They Came to Baghdad by Agatha Christie

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.

Source: Personal copy. This is my eighth book for the 2022 Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge.