The Thirty-Nine Steps

Buchan pioneered the thriller genre. These Hannay stories are brilliantly executed and surprisingly relevant: the ferment of terrorism in the early decades of the 1900s foreshadows our own time and gives the reader opportunity to ponder human nature. I read these stories out loud to my entire family.

A true classic in every sense that certainly has stood the test of time. It would seem that this was a fore runner of our suspenseful spy stories today, though with admittedly less blood. That does not detract from the reading. Some of our current authors might take note. A very good read.

The writing and the plot stand the test of time. There is fun in the English jargon of a past era, and a couple of politically incorrect cultural markers from a different day. The reading of the book is compelling, the action exciting. This old mystery out shines decades of political action thrillers that have come since.

This is one one of the all time classic thrillers of the olden era. John Buchan was a great author. But its sedentary pace, prim & proper language, sober story-telling and absence of high voltage action may not appeal to the present generation. Read it if you like the olden days sedate mystery novels.

If you like your spy thrillers with more geography than gadgets, more local color than detailed spy craft, you will likely enjoy this book. The pace varies with the terrain, and the lonely beauty of the Scottish moors is front and center.

The action keeps your interest throughout the book. The main character finds himself in a very dangerous plot, and overcomes all obstacles in the way. The other character seem a bit... undeveloped, as if to highlight all the positives of the main character. The setting seems a bit gloomy, to match the tone of the narrative. The balance between description and dialogue is well thought, making is a well timed read.

One of my all-time favorite mystery stories. Purchased this book as a gift. The recipient enjoyed it so much they are now reading it as a family. Easy reading format. Exciting story. Good clean family entertainment.

One of my all-time favorite mystery stories. Purchased this book as a gift. The recipient enjoyed it so much they are now reading it as a family. Easy reading format. Exciting story. Good clean family entertainment.

This is the progenitor of all the spy-thriller books. John Buchan wrote several books to this series, and all other spy thrillers came after, all they have done is update the technology and the protagonists.

Having seen the Alfred Hitchcock movie, I was anxious to read the book. Even though Hitchcock took liberties with the story, and I did enjoy that, I much prefer the book. It is suspense at its best.

The Dover Edition is especially good to have. I carry a book with me wherever I go and what better way to do that, than to have a book that fits neatly into a purse.

Great memories of having read it in the early 1960s and pleasant recall of those memories in the very recent re-read.

For me, it was mainly a trip down memory lane and the contrast of the writing of that era compared with now was of interest. Contemporary writing would have depicted more violence - not to say that "The Thirty-Nine Steps" was without violence.

The genre depicted was the forerunner of the "James Bond" series.

Buchan, the propaganda secretary during the first world war, wrote there series as part of his job. They show one side of the picture but, being intelligent, full of details and full of action, they make a good, entertaining reading.