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.

4.5⭐

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 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.

To whom does a long uninhabited island belong?

Just off the coast of Florida lies Camino Island, home to Bruce Cable (owner of Bay Books) and a number of published authors, including occasionally to novelist Mercer Mann. As the story opens Mercer is about to get married on the island (beach chic attire….no shoes allowed) and is finding it difficult to find an inspiration for her next book, one for which she is under contract. Bruce thinks he has the perfect solution to her dilemma….there is another author on the island, Lovely Jackson, whose only book is a self-published history of her people. She is the last living descendant of the escaped slaves who called a neighboring island known as Dark Isle home for hundreds of years. At eighty years of age, Lovely is a fascinating source for the oral history of her people….how they came to be on Dark Isle, their hardships and their joys. Dark Isle, she believes, is hers, and it is her mission to honor those ancestors and make sure that their story survives. For decades it has existed uninhabited and overgrown until the recent Hurricane Leo literally shifted its landscape; the island could now be readily reached from the mainland by a bridge and is an attractive candidate for development. The Tidal Breeze Corporation has the money, the lawyers, and the ties to people in power in Tallahassee to press the case that the island is in fact owned by the state of Florida rather than by an elderly woman of color with no known legal title to the land. But even a small community like Camino Island can find amongst their friends people who aren’t afraid to tilt at windmills when the cause is just. An experienced environmental lawyer, his enterprising intern, a successful author who loves to cut developers’s schemes to shreds by wielding his money and his mouth, and others will team up with Mercer, Bruce and the formidable Lovely Jackson to see that Dark Isle remains true to its history.
Author John Grisham is of course best known for his legal thrillers, and while Camino Ghosts (the third installment of the Camino Island novels….but don’t worry, it can easily be read as a standalone) does have a legal case wove through its story, there is much more to enjoy here. The tale of Nalla, Lovely’s ancestor who was snatched with many others from her African village and sold into the slave trade, brutalized and raped, torn from her husband and child, and sent on a boat headed for a plantation owner in the southern US, only to end up free on Dark Isle when the slave ship sank at journey’s end during a sudden storm; voodoo curses that are said to repel those who don’t belong there and keep them from surviving visits to the island; the machinations of large developers determined to build more condo buildings, McMansions and golf courses to sell at top dollar; the less than glamorous life of authors trying to gain enough appeal and financial remuneration so that they can afford to quit their day jobs and just write; and the close-knit, nosy world of a small community. If you were to cross Carl Hiassen or James W. Hall with David Baldacci or Mr. Grisham himself, you would end up with Camino Ghosts. A thoroughly enjoyable novel on many levels, you will not go wrong by adding this to your summer TBR list. Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for allowing me early access to an entertaining and clever tale.

In the third book of the Camino Island Series, popular bookseller Bruce Cable tells Mercer Mann an irresistible tale that might just be the topic of her next novel. A real estate developer with big pockets and big plans has set their sights on Dark Isle, an island just off of Camino Island. The problem is, Lovely Jackson claims she owns the island, being the last living person to live on the island. Her ancestors were slaves that washed ashore when the boat they were on capsized and sank, and generations upon generations lived on that island. One of those ancestors cursed the island to prevent others from coming onto the island, and to protect those living there. The locals know about the curse, the developers do not.....but they will soon find out.

I believe this was the best book so far in this series. I couldn't put it down. The rich history of the island, Nalla cursing the island, the way they protected it against all of the men who came looking for their slaves, the effects of the curse on the men who scouted out the land for the developers, it was all so captivating that I just couldn't stop reading. I thoroughly enjoyed Lovey also, especially the way she refused to meet in any building that had at any time in her lifetime refused her entry. That woman could carry a grudge! This can be read as a standalone, so don't worry if you haven't read the first two in the series. You definitely want to add this one to your TBR pile though, you are going to love it. I guarantee it!