Camino Ghosts by John Grisham

*** Review ***

John Grisham is one of those authors whose name is synonymous with legal thrillers, and his latest, Camino Ghosts, does not disappoint. This third installment in the Camino Island series draws readers back into the intriguing world of Bruce Cable, the charismatic bookseller, and his circle of friends, including the talented author Mercer Mann. As always, Grisham deftly weaves together elements of literary and historical fiction with courtroom drama and suspense, creating a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking.

Camino Ghosts begins with Mercer Mann’s wedding to Thomas, a milestone attended by her friends from Camino Island, including Bruce Cable. Mercer, seeking inspiration for her next novel, is introduced by Bruce to the fascinating story of Dark Isle—a now deserted island between Florida and Georgia that was once home to a community of runaway slaves. The last living descendant of Dark Isle, Lovely Jackson, is an eighty-year-old woman who now lives on Camino Island after leaving Dark Isle with her mother in 1955. Lovely has self-published a book about the island’s history, though it remains largely unnoticed. However, the island’s future is now under threat from a powerful resort developer eager to claim it, and Lovely is determined to protect her ancestral land, believed by locals to be cursed and full of secrets.

Grisham’s talent for character development is evident as he introduces Lovely Jackson, whose resilience and deep connection to her heritage form the emotional core of the novel. Lovely’s battle against the resort developers is not just a fight for land, but a fight for history and memory, themes that resonate deeply throughout the book. Her character is beautifully rendered, providing a poignant and rich historical perspective on the legacy of Dark Isle and the lives of the slaves who once inhabited it.

The plot thickens as Mercer dives into research to help Lovely prove her ownership of the island. Bruce, utilizing his extensive network, gathers crucial information on the developers, while Lovely’s

legal team, consisting of retired lawyer Steven Mahon and the determined paralegal Diane Krug, prepares for the looming courtroom battle. The dynamics between these characters are captivating, adding layers of intrigue and emotional depth to the story.

Grisham’s narrative moves at a steady pace, seamlessly interspersing chapters that delve into the history of Dark Isle with the unfolding present-day conflict. Lovely’s recounting of her life on the island and its storied past is both heartbreaking and mesmerizing, highlighting Grisham’s ability to blend historical fiction with contemporary drama. The island itself becomes a character, shrouded in mystery and legend, drawing readers deeper into its enigmatic allure.

While Mercer’s character has not always been my favorite in the series, her dedication to Lovely’s cause and her growth as a writer and individual in Camino Ghosts make her journey compelling. Bruce Cable remains a standout, his charm and resourcefulness providing a steady anchor amidst the tumultuous events. The new characters, especially Mahon and Diane, are welcome additions, their expertise and commitment adding a dynamic edge to the legal proceedings.

Grisham injects a healthy dose of lightheartedness into the narrative, preventing it from becoming too heavy despite its serious themes. Characters like Gifford Knox provide comic relief, balancing the tension with moments of levity. This careful balance of humor and gravity is one of Grisham’s strengths, making the novel an enjoyable and well-rounded read.

The courtroom scenes, a hallmark of Grisham’s writing, are executed with precision and flair. Though Camino Ghosts is not a traditional legal thriller, the legal battles are gripping and well-crafted, showcasing Grisham’s mastery of the genre. The climax, while somewhat predictable, is satisfying and ties up the story’s threads neatly, leaving readers with a sense of closure and fulfillment.

One of the most striking aspects of Camino Ghosts is its commentary on greed, environmental preservation, and the relentless march of development. Grisham critiques the unscrupulous practices of corporations and politicians, highlighting the often-overlooked impact of such developments on local communities and histories. Lovely’s fight to preserve Dark Isle is emblematic of broader struggles faced by many in the face of relentless modernization and exploitation.

As someone who has read most of Grisham’s works, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Camino Ghosts. While the Camino Island series had not previously been among my favorites, this installment changed my perspective. The rich historical context, combined with a compelling plot and well-drawn characters, makes this book stand out. It is, in my humble opinion, the strongest entry in the series to date.

In conclusion, Camino Ghosts is a testament to John Grisham’s storytelling prowess. It’s an exceptionally well-written novel that immerses readers in a world of mystery, history, and legal drama. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Grisham or new to the Camino Island series, this book offers a captivating and thought-provoking read. The blend of historical intrigue, contemporary issues, and rich character development ensures that Camino Ghosts is a novel that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I eagerly await the next installment in this series, hopeful that Grisham will continue to explore the fascinating world he has created on Camino Island.