Under the Surface

In Under the Surface, the second book in the Cordelia Corbett Mysteries series by J.T. Kunkel, amateur sleuth Cordelia Corbett finds herself entangled in yet another gripping mystery in the seemingly tranquil town of Point Pleasant Beach. What begins as a peaceful new chapter in her life—settling into her late grandmother’s lakeside home and growing her budding investigation business—soon takes a chilling turn when a woman’s lifeless body emerges from the waters behind her house.

As Cordelia and her sharp-witted assistant, Shelby Irons, start piecing together the details of the young woman’s death, they quickly realize that the small-town charm of Point Pleasant Beach hides a web of secrets. The victim’s connections to local figures, a hidden past, and a series of unexplained events lead them down a twisting path of deception. Was it an accident? A crime of passion? Or is there something even more sinister lurking beneath the surface?

With the help of Detective Clint Daniels—her on-again, off-again romantic entanglement—Cordelia must navigate cryptic clues, reluctant witnesses, and personal stakes that run deeper than she expected. As the mystery unfolds, she is forced to confront not only the dangers of the case but also the emotions that her partnership with Clint stirs up.

Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with strong female leads, small-town intrigue, and just the right touch of romance, Under the Surface blends suspense and charm into an irresistible page-turner. If you love amateur sleuths, atmospheric coastal settings, and cases filled with unexpected twists, this installment of the Cordelia Corbett Mysteries series will keep you hooked until the very last page.