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The Silver Squad Rides Again:
Barry, Beth, and Jenny ride again!The Silver Squad Rides Again picks up where the multi-award-winning The Silver Rebels With Wrinkles left off. This time Barry, Beth, and Jenny take on a trapper who tortured a wolf and a health insurance company that has denied a fifteen-year-old girl the surgery she desperately needs.
Meanwhile, Aaron, a man with a history of domestic violence, seeks revenge on Barry and Beth for their previous encounter.
Ultimately, someone will ride in the trunk.
The Silver Squad Rides Again is a comedic novel that celebrates living life to the fullest while tackling the serious issues of animal cruelty, corporate greed, bigotry, and claustrophobia. Yes, definitely claustrophobia.
Meanwhile, Aaron, a man with a history of domestic violence, seeks revenge on Barry and Beth for their previous encounter.
Ultimately, someone will ride in the trunk.
The Silver Squad Rides Again is a comedic novel that celebrates living life to the fullest while tackling the serious issues of animal cruelty, corporate greed, bigotry, and claustrophobia. Yes, definitely claustrophobia.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2026
About the author
Marty Essen
10 books48 followersMarty 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 8, 2026
The Silver Squad Rides Again is a funny, irreverent, and surprisingly thoughtful continuation of the Silver Squad's adventures.
What I appreciated most is Marty Essen's ability to tackle serious social issues without losing the novel's sense of humor. The Silver Squad's confrontations with animal cruelty, healthcare injustice, corporate greed, and bigotry give the story genuine substance beneath its comedic surface.
Barry, Beth, and Jenny remain an entertaining trio, and their willingness to take on difficult causes creates plenty of memorable situations. The subplot involving Aaron's desire for revenge adds another layer of tension, ensuring that the story isn't simply a series of comedic encounters.
I especially enjoyed the book's willingness to embrace the absurd. Even claustrophobia becomes part of the adventure, reinforcing the sense that readers never quite know where the story will go next. That unpredictability is a major part of its charm.
At its heart, The Silver Squad Rides Again celebrates the idea that getting older doesn't mean becoming less adventurous, less outspoken, or less willing to stand up for what matters.
A lively and entertaining read for anyone who enjoys humorous fiction with social commentary, memorable characters, and plenty of unexpected turns.The Silver Squad Rides Again is a funny, irreverent, and surprisingly thoughtful continuation of the Silver Squad's adventures.
What I appreciated most is Marty Essen's ability to tackle serious social issues without losing the novel's sense of humor. The Silver Squad's confrontations with animal cruelty, healthcare injustice, corporate greed, and bigotry give the story genuine substance beneath its comedic surface.
Barry, Beth, and Jenny remain an entertaining trio, and their willingness to take on difficult causes creates plenty of memorable situations. The subplot involving Aaron's desire for revenge adds another layer of tension, ensuring that the story isn't simply a series of comedic encounters.
I especially enjoyed the book's willingness to embrace the absurd. Even claustrophobia becomes part of the adventure, reinforcing the sense that readers never quite know where the story will go next. That unpredictability is a major part of its charm.
At its heart, The Silver Squad Rides Again celebrates the idea that getting older doesn't mean becoming less adventurous, less outspoken, or less willing to stand up for what matters.
A lively and entertaining read for anyone who enjoys humorous fiction with social commentary, memorable characters, and plenty of unexpected turns.
What I appreciated most is Marty Essen's ability to tackle serious social issues without losing the novel's sense of humor. The Silver Squad's confrontations with animal cruelty, healthcare injustice, corporate greed, and bigotry give the story genuine substance beneath its comedic surface.
Barry, Beth, and Jenny remain an entertaining trio, and their willingness to take on difficult causes creates plenty of memorable situations. The subplot involving Aaron's desire for revenge adds another layer of tension, ensuring that the story isn't simply a series of comedic encounters.
I especially enjoyed the book's willingness to embrace the absurd. Even claustrophobia becomes part of the adventure, reinforcing the sense that readers never quite know where the story will go next. That unpredictability is a major part of its charm.
At its heart, The Silver Squad Rides Again celebrates the idea that getting older doesn't mean becoming less adventurous, less outspoken, or less willing to stand up for what matters.
A lively and entertaining read for anyone who enjoys humorous fiction with social commentary, memorable characters, and plenty of unexpected turns.The Silver Squad Rides Again is a funny, irreverent, and surprisingly thoughtful continuation of the Silver Squad's adventures.
What I appreciated most is Marty Essen's ability to tackle serious social issues without losing the novel's sense of humor. The Silver Squad's confrontations with animal cruelty, healthcare injustice, corporate greed, and bigotry give the story genuine substance beneath its comedic surface.
Barry, Beth, and Jenny remain an entertaining trio, and their willingness to take on difficult causes creates plenty of memorable situations. The subplot involving Aaron's desire for revenge adds another layer of tension, ensuring that the story isn't simply a series of comedic encounters.
I especially enjoyed the book's willingness to embrace the absurd. Even claustrophobia becomes part of the adventure, reinforcing the sense that readers never quite know where the story will go next. That unpredictability is a major part of its charm.
At its heart, The Silver Squad Rides Again celebrates the idea that getting older doesn't mean becoming less adventurous, less outspoken, or less willing to stand up for what matters.
A lively and entertaining read for anyone who enjoys humorous fiction with social commentary, memorable characters, and plenty of unexpected turns.
May 18, 2026
This second book in The Silver Squad series was a joy to listen to. Marty Essen does an excellent job of continuing the story while weaving in thoughtful connections to the first book, making it feel cohesive and satisfying for returning listeners.
