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40 pages 1 hour read

The Thirty Nine Steps

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1915

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Book Brief

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John Buchan

The Thirty Nine Steps

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1915
Book Details
Pages

100

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England And Scotland • 1910s

Publication Year

1915

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

670L

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Super Short Summary

The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan, published in 1915, follows Richard Hannay, a mining engineer recently returned to London, who becomes embroiled in a spy plot after his neighbor, Franklin P. Scudder, shares information about an impending assassination and espionage plans. Scudder is subsequently murdered, leading Hannay on a dangerous journey across Scotland to decode the mystery involving an espionage group called the Black Stone and something referred to as "39 steps."

Suspenseful

Adventurous

Mysterious

Challenging

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

3.8

1,061 ratings

48%

Loved it

36%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

John Buchan's The Thirty Nine Steps is lauded for its fast-paced narrative and pioneering role in the spy thriller genre. Readers appreciate its suspense and engaging plot. However, some critique its dated writing style and occasional implausibility. Overall, it's a thrilling read that remains influential despite some anachronisms.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Thirty Nine Steps?

A reader who thrives on fast-paced adventure and espionage tales will enjoy The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan. Fans of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series or Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne novels will appreciate the clever twists, suspenseful narrative, and the engaging protagonist, Richard Hannay.

3.8

1,061 ratings

48%

Loved it

36%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

100

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England And Scotland • 1910s

Publication Year

1915

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

670L

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