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.