The Silver Squad: Rebels With Wrinkles

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Septuagenarians Barry and Beth reconnect when they both move into the Blue Loon Village retirement community in Minnesota within weeks of each other. They had been high school sweethearts who lost touch over time going on to live separate lives. When they reconnect, Beth urges Barry to join her on a road trip adventure where they can have one last hurrah as they slip into what they feel might be their decline into a boring aging blur.

It all starts with Barry buying what he calls a getaway car, a dark Mustang which reminds him of one he had in high school while dating Beth. But will it be practical? Beth is not convinced. The first caper the two undertake is robbing a truck full of Spam. Of course, they plan to give it away to homeless people when they find them. But before their journey really takes off they encounter Jenny, the abused wife of a cop trying to escape an unbearable situation.

Taking Jenny under their wings, they set off on an epic cross-country journey where they not only help the homeless but stop a mass shooter, try to save alligators, and come up with a plan to get revenge on Jenny’s abusive husband once they head back home. But will the Silver Squad be able to bring down a corrupt police officer without getting into a world of trouble and danger? And will Jenny be able to set herself free from abuse?

The Silver Squad is full of comedic humor and I found it hard to put down. The characters are both lovable and memorable. I thought the author did a great job of capturing the feelings of aging and the sense that the couple wanted to continue to feel useful and weren’t finished having fun, even though life found them in a retirement community. I loved how the adventures expanded as the story progressed and each chapter brought something new and entertaining.

To my mind, this book had it all, a well-written tale, engaging dialogue, dynamic and memorable characters on an epic journey that is both heartwarming and funny at the same time. I also loved the epilogue that wrapped things up at the end. But, I would love to read more about Barry and Beth’s adventures at the Blue Loon Village. So, I’m hoping the author is thinking about a sequel because I’m quite sure the Silver Squad, along with Gertrude, Barry’s beloved leopard gecko would have little difficulty finding worthy causes and capers to occupy their time.


Reviewed By:

Author Marty Essen
Star Count 5/5
Format Trade
Page Count 278 pages
Publisher Encante Press, LLC
Publish Date 17-Jan-2025
ISBN 9781734430394
Bookshop.org Buy this Book
Issue January 2025
Category Humor-Fiction
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