A slave ship crashed off the island of Camino in 1760. The slaves that survived established a colony and lived there in one form or another until 1960 when the last survivor left.
Now a casino developer wants that little isle for a gaming resort. It is assumed that it belongs to the state of Florida since no one has lived there in years.
But now Lovely Jackson steps forward and claims she is the sole remaining survivor and therefore the owner of that small isle. She has no method to prove this by except her memories. This is when the people we have met in the previous Camino books step forward to help her claim her island.
Well written, pleasant to read and a satisfying ending make this a great book .
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me this ARC.

Great book! I couldn't put it down. I was hooked from the beginning. This is a nice 3rd book in the series.

I am done with John Grisham. I guess I must have liked the first 2 in this series to request this one, but this was a bad book. Too in the weeds with law and publishing - clearly areas of interest to the author, but it didn't make much of a story. And, a white, male author telling the story of a black female was not well executed. Not recommended.

Camino Ghosts is the third book in the Camino Island series. Good news! If you have not read books one and two you will not be lost as I have not read them and I felt this story read very nicely as a standalone book.

First off, let me say that John Grisham's writing seems to be changing. This is a work of fiction, but it feels more like someone retelling the details of a story they have heard. There is character interaction, but there isn't a lot of emotion. I say this and yet I also cried at the end of the book, so believe me when I tell you that Grisham does a very good job at portraying the vulnerabilities of his characters without over-indulging in their feelings and sticking mostly to the details. In this book we meet Mercer Mann right away at what sounds like a very realistic, fun wedding! But I digress. Mercer is a writer, who is introduced to the story of Dark Isle by her friend Bruce. The story was self-published by Lovely, who is the last known descendant of Dark Isle, and now a large corporate developer is trying to build a casino on her land. Dark Isle was settled by freed slaves, and its origins and history is full of heartbreak, frustration and intrigue. True to John Grisham's style, this book has plenty of legal chess play and shenanigans that I really enjoyed. Some of it was unbelievable, but I'm OK with that as I was entertained. I really enjoyed the aspect of Mercer writing on the subject of Dark Isle, working in tandem with Lovely and expanding on the the island's people and history. At times it felt like I was reading a book within the book!

Thank you NetGalley and Doubleday Books for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I've never read a John Grisham book that I didn't fly through. I couldn't put this book down. This book started out fast and just continued with the fast pace and had me intrigued with his typical legal thriller.
I appreciated the backdrop of this story and dealing with books, collecting books, and the book heists. Thieves find out about Princeton's vault which contains F Scott Fitzgerald scripts. Two men are caught in the heist.

Cut to Camino Island in Florida to Bruce's bookstore. Bruce doesn't always do his transactions by the book.

The back and forth had me guessing up until the very end.

From the shelves

Through spring and summer, we now fall into reading


By Tom Mayer
tmayer@cullmantimes.com

So many books, so little time, so … let’s get to it. Here we offer two dozen titles that I’ve picked and plucked from the … more than a few dozen … I receive from publishers each year. From the best nonfiction (and a journey through history with Pope Francis), children’s fiction (just try to resist a story with the title, “Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week”) and fiction from acknowledged masters to masters-in-the-making, this list isn’t exhaustive — somewhere north of 1 million books are published each year — but I’m betting you’ll find more than few titles listed here to ignite your fall reading.

“Ferris” (Candlewick) by Kate DiCamillo: Introduce a ghost and a family of warring raccoons into Ferris Wilkey’s summer before fifth grade and it becomes a season of sheer pandemonium. As always, DiCamillo's writing shines with warmth and empathy.

“After Annie” (Random House) by Anna Quindlen: A poignant story of loss and the long road to healing following the death of Annie Bowen as her husband, children and closest friend are left to understand and repair the chasms left in their own lives and addictions. The novel is a beautiful exploration of love, grief and resilience.

“The Number One Lawyer” (Little, Brown and Company) by James Patterson and Nancy Allen: The authors team for a fast-paced legal thriller about a top lawyer who becomes a top murder suspect following the death of his wife. The novel is a gripping page-turner filled with unexpected twists and turns.

“Life: My Story Through History” (HarperOne) by Pope Francis, translated by Aubrey Botsford: Pope Francis shares his personal journey intertwined with pivotal moments in modern history, offering insights into his faith and leadership. This memoir is a deeply reflective and inspirational account of a life dedicated to service.

“Friends in Napa” (Mindy’s Book Studio) by Stella Yasmin Marikar with an introduction by Mindy Kaling: Marikar’s novel is a delightful exploration of friendship and wine in California's Napa Valley, where six old friends reunite to navigate life’s complexities … and the illusion of friendship. The story is filled with warmth, humor and a touch of nostalgia.

“Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week” (Peachtree) by Sarah L. Thomson, illustrated by Vin Vogel: Thomson presents a heartwarming tale of friendship, adventure and Otto the dog that turns two soon-to-be friends' world upside down. Those who loved “The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking” will relish this new tale.

“For Worse” (Blackstone Publishing, paperback) by L.K. Bowen: This dark thriller puts readers into intricate plots of marital revenge as Ellie tries to, again, leave her seemingly picture-perfect married life. A tale about a psychologically abusive, manipulative and cruel marriage keeps readers on the edge.

“The Forgetters” (Heyday) by Greg Sarris: Sarris delivers a compelling tale of memory and identity, as two crow sisters, Question Woman and Answer Woman, must work in tandem to recount the journeys of the Forgetters. The novel, told in the style of Southern Pomo and Coast Miwok creation stories, is a profound meditation on the power of storytelling.

“Lost to Dune Road” (Thomas & Mercer, paperback) by Kara Thomas: Pulled back into an unsolved murder after a mistake ruined her reporting career, Lee Ellerin finds a chance for redemption in finding the killer. Thomas weaves a tale of secrets buried along a road to vindication. The story is a haunting exploration of the past's grip on the present.

“Pictures of Time” (Silver Street Media, large format) by David Alexander with graphic design by Tommy Steele: A tale of time is told through photographs as the book explores how art and science converge and cross. The book is rich with vivid descriptions and thought-provoking themes.

“Murder on Demand” (Blackstone Publishing) by Al Roker and Matt Costello: Book 4 in Roker’s The Morning Show Murders series takes place a decade after Billy Blessing’s adventure in Chicago. Much has changed for Blessing in the past 10 years, but when a woman walks into his life talking about murder, things start to seem very familiar. The novel is a clever, fast-paced thriller with a bookish twist.

“Matterhorn” (Mac Dekker Book 1) by Christopher Reich: Mac Dekker is living in an Alpine village, trying to put his past in the past — until he learns that his son, following in his footsteps, was killed in the Alps. Reich crafts a tense military thriller set against the backdrop of a high-stakes mission. The novel is packed with action, suspense and geopolitical intrigue.

“The Hunter’s Daughter” (Berkley, paperback) by Nicola Solvinic: Suppressed childhood memories return after Lt. Anna Koray kills a man in the line of duty. The novel is a haunting exploration of family as a serial killer emerges — and one who is both copying her father and seems to know way too much about her.

“The House That Horror Built” (Berkley, paperback) by Christina Henry: House cleaner Harry Adams tries to do her job, keep her head low and safeguard the employment she need to support her son. She maintains all of that until she hears noises from behind a locked door that sound like a human cry for help. The story is a spine-chilling mix of gothic horror and psychological suspense.

“In Our Stars” (The Doomed Earth Duology) (Ace) by Jack Campbell: Campbell’s space opera is an epic tale of love, loss, and interstellar conflict. The novel is a sweeping adventure that explores the human spirit's resilience in the vastness of space as the genetically engineered — and ostracized because of it — Lt. Selene Genji is thrust four decades into the past with a chance to save Earth from the annihilation she witnessed in her present time.

“Freeset” (The Four Cities Series Book 3) (Blackstone) by Sarina Dahlan: This sequel to “Reset” (“Preset” was the first in the series) continues the thrilling saga of a group of Dreamers fighting to find each other after Tabula Rosa — the process that wipes citizens’ memories every four years. The story is built on a foundation of family and hope … and fragile trusts.

“Camino Ghosts” (Doubleday) by John Grisham: The best of the Camino Island series to date (“Camino Island” and “Camino Winds” preceded), Grisham’s latest legal drama follows a seasoned lawyer on a quest for justice in a small coastal town. The justice here is social as the sole descendent of a community of runaway Black slaves must save a haunted island, and her heritage, from the hands and wallets of developers. The novel is a gripping exploration of corruption and redemption.

“Lake County” (Thomas & Mercer, paperback) by Lori Roy: Reimagining the life of Marilyn Monroe, aka Aunt Jean, involves a niece and her boyfriend, who also happens to be part of the illegal bolita he’s running on mob lands. When he’s forced to make a deal that could save both of their lives, worlds are altered in an atmospheric 1950s setting from the Edgar Award-winning Roy.

“Serendipity” (Dutton, paperback) by Becky Chalsen: Chalsen weaves a heartwarming tale of unexpected love and second chances set in the charming backdrop of a seaside town. The novel is a delightful mix of romance, humor and serendipitous moments as Maggie reconnects with her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend. In a summer share house named Serendipity, Maggie, with the help of her friends, will try to get her life back on track — if she can avoid the drama running on the rails.

“Shelterwood” (Ballantine Books) by Lisa Wingate: Exploring a centuries-old legacy of missing child cases, Wingate’s novel tells the story of a long-hidden burial site in the newly minted Horsethief Trail National Park. When a ranger’s quest for justice unearths more than the burials from a century ago, the book becomes a poignant exploration of memory, loss and the story of children abandoned by the law.

“The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra Needle” (Holiday House) by Dan Gutman: Gutman’s novel is a playful retelling of Cleopatra’s life, with a humorous twist that reimagines history: Could Central Park’s Cleopatra’s Needle have been built by thousands of people in 1461 BCE? The story is a fun and educational romp through the ancient world.

“Jackpot Summer” (Penguin) by Elysa Friedland: Born into a frugal family, the four Jacobson siblings have nonetheless made a mess of their adult financial lives. Whiles one declines to partake, the other three buy a (winning) Powerball ticket and soon find their lives really spiraling out of control. The story is a suspenseful exploration of greed, family, fate and drama.

“The Helper” (Blackstone) by M.M. Dewil: Written by a former monk from North India who is today an award-winning Hollywood director and director, Dewil’s novel is laced with lies, deceit, revenge and how one woman struggles to earn her own piece of the American Dream. The debut is a testament to the author’s biting wit and satirical commentary.

“Winter Lost” (Mercy Thompson, book 14) (Ace) by Patricia Briggs: Ancient and arcane magics are at work, as is Mercy Thompson Hauptman’s mate, a werewolf protector of the Tri-Cities of Washington State, and her brother, Adam, who needs a helping hand in Montana. “Winter Lost” is the 14th segment of this best-selling, highly rated urban fantasy series.

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I like the characters and stories that are the Camino Island Series. I always learn something when reading a Grisham book and am never disappointed. This was no exception.

I have been anticipating the next book in this series for a few years. After two entertaining stories, I was salivating for Grisham to drop another one on us.

I am a little disappointed. The first two had all the mystery and intrigue, mixed in with some great, fun characters. This one was a much darker mood, not as entertaining as the first two books. The darker mood would usually be okay, but that's not what has made this series up to this point.

I will say I was engaged. The historical aspect of the story was very intriguing. You know who you are rooting for, and you don't expect anything less than what you want by the end of the book.

I think my expectations versus what I got let me down some. And that is okay. If a fourth book comes along, I will most definitely read it. Grisham seems to always give me a form of entertainment most authors don't.

What a great way to wrap up the Camino trilogy.
We didn't see a lot of Bruce Cable in this book but the new characters were delightful
I always enjoy visiting the island and its residents.
I feel like Grisham tied up all the loose ends but I hope we visit Camino again.

Grisham is a talented writer who weaves wonderful stories. Camino Ghosts, while rich with Grisham's writing style, just didn't draw me in the way his other novels have. Well-written but not my cup of tea.

The third book in the Camino series, but with more historical elements than the previous two. Mercer was asked by Bruce to read Lovely's book that covers her history as the last survivor of the Dark Isle, a barrier island off the coast of Florida that was home to freed slaves and their descendants. As with anything these days, a corporate developer is looking to claim the island and develop it into a community, but Lovely is trying to protect her ancestor's land and memories. The Camino Island group came together to help Lovely fight the corporation in court and Mercer worked with Lovely to write a nonfiction book about the history of the Dark Isle. Overall, this felt more like earlier Grisham and delved into the court case and established precedence.

Thoroughly enjoyed John Grisham’s “Camino Ghost”. It nicely incorporates the characters from his first two books in the series, and tells an interesting story of an island off the coast of Florida where escaped African slaves lived for over 200 years. An easy read, and another John Grisham winner.

This book was a bit different than other recent John Grisham books - - actually more like his early books that I liked very much. The plot here is compelling, the characters believable and sympathetic. I look forward to more Camino Island books by Grisham

Camino Ghosts was my first John Grisham book and it clearly showed his mastery of suspense and legal intrigue. Grisham writes a captivating storyline that merges literary and historical fiction, courtroom drama, and a hint of suspense, all grounded by a compelling cast of characters. The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own secrets and motivations that add layers of complexity to the story. While I found myself deeply immersed in the plot, the pacing occasionally felt a little bit slow in parts. Nonetheless, Grisham's skillful storytelling and attention to detail make this a captivating read that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a blend of mystery and history.

