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The 39 Steps by John Buchan is our
February 2023 Short Story/Novella Read.

This discussion will open on February 1

Beware Short Story Discussions will have Spoilers

Just started reading. The narration seems intriguing.

7 % through - what an exciting story for our bored narrator, 'queerest rigmarole' indeed!

I read this a little over two years ago. I liked the story and remembered it being both a fast-paced story and fast read.

Bob wrote: "I read this a little over two years ago. I liked the story and remembered it being both a fast-paced story and fast read."

Yes, it is. I love good conspiracy theories. This reminds me of some memoirs by journalists; scary and exciting.

I read this a few weeks ago and loved it. I liked the way the chapters titles are so descriptive. And even though the events are a bit implausible, I was totally caught up in it and loved the writing.

Like Anjali said, "it's quite and exciting story for our bored narrator" and I'd add for a bored reader also. It was hard to put down.

Half way through. Feels like Prison Break season 2. Run run run....

I just finished my second reading of this. I've also watched several film versions and even the new comic stage adaptation which shouldn't be missed. I'll hold my opinions about this until later in the month to get others an opportunity to get through it.

I read this a couple years ago so I think I'm going to revisit it on Audible this time. I'm also planning to read the sequel Greenmantle later this year.

I first read this a couple of years ago, after I moved into this neighborhood. There's a lady across the street who is from Scotland and claims to be a related to Buchan - well, she probably is. Anyway, she mentioned that so I read the book then.

I'll be starting it again soon and I think I may like it better now that I know what to expect. For a book with lots of action I found it strangely unexciting, more interesting. We'll see.

Teri-K wrote: "For a book with lots of action I found it strangely unexciting, more interesting. We'll see...."

That's how I felt about the film adaptions I saw Teri-K, but I'm hoping I like the book better.

I realized I already have this in my to-read list and in my kindle, so I will get started on it. It's public domain in US now and free on kindle. A movie of it was made by Hitchcock in 1935 and is considered by critics as one of his best. I saw it long ago. As Tom mentioned, there have been several remakes over the decades since.

George P. wrote: "A movie of it was made by Hitchcock in 1935 and is considered by critics as one of his best."

Absolutely George, it's an acknowledged classic!

But as a matter of personal taste, I found the political intrigue a little boring compared to others like Rear Window, Vertigo, Psycho, or even lesser known ones like I Confess or Young and Innocent. I'm not too crazy about his other political conspiracy classic North by Northwest either. Though I think that it has as much or more to do with my personal preferences than any objective quality. I'm just a little tired of conspiracy theories these days; they just seem to be everywhere and always spreading to the point that I find them a bit exhausting.

It's possible I'll like the story better on paper though. I'll definitely give it a try!

I read this a few years ago, and felt like I was on a fast paced thrilling ride. It was one predicament after another for our protagonist. A very enjoyable thrilling book. I went back and watched the Hitchcock film and was pretty much underwhelmed with it. They mix up so many things. I liked the book much better.

Franky wrote: "I read this a few years ago, and felt like I was on a fast paced thrilling ride. It was one predicament after another for our protagonist. A very enjoyable thrilling book. I went back and watched t..."

Thanks Franky, that sounds encouraging! It does seem that several in the group enjoyed the book, and it gives me hope.

I think this book is a lot of fun!

I agree that the Hitchcock film version is excellent! I also enjoyed the 2008 remake directed by James Hawes (Black Mirror, Slow Horses).

RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "I read this a couple years ago so I think I'm going to revisit it on Audible this time. I'm also planning to read the sequel Greenmantle later this year."

I read that Hitchcock really wanted to make a movie of this. It's set in the Middle East during the war.

You Tube has several film or stage versions of this as well as some audiobooks. I thought I'd do my reread, then try watching some of the films. I know that there's a stage version that's been turned into a Monty-Python type story, too.

I'm just starting my reread. this time I got a print edition - a Penguin book I found at my local used bookstore. The introduction has interesting facts about Buchan's life, including the fact that after growing up in Scotland he went to Oxford (putting himself through with scholarships and writing), worked in South Africa after the Boer War, and eventually wrote over 100 books.

The first time I read this I was simply expecting a thriller - with all the action and danger that implies these days. Realizing this was published in 1915 and has a lot of emphasis on various settings around Scotland and England, my expectations have changed. I remember it more as a cat-and-mouse tale.

Also, Buchan loved Walter Scott's novels, which I also enjoy. But they have a very different style from modern books, so I'm more prepared for that this time through.

Is anyone else reading this yet?

Teri-K wrote: "I'm just starting my reread. this time I got a print edition - a Penguin book I found at my local used bookstore. The introduction has interesting facts about Buchan's life, including the fact that..."

I read it for the first time a week ago. I think my impression was a lot of cat-and-mouse as the plot got going. The beginning had a somewhat different feel before the murder and once he went on the run. My overall impression is:

I loved the writing, especially the descriptions of characters, appearances, personalities; mood and atmosphere. I could see it in my mind's eye. I could feel the tension. The plot got off to a good start. An enigmatic stranger, a conspiracy mystery, a murder.

However, as the chase went on it felt a bit meandering and confusing. And despite the fast-paced adventure, changing disguises, mysterious codes, and secret identities - I was a bit disappointed. I still had fun reading it. Has anyone read his other works?

Klowey wrote: "However, as the chase went on it felt a bit meandering and confusing. And despite the fast-paced adventure, changing disguises, mysterious codes, and secret identities - I was a bit disappointed. I still had fun reading it. Has anyone read his other works?..."

I haven't read any others, but this one is the first in a series, and I think I'll read some more this year. However, looking around I confess that Huntingtower sounds really fun, so I want to give it a try, too. They all seem to be on Project Gutenberg.

Tom wrote: "RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "I read this a couple years ago so I think I'm going to revisit it on Audible this time. I'm also planning to read the sequel Greenmantle later this year."

I read that Hitchcock really wanted to make a movie of this...."

Interesting. I did not know that. I did read that these books were favorites of John Le Carre and Ian Fleming.

I enjoyed reading this book. The author's descriptions are great and one can feel the tension wax and wane as our character goes through his many escapades. Thankfully, this is a short book, because I couldn't put it down until the very end - so I read it in one sitting. The ending with the character's doubts about the others keeps the reader in suspense until he sees the others morph into the evil beings that he knows them to be.

RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "Interesting. I did not know that. I did read that these books were favorites of John Le Carre and Ian Fleming."

I can see how both of them would have admired this. It was well-done for the genre it represents. The most important thing in such a story is to keep the tension up as the person is being chased, and that was achieved in this one.

Kimberly wrote: "I enjoyed reading this book. The author's descriptions are great and one can feel the tension wax and wane as our character goes through his many escapades. Thankfully, this is a short book, becaus..."

This is what kept me on the edge of my seat while reading. I agree Kimberly. Very intense and he seems to have to get out of one predicament or situation after another.

I am not reading the comments yet, but just saying that I started today. My kindle version has an interesting biography about John Buchan's life. The book is very much a "Dime" novel, which is a quote from the introduction. This one seems like it will be fun. Hanning has just grabbed a train out of London!

I’ve just started this one too.

Eek! I guess I am in the minority here. I’m about 3/4 through and am feeling like I will give it 1-2 stars. This is a slog, and I’m just not feeling it.

Paula W wrote: "Eek! I guess I am in the minority here. I’m about 3/4 through and am feeling like I will give it 1-2 stars. This is a slog, and I’m just not feeling it."

That's OK, Paula. No book works for everyone. Plus, sometimes for me it's just not the right time to be reading that story. Can you share why it's not working for you? That makes for an interesting discussion.

I finished this last night while waiting for the Super Bowl to start, and I think I enjoyed it more this time around. Because I was expecting a cat-and-mouse game more than an action packed thriller, my expectations were happily met.

I can definitely see this as a Hitchcock movie, something like North by Northwest. As before, I loved all the description; I really like a story that has a strong sense of place. I'm definitely going to read more by Buchan when I'm in the mood for well written escapist fare. Which is pretty often.

RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "Tom wrote: "RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "I read this a couple years ago so I think I'm going to revisit it on Audible this time. I'm also planning to read the sequel Greenmantle late... Interesting. I did not know that. I did read that these books were favorites of John Le Carre and Ian Fleming."

I am a fan of Fleming, Le Carre and Hitchcock, so it is likely unsurprising that I enjoyed this book. I reread it for this month's discussion since it is such a quick read.

My introduction to The 39 Steps was Hitchcock's 1935 film. I eventually picked up the book, and it sent me looking for similar reads. I have been happily looking for more 'British adventure/mystery' reads for a couple of years. I did enjoy Greenmantle as well.

