individual crimes and systemic community prejudice. The novel proves that a town's hidden biases and social hypocrisies can be just as destructive as the physical tornado that tears it apart.

My Thoughts

RELENTLESS MIDWESTERN NOIR
"A dark, fiercely compelling thriller with an incredibly big heart."

Moehling delivers a masterclass in narrative symmetry. By trapping Detective Ben Packard between the bigoted murder case fracturing his town and a hostile, homophobic ghost from his past love's circle occupying his own home, the personal and professional stakes collide to create his most devastating, flawless book yet. It brutally tests the fragile safety Packard has spent three books building, proving this series has an exceptionally big heart to match its razor-sharp psychological edge.

Moehling deconstructs the idealized image of a safe, quiet rural town. The murder of a local mother who confronted the school board over her gay son's bullying exposes the hidden malice, hypocrisy, and deep social divisions among neighbors. As the investigation deepens, it becomes clear that the town's respectable facade covers a history of abuse, secrets, and local exploitation.

"A devastating, beautifully flawed study of bigotry, grief, and personal resilience."

Intertwining a destructive summer climate disaster with Packard's most intimate personal reckoning creates a flawless parallel. Having followed Detective Ben Packard from the very beginning—and discussing this world with Moehling himself (#AuthorElevatorSeries)—I can confidently say Book 4 is his most masterful execution yet. You can see how much "heart and grit" he pours into Ben. This installment feels like his most "personal" hunt yet.

This masterclass in the 'slow-burn' procedural is truly a five-star experience, expertly crafted for those who appreciate a protagonist with deep moral integrity. Set against a backdrop that is both relatable and atmospheric, the narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing tension to build gradually. Fans will find themselves immersed in a world that feels authentic and grounded, inviting them to explore the intricate layers of character and plot.

The Verdict Rating: 5/ 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Moehling's most gripping and urgent thriller yet! The devastation within Packard's town closely reflects the tragic crime scene outside, creating a masterclass in psychological suspense."

Recs
For fans of the author and the series who enjoy atmospheric, rural, and character-focused mystery/thriller series with a dark, often cynical, yet deeply human tone. Other recommended authors with the same vibe: Heather Gudenkauf, Carter Wilson, Bryan Gruley, Allen Eskens, Lisa Gardner, S. A. Cosby, Jess Lourey, and C.J. Box.

The Series
BRILLIANTLY INTERCONNECTED
"Moehling's most urgent, high-stakes thriller yet—the massive series payoff fans have been waiting for."

To dive deeper into the world of Deputy Ben Packard Series:
And There He Kept Her (Book 1)
Where the Dead Sleep (Book 2)
A Long Time Gone (Book 3)
Beneath a Broken Sky (Book 4)

Special thanks to Poisoned Pen Press/Partner and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Host/Creator of #LitLiftMiniAuthorChats
#AuthorElevatorSeries | #AudioElevatorSeries
My Rating: 5 Stars
May 26, 2026
May Newsletter
May 2026 Must-Read Books

[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!

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation of the Ben Packard series, this time Ben has to deal with the aftermath of a storm which affects not only him personally but also brings murder to his town . This story covers alot ot timely issues, Homophobia, undocumented workers and their background stories, climate challenges and a reminder of past relationships that question Ben's memories of a lost one.
Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher Poisened Press Pen for this advanced copy.
Hopefully this series will continue for a long time!

[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.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath A Broken Sky is the fourth book in the Ben Packard series by American author, Joshua Moehling. With Sandy Lake, Minnesota trying to put itself back together in the wake of a destructive storm, a woman is murdered in her own kitchen.

With SLPD’s most senior deputy, Jill Thielen on maternity leave, Sheriff Howard Shepard, buried under the admin that comes with emergency services, can’t afford to keep punishing Deputy Ben Packard with menial duties, so he’s finally back in his detective role, ably assisted by their newest recruit, Deputy Reynolds.

There are a few recent conflicts in Ashley Turner’s life that bear investigating, including her teenaged son being bullied for being gay, and some extra-marital activity, but when they seem to be drawing a blank there, the department’s IT expert, Suresh, on the strength of intel from doorbell cameras, traffic cameras, and cell phones, points them in a different direction.

During the storm, hundreds of homes were damaged. Thousands of trees came down. Electricity was out. Sandy Lake had been crawling with strangers over the last month. People going door to door. Tree trimmers. Landscapers. Insurance inspectors. Roofers. Waste haulers. Utility workers. Many of them unregistered, working for cash. Might Ashley have been the victim of an opportunistic killer?

Ben tries not to be distracted when he is sought out by a black woman whose face leaves him in no doubt that she is related to his late lover. But Symphony Kendrick isn’t ready to accept the fact of her brother’s sexual preference. “What I really want is to hear her stories and tell her mine so neither of us has to feel like the only one cradling the flame of his memory”, he tells Jill, but will he be able to convince her?

And while things seem to have stalled with micro-brewer, Kyle, a few work-related trips to Minneapolis do bring him in contact with the delicious ex-marine MPD detective, Garrett Easton. Before matters are resolved, there’s another murder with the same MO, there’s a motel fire, undocumented Latinos feature, along with identity theft, there’s a beheading, a corpse in a shed, the accidental death of a young roofer, and an assault on one of Ben’s colleagues.

There are spoilers for earlier books, but this instalment can be read as stand-alone. It develops the characters a little more; the humour is dry and often dark; there are red herrings and surprises, a clever sting that almost fails, and a nail-biting chase to capture the killer; and the final scene is utterly priceless! More, please!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press.

[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.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joshua Moehling described this book on social media as a cross between Fargo and Schitts Creek which I totally get - the opening chapters where the main character Packard visits his colleague, who has just had a baby, made me snort laugh. This brutal style of humour is offset with the dark themes of murder and who dunnit, which makes this book such a compulsive read. I stayed awake way past my bed time and became fully sleep deprived with this one.

Packard is everything I look for in a main character - completely lovable, open about his flaws (of which I don’t think he should beat himself up about), vulnerable despite his tough exterior, strong morals and a belief in what’s right. He is generous, caring, fair and determined. And he has a three legged dog which just adds to his appeal for me personally. Packard is chasing the perp for what seems to be a random killing - neighbourhood wife, whose husband had an affair, eldest son has been embroiled in cruel teen bullying. But nothing adds up, nothing points to why that would lead to her murder.

Meanwhile, we are also following the dual narrative of Charlie, the foreman of a tumbledown group of roofers who are cashing in on the storm damage which has riddled the town. Charlie isn’t exactly a stand up citizen. He has a very cagey back story, and his weakness for getting black out drunk means he can’t be relied on - he can’t even recall where he has been or what he has done on most of his evenings. Charlie fits the potential to be the perp, but something about this doesn’t add up either.

What follows is a whirlwind of events, unexpected plot twists and guessing games which had me absolutely riveted. The cast of characters that make up this story are all accutely well drawn, the threads of their lives all intertwine perfectly, the narrative speeds along faster than a hurricane and the level of danger builds to a point where you can taste the tension.

I raced through this book and loved it from start to finish - perfect perfect perfect. Thank you to author Joshua Moehling and NetGalley for a fantastic experience.

[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."

[Sharon Mensing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the series, although it is the first I’ve read. It reads just fine as a standalone in terms of plot, but I wasn’t able to tell if my difficulties connecting with the main character, Ben Packard, were because series readers will have already developed a relationship with him or if it came down to his actual personality. In this book, at least, he is very straightforward and non-emotional. Some of this may also come down to his being a part of the gay community with its own cultural characteristics. I will have to continue with the series, or go back to earlier books, to find out. This will not be a hardship since I very much enjoyed this book.

There are two main plot lines that converge satisfyingly in the end. One follows Packard’s investigation into the murder of a woman in a rural Minnesota town that has been devastated by a recent storm, and the other follows the shady characters in a cash-only roofing company that is taking advantage of the storm damage to find work. Interspersed with these threads are details about Packard’s love life, past and present, and the frustrations of working in a small town political environment with an elected sheriff.

The plot is quite complex as alternating chapters deal with the two central plot lines. The author masterfully weaves all the various details together without dropping the pieces. If anything, the conclusion is so tightly woven that it felt a bit like a bow being tied with the final threads. This complete resolution will appeal to some and will feel unrealistic to others. Moehling, thankfully, does not leave a cliffhanger for the next book, plot-wise. He does leave an open end to Packard’s relationships, however.

The writing about the setting transported me to the hot, sticky, muggy, uncomfortable summer in the Midwest. With damage from the storm all around, the characters are often dealing with no air conditioning as the oppressive weather exacerbates discomfort and causes tension to boil over. The atmosphere felt real to me and added to the depth of the book.

This is a well written book that has made me want to explore more of the Ben Packard series.

[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.