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Purple Deceiver:
After salvaging the Queen’s Jewels from the wreck of the Nuestra Señora Farnese, Buck Reilly’s finally back on top. Once more hailed as a world class archeologist, he’s riding the wave of success…until his past mistakes begin to surface from the depths. The questionable provenance of his latest find, not to mention the death of his former partner, Jack Dodson, have drawn the eye of law enforcement agencies, from the Bahamian Police to Interpol. As the evidence against him piles up (and legal fees begin to loom), Buck reluctantly agrees to track down a mysterious cache of “great value,” hidden somewhere on Key West by the original owner of the island.
But he’s not the only one. Dozens of treasure hunters have descended on the island, and some will stop at nothing to find the stash first.
Buck’s friends all rally to his cause, but the odds are stacked against them. Can they find the treasure before the competition closes in—and before Buck ends up behind Bahamian bars? Get ready for a grueling race against the clock in the ultimate scavenger hunt.
But he’s not the only one. Dozens of treasure hunters have descended on the island, and some will stop at nothing to find the stash first.
Buck’s friends all rally to his cause, but the odds are stacked against them. Can they find the treasure before the competition closes in—and before Buck ends up behind Bahamian bars? Get ready for a grueling race against the clock in the ultimate scavenger hunt.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2022
146 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
John H. Cunningham
23 books260 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 35 reviews
February 6, 2023
Purple Deceiver
By: John H. Cunningham
An adventure in Key West. This is a series, but can be read as a stand alone. Buck Reilly has salvaged the Queens Jewels in the Bahamian waters. Major problem as he did not have the authority to search there. He transferred the jewels to another place for the “discovery”.
The authorities are hot on his trail. With the help of his ex wife and friends his adventure continues. Can he get out of this jam!
Thank you @getredprbooks for this advanced copy.
#getredprbooks, #johnhcunnigham,
#greenstreetllc, #treasurehunt, #readingmytbry, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #stamperlady50, #booksconnectus
By: John H. Cunningham
An adventure in Key West. This is a series, but can be read as a stand alone. Buck Reilly has salvaged the Queens Jewels in the Bahamian waters. Major problem as he did not have the authority to search there. He transferred the jewels to another place for the “discovery”.
The authorities are hot on his trail. With the help of his ex wife and friends his adventure continues. Can he get out of this jam!
Thank you @getredprbooks for this advanced copy.
#getredprbooks, #johnhcunnigham,
#greenstreetllc, #treasurehunt, #readingmytbry, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #stamperlady50, #booksconnectus
January 11, 2023
I love a series that can be read out of order as standalones. I had no idea this book was number ten in the series! I must say for being so far into the series the author did a great job making it feel like a fresh new story. The action will have you on the edge of your seat and the hint of mystery will keep you guessing. This book is perfect for fans of Tomb Raider or Uncharted. I would love for this book to be turned into a movie! Overall, I would definitely recommend this one. It was well written, action packed, and had good pacing.
Thank you so much @getredprbooks for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you so much @getredprbooks for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 15, 2023
An adventure story that reminds me of the 80's type of action adventure movies.
Tons of references to Key West, the central location of the story.
If you enjoy male-centered adventure type stories filled with lots of action, definitely check this one out
Tons of references to Key West, the central location of the story.
If you enjoy male-centered adventure type stories filled with lots of action, definitely check this one out
January 5, 2023
What can I say about Buck Reilly? Just when you think he is down for the count, he rises from the ashes. I hope the author never runs out of adventures or colors. There aren't many books that I have read more than once, but this whole series is worth rereading.
December 17, 2022
Purple Deceiver is a love story to Key West and its history. I’ve never been to Key West, Florida, but after reading this book, I’d really like to go and see all of the historical buildings mentioned. I feel like I know more about Key West than I do of my own city. I thought the history was absolutely fascinating.
This is the 10th book in the Buck Reilly Adventures. Even though I hadn’t read any of the first 9 books, I was easily able to immerse myself in this book.
Buck Reilly, a water-plane flying treasure hunter, finds himself in hot water with his last treasure discovery and the Bahamian Police, and needs funds quickly to lawyer up.
He takes on a treasure hunting gig where the treasure was hidden on Key West by the original owners of the island. Buck and his friends race against time to try be the first to find the hidden treasure before he can be extradited back to the Bahamas where he could spend the next 20 years behind bars.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters that help Buck, his best friends. There were times where there were huge data dumps of information which slowed down the story, although it was necessary to know some of it. Following Buck through Key West was non-stop and at times left me as breathless as Buck. I really enjoyed the ending and I’m looking forward to Buck’s next adventure.
What really drew me in to wanting to read this story was the gorgeous purple cover. Well done!
*Thank you so much to the author and to Get Red PR for providing a gifted copy of Purple Deceiver.*
This is the 10th book in the Buck Reilly Adventures. Even though I hadn’t read any of the first 9 books, I was easily able to immerse myself in this book.
Buck Reilly, a water-plane flying treasure hunter, finds himself in hot water with his last treasure discovery and the Bahamian Police, and needs funds quickly to lawyer up.
He takes on a treasure hunting gig where the treasure was hidden on Key West by the original owners of the island. Buck and his friends race against time to try be the first to find the hidden treasure before he can be extradited back to the Bahamas where he could spend the next 20 years behind bars.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters that help Buck, his best friends. There were times where there were huge data dumps of information which slowed down the story, although it was necessary to know some of it. Following Buck through Key West was non-stop and at times left me as breathless as Buck. I really enjoyed the ending and I’m looking forward to Buck’s next adventure.
What really drew me in to wanting to read this story was the gorgeous purple cover. Well done!
*Thank you so much to the author and to Get Red PR for providing a gifted copy of Purple Deceiver.*
December 22, 2022
I was sent this book to review and it is definitely outside of my normal genre (this is an action book) but I enjoyed it. The main character is Buck Reilly (or more recently he was called King Buck by the New York Times) who is the main character in several of this author’s books. He’s an archeologist who has had highs and lows and is currently in a high point again and asked to help find The Simonton family treasure (the Simontons purchased Key West and buried treasure somewhere and left a set of clues which aren’t very insightful.) Buck is awaiting a very large payment (it’s in escrow) from the last treasure he helped find (which is good because he had been bankrupt at one time) so he kind of needs this job but doesn’t need it since he knows money is coming but he is intrigued. Buck finds out the money he’s expecting may be in question and he’s involved in a hit and run and later finds threatening notes and calls and believes it’s all tied together .
Even though he was briefly back on top, trouble seems to follow Buck and he only has so many people he can still count on. He is accused by the FBI and Bahamas police of lying about where he found the last treasure he found and he needs a lot of money he doesn’t have to get out of his. His ex wife (who is an ex super model) shows up and lets him know he’s in trouble. Together they along with a few friends try to solve the clues to find the treasure in order to help Buck save himself. They have competition though because the challenge to find the treasure was opened up to others and people begin traveling to Key West to see if they can find it. Throughout the book there are many race against the clock moments and moments where Buck and his friends’ lives are in danger which makes it an exciting read.
This is a series you don’t have to have read the prior books, the author does a great job bringing the reader up to speed. I do kind of want to go back and read them though to fill in some details because things were mentioned from I’m thinking past books that I wondered more about. This is a fast paced book that kept my attention however it was a lot of history packed into the book, especially toward the end, so it was sort of long winded but all in all I liked this book and I may be reading more adventure in the future!
Even though he was briefly back on top, trouble seems to follow Buck and he only has so many people he can still count on. He is accused by the FBI and Bahamas police of lying about where he found the last treasure he found and he needs a lot of money he doesn’t have to get out of his. His ex wife (who is an ex super model) shows up and lets him know he’s in trouble. Together they along with a few friends try to solve the clues to find the treasure in order to help Buck save himself. They have competition though because the challenge to find the treasure was opened up to others and people begin traveling to Key West to see if they can find it. Throughout the book there are many race against the clock moments and moments where Buck and his friends’ lives are in danger which makes it an exciting read.
This is a series you don’t have to have read the prior books, the author does a great job bringing the reader up to speed. I do kind of want to go back and read them though to fill in some details because things were mentioned from I’m thinking past books that I wondered more about. This is a fast paced book that kept my attention however it was a lot of history packed into the book, especially toward the end, so it was sort of long winded but all in all I liked this book and I may be reading more adventure in the future!
December 30, 2022
Purple Deceiver is the tenth in John Cunningham’s Buck Reilly Adventure Series. Despite that, the novel is easily read as a standalone as the author provides enough back story to keep the reader from being lost. After being down on his luck for a while, Buck has recently salvaged the Queen’s Jewels from a wreck in Bahamian water. He didn’t have the proper authority to salvage there, so he takes the treasure to different waters and “discovers” it there. Now, he’s riding on that success and reclaimed his title of “King Buck,” a world class archeologist. His subterfuge comes to light just as he and dozens of other treasure seekers start seeking an unknown treasure in Key West.
This is a quick read, a page-turner that keeps the reader entertained as it reveals the history of Key West and the men who built the city from nothing. Key West is well described and is a character in its own right in this novel. Buck has a character arc as he realizes he has endangered his ex-wife and his friends and his own greed has caused his dire circumstances. This is a good beach or airport read.
This is a quick read, a page-turner that keeps the reader entertained as it reveals the history of Key West and the men who built the city from nothing. Key West is well described and is a character in its own right in this novel. Buck has a character arc as he realizes he has endangered his ex-wife and his friends and his own greed has caused his dire circumstances. This is a good beach or airport read.
January 17, 2023
This book was such a fun adventure-action thriller that gave me vibes of a John Grisham novel turned Indiana Jones. It was jam packed with very interesting historical fiction relating to the founding of Key West, Florida, where the story takes place, and lots of fun action along the way. I loved the treasure hunt, the dangerous turns, the second chance romance, and way it all worked out in the end. Buck Reilly is a fun character, who has made some bad decisions, but is not a bad guy and he was totally lovable. Also the treasure they found….wow, let’s just say treasure isn’t always in the form of a chest of gold and this one was crazy genius! If you love a good action adventure thriller and are into historical fiction, I highly recommend this read.
This book was part of a series but it can be read as a standalone easily. I did not feel left out of any part for not having read the prior book.
This book was part of a series but it can be read as a standalone easily. I did not feel left out of any part for not having read the prior book.
October 31, 2022
I came across the Buck Reilly series a couple of years back. Man, John Cunningham has created a second family for me. His characters are well-developed, and you’ll love, despise, and fear them appropriately. I began this adventure with “Red Right Return,” and nine books later, after finishing “Purple Deceiver,” I’m back in suspended animation, awaiting Brigadoon’s return. John is determined in his research, be it historical, geographic, gastronomic, or transportation; he’s dialed in. Trust me - I’ve fact-checked. The thrills are endless in Buck’s quest for monetary gain while constantly struggling with his moral compass and, of course, his love life.
Well done, John – Again, I couldn’t put it down!
Well done, John – Again, I couldn’t put it down!
November 2, 2022
Intense, with a capital I. Buck is sitting pretty with his discovery of the Farnese treasure. The problem is, he didn't get the permits and the Bahamian government wants it back and Buck in jail. There is also a matter of the death of his ex-partner, so they also want him for murder. His assets are frozen and he desperately needs funds for a lawyer. Unfortunately, non of his friends are in position to help. His one chance is to find a treasure on the island using clues left by an original purchaser 200 years before. It doesn't help that there seems to be an island full of people looking for the same thing. How he goes about this and the end result is nothing short of amazing!
November 14, 2022
A “Must Read” for Authentic Key West History, Culture, and Adventure
On its own—Purple Deceiver provides all the ingredients of a great treasure hunt and mystery and delivers at every chapter. Combine it with a recent trip to Key West and you’ll relive and “re-walk” your visit through the streets, sights, bars, people, and topography of “the Island.”
And as a bonus, if you’re lucky like me—you’ll have met characters he included—like Bill Klipp and Justin Valakis, and visited the locations in the book…from the hotels, bars, eateries, landmarks, and more.
Felt like I was literally “in each scene” in the book…because two weeks ago…I was!
On its own—Purple Deceiver provides all the ingredients of a great treasure hunt and mystery and delivers at every chapter. Combine it with a recent trip to Key West and you’ll relive and “re-walk” your visit through the streets, sights, bars, people, and topography of “the Island.”
And as a bonus, if you’re lucky like me—you’ll have met characters he included—like Bill Klipp and Justin Valakis, and visited the locations in the book…from the hotels, bars, eateries, landmarks, and more.
Felt like I was literally “in each scene” in the book…because two weeks ago…I was!
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December 27, 2022
Buck Reilly is always able to stay one step ahead of everyone, including multiple law enforcement agencies, and that my friends is why I struggled. Within action books there is always an assumed acceptance of suspending reality but this pushed me a little further than I'd normally be comfortable doing.
Beyond that I thought it was a well crafted story that kept me turning each page to see what would happen next. I hadn't read the first books in the series and didn't feel hindered by jumping in mid-series.
Overall great action books!
Thank you to Get Red PR for sending me a copy to review.
Beyond that I thought it was a well crafted story that kept me turning each page to see what would happen next. I hadn't read the first books in the series and didn't feel hindered by jumping in mid-series.
Overall great action books!
Thank you to Get Red PR for sending me a copy to review.
December 21, 2022
I love books that feature an adventure, especially when it comes to treasure hunting. Purple Deceiver focuses on Buck, his archaeology, and the death of his former partner, Jack Dodson. When I sat down to read this, I was immediately pulled into the pages to discover what happened.
For me, this was a quick read because I was so excited to find out who would find the treasure! Buck is such an enjoyable character with his personality and determination. The author knows how to write an adventure and keep readers on their toes
For me, this was a quick read because I was so excited to find out who would find the treasure! Buck is such an enjoyable character with his personality and determination. The author knows how to write an adventure and keep readers on their toes
January 28, 2026
John Cunningham is a very good storyteller
Reading Cunningham's stories is always enjoyable. Mister Cunningham has An excellent storytelling ability And I can't wait to travel to Florida And walk through the keys And see all the places that he talks about in his stories. If you're trying to decide If you're trying to decide whether This is a series of books you'd like to read all I can say is I haven't been disappointed. All you need to do is get the 1st book started The rest will come together on its own...
Reading Cunningham's stories is always enjoyable. Mister Cunningham has An excellent storytelling ability And I can't wait to travel to Florida And walk through the keys And see all the places that he talks about in his stories. If you're trying to decide If you're trying to decide whether This is a series of books you'd like to read all I can say is I haven't been disappointed. All you need to do is get the 1st book started The rest will come together on its own...
November 7, 2022
Wow! JohnCunningham is making us work for it to figure out what the "treasure" is in Purple Deceiver. I couldn't put this one down until the end, straining my brain and racing to solve the riddle before he revealed the solution. And Buck finally got in more trouble this time than ever before, including a jail cell with his name on it in Nassau! Twists, turns, Feds, Interpol, and... Heather! This one has it all.
November 12, 2022
Another Great Addition to the “Buck Reilly” Saga. Highly Recommended.
Once again “King Buck” takes “center stage” in a tale where his entire future hangs upon his skill of finding elusive treasures. Is he successful?
Well. You’ll have to read it to find the answer.
I can honestly say this is a great story.
Thank you John H. Cunningham for another great read. Next please.
Once again “King Buck” takes “center stage” in a tale where his entire future hangs upon his skill of finding elusive treasures. Is he successful?
Well. You’ll have to read it to find the answer.
I can honestly say this is a great story.
Thank you John H. Cunningham for another great read. Next please.
November 17, 2022
King Buck lives to see another day!
What can I say? Another great adventure from John Cunningham. If you like adventure his Buck Reilly series is a definite read. This one stayed in the Key West we all love. And what a ride. Do yourself a favor and read this series. Ypu won't be disappointed.
What can I say? Another great adventure from John Cunningham. If you like adventure his Buck Reilly series is a definite read. This one stayed in the Key West we all love. And what a ride. Do yourself a favor and read this series. Ypu won't be disappointed.
March 9, 2023
Buck Reilly Thrills Again
I have read all 10 of the books in this series and Purple Deceiver didn't disappoint. I couldn't put this book down trying to figure what the treasure could be. I love all the characters. After 10 of his books they now feel like friends. Can't wait for the 11 th book in this series.
I have read all 10 of the books in this series and Purple Deceiver didn't disappoint. I couldn't put this book down trying to figure what the treasure could be. I love all the characters. After 10 of his books they now feel like friends. Can't wait for the 11 th book in this series.
November 9, 2022
King Buck does it again!
What a great ride this one takes us on without ever leaving Key West. Great plot and a fascinating history lesson wrapped together! Suspense and mystery right to the end, can’t wait to see what happens in the chapter of Buck’s world.
What a great ride this one takes us on without ever leaving Key West. Great plot and a fascinating history lesson wrapped together! Suspense and mystery right to the end, can’t wait to see what happens in the chapter of Buck’s world.
November 11, 2022
a great story of adventure
I really enjoy an adventure book and this one was certainly one for the books . It makes you want to go out and find your own treasure . I've always enjoyed a Buck Reilly book but this one kept my fascinated and entertained.
I really enjoy an adventure book and this one was certainly one for the books . It makes you want to go out and find your own treasure . I've always enjoyed a Buck Reilly book but this one kept my fascinated and entertained.
November 18, 2022
Thank you to author John Cunningham for this FREE Kindle copy of Purple Deceiver.
Nicely done. Good set of characters, pacing and scenery to create a page turner of a read. Well edited, and very nice cover design. A good read, and highly recommended.
Nicely done. Good set of characters, pacing and scenery to create a page turner of a read. Well edited, and very nice cover design. A good read, and highly recommended.
December 8, 2022
More than worth the time to read
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
January 18, 2023
Wow!
I liked the entire book, plus all the history of Florida. It definitely forced me not to put the book down. You amaze me with your writing skills. All I can really say is Thank You. Your Mother would be proud!
I liked the entire book, plus all the history of Florida. It definitely forced me not to put the book down. You amaze me with your writing skills. All I can really say is Thank You. Your Mother would be proud!
May 23, 2024
Riley better get Heather
Lots of kudos to his attys and heather for saving his ass also the key west tribe for their assist more to come it wax his biggest treasure find ever...ciao from Bobbie and I ...
Lots of kudos to his attys and heather for saving his ass also the key west tribe for their assist more to come it wax his biggest treasure find ever...ciao from Bobbie and I ...
November 1, 2022
I managed to keep my excitement down.
Untill the day of release !
Yep, this is another memorable Buck Reilly adventure !
Thank you John, you are a master !
Untill the day of release !
Yep, this is another memorable Buck Reilly adventure !
Thank you John, you are a master !
November 8, 2022
Great, well written story. As usual.
Waiting for the next one. Running out of colors for the titles, though. Maybe mauve or taupe. Just a thought...
Waiting for the next one. Running out of colors for the titles, though. Maybe mauve or taupe. Just a thought...
November 30, 2022
As usual, great story and great book!
John Cunningham delivered another great story that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire way through. I strongly recommend this.
John Cunningham delivered another great story that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire way through. I strongly recommend this.
December 11, 2022
An interesting look at Key West as Buck tries to get himself out of trouble and also find a hidden treasure right there. Good characters, both good and bad. Won this in a Goodreads Giveaway
January 4, 2023
Great read
A well told story with fascinating history from the original development Key West blended with a perfect Buck Reilly treasure hunt.
A well told story with fascinating history from the original development Key West blended with a perfect Buck Reilly treasure hunt.
January 11, 2023
Jammed packed with adventures and life like scenery. I will be looking for more by John Cunningham.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews