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Wyatt's Hurricane
A U.S. Naval aircraft on a routine weather patrol in the Caribbean encounters 'Mabel', a ferocious hurricane that should, nevertheless, pass harmlessly among the islands. But David Wyatt, civilian weather expert, has developed a sixth sense about hurricanes and is convinced that Mabel will change course and strike the island of San Fernandez and its capital, St Pierre. Scientific evidence is against him, the Commander of the U.S. Base refuses to evacuate, and Wyatt's lone voice is finally overwhelmed when a rebellion against the tyrannical dictator who rules San Fernandez sweeps down on St Pierre. Wyatt is forced to pit himself against insuperable odds, aided only by a small and diverse group of English and American civilians - and by Hurricane Mabel herself.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1966
About the author
Desmond Bagley
137 books172 followersDesmond Bagley was a British journalist and novelist principally known for a series of best-selling thrillers. Along with fellow British writers such as Hammond Innes and Alistair MacLean, Bagley established the basic conventions of the genre: a tough, resourceful, but essentially ordinary hero pitted against villains determined to sow destruction and chaos in order to advance their agenda.
Bagley was born at Kendal, Cumbria (then Westmorland), England, the son of John and Hannah Bagley. His family moved to the resort town of Blackpool in the summer of 1935, when Bagley was twelve. Leaving school not long after the relocation, Bagley worked as a printer's assistant and factory worker, and during World War II he worked in the aircraft industry. Bagley suffered from a speech impediment (stuttering) all of his life, which initially exempted him from military conscription.
He left England in 1947 for Africa and worked his way overland, crossing the Sahara Desert and briefly settling in Kampala, Uganda, where he contracted malaria. By 1951, he had settled in South Africa, working in the gold mining industry and asbestos industry in Durban, Natal, before becoming a freelance writer for local newspapers and magazines.
His first published short story appeared in the English magazine Argosy in 1957, and his first novel, The Golden Keel in 1962. In the interval, he was a film critic for Rand Daily Mail in Johannesburg from 1958–1962. Also during this period, he met local bookstore owner Joan Margaret Brown and they were married in 1960.
The success of The Golden Keel led Bagley to turn full time to novel writing by the mid-1960s. He published a total of sixteen thrillers, all craftsmanlike and nearly all best-sellers. Typical of British thriller writers of the era, he rarely used recurring characters whose adventures unfolded over multiple books. Max Stafford, the security consultant featured in Flyaway and Windfall, is a notable exception. Also typically, his work has received little attention from filmmakers, yielding only a few, unremarkable adaptations. Exceptions were The Freedom Trap (1971), released in 1973 as The Mackintosh Man by Warner Brothers, starring Paul Newman and Dominique Sanda; and Running Blind which was adapted for television by the BBC in 1979.
Bagley and his wife left South Africa for Italy in 1960, and then England in 1965. They settled in Totnes, Devon from 1965–1976, then lived in Guernsey in the Channel Islands from 1976-1983.
Bagley also published short stories. When not traveling to research the exotic backgrounds for his novels, Bagley spent his time sailing and motor-boating. He loved classical music and films, military history, and played war games.
Desmond Bagley died of complications resulting from a stroke at a hospital in Southampton. He was fifty-nine. His last two novels Night of Error and Juggernaut were published posthumously after completion by his wife. His works have been translated into over 20 languages.
Bagley was born at Kendal, Cumbria (then Westmorland), England, the son of John and Hannah Bagley. His family moved to the resort town of Blackpool in the summer of 1935, when Bagley was twelve. Leaving school not long after the relocation, Bagley worked as a printer's assistant and factory worker, and during World War II he worked in the aircraft industry. Bagley suffered from a speech impediment (stuttering) all of his life, which initially exempted him from military conscription.
He left England in 1947 for Africa and worked his way overland, crossing the Sahara Desert and briefly settling in Kampala, Uganda, where he contracted malaria. By 1951, he had settled in South Africa, working in the gold mining industry and asbestos industry in Durban, Natal, before becoming a freelance writer for local newspapers and magazines.
His first published short story appeared in the English magazine Argosy in 1957, and his first novel, The Golden Keel in 1962. In the interval, he was a film critic for Rand Daily Mail in Johannesburg from 1958–1962. Also during this period, he met local bookstore owner Joan Margaret Brown and they were married in 1960.
The success of The Golden Keel led Bagley to turn full time to novel writing by the mid-1960s. He published a total of sixteen thrillers, all craftsmanlike and nearly all best-sellers. Typical of British thriller writers of the era, he rarely used recurring characters whose adventures unfolded over multiple books. Max Stafford, the security consultant featured in Flyaway and Windfall, is a notable exception. Also typically, his work has received little attention from filmmakers, yielding only a few, unremarkable adaptations. Exceptions were The Freedom Trap (1971), released in 1973 as The Mackintosh Man by Warner Brothers, starring Paul Newman and Dominique Sanda; and Running Blind which was adapted for television by the BBC in 1979.
Bagley and his wife left South Africa for Italy in 1960, and then England in 1965. They settled in Totnes, Devon from 1965–1976, then lived in Guernsey in the Channel Islands from 1976-1983.
Bagley also published short stories. When not traveling to research the exotic backgrounds for his novels, Bagley spent his time sailing and motor-boating. He loved classical music and films, military history, and played war games.
Desmond Bagley died of complications resulting from a stroke at a hospital in Southampton. He was fifty-nine. His last two novels Night of Error and Juggernaut were published posthumously after completion by his wife. His works have been translated into over 20 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 30, 2026
Through with Bagley's third novel, now. And the works are holding up against one another. Golden Keel is still the standard, however. And Wyatt's Hurricane doesn't measure up as its equal. What has improved is the imagery and atmosphere. Bagley's description of being in a hurricane while caught in the open is breathtaking. Quite literally so for some of his characters. That includes Wyatt, the young hurricane tracker who takes his expertise at flying into the storms and applies it to governments and armies that don't want to believe that a killer wind is bearing down on them. Oh, yes. There is what I've come to find to be recurrent theme in Bagley's novels, the redeemed coward/liar/braggart/opportunist. In this case, this figure is not as central to events as in the other books, but nonetheless Big Jim Dawson, the novelist no less, comes to experience life as he only feared it before.
This is another good example of mid century genre fiction. It's written crisply but with a relatively high level of language (I found myself looking up a few words I didn't know (benison = an archaic term for a blessing). And Bagley creates sharp characters who are not static but ever changing, although not to the degree as the first two novels. Still, this is fun reading. Far better than spending a night in front of a television.
This is another good example of mid century genre fiction. It's written crisply but with a relatively high level of language (I found myself looking up a few words I didn't know (benison = an archaic term for a blessing). And Bagley creates sharp characters who are not static but ever changing, although not to the degree as the first two novels. Still, this is fun reading. Far better than spending a night in front of a television.
February 12, 2020
Following the assured thrilleramics of ‘The Golden Keel’ and the full-throttle action-adventure ‘High Citadel’, Bagley’s third novel saw him working on his broadest canvas yet. The setting is a tinpot Caribbean island whose dictator warily permits the US to maintain a meteorological research station on the coast. An insurrection is brewing, led by a charismatic freedom fighter. Tensions are rife between the cluster of foreign nationals, including an ex-pat American novelist hilariously trying to cast himself as the new Hemingway. Amidst all the brouhaha, scientist David Wyatt grows increasingly certain, against all data and models, that a hurricane on course to pass the island will instead veer straight into its capital. At once a war story, a race-against-time thriller and a man vs the elements tale that would be at home in the Hammond Innes canon, ‘Wyatt’s Hurricane’ is a propulsive, edge of the seat novel that makes most modern thriller writing looking anaemic.
November 26, 2017
A little disappointing really. The book has a terrific start as a plane is flown through a hurricane and, had the hurricane itself been the focus of the book, it would have been a better read for me. However, the other elements of the book work less well and whilst one expects this style of thriller to be somewhat predictable, some elements were a little too cliched.
January 1, 2019
Απολαυστική περιπέτεια με καταιγιστική δράση που διαβάστηκε χωρίς διακοπή.
August 25, 2026
I wish I'd known about Mr. Bagley sooner. I haven't read a thriller detailed with such precision, described with such clarity, and being so humane that it is almost insulting to label it a 'thriller' alone. The characters are developed so well that one feels for all of them, and the plotting and pacing are unbelievably well done. It is no mean task to write about a war and a natural disaster, keep readers interested and not confused, keep the action alive all through, and yet make it so realistic that the reader is there with the characters caught in this cruel and tragic situation. In an extremely tense story, unbelievably, there are also scientific explanations and historical facts about hurricanes, insights into life and human beings, and humour. One feels the dual disaster and learns more about war and hurricanes.
I loved every bit of it. Once in a while, I come across a book I find difficult to let go. Even after I've finished reading it, the words linger in my mind and I want to read some parts again and again. This is one of those books. I'm looking for more of Mr. Bagley's writing now.
I loved every bit of it. Once in a while, I come across a book I find difficult to let go. Even after I've finished reading it, the words linger in my mind and I want to read some parts again and again. This is one of those books. I'm looking for more of Mr. Bagley's writing now.
June 26, 2026
What a barnstormer this one is. Bagley certainly knew how to tell a good story. This one sees David Wyatt, a young meteorological scientist based on the fictitious Caribbean island of San Fernandez, come to the realisation that the hurricane he’s tracking is heading straight towards the island.
When he tries to spread the news he’s ignored - first by his immediate superior, then by the Commander of the US Naval Base where he’s stationed and then by the dictatorial leader of the island, President Serrurier who, in fairness to him, as his mind on other things - namely a bloody civil war that is threatening to break out under the command of the rebel leader Julio Favel.
Wyatt, along with a raggletaggle group of foreigners, try to outrun both the hurricane and the civil war… what happens over the 254 pages of Bagley’s ripping adventure yarn I’ll leave to you to discover.
N.B - The book was first published in 1966 and reflects attitudes and opinions of the time. That’s my sensitivity duty done.
When he tries to spread the news he’s ignored - first by his immediate superior, then by the Commander of the US Naval Base where he’s stationed and then by the dictatorial leader of the island, President Serrurier who, in fairness to him, as his mind on other things - namely a bloody civil war that is threatening to break out under the command of the rebel leader Julio Favel.
Wyatt, along with a raggletaggle group of foreigners, try to outrun both the hurricane and the civil war… what happens over the 254 pages of Bagley’s ripping adventure yarn I’ll leave to you to discover.
N.B - The book was first published in 1966 and reflects attitudes and opinions of the time. That’s my sensitivity duty done.
January 19, 2020
The reason which prompted me to read Desmond Bagley is a trip down memory lane. I had read Flyaway when I was a teenager and I remember that I had loved the book. This prompted me to read Wyatt's Hurricane. My verdict is that the book has yes some suspenseful moments but it lacks the kick of being a page turner. Its a relatively simple plot that mixes some romance with a civil war amidst the backdrop of a hurricane. I got the feeling that the book lacks a true climax and I started losing interest three quarters into the book. The plot is pretty linear and there are no particular twists. In actual fact the book leaves a little bit of loose ends in the end and the impression I got was that in the end the story was wrapped up in a hurry. Im not saying its not a good read. I classify it as easy reading but it wont top my list of thrillers.
July 10, 2022
i finished it for like 15 minutes ago, this shot i captured while the weather is heavily tempest.
Hurricane, cyclone and such a gale force story.
A motley crew of civilians led by meteorologist David Wyatt are caught up in a civil war on the fictional island of San Fernandes just as a hurricane strikes.
I hate how the president being immature on listening to other people opinions, expressed and particularly useless person (for sure) then when he strongly disbelief wyatt's assumption about the storm, the president realized how much losses he got for himself.
Hurricane, cyclone and such a gale force story.
A motley crew of civilians led by meteorologist David Wyatt are caught up in a civil war on the fictional island of San Fernandes just as a hurricane strikes.
I hate how the president being immature on listening to other people opinions, expressed and particularly useless person (for sure) then when he strongly disbelief wyatt's assumption about the storm, the president realized how much losses he got for himself.
August 27, 2019
I read some of Bagleys works when I was a teenager. They we engaging and thrilling. More realistic heroes than the superhero stories that was popular at the time.
I've reread a couple now a quarter of a century later. Though still detail oriented and with good progress, they are a bit simplistic and "everything always works out for the hero", which makes the story too predictible.
Running Blind is still worth a read. This one is not.
I've reread a couple now a quarter of a century later. Though still detail oriented and with good progress, they are a bit simplistic and "everything always works out for the hero", which makes the story too predictible.
Running Blind is still worth a read. This one is not.
