The 39 Steps

John Buchan

Apr 2011 · Michael O'Mara Books

About this ebook

One of the most exciting 'chase thrillers' ever published, and a huge influence not only on spy fiction, but on Hollywood as well, The 39 Steps is a book which has captured the imagination of audiences for decades. It was written by acclaimed Scottish author John Buchan, who inspired the writing of other great British novelists, including Graham Greene, Ian Fleming and John le Carré. The 39 Steps remains his most famous work. It is the first of five novels featuring Richard Hannay, an all-action hero with a steely determination and an extraordinary knack for getting himself out of sticky situations. The novel charts the electrifying story of an ordinary man caught up in a sinister international plot.

Ratings and reviews

Buchan's 1915 thriller(or "shocker" as he would have called it) is a excellent, taut work. Richard Hannay is a great character, and the way Hannah keeps his wits about him as he was on the run and later when he is cleared & trying to find the enemy spies he encountered was good. Hitchcock's film is good, but Buchan's book is still great. Highly recommended.

Bond before bond? A gripping, fast-paced thriller with a very British charm.

Really enjoyed the twists and turn that the main character had to make. Would recommend_any mystery buff to sitt and enjoy

About the author

John Buchan was a Scottish novelist, historian, and Unionist politician who served as Governor General of Canada, the 15th since Canadian Confederation.