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Vietnam vet and former pro football player Wyatt Storme is bow-hunting in Missouri when he stumbles upon a hidden field of marijuana…and is attacked by a vicious dog and shot at by a sniper. He reports violent incident confidentially to the local Sheriff…who is murdered the next day. Storme believes there’s a connection and starts asking questions, unraveling a deadly conspiracy of corruption, drug-trafficking and organized crime… and making himself someone that just about everybody wants dead.

The first novel in W.L. Ripley's acclaimed Wyatt Storme series.
Originally published under the title "Dreamsicle"

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 1993

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About the author

W.L. Ripley

20 books25 followers
Warren L. Ripley is the author of the critically acclaimed Wyatt Storme mystery series. He lives in Missouri.

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5 stars
710 (49%)
4 stars
498 (34%)
3 stars
178 (12%)
2 stars
32 (2%)
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22 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for Viccy.
2,243 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2015
Wyatt Storme left pro ball. Even with the best hands in the business, he lacked the killer gene to continue. Now, he is in Missouri, bow hunting white-tail deer when he comes across a huge marijuana field. He teams up with Chick Easton, ex-CIA spook. After two tours in Vietnam, Wyatt knows spooks when he sees them. Wyatt cannot let it go when two women are threatened; he is that big a chauvinist. But, lovable as well. Wise-cracking, entertaining action on every page. Great escapist read.
6,230 reviews80 followers
August 3, 2015
First book in the Wyatt Storme series. He's a Vietnam veteran, and a former NFL gridiron great, who opted out of the rat race to hunt and fish in Colorado and Missouri.

Something of a Spenser type sleuth, he runs into a gigantic marijuana field, then finds himself in ever deeper trouble, with his even deadlier sidekick, Chick Easton.

Not bad, maybe tries a little too hard to emulate Spenser, instead of letting his characters breathe naturally.
1,119 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2015
The characters just rip up a storm in this book - literally and figuratively - all puns intended..
This is the first book in the Storme series and as such introduces you to the characters of Wyatt Storme and here, his mysterious buddy Chick, who claims to be just a skip tracer but turns out to be something more, and really has such useful skills I hope he stays for the rest of the series.
As the first novel in a series it is set not that long after the Vietnam War or Second Indochina War, 1954–1973 (or what did the US call it? They certainly didn't admit that their soldiers were at war - just supporting or advising?). In any event it left significant numbers of Vets as they began to be called traumatised and with PTSD - often unrecognised - which left them liable to nightmares and flashbacks that hindered their ability to maintain a successful life outside the military after returning home. This fact is still not always admitted.
Over 20 years, more than 58,000 Americans were killed in Vietnam and more than 150,000 were wounded. Yet the US were not the only troops fighting - we hear little about the Australians, the New Zealanders and the South Koreans who also fought.
Public opinion was initially in favour of the intervention and thus the majority of those fighting volunteered rather than were drafted and this included those in minority races as well as white Americans.
So Wyatt Storme came back from the war and made a career in American Football which seems to be a very rough sport indeed from the tactics her learnt to subdue opponents. but the violence on the field became too comfortable and led to a lifestyle that is all too common amongst the rich and famous. Eventually however, he realises that his football tactics are emulating his fighting in the Vietnam War tactics far too freely and gives up his career - with the usual footballer injuries of course.
He is still full of testosterone and chivalry it seems and can't let a wrong go un-righted and so gets involved where others would not in a local dispute that ends up with people dying. "People talk about what they want and who they are: few are concerned with duty and responsibility - the things we must do to be what we are."
I did enjoy this book and read it very quickly - within 24 hours as the style is easy and uncomplicated and you did want to find out just what was going on and who was involved and who was the goody and who the baddy - and this seemed to change as you read on.
I did bookmark the stuff about male clothes in this book as there seemed to be a fascination with what people wore: oxblood loafers came up several times - which seems to be a shade of red that is popular; not sure why Haggar slacks/pants are mentioned as they are a style of trouser that is very casual and rather baggy but add in the oxford cloth shirt and you have a preppy style that is very popular in the US. Florsheim shoes are also still available and again a very classic look.
London Fog raincoats - or trench coats are not sold in the UK but seem again to be a very traditional style. It is interesting that although this book was first published in 1993, the clothing ranges are still current - in the US, I doubt if they would be in the UK. Now I just was fascinated by Glen Plaid and so found myself a photo of it:
Not forgetting that the Rep or Repp tie is again a preppy essential - the diagonal striped tie.
A NetGalley Review
Profile Image for Jay Williams.
1,718 reviews33 followers
April 23, 2015
Storme picks up a partner, ex-spook Chick, in this thrill-a-page story of greed, corruption and lust in a small Missouri town. There's not a wasted word as the story moves rapidly through one crisis after another. The action is almost continuous as the many layers of mystery are uncovered. I guarantee you will not want to put this book down. It will engross you and grab you emotionally as well as intellectually.
Profile Image for William.
Author 14 books83 followers
October 19, 2018
I enjoy the bob lee swagger novels and the works of Elmore Lenard and this book rated right up there in strong male action along with the classic tag line before you beat up the bad guys. The character was well developed and fun to follow and root for. The store moved quick and i wanted to keep reading after each chapter. There were also enough twists to keep me guessing. I will be reading the next wyatt storme novel.
Profile Image for Gary Sedivy.
528 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2019
The characters remind me of Robert B. Parker’s “Spenser” novels - favorably. High praise since I am a BIG fan of the Spenser stories. Similar character traits, stubborn, wise cracking, high moral standard. His ‘sidekick’ in this story reminds me of Hawk (re: Spenser).
Wyatt (Storme) is bow hunting for deer, and finds a huge pot farm in the woods. Someone starts shooting at him, sics a dog on him. Storme defends himself. When He reports this to the local police, the mystery starts.
The action is steady, and the story line is nicely paced. By that, I mean there are clues and they all finally add up at the denouement. One thing I appreciate is the author didn’t need a final scene where all the things seen and unseen are magically pulled together. You don’t have to slap your forehead at the explanation in frustration because the explanation only kind of makes sense. (I’ve noticed the British ‘cozy mysteries’ have a summary scene in which the detective pulls all the strings together, explaining the mystery - in which I usually think “That’s not fair!”. )
I think I’ll read another of this author’s stories.
Profile Image for Jim A.
1,267 reviews82 followers
June 24, 2020
Wyatt Storme, an ex NFLer, is in Missouri bow hinting when he comes across a large marijuana field. The story goes from there into a pretty good tale of drug dealers, murder, and crooked cops.

