Hello, crime readers and food lovers. Today, we are on a mystery trip to a Destination Unknown. However, if you look at our accompanying meal, you probably know where we might be heading. Agatha Christie published Destination Unknown, a standalone spy thriller, in 1954. Christie’s spy thrillers are not my favourites. And this one is no exception to what seems to be becoming a rule. Honestly, I thought the book started well, but then it quickly turned absurd. I could not suspend my belief enough to enter this world – which may say more about me than the book. Ultimately, I’ll leave you to be the judge!
Despite the potential disappointment with the book, our dish of the day is a delightful Lamb Kofta Tagine with Couscous. This recipe comes from Rachel’s Everyday Kitchen by Rachel Allen. I snipped the couscous recipe out of a magazine ages ago. It is my go-to recipe for couscous and is the perfect accompaniment for the tagine.
Destination Unknown – The Plot
Destination anywhere
East or west, I don’t care
You see my baby don’t want me no more
This old world ain’t got no back door
This 1968 song by The Marvellettes describes Hilary Craven’s state of mind. She is bereft after the death of her child and the breakdown of her marriage. She is planning to commit suicide in her Moroccan hotel room when a strange man walks in. (And this, around page 34, is where the plot stopped being believable for me).
Unknown to Hilary, scientists from all over the world have been going missing. One such scientist is Thomas Betterton. Thanks to her “very magnificent” head of red hair, Hilary looks uncannily like Thomas Betterton’s wife, Olive.
British Intelligence
The man in Hilary’s room is Mr Jessop, a British intelligence agent. He suggests that instead of suicide by pills, Hilary goes undercover as Olive Betterton to find out what she can about the missing scientists. If this is how they recruit their agents, feel free to insert your own joke about the misnomer of British Intelligence!
Hilary said: “It would be madness!”.
“Oh yes, ” said Jessop, “it’s madness all right. It’s a very tough assignment and if our suspicions are realised, you’ll probably cop it. You see, I am being quite frank, but according to you, you’re prepared and anxious to cop it. As an alternative to throwing yourself in front of a train or something like that, I should think you would find it far more amusing”
Agatha Christie – Destination Unknown
The Scientists
Hilary, posing as Olive Betterton, then travels to a “Destination Unknown,” which reveals itself as a secret research facility built into a mountain, hidden behind a leper colony. The missing scientists live there, either creating a utopian scientific community or enduring a prison, depending on one’s perspective. There, she meets her supposed husband, Thomas Betterton, who displays unhappiness within the compound and an inability to work. Surprisingly, he doesn’t expose her.
Meanwhile, Jessop tries to locate Hilary by following a series of clues she left during her journey, including pearls from a broken necklace.
Eventually, Jessop finds Hilary, and Hilary finds love. They all live happily ever after, except for Thomas Betterton. Authorities arrest him for killing his first wife and stealing her work, because she, not he, was the true scientific geniu
Oh, and the wealthy billionaire who funded the mountain utopia gets away scot-free because the very system he is trying to bring down, i.e. capitalism, allows him to use his wealth and power to escape justice.
Cue Alanis Morisette – Ironic.
Destination Unknown – The Covers
There are some great covers here, including, I believe, our first Hebrew cover (fourth row, second from the left) and a very 1980s-kind of punky Hilary (bottom row, far right). There are also some recurring themes—the desert, planes, red-headed women, and pearls. I think my favourites are the Hebrew cover and the top row far right with the rather Grace Kelly-looking woman. Sadly, there are no absolutely bonkers covers for this one!
The Recipe: Lamb Kofta Tagine with Couscous
Links to the Christieverse
Other Food & Drinks Mentioned in Destination Unknown
- Alcoholic refreshments
- A Half bottle of wine
- Vichy Water
- Coffee x2
- Martini
- Meat
- Bread and cakes
- Mint tea
April’s read will be Hickory Dickory Dock – Our first Poirot of the year!
Have a great week!
