Debut novels don’t get much better than Wadsworth author Cynthia L. Hall’s new book “Secret Sacrifices” (PublishAmerica; $19.95). “Secret Sacrifices” tackles the awfulness of child abduction in a way that makes you want to keep reading instead of slamming the book and your mind shut on the subject matter. Readers will want to keep turning the pages of this thriller until they reach the very end.

The story revolves around Maggie Brown and her 10-year-old daughter, Tracey. For reasons known only to her, Maggie chose to be a single parent and to not tell Matt Sanford that he has a daughter. When Tracey is abducted by a Caribbean kidnapping ring while mother and daughter are enjoying a vacation, Maggie contacts the unsuspecting Matt and asks him for help.

What follows is a well-written, technologically correct book that will keep you on your toes. It does all the right things — you like the good guys and you hate the bad guys and you’re on the edge of your seat worrying about stolen children and the horrific intentions of the kidnappers. From start to finish, readers will have the sensation that time is running out. It’s a good read.

The author, meticulous in her research, knows the ins and outs of police work. Hall worked with the Medina County Sheriff’s Department from 1983 to 1994.

“I started in records, transferred to the Detective Bureau as the secretary, and ended with working as the Deputy Clerk in the Civil Division,” she explained. “I love researching and because of that I tend to over-research my subject. I want to make certain all of my details are accurate. Readers are smart and know when you’re bluffing,” she added.

All of the research paid off because the book is detail-conscious, and Hall’s gift for describing a scene easily transports readers to the exotic locale of the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John. At times, her dialogue and plot enable characters and events to jump off the pages, especially during the book’s rather spectacular ending. The ending, by the way, leaves room for the sequel that Hall is currently working on.

Although this is her first novel, the author has been making up stories in her mind as far back as she can remember. When her third grade teacher asked the class to read a play and then write a review of it, Hall asked if she could write a play instead.

Much later, she expanded her writing and became a freelance photojournalist, writing feature and business articles for area newspapers. Hall lives in Wadsworth with her husband and daughter.

“Secret Sacrifices” can be purchased through www.amazon.com and www.publishamerica.com.

Fahning may be reached at accent@ohio.net.

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