With the holiday weekend behind us, summer reading has officially arrived. I enjoyed kicking off my summer reading with John Grisham's latest book, Camino Ghosts. I was first introduced to Grisham's gripping legal thrillers in high school, and his work played a significant role in my journey to becoming a lifelong reader. Knowing how much his books mean to me, his publisher graciously gave me a copy of his new release, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. This is the third installment in his series that began with Camino Island, and it's the best one yet.
Our return to Camino Island, a quaint vacation town off the Florida coast, brings us back to many familiar faces. Bruce Cable, the charismatic bookstore owner, confidant to the island's many resident authors, and occasional dealer in rare and illicit books, is delighted to welcome his protege Mercer Mann back to the island. Fresh off the success of her last novel, a literary sensation, Mercer is now struggling to find inspiration for her next work. Ever the helpful mentor, Bruce reveals that he has the perfect subject for Mercer's new book—the intriguing story of 80-year-old Lovely Jackson.
Years ago, Lovely self-published an account of her life and the unsettling history of the nearby Dark Isle. Her ancestors were brought to the area on ships traveling from Africa. Enslaved and with little hope for the future, a heavy storm forever changed their fate. Their ship capsized, and Lovely's family members washed ashore on Dark Isle. Though the island was inhospitable, it offered the enslaved people something previously unimaginable—freedom. Together, they created a sanctuary, colonizing the island and turning it into a safe haven to be passed down through generations. Lovely is the last of her lineage, claiming the now-deserted island as her own. She has returned over the years to tend to the graves of her ancestors and maintains that the island is cursed, deterring any unwelcome visitors from setting foot on its shores.
Mercer is intrigued by Lovely's story. Although she hasn't written nonfiction before, this could be the tale that reignites her passion for writing. As she begins the preliminary work of transforming Lovely's story into a full-fledged book, a new complication arises. Hurricane Leo, which wreaked havoc on Camino Island and Dark Isle a few years ago, paved the way for a controversial development plan. A large company has laid claim to the abandoned Dark Isle, intending to build residential properties, shopping centers, and a massive casino.
Determined to protect her ancestral homelands from corporate greed, Lovely takes the company to court. The battle won't be easy. There are no paper records of the island ever being inhabited, but Lovely is resolute in her fight. With the help of Mercer, Bruce, and some of Camino Island's best legal minds, she'll stop at nothing to defend her land, history, and story.
Of the three books in the Camino Island series, Camino Ghosts feels the most quintessentially John Grisham. Returning to his roots, Grisham creates the kind of compelling courtroom drama that only he can masterfully tell. His best works have always combined an intriguing plot, complex yet relatable characters, and a fast-paced writing style, and that's precisely what makes this latest novel such a joy to read. In Lovely Jackson, Grisham crafts a character whose personal history underscores the injustices of American history. This sets the stage for a classic David versus Goliath battle, pitting legal conventions against true justice.
I was completely captivated by this story, breezing through its pages over the course of the long holiday weekend. Grisham's ability to weave a tale that is both engaging and thought-provoking shines through, making it impossible to put down. The novel built to an emotionally satisfying climax, leaving me with a few tears streaming down my cheeks. It's a testament to Grisham's enduring ability to entertain and move his readers with stories that are both timely and timeless. Camino Ghosts is easily the best book in the series so far and is the perfect way to kick off the summer reading season.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2024, 42)
I started reading Grisham when I was 12 and loved it
ReplyDeleteHe's been a staple on my reading rotation since I was a high school student!
DeleteGlad to hear that this third book ended up being the best one yet! And what a great way to kick off summer. :D
ReplyDeleteIt was classic Grisham at his finest. I appreciate him branching out to try different genres, but these legal thrillers he writes are truly the best!
DeleteWhile I haven't read his books I have watched some of the movies based on his books. I liked them. This sounds like something I would like as well.
ReplyDeleteThis marked his 50th novel, and he continues to deliver!
DeleteFor some reason, I've always thought that Grisham's book would leave little space for emotions - it sounds like I'll have to revalue them! If I ever decide to venture into legal thrillers, I'll keep this series in mind.
ReplyDelete"stories that are both timely and timeless"
Great tag!
I was a bit surprised by the emotions in this one too!
DeleteI used to read so many Grisham books back when I was planning in being a lawyer. I need to pick up another by him because it's been years!
ReplyDeleteI similarly took a break from his books for several years. Only recently have I rediscovered his writing, and its been such a delight!
DeleteSuch a win when an author you are a long-time fan of just keeps getting better and better. I have actually never read Grisham though I have seen an adaption or two.
ReplyDeleteThis was his 50th book, and it was one of his best so far!
DeleteIt's been years since I've read a Grisham book , but it sounds like I need to check out this series! Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks! He's definitely worth revisiting!
DeleteI still haven't read anything by him, but I have watched a few of the movies based on his books. This sounds like something I'd enjoy! I love a good David and Goliath type of story where the underdog comes out victorious!
ReplyDeleteHis classics from the 90's are always a great place to start, especially The Firm
DeleteI have not read anything since his slew of major releases in the 90s - The Client, A Time to Kill, etc. I started in I think middle school. Maybe I need to revisit his newer work at some point.
ReplyDeleteThe Camino Island books are all pretty fun!
DeleteAre they just a trilogy or are more coming?
DeleteI'm not sure if more are coming, but they can all be read as standalone books.
DeleteGrisham really is the king of the courtroom dramas. That really harkens back to his early days. It sounds like this was a great way to kick off your summer reading!
ReplyDeleteAgreed. This was a return to his roots, and it was a thrill to read!
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