First of a series although it really can be read as a stand alone.
Profile Image for Gill's likes reading.
149 reviews12 followers
July 13, 2015
Cowboy boots, cigars, guns, humour and excitement – what more can I say. Oh yes, this author is at the top of my favourite list!

I just love this series and they just get better! This is the first in the series of Wyatt Storme and Chick D Easton who are the most likeable pair of tough guys ever.

The book just oozes with testosterone in a good way, just breathe it in girls! Wyatt Storme ex vet and former pro football player of some note:
“I pushed my cart. Somehow it’s difficult to feel supremely manly while pushing a shopping cart. But I though manly thoughts."

Wyatt meets Chick, ex spook, in this book and they form a friendship that melds together like a comedy duo with weapons. These two just can't walk away from trouble, you know if there is injustice, Storme and Easton will be ahead of every man to sort it out.
You don't like what happened to the sheriff. Wanna do something about it, like you were the Lone Ranger or something.”

Notice that Wyatt makes a statement not ask a question. Way to go cowboys!

Every word that Ripley give us is exceptionally placed telling a story, describing a character, and building excitement. The humour throughout this book is wonderful, and enhances the story without diminishing the seriousness of it. Nothing is superfluous. I love this line as it is equally important within the plot as any other:
She walked in the leggy way tall women have. She was tightly muscled and firm like a dancer or a swimmer. She might require further investigation. She was suspiciously beautiful. Maybe I could set up a second appointment, come an hour early. Keep an eye on her. Surveillance was important.”

There doesn't seem any real reason why these two should get involved in something as deep and nasty as this, other than bravado and adventure.

It is such an exciting plot that I could not put the book down and sat up till late reading till I finished it. Boy it is good!

I will end with a description that surely is current in any city around the world today:
“Downtown Paradise was almost gone. Drained of its life by shopping malls, corporate discount chain stores, dual-lane highways, and recession. No jobs and few businesses. The American Dream. Gone without leaving a high-water mark on the buildings. Mortgaged tomorrows for today. Then tomorrow came.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Many Many thanks to the publisher via NetGalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for John Podlaski.
Author 11 books68 followers
December 20, 2015
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 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
Profile Image for Jennifer McLean.
272 reviews15 followers
January 29, 2016
I've just finished reading W.L. Ripley's "Hail Storme", the first book in his Wyatt Storme series. What a great ride it was. I'm happy to say there are several more Wyatt Storme mysteries for me to sink my teeth into so I'll have many happy nights reading meaty books.

