Below the Surface ~ Review

Below the Surface
A Code of Silence Book
By Tim Shoemaker

Fear can be buried...

but that doesn't mean it's dead

This is the last summer before High School and Cooper just wants to hang out with his friends and enjoy it, but something won't let him. Something is Below the Surface of the water and this something is scaring Cooper.  The question is what exactly is down there?

When Cooper, Gordy, and Hiro think they witness a crime, a series of events is set into motion and the past and all its fears begin stalking them.  Cooper, Gordy, and Lunk want to ignore Hiro's concerns but Hiro is usually right.  And she isn't convinced that a murder wasn't committed. Something doesn't add up and she's is determined to discover the truth even if it means going out on her own.  

Someone is determined to keep them from discovering the truth, even if it means silencing them forever.  And he does mean forever...

Below the Surface is the third book in the Code of Silence trilogy.  You don't have to read the first two books to enjoy this book, but you will know about past experiences that are mentioned in this book.  And these past experiences have a direct bearing on the fears Cooper, Gordy, Lunk and Hiro are burying.  This summer will prove just how strong their bonds of friendship are.

I think part of the reason the kids got into trouble is because they really needed more adult supervision/interaction. They got into the biggest messes when there were no adults around and the fact that they didn't tell their parents the whole truth of what was going on was the issue.  The statement about silence being golden is so not true when there are problems.  And underlying fears were something that they needed to talk about, as was evidenced when Cooper's dad was with the boys.

I really enjoyed this book and the intensity and excitement level really held my attention.  I did not want to put it down until the very end.  And I have to say I was a little disappointed to learn that this is the last book
(well a lot disappointed if you must know).  These books should appeal to middle grade readers and even young adults who enjoy realistic heart-pounding fiction. 

I was provided a copy of this book through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

Book Description

In the third book in the Code of Silence series, a coming-of-age story that both boys and girls will enjoy, from prolific author and speaker Tim Shoemaker.

Buried fears don’t stay buried for long. Something is wrong with Cooper. He doesn’t understand it, and he won’t admit it, but after surviving the trauma of abduction, Cooper is plagued by a deep fear he can’t control. A vacation aboard the restored Getaway with his friends is just what he needs. No drama, no mysteries, just fun, relaxation, and a few well-planned pranks. But trouble follows this crew, and the idea of a carefree vacation soon disappears along with a missing woman. The police think she drowned, but Hiro has her own suspicions and starts investigating, while Cooper keeps busy and hides behind his practical jokes. But fear has a way of rising. A prank gone wrong, a dark water dive, and the four friends find more than they bargained for - just below the surface.