Hi everyone! Today I’m going to be reviewing Sadie by Courtney Summers.
Rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Sadie is a haunting tale exploring the lengths we are willing to go for those we love. It follows our protagonist, Sadie’s, journey to find her younger sister’s murderer, vowing to get revenge. During all of this, we have the added storyline of radio personality West McCray’s hunt for Sadie, who is nearly always a step behind her. Will he be able to save her from herself and the dark route she is going down, or will he be too late to save her?
I don’t think words can truly express how heartwrenching and poignant this story was. Each page I read broke my heart just a little bit more, unveiling a spider web of secrets that were bigger and more dangerous than Sadie could ever have imagined. This book was certainly a difficult read, and the events Sadie faced were truly horrifying.
I think one of the things which made this book stand out from others in the same genre was Sadie’s truly remarkable character. Sadie was unflinchingly brave and determined to find the killer, no matter the consequences. I really admired how much she loved her younger sister and what she was willing to do for her. This really hit home for me as, although I’m certainly not in as difficult a situation as the two sisters, my sister and I are extremely close and reading Sadie’s grief was like a punch in the gut… I can’t imagine going through what Sadie did.
Of course, some of Sadie’s actions were extremely violent, and she became increasingly careless with her own life and desperate to find the murderer. This only added to my admiration of Summers – it was really refreshing to see an author who didn’t steer away from the realities of what ordinary people are capable of and read about a strong female character who was willing to fight back against some men’s vile actions. I loved the way Sadie rebelled against some of the men in her life, even if I would’ve used very different methods!
This book also covered a lot of uncomfortable topics (a full list of triggers can be found at the end of this review). This was actually quite new to me as until recently my primary genre was romance, but Summers handled the topics marvelously and, although it was difficult to read, I loved it. I think it’s really important that these topics are talked about as they are extremely relevant to society today and Summers didn’t flinch away from how truly horrifying some people’s experiences and overall lives are.
On a lighter note, another element Summers incorporated that I loved was the podcast aspect. This was one of the first books I read which used this (the first being A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder, which I also loved), and Summers executed it brilliantly, with dialogue that struck just the right balance and was, in all honesty, perfect. It was really interesting to read West’s hunt for Sadie, and how she remained ten steps ahead of him the whole book. After reading this I can’t wait to get my hands on more books which use podcasts!
The vast multitude of characters included also captured my interest and intrigued me. Every single character was individual and unique, while also giving Sadie helpful information for her search and revealing some interesting side-plots, each one becoming more and more disturbing. This book certainly had its fair share of grim stories, but I appreciated Summers addressing these head on instead of brushing prominent issues in society into the shadows, or sensationalizing them.
The whole book was masterfully crafted and full of twists and turns throughout. Once I started reading Sadie it was impossible to put down (I read it in one sitting), and I found myself drawn into Sadie’s dark world. Sadie is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading, and gives a voice to girls who are normally brushed onto the sidelines.
The ending just about destroyed me, although I suppose I understand Summers’ reasoning. I don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say that it left me with A LOT of questions.
Overall, I would recommend Sadie to anyone looking for a haunting combination of thriller and crime and a story that will leave your heart in your mouth and keep you guessing until the very end. Sadie has become a firm favourite of mine… I’ve truly never read anything like it and I will never stop recommending it.
However, please be mindful that this is a book for mature readers and has a lot of triggers: death, depression, drug abuse, murder, pedophilia, rape, sexual abuse and violence. If you are uncomfortable reading about any of those topics this definitely isn’t the book for you.
Have you read Sadie yet? Will you be picking it up soon? Let me know in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed this review!
Ceri
Read And Review It 
This book sounds amazing – I think I’ll have to read it!!
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You 100% have to – I wasn’t sure before I read it but as soon as I started reading I loved it!!
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i am adding this book to my tbr! thanks for the recommendation Ceri!
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Yay, I can’t wait to hear what you think of it! I’m sure you’ll love it!
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Very nice review Ceri – I need to read this book!
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Thank you – you definitely do!
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Seems and sounds interesting. Good review Ceri!
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Thank you!!
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Oooh, I didn’t realise this novel incorporated podcast elements – that’s so fascinating! Enjoyed your review, nicely done!
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Ikr, it was such a lovely aspect! Thank you so much 🙂
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This book sounds like it is right up my alley. I love the mystery aspect and how the MC is a brave character despite going through difficult events. I appreciate your warning that this book is for mature audiences and handles triggering topics. I will give it a try and see how it goes! Thanks for sharing this.
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Yeah, Sadie is definitely one of my bravest characters I’ve read about! Of course, I think it’s really important to mention any major triggers. I hope you enjoy! No problem, thanks for commenting!
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you made me excited to read the book, what a great review, thanks for sharing!
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I’m so glad you liked my review! I really hope you enjoy if you do read, thanks for commenting!
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I like reading these dark kinds of books, especially in Fall/Winter! Thank you for recommending it, I’ll add this to my reading list for later!
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So do I, especially with Halloween around the corner! No worries, I really hope you enjoy! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment!
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Loved this book so much. Especially the audiobook. Great review!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it too! I haven’t gotten around to the audiobook yet but I’ve heard great things about it so I’m thinking I’ll have to soon! Thank you so much for commenting and recommending the audiobook!
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It sounds like this book captured its genre perfectly. Whilst its not for me, it sounds like such a gripping read. Great review.
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It really did, it was such a great read! It definitely is. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
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This sounds interesting and a great read! although it’s not for me, I enjoyed reading your review about Sadie and knowing about this book. Thanks for sharing!
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It definitely is! I’m glad you still enjoyed my review despite it not being for you! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
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I love a book with well written characters – Sadie sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book.
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So do I – well written characters are everything! It definitely is. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment!
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Great review! I’ve heard a lot about this book, and while the genre isn’t really my type, it sounds like an amazing read!
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Thank you! I’m so glad you still like the sound of it despite it not being your usual read – I’d really recommend it! Thanks for commenting.
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This sounds like an interesting book! I enjoy true crime and I really appreciate the content warnings. Great review and thanks for sharing!
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It really is! I enjoy true crime too, it’s super interesting! Of course, I always try and mention any major triggers. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment!
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it seems an awesome book but the uncomfortable things, I wonder what are they. Great review!
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It definitely is! You’ll have to read to find out, haha. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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I enjoy crime and thriller books and this sounds like a very interesting and multifaceted read! Great review, I feel as though I have to read this one now!
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I would definitely recommend this if you love those types of books – I do too, and this was a wonderful example! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, I really hope you enjoy if you do!
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I love your reviews! You always give just the right amount of info without giving anything away. This one looks really great and I’ve just downloaded to my Audible list! Thanks for sharing x
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Thank you, I’m so glad you’re enjoying them! It really is, I loved it – I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment x
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Great review! I’m pretty intrigued by it and I’ve added it to my list! Thanks for the recommendation!
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Thank you! I really hope you enjoy, I’d highly recommend it. No worries, thanks for commenting!
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Hello! What a great post! I love your reviews as you don’t spoil the story! The genre sounds like my cup of tea! I think I’ll add this to my reading list, thank you! Alicia
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Thank you so much, it means the world to me that you like them! I’m so glad you like the sound of it, I really hope you enjoy! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
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This sounds gripping, love a good crime novel – brilliant review!!!
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It really is! So do I, they’re definitely one of my favourite genres. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment!
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