Действие романа разворачивается в Ираке в период британского протектората (до 1932 г.), и посвящено расследованию необъяснимого убийства супруги известного шведского археолога доктора Лайднера, руководящего раскопками в местечке Тель-Яримджахе близ города Хассани. Murder in Mesopotamia. When Amy Leatheran agrees to look after archaeologist Dr. Leidner’s wife at a dig near Hassanieh, she finds herself taking on more than just nursing duties – she also has to help solve murders. Fortunately for Amy, Hercule Poirot is visiting the excavation site. But will the great detective be in time to prevent a multiple murderer from striking again? The novel is one of several works that emerged from Christie's involvement with her husband's archaeological expeditions in the Middle East during the 1930s. It contains fascinating details based on her own experiences and observations