◆ The Bold, the Brave, and the Retirement Just Got Rowdy Barry and Beth, high school sweethearts separated by time and circumstance, find themselves reunited at the Blue Loon Village senior living center in Minneapolis. Now both seventy, they rekindle their relationship only to discover how differently time has shaped them. Beth has blossomed into a free spirit with a goth flair, while Barry has transformed into the curmudgeon he swore in his youth he’d never become.
Despite their differences, neither senior is content to settle into a quiet life at the Blue Loon Village. As they reminisce about their unfulfilled teenage dream of changing the world, Beth convinces Barry that it’s never too late to make a difference. In fact, their age provides them with an advantage—the minimal consequences they’d face if caught doing something illegal. Inspired by their past and emboldened by their age, they set off on a daring road trip across America as Silver Squad vigilantes with nothing to lose.
Soon joined by Jenny—a woman in her forties on the run from her abusive cop-husband—the Silver Squad’s humorous, sometimes perilous escapades include robbing the prosperous to feed the homeless, rescuing drowning kittens, challenging unethical alligator hunters, and confronting a mass shooter with only a can of SPAM.
And sometimes, when a woman tires of running, she turns around and fights. As Jenny’s fear turns into courage, she vows to seize control—and give her husband the surprise of a lifetime.
The Silver Rebels With Wrinkles is a comedic novel that celebrates living life to the fullest while tackling the serious issues of spousal abuse, animal cruelty, mass shootings, and homelessness.
Marty Essen began writing professionally in the 1990s as a features writer for Gig Magazine. His first book, Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents, won six awards, and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune named it a “Top Ten Green Book.” His second book, Endangered Edens: Exploring the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica, the Everglades, and Puerto Rico, won four awards.
His novels, Time Is Irreverent, Time Is Irreverent 2: Jesus Christ, Not Again! Time Is Irreverent 3: Gone for 16 Seconds, and Doctor Refurb have all become Amazon #1 Best-Sellers in at least one category.
His seventh, Doctor Refurb, was a Booklife by Publisher’s Weekly Editor’s Pick and a Top-5 Finalist in the Shelf Unbound 2022 Best Indie Book contest.
The Silver Squad, published in early 2025, is Marty’s eighth and most mass appeal book to-date.
Marty is also a popular college speaker. Over the past seventeen years, he has captivated audiences with the stage-show version of Cool Creatures, Hot Planet, performing it on hundreds of campuses in forty-five states.
I requested an ARC of The Silver Squad from NetGalley because the title made me laugh. I honestly, did not think I’d enjoy it as much as I did. The story follows Barry and Beth, high school sweethearts who are reunited as residence of a senior living community. Neither wanting enter their bed-ridden years quietly, they decide to go on a road trip to see what kind of trouble they could get into. This is a fun, easy, quick book that can be read over a weekend. It’s one of those feel-good stories that came to me at the right time and made me smile.
I love stories featuring senior citizens with spunk, so The Silver Squad: Rebels With Wrinkles appealed to me even without the very cute title! The story did not disappoint, with two senior and one decidedly less senior characters that made me cheer for their success and sit on the edge of my seat, waiting for things to work out for them.
I especially enjoyed the basis for their vigilantism, there was a Robinhood-like feel to their brand of justice. The portrayal of two 70-year-olds is what I, as a person in my 60's, would like to see more of--they are vibrant, active, and there was even some closed door spice! I would have liked to see more of Gertrude in the novel, and often forgot that the gecko even was along for the ride.
Readers who enjoy the Finlay Donovan series would enjoy The Silver Squad, as would readers looking for a fun, road trip book featuring characters of 'a certain age'.
Thank you to Netgalley, Encante Press, and the author for the digital ARC of The Silver Squad: Rebels With Wrinkles by Marty Essen. The opinions in this review are my own.
NOTE: This review is based on an advance readers copy I was given. The book does not go on sale to the public until January 17th, 2025.
In Marty Essen's latest novel, The Silver Squad, the author proves he can spin a tale as full of heart as it is humor. Full disclosure: I’ve known Marty since 2001, supported him as he crafted his first book, and read nearly every page he’s published since. When he recently asked me to read and review his new work, I jumped at the chance—and, as Marty would know, I'd offer unflinching feedback if warranted. Thankfully, that’s unnecessary here. In my view, The Silver Squad is his finest work of fiction to date.
The novel centers on Barry and Beth, once high school sweethearts, now residents of a senior living facility, who unexpectedly rekindle both their romance and a passion for purpose. When Barry impulsively buys a sleek black Mustang as their “getaway car,” they embark on a road trip—destination unknown, but intent on making a difference along the way. Their journey takes them far from the Twin Cities, eventually leading to Florida’s Big Cypress National Preserve, a favorite setting of mine. Chapter 24, "See You Later, Alligator!," captures the preserve’s beauty, vividly reminding me of my own walks there, camera in hand, photographing everything from anhingas to alligators.
While Essen's politics have always infused his writing, The Silver Squad narrows its focus to issues of spousal abuse, mass shootings, and unprincipled hunting—topics tackled with a deft, often humorous touch that complements, rather than detracts from, the story’s emotional beats. This is a road trip novel, yes, but it's also a meditation on aging, courage, and seizing every chance, however late in life, to fight for change.
If you’re seeking a witty, heartfelt story with characters who “rage against the dying of the light,” Marty Essen’s The Silver Squad deserves a place on your nightstand.
Marty Essen’s The Silver Squad is a delightful and heartfelt tale of love, adventure, and social awareness. The story follows Barry and Beth, high school sweethearts who reunite decades later in a senior living community. Rekindling their romance, they decide to make the most of their golden years by embarking on a series of escapades that are as entertaining as they are meaningful.
With Barry's purchase of a “getaway” car, the duo sets off on a journey that takes them far from the Twin Cities. Along the way, they not only rediscover the joy of living but also make a tangible impact on the world around them. Through their adventures, Essen tackles significant social issues such as spousal abuse, homelessness, and animal cruelty with both sensitivity and humor.
Barry and Beth’s good-hearted nature and determination to help both people and animals make them truly endearing characters. Their escapades are woven together with witty dialogue and poignant moments, creating a narrative that is both uplifting and thought-provoking. Essen masterfully balances humor with heavier themes, making The Silver Squad a book that entertains while inspiring readers to reflect on important societal issues.
This is a story about love, second chances, and the power of living with purpose. I highly recommend The Silver Squad to anyone looking for a lighthearted yet impactful read. I look forward to diving into more works by Marty Essen in the future!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Encante Press, LLC for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Barry is missing his late wife, loves his kids and his pet Gecko and he's over 60 but he's not quite out to pasture yet, thank you very much. HIs daughter convinces him that it's time to move into an assisted living facility, with graded care for him as he ages. He's determined to live the way he wants, solitary and content but Beth drags him out of his comfort zone.
Beth, his high school sweetheart, is determined to grow old disgracefully. She has no desire to sit in a chair and atrophy and she's cajoled Barry into being her accomplice!
Before he knows it Barry has traded in his sensible car for a souped up Mustang, their new getaway car and they take off on a road trip to right some wrongs and help out some folks on the way. From Minnesota to Florida and back these sexagenarians are causing mayhem, fighting injustice and picking up an accomplice or two on the way.
There are some strong themes couched amongst the humour: domestic assault, mass shootings, hunting, and ageism—themes I really could get behind and cheer for our protagonists as they dish out their own brand of justice.
The epic downfall of their final "victim" was chef's kiss and I cackled way more than was polite, lol. I'd love to have more adventures with Barry and Beth!
This was a super fun (if not a little ridiculous) book to read. There definitely need to be more books about seniors and their capers. I think this could turn into a series.
Barry has moved into a retirement home at the urging of his daughter. At first, he hunkers down determined to not enjoy it and suffer through the year he promised his daughter until he can move somewhere else. When an old high school flame turns up at the same facility, they decide to start having fun in their sunset years instead of just sitting around waiting to be claimed by death.
This leads to a life of hilarious crime and a road trip that turns into more than either of them bargained for. Along the way, they pick up a wayward passenger escaping an abusive husband and have the time of all their lives. However, all good things must come to an end and so they follow their friend home to confront the husband.
I adored this book. I highly recommend it whether your young or older and just enjoy stories about quirky road trips. I read the book in one sitting.
My thanks to Encante Press and Netgalley for this ARC.
The Silver Squad is a novel about social problems, but it also contains humor that makes the book entertaining. The humor comes from the two senior citizens. Even though I am not a senior citizen yet, the theme of experiencing physical decline resonates with me. Just like the two protagonists in this book who don't move as fast as they were younger, I don't move quickly anymore or possess the level of energy I once had. I never thought cans of Spam could be used as a plot device, but I like how Marty Essen shows how a can of Spam can be used humorously as a weapon to stop an attacker.
The Silver Squad also addresses social issues like spousal abuse, homelessness and protecting cats from neglect and alligators from hunters. The characters in this book team up to help people and animals in these situations. The Silver Squad is an excellent book that blends humor and addresses social problems. I really enjoyed reading The Silver Squad.
Barry and Beth, once high school sweethearts, unexpectedly cross paths again years later in a retirement village. Neither of them is particularly excited about being there, but together, they hatch a plan to bring a little fun—and ultimately, purpose—into their golden years.
