John Buchan is best known for The Thirty-Nine Steps, but for my money, Huntingtower is his most charming and surprising book. It swaps the usual dashing spy for a hero you'd never expect, and that's what makes it so special.

The Story

Dickson McCunn, a comfortably-off grocer who has just sold his business, sets off on a walking holiday in rural Scotland. He's dreaming of quiet reflection, but stumbles upon Huntingtower, a remote house with a strange atmosphere. He soon learns a young Russian princess, a survivor of the recent revolution, is being held prisoner there by a gang of ruthless Bolshevik agents. Thrown into this mess are the Gorbals Die-Hards, a ragtag group of tough Glasgow boys. Dickson, armed with nothing but common sense, decency, and a sudden surge of courage, decides he must help. What follows is a brilliant siege story, as this unlikely alliance defends the house and plots a rescue against dangerous and clever foes.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a masterclass in taking an 'ordinary' character and showing how extraordinary they can be. Dickson McCunn is wonderful. He's practical, a bit sentimental, and completely out of his depth, yet he rises to the occasion because it's the right thing to do. The friendship between him and the street-smart Die-Hards is heartwarming and funny without being saccharine. Buchan also paints a stunning picture of the Scottish landscape—the loneliness of the Galloway coast is almost a character itself. The plot is tight, the villains are properly threatening, and the sense of adventure is contagious.

Final Verdict

Huntingtower is for anyone who loves a classic adventure but wants one with real heart. It's perfect for fans of old-fashioned derring-do, for readers who appreciate beautiful descriptions of nature, and for anyone who needs a reminder that bravery isn't about muscles—it's about character. It’s a swift, satisfying, and strangely uplifting read that proves some early 20th-century classics haven't lost their magic one bit.