THE THIRTY-NINE STEPS Richard Hannay, Book 1

London-born actor Rupert Degas brings his enticingly warm voice and an edge-of-your-seat intensity to his performance of John Buchan's famously propulsive spy thriller. Adapted many times, including by Alfred Hitchcock, the 1915 novel centers on mining engineer Richard Hannay, who hears of an international assassination plot and then must flee London when he becomes a murder suspect. Golden Voice Degas, known for offering a full-cast experience, delivers in spades as Hannay escapes to Scotland and encounters folks of all classes, as well as European baddies and some well-born Englishmen. Keeping the complicated plot clear, Degas personifies the action (which would leave James Bond in the dust) without resorting to actorly breathlessness. While some characters' casual prejudices are jarring to hear, the expertly performed story is still whiz-bang fun. A.C.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2025]