Richard Haney has recently returned from Africa and is living a terrifyingly boring and monotonous life in London. In order to escape the monotony of everyday life, he decides to return to Cape Town, South Africa, when he suddenly learns of a conspiracy aimed at a political assassination that could involve Great Britain in war. A few days later, when he discovers the murdered American who had given him the information in his apartment, he becomes the prime suspect in the murder. Haney escapes to the Scottish countryside, where both the British police and a group of ruthless German spies, determined to steal Britain's strategic plans, launch a relentless manhunt against him. The hero of the book tries to prove his innocence and stay alive.

The 39 Steps is one of the most iconic and influential "chase" novels of all time. It is a powerful thriller with constantly escalating tension, enigmatic atmosphere, mystery, and suspense, which has influenced a large number of films and subsequent spy and chase novels.