I judged this book by its cover and cute title and was pleasantly surprised. What I found was a charming, heartwarming story filled with humor, hope, and a reminder that it’s never too late to create new adventures. I really enjoyed this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Encante Press for this ARC in return for my honest review.
Gertrude is a Leopard Gecko who’s along for the ride. Two seniors have been convinced to give up their homes and move to a senior home. Feeling alone each finds they were lovers in high school. They go on a crime spree to feel alive & do something important. It’s a fun road trip stopping a spree mass killer. Feeding homeless and fighting for alligators. Characters are believable and show the frailties creeping up with living life, and overcoming them.
Barry and Beth are two people who live in an assisted living home. They realize that they were boyfriend and girlfriend in high school. They strike up a new relationship and decide that they need to go on a road trip. They round up another person, Jenny, and they are all off. Their pursuit of stealing SPAM, giving food to homeless people, trying to save the alligators in Florida, campaigning for abused women and fighting off a mass shooter in a country dance hall keeps them busy.
This was a really fun story! Maybe the fact that I'm NEARLY the same age as the two original members of the Silver Squad might've been a factor, but no matter the age of the reader, I think the interactions, crimes, and other activities of The Silver Squad will be entertaining and worth the time to read the book. No spoilers here, but I gotta agree that these two "oldsters" had a much better idea than to just sit around and wait to fade away.
This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a heartwarming and humorous tale of second chances, self-discovery, and social activism, with a dash of adventure and a strong message of empowerment, especially those who appreciate stories about overcoming adversity, fighting for what's right, and living life to the fullest.
This was pretty silly, and I nearly stopped reading a couple of times because the situations were so farfetched. I can't say the book is hilarious, but there was one pretty good line early on that kept me hoping. I never did get what they did to the kitten woman. Anyway, I'm happy to see older protagonists, and it's nice that people have liked the story. YMMV.
I couldn’t put this book down! The Silver Squad: Rebels with Wrinkles is equal parts funny, thrilling, and heartwarming. Barry and Beth are characters you can’t help but root for, and their antics had me laughing out loud. I loved how the book tackles aging in a fresh, rebellious way. Who says seniors can’t be action heroes? Highly recommended!
This book is unlike anything I’ve read before—imagine The Golden Girls meets Ocean’s Eleven! The premise is fantastic, and I loved how Barry and Beth’s relationship evolved alongside their vigilante escapades. The only downside was that some parts of the story dragged, especially when they were just planning their moves rather than taking action. Still, a really fun and original read!
Marty Essen nails it with this one! The humor is sharp, the action is unexpected, and the characters feel so real. The banter between Barry and Beth is absolutely priceless. I also appreciated the deeper themes about love, loss, and finding purpose later in life. A must-read for anyone who loves crime stories with a comedic twist!
I enjoyed this book a lot, but some moments felt a little too exaggerated, making it hard to suspend disbelief. That said, the humor and dialogue are fantastic, and I loved seeing older protagonists take charge in a way that’s usually reserved for younger characters. Overall, a fun and lighthearted read with an adventurous spirit!
A laugh out loud when trading about two seniors that met again since high school in a retirement community where they each bought an apartment, then decided to go on a road trip because they still felt like they still could have fun and not sit there and vegetate. Was so funny and laughable the things they started to do! Couldn't put this down.
Easy to read total fiction but fun to read about the thoughts and deeds of the inmates Woops sori the guests/patients/inhabitants of retirement villages. They have had full lives and deserve a bit more find they can hold up to do it. Quick good little read.
While so much of the book had me laughing and relating to a lot of it, am angry about the people and alligators they advocated for. Living in MPLS, traveling to many of the same states and a son in Naples, it was fun to travel with them to places this senior has been to
Five stars, if you are a Senior Adult you must read this book.
Hilarious at times, yet spotlighting how many Seniors are put out to pasture way to soon. I might not can take down a killer with a can of spam, but I am still a useful member of society.
The Silver Squad is like no other book you've ever read! Do yourself a HUGE FAVOR, READ IT NOW! You are never too old for the adventure of a lifetime! Life just keeps getting better & the squad, proves it!
Millions of Boomers are searching for easy living situations. So be vigilant..when the are finished with lunch, they’re heading out to experience life and right the wrongs they encounter, and become fast friends along the way!
This book is hilarious! It shows the rest of us "Silver Squad" and/or soon-to-be a Silver Squaders that we do not have to just sit in an "old folks home" and loose interest in things. This is an excellent book and I hope there is more like this coming soon!
If you thought high school pranks were funny, you'd think that some of the adventures of the Silver Squad were funny. I thought the book was very contrived and it went on way too long. Would have been better if it was shorter.
I loved reading about Barry and Beth and their adventures. It was a great read, different than most romance books. The adventures were marvelous and their side kick Jennie was an excellent addition.