The Gate of Baghdad

Find related products

Summary

Genre: Murder Mystery, Detective

Format: Short Story

Location: Middle East

Recurring Characters: Parker Pyne

Synopsis

While Parker Pyne is on tour of the Middle East, one of the officers, Smethurst, tells Pyne he’s worried about something. Smethurst is killed before he can tell Pyne what was on his mind. His death turns out to be linked to wider events and only Pyne can solve the puzzle!

Christie quotes two lines from The Gates of Damascus by James Elroy Flecker (1884-1919):

“Pass not beneath, O Caravan, or pass not singing. Have you heardThat silence where the birds are dead yet something pipeth like a bird?”

Although English poet Flecker died of tuberculosis when he was only 30 his writing was prolific. His poetry with a Middle Eastern theme would certainly have appealed to Christie. This short story was published in Parker Pyne Investigates.

Story locations map

View locations in this story on the Christie map.

View the map

About us: Agatha Christie Ltd; About Chorion; Terms & Conditions; Contact us

Discover Christie: Christie biography; Christie timeline; Where to start; Stories; Detectives and sidekicks; Christie maps

News & community: News stories; Christie papers; Christie week; Community and events; Future events; Community members; Have your say

Products: Audio books; Books; Books about Christie; Film and TV; Games; Gifts

Frequently asked questions: General FAQ; For teachers; For students; For librarians; For journalists; Licensing enquiries; Professional stage enquiries; Amateur Stage Productions