Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Buck Reilly Adventure #7

Silver Goodbye: Buck Reilly Adventure Series Book 7

Rate this book
Imagine learning that someone you loved, the person who had been your role model and rock, had a past life so deep and dark that it obliterated your entire relationship.

Silver Goodbye takes off fast when Buck Reilly, the once famous archeologist who lost his company, fortune, supermodel wife, and parents, makes a discovery that shakes the fragile foundation of his world. The revelation sends Buck back to Key West aboard the Beast, his ancient flying boat, to search for answers to a thirty-year old family mystery and a cache of untold riches. Turns out that Jade Diaz, the daughter of a dead drug smuggler is on the same hunt, and when she reluctantly teams with Buck, the dark past returns to hunt them with a vengeance.

To make matters worse, Hurricane Irma is ripping a path of destruction through the Caribbean, forcing Buck to race against its descent onto the Keys to save Jade and find the buried stash before the storm surge washes it away.

Silver Goodbye will shake you at the start, stir you in the middle, and blow you away at the end.

242 pages, Paperback

Published July 13, 2018

227 people are currently reading
63 people want to read

About the author

John H. Cunningham

23 books257 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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
378 (65%)
4 stars
159 (27%)
3 stars
33 (5%)
2 stars
4 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Suzanne Leopold (Suzy Approved Book Reviews).
434 reviews252 followers
September 28, 2018
Buck Reilly always believed that his deceased father was an honorable man working at the State Department. This view is altered when he returns to his childhood home to clean out some of his parents’ belongings. He comes across his father’s journals that link his involvement to drug smuggling between Key West and South America.

Half of a handwritten map within his papers triggers Buck to investigate his father’s role and to search for others who may have been involved. It’s clear his father had a secret life and he wants clarity on his motivations. Their worlds begin to collide when he meets his father’s former associates during hurricane Irma. The journal and map turn out to be important for everyone involved.

Silver Goodbye is the seventh novel written in the series. I read this book as a stand alone and look forward to getting acquainted with the previous books. As a blogger, I love expanding my range of genres and meeting new authors such as John H. Cunningham.
Profile Image for Kate Vocke (bookapotamus).
643 reviews136 followers
September 19, 2018
How have I NOT yet read anything in this series!?! Apparently this is the 7th book featuring the kick-a$$ Buck Reilly, and I’m just realizing this?! I have a MAJOR book crush on this guy. He can come save me anyday! The story propels you on a whirlwind mystery, treasure hunting adventure with hurricane force speed. It doesn’t’ slow down from start to finish and you won’t want it to.

And although it’s my first adventure with Buck Reilly, I had no problem jumping right into his laid back Key West island life of dysfunctional business ventures and gutsy exploits – the book stands on its own as a fun, fast-paced heartpounding journey. I jumped right in and happily rode out the waves of this incredibly fun storm.

Buck Reilly is the quintessential madcap treasure hunter adventure dude. He’s had a sketchy business history and hiccups in the relationship department, but one thing he’s never questioned, was his parents, sadly killed years ago in an accident in Switzerland. But after a peculiar classified pops up in the local paper, and some strange documents are unearthed at their old farm, Buck starts to question everything he knows. And of course, the urge to uncover the truth about his father fuels his appetite for investigation and mystery, and substantial drama and danger ensue.

Oh and did I mention this all occurs during an insanely threatening and devastating Hurricane? Miss Irma is quite the character herself!

I loved this book. The whole cast of characters was a curious and quirky bunch that seem to echo the curious and quirky life of Key West, with a underlying sense of that lovely island community peeking throughout. The descriptions of the keys, the beauty of the settings, and the instability of the weather is sketched as if one was there - flying on a rickety plane through raging stormclouds, a high velocity car chase, perilous flooding of underground tunnels and sandy beaches… a feast for the senses and a heightened sense of danger and excitement that leaves your heart pounding.

Buck Reilly can take me on an adventure any day, and now I’ve got 6 more lined up! I’ll definitely be checking in on Buck more often to see what he is up to, and I hope you do too. Big thanks to GetRed PR, Suzy Approved Book Tours and John Cunningham!
Profile Image for Erin Seidemann.
Author 1 book14 followers
August 1, 2018
I've read every book in the Buck Reilly series. This one is yet another fun, adventurous read! I especially liked this one since I know Key West and could picture many of the places. This book goes more into Buck's family background and is full of surprises in that sense. There's lots of suspense and action, and I love how the planes are characters too. So buckle up for this one! As always, I can't wait for the next book to come out!
Profile Image for Don Rich.
Author 32 books72 followers
August 10, 2018
It's Buck Reilly. There's a storm, women, flying and Pilar rum. Enough said. If not, the Young Adult section is a mere two clicks away for you, and the almond milk is in the 'fridge.

"This is the best Buck Reilly book yet." 8 simple words that sum it up. Get two fingers of rum in a glass, add ice if you want (don't touch that cola bottle!), sit down and read it!

Is it really that good? It put my own writing schedule back by 4 hours. Gee, thanks, John!
Profile Image for Linda Zagon.
1,691 reviews213 followers
September 6, 2018
My Review of "Silver Goodbye" by John H. Cunningham

John H. Cunningham, Author of  "Silver Goodbye" has written an amazingly face paced action adventure, filled with intense, captivating, intriguing and page turning information.  The Genres for this novel are Adventure, Mystery, Suspense, and Fiction. The timeline for this story is around Hurricane Irma and takes place in Key West. This goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story.  The quirky and colorful characters are complex and complicated.

 Buck Reilly is the dysfunctional hero in "Silver Goodbye" This is not the first book in the series but can be read as a stand alone.  Buck Reilly reminds me a little of MacGyver with his fearless abandon, and adventurous streak. He is capable of flying a monstrosity of a boat-plane called "The Beast. " Buck finds a blast from the past when he stumbles upon older pictures of his father. Is his father a hero, or a villain? Buck is forced to investigate at great danger. As more information unfolds, and lack of time as Hurricane Irma is destroying the Caribbean, Buck is in even more peril. Will he be able to survive and save the day?. 

There are betrayals, and deep dark secrets. Tunnels and old architecture add to the vivid descriptions that John H. Cunningham reveals. I appreciate the research that the author seems to have done as far as storms and weather go. If you enjoy a chase, intrigue, and suspense. I highly recommend "Silver Goodbye" as a read for you.
Profile Image for Stephanie (Littlebookpage).
153 reviews16 followers
September 20, 2018
Silver Goodbye by John H. Cunningham is a fast paced action adventure treasure hunt. As Hurricaine Irma swirls swiftly to the Florida Keys, Buck Reilly is uncovering family secrets just as forceful. Racing against time, Buck decides to stay on the islands and follow the clues he has discovered in his late father's belongings. His dad was his hero, could he really have been involved in one of the most notorious drug smuggling rings leaving behind an old enemy and a stash of cash? Mystery and intrigue, this book quickly takes you through underground tunnels right into the eye of the storm! If you enjoy adventure novels, you will love Silver Goodbye. Book 7 of the Buck reilly Adventure series but a first for me and can definitely be read as a stand alone. This book was quick to throw the reader right into the heart of the story and kept the pages turning until the end.
Profile Image for Russ.
303 reviews7 followers
August 21, 2020
Next to the last book in the Buck Reilly series. Yet another thrill a minute adventure. I'll be a bit disappointed when the series is finished.
Profile Image for Jeff Benham.
1,710 reviews11 followers
August 12, 2018
This is a hurricane force story! Buck finally returns to his childhood home, while his brother is away and starts cleaning out old records left by his parents who had been killed in a car accident years ago. Hopefully you are familiar with this series and know the sequence of events as to why his brother ended up with the entire estate. What he learns about his father stuns him and what he finds is half of what could be a treasure map. King Buck is back! But evidence points to his dad and 2 partners being drug runners in the 70s and 80s. Where they were running drugs was none other than Key West. One of the partner's daughter has a copy of the other half of the map. Together, they decide to follow where it leads. Naturally there is an unsavory character. This one is in the form of the remaining partner, who was the only one to do time for the drug running. He wants the money and forces Buck to fly barely operational Betty through the middle of Hurricane Irma to retrieve it. The action keeps flowing and there are more than a few surprises toward the end.
Profile Image for Cindy Roesel.
Author 1 book69 followers
September 24, 2018
SILVER GOODBYE is the seventh in John H. Cunningham’s highly-anticipated, Buck Reilly Adventure series, but it can be read as a stand alone. It's fast-paced, full of action and takes place in a hurricane. WOW!

This time we find Buck living comfortably at the La Concha Hotel in Key West and staying out of trouble for once in his life. However, there’s a big BUT coming…

Buck discovers something shocking and sordid about his role model father, who appeared to everyone to have led an exemplary life as an Under Secretary of State with the State Department. The revelation sends Buck in search of answers to a thirty-year-old family mystery and a cache of untold riches. As any good Buck Reilly Adventure would have it, there is always a beautiful woman, a treasure, and an enemy hell-bent on making sure Buck doesn’t see the light of another day.

To make matters worse, Hurricane Irma is ripping a path of destruction through the Caribbean, forcing Buck to race against its descent onto the Keys to save the girl and find the buried stash before the storm surge washes it away.

SILVER GOODBYE's quirky characters, secrets and betrayals will have you flipping pages to the very end ... and will have you checking out John's prior books in the series. We're looking forward to the next Buck Reilly Adventure.
Profile Image for Karina.
600 reviews19 followers
September 14, 2018
“Silver Goodbye” is the first book I have read by John H. Cunningham and it will not be the last! Even though this is the 7th book in this series it can very well be read as a standalone. I had no problems following the storyline and Mr. Cunningham writes a fast paced and exciting quick read. Once you start this book you will not want to put it down so make sure you have a comfortable chair, yours snacks and get ready to hunker down for several hours. I could not keep turning the pages fast enough to see all the surprises, twists and turns. I like the fact that it is set in Key West since I travel there quite a bit, and having hurricane Irma occur made the story suspenseful and absolutely entertaining.
If you are new to John H. Cunningham like I am do not hesitate to get into reading this series you will not be sorry. I am anxiously waiting for the next book to come out. Awesome book!!!!
Profile Image for abdulia ortiz-perez.
634 reviews39 followers
September 14, 2018
I received this book for honest review!

This is not my type of reading but was happy to received this cuz it was so good. Know I have to read more books of his and read more action packed books.


Wow what a surprising read. Couldn’t put it down and enjoyed every minute of it. Has a nice flow right from the end of the other books to this book. Just when I thought it was ending you turned and keep the reader at the edge of their chair.
Keep up the great work. Can’t wait for the next adventure.
I highly recommend this book.
Great Action Pack!
Profile Image for Eric.
32 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2022


Hurricane Irma’s on the the and buck is helping out by chartering people and their belongings out of the keys. He soon finds out some intriguing information about his dad and his not so clean past. Joining up with with a girl with a common past they are off to find his dads long lost stash. Of course, since it’s buck, things quickly spiral out of control.

I really enjoyed this one and if you liked the others you will enjoy this one too. It’s nice to continue to have a little different storyline than just racing jack Dodson to find the treasure first.
490 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2018
Another great Buck Reilly adventure.

I bought this book as soon as I saw it available. I have already read the previous six so I knew I was in for another treat. I was not disappointed!! There are plenty of twists and turns and surprises galore. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so all I can do is recommend not only THIS book, but the ENTIRE SERIES. You will not be disappointed at all. Thank you Mr. Cunningham for another well told tale. Please hurry with #8!!
Profile Image for Joe Sopcich.
63 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2018
Another delight

I really like the Buck Reilly series, and before I knew that Silver Goodbye was available, I had a different plan for my next few reads. Once I knew that Silver Goodbye was coming, I changed my reading plans to make sure that Silver Goodbye was next on my list. Again, I am a happy customer. Silver Goodbye, just like all the other Buck Reilly adventure books, was definitely the right choice. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
61 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2018
We all look forward to your tall tales...Silver Goodbye was a different look at life and a fast action packed story. Thank you for letting us escape with you !

We all look forward to your tall tales...Silver Goodbye was a different look at life and a fast action packed story.
Thank You for letting us escape with you !
Profile Image for FLJimmy.
153 reviews
September 9, 2018
This is a biased review - I'm a Buck fan to the end.
The book was more intense than others and great.
Another wild and dangerous ride, a bit of human interest, an old love returns, a new love burns, trust no one, yet count on many to assist.

I'm in my chair waiting for Buck's return. It is one of the series I look forward to like C.J. Box, Connelly, Child, Dorsey, and Crais.
Profile Image for Chris Hall.
7 reviews
November 20, 2018
I hate those damn hurricanes.... I loved this book! I finished this book the day it was delivered. As is always the case, John Cunningham and Buck Reilly delivered. Action, suspense, treasure, and even a new character or to. The worst part of the book is that I finished it so soon. Can’t wait for the next!
Profile Image for Tom Long.
37 reviews
August 25, 2018
I always have trouble putting a Buck Reilly adventure down. Silver Goodbye is no exception. Maybe it was having had our home hit by a hurricane not that long ago. I don't know. But, I found this to be the best in an excellent series.
Profile Image for Karen Kearns.
346 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2018
THAT GOLDEN TOUCH

As the Buck Reilly series goes on, it gets better and better. This book incorporates secret tunnels under Key a West, Colombian drug smuggling, and Hurricane Irma. Just can’t wait for book 9.
Keep up the good work, John Cunningham.
Profile Image for Jodena Pysher.
115 reviews36 followers
September 22, 2018
4 out of 5 Margaritas. I really enjoyed this book. Easy, light and keep you on the edge of your seat read. Buck finds a lot out about his fathers past. The more people he spoke to, the more answers he got. I cant wait to read the rest of this series!!!
3 reviews
January 1, 2019
Buck Reilly at his best!

My favorite so far. A real page turned full of twists and turns. A great read and once you start reading page one, you won't stop until the end. Waiting for the best adventure!
5 reviews
March 27, 2020
Wow

Read this one in a couple days. Great story, hard to put down. Ready for the next one! If you like fast moving, high action stories, this is it! LOVE the adventures of Buck Rielly
Profile Image for Janis Brown.
79 reviews
June 7, 2020
John Cunningham has become my new favorite author

Read the books in order....you won't be disappointed! Twists and turns are unpredictable!. Looking forward to the next. Thank you Covid-19 Lockdown for giving me so much reading time. Everyone continue to stay safe.
Profile Image for Jeff H.
38 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2022
Full of Action and suspense

As a survivor of hurricane Irma the addition of the hurricane made this one of my favorite books in the Buck Reilly series. I can't wait for the next book!
464 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2024
Once again

Never put this book down read in a few hours nothing but he'll fire Hurricane and gifts that will never be forgotten ...this was one great story can't wait for the next one puts vida from Bobbie and I ....
3 reviews
August 8, 2018
ANOTHER great Buck Reilly adventure!

A page turned indeed......and John's pledge to try and write more than one book a year is fantastic news! We're waiting bud.....
Profile Image for Robert Lawrence.
57 reviews2 followers
August 18, 2018
Another excellent Buck Reilly adventure! I won't give
away any specifics, suffice to say that the past isn't always what you thought it was.
Profile Image for Marisa.
1,350 reviews112 followers
September 22, 2018
A true testament to a great series is being able to read one book and enjoy it as a stand alone. This is the seventh book ans i cant wait to read Buck's other adventures
Profile Image for John Scheibelhut.
186 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2018
The sins of the father?

But k once again is stricken with treasure fever. Double cross is the name of the game in this stormy tale. A good read.
Profile Image for Jon Miner.
40 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2019
Another fanciful, but well written adventure with Buck and Ray and all the characters around Key West!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.