The Silver Squad Audiobook By Marty Essen cover art

The Silver Squad

Rebels with Wrinkles

Preview
LIMITED TIME OFFER

3 months free
Try for $0.00
Offer ends July 31, 2025 at 11:59PM PT.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 3 months. Cancel anytime.

The Silver Squad

By: Marty Essen
Narrated by: Maria McCann
Try for $0.00

$0.00/mo. after 3 months. Offer ends July 31, 2025 at 11:59PM PT. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $19.95

Buy for $19.95

Confirm purchase
Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use, License, and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Cancel

About this listen

About This Listen:

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.

Determined to prove you’re never too old to make a difference, they set off on a daring road trip across America as Silver Squad vigilantes. Along the way, they pick up a woman on the run from her abusive husband, confront a mass shooter with only a can of SPAM for defense, and become accidental celebrities along the way.

Inspired by a dollop of Harold and Maude, a pinch of Dexter,a sprinkle of Thelma & Louise, a dash of Bonnie and Clyde, a quiver of Robin Hood, and a curmudgeon of A Man Called Ove, The Silver Squad: Rebels With Wrinkles is a comedic novel that celebrates living life to the fullest.

Gold Medal: 2025 IPPY Awards for Humor

Winner: 2025 National Indie Excellence Award for Best Romantic Comedy

Winner: 2024 Indies Today Award for Best Humor Book

©2025 Marty Essen (P)2025 Marty Essen
Dark Humor Friendship Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction Suspense Thriller & Suspense Witty Funny

Critic reviews

“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.”—Seattle Book Review (5 Stars)

“The Silver Squad: Rebels with Wrinkles is an inspiring and delightful read that reminds us it’s never too late to make a difference—or to find love and adventure. It’s a perfect pick for readers looking for a mix of humor, action, and heartfelt moments, with a cast of characters who prove that age is just a number.”—Bookshelf

“I cackled way more than was polite, lol. I’d love to have more adventures with Barry and Beth!”—Nikki’s Book Nook

All stars
Most relevant  

Listener received this title free

I loved the book.
Humourous but believable . a string of events make this a book a classic.
Well worth the time for reading or listening to.

Truest fiction ever written

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

I haven't reviewed a book on here in quite a while but I had to do it for this gem. Quirky, fun and overall a good time. The narrator was a perfect choice. She delivered a terrific performance and brought Barry and Beth to live. The amount of mischief and silliness was good because it had a good message throughout. The old bats are alright, great job Marty keep up the good work.

Rebels without a Clue

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

I listened to this on a road trip and what a good way to pass the drive. The 3 main characters were all interesting and the narrator distinguished them well. I loved that the characters were very realistic/human even when engaging is some odd events.

Enjoyable listen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

Barry never expected to spend his golden years at the Blue Loon Village senior living center in Minneapolis, but here he is—tempted to fade quietly into retirement. That is, until he bumps into Beth, his high school sweetheart, who still has a fire in her heart (and way more energy than he does). Before Barry knows it, he’s struggling to keep up as Beth leads the charge in their newfound mission: raising Cain and fighting crime! Dubbed The Silver Squad, these two unlikely vigilantes take on the city’s wrongdoers—one misadventure at a time—leaving chaos in their wake and laughter in the air!

Marty Essen, the author, serves up a story that starts with a relatable challenge faced by the elderly, then spices it up with realistic characters and unexpected twists. With humor woven into every scene, the tale keeps listeners laughing while delivering a dose of heartfelt drama. Each character is thoughtfully crafted to fit their role, making for a story that’s both authentic and wildly entertaining! The dialogue feels real and natural, making for a truly immersive listening experience!

Narrator, Maria McCann delivers a stellar performance, elevating the story with her dynamic voice and captivating delivery. Her versatility, precise cadence, and energetic narration make for an engaging listen. She masterfully captures the essence of each character, bringing them to life with depth and richness. A truly outstanding collaboration!

I can only hope to have this much fun when it’s my turn for a senior living center! This was an absolute delight—I couldn’t stop listening and stayed up way too late enjoying every moment!

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Can't Wait for My Silver Years! Tons of Fun!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

I'm not a huge RomCom or cutesy fictional fan. However, this was outlandish enough with real older age issues presented in such a humorous way that it was easy to picture that "one crazy aunt" of yours behaving in just the same way. Many of us have that idea of being the old woman/man that just doesn't care what others think when we get up in age and if we want to act a fool then we earned that right. This is basically that idea we tend to want to come true for ourselves but in a milder and more beneficial manner. Considering, I normally stick with darker genres, I was pleasantly surprised to have enjoyed this. It is a book to not pass over just because it may not be your normal style.

Living to their fullest

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

This was such a great listen. Marty Essen’s writing style and Maria McCann’s narration are a perfect match for this hilarious adventure!

The book starts with Barry and Beth reuniting at the Blue Lagoon senior center after many years apart. As they rekindle their relationship, they discover just how different they are now compared to how they once were. Deciding to make a difference in their old age, they embark on a road trip that will leave you laughing all the way. Canned Spam, a woman on the run, a mass shooter, and celebrity status, are just a few of their encounters along the way. In The Silver Squad, Rebels with Wrinkles, Marty creates the perfect marriage between comedy and the reality of getting older while reminding us that age is just a number, and it is never too late to make a difference and live life to its fullest. Maria McCann’s energy and excellent narration bring the characters to life as only she can.

I am a huge fan of Marty’s work and writing style, and this book does not disappoint!

What a great listen!!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Listener received this title free

Barry & Beth become modern day Robin Hood’s. Spam plays just as big a part in this novel as they do. I have a can at home I was thinking of trying (it’s been probably 30 years since I’ve had any) so maybe I’ll break it out. This one is quirky, cute, funny and a bit odd. All to be expected from this author. I always love Marty Essen’s books and characters. They are written with heart and love for his fellow man. Maria Macann did an excellent job narrating.

So good

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

No one I know at the age these characters are supposed to be would be as immature, biased to the point of bigotry and stupid enough to think someone could hijack delivery trucks and steal from grocery stores and think it’s justifiable… a totally unbelievable and unentertaining waste of my time.

Unrealistic, untrue statements made in storytelling, rates less than one

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.