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.

Book

Even though this was written a while ago, it is a good read. It would make a real good movie if it was not altered like the movie was.

They don’t write them like that anymore!

Excellent story and narration. Suspenseful. The book is much better that the 1938 Hitchcock film.

Fascinating to see the inspiration for Hitchcock’s movie! Buchan must have been a very interesting man.

I liked all of it: the plot,, the historical and geographical details, and the excellent narrator.

Way different to the movies

This is a classic adventure story of its day, very well read by Robert Powell. It is dated, but quite enjoyable still if you regard it as a period piece. I was expecting it to be very similar to the original Alfred Hitchcock movie made in England in 1935, but the movie only bears a superficial resemblance to the book. Even the significance of the '39 Steps' title is completely different between the book and movie. A good 'read' nevertheless.

Awesome!!

This narration was so perfect! I couldn’t stop listening. I’ve never actually read this genre before. But this narration and the story drew me in.

An old espionage classic

Robert Powell makes this story dramatic, suspenseful and thoughtful. Good pace, vivid descriptions of the Scottish landscape. The good guys win in the end, without the help of smart phones, the internet and social media.

Not bad, not great

I've been interested in reading this and was excited to see it on Audible. I found the narration to be great, but the story is pretty simple and was probably pretty suspenseful when written (in 1915). But, it really didn't age well and is a bit dull to modern readers/ears who've grown up on Ludlum and other suspense/espionage writers.

Wonderful listen

Great listen! The story line was exciting and entertaining. The narrator did a wonderful job.

Brilliant Narration of a Classic!

Exceptional story telling of a well scripted novel. Evil is so poignantly described in that it is scarcely noticeable to the eye of the average onlooker. The protagonist doesn't miss a detail!

Buchan - maybe the father of this genre.

Would you listen to The Thirty-Nine Steps again? Why?

Yes. I like the story. I like the movie adaptations. It is a war story with enemy agents daring do and a good plot.

What other book might you compare The Thirty-Nine Steps to and why?

All of his books. I particularly liked this because there are no damsels in distress.

What aspect of Robert Powell’s performance would you have changed?

His voice is a little grating, flat, and slow at the same time. His reading didn't convey the excitement of the most, well, exciting parts.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"The Thirty Nine Steps not an adaptation"