John Grisham, the master of legal thrillers and captivating storytelling, is set to transport readers back to the beloved Camino Island with his highly anticipated next book. Get ready to immerse yourself once again in the sun-soaked, intrigue-filled world where bookseller Bruce Cable and novelist Mercer Mann always seem to find themselves entangled in compelling mysteries.
In this exciting new installment, Mercer Mann finds herself back on the familiar shores of Camino Island, this time for a joyous occasion – her wedding to boyfriend Thomas. The ceremony, officiated by none other than Bruce Cable, the charismatic owner of Bay Books, sets the stage for an enthralling tale that quickly unfolds beyond the celebratory atmosphere.
Bruce, ever the purveyor of captivating narratives, reveals to Mercer that he has stumbled upon a story brimming with potential for her next novel. This true story centers around Dark Isle, a secluded barrier island just off the coast of North Florida, shrouded in history and secrets. Dark Isle boasts a unique past, having been settled by freed slaves three centuries ago. Their descendants called it home until 1955 when the last resident was forced to leave.
That last descendant, Lovely Jackson, now an elderly woman, holds a deep love for her birthplace and its rich heritage. However, her cherished island is now coveted by Tidal Breeze, a powerful and ruthless corporate developer with plans to transform Dark Isle into a lucrative resort and casino. Lovely believes, rightfully, that Dark Isle belongs to her and her ancestors.
Mercer, drawn to Lovely’s story and the historical significance of Dark Isle, forges a friendship with her. Together, they embark on a David-versus-Goliath battle against Tidal Breeze Corporation, facing off against its formidable lawyers, lobbyists, and influential Florida politicians. The fight for Dark Isle intensifies, revealing the immense stakes involved.
But Lovely holds a secret about Dark Isle, a truth that could jeopardize the developer’s ambitious plans and their dollar-sign visions. For Dark Isle is believed to be cursed, a place left uninhabited for nearly a century due to very real and deeply unsettling reasons. As the ambitions of the present clash with the buried secrets of the past, the fate of Dark Isle – and potentially Camino Island itself – hangs precariously in the balance.
Prepare for a collision of past and present, secrets and ambitions, in John Grisham’s next gripping novel, promising a thrilling journey into the heart of a mysterious island and a high-stakes legal and historical battle. “Available Now” signals that this captivating tale is ready for readers to dive into, offering the perfect blend of suspense, intrigue, and classic Grisham storytelling.
