They Came To Baghdad by Agatha Christie

 

Publication Date:

March 5, 1951

Genre:  

Cozy Mystery/Historical Mystery

Length:   

368 pages

Series:  None

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

She fell head over heels for the charming young man one afternoon. And by nightfall, Victoria Jones had conspired to follow him to Baghdad.

But no daydream of love could match the real life adventure that unfolded: a stranger was stabbed in her bed, someone issued a hushed warning, and her rival for Edward's affections neatly arranged her kidnapping. From the steamy Arab marketplace to the vast and arid desert, Victoria was pursued by an unknown power that threatened not only her, but the fate of the entire world.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this one! It was more of a thriller/spy book and it didn't feel like a true Christie mystery. But it was fast paced and the main character, Victoria, was fantastic. She had spirit, was both funny and sometimes naive and I was sad to say goodbye to her. When it was over I was wishing she was a recurring character in other books but I don't think so.

The setting was also well described and I appreciated the local characters and the way Christie described some of their ways, how they thought and behaved differently from Western culture. 

The first half of the book unfolds with her just getting to Baghdad and the why behind her visit. I really did see through some of the red herrings early on and in the second half quickly figured out who the main villains were. But it didn't matter because I was loving seeing the story of Victoria's kidnapping and realization that she is part of a much larger world plot. She just keeps plugging along and doesn't lose her wits despite being faced with so much danger.

I thought reading this that Christie nailed some true sentiments not as likely to be discussed in her time, especially by the non-political person. She talks about people who think they are smarter than everyone else and have the right to direct their lives for their own good. And how that is the worst kind of evil. She says they have lost all brotherhood and humanity. Great observation.

I wish she'd written a few more like this one. The Tommy and Tuppence mysteries are probably the closest to them and I really like those. If you like spy type mysteries you will love They Came To Baghdad.

Can't Wait Wednesday: Murder at the Maharaja's Courts by Lee Strauss (A Ginger Gold Mystery Book 28)

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Murder at the Maharaja's Courts by Lee Strauss. This is a very long series but I really love the setting of India. Lady Ginger gets to go to the maharaja's palace amid a tiger hunt and political rebellion. It sounds like a fun read. 

Hope you have found something you can't wait for! Happy reading ya'll!

Cozy Mystery/Historical Mystery

December 18, 2025

Book description courtesy of GoodReads

Murder is a world away...

Lady Ginger Gold never imagined her journey to Rajasthan would draw her into the glittering yet perilous world of a royal court. Invited with her husband Basil to a lavish celebration at a maharaja’s palace, she is swept into a realm of jewelled elephants, opulent banquets, and the thrill of a tiger hunt in the desert.

But when a guest is gunned down during the hunt, whispers ripple through the gilded halls. Was the bullet meant for the victim—or for the maharaja himself? As Ginger unravels a web of intrigue, she uncovers dangerous British officials with secrets to hide, courtiers with shifting loyalties, and whispers of rebellion against the Crown.

Amid growing rebellion and corruption, Ginger must unmask a killer before palace intrigue turns deadly.

Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 reasons I’m thankful for books and blogging

This week's theme for Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a Thanksgiving/Thankful freebie. I decided to list the top ten reasons I'm thankful for books and blogging about books. I'm kind of obsessed with my blog now, it's like my third child, lol. Happy Thanksgiving week to all my friends in America. Bring on the turkey and pumpkin pie!!

1. Books are always there for you, even at 2 a.m.

2. You can spend whole afternoons just browsing, you don't even have to actually read them. It's relaxing sometimes just to look at covers, plot lines and dream about reading them.

3. Covers themselves. Such beautiful artwork going into some of them, I just enjoy seeing them and deciding whether or not to read the actual book.

4. Series books....by authors you just know won't let you down. When I'm not at my best sometimes it's comforting to know I can always start the next book and feel a sense of order in the world.

5. Speaking of series books.....seeing how characters evolve and feeling like they are old friends you are checking up on.

6. Blogging about books....is there anything better?? I love promoting authors and am thankful to do my little part in that world.

7. Meeting fellow bloggers through their content. I am in awe of the things people have time to post with our busy lives. They give me great, creative ideas and I love checking in even if I'm often neglectful about commenting.

8. Feedback from bloggers. It is truly appreciated! There are so many books and authors out there I can't keep up, so I love comments and input from anyone who has insight.

9. That feeling of community we have built. We have a hobby that many don't relate to (those who horror...hate to read!) and it is so nice to know how many other book nerds are out there too.

10. Reading challenges....I need to participate in and keep up with more. They keep you fresh and engaged and I am so thankful for those who host them on their blogs. 

What things in the bookish world are you thankful for? Share with me :) 

 

Stacking the Shelves #75

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Reality. It's a place to showcase any books I have purchased, borrowed, or been lucky enough to have been given an advance copy of. 

Hope you find something that looks interesting to you or that makes you remember a favorite book you need to finish. Happy reading ya'll!

Shades of Death: Murder at the Court of Elizabeth I by Angela Ranson

Kindle Purchase: 99 cents with points

I'm normally really burnt out on anything related to the Tudors but this mystery focuses on the death of Lord Dudley's wife Amy and the scandal involving the queen, which does interest me. I don't know the story at all but I really should! This historical fiction mystery setting might explain it in an entertaining way. Two of the queen's ladies-in-waiting investigate at Amy's home and try to find Lord Dudley innocent. 

The Forest Laird: A Tale of William Wallace by Jack Whyte

Kindle Purchase: Free with points

You don't find too many good books about Scottish heroes. William Wallace is probably written about more than others but this book just really caught my eye. Reading the author's note at the beginning hooked me too because he seems so heartfelt to tell the story accurately. I want to get around to this one soon.

Pilfered Promises: A Victorian San Francisco Mystery by M. Louisa Locke

Kindle Purchase: 99 cents

I remembered I have book one of this series already but haven't read it. I don't know why, they look interesting enough. I just have so many series already to get through. These are set during a time and place I'm not as eager to read about but I still think they are worth a shot. In this one, book 5, it is Thanksgiving and Christmas time so I really like to read those in season.

Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie (Read Christie November 2025 Selection) Hercule Poirot Book 36

 

Publication Date:

November 2, 1959

Genre:  

Cozy Mystery/Historical Mystery

Length:   

352 pages

Series: 

Hercule Poirot

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Late one night, two teachers investigate a mysterious light in the school Sports Pavilion. Among the tennis racquets and lacrosse sticks, they find the body of the unpopular games mistress – shot through the heart. Schoolgirl Julia Upjohn knows too much, and begins to worry that she might be the next victim. Can detective Hercule Poirot find the killer before the ‘cat’ strikes again?

My Thoughts:

I was intrigued by the title of this book before I even started reading it. It sounded sinister and a good title for a mystery. The first part concerns a fictional Middle Eastern city, Ramut, in which there is a revolution going on. Two men end up dying in a plane crash and one of them decides to hide a stash of gems in a place only very few would know to look. It makes for a cliffhanger beginning and I definitely wanted to continue. I like novels and mysteries that make you a bit confused in the beginning as then there's much to figure out as you go.

The story then shifts to three months later at an English boarding school where we become involved in the day to day lives of student Jennifer and her friend Julia, as well as the staff. There are a vast array of characters so I won't list them all but I did have to work hard to keep everyone straight. This was complicated at times.