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A Riveting Kidnapping Mystery Series #1
The Abducted
To solve a high-profile abduction, one former-police officer must confront a dark past.
A child's abduction leads to a frightening pattern within a South Florida town where nothing is as it seems. Amidst the vast wetlands, suburban sprawl, and tropical heat, the Lee County police department knows what to expect on any given day. But when a serial child predator stakes his claim in the area, there is no knowing when and where he will strike. The parents of the latest victim are baffled to receive no ransom demands, given their wealth and influence. And the town is in an uproar as the girl marks the fifth child to vanish.
A child's abduction leads to a frightening pattern within a South Florida town where nothing is as it seems. Amidst the vast wetlands, suburban sprawl, and tropical heat, the Lee County police department knows what to expect on any given day. But when a serial child predator stakes his claim in the area, there is no knowing when and where he will strike. The parents of the latest victim are baffled to receive no ransom demands, given their wealth and influence. And the town is in an uproar as the girl marks the fifth child to vanish.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2019
1517 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
October 23, 2019
Dragged on and implausible
Fir me, this book dragged on and on and no matter how I tried it couldn’t catch my interest. Slow books tend to do that to me. Also, too many implausible scenarios in the book. By the time I got to the middle I didn’t care who had one what. I’ll try another book to be fair, but not impressed by this one. Sorry.
Fir me, this book dragged on and on and no matter how I tried it couldn’t catch my interest. Slow books tend to do that to me. Also, too many implausible scenarios in the book. By the time I got to the middle I didn’t care who had one what. I’ll try another book to be fair, but not impressed by this one. Sorry.
November 17, 2025
The Abducted is an intense mystery about a former police officer confronting a chilling serial child abduction in his town. A predator known as “the Snatcher” is striking again, and the case forces him to face his buried past. In Roger Hayden’s The Abducted (Book 1 of the “Riveting Kidnapping Mystery” series), the story takes place in South Florida, where multiple children have disappeared under eerie circumstances. Hayden paints the setting with a sense of dread: the humid, sprawling wetlands and suburban landscapes become a backdrop for terror, while the Lee County police department scrambles to understand the pattern behind the abductions.
What really struck me was the emotional weight carried by Hayden’s characters. The former cop is not just chasing a criminal, he’s grappling with a “dark past” that makes his pursuit deeply personal. His vulnerability felt raw, and Hayden doesn’t shy away from the horror of the situation; parents are shaken, communities are terrified, and the lack of ransom demands adds to the uneasy atmosphere. At the same time, there’s resilience in the narrative, a sense that despite the fear, people are driven by hope, love, and sacrifice. For me, this book was a heart-wrenching reminder that justice is rarely simple, and real courage often means facing things we’d rather forget. I also noticed moments where the pacing lagged a little. Some chapters felt more procedural than emotional but the tension always snapped back before I lost interest. 4 stars because it is gripping stakes, compelling emotional core, and the way it balances dread with determination.
What really struck me was the emotional weight carried by Hayden’s characters. The former cop is not just chasing a criminal, he’s grappling with a “dark past” that makes his pursuit deeply personal. His vulnerability felt raw, and Hayden doesn’t shy away from the horror of the situation; parents are shaken, communities are terrified, and the lack of ransom demands adds to the uneasy atmosphere. At the same time, there’s resilience in the narrative, a sense that despite the fear, people are driven by hope, love, and sacrifice. For me, this book was a heart-wrenching reminder that justice is rarely simple, and real courage often means facing things we’d rather forget. I also noticed moments where the pacing lagged a little. Some chapters felt more procedural than emotional but the tension always snapped back before I lost interest. 4 stars because it is gripping stakes, compelling emotional core, and the way it balances dread with determination.
October 4, 2019
Personally, I am a big fan of the TV show "Criminal Minds," so to see such sloppy detective work was rather scary. The main character of the story, Miriam, was one of the worst police/detectives I've ever seen characterized. She felt that people blamed her for her partner's death in the beginning of the book, well I did as well. When you're on duty, even for a routine stop, you don't start texting your kid while your fairly new partner goes to speak to the person/people stopped. She should have kept a close watch as he approached the van. All of the police detectives kept ignoring big clues that were given out about the possible perp/unsub. The fact that she saw a blonde with long hair should have been looked at more closely. And when she finally saw the photos of the Anderson Family and the one of the prime suspect, she noticed that Phillip looked more like the person described but then just let it go and ignored it. And later in the book when she shot the guys in the movie theater, why didn't the police/FBI take their finger prints when they couldn't find any identification? Last but not least, Miriam was a big endangerment to herself and others. So like when she called Lou and her partner didn't know who Lou was, why didn't he try to find out? And why didn't he try to figure out who she was talking to on the phone and then saying she was going home so she could have a fresh start the next day, especially knowing her MO. And why didn't anyone seem to be looking for her after she was taken? It was just all very sloppy work by these people who are supposed to be trained in this field. Same with the cabin where 3 of the men were shot...why didn't they take fingerprints to find out more about who these men were and then investigate them fully? This was not about a bunch of riveting kidnappings, this was about some very, very sloppy police/detective work that would not make me have a lot of faith in the people sworn to protect their communities.
