Mrs. Plansky Goes Rogue

Forgetful septuagenarian Loretta Plansky tries to solve a series of disappearances in the animated if disappointing sequel to Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge from Quinn (a pseudonym for Edgar winner Peter Abrahams). After Mrs. Plansky wins the New Sunshine/Old Sunshine Ancient Folks mixed doubles tennis championship in south Florida, she heads to the oceanside home of her tennis partner, Kev Dinardo, for a drink. Just after they arrive, Kev’s yacht bursts into flames. He attributes the explosion to a lightning strike, but Mrs. Plansky is skeptical; her alarm bells ring louder when Kev disappears a few days later. Police dismiss Mrs. Plansky’s concerns as paranoia, but then her estranged son, Jack, disappears as well, and she swings into action. Mrs. Plansky’s search for the missing men involves a treasure map, a kidnapping, a plane crash, and the impending wedding of her 98-year-old father. With all that sound and fury, Quinn fails to capture the effortless magic of the first installment, overstuffing the plot and hitting a few too melancholy notes in the process. Still, Mrs. Plansky remains a lovable heroine for the over-60 set. Series fans will hope the next installment is a return to form. (July)