Camino Ghosts by John Grisham

 This novel continues the characters from the Camino series--writers Mercer and Thomas, bookstore owner Bruce, and the rest--and introduces the character of Lovely Jackson, an elderly woman who is a descendant of slaves who lived on a small island off the coast of Florida called Dark Isle. When the news comes out about plans to put a casino and condos on Dark Isle, Lovely decides to fight back, with the help of Mercer, Bruce and environmental lawyer, Steven. In the process, we learn about Lovely's ancestors, particularly a slave named Nalla, who put a curse on any white man who steps on the island. As always, Grisham tells a compelling story, though this one is particularly sad.