THE GATE OF BAGHDAD
Parker Pyne is touring the Middle East when one of the officers, Smethurst, tells Pyne he’s worried about something. Smethurst is killed before he can reveal the full story and it's up to Pyne to find out why.
This is one of the few Parker Pyne mysteries to involve a murder, his cases generally revolving around romance and unhappiness. The story references one of Agatha Christie’s favourite poems The Gates of Damascus by James Elroy Flecker (1884-1919).
THE MAN WHO WAS NO. 16
The only reason I've chosen this particular story was that this would be our 16th short story for #AgathaChristieSS24! So... "no. 16" in the title of the 16th story. Oh I know it's lame. Nonetheless, I'm glad to get to read another Tommy and Tuppence, aren't you? And this one has a special little surprise! ;)
This is the final case in the collection Partners in Crime. Having received a warning from Mr. Carter, the Beresfords prepare for another encounter with their rival, Russian agent and master of disguise, No. 16.
In the face of danger, the Beresfords decide to tackle this case using their “little grey cells” to arrange facts “neatly, and with order.” Agatha Christie surely enjoyed poking fun at the great Hercule Poirot, almost as much as the Beresfords enjoyed aping him. At the end of the case, however, Tommy is presented with some news from Tuppence that the real Poirot would not have found amusing.
They are both rather amusing, right? Can't wait to read them!
Here is my short review for The Gate of Baghdad:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6588633175