Agatha Christie and the Curse of Ishtar is a novel by Tom Adams, published in 2019. It is a fictional account of Agatha Christie's journey to the Middle East in the 1920s and her involvement in solving a mysterious murder. The story is set against the backdrop of the excavation of the ancient city of Ur. Agatha Christie, who is known for her detective novels, has been invited by her friend and archaeologist Leonard Woolley to join him at the excavation site. However, upon her arrival, she discovers that a series of murders have taken place, and the workers and archaeologists are living in fear. Agatha Christie, being a curious and intelligent woman, is drawn into the mystery and begins to investigate the murders.
”This film has not been endorsed, licensed or authorised by the estate of Agatha Christie or by Agatha Christie Limited.”
To help keep this site running Willow and Thatch may receive a commission when you click on any of the links on our site and make a purchase after doing so. While the period drama is largely a work of fiction, it s no mystery that Christie and Max Mallowan did meet at his dig at the Ur of the Chaldees in Iraq, and the couple later married in real life.
Agatha Christie, being a curious and intelligent woman, is drawn into the mystery and begins to investigate the murders. As she delves deeper into the lives of the people at the excavation site, she uncovers secrets and hidden motives. The curse of Ishtar, a goddess worshipped by the ancient Mesopotamians, becomes a central theme of the story, with many believing that it has brought about the murders.
Agatha and the Curse of Ishtar
Agatha and the Curse of Ishtar is a television film, first broadcast on Channel 5 on 15 December 2019. The script was written by Tom Dalton and it was directed by Sam Yates.
The film's closing credits starts with an announcement:
”This film has not been endorsed, licensed or authorised by the estate of Agatha Christie or by Agatha Christie Limited.”
Throughout the novel, Agatha Christie must navigate through a web of lies, deceit, and superstition to solve the murders and reveal the truth. She uses her keen observation skills and deductive reasoning to piece together the puzzle and identify the killer. Along the way, she interacts with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. The novel is not only a thrilling murder mystery but also a fascinating exploration of archaeology and the culture of the Middle East in the 1920s. It offers insights into the challenges faced by archaeologists at the time and the fascination surrounding ancient civilizations. Overall, Agatha Christie and the Curse of Ishtar is a gripping and well-crafted novel that combines elements of historical fiction and mystery. It showcases Agatha Christie's brilliance as a detective writer and offers an engaging fictional account of her adventures in the Middle East..
Reviews for "Decoding the Curse: Agatha Christie's Investigation into Ishtar"
1. John - 2/5 - I love Agatha Christie's novels, but I was highly disappointed with "Agatha Christie and the Curse of Ishtar." The plot felt forced and predictable, lacking the usual suspense and intrigue that characterizes Christie's work. The characters were also poorly developed, making it difficult to connect with them or care about their fates. Overall, this book failed to capture the essence of Christie's writing style and left much to be desired.
2. Emma - 1/5 - As an avid fan of Agatha Christie, I was excited to read "Agatha Christie and the Curse of Ishtar." However, it turned out to be a major letdown. The story was slow-paced and lacked any real suspense. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to engage with the characters. Additionally, the solution to the mystery felt incredibly rushed and far-fetched, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. I would not recommend this book to any die-hard Agatha Christie fans.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - "Agatha Christie and the Curse of Ishtar" was a disappointment for me. The plot started off promising, but quickly became convoluted and confusing. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of dullness followed by rushed revelations. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to invest in their journey. Overall, this book failed to live up to the high standards set by Agatha Christie's previous works, leaving me feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.
4. Mark - 1/5 - I had high expectations for "Agatha Christie and the Curse of Ishtar," but unfortunately, it fell short in every aspect. The writing style felt amateurish and lacked the elegance and sophistication characteristic of Christie's work. The mystery itself was poorly executed, with predictable twists and an unsatisfying resolution. The pacing was also off, making the book a chore to get through. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted mystery in the style of Agatha Christie.