Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha is critically acclaimed for its profound exploration of race, family, and social justice. Reviewers praise its intricate plot and compelling characters, noting the skillful interweaving of past and present. Some criticism includes pacing issues and predictability in parts, but overall, it's recognized as a powerful and timely narrative.

A reader who would enjoy Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha is someone interested in complex, character-driven narratives that examine racial tensions and family dynamics. Comparable to readers of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng, this audience appreciates timely social issues and thought-provoking storytelling.

Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha, set in 2019 Los Angeles, follows two families—one Korean American and one Black—grappling with the aftermath of a racially charged shooting 28 years earlier. As new events stir old wounds, the characters navigate themes of racial injustice, family loyalty, and the complexities of forgiveness, revealing the enduring impact of unresolved trauma and systemic racism.

Emotional / Mysterious / Bittersweet / Challenging / Contemplative

- Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha was awarded the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Best Mystery/Thriller in 2019, recognizing its exceptional storytelling in the crime and mystery genre.
- The novel is set against the backdrop of Los Angeles and deeply explores themes of racial tensions and reconciliation, echoing real events that have shaped the city's history.
- Steph Cha drew inspiration for the novel from real-life incidents in Los Angeles, particularly the tensions and conflicts between Korean-American and African-American communities in the 1990s.

**Grace Park**  
A 27-year-old Korean American woman living in the San Fernando Valley with her parents, who works at the family pharmacy. Grace is dedicated to her family and struggles with understanding her parents' past and its implications.

**Shawn Matthews**  
A 41-year-old Black man and former convict who lives with his girlfriend and her daughter in Palmdale, working for a moving company. Shawn has worked hard to rebuild his life post-prison, finding contentment and serving as a family role model.

**Miriam Park**  
Grace's older sister who rebelled against her parents' expectations by pursuing her own career and romantic life. Miriam has distanced herself from their cultural community but remains connected through certain traditions.

**Ray Holloway**  
A 44-year-old man recently released from prison, struggling to reintegrate into family life and work. He attempts to bond with his children and navigate his place within the family following his return.

**Yvonne Park/Jung-Ja Han**  
Grace and Miriam's mother, a first-generation Korean American known for her hardworking nature. She is involved in running the family pharmacy and is a central figure due to events in her past.

**Ava Matthews**  
Shawn's older sister who was killed as a teenager, a source of family trauma and a symbol of racial conflict. Her memory influences many characters' actions and perceptions of justice.

**Darryl Holloway**  
Ray's 16-year-old son who experiences familial tension and societal pressures. He faces challenges in understanding his family's legacy and the world he inhabits.

**Sheila Holloway**  
Aunt to Shawn and Ray, who acts as a family matriarch and activist for racial injustice causes. She is recognized for her ability to turn personal hardship into a source of strength and advocacy.

**Paul Park**  
Grace and Miriam’s father, a dedicated family man who owns a pharmacy. He represents traditional values and has a protective stance towards his wife.

**Jasmine and Monique**  
Shawn's girlfriend and her daughter, both of whom provide a source of stability and support in Shawn's life as he manages family and personal challenges.

**Laneisha and Dasha Holloway**  
Ray's wife and daughter, who maintain household stability and remain supportive during Ray's time in prison and subsequent struggles. 

**Jules Searcey**  
A newspaper reporter and author involved in writing about historical racial violence. His work intersects with the lives of several characters in varying capacities.

**Detective Neil Maxwell**  
An LAPD homicide detective involved in investigating a key event in the story. Known for his shrewdness, he interacts with multiple characters during the investigation.

**Duncan Green**  
Ray's childhood friend who became a bar owner and a source of gossip. He connects with Shawn through shared history and offers insights into past events.

**Uncle Joseph**  
An associate in the family pharmacy business who provides guidance and represents the Korean Christian community. He shares a familial bond with the Parks despite not being a blood relative.

**Blake**  
Miriam's older boyfriend, a successful screenwriter who lives with her. Noted for his performative activism, he plays a role in her personal life.

**Manny**  
Shawn’s boss at the moving company, known for his supportiveness and understanding when Shawn faces family issues. Manny is characterized by his grown-up experience in the moving industry.

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