Camino Ghosts and Jambalaya

Are you all ready to take a dive into the ocean and find the unknown in John Grisham’s “Camino Ghosts?” Well, in this novel you are bound to find it. When popular writer Mercer Mann and her colleague Bruce Cable who owns Bay Books meet the strong-willed Lovely Jackson, they get more than they bargained for.  John Grisham is taking us into the lives of the people in the past as they escape their torment and are willing to defend the island as their own even in death.  While in the present there is a power struggle between a heartless corporation and the people who are trying to keep the legends alive. 

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The Story

Mercer Mann has just gotten married to her wonderful, supportive fiancé named Thomas.  However, wedded bliss is not her problem.  It’s finishing her latest novel that is leaving her stressed out. When Bruce Cable, the owner of Bay Books and her friend tells her about this incredible story of Lovely Jackson, Mercer jumps at the chance to meet her. 

This story is about how the Dark Island which is a neighboring island close to Camino Island became inhabited with run-away slaves nearly 300 years ago.  However, since 1955 it has become uninhabited and the last descendent of these slaves (Lovely) who is now elderly still loves her old birthplace and its stories.

Lovely is fervent in her fight to protect the Dark Island against the relentless development corporation, Tidal Breeze.  They are trying to buy her out and put a resort on her island but no matter how much money they have, Lovely knows that not is all as it seems on that island.  It has been cursed with some very real and very troubling secrets.  This is something that no amount of money or prestige can protect those who dare step foot on this sacred land.  Can Mercer and Bruce help Lovely protect her island?  We shall see.    

My Review

Wow!  I have to say that John Grisham sure knows how to write a book.  His grasp on the English language and the way he describes what is happening in past and present events gives you a good grasp of the story. 

What drew me to this story is the fact that this was about a mysterious island and it carries a terrible curse to any invaders that dares to step foot on it.  The uninvited souls who would go to this island came back with all kinds of maladies that they could not get rid of which inevitably led to their downfall.  But that does not stop this money-hungry CEO of Tidal Breeze who wants to own it and turn it into a profitable casino resort. 

The characters are wonderful.  They are animated, vibrant, and full of personality.  Although the main characters are Mercer and Bruce, I particularly liked Lovely Jackson.  She is smart, sassy, and just that kind of person who would not take any garbage.  Her character is fun to read especially when the lawyers were dealing with her in court.  A perfect secondary heroine to this story.

Newlywed Mercer and her colleague Bruce meet Lovely Jackson, they thought they were just going to get a new story.  Not only did they do that but they go into an epic legal battle to help Lovely keep her ancestorial island from getting destroyed.  As you can see the storyline is excellent.  We get a good look into the history of how Dark Isle came to be and what is happening in the present with the legal battles for it.  In such a short book as well, which makes it an effortless read.  

However, I will say that although the book is a short and easy read there is a couple of downsides.  For one thing, there was too much focus on the legalities and the case but not enough on the curse, voodoo, or the supernatural happenings that was supposed to be going on.  An example of this is when the group which was being led by Lovely actually went to the island, Mercer said she could not believe what she had seen to turn her from a sceptic to a believer.  But the book didn’t say what it was.  That was kind of disappointing.

I understand that John Grisham used to be a lawyer and he is writing about what he knows.  Which is fascinating if you are into the “Law and Order” and “the Good Wife” genre but if you are looking for more of a ghost story, this isn’t it.  I guess I was hoping for more of that. 

Hot and Spicy!

The Pairings

A spicy Jambalaya is the best dish to go with this book especially when it is featured in one of the chapters.  Another reason why you must have a Jambalaya is because like this book a Jambalaya has a lot of history behind it.  It was created in the southern USA but also has African, Spanish, and French origins which this novel reminds us a lot of the people who emigrated to the Americas. 

As this book takes a good look into voodoo practices, what says that better than that famous tomato-based rice dish filled with vegetables, lots of spice, and sometimes meat, (depending on your preference).  It is a dish filled with flavours that takes a variety of different ingredients in order to make it the savoury, zesty, sassy dish (this sounds like Lovely Jackson in the book). 

With this, have a glass of Blended Red wine to compliment the dish in every way.  Just like the variety of people helping our aged descendent keep her island which is another reason you want this wine to go with it.  Besides sometimes you need a lot of grapes to make good things happen.  In this case I had the La Vieille Ferme from France with its fresh fruity taste with spicy afternotes.  Just the kind of wine you want with your rice and book. *sniff* Jam-ba-laya!

The Rating/Final Thoughts

6/10

 A very well written book with some cool characters and a wonderful theme.  I loved how this book had the best ending for everyone (or almost everyone). No spoilers but it was wonderful to see that there were people who genuinely wanted to help Lovely and get nothing in return for it (except good karma).  It gives a person hope and reminds us that good things will always follow to those who do the right thing. 

I loved how the characters made good meaningful relationships with each other.  For example, how Mercer ended up being good friends with Lovely.  In fact, many of the characters made friends with her and she inspired them to work for a better future for other people.  It was a bit different from what I expected it to be but all and all it was not bad.  My only drawback with it is that I thought it would surround the paranormal a little more.  That is what I thought when I read the book jacket cover.  Just something to consider in the future but thanks for the good book, Grisham!