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Rip Lane #1
Missouri Loves Company
Former U.S. marshal Rip Lane lives in a motor home. He is a drifter. His only desire is to explore the country he once protected. But trouble seems to find him in every small town and every big city along the way. In Missouri he picks up a beautiful hitchhiker with a duffel full of secrets. When the woman disappears at a bus station Rip finds himself the target of mobsters. But targeting Rip is always a mistake. Because he never backs down. And he always exacts his own brand of revenge.
300 pages, ebook
Published February 28, 2015
About the author
W.J. Costello
14 books29 followersW.J. Costello is a former journalist who now writes books. He lives in Virginia and Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
November 21, 2019
Clever title, OK plot, but the casual sexism in the writing got on my nerves VERY quickly. No more from this author.
February 14, 2020
Contrived, derivative, unrealistic. This is a “Mary Sue” story by a toxic masculine old guy.
December 14, 2021
I got this book for free, and I would not have read it otherwise. A lot of my distaste for it is just that it's not my style--I'm not generally interested in the inward machinations of a horny, commitment-averse middle-aged man who I suspect to be a projection of the author's desire to be powerful and free.
That being said, the parts that are not subject to my taste in narrators and books are well-written. The work is grammatically correct and has clearly been edited (more than one can say for many self-published kindle books), and Costello is good at crafting strong and specific descriptions (much as I am ambivalent to uncomfortable with the assumptions and cultural views that underpin some of those descriptions.
If you are sensitive to misogyny, fatphobia, or strange conservative assumptions about how criminals work, this book is probably not for you. If you do not care about those things and are looking for a quick and easy crime read, you might enjoy it.
That being said, the parts that are not subject to my taste in narrators and books are well-written. The work is grammatically correct and has clearly been edited (more than one can say for many self-published kindle books), and Costello is good at crafting strong and specific descriptions (much as I am ambivalent to uncomfortable with the assumptions and cultural views that underpin some of those descriptions.
If you are sensitive to misogyny, fatphobia, or strange conservative assumptions about how criminals work, this book is probably not for you. If you do not care about those things and are looking for a quick and easy crime read, you might enjoy it.
October 31, 2015
an excellent read!!
November 13, 2022
Perhaps I Overexpected
The reviews indicated that this protagonist (Rip Lane - retired US Marshall) was Jack Reacher-esque, nope not even close. A fast and east read but I didn't find the details very plausible, one example being that there just happened to be a 10 story abandoned building near a rural Missouri RV park that Rip could run stairs in while recovering from a beating. That was too convenient and just not plausible that there would be an abandoned 10 story building even if it was a few miles from a fictional Missouri town. Other little things like this bothered me but won't spoil it for you. Perhaps I expected too much but just not a fan.
The reviews indicated that this protagonist (Rip Lane - retired US Marshall) was Jack Reacher-esque, nope not even close. A fast and east read but I didn't find the details very plausible, one example being that there just happened to be a 10 story abandoned building near a rural Missouri RV park that Rip could run stairs in while recovering from a beating. That was too convenient and just not plausible that there would be an abandoned 10 story building even if it was a few miles from a fictional Missouri town. Other little things like this bothered me but won't spoil it for you. Perhaps I expected too much but just not a fan.
September 7, 2019
Okay thriller but nothing special. The hero, Rip Lane, tries to help a young woman out and gets involved with mobsters and crooked cops.
The best parts of the novel were the author's sidebars to history of Missouri and some of the historical sites to be visited when in that state.
While it's the first of a series it is a stand alone novel.
The best parts of the novel were the author's sidebars to history of Missouri and some of the historical sites to be visited when in that state.
While it's the first of a series it is a stand alone novel.
October 26, 2015
Loved it.
Great read. Caught me from the first couple pages. Sorry to see it end but great ending. Will read more by this author.
Great read. Caught me from the first couple pages. Sorry to see it end but great ending. Will read more by this author.
