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The Robbins: old farts gone bad
The Robbins are determined to get their money back—and get even.
When an arrogant and selfish 26-year old, Ken Paulson, inherited a large national jewelry store chain, he probably shouldn’t have fired 72-year old Wayne Robbins, a brilliant engineer who helped Ken’s father build the company. And he certainly should not have stolen Robbins’ retirement funds, patents, and royalties.
But, he did.
The need to survive forces Wayne to develop a brilliant plan. Traveling the country in their motor coach, these sweet grandparents devise and execute perfect crimes. But they must overcome unexpected challenges, conspiracies, intrigue, and crossed loyalties. Finally, they must face and out-smart not only Ken Paulson but also the people they fear the most.
This may not end the way you think it will.
When an arrogant and selfish 26-year old, Ken Paulson, inherited a large national jewelry store chain, he probably shouldn’t have fired 72-year old Wayne Robbins, a brilliant engineer who helped Ken’s father build the company. And he certainly should not have stolen Robbins’ retirement funds, patents, and royalties.
But, he did.
The need to survive forces Wayne to develop a brilliant plan. Traveling the country in their motor coach, these sweet grandparents devise and execute perfect crimes. But they must overcome unexpected challenges, conspiracies, intrigue, and crossed loyalties. Finally, they must face and out-smart not only Ken Paulson but also the people they fear the most.
This may not end the way you think it will.
194 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2016
17 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Freriks
25 books35 followersMr. Freriks is a career entrepreneur and inventor. He is the author of fourteen fast-paced and intrigue-packed novels in the crime and political thriller genres as well as future dystopia and historical fiction. Then there's World Number 2, which belongs in a genre all it's own. Intrigue? Existential Exploration? God? Nature? Onmiversal Truth? (let me know if you figure it out!)
All these books can be found here.
All these books can be found here.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 4, 2016
Very entertaining and enjoyable! The moral of this story is do not mess with old farts!
May 12, 2018
OVERALL
This is an entertaining, babyboomer-wish-fulfilment light holiday read with an interesting premise, a solid plot and a pair of not-so-appealing entitled Republican old farts as the heroes-
PLOT
Seventy-three-year-old Engineer, Wayne Robbins is cheated out $2.8m in retirement funds by the young just-inherited this-national-jewellery-chain CEO and sets out to get his revenge by stealing enough jewellery to make up the loss. Then things start to get complicated and Wayne and his wife find themselves in stuck between lethal organised crime thugs and the FBI.
GOOD THINGS
The plot is clever in a John Grisham "The Firm" sort of way. It's much more complicated than it initially seems.
The pace works. Everything keeps moving. The ratcheting up of complexity is nicely judged not to be too overwhelming or too I've-already-worked-that-out.
The humour of old folks getting their own back doesn't wear thin
The relationship between the married-for-fifty-years couple is a little cute but still plausible and nicely demonstrated through the kind of dialogue that only people who've known each other that long (and still don't regret it) can have.
NOT SO GOOD THINGS
I had trouble empathising with the Robbins. They were too smug for me. White, middle.-class, proud-to-be-Republican grandparents whose sense of entitlement runs so deep that are incapable of recognising how smug they are and easily rationalise their own criminality.
The "jokes" against Obama might be contextually correct but they tasted too much of the author's values muscling into the narrative. I found them unnecessary and distracting.
The ending is clever but a little too cute for me.
This is an entertaining, babyboomer-wish-fulfilment light holiday read with an interesting premise, a solid plot and a pair of not-so-appealing entitled Republican old farts as the heroes-
PLOT
Seventy-three-year-old Engineer, Wayne Robbins is cheated out $2.8m in retirement funds by the young just-inherited this-national-jewellery-chain CEO and sets out to get his revenge by stealing enough jewellery to make up the loss. Then things start to get complicated and Wayne and his wife find themselves in stuck between lethal organised crime thugs and the FBI.
GOOD THINGS
The plot is clever in a John Grisham "The Firm" sort of way. It's much more complicated than it initially seems.
The pace works. Everything keeps moving. The ratcheting up of complexity is nicely judged not to be too overwhelming or too I've-already-worked-that-out.
The humour of old folks getting their own back doesn't wear thin
The relationship between the married-for-fifty-years couple is a little cute but still plausible and nicely demonstrated through the kind of dialogue that only people who've known each other that long (and still don't regret it) can have.
NOT SO GOOD THINGS
I had trouble empathising with the Robbins. They were too smug for me. White, middle.-class, proud-to-be-Republican grandparents whose sense of entitlement runs so deep that are incapable of recognising how smug they are and easily rationalise their own criminality.
The "jokes" against Obama might be contextually correct but they tasted too much of the author's values muscling into the narrative. I found them unnecessary and distracting.
The ending is clever but a little too cute for me.
July 15, 2017
This was SOOOO AWESOME!! I've never been more entertained and brought to tears! This was the best and more heartfelt stories I've read in a while. I got mad, happy,sad,and laughed to the end! It never felt so good and complete to root for the bad guys so to speak lol! I'm so glad that Benny of all people got his revenge on Tony and Yuri. Those two hoes really did a trifling thing to Benny, and deserved their comeuppance. I really wonder how long their relationship will last while they're both doing there time for fraud and embezzlement!? Out of all the horrible things Ken did to his employees, including murder Benny's drama touched me the most I just can't explain it. But the Robbins are at my top five list of favorite fiction characters thus far. I really can't wait to read more stories from this author Bravo!
August 3, 2019
Not the type of book I usually read but I found out the author recently moved into my neighborhood so I picked up a copy to check it out. Although parts of it were way over my head (not being an expert at business and white collar crime), it turned out to be a fun story. I almost wished I knew the Robbins. I was rooting for them till the end! A entertaining way to spend a rainy day.
January 26, 2017
An interesting story of an older couple ripped off by their employer, who decide to get revenge by stealing back the money lost. The book held me to the end despite the appalling amount of typos, it really needs a good proof read (One star deducted for that).
October 7, 2022
So much fun! The Robbins are ABSOLUTE delight! I actually finished this book quite some time ago and neglected to update my shelf so I’m afraid I can’t give a thorough review. But, I did absolutely enjoy the book and all of the shenanigans! Highly recommend!
March 25, 2022
Very easy read. Funny atr times, deep at others.
April 7, 2016
read the Timothy Freriks book I review here - “The Robbins: Old Farts Gone Bad,” as an ebook on my Kindle. I had read three of his other fiction books previously. The first two - “Mrr: A Post Apocalyptic Race Through Time,” and “Dak: First Contact,” were of the science fiction genre. Mrr was a time-travel story, while Dak dealt with a visiting extra-terrestrial alien, both intriguing stories laced with nuggets of insightful commentary on human behavior and occasional tongue-in-cheek flashes of humor. The third, “Roland: Of Pirates and Patriots,” was a rollicking bit of historical fiction, an adventure - based in part upon fact - that for the most part takes place in 1814 within the context of the War of 1812. I looked forward to reading The Robbins. I was not disappointed. Unlike the previous three that I had read, The Robbins was contemporary, dealing with the escapades of an elderly married couple, who indulge - a la Bonny and Clyde - in numerous jewelry store robberies to avenge and compensate for the husband’s ill financial treatment at the hands of the owner of the jewelry stores, owned by his former employer. Despite the criminal nature of the “old farts” activities, I expect that the readers’ sympathies (like mine) will quickly side with the Robbins, cheering them on, rooting for them in their purloining pursuits. The Robbins were wronged, and their thefts show that, sometimes, two (or more) wrongs can indeed make a right.
August 22, 2016
What old fart could possibly resist a book with this title? I sure couldn't! I figured, if the title made me smile, surely there'd be a healthy dose of humor within the book, too, right?
And there was. There's not a lot of laugh-out-loud moments, but there's a pleasant undercurrent of humor that runs throughout the entire book. In this fun tale, some smart old-timers get royally shafted by their new boss, the underhanded son of the company's former owner, and in a story that's way too close to reality for way too many people, the no-good so-and-so cheats them out of everything they've worked for, leaving them outta work, outta benefits, and outta their retirement funds. But what they aren't out of is smarts, combined with a determination to get back what's owed them.
Moral of this story? Don't mess with old farts.
Although the book could have benefited from some additional editing, it's definitely a worthwhile, fun, and fast read. Okay, so technically, it's a crime to steal, but trust me, you'll be rooting for this geriatric Bonnie and Clyde to get back what's theirs, and for that crooked creep to get what he deserves.
Three and a half stars, rounded up to four.
And there was. There's not a lot of laugh-out-loud moments, but there's a pleasant undercurrent of humor that runs throughout the entire book. In this fun tale, some smart old-timers get royally shafted by their new boss, the underhanded son of the company's former owner, and in a story that's way too close to reality for way too many people, the no-good so-and-so cheats them out of everything they've worked for, leaving them outta work, outta benefits, and outta their retirement funds. But what they aren't out of is smarts, combined with a determination to get back what's owed them.
Moral of this story? Don't mess with old farts.
Although the book could have benefited from some additional editing, it's definitely a worthwhile, fun, and fast read. Okay, so technically, it's a crime to steal, but trust me, you'll be rooting for this geriatric Bonnie and Clyde to get back what's theirs, and for that crooked creep to get what he deserves.
Three and a half stars, rounded up to four.
April 7, 2017
First, I'd like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my feedback. It has in no way affected my opinion.
Betty and Wayne Robbins were the very likable and clever elderly main characters of this story. They set out in a very nonchalant but criminal way to steal their retirement money back that was evilly taken from them by a little prick who inherited the large company that Wayne worked for. Along the way, they somewhat accidentally become part of a big, complicated jewelry ring scam. They meet with some interesting characters who eventually lead them to some really dangerous people who want them dead. The FBI, SWAT team and police learn that all of the crooks, including the Robbins, will be in the same place at the same time so they surround them. Sounds like everyone got caught right? Hmmm or maybe they died or overpowered the police? I guess you will need to read to find out!
Betty and Wayne Robbins were the very likable and clever elderly main characters of this story. They set out in a very nonchalant but criminal way to steal their retirement money back that was evilly taken from them by a little prick who inherited the large company that Wayne worked for. Along the way, they somewhat accidentally become part of a big, complicated jewelry ring scam. They meet with some interesting characters who eventually lead them to some really dangerous people who want them dead. The FBI, SWAT team and police learn that all of the crooks, including the Robbins, will be in the same place at the same time so they surround them. Sounds like everyone got caught right? Hmmm or maybe they died or overpowered the police? I guess you will need to read to find out!
September 11, 2016
E-Reader Crime Novel
Wayne & Betty Robbins are senior citizens. Wayne runs the research & engineering Div. For CJC, a national jewelry chain store. The owner Nate Paulson dies & his spoiled son Ken (26) inherited the business. Shortly after he fires Wayne & several other s who had for quite a while for CJC. They lost their retirement money which was CJC stock. Wayne should have received $2.8 million dollars pulse royalties for patents on things he created monthly. All of their health insurance stopped at the end of the month.
Betty has cancer which has caused them to have to pay for medical treatments. Wayne at 70 is a brilliant man & Betty is quite intelligent too. They decide a plan to get back what they were cheated out of. Remember Wayne is a talented engineer.
Read the book to follow what happens. This is an amazing story. Too much to describe, there is major dangers along the way. Had a hard time not to stay up really to finish this book!
Wayne & Betty Robbins are senior citizens. Wayne runs the research & engineering Div. For CJC, a national jewelry chain store. The owner Nate Paulson dies & his spoiled son Ken (26) inherited the business. Shortly after he fires Wayne & several other s who had for quite a while for CJC. They lost their retirement money which was CJC stock. Wayne should have received $2.8 million dollars pulse royalties for patents on things he created monthly. All of their health insurance stopped at the end of the month.
Betty has cancer which has caused them to have to pay for medical treatments. Wayne at 70 is a brilliant man & Betty is quite intelligent too. They decide a plan to get back what they were cheated out of. Remember Wayne is a talented engineer.
Read the book to follow what happens. This is an amazing story. Too much to describe, there is major dangers along the way. Had a hard time not to stay up really to finish this book!
August 2, 2016
This book was a HOOT! It needs to be on every RV bookshelf. The characters are just delightful - you love some, and you loath some. And I loved the author's writing style: "Wayne Robbins flexed his hands and stood, scratching at the patch of psoriasis on his elbow." This had me laughing from the first page. Clever crime plots - yes, there are more than one. Who would think old farts could pull off such capers! The ending was 'icing on the cake' - quite unexpected.
August 27, 2016
The Robbins: old farts gone bad
Great story of a hard working older couple ripped off by a crooked son of the older man's business partner just as they are preparing to enjoy the retirement they have worked so hard for all of their lives. The way they choose to get revenge while trying to recoup their losses is hilarious but also has some intense moments as they cross the line into crime.
Great story of a hard working older couple ripped off by a crooked son of the older man's business partner just as they are preparing to enjoy the retirement they have worked so hard for all of their lives. The way they choose to get revenge while trying to recoup their losses is hilarious but also has some intense moments as they cross the line into crime.
July 29, 2016
What a great ride. You will fall in love with the Robbins.
The Robbins did what we all dream we could do. Take on someone who has wronged us. They really got screwed by a dirtbag employer and fought back. And they won! This story is a really exciting crime thrill ride, but funny and sweet, too, you really end up cheering for them in the end. I really, really enjoyed it.
The Robbins did what we all dream we could do. Take on someone who has wronged us. They really got screwed by a dirtbag employer and fought back. And they won! This story is a really exciting crime thrill ride, but funny and sweet, too, you really end up cheering for them in the end. I really, really enjoyed it.
November 21, 2016
Almost perfect
I got sucked in to this book from the first page. It is intelligent, funny, charming and gripping. I just hated all the R-rated language. Still, aside from that, loved the book.
I got sucked in to this book from the first page. It is intelligent, funny, charming and gripping. I just hated all the R-rated language. Still, aside from that, loved the book.
July 13, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book. It kept me guessing. However, the swearing was a little excessive.
September 7, 2016
Not at all what I'd expected. A good read that I thoroughly enjoyed. This was my first experience with this author. Now to check out some of his other books!
September 15, 2016
Great and lighthearted
Enjoyable book and a fast read. It is a funny and dramatic book. These two senior citizens were amazing. Read it
Enjoyable book and a fast read. It is a funny and dramatic book. These two senior citizens were amazing. Read it
October 1, 2016
Good
the book is one where you feel so part of the way these older people were cheated our of there retirement
the book is one where you feel so part of the way these older people were cheated our of there retirement
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews