Published by Doubleday on May 28, 2024

John Grisham is at his best when he works racial injustice into his stories. In a 2022 interview, Grisham said he “grew up in the Jim Crow South. A very segregated, racist society was almost in my DNA. It’s a long struggle to overcome that and to look back at the way I was raised and not be resentful toward my parents and other people who helped raise me for their extreme racism. It was such a hard right-wing, racist society that I grew up in.”

Camino Ghosts is Grisham’s third novel set on Camino Island, a fictional location off the northeast coast of Florida. A central character is a descendent of slaves. The novel reminds the reader that Florida entered the union as a slave state. I assume that will be enough to get the novel banned in Florida’s school libraries because Ron DeSantis thinks it is wrong to offend the imagined sensibilities of white children by teaching them the truth about southern history. Most rational people believe children should be taught to learn from the past, but denial and ignorance are the preferred tools of education in today’s Florida.

The descendent in question is Lovely Jackson. Now about 80 years old, Lovely lives on Camino Island but was born on a nearby island that the locals call Dark Isle. The island is said to be haunted and enough people have died after venturing to the island that the legends are cautiously regarded as true.

Lovely wrote a book that recounted the oral history her ancestries passed down about their lives. The first island settlers had been captured in Africa for sale into slavery. A few Africans survived a shipwreck, killed the white survivors who enslaved them, and protected their new island home from white men.

Nalla was one of the survivors. Lovely is one of Nalla’s descendants. Nalla was raped by one of the slave traders and was pregnant with his child. She used the witchcraft she learned in her childhood to place a curse on the island. White men who set foot on the island are doomed. The curse has so far been completely effective.

Developers are itching to get their hands on Dark Isle because it has a beach. Until Hurricane Leo, building a bridge to the island was impractical. The hurricane changed the topography, making it possible for Tidal Breeze, an unscrupulous real estate developer, to demand that the state pay for a bridge so it can fill the beaches with condos for rich people. Most local residents are tired of developments that displace less affluent people with wealthy condo dwellers, although a few are persuaded that development brings economic benefits that outweigh the environmental destruction that has devastated Florida.

Steven Mahon is an environmental lawyer who wants to throw a wrench in Tidal Breeze’s plan to bulldoze Dark Isle. He realizes that, as the last inhabitant of Dark Isle, Nalla may have a claim to ownership of the island through adverse possession. Proving that Nalla owns the island would be the quickest way to prevent Tidal Breze from destroying it. The problem is that Nalla has no corroborating evidence to prove that she was born on Dark Isle or that her ancestors ever lived there. The state claims ownership of all uninhabited islands near Florida and Tidal Breeze has engineered a behind-the-scenes sweetheart deal to buy it from the state.

The story follows two characters who appeared in earlier Camino Island novels. Bruce Cable owns a successful independent bookstore that caters to island residents and tourists. Mercer Mann is a novelist who spends part of the year on the island. Mercer decides that Lovely has a story worth telling. Bruce is a fan of Lovely’s self-published book about the island and is responsible for the few sales that Lovely made. He encourages Mercer to tell Lovely’s story in a work of nonfiction and to bring Tidal Breeze into the narrative.

Political corruption and environmental destruction are two of the novel’s themes, from Tidal Breeze’s attempt to influence a judge to its use of campaign contributions to assure that state officials ignore the environmental consequences of its development projects. The larger theme is Florida’s history as a slave state and the continuing impact that slavery has had on the state’s Black residents. I was particularly moved by Lovely’s testimony that she wanted to tell her story because so many stories of slaves have not been told — a truth that seems particularly evident in Florida, where a majority of the state’s legislators seem to believe that stories about white slaveowners are best forgotten.

I am hot and cold on Grisham, but I enjoyed the trial scenes in Camino Ghosts. Lovely is a fun and sympathetic character. The plot is simple but compelling. The present day story might be too upbeat to be credible, but Grisham balances the good feelings with the harrowing reality of the slave trade. My primary reason for giving Camino Ghosts a strong recommendation is that it is so different from most legal thrillers. It’s always good to read something fresh in a genre that tends to rehash stale plots.

RECOMMENDED

Camino Ghosts by John Grisham: I loved it! Such a good book. My favorite of the three books that take place on Camino island. Mercer Mann, author, is back, along with Bruce Cable, bookstore owner. And we meet Lovely Jackson, an older black woman who is trying to hold onto the island her family lived on for hundreds of years. Very interesting. Very heart-wrenching: but in the good ways. Makes you realize truths without belittling important subjects. Very much enjoyed!

I went into Camino Island blindly. I honestly, haven’t read a John Grisham book in years, so wanted to try some thing that was outside of his legal thriller genre.
Wow, this book was well written, it just truly didn’t hold my interest.
The premise was great, however, the storytelling fell flat for me.

Interesting novel

I hadn't read the previous Camino books, but that wasn't an issue. I was easily able to figure out who was who, and didn't feel lost at all.

I found this book interesting from a historical fiction perspective. I don't know how much of it is rooted in fact, or if it is a compilation of different events in Florida's slave history, but it was good. Lovely was a great woman, driven to preserve the history of her people, and the Camino gang helped her along. Diane didn't get enough credit for all she did, but she was definitely a driving force behind Steven's defense.

I felt this was a good mix of legal drama, history and the strength found in believing.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE PAST

Renowned, best-selling author John Grisham is back with the third novel in the Camino Island Series, and, in my opinion, Camino Ghosts is another winner! This novel is set on Camino Island and also involves a story about the deserted island of Dark Isle, located off the coast of Camino Island. Grisham tells his story through the eyes of author Mercer Mann, who is trying to come up with an idea for her next novel. Her bookstore owner friend, Bruce, loans Mercer a non-fiction piece about Dark Isle written by Lovely Jackson, the last descendant to have lived there, and she claims to be the owner of the uninhabited island. Mercer’s extensive research on the Dark Isle reveals the truth of the horrific things that were done to enslaved people on the island. She interviewed Lovely several times to hear more of her story and learn about the area where the escaped enslaved people were able to set up a village. That was where Lovely lived with her Mother until she was fifteen in 1955. Of course, an evil corporation wants to develop the island and build a casino. From this point on, Grisham launches into the plot of one of his best legal thrillers in years! He introduces the legal team that agrees to take Lovely on as their client and fight against “the giants” - the corporations and the state government that are dead on taking control of Dark Isle. This compelling story brings out all the ugly truths about the past into the present. Grisham’s writing illustrates that greed has no limits to the damage it will cause to get what it wants. I highly recommend this novel!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Doubleday and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.

John Grisham was the first author I ever read. The Street Lawyer made me the avid reader I am today and I'm so thankful I found his writing. This is the third book in this series and I think they just keep getting better. Grisham is a talented story teller and this book does not disappoint. A quick and compelling read, He always knows how to write captivating characters. I can't wait to see what he will come up with next. I would HIGHLY recommend this book and the rest of his books!!


Thank you NetGalley and Doubleday Books | Doubleday for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

Grisham is back with another wonderful litigation story. Lovely Jackson vs Tidal Breeze, a true David and Goliath legal battle that gripped me and didn't let me go. Great story, great plot, great pacing...everything I love about John Grisham's novels, as well as returning to Camino Islands that feels right at home for this Florida gal. Wonderful and highly recommend!!!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

Grisham fans will be thrilled with another novel in the Camino series. As usual, Grisham’s storytelling captures the reader in a way that you can’t put the book down. Great story and sure to be a favorite for the Grisham fanatics.

Thanks to netgalley for the ARC for my opinion on the book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this amazing book.

What can I say. John Grisham does it again.

He is an awesome, amazing author, and his books are always five stars plus.

A must-read!

Highly recommend!!

The narrative is commendable, although I had higher anticipations regarding John Grisham's customary thrilling and gripping elements. Nonetheless, the captivating ancestral background of Lovely Jackson will linger in my thoughts for a considerable duration.

Thank you to Net Galley and Doubleday Books for providing me with a complimentary copy so that I may give my honest review.

In this new thriller on Camino Island, popular bookseller Bruce Cable tells Mercer Mann an irresistible tale that might be her next novel. A giant resort developer is using its political muscle and deep pockets to claim ownership of a deserted island between Florida and Georgia. Only the last living inhabitant of the island, Lovely Jackson, stands in its way. What the developer doesn’t know is that the island has a remarkable history, and locals believe it is cursed…and the past is never the past. Grisham really shines in this series. This book can read as a stand-alone but having the backstory is helpful.

Another stellar title in Grisham’s Camino Island series. This takes a raw and honest look at Florida’s history of kidnapping Africans and keeping them as slaves. One woman, a descendant, feels that she has earned the land and she’s in a fight against developers. A heartfelt tale that will make readers think.

This is the third book in the Camino Island series. In this story, a well known property developer wants to build a huge resort on what is believed to be an unclaimed island. There is one person standing in their way. The plot takes off from there.

This is my favorite book so far in the series. It’s a bit mystical as the history of the island and its ownership unfolds. There’s a battle to be fought and there’s no better team to fight it than the main characters in these stories.

This really is a fun series. Not too heavy and very entertaining.

CAMINO GHOSTS is the third book in John Grisham's Camino Island Series, but it also works fine a standalone novel.

I loved everything about this book. Author Mercer Mann, a friend of Bay Books bookshop owner Bruce Cable, is trying to come up with an idea for her next book. Bruce gives her to a small nonfiction piece written by Lovely Jackson, an 80-year-old local resident and the descendent of slaves who once settled on Dark Island off the coast of Camino Island. When a big corporation moves in to develop the island and build a casino, Lovely steps forward with a claim to ownership of Dark Island. The Daniel and Goliath fight is on between big money and a poor local woman. Readers join in the fight to save the island.

The descriptions of the island are vivid the plot is gripping, especially when a meeting is held at midnight in the middle of voodoo country. Grisham tells a story so well, and I loved every minute of the ghosts, and haints, and things that go bump in the night.

I finally did it! Read a John Grisham book and my only regret was that it took me so long. This is the third in the series but I did enjoy it as a standalone. The story grabs one from the first few pages and really spotlights the tragic history of slave trading. It has a dual timeline of Nalla and her kidnapping and survival on Dark Isle. And continues with her many time over granddaughter Lovely Jackson the last living member from the island. Big developers want to takeover the island to build a luxury resort, but Bruce the local busybody bookstore owner starts the ball rolling and the battle for ownership begins.
A very well written book that has a fast paced intriguing story. Now to backtrack and read the first 2 books. Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own and my alone. #CaminoGhosts #JohnGrisham

A mix of literary and historical fiction, courtroom drama, and a dash of suspense, "Camino Ghosts" by John Grisham is a pleasure to read. The author's Camino Island series opens with author Mercer Mann's wedding to Thomas. Mercer seeks inspiration for her third book, and Bruce suggests the Dark Isle, an abandoned island once home to a community of runaway slaves. Lovely Jackson, the last descendant, fights to protect the island from developers. Interwoven with rich history, the novel offers humor and captivating storytelling.

Camino Ghosts is the third book in this series, but can be read as a standalone. John Grisham always delivers a well developed storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The third installment of this series was a bit of a disappointment. It lacked the compelling element the first 2 had. I’m also not a fan of a white author telling the story of slaves. The book was of course well written, and I sure didn’t hate it, but lacked sparkle.

Camino Ghosts by John Grisham is all you would hope for from a book by Grisham. I didn't know it was a series when I chose it but it didn't matter it's an easily read stand-alone.
Author Mercer Mann was looking for inspiration for her next book when a bookstore owner Bruce, approached her with the story of the Dark Isle. Ms Lovely Jackson wrote a self-published book of her experience and family history on the island and Mercer’s friend thought she could retell the story with more success Lovely agreed and Mercer started her research.
The book's characters are truly down-to-earth and relatable characters you will enjoy. The twists and plots are easily followed and interesting. I don't like long drawn-out reviews, so mine are not. Did I like the book, definitely, was it worth reading, yes, Do I recommend it, for sure you will like the characters and I know you won't forget this book! I appreciate NetGalley for this book, I am happy to give my view.

I really enjoyed this 3rd in the Camino Island series. It was a great combination of history, courtroom-legal thriller. The characters were well developed and the writing was true Grisham style. Thanks to NetGalley for the privilege to read and review this book.