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What Ever Happened to Eddy Crane? A Memoir and a Murder Investigation
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26A dazzlingly crafted, addictively readable blend of memoir and true crime that calls to mind David Carr’s The Night of the Gun, Michael Hainey’s After Visiting Friends and Becky Cooper’s We Keep the Dead Close.
One September night in 1987, Eddy Crane called to say he was on his way home from his trucking business in industrial Baltimore. He never showed up. Initially, detectives figured he must have taken off. But Kate, 12 years old and a new eighth grader, felt certain he was dead. She and her family were shocked and adrift, with no explanation or resolution on the horizon.
Twenty years later, now a journalist in New York City, Kate is determined to seek out answers. She reopens the investigation with Baltimore’s Cold Case Unit, tracks down the retired detectives who’d worked Eddy’s case, and chases leads with old friends through her hometown’s dark alleys.
Part memoir, part true crime, part psychological suspense, What Ever Happened to Eddy Crane? A Memoir and a Murder Investigation is a brilliantly written, deeply felt account of unfathomable loss and blazing resilience, of Baltimore, of family ghosts, and the bravery required to confront the past.
One September night in 1987, Eddy Crane called to say he was on his way home from his trucking business in industrial Baltimore. He never showed up. Initially, detectives figured he must have taken off. But Kate, 12 years old and a new eighth grader, felt certain he was dead. She and her family were shocked and adrift, with no explanation or resolution on the horizon.
Twenty years later, now a journalist in New York City, Kate is determined to seek out answers. She reopens the investigation with Baltimore’s Cold Case Unit, tracks down the retired detectives who’d worked Eddy’s case, and chases leads with old friends through her hometown’s dark alleys.
Part memoir, part true crime, part psychological suspense, What Ever Happened to Eddy Crane? A Memoir and a Murder Investigation is a brilliantly written, deeply felt account of unfathomable loss and blazing resilience, of Baltimore, of family ghosts, and the bravery required to confront the past.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 7, 2026
5 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Kate Crane
1 book10 followersI grew up in Baltimore, in a tight-knit family of German and Czech immigrants. I got an education in the D.C. punk scene and Riot Grrrl, and I earned a bachelor’s degree at Towson State in the Baltimore suburbs, where I studied Virginia Woolf, Black feminism, art history and French.
In the first part of my career, I did journalism in NYC for both Wall Street Journal publications and an alt weekly. I copy-chiefed for almost every magazine that ever existed, and I loved laboring over page proofs. I covered music regularly for Time Out New York and Brooklyn Rail for about a decade... a joy.
I’ve read all 72 Nero Wolfe books. McNally Jackson Books on Prince and Housing Works on Crosby are holy places. NYC is home, and I also spent a decade in Silicon Valley. There, I saw coyotes, bobcats and rattlesnakes on the regular. We’ll see what comes next.
I began work on What Ever Happened to Eddy Crane?, my first book, in 2007. The book will be published by Hanover Square Press, an imprint of HarperCollins, on April 7, 2026.
bluesky: katecrane
IG: katecrane.books
In the first part of my career, I did journalism in NYC for both Wall Street Journal publications and an alt weekly. I copy-chiefed for almost every magazine that ever existed, and I loved laboring over page proofs. I covered music regularly for Time Out New York and Brooklyn Rail for about a decade... a joy.
I’ve read all 72 Nero Wolfe books. McNally Jackson Books on Prince and Housing Works on Crosby are holy places. NYC is home, and I also spent a decade in Silicon Valley. There, I saw coyotes, bobcats and rattlesnakes on the regular. We’ll see what comes next.
I began work on What Ever Happened to Eddy Crane?, my first book, in 2007. The book will be published by Hanover Square Press, an imprint of HarperCollins, on April 7, 2026.
bluesky: katecrane
IG: katecrane.books
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 30, 2025
Whatever Happened to Eddy Crane? is a memoir as well as a murder investigation. It's written by Kate Crane, whose father disappeared when she was 12 years old.
Eddy was known as a loving husband and father, who worked hard to support his family. He and his partner, Augie, owned E & M Machinery and were close friends. Then, Eddy and his Rottweiler, Sherlock, disappeared one night in 1987. The car was located at the airport, and Sherlock was rescued by a Good Samaritan. At first, investigators refused to do much, as Eddy was considered to be a missing person rather than a victim of homicide.
Years passed, and the crime was an ache that never eased for Kate. She decided to do her OWN investigation, and she also pushed the original detectives of the case, as well as Cold Case detectives, to reopen THEIR investigations.
In addition, the book covers some of Kate's life, too. There were parts that were unbearably sad. There were also parts that were infuriating. (There was one particular character I wanted to kick to the curb!) My heart hurt for Kate.
Thank you, #HanoverSquarePress, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Whatever Happened to Eddy Crane? has an expected publication date of April 7, 2026.
#KateCrane #Mystery #Crime #Family #Memoir #TrueCrime
Eddy was known as a loving husband and father, who worked hard to support his family. He and his partner, Augie, owned E & M Machinery and were close friends. Then, Eddy and his Rottweiler, Sherlock, disappeared one night in 1987. The car was located at the airport, and Sherlock was rescued by a Good Samaritan. At first, investigators refused to do much, as Eddy was considered to be a missing person rather than a victim of homicide.
Years passed, and the crime was an ache that never eased for Kate. She decided to do her OWN investigation, and she also pushed the original detectives of the case, as well as Cold Case detectives, to reopen THEIR investigations.
In addition, the book covers some of Kate's life, too. There were parts that were unbearably sad. There were also parts that were infuriating. (There was one particular character I wanted to kick to the curb!) My heart hurt for Kate.
Thank you, #HanoverSquarePress, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Whatever Happened to Eddy Crane? has an expected publication date of April 7, 2026.
#KateCrane #Mystery #Crime #Family #Memoir #TrueCrime
October 17, 2025
Remarkable! Very proud to know Kate
August 24, 2025
read if you like:
📖 non-fiction
🥶 cold cases
👯 father-daughter relationships
summary:
This book is a non-fiction story of Eddy Crane, father and co-founder of a trucking company, who never returns home from work in September of 1987. It hooked me right from the start, as Eddy’s daughter, who writes the book, remembers the impact his disappearance had on her family and especially her mother. She describes how the investigation played out, and all of the unanswered questions the family had as everyone moved on from their loss. Cut to present day, his daughter Kate decides to revisit those involved in her fathers disappearance and ultimate investigation, and uncovers secrets many would have rather stayed hidden.
What I loved most is how the story blends Kate’s nostalgia with the suspense of the cold case. On the surface, it’s a puzzle about what happened to Eddy, but underneath, it’s also about memory, reputation, and the way people cope after loss. The dual timelines keep the pace moving, and I found myself equally invested in the “then” and the “now.”
The characters are very well outlined — flawed, messy, and real. I especially appreciated how Kate didn’t just focus on Eddy himself, but on the people in his orbit, whose lives were shaped by his disappearance. She puts in a few red herrings but the book ends on a satisfying note of peace, acceptance and grace. If you enjoy true crime mysteries with a nostalgic feel, family drama, and a touch of organized crime, this is a great pick.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy. If you’re from Baltimore or love a good cold case mystery, check out this book when it releases on April 6.
📖 non-fiction
🥶 cold cases
👯 father-daughter relationships
summary:
This book is a non-fiction story of Eddy Crane, father and co-founder of a trucking company, who never returns home from work in September of 1987. It hooked me right from the start, as Eddy’s daughter, who writes the book, remembers the impact his disappearance had on her family and especially her mother. She describes how the investigation played out, and all of the unanswered questions the family had as everyone moved on from their loss. Cut to present day, his daughter Kate decides to revisit those involved in her fathers disappearance and ultimate investigation, and uncovers secrets many would have rather stayed hidden.
What I loved most is how the story blends Kate’s nostalgia with the suspense of the cold case. On the surface, it’s a puzzle about what happened to Eddy, but underneath, it’s also about memory, reputation, and the way people cope after loss. The dual timelines keep the pace moving, and I found myself equally invested in the “then” and the “now.”
The characters are very well outlined — flawed, messy, and real. I especially appreciated how Kate didn’t just focus on Eddy himself, but on the people in his orbit, whose lives were shaped by his disappearance. She puts in a few red herrings but the book ends on a satisfying note of peace, acceptance and grace. If you enjoy true crime mysteries with a nostalgic feel, family drama, and a touch of organized crime, this is a great pick.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy. If you’re from Baltimore or love a good cold case mystery, check out this book when it releases on April 6.
September 14, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the advance digital copy of this incredible book!
August 30, 2025
I've always been fascinated by cold cases, so when I came across this book and looked up his name, I knew I had to read it. The way the author structured the book was captivating—sharing her memories in the first part and then diving into the case in the latter half. I can't imagine what she and her family endured, and her persistence was truly remarkable. It seems like she devoted her entire life to uncovering the truth about her dad's disappearance, and when she mentioned how her life seemed to pass her by, it really struck a chord with me. I hope she finds peace, as it's clear this book brought her a sense of healing that words might never fully convey.
I’ll definitely be recommending this book to others. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
I’ll definitely be recommending this book to others. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
November 7, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of this book; all thoughts are my own.
📖 Book Review 📖 Baltimore is near and dear to my heart and my family’s; it’s a city full of history, art, and culture. But with any major city it carries its stories of sadness and grief. My husband lost two friends to murder in his undergraduate days in the city, one which is still a cold case and it deeply impacted his life. And with any event in life, it created a sliding doors effect.
Kate Crane writes a gripping personal account of her own journey through her father’s disappearance when she was twelve years old that unfolds in a raw and riveting manner. Whatever Happened to Eddy Crane? is a beautifully written yet absolutely gut-wrenching story that is perfectly told through the lens of the daughter who lived through it. Through the layers of heartbreak and unknown, the reader accompanies Kate on the perpetual swing of the pendulum moving between grief and healing. While this is no easy read, it’s a powerful memoir that captivates a decades long journey on a quest for truth.
📖 Book Review 📖 Baltimore is near and dear to my heart and my family’s; it’s a city full of history, art, and culture. But with any major city it carries its stories of sadness and grief. My husband lost two friends to murder in his undergraduate days in the city, one which is still a cold case and it deeply impacted his life. And with any event in life, it created a sliding doors effect.
Kate Crane writes a gripping personal account of her own journey through her father’s disappearance when she was twelve years old that unfolds in a raw and riveting manner. Whatever Happened to Eddy Crane? is a beautifully written yet absolutely gut-wrenching story that is perfectly told through the lens of the daughter who lived through it. Through the layers of heartbreak and unknown, the reader accompanies Kate on the perpetual swing of the pendulum moving between grief and healing. While this is no easy read, it’s a powerful memoir that captivates a decades long journey on a quest for truth.
August 31, 2025
When Kate Crane was 12 years old her dad called home to let her mom know he was on his way home from work, as he did every work night. But the next morning Kate finds her mom sitting at the end of her bed and the words that come out of her mouth will change her life, "Your dad didn't come home last night."
Whatever Happened to Eddy Crane? is in parts a memoir and a true crime novel. It interlaces Kate's life, choices, and mental health with the cold case of her fathers disappearance.
This was such a well written and composed book. I love the structure and as the author says in the afterward, her play with memory and the impact it has on a persons life. I was hooked from the jump and was on the edge of my seat until the end.
I had never heard of Eddy Crane before reading this book but now I will be thinking about him for weeks, if not longer. I cannot imagine what the Crane family went through. Kate's determination to find answers is both heartbreaking (she has dedicated most of her life to this,) and inspiring.
I hope Kate Crane writes more books.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
Whatever Happened to Eddy Crane? is in parts a memoir and a true crime novel. It interlaces Kate's life, choices, and mental health with the cold case of her fathers disappearance.
This was such a well written and composed book. I love the structure and as the author says in the afterward, her play with memory and the impact it has on a persons life. I was hooked from the jump and was on the edge of my seat until the end.
I had never heard of Eddy Crane before reading this book but now I will be thinking about him for weeks, if not longer. I cannot imagine what the Crane family went through. Kate's determination to find answers is both heartbreaking (she has dedicated most of her life to this,) and inspiring.
I hope Kate Crane writes more books.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
September 14, 2025
I’m a big fan of true crime, especially when it intersects with memoir and psychological suspense, so Whatever Happened to Eddy Crane? was an easy choice for me. It’s a heartbreaking and beautifully written account of a daughter searching for answers about her father’s disappearance.
In 1987, Eddy Crane left work one evening and never came home. Two decades later, his daughter Kate—now a journalist—decides to dig into the cold case herself. She works with detectives, reconnects with old friends, and retraces her father’s steps, all while blending those memories with the ongoing investigation.
What made this book stand out to me was its emotional core. Kate’s nostalgia for her father and her grief over his absence are woven into the tension of the investigation. It’s not just about solving a crime; it’s about reconciling with the ghosts of family and the weight of unanswered questions.
This was a moving, well-written, and haunting read. While the crime element kept me engaged, it was Kate’s personal voice and her resilience that truly made the story shine. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy memoirs with a true crime edge.
In 1987, Eddy Crane left work one evening and never came home. Two decades later, his daughter Kate—now a journalist—decides to dig into the cold case herself. She works with detectives, reconnects with old friends, and retraces her father’s steps, all while blending those memories with the ongoing investigation.
What made this book stand out to me was its emotional core. Kate’s nostalgia for her father and her grief over his absence are woven into the tension of the investigation. It’s not just about solving a crime; it’s about reconciling with the ghosts of family and the weight of unanswered questions.
This was a moving, well-written, and haunting read. While the crime element kept me engaged, it was Kate’s personal voice and her resilience that truly made the story shine. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy memoirs with a true crime edge.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Whatever Happened to Eddy Crane is part memoir and part shmurder mystery. The way the story is told, the author shares her experiences and memories from childhood to the present, revolving around what happened to her father, Eddy Crane.
Kate Crane uses her skills as a journalist to investigate her father’s case, which had been closed for a long time. Much of the story is her attempts to piece together timelines, evidence, and, unfortunately, a lack of support from family. Though a memoir, the story has an emotional element, as I found that Kate, during her investigation, was seeking closure above all else.
Whatever Happened to Eddy Crane had a unique storytelling style I’ve never come across before. I found it interesting that this was a true story, and it added a different element I enjoyed.
Thank you to The Hive and author Kate Crane for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kate Crane uses her skills as a journalist to investigate her father’s case, which had been closed for a long time. Much of the story is her attempts to piece together timelines, evidence, and, unfortunately, a lack of support from family. Though a memoir, the story has an emotional element, as I found that Kate, during her investigation, was seeking closure above all else.
Whatever Happened to Eddy Crane had a unique storytelling style I’ve never come across before. I found it interesting that this was a true story, and it added a different element I enjoyed.
Thank you to The Hive and author Kate Crane for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 17, 2025
As an avid mystery reader I was really drawn to this story: a journalist investigating her own father’s disappearance and writing a book about it. It is obviously a very heavy subject for Kate, and an in-depth look into how a child, and later on an adult, goes on living not knowing what happened to her father. The first half of the book describes Kate’s childhood, college years and early adulthood and felt a bit slow at times, until her investigation started. It was really interesting to see how she, her sister and her mother processed their trauma so differently and how it affected their relationship. Trauma doesn’t necessarily bonds family members and Kate’s loneliness was palpable. A difficult read but a beautiful tribute to a beloved father.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 19, 2025
This was one of the most well written memoirs (and true crime) books I have read in a long time. I had not heard of Eddy Crane before and by the time I finished reading, I knew everything there is to know. Kate did an amazing job putting us in her shoes and walking us through every step she took to get to find out what happened to her father. I couldn’t stop thinking about this book after I finished. It is a beautifully haunting memoir and a reminder that we can’t always get the answers or closure we and sometimes that just has to be enough.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 13, 2025
When Kate was just twelve years old her father, Eddy, called her mother to say he’d be home from work soon. But the next morning, he never came home and and no one ever saw him again. His disappearance shattered her family and left behind more questions than answers.
Whatever Happened to Eddy Crane is Kate Crane’s haunting true crime memoir about growing up in the shadow of loss and refusing to let her father’s story fade away. Decades later, she begins to dig into the mystery herself, unearthing secrets that others wanted to keep buried. Through her investigation, she not only searches for the truth about what happened to her father, but also rediscovers her own identity in the process.
This memoir is raw, gripping, and deeply emotional. Kate’s writing is both investigative and intimate, balancing the tension of a true crime story with the vulnerability of a daughter desperate for closure. It’s beautifully written, unforgettable, and impossible to put down.
Whatever Happened to Eddy Crane is Kate Crane’s haunting true crime memoir about growing up in the shadow of loss and refusing to let her father’s story fade away. Decades later, she begins to dig into the mystery herself, unearthing secrets that others wanted to keep buried. Through her investigation, she not only searches for the truth about what happened to her father, but also rediscovers her own identity in the process.
This memoir is raw, gripping, and deeply emotional. Kate’s writing is both investigative and intimate, balancing the tension of a true crime story with the vulnerability of a daughter desperate for closure. It’s beautifully written, unforgettable, and impossible to put down.
September 24, 2025
Thank you, Kate Crane, for sharing your story and that of your father, Eddy Crane. This was a raw, emotional, tragic story. The writing and crafting of this novel was done exceptionally well.
It’s saddening that those put in positions of authority continually fail in their obligations. At most, I hope that writing this memoir brings you closure and peace to live a better life for yourself.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of What Happened to Eddy Crane? written by his daughter, Kate Crane. This book is to be published on April 7, 2026.
It’s saddening that those put in positions of authority continually fail in their obligations. At most, I hope that writing this memoir brings you closure and peace to live a better life for yourself.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of What Happened to Eddy Crane? written by his daughter, Kate Crane. This book is to be published on April 7, 2026.
October 30, 2025
“What Ever Happened to Eddy Crane?” by Kate Crane is a memoir and murder investigation that does not end the way you’d think it should. In it, Crane investigates the cold case of her own father’s disappearance and finds herself along the way. Her writing is sharp and humorous; delightfully detailed (The soundtrack: “Don Ho’s Greatest Hits.”) and breathtakingly beautiful (Her nostrils puffed warm psalms into my small hands.) It’s both a testament to the great love she feels for her complex father and a love letter to herself. I couldn’t put it down.
November 23, 2025
Really quick read for me because I was so curious to find out more about Eddy Crane’s case.
My heart goes out to his family and I hope that Kate can continue to heal from this trauma. I think her book is important for others to see the impact cases like this can have on your physical and mental health.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Crane and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read it. I have written this review voluntarily and honestly.
My heart goes out to his family and I hope that Kate can continue to heal from this trauma. I think her book is important for others to see the impact cases like this can have on your physical and mental health.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Crane and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read it. I have written this review voluntarily and honestly.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A novel that is both a memoir and a true crime mystery! Because of the duality, it is both heartbreaking and fascinating at the same time. With intriguing dialogue and short chapters, this book will keep your interest until the end. I look forward to seeing more novels from this author in the future.
September 5, 2025
This is the story of a 12 yo who loses her father to a sudden mysterious death. The body is never recovered. There is no funeral, burial, or memorial service. The mother focuses on the girls but they don’t discuss his death. As a young woman our author struggles Finally she focuses on researching his disappearance. The book is well written and the book flows easily. But, the early loss has cost our author dearly
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
Wholly captivating, at times heart-wrenching, and completely unforgettable. A true story, not just of a terrible crime, but also of love and resilience. I hope to read plenty more from Kate in the future!
October 13, 2025
A gut punch of a memoir.
In a world obsessed with true crime, it's so important to remember that there are people whose lives are irrevocably changed when someone goes missing or is murdered. Kate shares her story and her experience navigated life and her changed family dynamic post her father's disappearance with us in the beautifully written and emotionally charged memoir.
It reads like a mix between The Sopranos and The Wire, but the people left behind, the ghosts that haunt, the corruption, the betrayals... are all true. I was on the edge of my seat and flew through the book because I had to know what Kate discovered in the end. I won't spoil it-- just know this is a memoir to experience yourself. I read a lot of memoirs and this is one of the most unique ones I've come across.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!
Check out my podcast, Babes in Bookland, for more women's memoir inspiration and discussion!
In a world obsessed with true crime, it's so important to remember that there are people whose lives are irrevocably changed when someone goes missing or is murdered. Kate shares her story and her experience navigated life and her changed family dynamic post her father's disappearance with us in the beautifully written and emotionally charged memoir.
It reads like a mix between The Sopranos and The Wire, but the people left behind, the ghosts that haunt, the corruption, the betrayals... are all true. I was on the edge of my seat and flew through the book because I had to know what Kate discovered in the end. I won't spoil it-- just know this is a memoir to experience yourself. I read a lot of memoirs and this is one of the most unique ones I've come across.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!
Check out my podcast, Babes in Bookland, for more women's memoir inspiration and discussion!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews