

^ a b Biedenharn, Isabella (February 7, 2017)."In 'Camino Island,' John Grisham Takes a Vacation From Writing John Grisham Novels". "John Grisham ready for 1st big book tour in 25 years". ^ a b c Mitchell, Jerry (April 19, 2017).Ken Tucker from The New York Times said that occasional flaws "don't impede the jolly appeal of the novel's storytelling".

USA Today critic Jocelyn McClurg praised the book as "sheer catnip for book critics" that resembles Grisham's legal thrillers with many similar character types but that might appeal to people who are not generally Grisham fans. The book appeared at the top of several best seller lists including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

Publicity for the book included Grisham's first major book tour in 25 years, which included 12 cities and was scheduled from June 6 through June 29. In February 2017, Doubleday books announced that Grisham would publish a crime heist novel in June in addition to his usual fall legal thriller. Grisham conceived of the subject with his wife on a lengthy road trip to Florida when they discussed a work incorporating "stolen books, stolen manuscripts, bookstores, booksellers".
