Mrs. Plansky's Revenge by Spencer Quinn {Audiobook Review}

I was unfamiliar with this author (either under this pen name or his own name) and I spent the first few chapters trying to figure out the disconnect of what seemed to be comedic content with a very sobering cyber crime: the old fake-grandchild-asking-for-money-ploy. 

Mrs. Loretta Plansky seemed a likeable retiree who lived in a senior community, enjoyed tennis with friends, and a [mostly] leisurely life (when not dealing with her cantankerous father). Perhaps a little too likeable in that everyone (her daughter, daughter's boyfriend, son and father) all were happy to stand in line for handouts from Loretta. I did have the thought that if you are foolhardy enough to promise $250K to one child and $750K to another that you are well on your way to proving the old adage, "A fool and his money are soon parted." However, before those greedy children can get their hot little hands on the money, a young imposter from Romania calls Loretta posing as her grandson Will with a sob story about being in jail, etc. 

I find it a bit suspect that in this day and age that a 71-year-old woman would STILL fall for this routine. The woman must not read or watch any news. But this is fiction after all, so she lets the caller have her password to her bank account (say what?!) so he can make an online transfer of less than $10,000. 

Surprise, surprise, the next morning all of Loretta's money at the bank has been drained. And to add insult to injury, her investments are gone as well (because she uses the same password for both--who still uses one password for all accounts?). As the author is giving the reader a glimpse into Loretta's character, there is a lot of internal dialogue that would seem to indicate a woman whose marbles may not be all accounted for. In spite of this, Loretta takes it into her head to try pursuing the thieves and her quest takes her to Romania where she manages to outsmart and outmaneuver corrupt law enforcement and various other goons. 

If you are looking for a completely farcical tale in which to immerse yourself, then Mrs. Plansky's Revenge may be just the ticket. A note of caution, however, this particular farce is served up with a large side of profanity and bawdy humor. Two aspects that quite frankly made it a challenge for me to finish reading and make it impossible for me to recommend. 

Disclaimer: I received a free digital audio recording of Mrs. Plansky's Revenge from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received and the views expressed are entirely my own.