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The Richard Hannay Adventures #1
A Very Dangerous Pursuit
Adventure can be a deadly business. It began in the manner of all the very best in a coffee house.
When one Richard Hannay—intrepid, inquisitive, and on the hunt for intrigue—encounters an old acquaintance in Constantinople, he has an inkling that something thrilling is afoot.
Charged with an item of great mystery and import—a washbag, no less!—he soon finds himself in a very dangerous from the luxurious confines of the Orient Express to the decks of the Titanic herself, all with the very fate of Europe in his care.
Can he slip the net of Count Schwabing, whose long arm stretches from Berlin to the Bosphorus? And what of Madame Zara, the cabaret enchantress—does she play at affection, deception, or something far more deadly?
In over his head, often a step—or thirty-nine—behind, but absolutely, resolutely determined to save the day, Hannay is about to embark on an escapade that will test his wits, his courage, and his ability to keep hold of a blasted washbag.
When one Richard Hannay—intrepid, inquisitive, and on the hunt for intrigue—encounters an old acquaintance in Constantinople, he has an inkling that something thrilling is afoot.
Charged with an item of great mystery and import—a washbag, no less!—he soon finds himself in a very dangerous from the luxurious confines of the Orient Express to the decks of the Titanic herself, all with the very fate of Europe in his care.
Can he slip the net of Count Schwabing, whose long arm stretches from Berlin to the Bosphorus? And what of Madame Zara, the cabaret enchantress—does she play at affection, deception, or something far more deadly?
In over his head, often a step—or thirty-nine—behind, but absolutely, resolutely determined to save the day, Hannay is about to embark on an escapade that will test his wits, his courage, and his ability to keep hold of a blasted washbag.
Audible Audio
Published May 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 3, 2026
A Bloody Ridiculous Pursuit, Quite
Ben Miller is one of my very favorite actors. In my opinion, his appearance in Doc Martin as a deranged park ranger and his leading part as Professor Tempest in the British version of Professor T are a work of genius. I also enjoyed reading his two popular science books, especially the first one (It's Not Rocket Science) By (author) Ben Miller March, 2014 . So of course I preordered the audiobook of his first novel the moment I spotted it.
Somehow, probably under the long-lasting influence of Professor T, I expected it to be a contemporary mystery. To my surprise, Richard Hannay's unlikely pursuits started at the same location and at the similar time period where my previous read Persian Pictures: From the Mountains to the Sea left off -- in Constantinople, in 1912. A mystery it is not, but rather a swashbuckling espionage adventure, which would take its protagonist from Constantinople to Bulgaria, France and even across the ocean all the way to the United States, by train, by horse, by donkey, by plane, by bike, by ship, by boat -- you name it.
This in itself would not have prevented me from enjoying the book, especially that my willingness to suspend my disbelief for Ben Miller's sake was almost limitless. For a while, I happily ignored the absurdity of Richard Hannay's close encounters with his cruel foes, until I just couldn't take him regularly blundering into mortal dangers and escaping by the skin of his teeth anymore.
Ben Miller's narration of the audiobook was excellent. Still, it couldn't prevent me from noticing that long before the end of the story the last shreds of its credibility had vanished. I considered if A Very Dangerous Pursuit could be enjoyed as an ironic self-mocking parody of a good old espionage adventure, but this didn't quite work either because it did take itself seriously, once in a while.
The more I listened, the more I wondered what possessed Ben Miller to bring Richard Hannay and his harebrained pursuits into existence. He might have explained it in some interview -- I haven't checked this yet. In the meantime, my wild guesses are:
1. To show he can write a swashbuckling espionage adventure set on the brink of the Great War? But why?
2. Any special interest in espionage novels or in this historic period? Reliving a childhood dream to become a British secret agent?
3. Is Richard Hannay the role Ben Miller has always wanted to play but never got to?
I'm still guessing...
Read in June 2026.
November 2026:
P.S. Mystery solved! I'm ashamed to admit, but the writing was on the wall in huge letters from the very beginning! How could I miss this?! The answer is right there, in the name of the protagonist: Richard Hannay -- the guy from The Thirty-Nine Steps. I still have not seen Hitchcock's movie, but I disliked the book for the same reasons that annoyed me in A Very Dangerous Pursuit, so Ben Miller must have done an excellent job in preserving the atmosphere of Richard Hannay's original adventures.
Ben Miller is one of my very favorite actors. In my opinion, his appearance in Doc Martin as a deranged park ranger and his leading part as Professor Tempest in the British version of Professor T are a work of genius. I also enjoyed reading his two popular science books, especially the first one (It's Not Rocket Science) By (author) Ben Miller March, 2014 . So of course I preordered the audiobook of his first novel the moment I spotted it.
Somehow, probably under the long-lasting influence of Professor T, I expected it to be a contemporary mystery. To my surprise, Richard Hannay's unlikely pursuits started at the same location and at the similar time period where my previous read Persian Pictures: From the Mountains to the Sea left off -- in Constantinople, in 1912. A mystery it is not, but rather a swashbuckling espionage adventure, which would take its protagonist from Constantinople to Bulgaria, France and even across the ocean all the way to the United States, by train, by horse, by donkey, by plane, by bike, by ship, by boat -- you name it.
This in itself would not have prevented me from enjoying the book, especially that my willingness to suspend my disbelief for Ben Miller's sake was almost limitless. For a while, I happily ignored the absurdity of Richard Hannay's close encounters with his cruel foes, until I just couldn't take him regularly blundering into mortal dangers and escaping by the skin of his teeth anymore.
Ben Miller's narration of the audiobook was excellent. Still, it couldn't prevent me from noticing that long before the end of the story the last shreds of its credibility had vanished. I considered if A Very Dangerous Pursuit could be enjoyed as an ironic self-mocking parody of a good old espionage adventure, but this didn't quite work either because it did take itself seriously, once in a while.
The more I listened, the more I wondered what possessed Ben Miller to bring Richard Hannay and his harebrained pursuits into existence. He might have explained it in some interview -- I haven't checked this yet. In the meantime, my wild guesses are:
1. To show he can write a swashbuckling espionage adventure set on the brink of the Great War? But why?
2. Any special interest in espionage novels or in this historic period? Reliving a childhood dream to become a British secret agent?
3. Is Richard Hannay the role Ben Miller has always wanted to play but never got to?
I'm still guessing...
Read in June 2026.
November 2026:
P.S. Mystery solved! I'm ashamed to admit, but the writing was on the wall in huge letters from the very beginning! How could I miss this?! The answer is right there, in the name of the protagonist: Richard Hannay -- the guy from The Thirty-Nine Steps. I still have not seen Hitchcock's movie, but I disliked the book for the same reasons that annoyed me in A Very Dangerous Pursuit, so Ben Miller must have done an excellent job in preserving the atmosphere of Richard Hannay's original adventures.
June 2, 2026
To my own surprise I thoroughly enjoyed this! I admit it, I was scared it would be pathetic, perky humour. (Oh well, it was a bit...) It was well worth my time.
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).
May 31, 2026
4.5 rounded up
Fast, frantic, funny and many other positive ‘f’ words! Loved this so much and am eagerly awaiting the next Hannay adventure
Fast, frantic, funny and many other positive ‘f’ words! Loved this so much and am eagerly awaiting the next Hannay adventure
Read
May 27, 2026it's ridiculous action only thing. if that's your kind of jam, then you're in luck.
it even has resurrection card tucked into the sleeve for the next installment if it comes to be.
am thinking this really should be the last birthvaganza for this year
it even has resurrection card tucked into the sleeve for the next installment if it comes to be.
am thinking this really should be the last birthvaganza for this year
October 20, 2026
Complete suspension of belief required - our hero is constantly in peril, but fast paced and I found myself wanting to know what ridiculous narrow escape was next! Ben Miller's narration really added to the 'experience' and made me smile.
July 9, 2026
While at times it tries to be a bit ‘James Bond’, in the situations and means of escape the main character finds himself in, as the story progresses it got increasingly ridiculous! In my option surviving the sinking of the Titanic was a step too far! The number of injuries he acquires and rate of recovery also didn’t ring true. I enjoyed the first few chapters but struggled to finish this wild tale.
July 14, 2026
A fun adventure with good set pieces and an intriguing story. As another review said, it’s very Tintin-esque and that worked for me. Some of it felt a little rushed and plot points were sometimes too convenient. Also, I didn’t find the main character particularly likeable yet but this may change in future novels. It’s a promising start to a new series and I’ll definitely be reading the next instalment.
September 2, 2026
It was a fun read, but a little too fluff filled for me. I also could not buy into the maguffin and how our hero unravels the significance of said maguffin.
Would I recommend this novel? It's not essential reading, but it's not going to offend either.
Would I recommend this novel? It's not essential reading, but it's not going to offend either.
November 7, 2026
Richard Hannay finds himself in a very dangerous pursuit for a washbag, yes, a washbag. Could it make or break the tension being felt across Europe? A great romp with the ever inquisitive Richard getting into and out of scrapes. Crossed wires, double agents and plenty of mix ups! Delightful and fun!
September 18, 2026
Amusing but I found it irritating at the same time. Some of the many scrapes the main character gets into I found unbelievable.
3.5 stars from me.
3.5 stars from me.
October 14, 2026
A fun, if somewhat silly, adventure set in pre-WWI Europe. Ben Miller plays homage to some classic writers, evoking the foreign backdrops of many Christie novels; action reminiscent of King Solomon's Mine or Prisoner of Zenda; along with all of the intrigue of a cold war spy novel. Yes, as other reviews have mentioned, it is way over-the-top at times. But honestly, weren't all of those books?
We meet Richard as he's quickly pulled into a cloak & dagger situation by an American he just met - being handed what turns out to be a cypher right before his new friend is taken into custody by Germans. The book is filled with twists and turns as Richard travels throughout the world trying to evade Germans, police, and spies. Miller gives us a lot of dry British humor that found me laughing aloud more than once.
We meet Richard as he's quickly pulled into a cloak & dagger situation by an American he just met - being handed what turns out to be a cypher right before his new friend is taken into custody by Germans. The book is filled with twists and turns as Richard travels throughout the world trying to evade Germans, police, and spies. Miller gives us a lot of dry British humor that found me laughing aloud more than once.
August 3, 2026
I hadn't realised Ben Miller was an author as well as being a splendid actor. Until now, I'd only been aware of his children's books, so I was intrigued to see him take on Richard Hannay. In many ways the adventure story isn't so very different, but make no mistake: this is definitely a novel for adults.
Having read the first three Hannay novels a few years ago, I was delighted by how well Miller captures Buchan's style. He has all the familiar ingredients: the absurd scarpering about all over the Continent, the frankly unbelievable disguises (including Hannay's own), and the marvellous episodic cliff-hangers that leave you wanting to read just one more chapter.
Like Fleming's Bond, Hannay can be a difficult hero for the modern reader. Miller, though, manages to make him far more palatable without fundamentally changing who he is. There is a female character at the heart of the story, but she is handled in a way that feels true to Buchan's world, while Miller also has some gentle fun with Hannay's rather awkward attempts to understand - and suppress — his reactions to her.
If you can't get past the racial stereotypes and attitudes towards women that appear in Buchan's original novels, this reimagining may not be for you, although I think Miller is definitely poking fun at those aspects rather than endorsing them.
As both a new adventure and a loving Buchan pastiche, I thought this was a tremendous success. It is exciting, affectionate, frequently very funny, and, above all, a cracking good read.
Having read the first three Hannay novels a few years ago, I was delighted by how well Miller captures Buchan's style. He has all the familiar ingredients: the absurd scarpering about all over the Continent, the frankly unbelievable disguises (including Hannay's own), and the marvellous episodic cliff-hangers that leave you wanting to read just one more chapter.
Like Fleming's Bond, Hannay can be a difficult hero for the modern reader. Miller, though, manages to make him far more palatable without fundamentally changing who he is. There is a female character at the heart of the story, but she is handled in a way that feels true to Buchan's world, while Miller also has some gentle fun with Hannay's rather awkward attempts to understand - and suppress — his reactions to her.
If you can't get past the racial stereotypes and attitudes towards women that appear in Buchan's original novels, this reimagining may not be for you, although I think Miller is definitely poking fun at those aspects rather than endorsing them.
As both a new adventure and a loving Buchan pastiche, I thought this was a tremendous success. It is exciting, affectionate, frequently very funny, and, above all, a cracking good read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When inquisitive Richard Hannay encounters an old acquaintance in 1912 Constantinople, he has a suspicion that something thrilling is afoot. Charged with an item of great mystery - a washbag! - he soon finds himself on the run. From the Orient Express to the decks of the Titanic, the fate of Europe is in Richard’s hands. Faced with an enchanting performer, a ruthless Count, and some very violent pursuers, Hannay embarks on an adventure that will test his wits, his courage, and his ability to keep hold of a blasted washbag.
The action kicks off right away, and I enjoyed the narrative style - it was both gripping and funny. The tension never lets up, as Hannay swings from one near-miss to another. ‘One more chapter’ turned into another and another so I could see where he’d end up next! This reminded me of Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade - the same kind of action and adventure, and a dogged pursuit. I just had to know - what was going on with that washbag?! It’s a fast-paced caper full of witty dialogue, questionable disguises, and memorable characters. Ben Miller has created a thrilling homage that brings new energy and intrigue to a classic adventure story.
The action kicks off right away, and I enjoyed the narrative style - it was both gripping and funny. The tension never lets up, as Hannay swings from one near-miss to another. ‘One more chapter’ turned into another and another so I could see where he’d end up next! This reminded me of Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade - the same kind of action and adventure, and a dogged pursuit. I just had to know - what was going on with that washbag?! It’s a fast-paced caper full of witty dialogue, questionable disguises, and memorable characters. Ben Miller has created a thrilling homage that brings new energy and intrigue to a classic adventure story.
September 7, 2026
Dark and light
Scottish novelist John Buchan’s Richard Hannay is back (again) and better than ever in Ben Miller’s debut adult novel. Gentleman spy, now retired, can’t seem to stay out of the game and when a mysterious washbag lands in his lap and is clearly the prize that the Germans and British are determined to obtain that might just decide the course of the war. Nowhere is safe and he had no clue who to trust as this marvelous adventure takes us from Constantinople to the deck of the Titanic. Absolutely delightful!
Scottish novelist John Buchan’s Richard Hannay is back (again) and better than ever in Ben Miller’s debut adult novel. Gentleman spy, now retired, can’t seem to stay out of the game and when a mysterious washbag lands in his lap and is clearly the prize that the Germans and British are determined to obtain that might just decide the course of the war. Nowhere is safe and he had no clue who to trust as this marvelous adventure takes us from Constantinople to the deck of the Titanic. Absolutely delightful!
November 1, 2026
So we meet a match in that not only is this Ben Millers' first Adult Book - not that kind of " Adult "!!! But, it is my first time reading a book by Ben Miller.
I delayed this review as I was fortunate enough to have a brief conversation with him at BETWEEN THE COVERS LIVE - Celebrating Agatha Christie. And, as such did not wish to be overly influenced.
This honestly is a rather ripping romp of adventure with much classic derring do! It does very well to introduce us to a young Richard Hannay...
Plenty of tantalising glimpses into his younger years to provide fodder for future works ( Mr Miller has just handed the Second book into his Publisher ).
There are delightful hommages to other authors works, whilst it is written in his own dry, acerbic tone.
There was for me a wonderful reversal of a scene - which was so anti misoginistic that I burst out laughing in admiration.
I have been fascinated by The Pera Palace Hotel for quite sometime and was thus, delighted to have it play a role.
There is a delightful journey on the Orient Express, very early Aviation and poignantly the R.M.S Titanic - this was the only area I had a small irk, although it would have been so difficult to play it otherwise. To make up for it there was great detail regarding the steerage passengers - considering they were The White Star Lines " bread and butter". There was a sweet tribute to the Band and others. And a rather oblique reference to the mentality of a certain class with a large essence of J.Bruce Ismay.
I am truly looking forward to the second instalment and will clear a day to immerse myself.
Congratulations on your first foray Grown Up writing Mr Miller.
I delayed this review as I was fortunate enough to have a brief conversation with him at BETWEEN THE COVERS LIVE - Celebrating Agatha Christie. And, as such did not wish to be overly influenced.
This honestly is a rather ripping romp of adventure with much classic derring do! It does very well to introduce us to a young Richard Hannay...
Plenty of tantalising glimpses into his younger years to provide fodder for future works ( Mr Miller has just handed the Second book into his Publisher ).
There are delightful hommages to other authors works, whilst it is written in his own dry, acerbic tone.
There was for me a wonderful reversal of a scene - which was so anti misoginistic that I burst out laughing in admiration.
I have been fascinated by The Pera Palace Hotel for quite sometime and was thus, delighted to have it play a role.
There is a delightful journey on the Orient Express, very early Aviation and poignantly the R.M.S Titanic - this was the only area I had a small irk, although it would have been so difficult to play it otherwise. To make up for it there was great detail regarding the steerage passengers - considering they were The White Star Lines " bread and butter". There was a sweet tribute to the Band and others. And a rather oblique reference to the mentality of a certain class with a large essence of J.Bruce Ismay.
I am truly looking forward to the second instalment and will clear a day to immerse myself.
Congratulations on your first foray Grown Up writing Mr Miller.
September 28, 2026
( Format : Audiobook )
"Dark and light."
Ben Miller is both author and narrator of this old fashioned, fast paced adventure trialled at in the early years of the 1900s. I very much enjoy Miller as both actor and comedian but had not previously known of his writing skills - books for children - until I found this, a story for adults. Taking on the persona of Richard Hannay (of The 49 Steps) our hero becomes involved in a race against time spy caper when an American acquaintance dies after thrusting a wash bag into his hands with the critic words, 'Dark and light'. In true Hannah style, Our hero sets off to discover the secret.
Ingenious, at times amusing and a good array of the original Hannay. Trouble is, I never much liked the 49 Seps.
"Dark and light."
Ben Miller is both author and narrator of this old fashioned, fast paced adventure trialled at in the early years of the 1900s. I very much enjoy Miller as both actor and comedian but had not previously known of his writing skills - books for children - until I found this, a story for adults. Taking on the persona of Richard Hannay (of The 49 Steps) our hero becomes involved in a race against time spy caper when an American acquaintance dies after thrusting a wash bag into his hands with the critic words, 'Dark and light'. In true Hannah style, Our hero sets off to discover the secret.
Ingenious, at times amusing and a good array of the original Hannay. Trouble is, I never much liked the 49 Seps.
September 8, 2026
A jolly jape- an adventure story in the vein of Indiana Jones but narrated in the first person by Richard Hannay, the hero of John Buchan’s novel, The 39 Steps.
Set in 1912 and covering Constantinople, Paris and a voyage on the Titanic, the thrills do not let up and the book is easy and fun to read although belief has to be suspended, particularly in relation to the disguises employed by our hero!
Not only is Ben Miller a good actor, he can also spin a good yarn!
I definitely recommend if you like this sort of novel!
Set in 1912 and covering Constantinople, Paris and a voyage on the Titanic, the thrills do not let up and the book is easy and fun to read although belief has to be suspended, particularly in relation to the disguises employed by our hero!
Not only is Ben Miller a good actor, he can also spin a good yarn!
I definitely recommend if you like this sort of novel!
August 12, 2026
A jolly good adventure romp, part H. Rider Haggard, part Indiana Jones with all the tropes of a good adventure thrown in. Though I must admit the hero of the story, Richard Hannay - were have I heard that name before? - was a bit of a Superman meets Captain Scarlett, going through so many battering that he should have been dead tens times over.
Great fun and a read that goes along at a cracking pace and would make good film, not an an original film, but a good film in the mould of all the films like this that have gone before!
Great fun and a read that goes along at a cracking pace and would make good film, not an an original film, but a good film in the mould of all the films like this that have gone before!
July 19, 2026
Ben Miller, actor, director, writer, has tackled his first novel for adults with great zest and gusto. Channeling the same frenetic energy as the original 39 Steps, Miller renders a worthy prequel, leading readers from Istanbul, to the famed Orient Express, the streets of Paisand the sinking of the Titanic. I hope he is inspired write another!
September 30, 2026
A bit absurd but I think it was meant to be so if you can lean into that then you might like it. The boring parts were too slow and drawn out and rhe fun parts too quick and it ended with a long section aboard the Titanic which at that point the author may as well have inseeted Jack and Rose into the story becauae that’s how believable it all was.
November 5, 2026
I struggled to finish this. A swashbuckling adventure romp isn’t for me and I wish it had some humour (I don’t know why the word ‘hilarious’ was associated with it) to make the preposterousness more acceptable.
I saw Ben Miller discussing this book and how he loved the 39 Steps, which is why he picked up Richard Hannay’s story but I’m not sure why he bothered.
I saw Ben Miller discussing this book and how he loved the 39 Steps, which is why he picked up Richard Hannay’s story but I’m not sure why he bothered.
June 15, 2026
Just finished listening on audible. It was an enjoyable enough read BUT I do feel you can tell the author has previously written a lot of children's books. This felt like it was aimed at a much younger audience than me!
July 8, 2026
Well written, lots of action - in fact this book had everything I like about a book and yet somehow I didn't buy into it. I always felt on the outside of the adventure. Perhaps #2 in the series will pull me in.
August 1, 2026
I quite enjoyed the book. It was a bit slow to get going and some of the story lines (particularly the Titanic) were a little far fetched. However I liked the character and it will be interesting to see how he develops.
September 19, 2026
I was recommended this book & it didn’t sound like my usual read. So I thought I’d give it a try.
I loved getting lost in the twists & turns of the wash bag & its travels & the end of the book didn’t disappoint. I will definitely look out for more titles by this author.
I loved getting lost in the twists & turns of the wash bag & its travels & the end of the book didn’t disappoint. I will definitely look out for more titles by this author.
June 27, 2026
Engaging derring-do from the start.
Can't wait for the sequel!
Can't wait for the sequel!
July 18, 2026
3.5 stars
July 20, 2026
Swashbuckling and a furious pace.
July 31, 2026
Very much a holiday read, very readable and fun but not going to set the world alight
August 30, 2026
Ebook
Liked the short chapters and overall novel but throughout and at the end felt like there was something missing - probably in character and story development. Almost too fast moving!
Liked the short chapters and overall novel but throughout and at the end felt like there was something missing - probably in character and story development. Almost too fast moving!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews