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Under the Charcoal Sky

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After a life-changing discovery, Buck Reilly embarks on his greatest adventure, which threatens to be his last. The identity of the woman who gave him life is a closely guarded secret for reasons that go far beyond her own short existence. As Buck pursues information that has been fiercely hidden in Scotland for generations, it puts him and his friends in the crosshairs of a secret society whose sole purpose is to eliminate any threat of exposing the truth. Their lives depend on Buck finding missing ancient documents and treasure, impossibly fast, or they will all be killed.

The breathless pace will carry you deep into the night as Buck races against the clock to overcome double-cross that will cut him to the core as he faces-off against the coldest, most brutal circumstances one could endure. The journey leads to the ends of the earth, where no amount of treasure can overcome the deep treachery Under the Charcoal Sky.

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2025

125 people are currently reading
1023 people want to read

About the author

John H. Cunningham

23 books260 followers
John 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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5 stars
374 (66%)
4 stars
146 (26%)
3 stars
31 (5%)
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6 (1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Marcia reading past dark.
251 reviews270 followers
January 16, 2025
John Cunningham’s newest installment of the Buck Reilly Adventure Series presents high stakes situations for Buck and his cohorts. Although this is a fictional story, the author brings his own life experiences to his novels, having lived or visited in most of the locations.

I loved learning the background story behind the secret society, The Sect. I also enjoyed reading the history, especially of Robert I, known as Robert the Bruce, who was King of Scots and led the country during the first war of Scottish independence against England. John writes what he knows. In this story, Buck discovers that he was adopted, as was the author. His own experiences bring an authenticity to his writing.

The plot flows smoothly, and all the loose ends are connected before the novel ends. This book is part of a series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.

Publisher: ‎ Greene Street, LLC (January 14, 2025)
Publication date: ‎ January 14, 2025
Print length: ‎ 291 pages
Profile Image for Bethany  Mock (bethanyburiedinbooks).
1,205 reviews34 followers
January 14, 2025
Thank you @getredprbooks @johnhcunningham #partner for the gifted copy of this book!

This is my second book by Mr. Cunningham and it’s safe to say that if you’re looking to escape on a fast paced mystery adventure that these books should be a go to! This particular book was set in Scotland, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿which I adore as a setting. It just screams history and secrets and John does a great job working that aspect into the book. Buck Reilly learns of a family secret that he must make right in a very short period of time. His family members long ago made a decision that now has come full circle and is haunting him. The people his family has wronged have long memories and will not stop until they get what they want…and that could cost Buck his life!

This book is perfect for readers looking for fast paced, high adventure that focuses on the history of family lineage. Buck as a character is easy to love and root for. He’s strong willed, creative and clever allowing him to get out of some sticky situations. I loved the mystery behind the treasure, the secret societies and of course his ability to fly a plane! Was the timeline completely believable…no….but I honestly think it fits this character perfectly. I am intrigued to see what sort of action and trouble he gets into next!
Profile Image for Cindy(groundedinreads).
663 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2025
Under the Charcoal Sky is a fast-paced adventure into the past. It has all the exciting thrills from stories like The DaVinci Code and National Treasure with a fascinating secret society linked to royalty. Buck and his friends are faced with an unimaginable challenge when he learns of his lineage and now must race against time to recover stolen relics to save their lives! The Scottish setting was picture-perfect. I’ve visited this area so the imagery was incredibly vivid!

Thank you @getredpr and @greenstreet for the gifted #arc
Profile Image for Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase].
1,409 reviews69 followers
December 27, 2024
Under the Charcoal Sky is the 12th book in the Buck Reilly Adventure Series. This is the third book in the series I’ve read, and, as expected from John H. Cunningham’s writing, it delivers life-or-death scenarios, plenty of fast-paced action scenes, and a consistent gang of friends who are always at Buck’s side.

That said, I struggled to invest in this storyline, which centers around a 700-year-old royal agreement between the Campbell Clan and the Stewart Clan. Buck becomes entangled in this centuries-old feud through his birth parents. Within a very short span of time, Buck discovers who his birth father is, learns what happened to his birth mother, and finds himself with a bounty on his head, placed by a secret shadow society. The reasons behind the bounty aren’t clear until the end.

While the other books I’ve read in the series primarily take place in Key West, Florida, Under the Charcoal Sky is set largely in Scotland, Norway, and England. Big Mama is up and down more times than I could count, and the constant references to it repeatedly pulled me out of the story. Additionally, I struggled with the plausibility of 700-year-old documents having enough power to topple monarchies and make a centuries-old bounty still relevant.

Under the Charcoal Sky is a fast read and could be enjoyed as a standalone if you haven’t started the series yet. I appreciate the opportunity to review this eARC with GetRedPR Books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Liisa.
721 reviews23 followers
January 24, 2025
For fans of The Da Vinci Code and National Treasure, this fast-paced adventure takes readers on a thrilling ride through Scotland’s mysteries, ancient secrets, and a race against time. Buck Reilly’s latest journey involves a life-changing discovery and a desperate hunt for lost documents and treasure, all while evading a dangerous secret society. The stakes are high, the action relentless, and the twists and turns will keep you flipping pages deep into the night.

This was my first read in the series, and while it works as a standalone, I suspect prior knowledge of the characters and their histories would make it even more enjoyable. It’s a rollicking, entertaining read—although occasionally a bit far-fetched—but that’s part of the fun. Cunningham does a great job keeping the tension high, and I found myself invested in the outcome, eager to see how Buck would navigate the cold treachery and double-crosses.

If you love action-packed treasure hunts with a dash of danger and intrigue, Under the Charcoal Sky will deliver. It’s the perfect escapist read for anyone who craves a little adventure in their life.

📖 Released 14 January 2025
📚 Thanks to NetGalley and Greene Street, LLC, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jade (Prairiejewel1).
24 reviews
January 26, 2025
Under the Charcoal Sky is a fast read and could be enjoyed as a standalone if you haven't started the
series yet, like me.

I'm unsure if not having read any other books in this series made it harder to connect with the characters, but I did not experience open-ended questions. I initially struggled to connect with the main character, Buck, and his storyline. I had very little character development before going down the rabbit hole of Buck, discovering that his birth father is a billionaire and his birth mother is dead. Still, she had connections to The Stuart Family, which could date back to King Robert, and while finding this out...Buck finds himself with a bounty on his head placed by a secret society for documentation of an agreement that took place hundreds of years ago. Although you find out the bounty's reasoning at the end, I felt like a bouncy ball trying to follow along with the storyline and influx of information. I still found myself wanting to figure out what happens, and if you're looking for a fast-paced book and an opportunity to learn a little about Clans in Scotland, Norway, and England, then you might enjoy this. I did appreciate the opportunity to review this
eARC with GetRedPR Books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kate Vocke (bookapotamus).
643 reviews138 followers
February 26, 2025
Buck Reilly is one of my favorite adventure heroes. I’ve always picture him as Indiana Jones meets Jimmy Buffet, while he and his crew get into some sort of trouble - finding treasures, and solving mysteries.⁣

Under the Charcoal Sky is book 12 in the series but they can all be enjoyed as amazing standalone reads - although trust me when I say you’re going to want read them ALL after reading just one. I am still waiting for my Buck Reilly movie!⁣

This one takes over mere days after the last story - and shapes up to be Buck’s greatest adventure. He just found out his birth father’s identity at the close of his Formula 1 escapades - and he’s now in Scotland, uncovering who his real mother is. ⁣

But a secret society that goes back generations has been hiding her identity, amongst other closely guarded information. If Buck doesn’t find one very specific hidden item in a few days - him and his friends will all be killed.⁣

Another fun adventure tale that is non-stop tension-filled suspense, with a ragtag cast of characters I’ve grown to know and love, once again, getting into all sorts of explosive conflicts and terrifying thrills and shenanigans. ⁣

I cannot wait to see what trouble they get into next and how Buck will again (hopefully) get them out of it!
Profile Image for Viking Jam.
1,372 reviews23 followers
December 23, 2024
Review: The tropes were heavy handed from the get go. In my best mocking voice I proceed with this review. Our hero's name is....wait for it....BUCK REILLY!. Really. Buck. Is that like Buck Fuk? Buck Knives? Buck Owens? Buck Rogers? See he used to be super rich but now is mildly rich and just found out that his biological father is a scottish billionaire. WAH!? His girlfriend/ex-wife is a super hot, super sexy, international super model because she has to be. And based on a 700 year old agreement between royalty, he could be KING BUCK!! But fuk dat, he just wants his cadre of Island boys to be safe. Yawn.

This seemed a thinly built story line where everything conveniently falls into place. The action sequences are mainly derived from plot holes scattered about the novel. While logic takes a back seat in many instances, I liked the various changing venues.

This was corny as fuk, but is a good time no-brainer read. I received this ARC for an honest review.

2.5/5
Profile Image for Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff).
2,602 reviews98 followers
January 9, 2025
This was a fun, thrilling, and fast-paced adventure.

Buck Reilly, an archeologist, now the owner of the Last Resort Charter and Salvage, is searching for his birthmother's identity, and his friends are along for the ride. Their search takes them to England, Scotland, and the Northernmost city in Norway.

It’s a high-stakes adventure as Buck and his friends embark on a treasure hunt of sorts, risking their lives to find hidden documents. The ever-present danger adds a layer of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The travel, along with all the royal clan lineage woven in, makes for an interesting read. But it's Buck and his friends who steal the show with their witty banter, adding a layer of humor that keeps you thoroughly entertained. This is the twelfth book in the series, but you can jump in and enjoy this one.

Thank you @getredprbooks and @johnhcunningham for a gifted ebook.
Profile Image for Edens Book Den.
486 reviews22 followers
March 2, 2025


The Quote by William Wallace at the beginning hooked me …

“All men die, but not all men really live.”

What a fun and thrilling adventure! This was my first book by this author, even though it’s the twelfth in the series—I had no trouble jumping in as it’s a stand-alone read. Buck, our main character, is full of humor and wit as he embarks on a thrilling search for answers about his family lineage. His journey takes him across multiple countries, but the deeper he digs, the more danger he and his friends face.

The suspense kept me hooked, but what I loved most was the camaraderie, friendship, and mystery. Secret societies always add an exciting layer to a story, and here, it plays a key role in why Buck’s mother’s identity was hidden. With so many great characters, this book has that “found family” charm I adore. Definitely a series worth picking up especially if you’re a mystery lover!

I can’t wait for the next adventure! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Cynde.
748 reviews24 followers
March 18, 2025
The author's previous books have been light-hearted (for the most part) mysteries set in the beautiful Florida Keys. This book takes Buck Reilly and his three friends off to Scotland, after helping heroically in a race in Italy with Buck's patron, Sir Harry Greenbaum.
Sir Harry has helped Buck in several of his money making ventures through the years, including the charter plane business he currently runs. Once back at the castle, Sir Harry drops a bombshell on Buck about his birth parents. This opens a giant can of worms so to speak and the four friends flee for their lives in search of a canister his birth mother had - that a deadly secret society wants back. The cannister holds historically important Papers that the Sect does not want revealed. The chase is harrowing with stabbings , kidnappings, liars, travels and danger at every turn. How on earth will they all live through this?
This is an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,437 reviews69 followers
December 19, 2024
Under the Charcoal Sky bynew to me author J.H. Cunningham, published by Storm Publishing, is book 12 in the Buck Reilly Series.
An incredible read, excellent writtenfull of suspense, unexpected twists and turns.
Blurb: After a life-changing discovery, Buck Reilly embarks on his greatest adventure, which could be his last. The identity of the woman who gave him life is a closely guarded secret for reasons that go far beyond her own short existence. As Buck pursues information that has been fiercely hidden in Scotland for generations, it puts him and his friends in the crosshairs of a secret society whose sole purpose is to eliminate any threat of exposing the truth. Their lives depend on Buck finding missing ancient documents and treasure, impossibly fast, or they will all be in great danger.
Profile Image for Keila (speedreadstagram).
2,196 reviews284 followers
December 20, 2024
Thank you to @getredprbooks for sharing this e-arc with me. All thoughts are my own.


This is such a fast paced and fun thriller! I love a good fast paced read, and this one was just that. I propelled through the almost 300 pages in such a quick fashion. I couldn’t wait to find out what was going on and I needed to keep turning the pages. Before I knew it, I’d finished the whole book and I was just shocked at how quickly I devoured it, but I didn’t want it to end it was so good. The story was really fun, and I enjoyed following Buck on his journey. It was full of action and loads of fun. The writing was very well done and kept my attention peaked the whole time. The twists were fantastic and I didn’t see them coming, it was a fun reading experience and I will be checking out the rest of this series.

If you’re looking for a really fun thriller then check this one out.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,475 reviews13 followers
February 18, 2025
This action packed story is book 12 in the Buck Reilly series but I read it as a stand alone and enjoyed it. Buck has just discovered the truth about his biological father and as he tries to learn more about his biological mother the danger increases. I was drawn into the historical mystery and found myself researching Scottish history along with Buck and his friends. Buck and his friends are interesting characters and I liked the friendship and how they worked together.I am adding this series to my list of must reads and tackling the earlier books. I highly recommend this book to readers that enjoy adventure books combined with historical mysteries.

Thanks to Get Red PR and the author for providing a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jeff Benham.
1,730 reviews12 followers
January 15, 2025
King Buck is back! Straight on the heels of Buried In Orange, Buck and his group are still in Italy and Buck has learned that Harry is his father and his birth mother was royalty. Harry warns Buck that if he goes to Scotland to search for information on his birth mother, who died giving birth to him, he needs to be very careful. No sooner does he get there when there is an attempt on his life. Everything gets more complicated and more exciting from there.
Profile Image for Booksandcoffeemx.
2,492 reviews136 followers
January 15, 2025
This book is a race against the clock and will take you to a non stop adventure to fantastic European destinations.
Beleive me when I say that once you start you won’t be able to stop reading, fast-paced, thrilling and epic.

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗸𝘆 is part of the Buck Reilly Adventure Series but can be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for trudy.
1 review
April 14, 2025
Buck Reilly adventure series was a great read

I just finished the Buck Reilly adventure series. I really enjoyed all the books. Him and his rag tag friends from key west are a very colorful group
I loved the adventures they embarked on and couldn't put the books down. I spent many late nights reading them all
Profile Image for booksy.tx.ana.
797 reviews8 followers
Read
January 12, 2025
It moved quickly to the crux of the story, finding out Buck’s natural parentage. This was interesting and did help bring me into the story.
The writing and overall action were enjoyable. It was an easy read. I’m not against maybe reading from the beginning. I think I’d like getting to know the characters better this way.



Come read with me on instagram @booksy.tx.ana
32 reviews
January 16, 2025
a rip roaring British adventure

What a fantastic book. When I first started it ( At3 in the afternoon it seemed slow . Then they flew across the pond and holy Hanna all hell broke loose . Ya gotta read it to beleiver it it’s 10 pm and it was just FANTASTIC!!!
16 reviews
January 19, 2025
it gets better every time

King Buck?

The whole gang is at it again but far in the past and away from their island home.

A great action filled adventure with enough twists to keep you reading late into the night.

Can’t wait to read what happens next.
4 reviews
January 24, 2025
Awesome!!

As.usual, John Cunningham created a nonstop, action packed journey for Buck Reilly, that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Great stuff John! Thank you!!
78 reviews
January 25, 2025
A great read

Under the Charcoal Sky is another exciting story in the Buck Reilly Adventure Series. The European settings provide a different backdrop for Buck’s adventures. This one is hard to put down. It’s a great read.
6 reviews
February 4, 2025
Scotland, here we come!

Another crazy ride from John H. Cunningham. He does not disappoint. All our favorite characters are in the run. A lot of history is explained. A very satisfying book to read. It's hard to put down. Enjoy!!
Profile Image for Stuart Leopold.
18 reviews
February 16, 2025
Travel The World By Chapter.

As always, John H. Cunningham grabs the reader by the imagination and with grace, flies him/her around the world via his vivid imagination.
“Under A Charcoal Sky” is worth the time it takes to absorb every single moment between covers.
1 review
March 2, 2025
Buck never fails to surprise

This is a story I never expected, but that’s what made it so good. More revelations of Bucks past come to light in a very surprising way. I loved all the twists and turns!
Profile Image for Melissa Bartlow.
16 reviews
July 16, 2025
This might be Buck Reilly’s most intense adventure yet! The mystery around his past had me hooked, and the chase through Scotland was full of danger, twists, and emotional punches. High stakes, nonstop action, and a secret that’s worth killing for, absolutely gripping.
Profile Image for Pamela.
364 reviews54 followers
Want to read
January 3, 2025
01/01/25 Pamela, you won a free Kindle book!
7 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2025
Great as always

John is a master story teller the mystery is woven into layers that build on each other looking forward to the next one
Profile Image for Janis Brown.
79 reviews
January 19, 2025
Another exciting Buck Adventure

Never know what Buck and his friends will get into next. I really enjoyed his adventure and look forward to the next.
Profile Image for Connie.
498 reviews11 followers
January 22, 2025
I won this. Thank you. This is a fun story. It reminds me of the old fashioned serials. Lots of action and adventures. Danger abounds. Buck is the perfect hero for the story.
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