OBSERVER: Beneath A Broken Sky
Detective stories are loved by so many people, and the leading protagonist can range from an elderly English villager, a Belgian detective, a mediaeval monk or a contemporary cop.
But rarely is the detective a queer man investigating the murder of a gay son’s mother.
American author Joshua Moehling created the acclaimed and best-selling Ben Packard series, and his latest book is Beneath a Broken Sky in May, the fourth in the popular series, where Packard explores small town politics, a mysterious killer and a deadly storm.
Detective Ben Packard has settled in the small town of Sandy Lake. It’s a hot summer, and a tornado has swept through causing fallen trees, destroyed homes, and desperate people.
The storm has also attracted a group of storm chasers with something to hide.
Then the mother of a gay boy is murdered in her home, suspects are everywhere. She was 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. Could this be a case of payback?
This case feels close to home for Packard. Then someone from his past shows up unexpectedly and he is forced to confront the reality of navigating life as a gay man in a small town bent on tradition, no matter the cost.
The scene is set for revelations as Packard faces the prejudice of the town against the gay detective.
To find out how Moehling resolves this complex situation and solves the crime, you will have to read the book
Beneath A Broken Sky will be released by Penguin Random House on Ma 26 and will be available in bookstores or online.
Julie Houghton (pictured)