Camino Ghosts by John Grisham

A Curse, A Corporation, and the Fight for an Island’s Soul

John Grisham takes us back to the sun-soaked beaches of Camino Island in his latest legal thriller, “Camino Ghosts.” But this time, paradise has a dark secret lurking just offshore. On nearby Dark Isle, the ghosts of enslaved Africans and their descendants still linger, guarding sacred ground now threatened by corporate greed. As Grisham weaves together history, mystery and courtroom drama, he delivers a poignant exploration of how the injustices of the past continue to haunt us in the present.

A Bookseller’s Discovery Ignites a Battle for Justice

The story opens with the beachside wedding of novelist Mercer Mann, officiated by none other than Bruce Cable, the charismatic owner of Bay Books. But the real drama begins when Bruce shares an intriguing tale with the newlywed author – one that will spark Mercer’s next book and embroil them both in a high-stakes legal battle.

We’re introduced to Lovely Jackson, the last living descendant of the freed slaves who settled Dark Isle centuries ago. Now in her 80s, Lovely is the sole keeper of her people’s history on the small barrier island. But her ancestral home is under threat from Tidal Breeze, a ruthless developer with plans to transform the island into a glitzy casino resort.

As Mercer befriends Lovely and delves into the island’s rich past, she uncovers a story of resilience, injustice, and a powerful curse laid down by Lovely’s ancestor Nalla. The more Mercer learns, the more she realizes this isn’t just about real estate – it’s about righting historical wrongs and preserving a sacred heritage.

Grisham at His Best: Legal Drama Meets Historical Fiction

What follows is vintage Grisham, as a David vs. Goliath legal battle unfolds. Steven Mahon, a scrappy environmental lawyer, takes on Tidal Breeze’s army of slick corporate attorneys. The courtroom scenes crackle with tension and showcase Grisham’s masterful grasp of legal strategy and maneuvering.

But “Camino Ghosts” is more than just a legal thriller. Grisham seamlessly blends genres, incorporating elements of historical fiction as he recounts the harrowing journey of Nalla and other enslaved Africans to Dark Isle. These flashbacks are some of the most powerful and affecting passages in the novel, bringing to life the human cost of slavery with vivid, heart-wrenching detail.

A Cast of Memorable Characters Brings the Story to Life

While the plot of “Camino Ghosts” is certainly gripping, it’s the richly drawn characters that truly elevate the novel:

• Lovely Jackson emerges as the heart and soul of the story. Her quiet dignity, unwavering connection to her ancestors, and determination to protect Dark Isle make her an incredibly compelling figure.
• Mercer Mann continues to grow as a character, evolving from the struggling writer we met in “Camino Island” to a passionate advocate willing to risk her burgeoning career for a cause she believes in.
• Bruce Cable remains a delightful literary bon vivant, using his connections and charm to rally support for Lovely’s fight.
• Steven Mahon, the environmental lawyer, brings welcome grit and tenacity to the legal proceedings.
• Diane Krug, a young paralegal, injects youthful energy and idealism into the campaign to save Dark Isle.

Grisham Tackles Weighty Themes with a Deft Touch

While “Camino Ghosts” delivers the page-turning suspense Grisham is known for, it also grapples with some weighty themes:

• The long-lasting impacts of slavery and the ongoing struggle for racial justice
• The importance of preserving cultural heritage and sacred spaces
• The often-corrupt intersection of corporate interests and politics
• The power of storytelling to shed light on forgotten histories

Grisham handles these complex issues with sensitivity and nuance, never veering into heavy-handed moralizing. Instead, he allows the characters and their experiences to illuminate these themes in a way that feels organic and deeply affecting.

A Return to Form for the Master of Legal Thrillers

“Camino Ghosts” represents something of a return to form for Grisham. While his recent novels have sometimes felt formulaic, this latest offering recaptures the urgency and moral weight of his early classics like “A Time to Kill” and “The Rainmaker.”

The pacing is relentless, with short chapters and cliffhanger endings that keep the pages turning. Grisham’s prose is lean and efficient, but he still finds moments for lyrical descriptions of Camino Island’s natural beauty and Dark Isle’s haunting atmosphere.

Not Without Its Flaws

That’s not to say the novel is without its flaws. Some readers may find the courtroom scenes a bit dry or technical at times. The villains of Tidal Breeze occasionally veer into caricature. And the resolution of the legal battle feels a touch too neat and tidy given the complexity of the issues at stake.

A Satisfying Addition to the Camino Island Series

Despite these minor quibbles, “Camino Ghosts” is a worthy addition to the Camino Island series. It builds on the world and characters established in the previous books while taking the story in a fresh and compelling direction.

Fans of the series will enjoy catching up with familiar faces like Bruce and Mercer, while newcomers can easily jump in without feeling lost. Grisham provides just enough backstory to orient readers without bogging down the narrative.

The Verdict: A Haunting, Thought-Provoking Summer Read

“Camino Ghosts” is the perfect beach read for those who like a little substance with their sun and sand. It’s a gripping legal thriller that also manages to be a moving meditation on history, justice, and the power of storytelling.

Grisham has crafted a novel that entertains while also challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s past and present. It’s a delicate balance, but one that the author pulls off with aplomb.

Who Should Read “Camino Ghosts”?

• Fans of John Grisham’s legal thrillers
• Readers who enjoyed the previous Camino Island books
• Those interested in historical fiction about slavery and its aftermath
• Anyone looking for a thought-provoking beach read

“Camino Ghosts” is a haunting, suspenseful, and ultimately uplifting novel that showcases John Grisham at the top of his game. It’s a must-read for fans of the author and newcomers alike.

A Few Standout Moments:

• The harrowing depiction of Nalla’s journey on the slave ship and her arrival on Dark Isle
• Lovely Jackson’s powerful testimony during the trial
• The tense confrontation between Steven Mahon and the judge over her potential conflict of interest
• The bittersweet epilogue that brings Lovely’s story full circle

Similar Books You Might Enjoy:

• “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead
• “Salvage the Bones” by Jesmyn Ward
• “The House on Vesper Sands” by Paraic O’Donnell
• “The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead

In Conclusion: A Ghost Story for Our Times

With “Camino Ghosts,” John Grisham has delivered more than just another legal thriller. He’s written a ghost story for our times – one where the specters of the past demand justice in the present. It’s a novel that will entertain you, move you, and perhaps even inspire you to look at history and heritage in a new light.

As Bruce Cable might say, this is one book you’ll definitely want on your shelf – and in your beach bag – this summer. So grab a copy, find a comfortable spot in the sand, and prepare to be haunted in the best possible way.