Red Right Return: A Buck Reilly Adventure

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Red Right Return: A Buck Reilly Adventure (Buck Reilly #1)

by John H. Cunningham (Goodreads Author)

3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 · rating details · 65 ratings · 33 reviews

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...more

Paperback, First, 314 pages

Published November 15th 2011 by Wheatmark (first published July 1st 2011)

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Feb 02, 2012 Kai rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

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...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Chandni rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: firstreads, mystery, reviewed

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 comple...more

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Jul 21, 2012 Wendy rated it 5 of 5 stars

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.

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 14, 2012 Sara Strand rated it 3 of 5 stars

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 b...more

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May 21, 2012 Michael rated it 5 of 5 stars

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...more

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Feb 16, 2012 Derek Dowell rated it 4 of 5 stars

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...more 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.(less)

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Jan 26, 2012 Michael Reisig rated it 4 of 5 stars

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.

R...more

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Oct 30, 2011 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery

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...more

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Dec 09, 2011 TC rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: action-thrillers

Buck Reilly is laying low, living out of a hotel in Key West. In a past life he was in charge of a successful antiquities company. However when it all came crashing down around him investors lost a lot of money and he found himself accused of fraud and murder. Now he runs Last Resort Charter and Salvage, hoping to find a treasure wreck that will help end his money worries. One particular charter trip lands him in the middle of escalating tensions between the USA and Cuba, possibly hexed by Sante...more Buck Reilly is laying low, living out of a hotel in Key West. In a past life he was in charge of a successful antiquities company. However when it all came crashing down around him investors lost a lot of money and he found himself accused of fraud and murder. Now he runs Last Resort Charter and Salvage, hoping to find a treasure wreck that will help end his money worries. One particular charter trip lands him in the middle of escalating tensions between the USA and Cuba, possibly hexed by Santero devotees and under the scrutiny of a seriously unhappy FBI agent. Despite everything that is going on he still finds time for a little romance.

The characters in this book are a lot of fun. Buck seems pretty laid back, enjoying following his dreams having managed to fly under the radar and avoid a prison spell. It seems like he's not such a bad guy, rather he got caught up in a venture that ended badly and then tried to take care of his former business partner. Potential squeeze Karen comes over as attractive but quirky. There are plenty of bad guys, some of whom turn out to have a bark worse than their bite. My slight problem with the book was the number of characters introduced in quick succession, some with names that were too similar to make them distinct. As the action got under way I found it a bit of an effort to remember who was who, and had done what, which made keeping up with the plot difficult. However by the end I had all the threads straightened out.

I loved the locations in the book, which mostly spoke of fun and sunshine, and having visited Key West recognised some of the places mentioned. The main plot had some good elements and, as someone who in the past has read about other less mainstream religions and beliefs, I found the parts about Santeria interesting. I'm a bit of an aviation fan so loved Buck's pride and joy, amphibious plane Betty.

I found this action novel a breath of fresh air, it felt much less dark than many I have read but without descending into farce, but did think that with some tinkering it could have been easier to follow. I warmed to Buck and would love to know more about his past and keep up with his future adventures.(less)

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Jan 13, 2012 Christine rated it 4 of 5 stars

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 w...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Tom Long rated it 4 of 5 stars

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 situ...more

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Aug 12, 2012 Mark Polino rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, 2012

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 19, 2012 Val Wilkerson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books-read

This was a fun read. (this note is for Tony Bykert, its a guy book Tony).
Buck has had to declare bankrupcy and has moved to Key West to become a
treasure hunter/salvager. He has an old amphibious airplane named Betty.
A young, and gorgeous of course, hires Buck to take her out to a boat on
his plane.He drops her at the boat, which is being run by 4 rather tough
looking guys and he wonders why she is going there??? But its a job.
He ends up in a Cuban prison and lots of escapades...its a fun read.

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Aug 05, 2012 Michelle rated it 2 of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this book, but it's a bit of a mess. I would have enjoyed it more if it didn't include quite so many Key West cliches, and not quite so many misplaced commas and apostrophes, and if it didn't refer to the sweet smell of hibiscus and bougainvillea (because those flowers rarely have discernable scents, and there are dozens of other flowering trees that perfume the Key West air), and if Buck Reilly were either an everyman or a superman, or at least balance his superpowers wi...more

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Feb 13, 2012 Tami rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: goodreads-giveaways, 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 woul...more

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Aug 16, 2012 John rated it 3 of 5 stars

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...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Rob Riffe rated it 4 of 5 stars

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!

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Mar 22, 2012 Richard rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of the Florida Keys/Cuba; mysteries; adventure stories.

Recommended to Richard by: Look at the cover and tell me you can turn that book down.

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.

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Jun 07, 2012 Ben Cook rated it 4 of 5 stars

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.

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Aug 11, 2012 Terri rated it 5 of 5 stars

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.

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Apr 03, 2012 Ginney Etherton rated it 4 of 5 stars

This really moves! The only problem for me is that it takes me so long to finish a book that I couldn't keep track of all the complications. But once I let it go and just went along for the ride, it was entertaining. Good protagonist and the 1st-person narration is the the right one. It put me off, though, that he asked himself too many questions. The italicized who-what-where-how thoughts don't need to be voiced and it pulled me out of the story too much. The action and the characters all held...more

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Jul 27, 2012 Dan rated it 4 of 5 stars

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...more

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Aug 22, 2011 Ann-Marie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Really fun read. Looking forward to more Buck Reilly action/adventure stories from John H. Cunningham.

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May 18, 2013 Jacq rated it 4 of 5 stars

Good guy or bad guy, Buck Reilly’s adventures read like a Hollywood blockbuster! Action and mystery from the beginning to end!

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Dec 28, 2011 Stephen Campbell rated it 5 of 5 stars

The author did a great job of character development - can't wait for the next in the series.

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Jan 10, 2012 Cherie marked it as to-read

I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads.

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Jan 01, 2012 Cottero rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, mystery, kindle

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!

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Feb 09, 2013 Al rated it 4 of 5 stars

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.

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Jul 22, 2012 Jonathan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Tons of characters to keep straight but a great read

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Jul 15, 2012 Chris Rush rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great book, easy read!!!!

2 likes · like · see review

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About John H. Cunningham

John H. Cunningham, outdoorsman, world traveler, and aviation enthusiast, is a commercial real estate professional and former editor. He lives in Virginia with his wife and two daughters. His books include RED RIGHT RETURN and GREEN TO GO.

His literary agent is Steve Troha at Folio Literary Management in New York.

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Red Right Return: A Buck Reilly Adventure (Buck Reilly #1)

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