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Camino Island #2
Camino Winds
Welcome back to Camino Island, where anything can happen—even a murder in the midst of a hurricane, which might prove to be the perfect crime . . .
Just as Bruce Cable’s Bay Books is preparing for the return of bestselling author Mercer Mann, Hurricane Leo veers from its predicted course and heads straight for the island. Florida’s governor orders a mandatory evacuation, and most residents board up their houses and flee to the mainland, but Bruce decides to stay and ride out the storm.
The hurricane is devastating: homes and condos are leveled, hotels and storefronts ruined, streets flooded, and a dozen people lose their lives. One of the apparent victims is Nelson Kerr, a friend of Bruce’s and an author of thrillers. But the nature of Nelson’s injuries suggests that the storm wasn’t the cause of his death: He has suffered several suspicious blows to the head.
Who would want Nelson dead? The local police are overwhelmed in the aftermath of the storm and ill equipped to handle the case. Bruce begins to wonder if the shady characters in Nelson’s novels might be more real than fictional. And somewhere on Nelson’s computer is the manuscript of his new novel. Could the key to the case be right there—in black and white? As Bruce starts to investigate, what he discovers between the lines is more shocking than any of Nelson’s plot twists—and far more dangerous.
Just as Bruce Cable’s Bay Books is preparing for the return of bestselling author Mercer Mann, Hurricane Leo veers from its predicted course and heads straight for the island. Florida’s governor orders a mandatory evacuation, and most residents board up their houses and flee to the mainland, but Bruce decides to stay and ride out the storm.
The hurricane is devastating: homes and condos are leveled, hotels and storefronts ruined, streets flooded, and a dozen people lose their lives. One of the apparent victims is Nelson Kerr, a friend of Bruce’s and an author of thrillers. But the nature of Nelson’s injuries suggests that the storm wasn’t the cause of his death: He has suffered several suspicious blows to the head.
Who would want Nelson dead? The local police are overwhelmed in the aftermath of the storm and ill equipped to handle the case. Bruce begins to wonder if the shady characters in Nelson’s novels might be more real than fictional. And somewhere on Nelson’s computer is the manuscript of his new novel. Could the key to the case be right there—in black and white? As Bruce starts to investigate, what he discovers between the lines is more shocking than any of Nelson’s plot twists—and far more dangerous.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2020
16.7k people are currently reading
30.8k people want to read
About the author
John Grisham
489 books85.6k followersJohn Grisham is the author of fifty consecutive #1 bestsellers, which have been translated into nearly fifty languages. His recent books include Framed, Camino Ghosts, and A Time for Mercy, which is being developed by HBO as a limited series.
Grisham is a two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and was honored with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction.
When he's not writing, Grisham serves on the board of directors of the Innocence Project and of Centurion Ministries, two national organizations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted. Much of his fiction explores deep-seated problems in our criminal justice system.
John lives on a farm in central Virginia.
Grisham is a two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and was honored with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction.
When he's not writing, Grisham serves on the board of directors of the Innocence Project and of Centurion Ministries, two national organizations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted. Much of his fiction explores deep-seated problems in our criminal justice system.
John lives on a farm in central Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,098 reviews
January 29, 2021
2.5 to 3 Stars
I am in the middle of the road on this one . . . it has the typical feel of a John Grisham novel, and I thought at first it might come in highly for me. But, something odd happened about 2/3 of the way through it . . .
The pros:
- Unique and intriguing plot/mystery: A mysterious death during a hurricane? Yes, please!
- Fun characters: I like all the people we meet on Camino Island. Most of them are quirky writer types with interesting backgrounds.
The (maybe) cons:
- Grisham and food: I have said in previous reviews that one of the biggest things I have always noticed with Grisham from the very first time I read him, he has to give detailed accounts of all the food and drinks consumed by his characters. This was very obvious in Camino Winds. I think the book would be about one fourth shorter if the food a drink mentions were removed. Maybe not really a con, but it just stands out as filler (and makes me hungry and thirsty)
- The rush job: This was the odd part for me that kind of soured the whole experience. Grisham spent a couple hundred pages developing this intricate mystery and setting up all the situations and characters with a precarious heightened intensity. Then, I guess he got a call from his publisher saying the book was due because suddenly it was several weeks later and everything that had been built up was summarized in a few pages and it moved on to the end game of the novel. I felt a bit cheated to have everything I have been getting into resolved with some Clif Notes. This happened to me last year with another book (Gwendy’s Magic Feather) and I was much harsher on that one – mainly because I don’t think the rush job led to a bad ending like it did with that one. But, still . . . let me know if you read this one and felt the same way – it just stood out so much that it was shocking! I was speechless! I checked to see if some part of the copy I had was missing!
A decent book if you like the Grisham formula. But, don’t be surprised if you are looking for the missing pages like I was.
I am in the middle of the road on this one . . . it has the typical feel of a John Grisham novel, and I thought at first it might come in highly for me. But, something odd happened about 2/3 of the way through it . . .
The pros:
- Unique and intriguing plot/mystery: A mysterious death during a hurricane? Yes, please!
- Fun characters: I like all the people we meet on Camino Island. Most of them are quirky writer types with interesting backgrounds.
The (maybe) cons:
- Grisham and food: I have said in previous reviews that one of the biggest things I have always noticed with Grisham from the very first time I read him, he has to give detailed accounts of all the food and drinks consumed by his characters. This was very obvious in Camino Winds. I think the book would be about one fourth shorter if the food a drink mentions were removed. Maybe not really a con, but it just stands out as filler (and makes me hungry and thirsty)
- The rush job: This was the odd part for me that kind of soured the whole experience. Grisham spent a couple hundred pages developing this intricate mystery and setting up all the situations and characters with a precarious heightened intensity. Then, I guess he got a call from his publisher saying the book was due because suddenly it was several weeks later and everything that had been built up was summarized in a few pages and it moved on to the end game of the novel. I felt a bit cheated to have everything I have been getting into resolved with some Clif Notes. This happened to me last year with another book (Gwendy’s Magic Feather) and I was much harsher on that one – mainly because I don’t think the rush job led to a bad ending like it did with that one. But, still . . . let me know if you read this one and felt the same way – it just stood out so much that it was shocking! I was speechless! I checked to see if some part of the copy I had was missing!
A decent book if you like the Grisham formula. But, don’t be surprised if you are looking for the missing pages like I was.
September 10, 2020
You’re thinking somebody came over here, in the middle of a Category 4 hurricane, caught Nelson in the den, whacked him in the head, dragged his body outside, tried to clean up the blood, and then ran off? Seriously?
Seriously.
On the positive side, Bruce Cable of Bay Books and Camino Island is back, still as charming and entertaining as ever. And, as with nearly every Grisham novel, the story moves effortlessly.
But this is an odd, rather silly book. Much of the first third involves reintroducing the reader to fun characters from Camino Island only to have them leave the island never to return for the remainder of the tale. And in the second half of the book, the reader learns the completely unsatisfying, completely pointless and far-fetched reason why Nelson was murdered. I wouldn’t exactly call this one of Grisham’s cause novels—like The Appeal or Gray Mountain, where you can tell that he had a specific cause he wanted to push and then framed a plot around it—but it’s close.
You’ll read it if you’re a Grisham completionist like I am. But there’s not much here to recommend it, even if you liked Camino Island.
July 2, 2020
Grisham, Grisham.....Where art thou, Grisham?
Camino Winds brings us back to the tropics of Santa Rosa on Camino Island in Florida. Last jaunt there was quite the pleasurable tour of people on the fringes of doing bad things for profit. We're back to the bad things once again. But the people are far less entertaining than the enjoyable first go-round in Camino Island three years ago. Think you left them to their own devices and it shows here.
Bruce Cable and his bevy of friends are awaiting the return of Mercer Mann back to the island. She's become a celebrity now that her book has done so well. She's been touring with her younger man-of-the-moment, Thomas, and is looking forward to time in Santa Rosa. But what everyone is not looking forward to are the weather reports ushering in the foreboding likes of Hurricane Leo on their doorstep. Grisham doesn't wait long since ol' Leo makes landfall on Page 24. Not much build-up except for the wining and dining by our scant characters who stayed. We don't have much opportunity to enjoy the presence of the others. It's over before it's begun. So much for the "Winds" in the title.
But as I've lived on the Gulf Coast, you almost exit your house with chainsaw in hand. Bruce and Nick tend to that while examining the damage. A police officer, one of so many few on the island, informs Bruce that his friend Nelson Kerr was found dead in his own backyard. They believe that Hurricane Leo was the culprit. Not so fast.....his head injuries look to have come from the human kind. Bruce and Nick will take it upon themselves to investigate Nelson's murder. Since book sales will be mighty low at Bruce's Bay Books, they have plenty of time on their hands. The search will take on a hound dog hunt when they discover that Nelson was writing a controversial book. Someone wanted Nelson gone but not before they got their hands on the manuscript.
Camino Winds leaves the familiarity of the island and its clever characters and takes a wide span onto the mainland. Grisham leaves us treading water as the scope of the storyline broadens into some devious goings-on within nursing homes and the pharma companies. The very thing that was so appealing in Camino Island is left as a postcard on a rack. This storyline could have been helicoptered in anywhere as a regular Grisham novel. The reader will also find plug-ins here and there to justify actions where Bruce takes trips and time spans are in overdrive.
Camino Winds is far from a wasted read. Grisham had us wetting our whistles with the first book in this series. It seemed like he had finally found a newly honed niche away from the usual courtroom scenes. Character driven stories was what Grisham was good at. Hope that he can breathe life back into Bruce, his unusual wife and friends, and create something that has them moored to the island once again. Can't go wrong with a few Pina Coladas and those tiny little umbrellas, right?
Camino Winds brings us back to the tropics of Santa Rosa on Camino Island in Florida. Last jaunt there was quite the pleasurable tour of people on the fringes of doing bad things for profit. We're back to the bad things once again. But the people are far less entertaining than the enjoyable first go-round in Camino Island three years ago. Think you left them to their own devices and it shows here.
Bruce Cable and his bevy of friends are awaiting the return of Mercer Mann back to the island. She's become a celebrity now that her book has done so well. She's been touring with her younger man-of-the-moment, Thomas, and is looking forward to time in Santa Rosa. But what everyone is not looking forward to are the weather reports ushering in the foreboding likes of Hurricane Leo on their doorstep. Grisham doesn't wait long since ol' Leo makes landfall on Page 24. Not much build-up except for the wining and dining by our scant characters who stayed. We don't have much opportunity to enjoy the presence of the others. It's over before it's begun. So much for the "Winds" in the title.
But as I've lived on the Gulf Coast, you almost exit your house with chainsaw in hand. Bruce and Nick tend to that while examining the damage. A police officer, one of so many few on the island, informs Bruce that his friend Nelson Kerr was found dead in his own backyard. They believe that Hurricane Leo was the culprit. Not so fast.....his head injuries look to have come from the human kind. Bruce and Nick will take it upon themselves to investigate Nelson's murder. Since book sales will be mighty low at Bruce's Bay Books, they have plenty of time on their hands. The search will take on a hound dog hunt when they discover that Nelson was writing a controversial book. Someone wanted Nelson gone but not before they got their hands on the manuscript.
Camino Winds leaves the familiarity of the island and its clever characters and takes a wide span onto the mainland. Grisham leaves us treading water as the scope of the storyline broadens into some devious goings-on within nursing homes and the pharma companies. The very thing that was so appealing in Camino Island is left as a postcard on a rack. This storyline could have been helicoptered in anywhere as a regular Grisham novel. The reader will also find plug-ins here and there to justify actions where Bruce takes trips and time spans are in overdrive.
Camino Winds is far from a wasted read. Grisham had us wetting our whistles with the first book in this series. It seemed like he had finally found a newly honed niche away from the usual courtroom scenes. Character driven stories was what Grisham was good at. Hope that he can breathe life back into Bruce, his unusual wife and friends, and create something that has them moored to the island once again. Can't go wrong with a few Pina Coladas and those tiny little umbrellas, right?
May 10, 2020
Such a disappointment. I don’t believe Grisham wrote this. It is repetitive, illogical, uninspired and downright boring. Whole pages devoted to grocery lists. The same hackneyed phrases used to describe places, people and actions. The writer even managed to ruin perfectly good hurricane. I’m giving up at 30%...my husband can’t take hearing one more “listen to THIS one...”
If it was ghosted, Grisham should have chosen more wisely. He should be ashamed to have his name attached to it. And shame on his publisher, too.
If it was ghosted, Grisham should have chosen more wisely. He should be ashamed to have his name attached to it. And shame on his publisher, too.
August 27, 2024
2.5 stars!
The plotline was both frustrating and a bit dull to get through plus parts were very questionable with this book #2...
The plotline was both frustrating and a bit dull to get through plus parts were very questionable with this book #2...
April 30, 2020
John Grisham returns with another adventure on Camino Island, a small community in Florida. It’s been three years since readers have poked their heads around and much is going on. Bookstore owner Bruce Cable is waiting for his next bestsellers to arrive, as his small shop seems to be one of the premier places for authors to come and ensure they are successful. However, Hurricane Leo is approaching the island, expected to make landfall in the next few days. While it shakes the community and causes some damage, those who stick around soon realise that they will be able to pick up and pieces and keep living. When Bruce and a friend go in search of fellow author, Nelson Kerr, they find him dead in his home, though it does not look as though Leo is the cause of death. Kerr’s head wounds, as well as the sighting of a mysterious woman leads Bruce to feel that his friend must have been murdered, but there’s no clear understanding as to why. While the local and state police take their time, Bruce seeks some outside assistance is determining what’s been going on, hiring a private firm in DC. When Kerr’s latest manuscript turns up, it hints at why someone may have wanted to keep him quiet, as the premise of this work of fiction surrounds a magical drug being administered to certain residents of care facilities. Meanwhile, someone has been approaching employees of these facilities and asking for the dirt around procedures and policies. Could there be a massive scam taking place, one that Nelson Kerr uncovered and was ready to reveal to the world in his writing? Grisham does well with this more mystery-based novel that allows the focus to turn away from legal tactics and lawyer fees. A refreshing book and even better than the series debut. Recommended to those who love a good mystery, as well as the reader who is a fan of Grisham and his various story types.
I remember not being overly impressed with the first novel in this series three years ago. Perhaps I was too stuck in my ways of Grisham being a legal thriller writer and struggled with this less than clearcut novel. However, it would seem that Grisham heard his fans and has honed his skills to focus more on the mystery and less the romantic side of the plot. Bruce Cable is again in a main role and does well throughout, keeping his witticisms strong and his search for the truth on point. Grisham does not lose any momentum with this character, as the man turns from bookseller and playboy to a serious crime fighter and one who will do anything for his friends. Other characters help push the story along, less in a smarmy and saccharine manner, adding elements to the mystery and the overall conspiracy that keeps the reader wanting to know a little more. The story is on point and while it is not as legal as one might expect with a Grisham piece, it has great development and kept me pushing forward. With ten chapters that are broken down into smaller parts, the reader is able to digest as much or as little as they want at any given time. I’d read a third in the series, since I feel Grisham has a better handle on things now. That said, I love a good legal thriller and do not want Grisham to leave that behind.
Kudos, Mr. Grisham, for a nice offshoot to your usual fare. I am happy to take this journey off the beaten path and hope others were as entertained.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I remember not being overly impressed with the first novel in this series three years ago. Perhaps I was too stuck in my ways of Grisham being a legal thriller writer and struggled with this less than clearcut novel. However, it would seem that Grisham heard his fans and has honed his skills to focus more on the mystery and less the romantic side of the plot. Bruce Cable is again in a main role and does well throughout, keeping his witticisms strong and his search for the truth on point. Grisham does not lose any momentum with this character, as the man turns from bookseller and playboy to a serious crime fighter and one who will do anything for his friends. Other characters help push the story along, less in a smarmy and saccharine manner, adding elements to the mystery and the overall conspiracy that keeps the reader wanting to know a little more. The story is on point and while it is not as legal as one might expect with a Grisham piece, it has great development and kept me pushing forward. With ten chapters that are broken down into smaller parts, the reader is able to digest as much or as little as they want at any given time. I’d read a third in the series, since I feel Grisham has a better handle on things now. That said, I love a good legal thriller and do not want Grisham to leave that behind.
Kudos, Mr. Grisham, for a nice offshoot to your usual fare. I am happy to take this journey off the beaten path and hope others were as entertained.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
May 15, 2020
It's not nearly as good as Camino Island, but not bad. I'm a little disappointed though.
May 7, 2020
John Grisham wrote this? Note to self: Camino series is a "can wait for later" read. In a nutshell, Medicare fraud. As a whole it is blah.
May 5, 2020
Love a good Grisham novel! This is not a legal thriller, but a murder mystery set on Camino Island. It is the second book in this series but can absolutely be read as a stand alone. It is a fun, twisty read that I read in a weekend.
Bruce Cable returns in this book after his adventure Camino Island. He is the owner of Bay Books, the indie bookstore that everybody wants to visit. The store is about to welcome back Mercer Mann, the writer with a connection to the Island. But Hurricane Leo has other ideas and is headed straight for them. Most people head for the mainland but Bruce stays to try to protect his store.
In the aftermath of the storm. Bruce is told of the death of writer and friend Nelson Kerr. At first look it appears that it was the storm that killed him but the closer they look the more it appears to be murder. Local police get nowhere with the case so Bruce and his friends start investigating . Who would want Nelson dead and why? Could his unpublished manuscript hold the key?
I really enjoyed this fast paced and thrilling story. Grisham fans will love it, even if it is not a legal thriller. His writing is brilliant and his characters full of life. Highly recommend.
Thank you Hachette Australia for my copy of this book to read.
Bruce Cable returns in this book after his adventure Camino Island. He is the owner of Bay Books, the indie bookstore that everybody wants to visit. The store is about to welcome back Mercer Mann, the writer with a connection to the Island. But Hurricane Leo has other ideas and is headed straight for them. Most people head for the mainland but Bruce stays to try to protect his store.
In the aftermath of the storm. Bruce is told of the death of writer and friend Nelson Kerr. At first look it appears that it was the storm that killed him but the closer they look the more it appears to be murder. Local police get nowhere with the case so Bruce and his friends start investigating . Who would want Nelson dead and why? Could his unpublished manuscript hold the key?
I really enjoyed this fast paced and thrilling story. Grisham fans will love it, even if it is not a legal thriller. His writing is brilliant and his characters full of life. Highly recommend.
Thank you Hachette Australia for my copy of this book to read.
May 5, 2020
Disappointing. Not as disappointing as John Grisham’s last release, The Guardians, but still pretty disappointing because Camino Island is arguably my favorite Grisham novel. If you didn’t like that one, you’ll likely dig this one, and vice versa. Grisham stripped away almost everything I loved about that book—the languid pace, the light romance, the writer community characters—and instead focused his sights on writing a high-concept thriller that almost reminded me of mid-tier Dean Koontz in its the latter half.
Still, this is John Grisham. He’s a seasoned veteran, so anything he publishes is at least readable. I gave this 3 stars after all; there were bits and pieces I liked. The first third or so I dug, it’s only when the few characters left over from Camino Island started investigating I lost interest. Dunno why. I felt like I was reading Stephen King’s Bill Hodges trilogy without the weird quirks and fast pace that made those books such a joy.
This is Grisham without personality, without flavor. It’s his courtroom thriller thing without a courtroom or lawyer. It shows occasional flashes of the color and inspiration that made its predecessor such a success, but most of the time it’s a fairly standard investigative crime thriller, hold the thrilling. I came away from this feeling empty, not hating or loving it. Indifference.
Still, this is John Grisham. He’s a seasoned veteran, so anything he publishes is at least readable. I gave this 3 stars after all; there were bits and pieces I liked. The first third or so I dug, it’s only when the few characters left over from Camino Island started investigating I lost interest. Dunno why. I felt like I was reading Stephen King’s Bill Hodges trilogy without the weird quirks and fast pace that made those books such a joy.
This is Grisham without personality, without flavor. It’s his courtroom thriller thing without a courtroom or lawyer. It shows occasional flashes of the color and inspiration that made its predecessor such a success, but most of the time it’s a fairly standard investigative crime thriller, hold the thrilling. I came away from this feeling empty, not hating or loving it. Indifference.
May 15, 2020
John Grisham knocks this one out of the park
SUMMARY
Bookstore owner Bruce Cable’s is preparing for the return of bestselling author Mercer Mann to his store on Camino Island when a hurricane heads directly for the island. A mandatory evacuation is ordered, but Bruce decides to stay and ride out the category 4 storm.
The Hurricane Leo devastates the island. Homes, hotels and storefronts were demolished and several people died. One of the victims is Nelson Kerr, an author and friend of Bruce’s, who is asked to identify the body. Nelson’s injuries look suspicious to Bruce.
But who would want Nelson dead? The local police are overwhelmed with the storm and are ill equipped to handle a murder case right now so Cable takes matter into his own hands. Could Nelson’s murder be related a book he is working on? Was someone trying to keep him quiet?
REVIEW
John Grisham knocks it out of the park once again. CAMINO WINDS is a perfect read. The writing is seamless, the characters are intriguing and the story is riveting. You will be hooked from page one.
Grisham’s description of Hurricane Leo brought back memories for me of Hurricane Michael from 2018. While the path wasn’t quite the same, I can still hear the cracking and crashing trees and branches and the howling winds much like described in the book. Even the impassable roads and the indescribable devastation of the homes and businesses in the aftermath was similar. Unfortunately a year and a half later, much of the devastation that occurred during Hurricane Michael still exists to this day in many parts of Northwest Florida. Based on his descriptions I have to think that Grisham has survived one or more hurricanes.
My favorite part was Bruce Cable’s intriguing character and the repartee he had with his friends. I appreciated the effort Bruce’s and his friends took to ensure that the cops treated Nelson’s death as a murder and not just as a result of the Hurricane.
Publisher Doubleday Books
Published April 28, 2020
Narrated Michael Beck
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Bookstore owner Bruce Cable’s is preparing for the return of bestselling author Mercer Mann to his store on Camino Island when a hurricane heads directly for the island. A mandatory evacuation is ordered, but Bruce decides to stay and ride out the category 4 storm.
The Hurricane Leo devastates the island. Homes, hotels and storefronts were demolished and several people died. One of the victims is Nelson Kerr, an author and friend of Bruce’s, who is asked to identify the body. Nelson’s injuries look suspicious to Bruce.
But who would want Nelson dead? The local police are overwhelmed with the storm and are ill equipped to handle a murder case right now so Cable takes matter into his own hands. Could Nelson’s murder be related a book he is working on? Was someone trying to keep him quiet?
REVIEW
John Grisham knocks it out of the park once again. CAMINO WINDS is a perfect read. The writing is seamless, the characters are intriguing and the story is riveting. You will be hooked from page one.
Grisham’s description of Hurricane Leo brought back memories for me of Hurricane Michael from 2018. While the path wasn’t quite the same, I can still hear the cracking and crashing trees and branches and the howling winds much like described in the book. Even the impassable roads and the indescribable devastation of the homes and businesses in the aftermath was similar. Unfortunately a year and a half later, much of the devastation that occurred during Hurricane Michael still exists to this day in many parts of Northwest Florida. Based on his descriptions I have to think that Grisham has survived one or more hurricanes.
My favorite part was Bruce Cable’s intriguing character and the repartee he had with his friends. I appreciated the effort Bruce’s and his friends took to ensure that the cops treated Nelson’s death as a murder and not just as a result of the Hurricane.
Publisher Doubleday Books
Published April 28, 2020
Narrated Michael Beck
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
May 5, 2020
John Grisham, Michael Connelly, Stephen King, David Baldacci and a couple of others are in my magic circle...any new releases I leap on, sight unseen, 'cause I know I will not be TOO disappointed as these guys are all great story tellers and can raise the crappiest plot line to, at worst, the readable. Sad to say, Camino Winds has managed to usher Mr. Grisham out of that august company...henceforth, I will wait for some honest reviews. This book just has nothing to appeal, the plot is paper thin and not really a mystery, and worse, the book is generally boring. Maybe he has run out of ideas and forgotten how to write. This has to be his worst book ever.
November 26, 2024
Mr Grisham...can we have a chat? Just between you and me sir...who ACTUALLY wrote this book?
Was this a first draft that got sent to the printer on accident and it was like "welp, we printed them, too late now"? If it weren't for all the food references (typical Grisham writing), I would think you let an assistant write this book sir.
I felt like I was reading a Nancy Drew book...super outdated writing and unrealistic character actions/reactions. The heart of the story was fantastic. But the execution of it was underwhelming. This is definitely the worst John Grisham book I've read out of the 12-15 I've read.
Luckily for readers, it appears each book can act as a stand alone in this trilogy. Camino Island was fantastic! But this one, if you aren't a John Grisham fan and must read everything he writes, I wouldn't recommend this one. I am still going to move on to the last book in the trilogy next. Fingers crossed we finish strong!
Was this a first draft that got sent to the printer on accident and it was like "welp, we printed them, too late now"? If it weren't for all the food references (typical Grisham writing), I would think you let an assistant write this book sir.
I felt like I was reading a Nancy Drew book...super outdated writing and unrealistic character actions/reactions. The heart of the story was fantastic. But the execution of it was underwhelming. This is definitely the worst John Grisham book I've read out of the 12-15 I've read.
Luckily for readers, it appears each book can act as a stand alone in this trilogy. Camino Island was fantastic! But this one, if you aren't a John Grisham fan and must read everything he writes, I wouldn't recommend this one. I am still going to move on to the last book in the trilogy next. Fingers crossed we finish strong!
April 7, 2024
Typical Grisham…which I always enjoy! I like the familiarity of his novels. The characters and setting of the Camino series are likable and interesting! Looking forward to reading the third of this series!
July 7, 2020
The book is not a legal thriller, but a murder mystery set on Camino Island. The island is hit by a hurricane and a murder is committed during the storm. This is Grisham’s second book located on Camino Island. Bruce Cade is the owner of Bay Books: a local bookstore and hang out of many of the island’s mystery writers. The book is well written and fast paced. I noticed one inaccuracy, Medicare does not cover long term care it is covered out of pocket by patient or by Medicaid. The book makes a great easy summer read.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and forty-two minutes. Michael Beck does a good job narrating the book. Beck is an actor and has narrated many of Grisham’s books.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and forty-two minutes. Michael Beck does a good job narrating the book. Beck is an actor and has narrated many of Grisham’s books.
May 2, 2020
So..Grisham is one of the authors I always read. I loved the first Camino island book. And while I didn’t hate this one...it wasn’t nearly as good.
This is not quite 3...not as bad as 2 stars! Why won’t goodreads give us half stars?
This is not quite 3...not as bad as 2 stars! Why won’t goodreads give us half stars?
June 14, 2020
The perfect opportunity to murder Nelson Kerr, successful writer of thrillers, appears to be while Hurricane Leo hits Camino Island with its full force. Who would do such a thing and why puzzles the ‘three amigos’—Bruce Cable of Bay Books, Bob the ex-con prison writer, and Nick Sutton, crime novel aficionado and Bay Book’s sole employee. The local police prove incompetent. So, with plenty of time on their hands due to the hurricane’s disastrous impact on business, the three friends decide to investigate the crime themselves. Grisham’s twisty plot will undoubtedly appeal to his many fans, but I was hoping for a bit more.
August 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐️s
Camino Island was my first Grisham read ever, and boy did I walk away loving that one. It was a quirky mix of thriller, light romance, and action-tinged crime caper. It was an oddly captivating gem.
Very little of that came through in this second novel. This felt much more sterile, awkwardly paced and boiler plate to me. It was starved of the wildly beguiling dynamic between Bruce and Mercer, and the fact that Mercer played such an insignificant role in this book drove me crazy.
All that said, I still breezed through this one in a day, and never once felt bored.
Why You Should Or Shouldn’t Read It
You should. It’s still a nice Sunday morning read when you want to escape the doldrums, stresses and constant need for the pesky need for elevated thought
Themes
Nothing lofty here. Just a good ol’ fashioned thriller without much thematic richness.
One Thing I’ll walk away with
A strong hope that Mercer makes a triumphant return in the next book
Camino Island was my first Grisham read ever, and boy did I walk away loving that one. It was a quirky mix of thriller, light romance, and action-tinged crime caper. It was an oddly captivating gem.
Very little of that came through in this second novel. This felt much more sterile, awkwardly paced and boiler plate to me. It was starved of the wildly beguiling dynamic between Bruce and Mercer, and the fact that Mercer played such an insignificant role in this book drove me crazy.
All that said, I still breezed through this one in a day, and never once felt bored.
Why You Should Or Shouldn’t Read It
You should. It’s still a nice Sunday morning read when you want to escape the doldrums, stresses and constant need for the pesky need for elevated thought
Themes
Nothing lofty here. Just a good ol’ fashioned thriller without much thematic richness.
One Thing I’ll walk away with
A strong hope that Mercer makes a triumphant return in the next book
June 13, 2020
In June 2017, John Grisham published an offbeat novel that wasn’t a legal thriller focusing on lawyers. Instead, he took aim at the world of bookstores, publishing, and writers. It began with a skillful heist of five John F. Fitzgerald manuscripts from a secure vault below Princeton’s Firestone Library. The manuscripts end up in a secondary black market and a young female writer, Mercer Mann, is hired to go undercover an investigate Bruce Cable, the popular independent bookstore owner of Bay Books on Camino Island and prominent dealer in rare books that is thought to have or know who is in possession of the manuscripts.
I thought the book was interesting and well worth the read. However, there were many others who just didn’t get into it the way I did. Many readers posted unfavorable reviews and feedback, finding the book slow and not as fulfilling as expected. Now, Grisham is returning to Camino Island for a second time and bringing Cable and his odd-ball band of writers with him. And as much as I hate to even say the words, after reading “Camino Winds” I find myself moving towards the same camp as those readers who didn’t enjoy the first one.
This time around Bruce Cable is preparing for the return of bestselling author, Mercer Mann, to a book signing at his popular Bay Books store. However, Hurricane Leo crashes the party and the island in a destructive fashion. A mandatory evacuation is ordered by the governor causing most of the residents to board up their houses and head to the mainland. However, Bruce and few members of his writing group decide to stay and watch over their homes and businesses.
Leo tears through the island, including homes, businesses, and hotels, leaving devastation, ruin, and flooding in its wake. Following the hurricane, Bruce and his buddies go out to check on the homes and stores of their friends to secure the damage. To their surprise, they discover that their fellow thriller writing friend, Nelson Kerr, appears to be an apparent victim of murder after suffering several suspicious strikes to the head from a blunt instrument.
When the local police are overwhelmed from dealing with the cleanup from the storm and poorly equipped in solving the case, Bruce and his buddies start forming their own theories and possible motives for their friend’s possible murder. Kerr had just finished his latest novel and the manuscript appears to be missing from his hard drive. Could that be the key to what got him killed? As Bruce and his writer team’s investigation moves forward, they find themselves getting into shockingly dangerous territory with enemies willing to kill to protect their secrets.
The book description makes it sound interesting and tantalizing. However, the problem is that the book doesn’t really deliver that on that advertisement. It’s interesting, don’t get me wrong. A nice summer beach read that can be knocked off in a day or two. I especially enjoyed the character of Nick Sutton, a bright college student, bookstore employee of Brice’s, and mystery reader extraordinaire. His story arc was a strength throughout the book and I hope to see more of him in future Camino island novels. That’s the good news.
The bad news is that “Camino Winds” is a leisurely style read. The murder mystery is thin, slow and drawn out in almost casual manner. There is no real drama or tension in solving Kerr’s murder, which mostly takes place away from the island, a bit poorly developed, and several key plot points occur offscreen (which was fairly frustrating at times).
It’s not that the book is bad, it’s just not that good. It lacks tension and personal connection. It almost comes across as trying to be one of those cozy mystery series set in a small town with quirky characters with a shot of Grisham legal flair thrown in. However, it doesn’t really work that well and the outcome lacked in suspense.
There is no doubt that Grisham knows how to tell a story that readers enjoy. He is a master storyteller that has written more winners than I can name off the top of my head. Last Fall he published “The Guardians”, which is one of his best. This Spring he followed it up with “Camino Winds” which I believe is one of his okay, but nothing more, outings.
Better luck next time John. I am sure you will bounce back and I am willing to bet on it…
I thought the book was interesting and well worth the read. However, there were many others who just didn’t get into it the way I did. Many readers posted unfavorable reviews and feedback, finding the book slow and not as fulfilling as expected. Now, Grisham is returning to Camino Island for a second time and bringing Cable and his odd-ball band of writers with him. And as much as I hate to even say the words, after reading “Camino Winds” I find myself moving towards the same camp as those readers who didn’t enjoy the first one.
This time around Bruce Cable is preparing for the return of bestselling author, Mercer Mann, to a book signing at his popular Bay Books store. However, Hurricane Leo crashes the party and the island in a destructive fashion. A mandatory evacuation is ordered by the governor causing most of the residents to board up their houses and head to the mainland. However, Bruce and few members of his writing group decide to stay and watch over their homes and businesses.
Leo tears through the island, including homes, businesses, and hotels, leaving devastation, ruin, and flooding in its wake. Following the hurricane, Bruce and his buddies go out to check on the homes and stores of their friends to secure the damage. To their surprise, they discover that their fellow thriller writing friend, Nelson Kerr, appears to be an apparent victim of murder after suffering several suspicious strikes to the head from a blunt instrument.
When the local police are overwhelmed from dealing with the cleanup from the storm and poorly equipped in solving the case, Bruce and his buddies start forming their own theories and possible motives for their friend’s possible murder. Kerr had just finished his latest novel and the manuscript appears to be missing from his hard drive. Could that be the key to what got him killed? As Bruce and his writer team’s investigation moves forward, they find themselves getting into shockingly dangerous territory with enemies willing to kill to protect their secrets.
The book description makes it sound interesting and tantalizing. However, the problem is that the book doesn’t really deliver that on that advertisement. It’s interesting, don’t get me wrong. A nice summer beach read that can be knocked off in a day or two. I especially enjoyed the character of Nick Sutton, a bright college student, bookstore employee of Brice’s, and mystery reader extraordinaire. His story arc was a strength throughout the book and I hope to see more of him in future Camino island novels. That’s the good news.
The bad news is that “Camino Winds” is a leisurely style read. The murder mystery is thin, slow and drawn out in almost casual manner. There is no real drama or tension in solving Kerr’s murder, which mostly takes place away from the island, a bit poorly developed, and several key plot points occur offscreen (which was fairly frustrating at times).
It’s not that the book is bad, it’s just not that good. It lacks tension and personal connection. It almost comes across as trying to be one of those cozy mystery series set in a small town with quirky characters with a shot of Grisham legal flair thrown in. However, it doesn’t really work that well and the outcome lacked in suspense.
There is no doubt that Grisham knows how to tell a story that readers enjoy. He is a master storyteller that has written more winners than I can name off the top of my head. Last Fall he published “The Guardians”, which is one of his best. This Spring he followed it up with “Camino Winds” which I believe is one of his okay, but nothing more, outings.
Better luck next time John. I am sure you will bounce back and I am willing to bet on it…
August 14, 2020
Engaging mystery where good battles evil
In John Grisham's second book featuring Camino Island, Bruce Cable's Bay Books--and the entire island--is preparing for the first direct hit by a hurricane in a long time. Hurricane Leo heads straight for the island. Bruce and a small band of friends ignore the mandatory evacuation order and hunker down to ride out the storm. In the aftermath, the island is destroyed in many places. And Nelson Kerr, one of Bruce's author friends, is found dead. But his injuries appear to be worse than the storm: it looks like he may have been murdered. The police are overwhelmed by the storm, so Bruce starts investigating. Was Nelson's death died to his latest novel? Bruce's snooping will lead him down a shocking road filled with danger.
It takes a disaster to make you appreciate the basics.
This was a typical Grisham quick read. It builds on the first book, but focuses mainly on Bruce. We see little of Mercer, a main character in book one, which was unfortunate. But Bruce is a blustery star, who can easily dominate both in his life and a novel. He has a huge group of friends, literary and "normal" alike. One is Nelson Kerr, a former lawyer with a big firm in San Francisco. He ratted out a client, a defense contractor who was illegally selling high-tech military stuff to the "bad guys." Nelson settled his case and fled to the island after a divorce. He's been working on another book and we learn quickly that his work may have gotten him killed.
It's easy to feel the storm and its tension through Grisham's picturesque writing. Leo hits quickly and the devastation that follows is bad. The post-hurricane feeling on a nearly abandoned Camino Island seems oddly aligned to the pandemic--at least when I read this in May--or it's easy to read that sense into everything I read.
Still, despite the hurricane and the murder and other various killings, this is actually a fun read. Grisham gives us an engaging mystery, and I love his "good versus evil" formula. It always works so well for him and this is one of his breezier presentations. While there isn't much depth, it's a fast read with interesting characters and a snappy mystery. 3.5 stars.
Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Google+
In John Grisham's second book featuring Camino Island, Bruce Cable's Bay Books--and the entire island--is preparing for the first direct hit by a hurricane in a long time. Hurricane Leo heads straight for the island. Bruce and a small band of friends ignore the mandatory evacuation order and hunker down to ride out the storm. In the aftermath, the island is destroyed in many places. And Nelson Kerr, one of Bruce's author friends, is found dead. But his injuries appear to be worse than the storm: it looks like he may have been murdered. The police are overwhelmed by the storm, so Bruce starts investigating. Was Nelson's death died to his latest novel? Bruce's snooping will lead him down a shocking road filled with danger.
It takes a disaster to make you appreciate the basics.
This was a typical Grisham quick read. It builds on the first book, but focuses mainly on Bruce. We see little of Mercer, a main character in book one, which was unfortunate. But Bruce is a blustery star, who can easily dominate both in his life and a novel. He has a huge group of friends, literary and "normal" alike. One is Nelson Kerr, a former lawyer with a big firm in San Francisco. He ratted out a client, a defense contractor who was illegally selling high-tech military stuff to the "bad guys." Nelson settled his case and fled to the island after a divorce. He's been working on another book and we learn quickly that his work may have gotten him killed.
It's easy to feel the storm and its tension through Grisham's picturesque writing. Leo hits quickly and the devastation that follows is bad. The post-hurricane feeling on a nearly abandoned Camino Island seems oddly aligned to the pandemic--at least when I read this in May--or it's easy to read that sense into everything I read.
Still, despite the hurricane and the murder and other various killings, this is actually a fun read. Grisham gives us an engaging mystery, and I love his "good versus evil" formula. It always works so well for him and this is one of his breezier presentations. While there isn't much depth, it's a fast read with interesting characters and a snappy mystery. 3.5 stars.
Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Google+
June 29, 2020
The first half was really boring, but then it picked up in the second half. I enjoyed reading about I wish they'd choose a new narrator for John Grisham audiobooks though. I'm kind of tired of the Southern accent.
[Previous update: Jan. 29] I can't wait for this! Camino Island was one of my favorite John Grisham novels, so I can't see what he does with this one!
[Previous update: Jan. 29] I can't wait for this! Camino Island was one of my favorite John Grisham novels, so I can't see what he does with this one!
October 9, 2020
3.495 Rounded Up INTRIGUING MURDER MYSTERY, REALISTIC CHARACTERIZATIONS
I am not sure why but John Grisham's writing doesn't always shine for me. This sequel fell short in my opinion, to the first in the series. Here he tries to be more lighthearted and appeal more to men(?) in this installment. Some of the male characters were just to off putting for me and I just didn't connect with anyone, particularly, as the story progressed several secondary characters were just irritating (Bob, who spends a little more than necessary on his sexual encounters) and Nick, a college student that knows it all... you get my point. The story itself was fairly interesting and I did like its riff.
Bruce, is an independent bookseller, living on Camino Island, who discovers that a friend, Nelson, has been murdered during a hurricane that reigns devastation on the island as its target. Nick is the one who realizes that Nelson didn't get injured by flying debris. Thus both Bruce and his employee, Nick try to engage the local police to find the killer, then the state police and eventually even a hire a private security firm to do some digging. Soon, the sinister death is connected to the story Nelson had just completed about a miraculous drug and its ominous side effects. More and more people get caught into the conspiracy and this part of the story was a real pleasure. If he had reduced the nonsense with the various side characters, I would have given it a five star rating.
Though part of a series, it can be read as a standalone story and you won't miss anything important because he rehashes everything and more so. It was a decent read all in all, I can understand why some chose to DNF because early on, it was a consideration for me. My advice is skim the parts you aren't enjoying (don't skip because you'll miss some pieces to the puzzle) and read the mystery part (primarily in the middle and the very end). Read the first book in the series, before this one and decide if you are willing to read a book that isn't quite up to that standard.
My advice to Mr. Grisham is to stop listening to your editor and agent. You can't be all things to all people. At times, I wondered if Carl Hiassen was next to you (not a good thing imho). You don't to try to include every demographic in your story line. Cut some of the unnecessary details, like at least a third of the conversations that were included but unnecessary. Write what you know, I've lived on both coasts of FL and I've been some pretty serious Cat 4's and you make "Hurricane Leo" sound like at least a 3, while the clean-up didn't seem to live up to it. A decent enough job, I can tell you did some research but most likely didn't have that real life experience. That said, the coastal people usually don't leave and do tend to get drunk during its worst. The barbecues after the coast is clear are always a distracting delight that perfume the air.
I am not sure why but John Grisham's writing doesn't always shine for me. This sequel fell short in my opinion, to the first in the series. Here he tries to be more lighthearted and appeal more to men(?) in this installment. Some of the male characters were just to off putting for me and I just didn't connect with anyone, particularly, as the story progressed several secondary characters were just irritating (Bob, who spends a little more than necessary on his sexual encounters) and Nick, a college student that knows it all... you get my point. The story itself was fairly interesting and I did like its riff.
Bruce, is an independent bookseller, living on Camino Island, who discovers that a friend, Nelson, has been murdered during a hurricane that reigns devastation on the island as its target. Nick is the one who realizes that Nelson didn't get injured by flying debris. Thus both Bruce and his employee, Nick try to engage the local police to find the killer, then the state police and eventually even a hire a private security firm to do some digging. Soon, the sinister death is connected to the story Nelson had just completed about a miraculous drug and its ominous side effects. More and more people get caught into the conspiracy and this part of the story was a real pleasure. If he had reduced the nonsense with the various side characters, I would have given it a five star rating.
Though part of a series, it can be read as a standalone story and you won't miss anything important because he rehashes everything and more so. It was a decent read all in all, I can understand why some chose to DNF because early on, it was a consideration for me. My advice is skim the parts you aren't enjoying (don't skip because you'll miss some pieces to the puzzle) and read the mystery part (primarily in the middle and the very end). Read the first book in the series, before this one and decide if you are willing to read a book that isn't quite up to that standard.
My advice to Mr. Grisham is to stop listening to your editor and agent. You can't be all things to all people. At times, I wondered if Carl Hiassen was next to you (not a good thing imho). You don't to try to include every demographic in your story line. Cut some of the unnecessary details, like at least a third of the conversations that were included but unnecessary. Write what you know, I've lived on both coasts of FL and I've been some pretty serious Cat 4's and you make "Hurricane Leo" sound like at least a 3, while the clean-up didn't seem to live up to it. A decent enough job, I can tell you did some research but most likely didn't have that real life experience. That said, the coastal people usually don't leave and do tend to get drunk during its worst. The barbecues after the coast is clear are always a distracting delight that perfume the air.
August 18, 2023
“If you ask me, there’s nothing more boring than a sober writer.”
This text is not good. I enjoyed its predecessor, CAMINO ISLAND, for what it was. A fun white-collar caper. But CAMINO WINDS is just dumb!
First off, there are so many details about so many things that have nothing to do with anything. Most of these details in no manner advance the story.
Another irritation is that the book’s protagonist, bookstore owner Bruce Cable, who I found somewhat charming in the first book to feature him is an absolute dud in this one. Plus, he ALWAYS seems to have a drink in his hand. Always! Should someone tell Mr. Grisham that his protagonist has a problem?
Final summation, it’s just a terrible book. Poorly plotted, poorly written, poorly executed.
This text is not good. I enjoyed its predecessor, CAMINO ISLAND, for what it was. A fun white-collar caper. But CAMINO WINDS is just dumb!
First off, there are so many details about so many things that have nothing to do with anything. Most of these details in no manner advance the story.
Another irritation is that the book’s protagonist, bookstore owner Bruce Cable, who I found somewhat charming in the first book to feature him is an absolute dud in this one. Plus, he ALWAYS seems to have a drink in his hand. Always! Should someone tell Mr. Grisham that his protagonist has a problem?
Final summation, it’s just a terrible book. Poorly plotted, poorly written, poorly executed.
June 7, 2020
John Grisham returns to Camino Island in this story. Author Mercer Mann is going to wind up her book tour on the island at Bruce Cable's Bay Books store. Unfortunately Hurricane Leo decides to make an appearance at the same time. The category 4 storm forces a mandatory evacuation of the island. Most of the residents obey the order and evacuate but Bruce and a handful of others decide to ride out the storm. One of the others who doesn't evacuate is author Nelson Kerr.
The hurricane is devastating. Homes, hotels, and stores are destroyed. Streets are flooded and the power is out. A dozen people are killed. One of those is Nelson. He had left Bruce's name as a contact and the police ask Bruce to identify the body. Bruce takes a couple of other buddies who also did not evacuate and after identifying Nelson the police leave Bruce and his buddies to watch the body. Really? While left alone Bruce and his buddies take a close look at Nelson's body and they also decide to check out Nelson's home. Looking for Bruce's dog. Really? They see blood inside the home (Nelson was found on his patio) and that Nelson has multiple wounds on his head. They conclude Bruce must have been murdered and the local police are not competent enough to handle a murder investigation. Therefore it is up to them to investigate and learn the truth as to who killed their friend.
Nelson was a former lawyer who blew the whistle on his law firm when he discovered they were up to no good. He received a reward for exposing his law firm's indiscretions but obviously his career as a lawyer was over. After a nervous breakdown he took up writing. The genre of his novels were thrillers where corruption was exposed by the good guy protagonist. His three previous novels were already published and there didn't seem to be anything in them that would get him killed. Therefore Nelson must have been working on a new novel and the subject was something that somebody didn't want published. So a hired killer was brought in who took the opportunity of a category 4 hurricane to kill Nelson and figured it would be blamed on Leo.
Nelson was somewhat paranoid with regards to technology and his computer was encrypted but they learn that his latest novel was about nursing homes, elder care abuse, and Medicare fraud. There is a lot of money being made. Enough that someone is desperate enough to kill to keep the story from coming out.
This is an interesting story. In normal years I would say it would be a good beach read but in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic I am not sure if there is much opportunity for beach reads. Nonetheless it is still a fun read. Not great. This isn't Agatha Christie and Bruce Cable is not Hercule Poirot but if you are looking for a quick, easy, and fun read this should do nicely.
