John Grisham, a master of legal thrillers and captivating storytelling, revisits the beloved setting of Camino Island in his recent work. Readers are once again drawn into the world of bookseller Bruce Cable and novelist Mercer Mann, where paradise is never without its complications.
Mercer Mann, a celebrated author who calls Camino Island home, is celebrating a personal milestone – her wedding to her boyfriend, Thomas. The ceremony, officiated by none other than Bruce Cable, the well-known owner of Bay Books, seems to be the start of a blissful chapter. However, Bruce, ever the purveyor of intriguing narratives, reveals to Mercer a story too compelling to ignore, especially as she seeks inspiration for her next novel.
This captivating true story centers around Dark Isle, a secluded barrier island off the coast of North Florida. Its history is unique: settled centuries ago by freed slaves, it remained home to their descendants until 1955, when the last resident was compelled to leave. Lovely Jackson, the last of these descendants, now elderly, holds a deep connection to her ancestral land and its rich past. Her connection is challenged by Tidal Breeze, a powerful and ambitious corporate developer with plans to transform Dark Isle into a resort and casino. Lovely believes the island is rightfully hers, setting the stage for a David-versus-Goliath battle against Tidal Breeze, its formidable lawyers, lobbyists, and influential figures in Florida politics.
As Mercer allies with Lovely, they delve into a complex legal and ethical fight for ownership of Dark Isle. But Lovely possesses a secret about the island, a long-held truth that could undermine the developer’s lucrative ambitions: Dark Isle is believed to be cursed. This ominous secret, intertwined with genuine historical reasons for its long uninhabited status, adds layers of intrigue and peril. The clash between past secrets and present-day greed intensifies, placing not only Dark Isle but also Camino Island itself in a precarious balance.
Fans of John Grisham’s intricate plots and engaging characters will find themselves engrossed in this latest Camino Island tale. Available now, this novel promises a compelling exploration of history, ambition, and the enduring fight for justice in the face of powerful adversaries.
