Camino Winds by John Grisham

A Hurricane of Intrigue on Camino Island

There’s something oddly comforting about cracking open a new John Grisham novel. Like slipping on a well-worn pair of shoes, you know exactly what you’re going to get – a page-turning tale of intrigue, peppered with legal shenanigans and colorful characters. In “Camino Winds,” the follow-up to 2017’s “Camino Island,” Grisham whisks us back to the quaint Florida locale for another literary adventure. This time around, he throws a hurricane into the mix, along with a dash of murder most foul. The result? A breezy summer read that, while not breaking any new ground, delivers enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged.

Riding Out the Storm

As Hurricane Leo bears down on Camino Island, most residents heed the evacuation orders and skedaddle to the mainland. But not our intrepid bookstore owner Bruce Cable. Nope, he’s battening down the hatches at Bay Books, ready to weather whatever Mother Nature throws his way. It’s a decision that lands him smack dab in the middle of a murder mystery when his friend and thriller author Nelson Kerr turns up dead in the storm’s aftermath.

Now, I don’t know about you, but if I found my buddy with some suspicious head wounds after a hurricane, I’d probably leave the sleuthing to the professionals. But that’s why I’m not the protagonist of a Grisham novel. Bruce, bless his heart, can’t help but poke his nose where it doesn’t belong. And honestly? That’s half the fun.

A Cast of Familiar Faces

Grisham populates his island with an eccentric crew of writers, booksellers, and ne’er-do-wells that feel like old friends, even if you haven’t read the first book in the series. There’s Bruce, of course, with his bow ties and penchant for pretty young authors. We’ve got the irascible romance novelist Myra Beckwith and her partner-in-crime Leigh Trane. And let’s not forget Bob Cobb, the ex-con turned suspense writer who’s always good for a wild story or two.

These characters are Grisham’s bread and butter – quirky, likable, and just flawed enough to feel human. They banter, they drink, they gossip about the publishing world. It’s like eavesdropping on the most entertaining table at a writers’ conference cocktail hour.

Murder Most Literary

The meat of the story revolves around Nelson Kerr’s untimely demise and the manuscript he left behind. Was his death really an accident? Or did someone use the chaos of the hurricane as cover for murder? Bruce and his merry band of amateur sleuths set out to crack the case, diving into Nelson’s latest thriller for clues.

Grisham weaves a tangled web of pharmaceutical conspiracies, offshore bank accounts, and shady lawyers (because what’s a Grisham novel without at least one shady lawyer?). It’s a plot that wouldn’t feel out of place in one of Nelson’s own books – which I suppose is rather the point.

Style Over Substance?

Look, I’ll be the first to admit that “Camino Winds” isn’t going to win any literary prizes. The prose is straightforward, sometimes veering into the realm of clunky. Characters have a habit of explaining things to each other that they should already know, purely for the benefit of the reader. And if you’re looking for deep psychological insights or profound commentary on the human condition, well… you might want to pick up some Dostoevsky instead.

But you know what? Sometimes you don’t want a seven-course French meal. Sometimes you just want a really good cheeseburger. And that’s exactly what Grisham serves up here – comfort food for the brain. It’s familiar, it’s satisfying, and it goes down easy.

The Grisham Formula

At this point in his career, Grisham could probably write these books in his sleep. He’s got the formula down pat:

• Introduce a likable protagonist
• Throw them into a morally complex situation
• Add a dash of legal intrigue
• Sprinkle in some colorful side characters
• Stir well and serve with a twist

It’s a recipe that’s served him well for decades, and “Camino Winds” doesn’t deviate far from the script. But hey, if it ain’t broke, why fix it?

A Breezy Beach Read

One thing Grisham excels at is pacing. The pages practically turn themselves as Bruce and company race to unravel the mystery before the bad guys catch on. It’s the literary equivalent of a summer blockbuster movie – not too taxing on the brain, but entertaining as hell.

And let’s be real, in these *ahem* rather trying times we’re living through, there’s something to be said for a book that offers pure escapism. For a few hours, you can forget about the real world and lose yourself in the sun-drenched intrigue of Camino Island. It’s a welcome respite, even if it’s not particularly deep.

The Verdict

So, is “Camino Winds” Grisham’s magnum opus? Nah. But it is a solid entry in his ever-growing bibliography. If you’re a fan of his work, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. And if you’re new to Grisham, it’s not a bad place to start (though you might want to read “Camino Island” first for maximum character development).

The Bottom Line

“Camino Winds” is like that friend who always shows up to the party with a six-pack and some wild stories. Sure, they might not be the most profound conversationalist, but damn if they aren’t fun to have around. So grab a beach chair, slather on some sunscreen, and let Grisham whisk you away to Camino Island for a few hours of hurricane-force fun.

For the Grisham Completists

If you’ve torn through “Camino Winds” and are hungry for more, fear not! Grisham’s got a back catalog deeper than the Mariana Trench. Here are a few recommendations to keep you going:

The Legal Thrillers

• “A Time to Kill” – The one that started it all. Still packs a punch after all these years.
• “The Firm” – Tom Cruise made it famous, but the book is even better.
• “The Pelican Brief” – Political intrigue and environmental activism collide.

The “Camino” Series

• “Camino Island” – The first book in the series. Meet Bruce Cable and the gang.
• “Camino Ghosts” – Released in May 2024. What new trouble will Bruce find himself in?

For Something a Little Different

• “The Painted House” – A semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story set in rural Arkansas.
• “Playing for Pizza” – A heartwarming tale about a washed-up quarterback finding redemption in Italy.

Final Thoughts

In a world of uncertainty, there’s something reassuring about a new John Grisham novel. You know what you’re getting, and “Camino Winds” delivers exactly what it promises—a fun, fast-paced mystery perfect for lazy summer days. It might not change your life, but it’ll certainly help you forget about your problems for a while. And really, isn’t that what summer reading is all about?

So, grab your sunglasses, find a comfy spot by the pool (or, let’s be real, on your couch), and let Grisham transport you to Camino Island. Just watch out for hurricanes and murderous pharma execs, okay?