I really enjoyed how the characters continue to grow and evolve, while still maintaining the qualities that made them so memorable in the first place. Their interactions are engaging and often heartfelt, adding a strong emotional core to the story.
Maria McCann’s narration once again shines, bringing each character to life with clarity and personality. Her delivery enhances both the lighter moments and the more meaningful ones, making for a well-rounded listening experience.
Overall, this was a delightful continuation of the series, and I’m excited to see what comes next for the Silver Squad.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
I really enjoyed how the characters continue to grow and evolve, while still maintaining the qualities that made them so memorable in the first place. Their interactions are engaging and often heartfelt, adding a strong emotional core to the story.
Maria McCann’s narration once again shines, bringing each character to life with clarity and personality. Her delivery enhances both the lighter moments and the more meaningful ones, making for a well-rounded listening experience.
Overall, this was a delightful continuation of the series, and I’m excited to see what comes next for the Silver Squad.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
March 25, 2026
Septuagenarians Continue Their Mission
In book 2 of The Silver Squad series, Barry and Beth are trying to shame an insurance company into funding an operation for a young woman with serious medical problems. But of course it's never that simple. In addition Barry is coming to terms with his gay son's job as a drag queen, and trying to talk Beth into marrying him, and they are being chased by a villain from the first book in the series. It's fun to read about capers performed by people in their 70's!
In book 2 of The Silver Squad series, Barry and Beth are trying to shame an insurance company into funding an operation for a young woman with serious medical problems. But of course it's never that simple. In addition Barry is coming to terms with his gay son's job as a drag queen, and trying to talk Beth into marrying him, and they are being chased by a villain from the first book in the series. It's fun to read about capers performed by people in their 70's!
April 17, 2026
The Silver Squad Rides Again is a reminder to strive to find a way to strengthen the connection I have with my dad. I have an unconventional job guiding disabled people through their social problems online, and it took my dad a while to realize that I could make a living at this job if I worked hard. The father and son relationship is quite different in this book. My job has nothing to do with my sexuality, but what resonated with me is a father striving to make a connection with his son. I highly recommend The Silver Squad Rides Again because of the father and son theme.
August 3, 2026
The Silver Squad Rides Again is a decent second episode in series about a couple retirees looking to still have fun and make a difference helping on causes near and dear to their hearts and many others. The main characters Barry and Beth are endearing and still frisky. The book is a fun, quick romp and a little of the luster wore off without the novelty of the first book. 3 stars and a light beach or summer read.
March 30, 2026
A really Good Read in an amazing series of Two.
So far! The Silver Squad hits the road to Right the Wrongs they see happening. Although it is never easy, they know they must keep going to stay on the side of Good and not evil! You will need to read this fun episode in the life of these two members of the Silver Squad to keep the Author writing more in this funny series.
So far! The Silver Squad hits the road to Right the Wrongs they see happening. Although it is never easy, they know they must keep going to stay on the side of Good and not evil! You will need to read this fun episode in the life of these two members of the Silver Squad to keep the Author writing more in this funny series.
April 29, 2026
3.5 rounded up…I liked the first one better than this one, but it was pretty good. I thought the first half of the book dragged though. I don’t remember thinking that about the first book—it seemed to be nonstop action, plus I remembered it being much more humorous than this one. I was a little disappointed with this one.
August 8, 2026
Funny, outrageous and oh so enjoyable.
Even the political parts of this book were light enough to remind you that there was a still a wrong going on in this country that even the Silver Squad coujdn’t fix. It’s going to take a righteous uprising to fix it! The happy ending makes me think we may see these characters again.
Even the political parts of this book were light enough to remind you that there was a still a wrong going on in this country that even the Silver Squad coujdn’t fix. It’s going to take a righteous uprising to fix it! The happy ending makes me think we may see these characters again.
March 23, 2026
How does one join the Silver Squad!? A fun read!
Like the first book, it had me right from the start. I love the character's. And their escapades leave you laughing. Looking forward to the next book!
Like the first book, it had me right from the start. I love the character's. And their escapades leave you laughing. Looking forward to the next book!
April 16, 2026
I and pretty sure we are going to have a 3rd installment on this delightful series! Love all of the characters and their crazy antics. If you want some fun entertainment look no further. Narration by Maria McCann is excellent.
April 16, 2026
The Silver Squad Rides Again presents a narrative that leans into character-driven storytelling, with a title that immediately suggests continuity, camaraderie, and a return to action.
Even without extensive public reception data yet, the framing of the book positions it within a space that values team dynamics, progression arcs, and narrative momentum built on shared history. Stories built around returning groups often benefit from emotional familiarity and evolving character relationships, which can create strong reader attachment over time.
There’s a clear sense of forward movement implied, “rides again” signals continuation, resurgence, and unfinished business, all of which are effective hooks within both adventure and character-led fiction.
This is a work that has strong potential to grow through visibility and reader discovery, particularly among audiences that enjoy ensemble storytelling and evolving character arcs.
Even without extensive public reception data yet, the framing of the book positions it within a space that values team dynamics, progression arcs, and narrative momentum built on shared history. Stories built around returning groups often benefit from emotional familiarity and evolving character relationships, which can create strong reader attachment over time.
There’s a clear sense of forward movement implied, “rides again” signals continuation, resurgence, and unfinished business, all of which are effective hooks within both adventure and character-led fiction.
This is a work that has strong potential to grow through visibility and reader discovery, particularly among audiences that enjoy ensemble storytelling and evolving character arcs.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews