Monday, December 2, 2024

Code of Silence by Tim Shoemaker*

 On a Thursday night Cooper, Gordy, and Hiro are hanging out in a favorite local restaurant  after hours, Frank 'n Stein's when they witness a brutal robbery, which leaves the owner in a coma. When one of the thieves threatens Cooper and his family (it seems like some of the thieves may be dirty cops), Cooper convinces Gordy and Hiro to not reveal the three of them were witnesses. They take the "Code of Silence" as they try to figure out who the thieves are. To maintain their anonymity, they begin telling lies to the police, their teachers, their parents, and their families. Lies grow and become more complicated. 

A fast-paced book that will make the reader to want to devour it one sitting  This book showcases the danger of lying and how easy it is to fall into the habit and to justify it. God is mentioned but only in reference to praying to Him (and will He answer prayers when you are sinning and knowing you are wrong?) about the situation. This book will stimulate conversations.

My fifteen-year-old has read it twice and told me to read it. He likes the depiction of consequences of lying and how the book requires you to think about your choices. 

*Highly recommend for junior high readers and younger high school students (the main characters are in 8th grade).

It looks like Mr. Shoemaker has written two other books in this series featuring Cooper, Gordy, and Hiro, all featuring a mystery/suspense theme-Below the Surface and Back Before Dark.




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