Cutter's Wake — Lynn M. Turner

Late one night, on a deserted Nova Scotian beach, Susan Stead witnesses the brutal kidnapping of little Amy Sutherland. When she rushes to save the child, she is abducted herself and taken aboard a fishing boat. The kidnappers say they have to keep Amy alive until next week. One man's conscience spurs him to save Susan's life by throwing her overboard. She survives a terrifying swim to shore.

With time quickly slipping away, Susan must convince the skeptical Coast Guard that Amy is in danger and must be found. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigate Susan's story, but they're acting anything but convinced. When Amy's parents say their daughter is fine, Susan knows she has to take matters into her own hands.

Finally, she finds an ally in Danny Shipley, who helps her investigate possible suspects and follow their trail. They soon find that this is more than simply a case of kidnapping for ransom and that major oil interests are at stake.