Verrier

In the novel Murder in Mesopotamia, Verrier is a French archaeologist who digs in the Greek islands. He passes through Tell Yarimjah on the day of the murder of Louise Leidner, intending to visit Dr Leidner's expedition. However, on reaching the dig, he does not find any Europeans about, and leaves as he cannot speak Arabic. He continues his journey to another dig at Fugima, and comes through Tell Yarimjah again on his way back. On this occasion, he goes to the expedition house. This occurs just a few hours after the death of Anne Johnson, so Verrier offers condolences to Dr Leidner and then withdraws.

Richard Carey had earlier said that he had been at the dig on the afternoon of the murder, and so he was thought to have a good alibi. However, Verrier's statement that there had been no Europeans at the dig when he arrived, calls Richard's alibi into question.