It's 1914 and Richard Hannay has gotten himself in a spot. An American journalist is staying with Hannay in his flat in London and he has information about a plot to assassinate the Greek Premier. This will plunge Europe into a war. But before he can do anything, he is murdered, and Hannay must run because he is being accused of the murder and also being chased by the people who killed the journalist.
Hannay takes to the English countryside and is assisted by a few people, but also comes very close to being caught several times. His ingenuity in eluding capture is entertaining. In the end, the good guys win out, but war is inevitable.
Buchan's writing style is easy to read and he does a good job of mounting the tension and also creating the sense of desperation that Hannay feels at times. It is a classic, though, so it is somewhat genteel. The book isn't too long and ties up nicely.
If you are interested in a classic thriller, The Thirty-Nine Steps should be considered.
Published by William Blackwood and Sons, 1915
eBooks obtained from Serial Reader
90 pages
Rating: 4/5
I like it when you can read a book then see the movie (if it's done well)
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