September 5, 2022
i liked this book. For the most part it was really good and I very much like the main character, Rip Lane, a retired US marshal in his 40s, who likes living a free, friendly life in his well-equipped RV. The author seems to be an expert at clever come-backs and quips, and the book is full of them -- which is mostly good, but sometimes can be annoying. Trouble begins for Rip when he picks up a beautiful hitchhiker Anna. There are a number of interesting characters who make an appearance in the book. There's a very good plotline going and mostly its fast paced, but there are a few sections it slows down with pages of random information. There are only a few "f" words, which I never like and never feel are necessary. Overall, it's a good read that I enjoyed, and I'd like to read another Rip Lane adventure.
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May 24, 2020EReaderNews
July 9, 2020
It's so hard to find a terrific book featuring full-timer RVers, but WJ Costello has given us an interesting (though not without fault, which I'll get to in a bit) young retiree who wants only to travel the country. Rip Lane put in his twenty-five years as a US Marshal and just wants some peace.
Then he can't resist picking up an attractive female hitchhiker, and before you can say, "Jump in," he's up to his front bumper in thugs, mobster hitmen, and corrupt officials.
Buckle up -- you're in for a terrific ride!
My one tiny nitpick with this otherwise well-written page-turner is Rip's oh-so-cliched assessments of women: they're beautiful and desirable (and also desire Rip) or they're fat, homely and undesirable (though they still desire Rip). When can we have a fun male hero in these books who isn't such a chick magnet? And such a sexist in the way he views (and describes) women? If it weren't for this irritating character flaw, I would have rated the book five stars.
Then he can't resist picking up an attractive female hitchhiker, and before you can say, "Jump in," he's up to his front bumper in thugs, mobster hitmen, and corrupt officials.
Buckle up -- you're in for a terrific ride!
My one tiny nitpick with this otherwise well-written page-turner is Rip's oh-so-cliched assessments of women: they're beautiful and desirable (and also desire Rip) or they're fat, homely and undesirable (though they still desire Rip). When can we have a fun male hero in these books who isn't such a chick magnet? And such a sexist in the way he views (and describes) women? If it weren't for this irritating character flaw, I would have rated the book five stars.
December 31, 2019
Nope
Not well crafted. Much talk but little action. It as a promising story but best served as a poor example. Keep writing,
Not well crafted. Much talk but little action. It as a promising story but best served as a poor example. Keep writing,
September 6, 2019
Mixed thoughts on this one
This was my first book by W.J. Costello. I might try something else by this author, but I probably won't read more of this series. Rip has some redeeming qualities, but overall I didn't like him. There was some funny dialogue/puns, but it often made the character less likable.
The writing style is also very brief/abrupt. Lots of short sentences. It skips around. It keeps the pace of the story up and makes it seem interesting, but at one point I realized there really wasn't much description at all. I would probably have liked the pace more if I had liked the characters more.
This was my first book by W.J. Costello. I might try something else by this author, but I probably won't read more of this series. Rip has some redeeming qualities, but overall I didn't like him. There was some funny dialogue/puns, but it often made the character less likable.
The writing style is also very brief/abrupt. Lots of short sentences. It skips around. It keeps the pace of the story up and makes it seem interesting, but at one point I realized there really wasn't much description at all. I would probably have liked the pace more if I had liked the characters more.
July 18, 2025
This book confused me. It was a story, and I kept reading it, hoping I would eventually understand it. There were several chapters that I have no idea why they were part of the book, because they didn't move the story forward or develop the characters. I felt like I was skimming the story instead of being pulled into it. The main character was a smart ass, thinking he was funny. I won't be reading any more in this series.
March 30, 2021
Rip is a retired US marshal living life out on the road. With his RV and no firm commitments he enjoys being a drifter and taking life as it comes along to him. While in Missouri to see the sights he crosses paths with a hitchhiking woman who is desperate to get out of her small town. Happy to oblige he has no idea of the trouble and consequences his helpful act will bring his way.
This is a fun and interesting story that I picked up on a whim. With a terse and very different style of writing I nevertheless found myself almost instantly hooked on the style and engrossed in Rip’s life. In many ways the writing of this story reminds me a little of Robert Parker’s Spenser series – short sentences, a gritty and dry style of writing and wit, but loads of character and action. The pace of the plot and action moves quite quickly, but I was really happy the author still managed to dole out enough backstory on Rip for me to understand the motive and history behind his actions and choices.
