Beneath the Surface By Jeni Grossman Covenant Communications, 2001. Trade paperback: 271 pages. ISBN: 1-57734-828-1 Suggested retail price: $14.95 (US)
Reviewed by: Julia H. Todd

This book can be read purely for entertainment; it's a well told mystery. On the other hand, the author skillfully weaves a story about people's struggles to find out who they are and their relationships with God and organized religion.

The story is told through the lives of people in the small town of Griggsberg and a mystery revolving around the quarry. When the quarry flooded years earlier a beautiful lake was created. Property values around the lake increased and the dusty quarry town became a lush summer resort. A Christian college moved from Kansas City to the town and The Church on the Hill was built. The only people not happy with this development were the Bennigans, Fiona and her three children. Their husband and father, Liam, drowned when the quarry flooded. The family is convinced the flooding was not an accident. Fiona's face bears a scar from a petrol bomb thrown at her by Protestants in her Irish homeland. She wears the scar proudly in honor of her troubled country.

A body floats to the lake's surface. Solving the murder reopens the questions about the flooding of the quarry and exposes deceit and actions that the town's most prominent citizens thought were long buried.

Craig Dennison is the pastor of the Church on the Hill. The nondenominational church is the center of the social and religious life in the small town of Griggsberg. Dennison's almost 16 year old daughter Hannah is the main character. She is responsible for her rebellious younger brother during her parents' frequent trips out of town to speak and sing a church conferences, political rallies and television programs. Hannah searches for meaning beyond the show and spectacle.

The LDS connection comes with the Spencer family. Jared Spencer is Hannah's age. Hannah carefully watches the Spencer family and wishes she could "cuddle into a bed full of brothers and sisters." Jared and Hannah have conversations about what's important in life and in a relationship with God.

The mystery of the quarry, lake, and body get solved. Hannah's quest is still going on at the end of the book. This book is definitely worth the money and the time reading it. I look forward to more books from Jeni Grossman.

Julia H. Todd