"Camino Ghosts" is the third installment in John Grisham's Camino Island series, following "Camino Island" and "Camino Winds." The novel intertwines elements of legal drama, historical fiction, and mystery, set against the backdrop of a small island community.
I listened to the audio version of the novel, which had the additional treat of having Whoopi Goldberg performing the narration.
Plot Summary:
The story begins with author Mercer Mann returning to Camino Island for her wedding to Thomas, with the bookseller Bruce Cable officiating the ceremony. Seeking inspiration for her next novel, Mercer learns from Bruce about Dark Isle—a deserted barrier island off the Florida coast, steeped in history and rumored to be cursed. The island was once home to a community of runaway slaves, and its last surviving descendant, Lovely Jackson, claims ownership despite lacking formal title deeds. As developers eye Dark Isle for a massive resort, Mercer and Bruce become involved in a legal battle to preserve the island's heritage and support Lovely's claim.
The beginning of the book is especially compelling in describing the slave trade. Lovely Jackson’s ancestor Nalla was among the survivors of a slave ship that wrecked near the island in the 18th century. After the ship sank, she and other survivors made their way to Dark Isle, where they formed a small colony. Nalla's legacy is central to the novel, as she is believed to have placed a curse on the island to protect it from outsiders.
We may all know the story of the slaves’ harsh voyage across the Atlantic. It has been told many times. But, “Camino Ghosts” tells Nalla’s story from the time her village was raided and she was taken captive. That is a story less told.
The courtroom scenes provide the legal drama Grisham is known for, while the rich historical context offers a fresh perspective within the genre. However, there is more detail on the court maneuverings than this listener cared for. Grisham seemed not to resist calling on his lawyering roots.
However, "Camino Ghosts" is a compelling addition to the series, blending mystery, history, and legal intrigue in a narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
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