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erinnh's review
2.0
In What Happened to the McCrays?, Kyle McCray learns that his father suffered a debilitating stroke and must return home to Potsdam, New York. But, his return is an emotionally-charged event for him and everyone around him. That’s because when he left suddenly two and a half years ago he abandoned everyone who loved and depended on him, including his wife, Casey. Can Kyle and Casey stand to be in the same town again? What happened nearly three years ago?
The novel is a family drama presented mostly in the present, but told in “Then” and “Now” chapters. As Kyle slowly discovers the impact his departure from New York had on everyone in his life, the reader slowly learns the events leading up to it.
I’ve read all of Tracey Lange’s books so far, and I tend to enjoy her overall writing style. I think her skills shine in creating tension in her scenes and evoking emotion from the reader. I like how she builds suspense as the narratives unravel. However, in my opinion, she tends to rely on tropes/clichés a little too heavily, both in terms of characterization and sometimes in plot. I also know that she likes to write about flawed characters, but sometimes she seems to be flirting with romanticizing toxic behaviors and it weirds me out a little. We see that here with some of Kyle’s behaviors in particular.
I also just had a harder time staying engaged this go around. I didn’t have that issue with her past works, and I think it might be because I was more interested in the relationship at the center of the narrative than the other elements (the hockey team, the side characters), and also because I wasn’t as connected to Kyle and Casey as I was with the Brennans or Connellys.
Even though this wasn’t for me, readers of family dramas and relationship dramas (especially those with small town vibes) might enjoy this one. And it’s especially worth checking out if you are a fan of Tracey Lange’s previous works!
*Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Car accident, and Death of parent