W. L. Ripley

Hail Storme was a most enjoyable read. Two men brought together by a common friend - his recommendation of trusting both was all they needed to partner up. Wyatt Storme, a former NFL football star and Chick, a former CIA Spook join up to find the killer(s) of the local county sheriff. But because they are the newest strangers in town, both are now prime suspects in the murder and locked up. It's a set-up to keep county and federal officials busy while the local crime leader and his minions show more prepare to introduce a highly addictive designer drug.

Over the next couple of days, both men find themselves ambushed and begin sniffing around the local syndicate only to find themselves ambushed and fighting for their lives. Their dialog is witty and snappy, the bantering between them and others is comical and made me laugh out loud several times - the crime lord refers to them as clowns. There are twists and turns - one thing solved always leads to another lead. It's an easy read and exceptionally written.

People they know begin to die and disappear and the only way to find them or avenge their deaths is by taking down the syndicate. Will they succeed? It's a wild ride where readers continue cheering on the good guys and making the enemy pay!

Great job W.L. Ripley! As this is the first book in a reintroduced series from the 1990's, I plan to continue reading about these excellent heroes. Highly recommended for those enjoying adventure and suspense that is sprinkled with laughter. Don't miss out on this one!

John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel show less

I'd have to say that "Storme Warning" is the best book of the Storme series. Surprised to see that the first three books were written 20 yrs. earlier. The wit and sarcasm of Wyatt and his buddy Chick are on par with the earlier books and will keep you smiling throughout the story.

In this episode, Wyatt is approached by a famous Hollywood director who wants to film a Jesse James western on his property. Since Wyatt does not like people snooping on his property, he initially rejected the show more offer. However, Chick had been hired by this director to be a bodyguard for one of the top stars of the day because of death threats and contingent on their use of Wyatt's property. So, Wyatt reluctantly agrees with but with several glaring conditions.

The movie star, Cam, is a piece of work and an easy egotistic character to hate - a three piece group of "followers" beckon to his every wish. With his life style and actions, It's easy to understand why somebody wants him dead. In fact, Wyatt and Chick soon discover that every cast member also has a reason to see him dead. Thus, making it extremely difficult to protect the actor.

Meanwhile, a former mobster knee-breaker, Rory, is freed from prison and makes it his agenda to locate and kill Wyatt, as pay back to Wyatt for hurting him badly when Rory tried to collect mob money from a friend of Wyatt's a decade earlier. Other characters also visit the set, skinheads, the press, police and a mobster and his bodyguards, all give both Wyatt and Chick a run for their money,

Wyatt's long-time girlfriend, a famous TV news professional, accepts a promotion - her dream come true. However, it will require her to remain in New York and significantly reduces the amount of time they normally spend together. This is a personal dilemma that they must work through.

His friend, Chick, is later injured due to a case of mistaken identity - Chick is a stand-in and stunt double for the lead movie star and was taking his place during a filming shoot. People are also beginning to die within the county and the sheriff wants answers - knowing that the two men are withholding information. The author keeps readers wondering throughout! The final battle might be the end of Wyatt Storme and some of his other friends! Thus, the end of the series. You'll have to read the book to find out how it all ends. Great job Mr. Ripley! Perhaps there's another Storme adventure in the making? I sure hope so!

John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel show less

Wyatt Storme is in Missouri, minding his own business, quietly bow hunting for a big buck. He stumbles on a poacher's kill, a field of marijuana, and a vicious dog, discoveries that bring mayhem in the town of Paradise. Suddenly the place is crawling with federal officers, state police, reporters and gun thugs from as far away as Chicago and they are all after Wyatt and his new friend, the seriously dangerous Chick Easton. Storme and Easton have no idea what they are getting into when they show more follow the trail of the men who attacked Wyatt and killed the town sheriff, but they can't stop, especially when some people Wyatt likes are murdered.

I received a review copy of "Hail Storme" by WL Ripley (Brash Books) through NetGalley.com. It is one of the older detective novels that Brash Books is reissuing in paper and ebook. It was originally published in 1993 as "Dreamsicle" and still appears on Mr. Ripley's Amazon Author page that way. To me it feels older than 1993, in part because the horrors of the Vietnam war weigh so heavily on Storme and Easton.

A note on the cover art. I usually complain about inaccuracies in the art but here the problem is too much accuracy in an incorrect drawing. On page one, Storme is hunting with a compound bow which is not what is drawn, so that is the main problem. Just as bad though is that when you look at the cover drawing full-size you can see that the gadget to the right of the bow is a stabilizer. Very accurate for that kind of bow. When you look at a thumbnail the stabilizer appears to be the arrow and it does not follow the line of the bow's draw so the drawing seems off kilter. show less

I thoroughly enjoyed Storme Front - it's an easy read and the book is difficult to put down. Wyatt's close friend is in trouble, so he steps in to help out. His first meeting results in an ambush. His new employer and bodyguard are both killed; Wyatt barely escapes with his life. However, Wyatt now possesses the guns that the mob intended to purchases and $200k of their money. During their investigation, Wyatt, and his partner Chick uncover a crooked politician, a defiant mobster and a rogue show more CIA agent - all intent on killing them both to keep their master plan intact.

The banter and one-liners coming from these two friends will keep smiles on your face and at times and even cause you to laugh out loud. After Wyatt's close friend and a former football quarterback are both murdered, the twosome set out to make those who are responsible pay for it!

There are some twists and turns, especially in Wyatt's private life. His actions with his best friend's wife - now a widow - soon complicates Wyatt's relationship with his fiance. There are some surprises in store for readers, and we also learn about Wyatt's police associate, who reluctantly shares confidential information that helps each other out in the case.

I enjoyed the author's first book and this one and already have #3 loaded into my Kindle. I'm looking forward to reading it and following the further episodes of these two partners. Great job W.L. Ripley!

John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel show less