2 and a half years after running away from his life (without saying goodbye to anyone) in the small town that he grew up in, Kyle learns his father has suffered from a stroke and so he returns to the town, to his dad, to his friends and his ex wife. Now home he sees how his actions have affected many, most importantly his ex wife Casey with whom he shared a tragic event. Beloved by the town, Kyle is given a chance to redeem himself, by coaching the youth hockey league. The question is, can he make amends with those most important to him and can he move on from events in the past.

Tracey Lange was already an auto-buy for me but this one clinched it. I adored this one (I've loved all of her books) and I fell in love with many of the characters. This is a story about love, friendship and grief. The alternating timelines and POVs added the extra element needed to truly tell the story of a couple growing up together and coping with love and the new dynamics of their relationship after tragedy. The audiobook narrators were wonderful and got me through a terrible airport experience, and once home I picked up by reading the rest of the novel (almost in one sitting - except we landed late and I needed sleep so I reluctantly closed it for the night around 1am). Besides my need for sleep, I couldn't put this one down and I was a bit sad when it was over because I had fallen in love with the story and the characters.

This book is an absolute masterclass in character-driven storytelling. The characters were so easy to fall in love with even though they were flawed. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives and both past and present timelines, and the way the story unfolded in a non-linear way so you could see the characters both as who they are now and who they once were. I thought Kyle especially was such an outstanding character. Some of Casey's actions bothered me but Kyle seemed like such a real, raw, caring human being who must be protected at all costs. Absolutely no notes - this is Tracey Lange's best yet and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Tracey Lange does family drama so well. I really liked We are the Brennans so I was really excited to read this new release. I loved how this story was told from both of the MC perspective because its so interesting to see how different people perceive the same events. I really felt for all of the characters and was cheering them on despite their faults and missteps. I also love a book that has the small town community rallying around its own. Trigger warnings: loss of child and self harm should definitely be noted but there was also some levity brought on from Wyatt and the kids.
Overall, I highly recommend this one if you love family dramas.

This is a difficult one to read at points, as what happened to the McCrays is really tragic, but in Tracey Lange's hands it is handled with a sensitivity and grace. The author has an innate and compassionate understanding of families and grief, and of how that process varies from person to person. Kyle and Casey, and their decades long connection, made for characters that I really felt for and felt connected to.

Another homerun for #TraceyLange! I loved this book - from start to finish. The character development, the imagery, everything - Lange rips your heart out and spends the book putting it back together again. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book and it hooked me like a thriller but I found myself so invested in all the characters and begging to learn more. I enjoyed how it switched back and forth from 'then' and 'now' but flowed nicely and didn't feel choppy or abrupt. 5 Star read that will stick with me. Thank you #celadonbooks and #netgalley for the ARC!!

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MCCRAYS?
BY: TRACEY LANGE

5 SPARKLING STARS!

I have read including this newest one by Tracey Lange three of her novels, and they're all excellent, but I think that this one is my favorite. All readers looking for a family based drama with a host of surrounding characters look no further. I can say with my sincerest hopes that you do yourself a favor if you haven't read this, yet to move it to your most convenient time to read it. Or if it's already on your TBR list, moving it up to the top of your queue. I think that you will really enjoy it for many reasons. It's a dialogue laden novel. It's brimming with emotional nuance in the best of ways. The title is perfect since I asked myself that same question, and the answer isn't explicit, until this BRILLIANT AUTHOR is ready to reveal it. On the surface it seems obvious. But Tracey Lange explores this question with her keen psychological insight that explores both sides of a failed marriage without judgement. She has written a novel with her character development that will have a great impact on you so make sure you have plenty of tissues handy. I'm not giving a plot summary since you can find out that by reading the synopsis. I just want to applaud this author for writing a novel filled with love and hope that's inspirational and MULTIFACETED that's filled with lovable characters. Her characters have layers which makes this an UNPUTDOWNABLE & UNFORGETTABLE reading experience.


This is both rich in nuanced character development with them being extremely likable, but also easily relatable. It's also a plot driven narrative that captures your attention from beginning to end. I think that most people will empathize with their internal struggles of there being an ocean of communication left unspoken at least between Kyle and his dad, in addition more significant between Kyle and his ex-wife Casey. It's understandable why it's easier to not open a door where it could feel as though a tidal wave of pain can surface and pull you too far beneath it. Where choosing to say nothing, or "not go there," seems intellectually like it is the wiser choice. That opinion of mine was my earliest interpretation of Casey's interactions when she saw Kyle the second time since he returned after leaving and going to live in Spokane, Washington. I'm referring to those two, who had a history of being together for twenty-one years, married for sixteen years. The time specifically was when he asked her for help dealing with his father's outburst of frustration at home after being discharged from the hospital after suffering a debilitating stroke.

These characters have multifaceted layers to them. Kyle has just returned to Potsdam, New York after finally listening to his phone messages that he is informed that his father is in the hospital after his proud, and independent dad has suffered from a stroke and he's needed at home to help his Dad through rehabilitation. Kyle's mother abandoned both his father and him while Kyle was fairly young. The results of that left Kyle with many bad memories of his Middle School years, and he currently doesn't have a relationship with his mother. Then Kyle's swift departure from his life for two and a half years leaving behind many people who he had close relationships with. Living an isolated life in a place that was devoid of those meaningful histories with people he grew up with made me think his actions echoed of an unconscious familiar pattern of how he had to be unaware of how profoundly he was wounded by his mother's actions. I'm trying to express what was running through in the back of my mind as I was trying to unravel the mystery early on in the book. Based upon what happened with Kyle's low expectations of getting a warm welcome home from the people who meant the most to him. Kyle is self-aware of the impact of his leaving, how it potentially affected others, especially Casey.

What I love so much about this book is that while its central theme was serious, it was written in a style that was infused with light. It also came to me at the perfect time although, it's a deep exploration of a serious subject matter, and moments of tears, its inclusion of subtle humor which is understated enough not to detract from the characters mindset. Although, I felt bad for certain people with sad circumstances, it didn't linger for way too long in its depiction of how a certain character's inner struggles were at one time. Since the plot switched to another subject matter that was neutral. It definitely contained enough depth, but the characters were multifaceted, and so was the plot. There was a lot of goodwill, and the pace was fast. This newest novel by Tracey Lange, called "WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MCCRAYS?" is written with so much compassion and empathy towards her characters, that it deserves to reach as wide of an audience as possible. This one offers something for everyone, which makes it more versatile. I LOVED THIS ONE SO MUCH! Thank you so much to Author Tracey Lange, for writing such a compelling novel, that I'll never forget. I can't wait to read whatever you write next. You inspired me with such an excellent & well executed job with this one. OUTSTANDING! UNFORGETTABLE! STUNNING PSYCHOLOGICAL INSIGHT OF HUMANITY!

Publication Date: January 14, 2025

Thank you to Net Galley, Tracey Lange, and Celadon Books for generously providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#WhatHappenedtotheMccrays? #TraceyLange #CeladonBooks #NetGalleWHAT HAPPENED TO THE MCCRAYS?
BY: TRACEY LANGE

5 SPARKLING STARS!

I have read including this newest one by Tracey Lange three of her novels, and they're all excellent, but I think that this one is my favorite. All readers looking for a family based drama with a host of surrounding characters look no further. I can say with my sincerest hopes that you do yourself a favor if you haven't read this, yet to move it to your most convenient time to read it. Or if it's already on your TBR list, moving it up to the top of your queue. I think that you will really enjoy it for many reasons. It's a dialogue laden novel. It's brimming with emotional nuance in the best of ways. The title is perfect since I asked myself that same question, and the answer isn't explicit, until this BRILLIANT AUTHOR is ready to reveal it. On the surface it seems obvious. But Tracey Lange explores this question with her keen psychological insight that explores both sides of a failed marriage without judgement. She has written a novel with her character development that will have a great impact on you so make sure you have plenty of tissues handy. I'm not giving a plot summary since you can find out that by reading the synopsis. I just want to applaud this author for writing a novel filled with love and hope that's inspirational and MULTIFACETED that's filled with lovable characters. Her characters have layers which makes this an UNPUTDOWNABLE & UNFORGETTABLE reading experience.


This is both rich in nuanced character development with them being extremely likable, but also easily relatable. It's also a plot driven narrative that captures your attention from beginning to end. I think that most people will empathize with their internal struggles of there being an ocean of communication left unspoken at least between Kyle and his dad, in addition more significant between Kyle and his ex-wife Casey. It's understandable why it's easier to not open a door where it could feel as though a tidal wave of pain can surface and pull you too far beneath it. Where choosing to say nothing, or "not go there," seems intellectually like it is the wiser choice. That opinion of mine was my earliest interpretation of Casey's interactions when she saw Kyle the second time since he returned after leaving and going to live in Spokane, Washington. I'm referring to those two, who had a history of being together for twenty-one years, married for sixteen years. The time specifically was when he asked her for help dealing with his father's outburst of frustration at home after being discharged from the hospital after suffering a debilitating stroke.

These characters have multifaceted layers to them. Kyle has just returned to Potsdam, New York after finally listening to his phone messages that he is informed that his father is in the hospital after his proud, and independent dad has suffered from a stroke and he's needed at home to help his Dad through rehabilitation. Kyle's mother abandoned both his father and him while Kyle was fairly young. The results of that left Kyle with many bad memories of his Middle School years, and he currently doesn't have a relationship with his mother. Then Kyle's swift departure from his life for two and a half years leaving behind many people who he had close relationships with. Living an isolated life in a place that was devoid of those meaningful histories with people he grew up with made me think his actions echoed of an unconscious familiar pattern of how he had to be unaware of how profoundly he was wounded by his mother's actions. I'm trying to express what was running through in the back of my mind as I was trying to unravel the mystery early on in the book. Based upon what happened with Kyle's low expectations of getting a warm welcome home from the people who meant the most to him. Kyle is self-aware of the impact of his leaving, how it potentially affected others, especially Casey.

What I love so much about this book is that while its central theme was serious, it was written in a style that was infused with light. It also came to me at the perfect time although, it's a deep exploration of a serious subject matter, and moments of tears, its inclusion of subtle humor which is understated enough not to detract from the characters mindset. Although, I felt bad for certain people with sad circumstances, it didn't linger for way too long in its depiction of how a certain character's inner struggles were at one time. Since the plot switched to another subject matter that was neutral. It definitely contained enough depth, but the characters were multifaceted, and so was the plot. There was a lot of goodwill, and the pace was fast. This newest novel by Tracey Lange, called "WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MCCRAYS?" is written with so much compassion and empathy towards her characters, that it deserves to reach as wide of an audience as possible. This one offers something for everyone, which makes it more versatile. I LOVED THIS ONE SO MUCH! Thank you so much to Author Tracey Lange, for writing such a compelling novel, that I'll never forget. I can't wait to read whatever you write next. You inspired me with such an excellent & well executed job with this one. OUTSTANDING! UNFORGETTABLE! STUNNING PSYCHOLOGICAL INSIGHT OF HUMANITY!

Publication Date: January 14, 2025

Thank you to Net Galley, Tracey Lange, and Celadon Books for generously providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#WhatHappenedtotheMccrays? #TraceyLange #CeladonBooks #NetGalleWHAT HAPPENED TO THE MCCRAYS?
BY: TRACEY LANGE

