From Victim to Vigilant: Cynthia J. Giachino’s “Between Lines” Reveals the Hidden World of Publishing Scams Through Fiction and Real Courage

Author Cynthia J. Giachino, best known for her raw autobiographical novel “Quiet. Fear.,” returns with an explosive second book, “Between Lines”—a gripping crime fiction inspired by her real-life experience of being scammed during the release of her debut.

In “Between Lines,” Giachino transforms betrayal into literary firepower, crafting a fast-paced, multi-layered thriller that unravels a story of fraud, identity theft, and a desperate international rescue mission. Drawing from emotional wounds and thorough research, she turns a personal nightmare into a global story of mystery, survival, and unexpected friendship.

The novel follows Harris, a young Asian American man who travels to Bangkok for a promising career opportunity—but is instead kidnapped, stripped of his identity, and forced into a scam labor camp. Now going by the name Ricco R. Smith, Harris’s story intertwines with that of Irene, a retired Chicago schoolteacher and first-time author. As Irene and her friends uncover Ricco’s connection to an elaborate fraud, they begin an international investigation that stretches from Chicago to London to Bangkok—culminating in a dangerous escape through monsoon storms and warlord-controlled waters.

A Novel Born from Betrayal—and Built on Truth

“I was scammed while trying to market my first book,” Giachino writes in her author note. “It was emotionally and financially devastating—but out of that experience came questions, characters, and eventually ‘Between Lines.’” She combines real-world cybercrime awareness with an entertaining fiction format to both educate and empower readers.

More than a crime thriller, “Between Lines” explores themes of resilience, global exploitation, identity, and hope. It’s for readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers, international intrigue, and stories where ordinary people become extraordinary heroes.

A Mission to Inform

“Between Lines” is both an edge-of-your-seat read and a wake-up call. It tackles themes of identity, exploitation, and justice—while offering hope, courage, and unexpected friendship.

It is a powerful and multi-layered narrative that exposes the far-reaching consequences of global scams, the emotional devastation they cause, and the courage it takes to fight back. Harris Smythe, a young graduate, is deceived by a promising job offer and ends up trapped in a digital scam compound in Bangkok. At the same time, Irene Watkins, a retired schoolteacher and first-time author, loses her savings to a publishing fraud. As Harris sends out coded cries for help and Irene begins to ask the right questions, their lives become part of a larger movement to uncover the truth. With the help of unlikely allies, they unravel a massive international scheme that stretches across borders and challenges their beliefs about trust, justice, and resilience. This novel does not just tell a thrilling story. It invites readers to reflect on how injustice operates in the shadows and how ordinary people can rise to confront it.

Perfect for fans of international thrillers, whistleblower fiction, and ordinary-hero narratives, this novel highlights a little-known but deeply damaging issue in the publishing industry. With elements of cybercrime, emotional recovery, and real-world awareness, it appeals to readers who want action, heart, and purpose.

Coming Soon!

“Between Lines” is set to launch soon. Stay tuned for the official release and be among the first to uncover the truth behind the fiction.

#Crime Fiction #International Thriller #Cybercrime-Inspired Fiction
Follow Cynthia @ https://cynthiajgiachino.com/

About the Author

Cynthia J. Giachino is a Michigan-born author and survivor who first captivated readers with her debut novel “Quiet. Fear.,” a fictionalized account of childhood trauma and healing. With “Between Lines,” she enters the world of adventure crime fiction, using her personal experiences with publishing fraud and cyber labor scams to shine light on a little-discussed global issue. Her mission is clear: to turn personal adversity into public awareness through unforgettable storytelling.

Contact Information

Sean Cortez

Senior Publicist

Prominent Books Edge Company

(1) 3072124056

scortez@prominentbooksedge.com