Today I have a review of Miracle Creek by Angie Kim, is now available from Farrar, Straus, & Giroux.
My Thoughts:
Miracle Creek takes place in a small Virginia town of the same name. Young and Pak Yoo are the owners of an experimental treatment called the Miracle Submarine, which is a pressurized oxygen chamber. Its dives are believed to be therapeutic for autism among other disabilities or conditions.
The Miracle Submarine mysteriously exploded, and two people are killed. This small town is transformed forever.
At first, it’s unclear who the suspect or suspects are. Could it be the mother of one of the patients? Or the Yoos? Both may have probable motives.
The courtroom drama plays out with BIG intrigue and lots of emotion. This aspect of this story was extraordinary and authentic.
The author is a Korean immigrant and former trial lawyer, so that certainly adds to the authenticity of her characterization and subsequent unraveling of the courtroom plot. She is also the mother of a “submarine” patient, so the genuine emotion is firmly there.
Ok, friends, don’t miss this one. If you enjoy emotional reads, this book is for you. If courtroom dramas are your bag, definitely don’t miss this. And everyone else? Well, this one is for you all, too. It’s just too good to pass up! It’s a twisty, dynamite page-turner with smooth writing and a compelling plot. Miracle Creek is an all-around fresh and refreshing read.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
A literary courtroom drama about a Korean immigrant family and a young, single mother accused of murdering her eight-year-old autistic son
My husband asked me to lie. Not a big lie. He probably didn’t even consider it a lie, and neither did I, at first . . .In the small town of Miracle Creek, Virginia, Young and Pak Yoo run an experimental medical treatment device known as the Miracle Submarine—a pressurized oxygen chamber that patients enter for therapeutic “dives” with the hopes of curing issues like autism or infertility. But when the Miracle Submarine mysteriously explodes, killing two people, a dramatic murder trial upends the Yoos’ small community.Who or what caused the explosion? Was it the mother of one of the patients, who claimed to be sick that day but was smoking down by the creek? Or was it Young and Pak themselves, hoping to cash in on a big insurance payment and send their daughter to college? The ensuing trial uncovers unimaginable secrets from that night—trysts in the woods, mysterious notes, child-abuse charges—as well as tense rivalries and alliances among a group of people driven to extraordinary degrees of desperation and sacrifice.
Angie Kim’s Miracle Creek is a thoroughly contemporary take on the courtroom drama, drawing on the author’s own life as a Korean immigrant, former trial lawyer, and mother of a real-life “submarine” patient. An addictive debut novel for fans of Liane Moriarty and Celeste Ng, Miracle Creek is both a twisty page-turner and a deeply moving story about the way inconsequential lies and secrets can add up—with tragic consequences.
Have you read Miracle Creek, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
This definitely sounds like a book that would keep you turning the pages! Great review, Jenni! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Chrissi! It absolutely did! I was hooked!
LikeLike
Wow! wonderful review!! This one sounds really good Jen! Happy Hump Day my friend! I hope your day is awesome!😀☕💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was so super good, Sus! It’s going on my favorite list for this year- easily! Hope you had a great day too! 💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have read another review of this book. Seems so exciting. I like the sounds of this story
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so good, Shalini! If it interests you at all, I would try to read it. It’s on my favorites list!
LikeLike
I love that the author was actually a trial lawyer. Normally I don’t go for courtroom drama as I find it a little tedious at times. But, this one sounds pretty authentic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Nicole! 👋 ♥️ Luckily it’s not tedious. Just so super real and well-done. It’s one of my favorites this year for sure!
LikeLike
Well, that seems good enough for me!! 😊👍🍻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome review and picture, Jennifer! I plan to read this mystery suspense drama. Happy Wednesday! 🌷🌷❤️📚🌷🌷😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Virginia! I think you’d love this one! So, so, so good and engaging and well-written and everything! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks so good! Cannot wait to read it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved it!
LikeLike
Fab review, you’ve definitely sold me on this book! I love emotional reads and also court room dramas so it sounds like this book is one I will love. I’d not heard of it before so I’m really glad you reviewed it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, thank you, Hayley! I think you’d love this one! I really hope you’ll get a chance to read it! ♥️
LikeLike
That is such a unique premise, I love it! And I love court dramas and would *not* miss out on a chance to read a book from a Korean author. Thank you for the share, Jennifer! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Kathy! Not just a Korean author, but Korean main characters too! I hope you get a chance to read this one. It shot right up my favorites list! ♥️
LikeLike
I haven’t seen or heard of this one before now, but that cover is absolutely stunning and so dramatically gorgeous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mackey, this one’s getting lots of great feedback on GR and on blogs. I’m so grateful I didn’t miss it! I love that cover, too. It just catches the eye! ♥️
LikeLike
Glad you liked this one too. It was such a special book! Fantastic review as always!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Kim! I agree- totally special and a real standout! ♥️
LikeLike
This is on my TBR list. It’s not a book I’d usually read, but the summary really appeals to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had fun reading and review it! ♥️
LikeLike
First, I LOVE this cover! 😀 Second, I’d really love to read more stories from immigrant perspectives because I think it truly expands the horizon of the average American.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it, too, LP! Yes- I wholeheartedly agree about that. We learn so much and it keeps our minds open! ♥️
LikeLike
Another Jan and I buddy read coming up. Sp happy it is an amazing story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you two love it, Marialyce!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Experiment gone wrong? Say no more! 😀 Gonna be the perfect read for my upcoming holiday 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’ll love this, Norrie! It’s smack dab on my favorites list! Yay for holidays!
LikeLike
Wow this sounds like another invigorating read! Excellent review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely loved this one, Anne, and gave it five stars!
LikeLike
Lovely review Jennifer! It sounds like we agree on this one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I’m happy we both enjoyed it too!
LikeLike