The Bold, the Brave, and the Wrinkled: 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 Squad: 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.
Winner: 2024 Indies Today Award for Best Humor Book
"A smart, funny tale of a Good Samaritan crime spree."-Kirkus Reviews (Recommended)
"[A] sparkling road-trip comedy of retiree crimefighters taking the U.S. by storm."-BookLife by Publisher's Weekly (Editor's Pick)
"An original and fun read (think senior citizen versions of Thelma & Louise) from start to finish, The Silver Squad: Rebels With Wrinkles by author Marty Essen is a deftly crafted and extraordinary story that is will have a very special appeal to readers with an interest in inherently fascinating novels that imaginatively blend later-in-life romances with elements of an action/adventure."-Midwest Book Review
"The Silver Squad: Rebels With Wrinkles by Marty Essen is a delightful and daring story that redefines adventure in the golden years. (It's) perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of comedy, crime, and adventure, all centered around characters who defy stereotypes about aging. With its lively characters and uplifting message, Marty Essen's novel is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that will leave readers cheering for Barry and Beth's unique brand of justice."-Carol Thompson, Readers' Favorite Reviews (5 Stars)
"A delightful mix of observational humor, introspection, and respectful affection for the older generation, The Silver Squad: Rebels With Wrinkles is a scenic road trip through the country with a gratifying destination."-Indies Today (5 Stars)
"The Silver Squad: Rebels With Wrinkles is a fun road trip story about finding purpose and meaning as you grow older."-Independent Book Review
"The Silver Squad is an antic caper that proceeds from one wacky interlude to another, leading to a satisfying conclusion. . . . Recommended for a feel-good read."-Reedsy