Reviewed by Dan
TITLE: When Ryan Came Back
AUTHOR: Devon McCormack
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 230 Pages
BLURB:
A Harmony Ink Press Young Adult Title Steven’s life changes forever the day he discovers his childhood friend and lifelong crush, Ryan Walters, standing in his bedroom. The problem? Ryan Walters committed suicide just days earlier. Ryan tells Steven that he didn’t kill himself. He believes he was murdered and that his death is linked to an article he was working on for the school paper. Steven sets out to solve the mystery, but as the story unfolds, so does Ryan’s secret life of sex with guys and depression. Steven realizes suicide is more plausible than Ryan’s conspiracy theory, but he struggles to convince Ryan of the real cause of his death. And despite revelations of his friend’s closeted life, he must face the truth that Ryan doesn’t—and never will—love him.
REVIEW:
I enjoyed the mystery in this book. Although it is targeted towards young adults, I found it to be very enjoyable for adults as well. The central underlying plot of the story is that Ryan committed suicide. He never knew that Steven was in love with him because he was straight and had a girlfriend; and even though they were friends, Steven never told him. But now Ryan has come back. He shows up at Steven’s house, in Steven’s bedroom and Steven is the only one who can see him or hear him.
Ryan is convinced that he didn’t kill himself. He doesn’t remember the event and feels that his death might be tied to a news article he was writing for the school newspaper which would implicate several local high rollers in a scandal. Steven takes up the investigation, and along the way even greater mysteries show up. Some of them are decades old. Could they be the reason for the murder? What about the very plausible alternate theory Steven comes up with tied to their school? Of did Ryan really kill himself, as circumstantial evidence seems to imply?
The story is a classic whodunit, which keeps you guessing up until the end. I, for one, was surprised when the villain was revealed in the end! Along the way, Steven has a bunch of adventures; is caught talking to himself several times; solves some collateral mysteries; learns things about himself, his friends and his family; and comes to the realization that Ryan will never love him and never did.
Stick around though, there is hope for Steven in the end. Who knew there were other gay guys at their high school? What happens with Ryan once he finds out Steven loves him? No more spoilers. I highly recommend if you’re looking for a gay themed young adult book that you give this one a try. I will be looking forward to reading Mr. McCormack’s other books!
RATING: 
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