Title: They Came to Baghdad Author: Agatha Christie Publication: Pan paperback, originally published in 1951 Genre: Mystery Setting: Iraq
Description: After Victoria Jones loses an office job she did not much like in the first place, she is contemplating her prospects when she encounters Edward, a handsome young man about to take up a new position in Baghdad. Obviously, it would be a mistake to let him slip away so she heads to an employment agency to inquire about opportunities in Baghdad. The next day one turns up - it's a sign! - and soon she is on her way to Iraq with a friendly American woman who needs help managing the long trip. Even intrepid Victoria is a bit abashed when she reaches her destination and realizes she doesn’t know Edward’s surname. However, when a stranger bursts into her hotel room and begs her to hide him, Victoria is up to the challenge. This leads to an opportunity for Victoria to infiltrate an archeological dig in Basrah, led by the eminent Dr. Pauncefoot Jones, so she can locate missing documents and foil a Communist plot. Bonus – if she reaches Basrah, she will be reunited with Edward; in the meantime, she must cope with Richard Baker who sees right through her cover story!
My Impression: While Victoria is an irresistible heroine, she is not the only appeal of this standalone novel by the Queen of Crime. Christie’s second (and presumably much nicer) husband was an archeologist and for many years they spent part of the year in Baghdad. It was a happier place then: after World War I Britain governed Iraq until 1932. British influence continued until the late 1950s and Christie and her husband Max Mallowan enjoyed an active social life there. The book is dedicated to all her friends in Baghdad and does a lot to capture the exotic setting, which serves as a backdrop to nefarious activity. Victoria’s creativity is endlessly entertaining:
“You’ve got a job for me?” Victoria sat up in bed, her cheeks bright with anticipation.
“Perhaps. But not the kind of job you’re thinking of. This is a serious job, Victoria. And it’s dangerous.”
“Oh, that’s all right,” said Victoria cheerfully. She added doubtfully, “It’s not dishonest, is it? Because though I know I tell an awful lot of lies, I really wouldn’t like to do anything that was dishonest.”
Dakin smiled a little.
“Strangely enough, your capacity to think up a convincing lie quickly is one of your qualifications for the job. No, it’s not dishonest. On the contrary, you are enlisted in the cause of law and order.”
While I like Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot, there is a special place in my heart for Christie’s adventure stories, this one and The Man in the Brown Suit. As you know, I love a bold orphan seeking her fortune. I gave a copy to my niece Victoria and hope she will give it a try.
Yes, this and The Man in the Brown Suit are definitely two of my favourite Christies. Huge fun! Her non-fiction book, Come, Tell Me How You Live, gives an account of her and her husband's activities in Iraq and is excellent. You can see how she used her intimate knowledge of the country in They Came to Baghdad.
This is one of my favourite Christie novels! I loved the descriptions of Iraq and I thought Victoria was a wonderful heroine. I read The Man in the Brown Suit for the first time earlier this year and really enjoyed that one too.
My comment got eaten so trying again. I confess I was not much impressed with Christie after And Then There Were None, but this sounds more my cup of tea. I'd also love to read Come Tell Me How You Live, that would be a great fiction/nonfiction pairing.
I enjoyed this one, too. Mostly because of the setting, but also because Victoria was such a fun character. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, this and The Man in the Brown Suit are definitely two of my favourite Christies. Huge fun! Her non-fiction book, Come, Tell Me How You Live, gives an account of her and her husband's activities in Iraq and is excellent. You can see how she used her intimate knowledge of the country in They Came to Baghdad.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favourite Christie novels! I loved the descriptions of Iraq and I thought Victoria was a wonderful heroine. I read The Man in the Brown Suit for the first time earlier this year and really enjoyed that one too.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all, Victoria Jones is my favorite heroine and the book is my favorite Christie (next to Endless Night and Greta Andersson).
ReplyDeleteMy comment got eaten so trying again. I confess I was not much impressed with Christie after And Then There Were None, but this sounds more my cup of tea. I'd also love to read Come Tell Me How You Live, that would be a great fiction/nonfiction pairing.
ReplyDeleteHope your niece loves it! I really enjoyed my endless Agatha Christie rereads last year :-)
ReplyDeleteI can see from your review and the comments here that I should get to reading this book soon.
ReplyDeleteI have two old paperback copies, but I should dig them out and see if the print is too small and I need a newer copy.