February 4, 2020
Eine kleine Karibikinsel, die simultan mit einem Hurrikan und einem Bürgerkrieg zu kämpfen hat. Das Wüten und die Gewalt eines Hurrikans werden eindringlich geschildert, und die Dramatik der Situation dargestellt.
Ich fand die Darstellung etwas zu dramatisch - nicht von den Fakten her, aber die Personen sind etwas sehr pauschalisiert. Und den Heroenabgesang des letzten Absatzes hätte sich Bagley besser gespart, der ist etwas sehr schwülstig.
Aber insgesamt eine gute Geschichte.
Ich fand die Darstellung etwas zu dramatisch - nicht von den Fakten her, aber die Personen sind etwas sehr pauschalisiert. Und den Heroenabgesang des letzten Absatzes hätte sich Bagley besser gespart, der ist etwas sehr schwülstig.
Aber insgesamt eine gute Geschichte.
August 4, 2019
The master thriller writer does it again.
Despite over 40 years passing since I first read this book, it still stands the test of time due to Bagley’s well documented research for his subjects and his skill at writing fast paced, page turners.
A cracking thriller, beautifully crafted and excellently delivered.
Fab stuff.
Despite over 40 years passing since I first read this book, it still stands the test of time due to Bagley’s well documented research for his subjects and his skill at writing fast paced, page turners.
A cracking thriller, beautifully crafted and excellently delivered.
Fab stuff.
September 23, 2018
Just Brilliant
A superb piece of writing. Tying two of the World's worst nightmares together is just exceptional and written by one of the World's leading writers, what more could you ask for?
A superb piece of writing. Tying two of the World's worst nightmares together is just exceptional and written by one of the World's leading writers, what more could you ask for?
August 3, 2019
Desmond Bagley was one of my favorite authors many years ago when I first read this. A good old classic action adventure thriller. A page turner with interesting snippets about Caribbean history thrown in.
February 10, 2021
Very good book. Story to keep you reading.
The story is based on a fictitious island in the Caribbean. A meteorologist sees a hurricane is headed toward the island, and it complicates the political situation that explodes with some unexpected results.
The story is based on a fictitious island in the Caribbean. A meteorologist sees a hurricane is headed toward the island, and it complicates the political situation that explodes with some unexpected results.
May 1, 2022
An engaging and enjoyable plot, which sweeps you along. However, a sad representation of its time with various racist terms used, not in a direct way but still used… not too often thankfully but still unacceptable.
April 27, 2025
An action thriller that I first read in the 1960s. Our hero, Wyatt, is a highly principled, highly opinionated, highly irritating young man, but is only one of a diverse group of well-written characters. An action thriller that stands the test of time!
October 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this one if you like classic adventure thrillers give this one ago.
May 31, 2019
Good read
Somewhat fanciful but well-told yarn. Bagley puts you right there in the mix. A master of a well told tale.
Somewhat fanciful but well-told yarn. Bagley puts you right there in the mix. A master of a well told tale.
January 15, 2020
This is one fast page turner of a book.
February 25, 2020
Classic Bagley
Dated before the mobile phone and internet. Fun and fast paced. A page turner with a clearly defined and obvious ending.
Dated before the mobile phone and internet. Fun and fast paced. A page turner with a clearly defined and obvious ending.
June 20, 2020
Civil war and a hurricane meet head on in the Caribbean. Typically muscular and pacy writing from Bagley.
January 16, 2021
A novel about a
July 15, 2022
Read in Norwegian
July 21, 2022
Bagley was good at this kind of thriller, which grow more and more intense as the chapters flutter past. Some bits of this one haven't aged well, but the storytelling is more timeless.
December 7, 2022
It's not aged entirely well, but it's still a good and fairly interesting story.
January 10, 2023
It's great to learn English and read such a great story.
B1
Stage 3
B1
Stage 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2023
Really quite good. I loved the technical aspects of how and why hurricanes form, and then behave. Good, gritty details, well told of course.
July 21, 2025
Very nice story and a bit different too. Great page turner.
Read
August 12, 2025A different era.
I read this book when I was fifteen years old. Just re-read it 45 years later. Loved it even more.
I read this book when I was fifteen years old. Just re-read it 45 years later. Loved it even more.
August 4, 2026
I just couldn't get into this book. It started off ok, but then got bogged down, and I just didn't care. I'll try reading it again one day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews