Camino Ghosts by John Grisham

A Curse from the Past Meets Modern-Day Avarice

Some places carry the weight of history like an invisible shroud, whispering secrets of the past to those who listen closely. In John Grisham’s latest novel “Camino Ghosts,” the idyllic shores of Camino Island once again become the backdrop for a gripping tale that blends sun-soaked beaches with long-buried injustices and spectral warnings. As the third installment in Grisham’s Camino Island series, this book plunges readers into a world where the ghosts of slavery collide with the relentless march of coastal development, creating a perfect storm of mystery, legal intrigue, and supernatural unease.

The Story Unfolds

The novel opens with the joyous wedding of Mercer Mann, a rising literary star, to her boyfriend Thomas on Camino Island’s picturesque beach. But even as champagne flows and well-wishers celebrate, a far more consequential story is brewing just offshore. Bruce Cable, the charismatic and sometimes shady owner of Bay Books, shares with Mercer the tale of Dark Isle – a small, uninhabited barrier island with a haunting history.

Dark Isle, we learn, was settled by freed slaves in the 18th century and remained a haven for their descendants until 1955, when the last resident, a young Lovely Jackson, was forced to leave. Now an elderly woman, Lovely still claims ownership of the island and its sacred burial grounds. Enter Tidal Breeze, a ruthless development corporation with grand plans to transform Dark Isle into a glitzy casino resort named “Panther Cay.” What follows is a high-stakes legal and moral battle over land rights, historical preservation, and the power of long-held curses.

Characters That Captivate

Grisham excels at populating his novels with memorable characters, and “Camino Ghosts” is no exception:

• Lovely Jackson: The last living descendant of Dark Isle’s original settlers, Lovely is a font of oral history and determination. Her quiet dignity and unwavering belief in her ancestral claim form the emotional core of the story.
• Mercer Mann: Our protagonist from previous Camino novels returns, now juggling her budding writing career with a newfound passion for uncovering Dark Isle’s secrets.
• Bruce Cable: The roguish bookseller takes a backseat in this installment but remains a delightful presence, always ready with a quip or a scheme.
• Diane Krug: A plucky law student turned paralegal who becomes deeply invested in Lovely’s cause, often serving as the driving force behind the legal battle.
• Steven Mahon: A seasoned environmental lawyer who takes on Lovely’s case pro bono, bringing experience and gravitas to the courtroom scenes.

Themes That Resonate

“Camino Ghosts” tackles several weighty themes with Grisham’s trademark accessibility:

• Historical Injustice: The novel doesn’t shy away from America’s painful legacy of slavery and its long-lasting repercussions.
• Land Rights and Development: Grisham examines the complexities of property law and the often-destructive nature of coastal overdevelopment.
• The Power of Oral History: Lovely’s stories, passed down through generations, highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
• Environmental Conservation: The threat to Dark Isle’s pristine ecology serves as a microcosm for larger environmental concerns.
• Supernatural vs. Rational: The book playfully dances between pragmatic legal maneuvering and the possibility of ancestral curses.

Grisham’s Evolving Style

Longtime Grisham readers will notice a shift in tone and pacing compared to his earlier legal thrillers. “Camino Ghosts” takes its time, allowing the story to unfold at a leisurely island pace. This isn’t to say the book lacks tension – courtroom confrontations and behind-the-scenes political machinations provide plenty of drama. But Grisham seems more interested in exploring the nuances of his characters and the complexities of the situation than in breakneck plot twists.

The writing style is vintage Grisham – clear, accessible prose that effortlessly blends legal jargon with everyday speech. He has a particular knack for making potentially dry courtroom proceedings come alive with strategic objections and clever legal maneuvering. Where “Camino Ghosts” truly shines, however, is in its vivid depictions of island life and the almost tangible sense of history that permeates Dark Isle.

A Touch of the Supernatural

One of the most intriguing aspects of “Camino Ghosts” is Grisham’s flirtation with the supernatural. The curse placed on Dark Isle by Lovely’s ancestor Nalla adds a delicious layer of uncertainty to the proceedings. Are the mysterious deaths and illnesses that befall trespassers mere coincidence, or something more sinister? Grisham wisely leaves this ambiguous, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.

Strengths and Potential Weaknesses

What Works:

• Rich Historical Background: Grisham’s research into the lives of freed slaves and their descendants feels authentic and adds depth to the story.
• Complex Legal Battle: The intricacies of adverse possession law and title disputes are presented in an engaging, understandable way.
• Atmospheric Setting: Camino Island and Dark Isle come alive through Grisham’s evocative descriptions.
• Character Development: Lovely Jackson, in particular, is a triumph – a character whose quiet strength and dignity linger long after the final page.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Pacing: Some readers accustomed to Grisham’s earlier, more fast-paced thrillers may find the leisurely island rhythm frustrating.
• Predictability: Certain plot developments, particularly regarding the outcome of the legal battle, may feel somewhat telegraphed.
• Limited Action: Those seeking edge-of-your-seat thrills might be disappointed by the focus on legal maneuvering and historical exploration.

The Camino Island Series

“Camino Ghosts” is the third entry in Grisham’s Camino Island series, following “Camino Island” (2017) and “Camino Winds” (2020). While knowledge of the previous books isn’t strictly necessary to enjoy this installment, readers familiar with the earlier novels will appreciate the continued development of characters like Mercer Mann and Bruce Cable.

The series as a whole represents a departure for Grisham, moving away from his traditional legal thrillers to explore a more laid-back, beachy setting. This shift allows him to blend elements of mystery, romance, and local color in a way that feels fresh and engaging.

Comparisons and Context

While “Camino Ghosts” has Grisham’s unmistakable fingerprints, it bears some comparison to other works that blend history, legal drama, and a touch of the supernatural:

• “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” by John Berendt: Both books capture the unique atmosphere of the coastal South and hint at otherworldly forces.
• “The Ghosts of Eden Park” by Karen Abbott: Another work that explores the intersection of history, law, and lingering spirits.
• “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead: While stylistically very different, both novels grapple with the legacy of slavery in America.

Final Verdict

“Camino Ghosts” is a worthy addition to the Camino Island series and showcases John Grisham’s ability to tackle weighty themes while still delivering an entertaining read. The novel’s strengths lie in its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and the way it seamlessly blends historical injustice with present-day legal battles.

While it may not satisfy readers craving the breakneck pace of Grisham’s earlier thrillers, “Camino Ghosts” offers something equally valuable – a thoughtful exploration of how the past continues to shape our present. The touch of supernatural uncertainty adds a delightful frisson to the proceedings, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

For fans of the Camino Island series, this is a must-read. For those new to Grisham’s recent work, it serves as an excellent introduction to his more contemplative, character-driven style. “Camino Ghosts” proves that even after decades of bestsellers, John Grisham still has the power to captivate, educate, and leave readers pondering long after the last page is turned.

A haunting blend of history, legal drama, and island intrigue that lingers like sea mist on a quiet beach.