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.

Code of Silence by Tim Shoemaker Book Review

About the Book
Telling the Truth Could Get Them Killed. Remaining Silent Could Be Worse. When Cooper, Hiro, and Gordy witness a robbery that leaves a man in a coma, they find themselves tangled in a web of mystery and deceit that threatens their lives. After being seen by the criminals---who may also be cops---Cooper makes everyone promise never to reveal what they have seen. Telling the truth could kill them. But remaining silent means an innocent man takes the fall and a friend never receives justice. Is there ever a time to lie? And what happens when the truth is dangerous? The three friends, trapped in a code of silence, must face the consequences of choosing right or wrong when both options have their price.

My Thoughts
This book was a pretty good read. Since all of the main characters were thirteen I probably would have enjoyed it more if I was younger. But nevertheless the book held my attention the whole way through and I really liked it.
Tim Shoemaker did an excellent job of painting the effect lies can have on not just your life but the lives of those around you. He also pretty efficiently captured the minds of thirteen year-olds, their actions, and their words were pretty spot on. The story was also well written and I would quickly recommend this book to young teenagers!

About 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; and Mashed Potatoes, Paint Balls, and Other Indoor/Outdoor Devotionals. He has three grown sons and has been happily married for over 32 years. His debut into the juvenile fiction market draws from his experience with kids as a volunteer youth leader for more than sixteen years.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.