Audiobook Review: The Case of the Cristie Curse by Kelly Oliver

The Case of the Christie Curse
Author: Kelly Oliver
Narrator: Penelope Rawlins
Series: The Detection Club (Book 3)
Publication: Boldwood Books (February 21, 2026)
Length: 8 hours and 52 minutes

Description: Mesopotamia, 1930: When Agatha Christie invites fellow members of the Detection Club to witness the famous excavations at the ruins of Ur, Dorothy L. Sayers, her quick-witted assistant Eliza Baker, and Theo Sharp expect ancient wonders – not fresh corpses.

But when an archaeologist is found dead in the sand, whispers of a deadly curse sweep through the camp. Eliza suspects something far more dangerous than superstition. Amid glittering artifacts and fragile alliances, every guest harbors secrets: the Woolleys, whose marriage is shadowed by tragedy; a journalist hungry for scandal; even academic Max Mallowan, whose loyalties are not what they seem.

As theft, forgery, and coded messages surface, the line between archaeology and espionage blurs. And when Eliza and Theo find themselves in danger, they must face not only the truth about the murder – but also the truths they’ve long denied about each other. Can they uncover the killer before the desert claims another victim? Or will this dig unearth secrets too dangerous to survive?

My Thoughts: The members of the Detection Club are invited by Agatha Christie to visit the excavations at Ur. They are looking forward to a pleasant vacation and not expecting to be plunged into an investigation of the murder of a young cataloger on the dig. 

The investigation into the death of the young man leads to hidden secrets, stolen artifacts, and even espionage. Eliza and Theo are busy searching for clues while Eliza denies her feeling for Theo and Theo tries to reconcile himself to being just friends with the enchanting Eliza.

There is another romance going on too. Agatha has met the charming but considerably young archaeologist Max Mallowan on the dig. 

There are a number of suspects to the murder including the Woolleys who are heading the dig, various archaeologists on the dig, and even a visiting journalist determined to write an article about Agatha. Eliza and Theo with the help of Eliza's little beagle Queenie face lots of dangers on the way to the solution of the crime. 

This was another fun historical mystery. 

I bought this one June 14, 2026. You can buy your copy here.