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.

Very entertaining. great narrator . moves quickly

Very entertaining. great narrator . moves quickly. very different from Hitchcock movie of same name and even better.

engaging

Some plot holes but other than this it is a very good listen. Production is good and voice actor easy to listen to.

Exciting Adventure

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'd recommend this book to a friend who likes an exciting plot and an excellent narrator.

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

I don't read many thrillers but I heard about this old one on a recent trip to Scotland.

Have you listened to any of Robert Powell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, never heard him before. Will look for him in the future.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I found myself wanting to get back to my listening.

Good Read!

I've always loved this story, and its a pleasure to listen to when you have a good reader:)

Couldn’t stop listening

Great story and the narrator was perfect! Will look for other John Buchan books to listen to.

Another classic to love.

So well written. Fun to listen to. Looking forward to more with this character. Great narration. Love the country scotch accent.

A riveting tale

The charm of a man resolute to rise at any challenge in the pursuit of his duty is a joy to follow. A hero who does not winge at his duty is a wonderful visit to a world that valued courage.

Great lead, cracking yarn - excellently narrated

Robert Donat was wonderful in Hitchcock's 1935 adaptation of the novel - but the novel IS quite a bit different. In the novel, there's nothing charming, there's no romance, women are, in fact, barely present. The lead character is a man of action, he's in London, and he's plain bored. He almost jumps at the idea of a wild spy tale he's told - finally, there's action! While some of the plot comes together a bit too conveniently, this is a classic. Absolutely - and another the reason a listener will definitely not be disappointed is Robert Powell - this really is marvelously narrated.

great

wonderful book loved it narrator was great will listen to more books by him anytime

International Intrigue

This narrative moves quickly, but it never seems that the events of the narrative are being pushed to further the action. Though the actions of three weeks are compressed into just four hours of story-telling, the story never feels rushed. While Richard Hannay is thrust into political intrigue, his history as a military officer and mining engineer allows him to engage with German operatives without being out of his element. Though perhaps the narrative allows him to escape too easily from capture or figure out connections a little too readily, this story is quite enjoyable and worth the time.