While I’d classify this story as a mystery it’s not really a traditional “who done it”. There’s no murder mystery but instead a series of events that occur and Rip wants answers and to solve why his life collided with the consequences and then see justice served. Different and addictive I found the style and characters engrossing and read this book quickly. While there is a little bit of hotness (off screen and not descriptive) this absolutely isn’t a romance story and readers looking for that probably won’t find themselves very satisfied.
Witty, dry and sparsely written this is a good story and a decent mystery. I enjoyed Rip’s character and am intrigued enough to look into the second book in the series.
This is a fun and interesting story that I picked up on a whim. With a terse and very different style of writing I nevertheless found myself almost instantly hooked on the style and engrossed in Rip’s life. In many ways the writing of this story reminds me a little of Robert Parker’s Spenser series – short sentences, a gritty and dry style of writing and wit, but loads of character and action. The pace of the plot and action moves quite quickly, but I was really happy the author still managed to dole out enough backstory on Rip for me to understand the motive and history behind his actions and choices.
While I’d classify this story as a mystery it’s not really a traditional “who done it”. There’s no murder mystery but instead a series of events that occur and Rip wants answers and to solve why his life collided with the consequences and then see justice served. Different and addictive I found the style and characters engrossing and read this book quickly. While there is a little bit of hotness (off screen and not descriptive) this absolutely isn’t a romance story and readers looking for that probably won’t find themselves very satisfied.
Witty, dry and sparsely written this is a good story and a decent mystery. I enjoyed Rip’s character and am intrigued enough to look into the second book in the series.
June 14, 2026
This mystery is the first book in a series that the author has created that features retired U.S. Marshal, Rip Lane. He recently retired from the marshal service after 25 years. As a U.S. Marshal, he hunted down criminal fugitives from justice. He was not a “Matt Dillon” sort of marshal with just one territory to cover. He worked all over. Now, Rip considers himself to be living a mobile lifestyle traveling around in his Recreational Vehicle (“RV”) instead of having a permanent home. Early on in this story he picks up a female hitchhiker who turns out to be in a world of hurt and trouble. She, Anna, intentionally doesn’t inform Rip of her problems. And, shortly after meeting, Rip and Anna part ways. However, much of Anna’s troubles now get attached to Rip, who suffers some unpleasant consequences from that attachment. Whether Anna meant to do that or not Rip’s not sure. However, Rip wants revenge and that probably starts with settling the score with Anna who got him into this mess. So, as a trained hunter of fugitives, he starts hunting for Anna. Rip comes off as a carefree character who embraces life as it happens as befits an unstructured, mobile lifestyle. Anna is more structured and calculating. Are these characters realistic? They could be I guess, but I never lived a mobile lifestyle nor bordered on the edge of law abiding, so how would I know? I suggest as a reader you shouldn’t analyze them too deeply, just roll with this interesting misadventure. The dialogue is snappy and entertaining as Rip meets many of life’s “characters” during his mission of vengeance. There is also plenty of action and violence when necessary, in this mystery.
November 7, 2020
On one level this is a subpar Jack Reacher clone - fairly solid plotting, though not a lot of it - mostly things just happen until close to the end.
The plot: Rip picks up female hitchhiker, gets set up, arrested by crooked cops, badly beaten, swears revenge - delivers on promise.
It would have been a solid 3 Stars if it were not for the really odd coarseness that surfaces occasionally. I'm not a prude, far from it, but writing, for example:
"On our way out Anna and I stopped by the underground visitor center, located directly beneath the arch, between its two legs. My favorite visitor centers have generally been located between two legs." is simply crude
And it is odd because Rip Lane otherwise mostly comes across as a fairly sympathetic character.
As a solid 'man book' it is ok, it ticks all the usual boxes but there is nothing new and nothing to lift it above many similar novels.
Only to be read after you have no more Jack Reacher and even then it won't fill the void.
The plot: Rip picks up female hitchhiker, gets set up, arrested by crooked cops, badly beaten, swears revenge - delivers on promise.
It would have been a solid 3 Stars if it were not for the really odd coarseness that surfaces occasionally. I'm not a prude, far from it, but writing, for example:
"On our way out Anna and I stopped by the underground visitor center, located directly beneath the arch, between its two legs. My favorite visitor centers have generally been located between two legs." is simply crude
And it is odd because Rip Lane otherwise mostly comes across as a fairly sympathetic character.
As a solid 'man book' it is ok, it ticks all the usual boxes but there is nothing new and nothing to lift it above many similar novels.
Only to be read after you have no more Jack Reacher and even then it won't fill the void.
April 4, 2024
I enjoyed the goofy lines and sexist "dude" talk.
Reading a few reviews, I guess that didn't go over too well with many readers.
The marshal and RV theme are a bit "Jack Reacher", but I love Reacher books and this has a welcome change up from Jack to Rip ;) - anyway some of the lines had me laughing and snickering, which you don't get in a Lee Child book too often.
A bit of the possibilities might be argued to be unlikely; Gals hitchhiking (2x), the ending scene getting Carlos out, living and "getting back" after the beating, getting out of the Romano's office.
Many stories have these scenes some would label unrealistic, but hey, that's fiction, and I don't mind a couple more Jack Reacher type tales out there. For me, they are entertaining like so many unrealistic hollyweird movies entertain folks.
It's a bit different than the standard murder/FBI stuff that prevails on the bookshelves so plentifully.
So I'll say, good job, Costello !
Reading a few reviews, I guess that didn't go over too well with many readers.
The marshal and RV theme are a bit "Jack Reacher", but I love Reacher books and this has a welcome change up from Jack to Rip ;) - anyway some of the lines had me laughing and snickering, which you don't get in a Lee Child book too often.
A bit of the possibilities might be argued to be unlikely; Gals hitchhiking (2x), the ending scene getting Carlos out, living and "getting back" after the beating, getting out of the Romano's office.
Many stories have these scenes some would label unrealistic, but hey, that's fiction, and I don't mind a couple more Jack Reacher type tales out there. For me, they are entertaining like so many unrealistic hollyweird movies entertain folks.
It's a bit different than the standard murder/FBI stuff that prevails on the bookshelves so plentifully.
So I'll say, good job, Costello !
June 25, 2022
Retired U.S. Marshal Rip Lane travels America in his motorhome. He picks up a woman hitchhiker. This sets in motion events that enrage local mob and crooked policemen.
What I liked:
- Acceptable thriller plot
- Good tempo, easy read
What I didn't like:
- Annoying protagonist. He's like your douchebag uncle full of himself, and always one upping everyone in conversations.
- Casual sexism and unrealistic romantic subplots.
- Everyone has the same way of talking with frequent unnecessarily long sentences, sounding somewhat weird.
- Some dialogues are artificially extended by enumerating countless unnecessary things.
- Protagonists internal monologue is too detailed about mundane activities. "In the bedroom I put on my Adidas running gear. First my running shorts. Then my running shirt. Then my running shoes." Jesus Christ.
What I liked:
- Acceptable thriller plot
- Good tempo, easy read
What I didn't like:
- Annoying protagonist. He's like your douchebag uncle full of himself, and always one upping everyone in conversations.
- Casual sexism and unrealistic romantic subplots.
- Everyone has the same way of talking with frequent unnecessarily long sentences, sounding somewhat weird.
- Some dialogues are artificially extended by enumerating countless unnecessary things.
- Protagonists internal monologue is too detailed about mundane activities. "In the bedroom I put on my Adidas running gear. First my running shorts. Then my running shirt. Then my running shoes." Jesus Christ.
September 12, 2019
Third Book Read Out of Order. No Problem.
Normally I read a series in order however in this case I haven’t. It’s not an issue as each book stands on its own. The series doesn’t read like a “Saturday Matinee Serial Cliffhanger”. That’s a good thing.
w. J. Costello has written only four books in this series and I do not believe there will be anymore. I could be wrong but I’m doubtful due to the length of time between each novel.
That’s a shame and our, as readers, loss.
In this book WJ Costello set a high standard for himself. A standard that in he maintained in books 3 and four (those too I’ve read and reviewed).
“Missouri Loves Company” by W. J. Costello I Highly Recommend It!!
Normally I read a series in order however in this case I haven’t. It’s not an issue as each book stands on its own. The series doesn’t read like a “Saturday Matinee Serial Cliffhanger”. That’s a good thing.
w. J. Costello has written only four books in this series and I do not believe there will be anymore. I could be wrong but I’m doubtful due to the length of time between each novel.
That’s a shame and our, as readers, loss.
In this book WJ Costello set a high standard for himself. A standard that in he maintained in books 3 and four (those too I’ve read and reviewed).
“Missouri Loves Company” by W. J. Costello I Highly Recommend It!!
May 27, 2020
Retired Sheriff Deputy
He was joyfully retired and on his way to wherever his fancy took him when he noticed a pretty hitchhiker. Against his better judgement, he pulled over and picked her up. Later they stopped to eat. He watched two thugs in Armani suits watching her closely.. He pointed it out. That led to her fleeing, and him employing his unique abilities to trace criminals and effect retribution.. An enjoyable story for men and women. The writing style reminded me of novels I read about 50 years ago, with a modern twist.
He was joyfully retired and on his way to wherever his fancy took him when he noticed a pretty hitchhiker. Against his better judgement, he pulled over and picked her up. Later they stopped to eat. He watched two thugs in Armani suits watching her closely.. He pointed it out. That led to her fleeing, and him employing his unique abilities to trace criminals and effect retribution.. An enjoyable story for men and women. The writing style reminded me of novels I read about 50 years ago, with a modern twist.
December 6, 2021
Rip Roaring Reading!
Retired U.S. Marshal Rip Lane rolls into Missouri in his Toy Hauler RV and camps out at the S’mores and Snores campground. Before long things start happening. Some bad guys beat him to a pulp and leave him for dead. Now it’s time for two different kinds of R & R: Rest & Recuperation, followed by Revenge and Retribution. Between the two R & R’s Rip meets Anna - an intelligent and beautiful lady. Love Happens. Will it last? Great characters, Great Plot, Great Action!!! Don’ miss it!!!
Retired U.S. Marshal Rip Lane rolls into Missouri in his Toy Hauler RV and camps out at the S’mores and Snores campground. Before long things start happening. Some bad guys beat him to a pulp and leave him for dead. Now it’s time for two different kinds of R & R: Rest & Recuperation, followed by Revenge and Retribution. Between the two R & R’s Rip meets Anna - an intelligent and beautiful lady. Love Happens. Will it last? Great characters, Great Plot, Great Action!!! Don’ miss it!!!
January 27, 2022
Quick paced story of intrigue and adventure
We find ourselves alongside retired US deputy Marshall, Rip Lane as he travels the roads of America in search of places to see and write about. He comes across a cute hitchhiker in his RV and soon he finds more trouble than he bargained for. She is being pursued by a couple of gangsters who want what she carrying in her duffle bag. Things get really twisted around but Rip is experienced with bad situations and calling in favors and using his wits, culminates a plan to save the girl and her brother.
Definitely a story written by a male, he his direct and to the point without any frills. An enjoyable read.
We find ourselves alongside retired US deputy Marshall, Rip Lane as he travels the roads of America in search of places to see and write about. He comes across a cute hitchhiker in his RV and soon he finds more trouble than he bargained for. She is being pursued by a couple of gangsters who want what she carrying in her duffle bag. Things get really twisted around but Rip is experienced with bad situations and calling in favors and using his wits, culminates a plan to save the girl and her brother.
Definitely a story written by a male, he his direct and to the point without any frills. An enjoyable read.
July 29, 2023
Missouri Loves Company - Rip Lane
I've had this book on my to read list for several months. I really wish I had read it sooner. Author W. J. Costello has written a very good story. The main character, Rip Lane, is a guy I think many think they are - just being honest. We can hope to be a super hero, but in reality the best we can hope for is to be a hero to someone else. I really enjoyed the action and honesty the character brings to the story. Another reason I enjoyed this book is omission of profanity and other filler. I look forward to reading Book 2. - Mr.Bill
I've had this book on my to read list for several months. I really wish I had read it sooner. Author W. J. Costello has written a very good story. The main character, Rip Lane, is a guy I think many think they are - just being honest. We can hope to be a super hero, but in reality the best we can hope for is to be a hero to someone else. I really enjoyed the action and honesty the character brings to the story. Another reason I enjoyed this book is omission of profanity and other filler. I look forward to reading Book 2. - Mr.Bill
August 18, 2019
Slow and steady
A good storyline with a good premise. The story builds to a slow aha moment then slowly smooths out to the finish.
A retired U.S. Marshall makes for a wonderful main character. The addition of a vagabond existence makes a good plot.
Interesting story with well developed characters that are witty and whimsical. I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Missouri Loves Company".
A good storyline with a good premise. The story builds to a slow aha moment then slowly smooths out to the finish.
A retired U.S. Marshall makes for a wonderful main character. The addition of a vagabond existence makes a good plot.
Interesting story with well developed characters that are witty and whimsical. I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Missouri Loves Company".
May 28, 2018
I hate how this hard-boiled ex Federal Marshal has women throwing themselves at him, and he decides to sleep with the one woman who has repeatedly lied to him and put him in mortal danger. If that wasnt bad enough, he dumps her when she talks about a future with him. The character said he felt sad and lonely, but also relieved when it was all over. Oh Puh-Leeze.
What I liked about the book was it portrayed a nomad life, as in rv'ing and sightseeing across the country. There were also cameos of some memorable characters.
Too bad Costello is an asshole when it comes to love vs sex.
What I liked about the book was it portrayed a nomad life, as in rv'ing and sightseeing across the country. There were also cameos of some memorable characters.
Too bad Costello is an asshole when it comes to love vs sex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2019
RV life can be exciting
This was a quick easy read for people who like straight forward mysteries. Rip Lane gives a hitchhiker a ride and gets more than he bargained for. One thing I could have done with less of were the wisecracks, even though that's the personality of the character, some were ok but some I could have done without. Overall an entertaining read.
This was a quick easy read for people who like straight forward mysteries. Rip Lane gives a hitchhiker a ride and gets more than he bargained for. One thing I could have done with less of were the wisecracks, even though that's the personality of the character, some were ok but some I could have done without. Overall an entertaining read.
September 2, 2019
Pure Enjoyment
Rip Lane is a guy I would like to know in real life. He has a great sense of humor, a great sense of right and wrong and a great sense of how to fix the wrongs. I read all four of his stories and I will definitely read Mr. Carroll's fifth book, if and when it is done.
Rip Lane is a guy I would like to know in real life. He has a great sense of humor, a great sense of right and wrong and a great sense of how to fix the wrongs. I read all four of his stories and I will definitely read Mr. Carroll's fifth book, if and when it is done.
June 6, 2020
Missouri Loves Company - Rip Lane # 1 by W J Costello.
My thoughts:
This is the first book I have read by this author. The blurb sounded interesting. This reads more like an episode of a movie franchise or TV series than a novel. Once I got used to the writing style, and the stereotype characters, it did keep my attention till the end. While this was a good start of a series, I did not like the main character Rip Lane enough to to read more in this series. 3 stars.
My thoughts:
This is the first book I have read by this author. The blurb sounded interesting. This reads more like an episode of a movie franchise or TV series than a novel. Once I got used to the writing style, and the stereotype characters, it did keep my attention till the end. While this was a good start of a series, I did not like the main character Rip Lane enough to to read more in this series. 3 stars.
June 12, 2020
Love this title
Great story that is quite informative on both the Federal Marshalls and Missouri landmarks to visit. I am at that age where RVing is an option. Good to know how easy-hard it is to set up. Woven in is a murder mystery and mafia types doing what you would expect from them.
Great story that is quite informative on both the Federal Marshalls and Missouri landmarks to visit. I am at that age where RVing is an option. Good to know how easy-hard it is to set up. Woven in is a murder mystery and mafia types doing what you would expect from them.
June 25, 2020
I marked this as read, but I quit reading once I realized how sexist this character is. This is one of those Jack Reacher wannabes who thinks that he is just attractive to every woman around him and he evaluates women by their legs, bodily features, etc.
Can't see anything redeeming in this character so I quit.
Can't see anything redeeming in this character so I quit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews