Five Agatha Christie’s Novels Set in the Middle East

Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime, is best known for her classic British mysteries featuring Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. But what many readers don’t know is that some of her most atmospheric and intriguing novels are set in the Middle East.

Inspired by her extensive travels with her archaeologist husband, Sir Max Mallowan, Christie drew from her time in Iraq, Egypt, and Syria to craft unforgettable murder mysteries set against ancient ruins, bustling souks, and sweeping desert landscapes.

Here’s a closer look at Agatha Christie’s Middle Eastern novels and how her love for the region shaped these gripping stories.

1. Murder in Mesopotamia (1936) – Set in Iraq

Set at an archaeological dig near Baghdad, Murder in Mesopotamia is one of Christie’s most directly inspired by her real-life travels. The story follows Hercule Poirot as he investigates the murder of a nurse working at a dig site in the Iraqi desert. With a cast of eccentric archaeologists and a plot full of buried secrets, the novel beautifully captures the tension and isolation of a desert excavation.

2. Death on the Nile (1937) – Set in Egypt

Perhaps one of Christie’s most iconic novels, Death on the Nile takes place aboard a luxurious river steamer cruising the Nile. As passengers travel through Egypt’s ancient landmarks, a honeymoon ends in murder, and Hercule Poirot must solve the case.

3. Appointment with Death (1938) – Set in Jordan and Jerusalem

This novel is set mostly in Petra, Jordan, and partially in Jerusalem. Appointment with Death features the domineering Mrs. Boynton, whose mysterious death prompts another Poirot investigation. The breathtaking rose-red city of Petra plays a central role in the narrative, enhancing the story’s sense of ancient mystery.

4. They Came to Baghdad (1951) – Set in Iraq

A departure from her traditional detective stories, They Came to Baghdad is an espionage thriller set in the heart of Baghdad. Featuring a brave and curious heroine named Victoria Jones, the novel blends political intrigue with Middle Eastern adventure.

5. Come, Tell Me How You Live (1946) – Memoir about Syria and Iraq

Though not a mystery novel, this autobiographical book offers a delightful behind-the-scenes look at Christie’s life on archaeological digs in Syria and Iraq with her husband. Written with wit and charm, it provides valuable insight into the places and experiences that inspired her Middle Eastern fiction.

Agatha Christie's Middle Eastern novels combine the intrigue of classic murder mysteries with the allure of ancient landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're drawn to the Nile's serene waters or the sun-scorched stones of Mesopotamia, these stories transport you to a time and place filled with suspense, secrets, and unforgettable characters.

If you’re a fan of international mysteries or historical travel fiction, these Agatha Christie books set in the Middle East deserve a place on your reading list.

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