LJ Ross Chooses a Classic Spy Adventure For April's Book Club
Northumberland-born LJ Ross is the bestselling author of the DCI Ryan murder mystery series. Each month, she shares an exclusive Book Club pick with Living North readers
LJ’s Thoughts:
‘First published in 1915, The Thirty-Nine Steps is widely considered to be a precursor to the spy thriller genre. There have been a number of film and television adaptations of the story, but my personal favourite was the 1935 production featuring the incomparable pairing of Madeleine Carroll and Robert Donat, whose on-screen chemistry was scarcely dimmed by a lack of Technicolour. The novel, which I read shortly after enjoying the film, boasts a fast-paced narrative that feels very ‘modern’, considering it is now almost a hundred years since it was first released. Hannay’s relentless pursuit by the authorities as well as the shadowy spy figures behind it all contribute to a real page-turning experience, but its real success lies in the timeless appeal of a lone protagonist who faces overwhelming odds in a high-stakes battle between ‘good’ and ‘evil’. It’s a classic for very good reason!’