For those that like the story, there's a 2008 version made for British TV that is a lot of fun. It updates the story in some fun ways.


@PaulaW - I can certainly see this not being to everyone's taste! There are so many books that many people like that I do not. It's always an adventure.

Kimberly wrote: "I enjoyed reading this book. The author's descriptions are great and one can feel the tension wax and wane as our character goes through his many escapades. Thankfully, this is a short book, becaus..."

I'm wondering if I missed something, I was actually completely confused about this morphing situation. What actually happened?

Paula W wrote: "Eek! I guess I am in the minority here. I’m about 3/4 through and am feeling like I will give it 1-2 stars. This is a slog, and I’m just not feeling it."

I gave the story 2 and the writing 4. So ended up 2 1/2 bumped up to 3.

I liked the first part before he started on the run. Then, I think while the writing was quite good, the story was meandering and not really that interesting. I think the ending confused me, and didn't satisfy.

Klowey wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "I enjoyed reading this book. The author's descriptions are great and one can feel the tension wax and wane as our character goes through his many escapades. Thankfully, this is a s..."

His perception of the three men changed from being ordinary citizens enjoying the seaside into the murderers and spies that they were.

Paula W wrote: "Eek! I guess I am in the minority here. I’m about 3/4 through and am feeling like I will give it 1-2 stars. This is a slog, and I’m just not feeling it."

I maybe had higher expectations than I should have. The writing seems fine. The story is all over the place. I admit I am a complete hypocrite sometimes, though. I will easily forgive things in a book like Moll Flanders that was written forever ago but expect a cohesive, Sherlock Holmes-ish story from a mystery book I’m not enjoying. This just didn’t do it for me. I’m settling on a 2-3 star rating, though.

Paula W wrote: "I maybe had higher expectations than I should have. The writing seems fine. The story is all over the place. I admit I am a complete hypocrite sometimes, though. I will easily forgive things in a book like Moll Flanders ..."

I think that "hypocrisy" is just fine. I've been pulled into books that were demonstrably not well written, and been left cold by some that are. To me that's the difference between being a reader and a critic. I've never aspired to the latter myself.

I've enjoyed all the commentary so far! I can't say that I enjoyed this book much though. I had a hard time concentrating on the narrative and was impatient for it to end. I've never read spy fiction before, so maybe this is the problem? Also the racial slurs got to me, even though I can understand them contextually/historically.

I enjoyed reading this short spy story. He went from bored in the beginning from seeing the same people each day to the end of the story where he doubted who he was seeing in front of him. Everything in between was described well, to me. I could picture each scene and I just laughed at the drunk dad after his daughters wedding day and how he came back in to help towards the end. I have always wanted to travel to Scotland, so again, I really liked the scenery, each character and their behavior, and for it’s time, 1915, well, I think it really was a thriller. An aero plane was a big deal then� a huge steel tube in the sky. And the train was like our social media, a chance to see various people, various places; a great opportunity to look out the window at the world, the way many look into the windows of their screens to see the world now. Thank you for recommending this, it was refreshing and fun to me.

I thought this book was a fun read. I had to set aside the unlikely events that just happened to line up for Mr. Hannay every time he faced trouble. I think that was a little much. His ability to become other people was creative. I would say he had read plenty of spy novels because he seemed ready for the role.

I think I fall in with Paula and Carol. I thought it was a slog to get through and not very exciting for me. I didn’t really want to pick it up. I’m glad this is liked by many readers. I just didn’t connect to any of the events. I think where this fails for me is it’s age, it doesn’t compare to modern day adventures. Maybe I’m totally off base in saying that because I don’t read spy thrillers. I do have John Le Carre on my list. Those who have read his novels or other spy thrillers can say how this one compares to a more modern take.

Well, Le Carre took the spy novel and elevated it to something sublime. His books are much more than the adventure. It isn't James Bond. Please don't take him off your TBR because you didn't like this one, Lori.

I suppose I enjoy reading these older books because they are the germ from which the genre grows. I always try to remember that the cliche wasn't a cliche when they were penned, it was an invention.

Oh I love hearing that Sara. I won’t take Le Carre off my TBR. And I understand what you are saying about spy works like this one. I give the author credit for being a part of the inventive stage of the genre.

Lori wrote: "I think I fall in with Paula and Carol. I thought it was a slog to get through and not very exciting for me. I didn’t really want to pick it up. I’m glad this is liked by many readers. I just didn�..."

Shauna wrote: "I thought this book was a fun read. I had to set aside the unlikely events that just happened to line up for Mr. Hannay every time he faced trouble. I think that was a little much. His ability to b..."

The introduction to my edition talked about this being inspired by what we called "Penny Dreadfuls" in the US. They aren't meant to be taken realistically, and often have a lot of coincidences or outrageous circumstances. I thought 39 Steps was more realistic than that, but it definitely had those coincidences and the hero had lots of good luck. This is a book where your expectations really matter, and I liked it better the second time around. I think I'm so steeped in Realistic literature I sometimes have to stop and deliberately change my way of thinking for a book like this.

I'd say you won't find it has anything in common with le Carre. His books are hyper realistic, not at all idealistic or full of good luck or happy coincidences. Definitely start with The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, it's amazing. But nothing like this romp.

Teri-K wrote: "Lori wrote: "I think I fall in with Paula and Carol. I thought it was a slog to get through and not very exciting for me. I didn’t really want to pick it up. I’m glad this is liked by many readers...."

That was a really interesting review and gave me a lot of new ways to evaluate books.

Klowey wrote: "That was a really interesting review and gave me a lot of new ways to evaluate books"

I'm so glad it helped! When I don't "get" a book I often find it helps to do a little reading about it, because I may be approaching it from the wrong angle. Knowing what the author or genre is trying to do can help me understand and enjoy it more.

JenniferAustin wrote: "RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "Tom wrote: "RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "I read this a couple years ago so I think I'm going to revisit it on Audible this time. I'm also planning to read the sequel ..."

Thank you for the link. I will try to find the time to watch it. I have found that youtube has an audiobook that I enjoyed, if anyone would like an audiobook link:



I read 35% on my Kindle a week or so ago, but because of the gap am restarting and skimming to review. I love this line from the Innkeeper

When asked if the Innkeeper believed Hanning's tale he replied:

"Of course I do" and he held out his hand. "I believe everything out of the common. The only thing to distrust is the normal."

Ok one more post for now, until I finish. I love looking at a text which is grounded in the present of its day to see how well it lines up with recorded history. This is what I mean.

39 Steps published 1915 mentions an upcoming assassination of a politician from the Balkans, a set of rumors of war beginning in 1912, and Great Britain finding itself entangled in a war involving the Balkans and Germany.

Archduke Ferdinand shot June 28, 1914 in Serbia, WW1 quickly following thereafter. The official dates of WW1 go from 1914 - 1917.

I am not in the least surprised that this was a popular book of the day. It weaves in the events that people would have been most interested in. When reading Buchan's fictional politics and history it feels all too familiar. Also, the chase with unknown assailants would have matched the fear of unknown enemies that people often have during times of war.

I enjoyed this as a quick read. I also read the foreword/note from the author, which I found amusing, and I think it helped to set expectations.

If someone wrote the same book today, I’d be a bit disappointed but in the historical and cultural context it was written, and if I take the author’s word as to why he wrote it, I enjoyed it. I also haven’t seen the film, which avoided that disappointment.

I finished. I did listen to an audiobook and follow along on my Kindle. I found the audiobook enhanced the reading for me.

I can see why this book was influential. It has been mentioned elsewhere that Buchan influenced other writers. Overall, I might have given the book 3* but for the geographic and historical interest I am bumping it up to 4*.

I found this article interesting.

I particularly liked the last paragraph :
"And this one about his fears for the consequences of scientific development. Everybody in the future will be comfortable, he said, but easily distracted. “Their shallow minds would be easily bored,� he said, “therefore unstable. Their life would be largely a quest for amusement.� In other words, John Buchan predicted the effects of the internet. It seems there was no end to his genius."

Lynn wrote: "I finished. I did listen to an audiobook and follow along on my Kindle. I found the audiobook enhanced the reading for me.

I can see why this book was influential. It has been mentioned elsewhere..."

Thanks for the link, it was interesting. Her point about people today refusing to engage with authors of the past was well made, I think. I do intend to read more Buchan.

By the way, according to my Scottish friend it's pronounce "BUCK un". I've heard it several other ways on youtube, so I thought I'd throw that out there. As she claims to be related to him I expect she's got it right.

Nice article, Lynn. I would like to seek out others of his works as well, provided I can find some time somewhere (always the hardest part).