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Buck Reilly Adventure #1
Red Right Return
Buck Reilly's a lot like the rest of us--trying to make ends meet and hoping for better times. He's living in a Key West hotel and operates Last Resort Charter and Salvage aboard a 1946 Grumman Widgeon flying boat, hunting for sunken treasure and taking on an occasional passenger, no questions asked. But when he delivers a mysterious woman to a mission boat destined for Cuba, things start going downhill quick. He faces down the dark forces of Santeria priests, Cuban Secret Police, and an FBI agent with a grudge. Buck has nothing but ingenuity to save his skin and the lives he put in peril ... and prevent a war with America's longest-running enemy ... When you see the world through Buck Reilly's eyes, the view will never be the same.
370 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
956 people are currently reading
3173 people want to read
About the author
John H. Cunningham
23 books256 followersJohn H. Cunningham, outdoorsman, world traveler, and aviation enthusiast, is a commercial real estate professional and former editor. He splits his time between Virginia, New York and Key West with his wife and two daughters. His books include RED RIGHT RETURN, GREEN TO GO, CRYSTAL BLUE, SECOND CHANCE GOLD, MAROON RISING, FREE FALL TO BLACK, SILVER GOODBYE, WHITE KNIGHT, and THE LAST RAFT.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
January 27, 2012
As a novelist by profession I generally have a touch of apprehension when I pick up a new writer’s work. Everybody’s a writer nowadays and first novels are often the work of more passion than talent. But Red Right Return was such a wonderful surprise!
The author has laid out a terrific Caribbean adventure and he does it with the aplomb of a seasoned novelist. The plot is complex and well thought out, the dialogue is excellent – flowing naturally, without effort, and the characters are vibrant.
Red Right Return allows you to see, taste, and feel the tropics and gives you a clean glimpse of real life in the lower latitudes. Cunningham takes us around The Florida Keys, through Cuba, and into the Bahamas, painting accurate portraits as he goes. While the multitude of characters requires the reader to pay attention, the story is highly entertaining. It’s a thinking person’s book while still being a fast-paced adventure that’s totally plausible.
Here’s to a great read and a great new name in Caribbean capers – John H. Cunningham!
Michael Reisig,
The author has laid out a terrific Caribbean adventure and he does it with the aplomb of a seasoned novelist. The plot is complex and well thought out, the dialogue is excellent – flowing naturally, without effort, and the characters are vibrant.
Red Right Return allows you to see, taste, and feel the tropics and gives you a clean glimpse of real life in the lower latitudes. Cunningham takes us around The Florida Keys, through Cuba, and into the Bahamas, painting accurate portraits as he goes. While the multitude of characters requires the reader to pay attention, the story is highly entertaining. It’s a thinking person’s book while still being a fast-paced adventure that’s totally plausible.
Here’s to a great read and a great new name in Caribbean capers – John H. Cunningham!
Michael Reisig,
October 31, 2011
Reviewed by JoAnne
Ebook provided by publicist
This turned out to be a fast moving action novel that started out very slowly and was hard to get into initially. Cunningham gave lots of background info while setting the stage in Key West and introducing all the bad guys (along with their nicknames) who were chasing after Buck. This was interspersed with some of Buck's life story of why he was in Key West in the first place. This bogged down the story line when trying to keep the plot and characters straight. Add in the Santeros (those believing in Santeria) and Palo Mayomebe, it's dark side, and it was made a little more difficult. Once you got past all the scene setting the action worked its magic and drew you into the story. There was lots of conflict and some romance which held my interest and kept reeling me in. Then the ending of the story was climatic which made it all worthwhile. I ended up enjoying this book, when I didn't think I would, and look forward to reading others in the series that John Cunningham is planning to write. I would hope that in future books Buck will get into the story/action a lot quicker and therefore grab my interest from the start of the story instead of about 50 pages into the book.
Ebook provided by publicist
This turned out to be a fast moving action novel that started out very slowly and was hard to get into initially. Cunningham gave lots of background info while setting the stage in Key West and introducing all the bad guys (along with their nicknames) who were chasing after Buck. This was interspersed with some of Buck's life story of why he was in Key West in the first place. This bogged down the story line when trying to keep the plot and characters straight. Add in the Santeros (those believing in Santeria) and Palo Mayomebe, it's dark side, and it was made a little more difficult. Once you got past all the scene setting the action worked its magic and drew you into the story. There was lots of conflict and some romance which held my interest and kept reeling me in. Then the ending of the story was climatic which made it all worthwhile. I ended up enjoying this book, when I didn't think I would, and look forward to reading others in the series that John Cunningham is planning to write. I would hope that in future books Buck will get into the story/action a lot quicker and therefore grab my interest from the start of the story instead of about 50 pages into the book.
January 16, 2012
It is hard to believe this was John H. Cunningham's first novel. The plot was complex. There was a lot of background research ranging from Santeria to Cuba to Hemingway, but it was sprinkled across the arc of the story. He avoided the long tedious background information passages one slogs through in authors like Clancy. The characters were adequately developed, but I'm hoping that they will be better developed in future works. The pace begins quite slowly as we settle into the protagonist's situation in Key West. I loved Betty, his Grumman Widgeon. I own a Margaritaville mug with her likeness on it as Betty is supposed to have been bought from Jimmy Buffett. In fact, Betty is the best drawn character in the story. We learn something of what landed Buck on Key West and set the baseline from which his character develops. About two thirds of the way into it, the pace quickens until near the end when it becomes a page turner. I liked that the pace was given room to build. If, like me, you enjoy MacDonald's Travis McGee, Randy Wayne White's Doc Ford, or Tom Corcoran's Alex Rutledge, you ought to give the "new kid on the block" a shot. I don't think you'll regret having done so.
July 22, 2012
Love this book been a long time since I read a good adventure book like this one. I'm going to get the next book.
May 19, 2013
Good guy or bad guy, Buck Reilly’s adventures read like a Hollywood blockbuster! Action and mystery from the beginning to end!
July 14, 2012
Super good book. It's a short read at only 280 pages that I basically zipped right through because I read a lot faster than I already do on my Nook. This book is also one you can't put down because for this being Cunningham's first novel, it is full of twists and turns that you would expect out of a thriller mystery. A few of the things I absolutely loved about the book- the setting. I'm a fan of Florida and I've always wanted to get to Key West. Buck. At times I wanted to be annoyed with Buck but I just couldn't. He's written as an every day guy who's made some bad decisions but would like to just move on with life and hope for the best. How he keeps getting himself more and more tangled into the web of Santeria, Cuba, and a failed missionary trip is beyond me. But it was enjoyable to read because just when you think he's figured it out, there are a few more curveballs that don't make any sense. Though I suspected who the bad guy was in the end, I was nowhere CLOSE as to why. And that was kind of fun because that doesn't happen so often. The only thing I felt disappointed about was the ending. I understand why it was ended at that moment, it totally opens it up for a sequel, but I wish that I had more closure as a reader. No doubt this author will come up with an equally good book the next time around, that's for sure. It's really refreshing to read an author who actually knows the information because you can feel the difference when you read it next to an author who's only simply researched it.
So overall, it was a good book and a fast read. If you like a mystery/thriller then this would definitely be for you.
So overall, it was a good book and a fast read. If you like a mystery/thriller then this would definitely be for you.
May 21, 2012
Have you ever wondered what James Bond, Jason Bourne, Indiana Jones, Han Solo, or Travis McGee think about when they experience the insane madness of their lives? Jonathan Cunningham has made sure you do with his first person take on the genre of action/adventure/super talented man. His character Buck Reilly has the brains, suave one liners, good looks, and exciting adventures of those memorable characters but unlike them, the reader is given the story from Buck's end: the tension, exhilarating off the walls knife edge tension and chaos characters like those above (and Buck) experience. This novel feels more exciting than others because you are so wrapped up in the realism of every daredevil action and situation, and once your in Reilly's head, you'll never want anything else.
The plot is fairly simple, but a few sneaky twists and brilliant action sequences make the pages seem to fly by. There is a lot of Florida Keys environment and plenty of plane riding, so for lovers of those elements this book delivers. The writing style is gripping and enjoyable, and the author knows his craftsmanship; not once does the novel stutter or slow.
If you are looking for a light, fun action packed romp with a hilariously fun character, this book is for you. I definitely recommend it.
The plot is fairly simple, but a few sneaky twists and brilliant action sequences make the pages seem to fly by. There is a lot of Florida Keys environment and plenty of plane riding, so for lovers of those elements this book delivers. The writing style is gripping and enjoyable, and the author knows his craftsmanship; not once does the novel stutter or slow.
If you are looking for a light, fun action packed romp with a hilariously fun character, this book is for you. I definitely recommend it.
March 24, 2013
i won this in a good reads giveaway and really enjoyed it. It was filled with likeable characters that had me hooked within the first 2 chapters (something that will make me put a book down and never pick it up again if this doesn't occur). If you like smart-ass lead men and fun adventures, check it out!
January 1, 2012
A fun mystery thriller with a complete set of unique and eclectic characters. John Cummingham did a great job on his first book....keep it up John. I am looking forward to the next chapter in the Buck Reilly series!
March 22, 2012
This is a delightful tale, especially for a first novel. Yes, there is a lot in it, and there are lots of characters, but if you don't keep lists, they eventually sort themselves out.
For a thorough review, see Tom Long or Michael Reisig below.
I am looking forward to more from Mr. Cunningham.
For a thorough review, see Tom Long or Michael Reisig below.
I am looking forward to more from Mr. Cunningham.
February 9, 2013
This is a great "beach" book, with lots of Indianna Jones style adventure. A non-stop romp based in Key West and around the Caribbean with all of the Margaritaville cliches, including cameo appearances by Jimmy Buffett. Easy to read under a hot sun while fuelled on cerveza's.
July 15, 2012
Great book, easy read!!!!
August 11, 2012
Great book w lots of details about Key West. The book was full of adventure and a bit of romance. Can't wait to read the next book about Buck's new adventures.
April 25, 2021
A new author to me, John Cunningham has some wit, style akin to Hemingway, Clive Cussler's hero, Dirk Pitt, with hard action that at times leaves us flipping the pages and breathing as if we ran or fought too.
His character, Buck Reilly, wears his good luck on his sleeve and smile, yet the darkness of ill fate he wears like a coat. From glory and fame, wealth and adventure, Buck has lost everything he had worked to attain including personal relationships. Now hanging out in tourist traps and dive bars, Buck scratches out a scrappy living as a salvage and air transporter pilot. What seems an innocent job to make some money, he is soon drawn into mystery and murderous plots, including being targeted by Santeria voodoo curses and scares, followed by local law, and the FBI. He has fallen into a dangerous plot bigger than his initial curiosities.
Much of this novel makes the reader feel part of the Key West small town, introducing us to oddball denizens, the local feral chicken crises, celebrities like Buffet himself, and the strange but laidback life in paradise. References to writers include Hemingway, and his love of the area and the seas between Florida and Cuba, and the Bahamas. The reader should fasten a safety belt for the rocky ride. Interesting characters and travel scenery, the book nearly reads like a movie, keeping the reader engaged.
Mostly clean writing with several edit and format errors, but not too many to deter the reader from enjoying the tale. I've never been to Florida or the nearby islands and Cuba, but feel almost as if I was on vacation. Some parts read as real, but then a good writer can make a fantasy kingdom in a book feel real. Good job. I'll be checking out more of Cunningham's books.
Good books 👍 for parrot heads, stoners, seekers of adventure, armchair pilots or sneaky spies, couch warriors, amateur detectives of mystery and folks liking general mayhem in their literature. Add in some handsome dudes, and lovely ladies to spice up the scene. Fun reading all around.
His character, Buck Reilly, wears his good luck on his sleeve and smile, yet the darkness of ill fate he wears like a coat. From glory and fame, wealth and adventure, Buck has lost everything he had worked to attain including personal relationships. Now hanging out in tourist traps and dive bars, Buck scratches out a scrappy living as a salvage and air transporter pilot. What seems an innocent job to make some money, he is soon drawn into mystery and murderous plots, including being targeted by Santeria voodoo curses and scares, followed by local law, and the FBI. He has fallen into a dangerous plot bigger than his initial curiosities.
Much of this novel makes the reader feel part of the Key West small town, introducing us to oddball denizens, the local feral chicken crises, celebrities like Buffet himself, and the strange but laidback life in paradise. References to writers include Hemingway, and his love of the area and the seas between Florida and Cuba, and the Bahamas. The reader should fasten a safety belt for the rocky ride. Interesting characters and travel scenery, the book nearly reads like a movie, keeping the reader engaged.
Mostly clean writing with several edit and format errors, but not too many to deter the reader from enjoying the tale. I've never been to Florida or the nearby islands and Cuba, but feel almost as if I was on vacation. Some parts read as real, but then a good writer can make a fantasy kingdom in a book feel real. Good job. I'll be checking out more of Cunningham's books.
Good books 👍 for parrot heads, stoners, seekers of adventure, armchair pilots or sneaky spies, couch warriors, amateur detectives of mystery and folks liking general mayhem in their literature. Add in some handsome dudes, and lovely ladies to spice up the scene. Fun reading all around.
July 10, 2023
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I didn't like the book. Why is everyone holding Buck as a hero when he started out as a Wall Street dirtbag?? If you have OCD all the typos in this book will irk the hell out of you. This publishing company needs better editors first of all. Or the author does, or both. After I read this book, I sat back and thought, all the action sounds like the 1980's episode of every Magnum P.I. episode I ever watched. Like it was copied from that show. Not very original to me. It was a good attempt but lacking in my opinion. It didn't win me over. I'll give it a solid C+. Not sure I want to read another one from this author.
July 16, 2013
When Jimmy Buffet sang “Son of a son of a sailor”, he could have been singing about this particular Buck Reilly Adventure.
The story
Buck Reilly knows that you can't get much further than rock bottom, as his experience as a treasure-hunting internet millionaire crashed him down into bankruptcy and despair. Determined to start a new and anonymous life far from the rumours and insinuations surrounding his slide into failure, the deaths of his parents, and the incarceration of his old business partner, Buck buys Jimmy Buffet's old sea-plane and settles in Key West as a salvage and shuttle service with some quiet treasure hunting on the side.
The only way is up. Or is it?
When Buck unknowingly ferries the daughter of a local minister onto a missionary boat bound for Cuba, he has no idea the kind of trouble he's getting himself into. When the missionary boat goes missing, the minister calls Buck in for salvage.
But someone doesn't want the boat found. And some people don't want Buck around at all. And some people seem to want to finish off what was started between the USA and Cuba in the sixties. And Buck is caught right in the middle.
But Buck can't let it go, even when he is threatened by weird unknowns like Santeria, the CIA, and his secret past being revealed to the world. Can he solve the mystery, rescue the girl, and stop an all out war with Cuba, while maintaining his dignity?
The style
I have a soft spot for this kind of thing, and by this kind of thing I can be very specific; lone detective-style characters who are not, in fact, detectives, but an ordinary guy who lives somewhere in Florida and is not only helping someone out but is also tackling a broader, possibly political issue. It's comedy mixed with something deeper; light-hearted and earnest. It's the kind of thing Carl Hiassen writes. Which is a good thing!
And so is Red Right Return. John Cunningham has created a wonderfully strong character in Buck Reilly; a flawed hero who is honest and good and just trying to do the right thing while being a little bit human and a little bit selfish.
And it is a testament to Cunningham's talent that in this overwhelmingly comfortable plot scenario he manages some twists that keep the story fresh and original. Instead of following the very popular and excellently managed environmental issues a la Carl Hiassen, Buck Reilly has other political fish to fry. He certainly shares some concerns about the overarching issues the keys face; such as the way the beauty of Florida has been romanticized by Hemingway and Jimmy Buffett style figures, thrown into popularity, and destroyed by hoards of unthinking tourists and the greed of developers. However he also investigates the still present tensions between the US and Cuba, and the various conspiracies surrounding these ideas. It's contextually unique enough to add interest, and the political opinions espoused are vocal,but suit the character.
Cunningham also made a bold, choose-your-own-adventure style move; which was introducing cipher puzzles into the plot for Reilly to solve and displaying the various keys to the reader, possibly in the vain hope that some puzzle-competent individual would have a go. I am not that puzzle-competent reader, so mainly skipped over these bits which where somewhat Da-Vinci-Code-esque. I suppose this element will really appeal to some readers, and can be ignored by others. Worth a mention for its oddity.
One of the things I really appreciated about Red Right Return is that Cunningham can write. In that, stylistically, there are some standout descriptive passages. I actually stopped reading at one point because he described the sea as creamy, and that was so excellently visual that I had to devote my full attention to the imagery. Cunningham clearly has a passion for Florida, the ocean, and sea-planes, and it all comes through. Furthermore, the intrigue he creates through Reilly the millonaire-to-pirate, which isn't resolved at the end of the novel, is compelling enough that I will definitely read the sequel. All in all, Red Right Return is lots of fun, definitely worth a holiday read.
Who is this book for?
People on holidays! Or wanting a holiday... it's so oceanic and tropical yet exciting. And like Hiassen, would have a widespread appeal.
If you like this book, you would also like...
Dave Barry. Carl Hiassen. Both enjoy the same thing as Cunningham, Barry leaning towards non-fiction, but has still similar opinions about Florida.
September 13, 2017
This story was the most fun I have had reading since I discovered early works like Lucky You. Cunningham is better than other authors in the area for his visuals. He does not add so many details that you feel whelmed like razor girl and not too few to let your imagination fill in the blanks.
I immediately started Green to Go within 30 minutes after finishing this and have purchased a few more.
I immediately started Green to Go within 30 minutes after finishing this and have purchased a few more.
February 16, 2012
In a world woefully short on two-fisted, contemplative, slightly neurotic tropical knights, John H. Cunningham’s character of Buck Reilly flies his seaplane (of course) out of Red Right Return just in time to provide the kind of fictional fix we’ll always pay good money to read. With Travis McGee gone from the stage, except for treasured rereads, and Doc Ford dabbling in melodrama as time wears on, our office reviewers constantly scan the horizon for the next down and out, rough around the edges, sea bum.
Buck Reilly fits the bill perfectly.
First let’s get the plot out of the way. The festivities take place primarily in Key West, Cuba, the Bahamas, and the skyways and waterways in between. With locations like this, who the hell cares what the actual story’s about? It doesn’t hurt that Buck’s choice of locomotion between the islands is a 1946 Grumman Widgeon seaplane named Betty. Shades of Jimmy Buffett! Where IS Joe Merchant?
Need more? My, aren’t you the demanding one today. Okay, okay…
As a disgraced corporate treasure plunderer, Buck Reilly flees his former life and takes up residence in a Key West hotel managed by a hottie named Karen who’s earthly mission is to save the island’s chickens. Stuff happens and Buck gets suckered into a search for a missing group of missionaries headed to Cuba. Did we mention adventure? Maybe if adventure has a name it’s not ONLY Indiana Jones. Surely everyone’s favorite globetrotting archaeologist saved some table scraps for the likes of Buck.
Here’s the bottom line. Toss Thomas Magnum, Indy, and Travis McGee in a blender, and John H. Cunningham’s Red Right Return is the likely result. If this is your cup of tea, drink deeply. Though many continue to try their often less than skilled hand at this sort of tropical adventure writing, few succeed in crafting a tale that makes us ready to read book two right now, damn it! Get to work, Cunningham. The climactic scene of Buck’s air and water attack on the cigarette boat fleeing for Cuba with the recently abducted Karen on board in the middle of a United States Navy versus commie bastard gunboat confrontation at the edge of international waters screams Randy Wayne White or John MacDonald at work, and to our minds, that’s a good thing.
The prose in Red Right Return is perhaps a bit more workmanlike than some of the genre’s masters, but that’s okay. Too many writers don’t have the good sense to stand aside, drop the dreams of clever chatter at the door, and simply tell us a damn good story. In this book that’s exactly what John H. Cunningham has done, and that’s enough for us to raise a beer from a well-worn stool at the Green Parrot and yell for more.
Good job, John. We’re watching you, kid. Readers should keep in mind, Buck’s second book, Green Means Go, is allegedly underway as we speak. Don’t forget to pester JHC ’til he gives us what we want. Also keep in mind the Kindle edition of RRR is only $2.99! That’s a hell of deal, kiddies.
Buck Reilly fits the bill perfectly.
First let’s get the plot out of the way. The festivities take place primarily in Key West, Cuba, the Bahamas, and the skyways and waterways in between. With locations like this, who the hell cares what the actual story’s about? It doesn’t hurt that Buck’s choice of locomotion between the islands is a 1946 Grumman Widgeon seaplane named Betty. Shades of Jimmy Buffett! Where IS Joe Merchant?
Need more? My, aren’t you the demanding one today. Okay, okay…
As a disgraced corporate treasure plunderer, Buck Reilly flees his former life and takes up residence in a Key West hotel managed by a hottie named Karen who’s earthly mission is to save the island’s chickens. Stuff happens and Buck gets suckered into a search for a missing group of missionaries headed to Cuba. Did we mention adventure? Maybe if adventure has a name it’s not ONLY Indiana Jones. Surely everyone’s favorite globetrotting archaeologist saved some table scraps for the likes of Buck.
Here’s the bottom line. Toss Thomas Magnum, Indy, and Travis McGee in a blender, and John H. Cunningham’s Red Right Return is the likely result. If this is your cup of tea, drink deeply. Though many continue to try their often less than skilled hand at this sort of tropical adventure writing, few succeed in crafting a tale that makes us ready to read book two right now, damn it! Get to work, Cunningham. The climactic scene of Buck’s air and water attack on the cigarette boat fleeing for Cuba with the recently abducted Karen on board in the middle of a United States Navy versus commie bastard gunboat confrontation at the edge of international waters screams Randy Wayne White or John MacDonald at work, and to our minds, that’s a good thing.
The prose in Red Right Return is perhaps a bit more workmanlike than some of the genre’s masters, but that’s okay. Too many writers don’t have the good sense to stand aside, drop the dreams of clever chatter at the door, and simply tell us a damn good story. In this book that’s exactly what John H. Cunningham has done, and that’s enough for us to raise a beer from a well-worn stool at the Green Parrot and yell for more.
Good job, John. We’re watching you, kid. Readers should keep in mind, Buck’s second book, Green Means Go, is allegedly underway as we speak. Don’t forget to pester JHC ’til he gives us what we want. Also keep in mind the Kindle edition of RRR is only $2.99! That’s a hell of deal, kiddies.
February 27, 2017
Buck Reilly is living in Key West after his company collapsed and he had to file for bankruptcy. Used to living a life of adventure, he is now running a small charter and salvage service and just trying to make ends meet.
Honestly, I felt that the beginning of the novel was a little choppy and rushed. It probably would have been nice to get to know Buck a little better before the adventure started. I just found it a little confusing to have Buck's personal life story interspersed with the complex plot. There was a LOT of Cuban/American history introduced in this novel. Personally, I found all the different plot points (and characters introduced) to be a little too complex for me, but others might enjoy this writing style. I did appreciate all of the research done for this book and how vividly the atmosphere was described.
The book does pick up halfway through. There is a lot of excitement and a little romance. In fact, from about halfway through the novel to the conclusion, there is a pretty non-stop build up that leads to a thrilling climax. I thought Cunningham did a great job of building the suspense.
Buck Reilly may be an extremely flawed protagonist, but he's definitely charming and likeable. I liked all of his friends (and how every character was quite well developed). A good start to the series - I predict Cunningham will only get better.
I received this book through the GoodReads FirstReads program.
Honestly, I felt that the beginning of the novel was a little choppy and rushed. It probably would have been nice to get to know Buck a little better before the adventure started. I just found it a little confusing to have Buck's personal life story interspersed with the complex plot. There was a LOT of Cuban/American history introduced in this novel. Personally, I found all the different plot points (and characters introduced) to be a little too complex for me, but others might enjoy this writing style. I did appreciate all of the research done for this book and how vividly the atmosphere was described.
The book does pick up halfway through. There is a lot of excitement and a little romance. In fact, from about halfway through the novel to the conclusion, there is a pretty non-stop build up that leads to a thrilling climax. I thought Cunningham did a great job of building the suspense.
Buck Reilly may be an extremely flawed protagonist, but he's definitely charming and likeable. I liked all of his friends (and how every character was quite well developed). A good start to the series - I predict Cunningham will only get better.
I received this book through the GoodReads FirstReads program.
February 3, 2012
Red Right Return: A Buck Reilly Adventure is a story about being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Buck Reilly who was once a Wall Street darling living a lavished life is now broke and working as a charter pilot. His trouble started when he delivers a mysterious woman, who happened to be the daughter of a missionary priest and someone he knows, to Fort Jefferson. To make things right to, Buck went to search for the woman and ended up with Santeria priests who are trying to hex and blackmail him from interfering, Cuban Secret Police who arrested him and charged him as a spy just because he was trying to decipher his father's code and then a FBI agent who are out to get him.
The reader gets a feel through Buck Reilly's eyes. Buck has entered into a situation which doesn't have anything to do with him but he is trying to do the right that what gets him into nothing but trouble. He has to out think everyone and everything to save his skin, to prevent the U.S. into going into war with Cuba, and to save his friends.
The funniest thing is he is trying to stay out of trouble and to stay low from the media. It didn't quite as he hoped since he was putted into one situation after another.
If this book is the beginning of the series of Buck Reilly, it definitely started out very well and hopefully, it will get better as this series continue. Can't wait to see what other adventures that Buck Reilly will get himself into.
The reader gets a feel through Buck Reilly's eyes. Buck has entered into a situation which doesn't have anything to do with him but he is trying to do the right that what gets him into nothing but trouble. He has to out think everyone and everything to save his skin, to prevent the U.S. into going into war with Cuba, and to save his friends.
The funniest thing is he is trying to stay out of trouble and to stay low from the media. It didn't quite as he hoped since he was putted into one situation after another.
If this book is the beginning of the series of Buck Reilly, it definitely started out very well and hopefully, it will get better as this series continue. Can't wait to see what other adventures that Buck Reilly will get himself into.
January 14, 2012
I enjoyed this story about Buck Reilly. He's a pilot who searches for sunken treasure and occasionally does charter flights. He used to run a successful antiquities company, but now he's down on his luck and broke.
Buck Reilly was an interesting character. I wasn't too sure about him at first. He seemed like he was drifting along, and had lost his spirit. I have to admit though when things got hectic, he stepped up and got right into the thick of things. He didn't back down even when everything was against him. He was smart, figured stuff out, was tough when he needed to be, and still had a touch of vulnerability about him. The more I got to 'know' his character, the more I liked him. I would definitely like to read more of his adventures.
This book started a bit slowly for me, but then things picked up quite nicely after Shaniqua is dropped off at her destination. The locations in the story were well described, and I could picture them with ease.
I liked the action and the plot, and after a bit I was turning the pages quickly because I wanted to find out what happened next!
My only criticism was that it could be hard to keep track of the some of the secondary characters as there were a few of them.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Buck Reilly was an interesting character. I wasn't too sure about him at first. He seemed like he was drifting along, and had lost his spirit. I have to admit though when things got hectic, he stepped up and got right into the thick of things. He didn't back down even when everything was against him. He was smart, figured stuff out, was tough when he needed to be, and still had a touch of vulnerability about him. The more I got to 'know' his character, the more I liked him. I would definitely like to read more of his adventures.
This book started a bit slowly for me, but then things picked up quite nicely after Shaniqua is dropped off at her destination. The locations in the story were well described, and I could picture them with ease.
I liked the action and the plot, and after a bit I was turning the pages quickly because I wanted to find out what happened next!
My only criticism was that it could be hard to keep track of the some of the secondary characters as there were a few of them.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
July 2, 2017
Red Right Return is one of those books that's just mercilessly entertaining and feels "just right" in its overall balance. There's a fun, smart, and continually surprising story here (set primarily in Key West, which means no shortage of memorable characters along the way) and a hero in Buck Reilly who I find just irresistible. Sure, he may have made some mistakes in the past, but like Jack Reacher (another favorite of mine, though in a much heavier and more serious vein of suspense) he's a really good guy at heart who's willing to put it all on the line to help people who need it.
This lighthearted, fast reading, often funny blend of action, suspense, and island charm never takes itself too seriously but doesn't get too over the top either. It's an assured debut from a writer with good chops and a great series concept--especially for guys like me who love the Florida Keys and funky old airplanes. It's full of mystery and suspense and riveting action, but all with a laid-back, quirky island vibe and atmosphere that just makes it a lot of fun.
I hope to see more of Buck Reilly in books to come!
This lighthearted, fast reading, often funny blend of action, suspense, and island charm never takes itself too seriously but doesn't get too over the top either. It's an assured debut from a writer with good chops and a great series concept--especially for guys like me who love the Florida Keys and funky old airplanes. It's full of mystery and suspense and riveting action, but all with a laid-back, quirky island vibe and atmosphere that just makes it a lot of fun.
I hope to see more of Buck Reilly in books to come!
February 13, 2012
I haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I had won. 1/03/12
Received my copy Saturday and hope to start soon. I have 3 others plus my current read in front. 01/16/12
Started last night, 2/5/12.
Finished friday 2/10/12
Buck Reilley's living in Key West Florida. He had a sea plane and charters flights, while he treasure hunts ship wrecks in his down time. One Charter gig has him delivering a woman to a boat headed to Cuba full of missionaries. Little does he know that this simple fare would throw his world into turmoil, again.
This was a fun book. I liked the characters and the story line. One thing I didn't like, is I found the character names and/or descriptions too similar. It was hard for me to get a feel of who was who.
Received my copy Saturday and hope to start soon. I have 3 others plus my current read in front. 01/16/12
Started last night, 2/5/12.
Finished friday 2/10/12
Buck Reilley's living in Key West Florida. He had a sea plane and charters flights, while he treasure hunts ship wrecks in his down time. One Charter gig has him delivering a woman to a boat headed to Cuba full of missionaries. Little does he know that this simple fare would throw his world into turmoil, again.
This was a fun book. I liked the characters and the story line. One thing I didn't like, is I found the character names and/or descriptions too similar. It was hard for me to get a feel of who was who.
May 21, 2014
I loved this book. It's fast-paced; I stayed up til 3am last night finishing it. It reminds me a bit of Where Is Joe Merchant?, but it's not quite as complex and centered a bit more in a recent time. Those aren't negatives at all; it's been a while since I read Merchant?, but I recall having a bit of trouble keeping up with all of it's intricate turns and details.
It's hard not to like Buck Reilly. Despite all his flaws, it's easy to identify with him. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has wished Buck were his alter ego. Reading this on my island vacation has only reinforced my desire to one day fall off the grid.
It's hard not to like Buck Reilly. Despite all his flaws, it's easy to identify with him. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has wished Buck were his alter ego. Reading this on my island vacation has only reinforced my desire to one day fall off the grid.
June 23, 2017
There are 360 degrees in a circle, and that is about how many angles Buck is being attacked from. He is in sad shape for the shape he is in. I recommend you read #6 in the series, Freefall To Black, first as it is a prequel and will tell you exactly how Buck got into this sorry state.His past life is about to come back and bite him in the butt. We have missionaries that may not be what they seem, rituals and cults that do a good job of throwing you off track, treasure that could be found and a code that needs to be broken. Oh, and a plane with an engine about to drop out of the sky. Throw in the FBI and some Cubans (not the good ones) and you have quite a story!
August 16, 2012
Pleasantly surprised by this Key West based adventure. Decided to give it a shot after Amazon suggestions, and from Parrotheads.
Buck Reilly is an interesting character, and I liked the way his past slowly comes out rather than hitting the reader over the head with it early on. Great characters through out the story, I did have a hard time on occasion keeping track of who was who. Author does a good job of describing Key West, modern day.
I think the main character's story line will set up nicely for a continued series.
Buck Reilly is an interesting character, and I liked the way his past slowly comes out rather than hitting the reader over the head with it early on. Great characters through out the story, I did have a hard time on occasion keeping track of who was who. Author does a good job of describing Key West, modern day.
I think the main character's story line will set up nicely for a continued series.
December 19, 2015
Set in the Florida Keys this is a story with a bankrupt and disgraced Wall Street treasure hunter still seeking treasure. He has a set maps kept from his former treasure hunting business and a float plane that he uses to support himself with charters and to seek treasure. Cuba, voodoo, and other interesting elements that go to make the mystery satisfying and the story rich with characters and action. I plan on reading more of this series.
June 7, 2012
Very entertaining. One of those books that you don't want to end, even as you read faster and faster because you are enjoying it so much. Probably suited to pilots, and those who love mystery mixed with aviation set to island time.
August 22, 2011
Really fun read. Looking forward to more Buck Reilly action/adventure stories from John H. Cunningham.
December 28, 2011
The author did a great job of character development - can't wait for the next in the series.
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