April 18, 2021
Close but no cigar
The damsel in distress theme started to get a little overdone, especially when the damsel in supposed to be a highly trained police officer. Actions keep being repeated as though the reader didn’t know about them, and needed reminding. The plot idea is intriguing but never really fully developed and the two halves of the story seem disjointed. The final denouement is easily anticipated and flat. Glad I didn’t pay for it.
The damsel in distress theme started to get a little overdone, especially when the damsel in supposed to be a highly trained police officer. Actions keep being repeated as though the reader didn’t know about them, and needed reminding. The plot idea is intriguing but never really fully developed and the two halves of the story seem disjointed. The final denouement is easily anticipated and flat. Glad I didn’t pay for it.
July 26, 2020
Not great!
This book is repetitive. It tells you Miriam's story over and over and over throughout the book. The plot was just okay. The characters were weak in description, and boring. I actually do not feel it's even worth three stars.
This book is repetitive. It tells you Miriam's story over and over and over throughout the book. The plot was just okay. The characters were weak in description, and boring. I actually do not feel it's even worth three stars.
July 16, 2021
Undeveloped
It started out ok but then became drawn out. The characters were not well developed and the ending weak. I was disappointed overall.
It started out ok but then became drawn out. The characters were not well developed and the ending weak. I was disappointed overall.
May 2, 2021
Not Riveting
I’m glad I didn’t pay for this. The editing is terrible ...the mistakes started making me crazy. The police are inept and the FBI are worse. It is poorly researched because neither agencies would behave as they do in this story. It drags on and on. The storyline is unbelievable. The heroine is supposedly a rising star in her police department but doesn’t have a clue how to follow procedure or her training. The bad guy has so many different inconsistent mental disorders it becomes almost funny instead of terrifying or disturbing. I usually have to finish something I start but I couldn’t muster to continue reading all of it so I skipped to the end. It was about 200 pages too long. Don’t waste your time and money.
I’m glad I didn’t pay for this. The editing is terrible ...the mistakes started making me crazy. The police are inept and the FBI are worse. It is poorly researched because neither agencies would behave as they do in this story. It drags on and on. The storyline is unbelievable. The heroine is supposedly a rising star in her police department but doesn’t have a clue how to follow procedure or her training. The bad guy has so many different inconsistent mental disorders it becomes almost funny instead of terrifying or disturbing. I usually have to finish something I start but I couldn’t muster to continue reading all of it so I skipped to the end. It was about 200 pages too long. Don’t waste your time and money.
October 16, 2021
Suspenseful and intense. What an amazing main character! I pulled for her every inch of the way as I navigated your well executed twists and turns. The relief at the end was exhilarating. I will certainly be looking for other books written by you. Masterful suspense. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading. You kept my interest and the end was not obvious. Thank you for providing such an interesting and well crafted novel . Thanks
Suspenseful and intense. What an amazing main character! I pulled for her every inch of the way as I navigated your well executed twists and turns. The relief at the end was exhilarating. I will certainly be looking for other books written by you. Masterful suspense. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading. You kept my interest and the end was not obvious. Thank you for providing such an interesting and well crafted novel . Thanks
Suspenseful and intense. What an amazing main character! I pulled for her every inch of the way as I navigated your well executed twists and turns. The relief at the end was exhilarating. I will certainly be looking for other books written by you. Masterful suspense. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading. You kept my interest and the end was not obvious. Thank you for providing such an interesting and well crafted novel . Thanks
May 11, 2020
Reasonably good thriller
Once a year a young girl disappears in south Florida and is never found. One year, Miriam and her partner attempt a routine traffic stop and it all goes wrong when they interrupt the kidnapping. Now the fiend is back again. Should Miriam rejoin law enforcement and attempt to find this killer who has eluded capture for so long?
Good quarantine read, although I was totally unclear as to the criminal’s motive for taking the girls - it’s never made clear at all. The end seemed a bit rushed, but overall it was a decent read. Currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
Once a year a young girl disappears in south Florida and is never found. One year, Miriam and her partner attempt a routine traffic stop and it all goes wrong when they interrupt the kidnapping. Now the fiend is back again. Should Miriam rejoin law enforcement and attempt to find this killer who has eluded capture for so long?
Good quarantine read, although I was totally unclear as to the criminal’s motive for taking the girls - it’s never made clear at all. The end seemed a bit rushed, but overall it was a decent read. Currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
March 16, 2025
This is the first book in A Riveting Kidnapping Mystery Series by Roger Hayden. Miriam Sandoval is a former police detective known for solving high profile kidnapping cases is called back to duty after a series of child abductions that occur in the small Texas town of Odessa where no ransom demands are made. Miriam had retired from the police force after a traumatic incident occurred from a routine traffic accident. As Miriam investigates the case she discovers clues and faces danger at every turn. Miriam must race against time before another child gets abducted. I really enjoyed this amazing crime fiction novel.
June 23, 2021
A very fast paced mystery about a serial kidnapper of young pre-teen girls, and the woman that became obsessed with bringing him down. A mother herself, and an ex-policewoman, and when he took her daughter, well, "hell hath no fury."
Well written, interesting characters, a few slow moments, but for the most part the story moved right along, and I am one of those people that the more immersed I am in the story I begin reading faster and faster till I can't keep up with myself? 🤣 This was one of those stories, at least for me it was.
Well written, interesting characters, a few slow moments, but for the most part the story moved right along, and I am one of those people that the more immersed I am in the story I begin reading faster and faster till I can't keep up with myself? 🤣 This was one of those stories, at least for me it was.
January 10, 2024
Great read
This book was the continued version of book 0. It was a story about a female cop who solved a series of kidnappings that included her daughter, she thought it was over because she thought the perpetrator had died in an explosion. After she moved from the area with her daughter to start a new life, she discovered the perpetrator had lived to find her again and kidnapped a young girl to lure her into his trap.
The story is well-written and will keep you turning pages until the end.
Great job Roger Hayden!
This book was the continued version of book 0. It was a story about a female cop who solved a series of kidnappings that included her daughter, she thought it was over because she thought the perpetrator had died in an explosion. After she moved from the area with her daughter to start a new life, she discovered the perpetrator had lived to find her again and kidnapped a young girl to lure her into his trap.
The story is well-written and will keep you turning pages until the end.
Great job Roger Hayden!
December 14, 2025
First book by this author and I really liked it - book captured my attention from the start and it kept that pace of action for the duration. Definitely some cat and mouse interactions between police detective and abductor. Main villain was twisted and had some serious issues! Was reading some comments about how police work was shoddy - it’s fiction people - if you’re reading this for true crime you’ll be disappointed. Take the book on its own merit ! Personally well worth the read and I can’t wait to read the next
August 22, 2024
I am about 60% through and pretty much am done. Main character M is the wordy cop/detective in the history. She’s getting ready to take off on her own again and not tell anyone, so stupid. I kinda hope this is the end of the road for her. Everything is too cliche, it’s boring. Except how over the top, spastic she acts with the kidnapping in Arizona. Seriously, she should have a mental evaluation and be put on leave. I’m sorry, it was just not good.
October 10, 2025
One of the best books I have read in awhile. Loved it, lots us suspense and some twist. I could barely out it down. Just want to keep reading. Never read this author before but willing to read more of his.
I gave it 4 * 's because of how it ended. Would like to have seen more closer at the end, one with her daughter and the other with the department after everything was said and done. Maybe even of her calling Lou again to tell him everything. Just thought the ending needed tidying up.
I gave it 4 * 's because of how it ended. Would like to have seen more closer at the end, one with her daughter and the other with the department after everything was said and done. Maybe even of her calling Lou again to tell him everything. Just thought the ending needed tidying up.
December 27, 2019
Excellent book!
So many twists and turns. So much mystery. I loved it. First book I've read from this author. I love the strong female lead character. The characters are very developed and believable. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly. I would recommend this to anyone. No foul language or sexual scenes.
So many twists and turns. So much mystery. I loved it. First book I've read from this author. I love the strong female lead character. The characters are very developed and believable. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly. I would recommend this to anyone. No foul language or sexual scenes.
January 25, 2024
Disgustingly Fascinating
This book was written very well. I tried to stop reading, yet I just kept coming back and reading some more. The descriptive language was excellent, but hideous. I couldn’t believe how horrible people could be to other people. I don’t think I could ever read another book by this author.
This book was written very well. I tried to stop reading, yet I just kept coming back and reading some more. The descriptive language was excellent, but hideous. I couldn’t believe how horrible people could be to other people. I don’t think I could ever read another book by this author.
April 17, 2024
Good...until medically unrealistic twist
The book was good, at least 75% through, although even that part could have been more condensed. Then there was a "twist" that defied all medical possibility, which ruined it and the author's credibility. But if you can completely suspend disbelief, or if you're not a medical professional, keep reading. Otherwise, just no.
The book was good, at least 75% through, although even that part could have been more condensed. Then there was a "twist" that defied all medical possibility, which ruined it and the author's credibility. But if you can completely suspend disbelief, or if you're not a medical professional, keep reading. Otherwise, just no.
February 12, 2026
riveting
Suddenly I’m a huge fan of Roger Hayden and mystery novels. This held me captive ‼️ Being a slow reader, and allowing only an hour each day, I wanted to abandon my other commitments and finish reading. Midway through I changed my genre preferences on Bookbub to include mystery.
Hoping to find more.
Suddenly I’m a huge fan of Roger Hayden and mystery novels. This held me captive ‼️ Being a slow reader, and allowing only an hour each day, I wanted to abandon my other commitments and finish reading. Midway through I changed my genre preferences on Bookbub to include mystery.
Hoping to find more.
December 24, 2019
Excellent read
This kept me in suspense and had to keep reading and reading until I finished it. I know we aren't to believe in vigilante justice but in this case, he was the devil and needed to go back to hell.
This kept me in suspense and had to keep reading and reading until I finished it. I know we aren't to believe in vigilante justice but in this case, he was the devil and needed to go back to hell.
June 7, 2020
Awesome!
Not quite like most stories of serial killers and the way they operate. The hero or heroine of the story is supposed to escape, to live, to conquer the villain, right? You won’t know for sure until the very last chapter...
Not quite like most stories of serial killers and the way they operate. The hero or heroine of the story is supposed to escape, to live, to conquer the villain, right? You won’t know for sure until the very last chapter...
November 18, 2020
A Mothers Worst Nightmare
Serial child kidnapper and killer. When you find yourself as part of this horrible nightmare. Miriam fights to find her daughter and this creature that prayed on children. A wonderfully thrilling read, don not miss out on this amazing book
Serial child kidnapper and killer. When you find yourself as part of this horrible nightmare. Miriam fights to find her daughter and this creature that prayed on children. A wonderfully thrilling read, don not miss out on this amazing book
February 10, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much. It was fast-paced, well written, and the procedural aspects were well thought out and well presented. There are nine more books in this series, all available free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
March 4, 2021
Wow
I love this book, I hated to put this book down. The suspense kept me reading all day. I can't wait to read more from this author. The fact that the second the story took place in town of Arizona that I recognized made it more interesting.
I love this book, I hated to put this book down. The suspense kept me reading all day. I can't wait to read more from this author. The fact that the second the story took place in town of Arizona that I recognized made it more interesting.
April 29, 2021
Enjoyed!!
Book kept me interested and was a page turner. Author created a evil monster that wouldn't die and a tough cop willing to do whatever it took to rescue children from this madman.
Book kept me interested and was a page turner. Author created a evil monster that wouldn't die and a tough cop willing to do whatever it took to rescue children from this madman.
May 11, 2021
Good book with suspense. If you like mystery then this is for you
I’ve never much been interested in books of this nature but the first few pages kept my attention. Very interesting.
I’ve never much been interested in books of this nature but the first few pages kept my attention. Very interesting.
May 21, 2021
Riveting
This book is well worth the read. The story is fast paced, gripping and unpredictable. I was intrigued by Miriam, a detective who has a " take no prisoners" style. She keeps a pace that keeps the story rolling with heart stopping results!
This book is well worth the read. The story is fast paced, gripping and unpredictable. I was intrigued by Miriam, a detective who has a " take no prisoners" style. She keeps a pace that keeps the story rolling with heart stopping results!
January 23, 2022
Great suspenseful book
This book is a great book to read by anyone. Every time I thought it was the ending that I was getting to another story within a story started. I highly recommend reading it.
This book is a great book to read by anyone. Every time I thought it was the ending that I was getting to another story within a story started. I highly recommend reading it.
May 24, 2022
I tried hard to like it but when it came to the burn victim who had third degree burns over their entire body and never sought medical attention yet was totally fine (although scarred) after a just six months ….. it was all I could do finish the book.
October 11, 2022
I couldn't stop reading...
This story was so well written that I had a hard time putting it down for a break. Some parts were pretty graphic, but really helped to understand the whole story. I will definitely be following this author for more in this series.
This story was so well written that I had a hard time putting it down for a break. Some parts were pretty graphic, but really helped to understand the whole story. I will definitely be following this author for more in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews