One of the greatest strengths of this book is it’s main character. What follows is a harrowing, oftentimes horrible story that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. Sadie, the titular character, is on a mission to avenge her little sister Mattie, who she practically raised. It also worked so well as a vehicle for exploring the thematic issues, especially in emphasising the novel as a “fictional true crime”. The podcast format wasn’t something I’d seen before and it immediately drew me in. Told partially in narrative format from Sadie’s point of view, and partially via podcast put together by the character and journalist West McCray this is one of the most unique books, structure wise, I’ve ever read. Sadie has got to be one of the most gut-wrenching, emotionally exhausting, and yet wholly satisfying books I have ever read. They just get better at hiding who they really are.” He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie’s journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it’s too late. When West McCray-a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America-overhears Sadie’s story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister’s killer to justice and hits the road following a few meagre clues to find him.

Growing up on her own, she’s been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water.īut when Mattie is found dead, Sadie’s entire world crumbles. content warnings: sexual abuse, child abuse, pedophilia, violence, murder, addiction.

genres: young adult, mystery, contemporary.

Sadie courtney summers review