Buccaneer – The Provocative Odyssey of Jack Reed; Adventurer, Drug Smuggler and Pilot Extraordinaire
By Jack Carlton Reed & MayCay Beeler
Reviewed by Christopher Madsen, November 23, 2015

I was introduced to Buccaneer as the book was being honored at the Reader’s Favorite Literary Awards in Miami, Florida. Drawn by the allure of reading a non-fictional, inside accounting of the exploits of a 1970s small craft pilot turned big time cocaine trafficker, I secured a copy with hopes for a real world version of the multitude of entertaining, yet unbelievable, Miami Vice style dramatizations. I found ever so much more! From page one, I was readily and steadily drawn into a story so exciting, dimensional and delightfully unexpected that all else went on hold and I was unable to put the book down until I had reached its end in a single sitting.
Exponentially beyond the swashbuckling, notorious drug cartel smuggling adventure that I had hoped for, biographer MayCay Beeler connects the reader intimately and emotionally to the very unique man who is the main character as he not only celebrates success, but also is challenged by circumstances few in mainstream society will ever be subjected to. Without giving anything away, I can say it is a story of adrenaline charged adventure, sizzling lust and love, meteoric adversity, and soulful contemplation.
I find it rare when a book can actually evoke an involuntary emotional response from me but Beeler’s storytelling was so powerful that I, a man, was, at times, literally brought to tears. Obviously the creation of this book was a labor of love, and Beeler’s passion to share the amazing life journey of Jack Carlton Reed shines through on every exciting and touching page. FIVE STARS
Christopher Madsen, multi award winning author ( )