Picture a Minnesota storyteller who crafts mysteries as chilling as a winter night—meet Joshua Moehling! This rising star in crime fiction has hooked readers with his Ben Packard series, blending suspenseful plots and heartfelt characters. From his debut novel to his latest thriller, Moehling’s knack for small-town secrets and emotional depth makes him a must-read for mystery lovers.
The Making of Joshua Moehling
Growing up as an Army brat, Joshua Moehling crisscrossed the U.S. and Germany, soaking up diverse experiences that would later fuel his storytelling. After studying English in South Dakota and Minnesota, he settled in Minneapolis, where he built a career in the medical device industry. But writing was his true calling. Inspired by authors like Stephen King, Moehling began crafting mysteries, channeling his knack for suspense into stories that grip and surprise. His leap to full-time writing in 2024, after leaving his job at Medtronic, marked a bold step toward living his childhood dream.
Joshua Moehling’s Unforgettable Stories
Moehling’s Ben Packard series is the heart of his literary legacy. His debut, And There He Kept Her (2022), introduces Deputy Ben Packard, a gay cop navigating the dark secrets of Sandy Lake, Minnesota. The novel, a Barnes & Noble Mystery/Thriller pick, follows Packard’s investigation into two missing teens, weaving a chilling tale of crime and personal loss. Critics praised its complex characters and taut pacing, earning it a Lambda Literary Award finalist spot for Best LGBTQ+ Mystery.
The follow-up, Where the Dead Sleep (2023), cements Packard as a fan favorite. This fast-paced whodunit, described by The New York Times as “devastating,” dives into a murder case tied to a web of small-town grudges. Moehling’s third installment, A Long Time Gone (2025), is his most emotional yet, tackling Packard’s search for answers about his brother’s decades-old disappearance. Known for his deadpan wit, vivid settings, and layered protagonists, Moehling crafts stories that balance gritty crime with human connection, drawing comparisons to C.J. Box and Craig Johnson.
Why Joshua Moehling Matters
Joshua Moehling’s impact lies in his ability to breathe fresh life into the mystery genre. His portrayal of Ben Packard—a flawed, relatable, and openly gay detective—offers a nuanced perspective rarely seen in police procedurals. By tackling themes like grief, identity, and small-town dynamics, Moehling resonates with readers who crave stories that thrill and move. His growing fanbase and critical acclaim, including endorsements from authors like Lisa Gardner, signal a bright future. With a contract for three more books, Moehling is poised to become a mainstay in crime fiction.
- Born: 1971
- Key Works: And There He Kept Her, Where the Dead Sleep, A Long Time Gone
- Awards: Lambda Literary Award finalist (2023), Barnes & Noble Mystery/Thriller pick
- Hobbies: Hiking, biking, and catching live music
Ready to get lost in a gripping mystery? Snag And There He Kept Her and dive into Joshua Moehling’s thrilling world of suspense!