The Thirty-Nine Steps

By: John Buchan

Narrated by: Robert Powell

Length: 3 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Exclusively from Audible

An espionage thriller that has been called the first great spy novel, it has sustained its popularity, being embraced by each new generation.

The first in a series of five audiobooks it features the spy Richard Hannay, an action hero with a stiff upper lip who gets caught up in a dangerous race against a plot by German spies to destroy the British war effort.

When Richard Hannay offers sanctuary to an American agent seeking his help in stopping a political assassination, he takes the first step on a trail of peril, murder, and espionage. Days later the agent's murdered body turns up in Hannay's flat, making him the prime suspect.

Knowing he's next he goes into hiding in Scotland, but in his possession is the American agent's little black book that holds the key to the conspiracy. On the run from both the police and members of a mysterious organisation that will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden, the book has become one of the most influential chase books, adopted by many, including Hollywood, but with an unrivalled tension.

The novel has been the basis for many adaptations although most have departed from the text. Most famous is Alfred Hitchcock's classic film The 39 Steps released in 1935.

Narrator Biography

Robert Powell received his first starring role in The Italian Job (1969) and is best known for the title role in the television series Jesus of Nazareth (1977). He received Best Actor awards for his performances in Imperativ (1982) and Harlequin (1980). His television career has included appearing in BBC One's Holby City (2005-2011) and the "science-fact" drama Doomwatch (1970) as well as starring alongside Jasper Carrott in the sitcom The Detectives (1993-1997). He has a distinctive voice that has narrated documentaries including World War II in HD Colour, Hitler's Bodyguard, The Story of the Third Reich and Secrets of World War II. In 2013 he narrated the dramatic television series The Bible. He has narrated many fictional and historical audiobooks including Rebecca's Tale, The Well-Beloved and The Thirty-Nine Steps.

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Blighters abound

Reads like a yarn from The Boy's Own Annual. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily, it's all in your approach. But be warned - the 'coincidental' encounters that make up the storyline pile up like many lashings of butter on one very small crumpet.

Excellent time period piece

Well told and the writing was excellent. I highly recommend. If you like the world war 2 stories you will love this spy thrill

Good Read

Classic icon of the espionage thriller genre, well interpreted by the director and stylishly executed by the narrator.

Referred by a movie "Operation Mincemeat"

So, Colin Firth was reading this aloud to his son in the movie and it piqued my interest. Was delighted to see it here and enjoyed the heck out of it.

Classic thriller expertly performed.

Loved Powell’s acting. So much more than narration. Simultaneously droll and thrilling. I’d always heard about this story and I’m glad I finally indulged. Really came to life in Powell’s sure hands.

I say old chap- give it a whirl!

Superb! Loved this!!! Worth the listen. Fun, exciting and the birth of a genre- narrated to perfection.

Brilliant

A fantastic read of a great book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a medium paced adventure involving murder, multiple twists, and a thrilling conclusion.

Excellent!

Gripping story, excellent performance. You are probably familiar with the Alfred Hitchcock movie version; this is better.

Great Classic Story

Great book, kept my attention all the way to the end, amazing audio delivery, loved it. Will be reading again. Every chapter was received amazingly. I do recommend you give it a read. Also The Movie is good too.

Quite good story, but moves fast, but written 1915

5 stars and written in 1915. Is a bit rushed and not much to characters other than our protagonist, but enough details you can picture them, the scenery, and follow along.
Considered the first real spy novel.
I actually quite enjoyed that there was a lot of action too.

Netflix's Operation Mincemeat which is totally worth watching too, had one of the main characters reading this as a bedtime story to his son. So I looked it up and also about original author. That his daughter counted 78 steps while he was recuperating and halved it to get the 39 in our title and the story.

Worth your time!