The hurricane is devastating. Homes, hotels, and stores are destroyed. Streets are flooded and the power is out. A dozen people are killed. One of those is Nelson. He had left Bruce's name as a contact and the police ask Bruce to identify the body. Bruce takes a couple of other buddies who also did not evacuate and after identifying Nelson the police leave Bruce and his buddies to watch the body. Really? While left alone Bruce and his buddies take a close look at Nelson's body and they also decide to check out Nelson's home. Looking for Bruce's dog. Really? They see blood inside the home (Nelson was found on his patio) and that Nelson has multiple wounds on his head. They conclude Bruce must have been murdered and the local police are not competent enough to handle a murder investigation. Therefore it is up to them to investigate and learn the truth as to who killed their friend.
Nelson was a former lawyer who blew the whistle on his law firm when he discovered they were up to no good. He received a reward for exposing his law firm's indiscretions but obviously his career as a lawyer was over. After a nervous breakdown he took up writing. The genre of his novels were thrillers where corruption was exposed by the good guy protagonist. His three previous novels were already published and there didn't seem to be anything in them that would get him killed. Therefore Nelson must have been working on a new novel and the subject was something that somebody didn't want published. So a hired killer was brought in who took the opportunity of a category 4 hurricane to kill Nelson and figured it would be blamed on Leo.
Nelson was somewhat paranoid with regards to technology and his computer was encrypted but they learn that his latest novel was about nursing homes, elder care abuse, and Medicare fraud. There is a lot of money being made. Enough that someone is desperate enough to kill to keep the story from coming out.
This is an interesting story. In normal years I would say it would be a good beach read but in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic I am not sure if there is much opportunity for beach reads. Nonetheless it is still a fun read. Not great. This isn't Agatha Christie and Bruce Cable is not Hercule Poirot but if you are looking for a quick, easy, and fun read this should do nicely.
June 27, 2020
The most exciting aspect of this read is a hurricane named Leo and a student named Nick!
A ‘cozy’ style mystery that gets no-where fast. It is trying so hard to be quirky it misses on all fronts. If it did not have Grisham’s name on the cover I’m pretty sure the ratings would be lower.
I enjoyed ‘Camino Island, but can’t with any honesty recommend Book #2.
A ‘cozy’ style mystery that gets no-where fast. It is trying so hard to be quirky it misses on all fronts. If it did not have Grisham’s name on the cover I’m pretty sure the ratings would be lower.
I enjoyed ‘Camino Island, but can’t with any honesty recommend Book #2.
June 18, 2021
3,5 *
E quando no meio de um furacão um personagem aparece morto? Será que foi a tempestade ou houve mão criminosa? Este livro, que é o segundo da série Camino Winds - tendo lido o primeiro em Abril - irá responder a essa questão e pelo meio expor uma fraude bilionária em lares/residências de idosos.
Neste segundo livro temos o regresso das personagens do livro anterior só que com um menor tempo de antena. Gostaria de ter visto mais da Mercer Mann e lido mais ferroadas da idosa escritora de romances eróticos que é muito engraçada. No entanto gostei muito do Nick, um papa policiais e que chamou a atenção para o facto de a morte da personagem não parecer muito limpa. Acontecem várias coisas de forma paralela e a ação é muito rápida e é difícil de parar de ler, e isso abona a favor do livro, no entanto há o reverso, por acontecer tanta coisa parece que nada é muito aprofundado.
Foi uma boa leitura, e foi bom regressar ao mundo de John Grisham, no entanto parece que soube a pouco.
Coincidência ou não, hoje, data em que terminei esta leitura, recebi o e-mail da Wook a anunciar a pré-venda da edição portuguesa desta obra. Well, I already read it in english...
E quando no meio de um furacão um personagem aparece morto? Será que foi a tempestade ou houve mão criminosa? Este livro, que é o segundo da série Camino Winds - tendo lido o primeiro em Abril - irá responder a essa questão e pelo meio expor uma fraude bilionária em lares/residências de idosos.
Neste segundo livro temos o regresso das personagens do livro anterior só que com um menor tempo de antena. Gostaria de ter visto mais da Mercer Mann e lido mais ferroadas da idosa escritora de romances eróticos que é muito engraçada. No entanto gostei muito do Nick, um papa policiais e que chamou a atenção para o facto de a morte da personagem não parecer muito limpa. Acontecem várias coisas de forma paralela e a ação é muito rápida e é difícil de parar de ler, e isso abona a favor do livro, no entanto há o reverso, por acontecer tanta coisa parece que nada é muito aprofundado.
Foi uma boa leitura, e foi bom regressar ao mundo de John Grisham, no entanto parece que soube a pouco.
Coincidência ou não, hoje, data em que terminei esta leitura, recebi o e-mail da Wook a anunciar a pré-venda da edição portuguesa desta obra. Well, I already read it in english...
April 30, 2020
Back to Camino Island and the gang! First book is much better.
September 29, 2024
Not one of Grisham’s best work, but overall, not bad. I thought the story in Camino Island was better & its plots were more fun to read… The first half of this novel was really slow reading. However, the second half really picks up the pace. The ending of this book felt like a let down & was disappointing… Hopefully, the third book of the series, Camino Ghost, will be better.
July 15, 2023
This is not a legal thriller, but a murder mystery set on Camino Island.
It is the second book in this series but can absolutely be read as a standalone.
However, I would recommend you read the novel, Camino Island first so that you can familiarize yourself with the characters since they show up here, too.
Not all reviews were pleased with this book.
As I said earlier, it is a murder mystery sequel.
It has a few twists and turns that subjects the island to greater drama in the form of a devastating hurricane, contract killers and a medical conspiracy, but ultimately was not as entertaining as the first book. (In my opinion.)
Probably because, some of the characters feel entitled, and some intriguing, while the story has a way of cleaning up too nicely (that can be a bit too much for some, too).
But, the author takes us on this ride, and if you enjoy being led along, and are curious, you will enjoy the journey.
A nice, quick, easy, fun beach read.
Just be wary of the hurricane!
It is the second book in this series but can absolutely be read as a standalone.
However, I would recommend you read the novel, Camino Island first so that you can familiarize yourself with the characters since they show up here, too.
Not all reviews were pleased with this book.
As I said earlier, it is a murder mystery sequel.
It has a few twists and turns that subjects the island to greater drama in the form of a devastating hurricane, contract killers and a medical conspiracy, but ultimately was not as entertaining as the first book. (In my opinion.)
Probably because, some of the characters feel entitled, and some intriguing, while the story has a way of cleaning up too nicely (that can be a bit too much for some, too).
But, the author takes us on this ride, and if you enjoy being led along, and are curious, you will enjoy the journey.
A nice, quick, easy, fun beach read.
Just be wary of the hurricane!
August 12, 2020
3.5 Stars rounded down to 3
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