Camino Ghosts: A Novel

Written by John Grisham

Narrated by John Grisham and Whoopi Goldberg

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Will an ancient curse darken the skies over Camino Island? Bruce Cable and Mercer Mann are about to find out.

Look for John Grisham’s forthcoming legal thriller, The Widow. This time, the verdict isn’t the end of the story.

Mercer Mann, a popular writer from Camino Island, is back on the beach, marrying her boyfriend, Thomas, in a seaside ceremony. Bruce Cable, infamous owner of Bay Books, performs the wedding. Afterward, Bruce tells Mercer that he has stumbled upon an incredible story. Mercer desperately needs an idea for her next novel, and Bruce now has one.

The true story is about Dark Isle, a sliver of a barrier island not far off the North Florida coast. It was settled by freed slaves three hundred years ago, and their descendants lived there until 1955, when the last one was forced to leave. That last descendant is Lovely Jackson, elderly now, who loves her birthplace and its remarkable history. But now Tidal Breeze, a huge, ruthless corporate developer, wants to build a resort and casino on the island, which Lovely knows, deep down, is rightfully hers.

Mercer befriends Lovely, and they plunge into an enormous fight over who owns Dark Isle, taking on Tidal Breeze Corporation, its lawyers, lobbyists, and powerful Florida politicians. But Lovely knows something about the island that could seriously cloud the dollar signs in the developer’s eyes: the island is cursed. It has remained uninhabited for nearly a century for some very real and very troubling reasons. The deep secrets of the past are about to collide with the enormous ambitions of the present, and the fate of Dark Isle—and Camino Island, too—hangs in the balance.

Look for all of John Grisham’s rollicking Camino novels:
Camino Island
Camino Winds
Camino Ghosts

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: May 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9780593168462

John Grisham

John Grisham es autor de numerosos libros que han llegado al primer puesto en las listas de best sellers y que han sido traducidos a casi cincuenta idiomas. Sus obras más recientes incluyen La lista del juez, Los adversarios, Los chicos de Biloxi, El intercambio, Isla maldita y Tiempo de perdón, que está siendo adaptada como serie por HBO. Grisham ha ganado dos veces el Premio Harper Lee de ficción legal y ha sido galardonado con el Premio al Logro Creativo de Ficción de la Biblioteca del Congreso de Estados Unidos. Cuando no está escribiendo, Grisham trabaja en la junta directiva de Innocence Project y Centurion Ministries, dos organizaciones dedicadas a lograr la exoneración de personas condenadas injustamente. Muchas de sus novelas exploran problemas profundamente arraigados en el sistema de justicia estadounidense. John vive en una granja en Virginia.

Reviews for Camino Ghosts

[bcrowl399 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Grisham always produces a great ride.

[bblum_10 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

3rd in series of Mercer, an author seeking a new story and Bruce the owner of a popular bookstore on a popular Florida island near the border of Georgia. They are not a couple but Bruce likes to help authors and has a band of local authors / drinking partners. The story is more about Lovely Jackson the ancestor of slaves who were shipwrecked on Dark Isle in the late 1700’s and who currently owns Dark Island- Lovely or Florida who will sell it to ruthless developers to build a resort. Part legal thriller and part lesson in the historic slave trade this is a very satisfying book.

[maryreinert · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Probably my least favorite Grisham. Story concerns an isolated island off the coast of Florida that was one habited by freed slaves. Now a big company wants to build a casino on the island believing it to be owned by the state of Florida. Lovely Jackson is a descendant of those slaves having lived on the island until she was fifteen. Mercer, a local author, takes up her cause along with a book store owner and a pro bono lawyer. Lovely claims that any white man stepping foot on the island will be dead so there is a bit of witchcraft and mystery.

Of course, she wins. Four white "scouts" for the big company die mysteriously, and all ends happily with the island becoming a monument for the slaves.

[flourgirl49 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Good book, fast read, not one of Grisham's best, but certainly enjoyable.

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read the first book in this series, but apparently skipped the second book (during which apparently Bruce Cable gives up his criminal book ways). This novel delves more into a nearby deserted island which at one point was home to slaves/former slaves--and Mercer Mann decides to write a non-fiction book based on the story of a local who claims to be the last inhabitant of (and therefore owner of) Dark Isle.

[elizabethcromb · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another great Grisham tale. Set in Florida amidst the controversy of another major casino, condo, golf-course development planned by a company with a suspect history of tax avoidance and environmental abuse. Pitted against the sole survivor of a group of African slaves who managed for 260 years to live freely on a small island off the coast without any support and little interference from the US or Florida governments.Great research into African slave trades and abuse by those shipping them and those using them on their plantations.

[clara53_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A deserving plot - albeit predictable in the way it was written. Camino Island series - one of Grisham's best lately. That said, even with a great plot like that, his description qualities are declining, it seems. And yet, I salute him for raising the subject of former slaves AND books at a time like this - in Florida, no less...

[doondeck · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A good, typical Grisham read. Same cast of characters on Camino Island out working for a good cause.

[drthubbie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

John Grisham is a gifted story teller and I have enjoyed many of his books. This one is good but not great. Having Whoopi Goldberg as the reader of the audiobook was an interesting approach but I think I would have preferred a reader with more experience and versatility.

[sunnydrk · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A fun and quick read. A bit predictable but, interesting characters.

[lewilliams-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Lovely Jackson is a descendant of slaves who first inhabited Dark Isle. Now a developer wants to build on the island setting off a law suit between the two parties. The history of the slaves who first lived on the island was to me, the most interesting portion of the book. This book is not up to John Grisham's usual legal thrillers nor is it a page turner. It's an ok book & story but not great.

[waldhaus1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Human interest story with a few legal touches. IT is the story of forcibly displaced Africans who create a new home as free people along the northeastern Florida coast. IT includes some witchcraft and an avaricious Florida developer. The principal protagonists are a descendant of the slaves and a novelist who is inspired to tell the story of the island.

[phoenixcomet · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Lovely Jackson is descended from slaves who made their way to Dark Isle to live in freedom. When Tidal Breeze, corporate America attempts to claim ownership of Dark Isle in order to develop it, Lovely goes to court. The John Grisham of today is not the same John Grisham of The Firm.

[thewanderingjew_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Camino Ghosts, John Grisham, author; Whoopi Goldberg, narrator
The book is number three in the Camino series, but it falls short of the author's usual prowess. The choice of narrator was a failure. Her tone of voice was irritating, for some reason, and her expression actually lacked the credibility and appropriate emotion that the story seemed to require. Her presentation seemed contrived, almost as if she was working too hard to present it.
As the novel starts, we witness the wedding of Mercer and Thomas, barefoot and romantic. A guest, Bruce Cable, the bookstore owner, suggests that Mercer, an author, write her next book about an interesting island, known as Dark Isle, said to be inhabited by ghosts. The island is supposedly owned by Lovely Jackson, whose ancestors were slaves. She prefers to use only her first name, since the last was given to her by a master with whom she has no connection, nor does she care to remember him. She claims ownership of the cursed island, but a corporation is insisting the island does not belong to her. They demand the right to build a resort on it. The state of Florida is suing her for its possession since the development of the island promises a lucrative reward for the state.
Lovely’s family, along with the survivors from a shipwrecked slave ship, settled the island. Her history and her ancestors are still there in the burial ground. The actual proof of their residency there, however, was completely destroyed in a hurricane. Still, she won’t sell the island, she won’t relinquish her control, and she does not want it to be desecrated. To prove her right to the island, and to protect the environment, in steps a law firm to help her fight the evil corporate world, pro bono, for a charge of about five dollars.
The author described Lovely’s family’s slave history and their journey to America. He omits the fact that it was their fellow Africans that had kidnapped them and sold them to the white men, but it is mentioned that the Africans had never seen a white man until the boat arrived to take them away. The treatment of the slaves was abysmal and inhumane, as was the very practice of slavery. Chained together and locked in the holds, many had drowned when their ship sunk. Those that reached the island and survived, were able to capture their former captors as they swam to the island and what they thought was safety. The former captive slaves murdered them, only after brutally beating them in retaliation. The women and teenagers had been raped by them, and the men had been beaten mercilessly. It was retribution. They took justice into their own hands.
The author’s themes were progressive in nature. The corporate world and the politicians were guilty of trying to abuse the little guy. They did not care about the environment. They cared only about the profit motive. I found the story threads weak and thin, as they never really fully developed any theme for me, but merely hinted at them. Even though justice seemed to be served, it did not really accomplish a larger goal, other than securing the island’s future. The corporate greed still existed, the toxic men were still in charge, the environment was not better protected, and so the result was only fleeting and served the needs of Lovely, alone. It was a disappointing read. The only redeeming feature for me was the history that was presented about slavery which seemed authentic and needed to be aired.

[lisaghudson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[fredreeca · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A multi million dollar company has decided to build a giant resort on a deserted island between Florida and Georgia. But, Lovely Jackson stands in their way. She is the last surviving descendent of that island which has a remarkable history and is possibly cursed.

Lovely Jackson and her story just reels the reader in! I love this mystery and all the history surrounding this deserted island. The history is truly fascinating! Add in Lovely and her curse…and it is a read you won’t soon forget! And don’t think Lovely didn’t have the opposing lawyers number…oh she did!

This story started out strong with the intensity you expect from John Grisham. But the ending, it felt a bit rushed and not with the punch I expect from this author. But, I love John Grisham’s writing. No fluff just facts and fantastic characters.

Need a great story with sensational characters and incredible history mixed in…THIS IS IT!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[srms.reads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

With an intriguing plot that combines elements of literary and historical fiction, courtroom drama and a touch of suspense thrown into the mix and its cast of interesting characters (old and new) Camino Ghosts by John Grisham is a compelling read.

The third book in the author’s Camino Island series begins with author Mercer Mann's wedding with Thomas, with whom she has been in a relationship for over three years. In attendance are Mercer’s friends from the island, among whom is Bruce Cable, owner of Bay Books. Mercer is looking for inspiration for her third novel and Bruce suggests the story of the Dark Isle – a now uninhabited island between Florida and Georgia that was once home to a community of runaway slaves. The last living descendant of Dark Isle, Ms. Lovely Jackson, now in her eighties, lives on Camino Island after having left Dark Isle in 1955, when she was fifteen years old, with her mother. Lovely had self-published a book about the island and its history – only a few copies of which were sold at Bruce’s bookstore. The now deserted island has caught the attention of greedy property developers with grand plans for the island, possessing both the political backing and the money to see their plans through. Lovely, who has refused any monetary compensation from the developers, plans to prove her ownership of Dark Isle, hoping to thwart their plans and protect the land where her ancestors are buried. The island is believed to be cursed and it is rumored that many who tried to step foot on the island were never seen again. Bruce encourages Mercer to meet with Lovely to discuss the possibilities of Mercer authoring a book of non-fiction about the island – a proposal Lovely eventually accepts.

As the narrative progresses we follow Mercer, as she commences her research, hoping to find facts that would help Lovely’s case; Bruce, as he taps into his vast network of contacts to gather information on the property developers and their allies; and Lovely and her legal team – retired lawyer Steven Mahon and his “ace paralegal” Diane Krug- as they prepare for the ensuing legal battle

There is no doubt that John Grisham is a master storyteller and though I’ve always been a fan of the author, I'll admit that his Camino Island books were never among my favorites. I'm glad to say Camino Ghosts changed that! The narrative moves at a consistent pace with Nalla’s story - both heartbreaking and captivating on account of the rich historical perspective and the ‘lore of the island -shared in chapters interspersed throughout the novel. I enjoyed getting to know Lovely and found the history of Dark Isle and Lovely's stories of life on the island fascinating. I've never been particularly fond of Mercer, but Bruce , as always, is an interesting character. Mahon and Diane made a formidable team and I loved Diane’s dedication and her go-getter attitude. Despite the serious themes of this novel, the author injects a healthy dose of lightheartedness (Gifford Knox was a hoot!) to keep the novel from becoming too heavy.

Definitely the strongest of all three books in the series, in my humble opinion, this exceptionally well-written, immersive novel is a departure from Grisham’s signature legal thrillers and though not a "legal thriller" per se, I did enjoy the courtroom scenes and I loved how the author chose to end the story.

Many thanks to Doubleday Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.