We meet the main character Wyatt Storme in the forests of Missouri where he's bow hunting. We're told he's a former professional football player and Vietnam vet. Storme just wants a calm week hunting and enjoying down time at his cabin. The problems start when he comes across a large marijuana field guarded by a vicious doberman and a man with a gun. Storme is forced to kill the dog and wound the gunman. When Storme reports the incident and the marijuana filet to the local sheriff he unknowingly begins a domino effect that will end in a bloody battle for his life.


"Hail Storme" was an incredibly complicated and totally enjoyable read. I was completely immersed and invested in Storme's character and had trouble putting it down at night to allow myself some sleep. It took me several nights to finish Ripley's novel because it was so wonderfully deep yet easy to read. I found myself really getting to know Wyatt Storme. The writer fleshes his character out so expertly that Storme felt real to me. I'm not surprised that many have compared Ripley's Wyatt Storme to John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee, it's an apt comparison This is a five star winner and I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
2,426 reviews67 followers
July 28, 2015
 First book in action/adventure series

HAIL STORME was originally copyrighted back in 1993 and printed under the name of DREAMSICLE. Brash Books is now re-publishing the series, at least books 1, 2 and 4. I'm not sure why they haven't re-published book 3 - ELECTRIC COUNTRY ROULETTE. There's a listing for EYE OF THE STORME in the front of the books but it's not showing up on Amazon. Maybe the same book?

Wyatt Storme, ex-pro football player and Vietnam vet, is outside of Paradise, Missouri bow hunting a ten point buck when he stumbles across a huge marijuana field, a vicious dog, and someone shooting at him.

He finds himself in all kinds of trouble and gets some help from ex-CIA spook Chick Easton to help him stay alive.

Marijuana, a new designer drug, guns, and all kinds of nasty bad guys make this a fast moving exciting start to a series I hadn't read before.

There's action, lots of humor, some romance, more action, lots of alphabet agencies, and the best adventure duo since Lansdale's Hap and Leonard.

I'm off to read the next book in the series now - STORME FRONT.
2,490 reviews46 followers
May 10, 2015
From 1993, this thriller introduced the world to Wyatt Storme, ex-Dallas Cowboy receiver, a man who walked away and lives a quiet life in Colorado. He's in Missouri on a bow hunting trip when he stumbles onto a marijuana field and an attempt to kill him.

The bow hunter prevails though and when he reports the field to the county Sheriff, it sets off a chain of violent incidents.

The Sheriff is found murdered, his oafish opponent has a desire to create mayhem on Storms and his new friend bounty hunter and former CIA Chick Easton, the FBI and DEA are harassing them, and a hood with his class in everything in the county has his pet monster, a former NFL lineman and pro wrestler, tap dancing on Storme's head. Oh, and of course, the new designer drug about to hit the market

Nicely written thriller that kept me page turning such that I finished it in a few hours.
2,318 reviews36 followers
June 20, 2015
Wyatt Storme is hunting in Missouri when he comes across a field of marijuana and is attacked by a dog and shot at by a sniper. He tells the sheriff confidentially about what happened to him. The next day the sheriff is found dead at his home. Storme thinks that what happened to him is why the sheriff is dead. Storme discovers a deadly conspiracy. What is the conspiracy?

I becamed so involved in this novel, that I ignored everything until I was done reading it. It's excellent!

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.



Profile Image for Jason Meuschke.
Author 10 books40 followers
March 23, 2016
Originally written in 1993 as "Dreamsicle," now re-released as Hail Storme, I've discovered a new favorite series! I have to go for five stars as four just doesn't feel like enough. Mr. Ripley's storytelling talent, I believe, lies in his ability to weave a compelling story with vivid imagery and lively characters which I found hard to put down. It was a fun, exciting read and I quickly saw myself identifying with the hero, Wyatt Storme. He's much more of a wise-ass than I am but I really appreciate his moral values. The genre is a first for me as I've never read a crime novel before but now I look forward to the next book in the series and getting caught up before the newest which comes out in May this year.
Profile Image for Tucker.
385 reviews131 followers
June 14, 2015
This is the second Storme book I’ve read, but the first in the series. Once again W.L. Ripley provides plenty of action and thrills. While Storme is on a bow-hunting trip, he inadvertently falls into a whole morass of drug trafficking, corruption, and murder. He and his scary new partner, Chick, are determined to get to the bottom of the whole treacherous mess. There is plenty of suspense here and I think this book will really appeal to “action and adventure” men.

Thank you to Brash Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Greg Stillwagon.
35 reviews31 followers
December 18, 2015
Good book, good characters -- and as the series progresses there is room for the hero and his friends to become more human - and super human too.
The story flowed well and even in the middle of the book it did not lag.
I like it gritty, mean and tough and it was all that.
Also the wartime flashbacks were very well done - really helped you understand the motovations.
Regular men doing heroic things carrying loads on their backs both physical and psychological ..... and winning.
The exact kind of guy I wanna be when I grow up.
Read this one --- it is a good thriller, action book.
Profile Image for Julier.
883 reviews28 followers
August 3, 2017
I enjoyed this story with two kick-ass silent, strong Vietnam vets trying to stay under the radar and living a simpler life without the constraints of conventional and petty expectations. Their dry, wisecracks are maddening to those around them. But somehow they kept sticking their nose into other's business in order to protect the innocent and right the wrongs. As a reader I certainly was rooting for them and not feeling a lick of sympathy for the bad guys getting beat up and offed. My local libraries do not carry this author or series. I'd enjoy reading more by this author.
2,052 reviews14 followers
June 5, 2015
In just two books I have developed a real relationship with Wyatt Storme. He reminds me of Robert Parker's Spenser. He also always manages to attract a kick ass sidekick, not totally unlike Hawk. He even has a long term love interest. This story is a little farfetched with an awful lot of loose ends but Wyatt and his buddy, Chick Easton manage to outlast them all. It is a fun romp. I look forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for C.L..
Author 4 books12 followers
January 13, 2016
Hail Storme is obviously written for a male audience. Graphic blood-and-gore fights, a bromance, and extensive descriptions of various weaponry, sort of like women and closets of shoes. Even so, the story and characterization kept me glued, and I appreciate the author's ability to craft a tale that does not need to switch from first-person narrative to third person. Protagonist Wyatt Storme seeks a just world, and as a result will ever be disappointed. A good read.
Profile Image for Ian.
159 reviews
July 4, 2016
It was good. Don't let the three stars discourage you. There just wasn't a lot of twists, and I would have made it 3 1/2 if you could. But maybe it isn't supposed too have many. Any the main character is very cool. And you like him right away. It is a book filled with smart ass comments. Which is always going to keep me entertained. I will check to see if there is more with this character. Because I did like it.
Profile Image for William.
Author 7 books6 followers
June 10, 2015
For the first time in a very long time I have come across a book I can truly say was hard to put down. I actually read it in two spurts. Ripley is a writer who seems to truly know his stuff and I am looking forward to more from him. Wyatt Storme is as interesting and compelling a character as Robert B. Parker's Spenser. More please!
922 reviews11 followers
December 10, 2015
A Gifted Storyteller!

Sprinkled among the increasing number of authors who can tell a good story are too few who are as creative in using word pictures effectively, combined with a great sense of humor, as W.L. Ripley! This guy knows how to entertain in believable, fast paced action that keeps the pages turning.
Profile Image for Philip Bailey.
400 reviews9 followers
December 23, 2015
A hybrid. A mixture of old style western, modernized with vehicles and techno gadgetry and updated weaponry. Throw in a couple of Vietnam war veterans, old friendships, new romantic fling, and mingle all this with bad guys, thugs and corruption. Using all these elements the author weaves an engaging plot, creating an entertaining story to keep the reader turning pages.
6 reviews
February 6, 2012
Very well written book about a retired professional football player with a hero complex. I liked the characters roles throughout the book. Obviously some of it is kind of unbelievable, but that is why I read.
1,572 reviews
June 30, 2015
Non stop action; some violence; greedy, power hungry people and two men with different backgrounds who try and make everything right in their own inimitable way. Great fun to read with a lovely, peaceful ending.
1 review
December 24, 2015
good combination of humor and action,on par with Nelson demille,lee child

And g m ford.I hope chick Easton shows up again along with more Vietnam memories and storylines. A good read
194 reviews4 followers
January 5, 2016
Great book

Really a great read, characters are believable, funny and deadly. Storme is a great character, and Chick is hopefully in the next book. A partnership that should keep going.
36 reviews
May 21, 2016
Review of Hail Storm

Mr Storm is a new author for me. I enjoyed this book, immensely! I just couldn't put it down. Lots of action and for a great cause. Bravo Mr. Storms. I can hardly wait to start another action packed thriller. I loved the main characters.
Profile Image for Violet.
310 reviews9 followers
April 25, 2015
Fast paced, well written thriller. Defiantly one you should put on your to read list.
20 reviews
December 10, 2015
Gr8

Grub study fyi minimum wording for reviews actually discouraged me from writing review will no longer do reviews for amax
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