By Harry Constable
Murder, suspense and twists around every corner; you could be mistaken for thinking you were
about to meet James Bond. John Buchan’s 1915 adventure novel The Thirty Nine Steps
provided the blueprint for thriller and mystery movies made in Hollywood today.
The Thirty Nine Steps is a classic spy mystery, incorporating a balance of thrill and suspense
that will keep you hooked until the final page. Buchan sets the scene of the novel early on,
providing clear and concise descriptions of the characters that allow the story to progress
quickly.
The story follows protagonist Richard Hannay on his treacherous journey through the British
countryside, leaving the reader left hanging on every word, never able to fully predict what
would happen next.
The novel has all the components of a great spy adventure with a sprinkling of politics if that
takes your fancy. The story is set months prior to the outbreak of the Great War and
incorporates the tension that was growing throughout the UK and mainland Europe.
Readers should be aware that, being published in 1915, the story does depict some xenophobic
and anti-semitic views that reflected the wartime fears of that chapter in history.
Although only 103 pages long, Buchan is able to pack a lot of punch into every page, his novel
is a Hollywood blockbuster in the making. The reader is able to visualise the story every step of
the way, making it an easy read for all abilities.
In summary, The Thirty Nine Steps is a short and sharp spy thriller novel that still captivates
readers more than a century later. Buchan engages the reader from the beginning and is able to
hold the suspense well throughout.
Rating: 8/10.
Featured image: John Buchan’s 1915 novel The Thirty Nine Steps has you hooked every step of the way. Picture: Kaboompics/CC/Freerange Stock
