Purple Deceiver by John H. Cunningham
Some might argue that the adventure novel has been undermined by the modern age. Being able to fly just about anywhere for a relatively reasonable price, or experience on the internet for free, the allure of a story that takes you to far-away places and unfamiliar cultures and exposes you to pulse-pounding suspense and action has somewhat diminished the experience of reading about these in books.
In reality, the spirit lives on — because while you can certainly do all these things yourself, only an author can transport you into the mind of a character, and have you experience events through the eyes of someone else. Desire for adventure was compacted even further over the course of the pandemic while people were locked down at home and modes of travel around the world shut down. Thankfully, veteran author John Cunningham’s latest entry in his Buck Reilly Adventure series, Purple Deceiver, is the perfect nourishment for those looking to sate this thirst.
After acquiring the queen’s jewels in his last adventure from the wreck of the Nuestra Señora Farnese, Buck Reilly is prepared to explore new, altruistic endeavors. Unfortunately, his plans fall through when the federal government decides they have their own for him, and these certainly don’t involve letting him keep his newly found fortune and the even more valuable secrets he’s unearthed. After Buck is left with a fraction of his haul and a seemingly endless sea of vindictive lawyers circling him, he’s forced to embark on another treasure hunt, this time a wild goose chase filled with coded language, biblical texts, and enigmatic implications dating back to the 1800s.
RICHLY WOVEN NARRATIVE
His goal? Track down the cache of John W. Simonton, original owner of Key West, which is rumored be be buried somewhere on the island. However, he isn’t the only one after the riches. A cadre of some of the most vicious treasure hunters the world has to offer also have their eyes set on the treasure, and will stop at nothing to get their hands on it. Are Buck’s archeology and puzzle-solving abilities sufficient to save him from the hangman’s noose that is quickly closing in on him?
My favorite aspect of the novel is the richly woven narrative. Serpentine and unpredictable, the plot is immediately gripping and refuses to let go through to the final page. The constant introduction of fascinating and unique new characters, along with the interspersion of humor, serve to break up the tension nicely and give readers space to breath.
I particularly enjoyed Buck’s character. Quippy and charismatic yet simultaneously analytic and thoughtful, Buck is a delightful protagonist. Being privy to Bucks thoughts as he moves through the story is a joy, and I enjoyed looking the peeks into his mind the author gives us as he breaks down different situations.
“The reality when it comes to treasure hunting is that very few of the supposed unsolved mysteries really exist. I’d learned long ago to be discerning when it came to outsiders approaching me with big ideas and little data. Even though Simonton’s bona fides made sense, nothing he’d said yet was enticing.”
Full of adventure, intrigue, danger and romance, Purple Deceiver is the perfect remedy to anyone feeling stir crazy as we begin to hunker down for the winter. With something in it for readers of all genres, Purple Deceiver will keep your blood hot as the weather continues to cool.
About John H. Cunningham:
John lives in Virginia and Key West, and spends much of his time traveling. His choices for the places and plots that populate the Buck Reilly series include many subjects that he loves: Key West, Cuba, Jamaica, and multiple Caribbean settings, along with amphibious aircraft, colorful characters, and stories that concern themselves with the same tensions and issues that affect all of our lives.
