The Thirty-Nine Steps (Version 2) - John Buchan

Richard Hannay thirsts for adventure. Down and out in early retirement in South London, Hannay bores of the easy life. When Franklin Scudder reveals a secret ploy to set all of Europe to arms, Hannay finds his cure. With experience, intelligence, and a good deal of luck, Richard Hannay peels the layers one step at a time. (Summary by Tom Haire)