In Beneath a Broken Sky by Joshua Moehling, a violent tornado rips through the small Minnesota town of Sandy Lake, leaving behind devastation and a small community that thrives on tourism trying to recover from wildfires, downed trees and a pretty big economic downturn. When a controversial local mother is murdered after publicly challenging the school system over bullying against her gay son, Detective Ben Packard is pulled into an investigation that exposes deep divisions within the community. As tensions rise and suspicion spreads, Packard navigates a case shaped as much by prejudice and fear as by evidence. While the bodies pile up, Ben is confronting personal struggles and the complicated reality of living openly in a town that does not always welcome him.
I have loved this series from the beginning because it is so deeply character focused, and watching Ben grow into himself has been the real reward. His struggle with identity, the tension within the police force, and the push and pull of small-town life give the story an emotional core that always feels genuine. The town itself becomes a character, full of charm and contradictions, and the familiar touches make it even richer this time around. The issues among these pages are real. Whether the topic is an illegal immigrant, a broken dream or too much alcohol, Moehling’s writing makes it easy to connect with the story.
Between books I find myself looking forward to Ben’s three-legged corgi Frank and the perfectly timed banter between Ben and Jill Theilen, which offers welcome moments to smile amid the heavier themes. You do not have to read the entire series to appreciate this book, but spending time with these characters as they evolve makes the experience even more meaningful. Readers are always allowed a little more into his past and what makes him the man he is today. The mystery is always strong, but what keeps me coming back is Ben’s devotion to his work, his community, and the quiet determination to build a life where he truly belongs.
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Barrington Books
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