Camino Ghosts by John Grisham #3 in the Camino Island series. I had to read the other 2 in preparation for a copy of this😊 I have read many of Mr Grisham’s books. This trilogy is different to me than the usual criminal court books I am use to. But as a librarian, I welcomed the book theme sagas. Bruce Cable, rare book dealer and bookstore owner is the main character. I enjoyed the books. This 3rd installment focuses on a ownership battle for Dark Isle/Lovely Jackson. Bruce’s character changes from scoundrel to manipulator.

Thank you Netgalley, Mr Grisham, and Doubleday for the opportunity to review a ARC

A return to Camino Island is always a good thing and this book opens with Mercer and Thomas getting married. There's also a historical component that's told from Lovely Jackson's POV. She's now in her 80's and living on Camino Island, but in the section they call Voodoo Island. Mercer is still trying to decide on the story for her latest book. Bruce tells her to come by the book store because he has an idea what she could write about. He shows her Lovely's book that tells the story of Dark Isle. Dark Isle is where many slaves ended up and Lovely and her family lived for a time. Lovely left the island when she was 15, but always believed she owned Dark Isle. Her family and many others were buried there.

As Mercer leaves on her honeymoon with Thomas, she has Lovely's book with her. She reads it on the plane and thinks she can use it as the premise for her next book. Unfortunately, a developer is saying that no one owns Dark Isle and they want to build condos, casinos, etc on it after building a bridge for the masses to get to it. Lovely is upset by this and is approached by a lawyer. The lawyer helps her to put in a claim of ownership and helps her to build a case against the developer. Mercer and Lovely meet when she returns from her honeymoon and she discusses her ideas for a new book about Dark Isle. Lovely likes the idea and Mercer is off and running getting up daily to write the story.

As Lovely is prepared for court, Dark Isle must be visited. She agrees to go with the archaeology team and Mercer's people to try to locate her families graves. Will they find the graves? Will the DNA match Lovely's? Will the judge understand what Lovely is going through? This is a very compelling read that you will have trouble putting down. I read Camino Ghosts in less than a day and enjoyed it very much. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Doubleday Books for an advanced copy of Camino Ghosts in exchange for a fair review. I rate Camino Ghosts 4 stars with a high recommendation. #CaminoGhosts

Special thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. This is the third book by John Grisham in the Camino Island series, its still not my favorite of John Grisham but I do note the immense historical importance of the series and I do love the characters.

This is a captivating story that brings readers to a beachside wedding of Mercer Mann and her beloved Thomas. Bruce Cable, the owner of Bay Books, asks Mercer to visit him before she departs on her honeymoon.

Bruce gives Mercer a wonderful surprise that sends her on an incredible journey full of adventures, curses, and a look into the terrible life on Dark Isle. After Mercer discovers the truth about Dark Isle, she meets Lovely, the author of the non-fiction, self-published books she read on her honeymoon.

The plot thickens when the author uses flashbacks of horrifying past events with larger-than-life characters and a mystery that unravels. Grisham is an amazing storyteller, and he expertly blends the past and present in this book to make it a gripping read. He does not hold back while discussing the cruelties, violence, destruction, and inhumanity of the slave trade on Dark Isle (but it’s not so graphic you stop reading) The 80-year-old woman, whom the community likes and support, is the target of wealthy developers who wish to demolish her claim to Dark Isle, after she confesses she is the lone survivor of a family derived from escaped slaves. The island was cursed by the African sorcerer for white men who tried to send a search team there. While Lovely and her group attempt to defend the island from the developers, the legal battle rages around them. This is an incredible story that would work well for your next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Thank you to Doubleday Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC!

I read both Camino Island and Camino Winds when they first came out and loved both so I was very interested to see what a third book in the series would be like. I loved the concept of Camino Ghosts and found the switch between current day and the viewpoint of Nalla in the past was well done. I completely fell for Lovely and so enjoyed her relationship with the other characters. I felt that Grisham did a great job of including all of our favorite characters from the other "Camino" books while also providing a whole new story. I did find portions of the ending to be slightly predictable, but still very enjoyable. The ending brought a tear to my eye as I had truly become quite attached to this book's characters. A highly enjoyable legal mystery with excellent touches of history. Would recommend!

Book #3 in the Camino Island series. Each book is a stand alone story that features the over arcing characters from the first book along with new characters. This series is old school John Grisham. The kind of books he wrote when we first heard his name in 1989. The best of the best from one of my favorite authors. The Camino Island series has at it's center a bookstore, Bay Books, and it's owner Bruce Cable.
CAMINO GHOSTS opens with a wedding and closes with a funeral. In between, there's a legal battle over ownership of an island that sheltered runaway slaves for hundreds of years. The story is compelling and at times emotional. There's a clear line between the good guys and bad guys, which we've come to love and expect in a Grisham novel. If you have not read the Camino Island books, you've some very good stories in your future. Add them to your TBR list and start today.