The Astonishing Adventure of Jane Smith

By: Patricia Wentworth

Narrated by: Anne Hancock

Patricia Wentworth began writing crime novels in 1923 with the debut of The Astonishing Adventure of Jane Smith. It was an auspicious beginning to a 40-year career during the era known as the Golden Age of mystery writing.

Jane is broke, she's just lost her job and her landlady has kicked her out. When an amorous young man approaches her on a park bench it soon becomes clear that he has mistaken her for her cousin Renata. Their mothers were identical twins and even though Jane has never met her, Renata's fiance insists they too are identical. He's desperate.

It seems Renata sleepwalked into a meeting of her father's friends and overheard their criminal plans. She's lied about hearing anything but they doubt her story and are holding her prisoner. The plan is that Jane switch places so he can get his love to safety.

Jane's only other option is the workhouse, and being a plucky young woman ripe for adventure, she agrees. But she's no fool and informs a former beau who works at Scotland Yard of the scheme. Henry March is appalled but agrees to be her outside contact in case of trouble. Her first challenge turns out to be hiding her natural intelligence while impersonating the somewhat dim Renata.

All the ingredients of an English mystery novel are in place: a country mansion with hidden panels, laboratories and caves; dastardly villains bent on destroying civilization; a daring, clever girl determined to unravel the conspiracy; and not one, but two budding romances.

Written during the decade in which women gained the vote, Jane Smith is a heroine of her time. Far from waiting for the hero to come save her, Jane is determined to solve the mystery before Henry does!

Public Domain (P)2020 Anne Hancock

Not as good as Miss Silver but a great listen

The plot was a little dated but a really good mystery (written in 1923)
The information about the stolen formula was a bit cryptic but the
plot and characters were very well developed.
I am a big fan of the Miss Silver books and have read all of them.
This mystery was not quite as good but well worth the read.

A wonderful adventure

Great story & kept me thoroughly captivated... very strong female lead character & vivid personalities through out. I only wish the author would have given a bit more dialogue at the end of the book to savor the satisfactorily outcomes for the characters..

Engaging Story, Moved Quickly, Excellent Narration

I knew from all the Miss Silver books that Patricia Wentworth presents a good mystery without "filler" that doesn't add to the story. This book is as good as the Miss Silver books. I was engaged the whole time with surprises along the way. It moved along quickly; too quickly actually, because I wished it had been a longer book. The narration was excellent. Also, I'm glad that Anne Hancock chose this book to record.

Very well done!

The story is Well written and quite enjoyable! considering it was written over a hundred years ago. it's exciting and the plot was great.

What a fun listen!

This is NOT a Miss Silver mystery, and one I had not heard of. Jane is a heroine after my own heart, she does her own rescue and had more problems with nature than criminals. Just a joy from start to finish. Anne Hancock does an excellent job, and I hope to hear more from her.
I would really like to hear more non Miss Silver books, I find them more Lighthearted with just the right amount of suspense/romance.