Below the Surface by Tim Shoemaker

About the Book
Something is wrong with Cooper. He’s plagued by a fear he doesn’t understand and can’t control. Cooper just wants to escape, and a summer vacation aboard the restored cabin cruiser, The Getaway, with best friends Gordy, Hiro, and Lunk seems like the perfect way to do it. Two weeks of fun---with no mysteries or life-and-death danger. That’s the plan. But their plans are shattered the very first night when they witness a murder. Or did they? Despite their intentions of leaving the investigation to the police, narrow misses and creepy encounters lure them in. Is there really a body floating in the underwater currents of the lake? The closer they get to the truth, the deeper into danger they get. Too late they see the trap. Now each of them must face their own buried fears . . . just below the surface.

My Thoughts
Even though this series is about kids that are a lot younger than me I still have enjoyed their stories and I think this one was my favorite of the three.This author has a great talent of writing books suitable for a younger audience but keeping them believable and even entertaining for adults to read. I loved seeing the growth of the characters and their bond was really something special. I think Coop was my favorite of the four, he had a lot a depth for how young he was and I really liked how he cared for those close to him. I also loved seeing the change in Lunk as he found friendship and acceptance with the group. Hiro and Gordy were great too though they got a little annoying at times. All in all this was a great ending to a fun series that I definitely recommend for middle-school-junior high kids!

Meet the Author
Tim Shoemaker is a speaker and author of eight books, including Dangerous Devotions for Guys; Smashed Tomatoes, Bottle Rockets, and Other Outdoor Devotionals; Mashed Potatoes, Paint Balls, and Other Indoor/Outdoor Devotionals. He has three grown sons and has been happily married for over thirty-two years. Tim actively serves in his church and continues to volunteer with youth ministry. Visit www.TimShoemakerSmashedTomatoes.com to learn more.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.