How is Richard Hane's retirement suspended by Frank Scudder, a freelance spy?

John Buckin, today on the Classic Tales podcast.

Welcome to this vintage episode of the Classic Tales podcast.

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The 39 Steps introduces John Buckin's dashing adventurer Richard Hane, who went on to star in four more novels.

It's one of the earliest instances of the Man on the Run adventure, now a commonly used

trope in action and adventure.

It's been adapted into many films and plays over the years, and was included in BBC's

2003 Big Read Poll as one of Britain's best-loved books.

And now, The 39 Steps, Part 1 of 4 by John Buckin.

Chapter 1

The Man Who Died

I returned from the city about 3 o'clock on that May afternoon pretty well disgusted with life.

I had been three months in the old country and was fed up with it.

If anyone had told me a year ago, I would have been feeling like that.

I should have laughed at him.

But there was the fact.

...