PLOT SUMMARY:
Sadie Ross is struggling to adjust to life with her new stepmother and stepsister, Jessica. Her boyfriend is away at college, and she feels isolated and angry. Her life takes a terrifying turn when people who have recently wronged her, like a rival cheerleader and a harsh teacher, become victims of freak accidents. A rumor starts that Sadie is a “kiss of death,” causing her to be feared and ostracized. As the incidents escalate, Sadie realizes someone is deliberately targeting her enemies to frame her. She must uncover the identity of the real stalker before she is either arrested or becomes the next victim.
SENSITIVE TOPICS:
The book's central conflict revolves around stalking, threats, and characters being intentionally harmed. The approach is direct and suspense-focused rather than metaphorical. The resolution is typical of the genre: the villain is unmasked and confronted, providing a hopeful, if unsettling, conclusion for the main character. The context is entirely secular.
EMOTIONAL ARC:
The story begins with relatable teen angst and frustration, which quickly spirals into high-tension paranoia and fear. The emotional experience is a steady build of suspense, with multiple red herrings and jump scares, culminating in a tense, action-oriented climax. The ending offers relief and resolution, though the protagonist is left to grapple with the betrayal and trauma of the events.
IDEAL READER:
A teen aged 13-15 who loves nostalgic, fast-paced thrillers like R.L. Stine's Fear Street or books by Lois Duncan. This reader feels misunderstood by their family or peer group and will connect with Sadie’s intense feeling of being unjustly accused and isolated. They are looking for an exciting plot-driven escape.
PARENT TRIGGER:
A parent overhears their teen saying, “Everyone is against me,” or notices them withdrawing due to school rumors or social drama. The teen expresses a strong sense of injustice or feeling like they are being blamed for things they didn't do.
PARENT PREP:
Parents should note the 1995 publication date; the absence of cell phones and social media is a key plot element that heightens the protagonist's isolation. The stalking themes and scenes of characters in peril may be intense for more sensitive readers. The book can be read cold by teens familiar with the YA thriller genre.
AGE EXPERIENCE:
A younger reader (12-13) will likely focus on the mystery and the scary moments, enjoying the whodunnit aspect. An older teen (14-16) will connect more with the psychological elements: the gaslighting, the social paranoia, the complex family dynamics, and the unfairness of Sadie's situation.
DIFFERENTIATOR:
Unlike many complex modern YA thrillers, this book is a straightforward, nostalgic “popcorn” read. Its 90s setting creates a unique form of suspense, relying on landlines, payphones, and genuine isolation in a way that feels distinct from today's hyper-connected world. It captures the specific vibe of a classic point-and-read teen horror paperback.