5 SPARKLING STARS!

I have read including this newest one by Tracey Lange three of her novels, and they're all excellent, but I think that this one is my favorite. All readers looking for a family based drama with a host of surrounding characters look no further. I can say with my sincerest hopes that you do yourself a favor if you haven't read this, yet to move it to your most convenient time to read it. Or if it's already on your TBR list, moving it up to the top of your queue. I think that you will really enjoy it for many reasons. It's a dialogue laden novel. It's brimming with emotional nuance in the best of ways. The title is perfect since I asked myself that same question, and the answer isn't explicit, until this BRILLIANT AUTHOR is ready to reveal it. On the surface it seems obvious. But Tracey Lange explores this question with her keen psychological insight that explores both sides of a failed marriage without judgement. She has written a novel with her character development that will have a great impact on you so make sure you have plenty of tissues handy. I'm not giving a plot summary since you can find out that by reading the synopsis. I just want to applaud this author for writing a novel filled with love and hope that's inspirational and MULTIFACETED that's filled with lovable characters. Her characters have layers which makes this an UNPUTDOWNABLE & UNFORGETTABLE reading experience.


This is both rich in nuanced character development with them being extremely likable, but also easily relatable. It's also a plot driven narrative that captures your attention from beginning to end. I think that most people will empathize with their internal struggles of there being an ocean of communication left unspoken at least between Kyle and his dad, in addition more significant between Kyle and his ex-wife Casey. It's understandable why it's easier to not open a door where it could feel as though a tidal wave of pain can surface and pull you too far beneath it. Where choosing to say nothing, or "not go there," seems intellectually like it is the wiser choice. That opinion of mine was my earliest interpretation of Casey's interactions when she saw Kyle the second time since he returned after leaving and going to live in Spokane, Washington. I'm referring to those two, who had a history of being together for twenty-one years, married for sixteen years. The time specifically was when he asked her for help dealing with his father's outburst of frustration at home after being discharged from the hospital after suffering a debilitating stroke.

These characters have multifaceted layers to them. Kyle has just returned to Potsdam, New York after finally listening to his phone messages that he is informed that his father is in the hospital after his proud, and independent dad has suffered from a stroke and he's needed at home to help his Dad through rehabilitation. Kyle's mother abandoned both his father and him while Kyle was fairly young. The results of that left Kyle with many bad memories of his Middle School years, and he currently doesn't have a relationship with his mother. Then Kyle's swift departure from his life for two and a half years leaving behind many people who he had close relationships with. Living an isolated life in a place that was devoid of those meaningful histories with people he grew up with made me think his actions echoed of an unconscious familiar pattern of how he had to be unaware of how profoundly he was wounded by his mother's actions. I'm trying to express what was running through in the back of my mind as I was trying to unravel the mystery early on in the book. Based upon what happened with Kyle's low expectations of getting a warm welcome home from the people who meant the most to him. Kyle is self-aware of the impact of his leaving, how it potentially affected others, especially Casey.

What I love so much about this book is that while its central theme was serious, it was written in a style that was infused with light. It also came to me at the perfect time although, it's a deep exploration of a serious subject matter, and moments of tears, its inclusion of subtle humor which is understated enough not to detract from the characters mindset. Although, I felt bad for certain people with sad circumstances, it didn't linger for way too long in its depiction of how a certain character's inner struggles were at one time. Since the plot switched to another subject matter that was neutral. It definitely contained enough depth, but the characters were multifaceted, and so was the plot. There was a lot of goodwill, and the pace was fast. This newest novel by Tracey Lange, called "WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MCCRAYS?" is written with so much compassion and empathy towards her characters, that it deserves to reach as wide of an audience as possible. This one offers something for everyone, which makes it more versatile. I LOVED THIS ONE SO MUCH! Thank you so much to Author Tracey Lange, for writing such a compelling novel, that I'll never forget. I can't wait to read whatever you write next. You inspired me with such an excellent & well executed job with this one. OUTSTANDING! UNFORGETTABLE! STUNNING PSYCHOLOGICAL INSIGHT OF HUMANITY!

Publication Date: January 14, 2025

Thank you to Net Galley, Tracey Lange, and Celadon Books for generously providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#WhatHappenedtotheMccrays? #TraceyLange #CeladonBooks #NetGalley

Wow this was one of the easiest five stars!

This story follows Kyle and Casey McCray, high school sweethearts. Kyle suddenly leaves their small town of Potsdamn without telling anyone. After two and a half years, Kyle returns after his father Danny has a stroke. What happened two years ago that caused him to leave the wife that he has adored for 16 years?

When Kyle returns, he is not sure how to face everyone that he "abandoned". Kyle begins to learn what actually happened 2.5 years ago and things that happened since he left. While helping his father, helping the local middle school hockey team and even his ex-wife Casey, he begins to realize that his life is in Potsdamn and he doesn't want to leave.

But if he stays, he has to make peace with Casey and the past and he is not sure if she even wants him to stay.

This book was so good! I was rooting for Kyle and Casey the entire time. The characters are relatable and well developed. This book was had me in all of my feelings. I was laughing and crying and is definitely a story to savor! I also loved all the side characters. The middle school hockey plays had me grinning from ear to ear at the end!

I listened to this on audio and the narrators did an amazing job - Stephanie Nemeth-Parker and William DeMeritt! This is my first book by Lange, but definitely will not be my last!

Thank you Celadon Books and Netgalley for the gifted copy.

Another five star read from Tracey Lange! Relatable characters, the story was gut wrenching at times. Love, hope, grief - it’s all in there. Just so good.

What happened to the McCrays is a family drama full of emotional ups and downs. I really enjoyed this exploration of broken marriage. 2 very broken people trying to survive everything that life throws at them. Sometimes it’s too much and love isn’t enough. It takes a lot of work. After Kyle and Casey have been divorced a couple years, Kyle returns to town and they’re forced to revisit all that happened to them in the past. This one is heavy. And full of grief. But in the end we’re left with hope as well.
Check the content warnings before getting into this one.
But I recommend it!
Thanks NetGalley for the eARC

When it comes to family dramas, author Tracey Lange does not disappoint! "What Happened To The McCrays" is no different.

Kyle McCray returns to Potsdam, NY to care for his father who’d just suffered a stroke. He’s on edge about it all, because it means seeing his ex-wife Casey and all his former friends again after his sudden departure two and a half years ago. Casey has carried on as a teacher and manager of a youth hockey team, but something’s not right with her. For her and their friends, it’s not just awkward, it’s painful. But Kyle’s going to be there a while, so they all have to just deal with it.

Casey is still immersed in everything he is connected to there. Profound losses of those who leave and those who are left behind are explained with grace and sensitivity. The questions of what could have been, what is, and how to move forward are addressed in the story. Sadness and just the right dose of humor, made this an overwhelming 5 star read for me.

I can’t recommend this book enough. One of the best books that I’ve read. I was fully invested in this family journey. I was rooting for Casey and Kyle throughout the story hoping they can work out their differences. The town and its characters that Lange created were so relatable. Highly recommend if you enjoy Family Sagas.

Many thanks to Net Galley for this ARC.

This is a family drama that really connects with you. You feel like you are part of this family right from the beginning. The characters are very realistic and easy to connect with. You can feel the love between them as well as the pain they are in. This story has it all when it comes to the emotions it makes you feel. This could easily be my family as well as anyone's family. Life comes at you hard sometimes and everyone handles it differently and that is what you see here. So grateful for the opportunity to read this book.


Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for this opportunity.

3.5 ⭐️
The moment I read The Connellys of County Down, I went to Tracey Lange’s Goodreads page and immediately added What Happened to the McCrays? There was no cover, no synopsis, no release date, just the name of a new book I knew I already wanted to read.

There has been a slew of family drama books in literary fiction for some years but Lange is still one of the best to do it. She captures the nuances of family life, grief, pain, while also encapsulating the joy and community that is necessary to tell a story like this. And that is why she’s the best. It’s not a mirage of deep seated grief without the dual perspective that needs to accompany it, hope.

Just like One Tree Hill isn’t about basketball, and Ted Lasso isn’t about football, What Happened to the McCrays isn’t a book about hockey so please don’t let this fool you into not reading it. It’s an overarching plot line that lends to the true story between Casey and Kyle and the community bound to them. Through the endless, unconditional love thrust upon them they are able to grow separately and together.

With that being said, I wasn’t completely enamored with these characters as I was with County Down but I wasn’t disappointed either. It could be the time I’m reading it, the specific characters that I just didn’t connect with as deeply but it also didn’t take away from this beautifully written story. I will always recommend Lange to anyone who wants a story about people because that’s what she does best.

I adored Tracey Lange's latest book, What Happened to the McCrays, and I will, no doubt, recommend it to everyone I know. The story is exquisite and the characters are beautifully written and inspiring. I was drawn to the love story, the back story and the whole story and spent my days wondering what the characters would be up to next. Ms. Lange has a flawless way of bringing her fictional creations to life and immersing the reader into their lives. I hope the McCrays will live on with a possible sequel, but until then, I hope as many people as possible will meet them and enjoy their story as much as I did.

This story follows Kyle and Casey in third person. Kyle returns home after a period of absence to help his father after a medical crisis. He left under ambiguous circumstances two and half years ago seemingly abandoning his family, friends, and community. Casey is Kyle’s ex-wife, a beloved teacher in town and caretaker of the middle school hockey team currently in need of a coach. Despite her early academic aspirations, Casey stayed in Potsdam to be there for her wheelchair bound brother, Wyatt. I switched between the ebook and audiobook while reading this one. It’s expertly narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker and William DeMeritt who did a great job giving the Casey and Kyle characters a voice.

I know that my opinion on this one will be unpopular. This genre is usually one that I avoid since it doesn’t appeal to me. However, I absolutely adored The Connellys of County Down and We Are the Brennans. Their boisterous large complicated Irish families with business issues and complex family dynamics really appealed to me. This is not that. This story was ultimately about a divorced couple that just didn’t communicate with each other well enough to overcome a family tragedy and a few of the people around them that suffered the consequences as a result.

I think this story will resonate with a lot of people, especially parents, but it just wasn’t for me. There is a mention of a connection with the Brennans at one point. Most of this story is about Casey and Kyle, how they came to be in this position, the blame they put on themselves, and the effects that it had on other members of their family, Danny and Wyatt. I was especially annoyed with Casey for most of the book for her choices and letting Kyle take the blame for a lot of things that weren’t necessarily on him. The feeling that Kyle deserved better really affected my opinions on this one. Please make sure if you are sensitive to check the trigger warnings on this one.

Thank you to Netgalley, Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for a copy provided for an honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celadon Books. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Do not start reading this book expecting a light, happy read. It is sad, and it hits hard, but in the end, it is a story about hope. The way everything was revealed was beautiful, and respectful.

Having thoroughly enjoyed previous books by this author, I was excited to receive an ARC. A beautiful, heart-breaking story about family and relatable characters.

What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange is another beautifully written story!
Lang is a wonderful storyteller with the gift of creating relatable, memorable characters.
This is an absorbing and engaging read,
I swear with each book Lange’s writing gets better and better if that is even possible!

Thanks for the review copy. I also bought a physical copy for my personal library. Such a great book but some parts may be triggering for others.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

Even though I rated her previous books 4 and 5 stars, I can safely say this is her best one yet. My gosh, the emotional upheaval. It made me cry, and that doesn't happen often. Yet it's so hopeful! And often very funny. The hockey stick tape scene alone - absolutely hilarious - I'll be thinking about that one for a long time. Heck, I'll be thinking about this whole book for a long time. Even if you guess how the tragedy is going to happen, it really packs a wallop when you get there. All of the side characters are fantastic, especially the middle school students. And Wyatt! Can Wyatt get his own book please? Put this on your TBR list.

Woah. Let me find my heart because at 78% of this book I lost it.
It has been a long while since I read a book that broke me. That I was so invested in the story that all I could do was hope for the best. The family drama, the love, the lost, the possibility of second choices. I fell in love with Kyle and Cassie, and my heart broke for them both.
I could not imagine going through what they went through.
There is so much more I want to say but won't because I wouldn't want to spoil this story for anyone. So grab your tissues, and Read this Book!
Thank you NetGalley and Celadon for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.