Title: The Skull Beneath the Skin
Author: P.D. James
First published January 1, 1982
352 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780743222051 (ISBN10: 0743222059)
Rating: 3.78
Overview
Renowned private investigator Cordelia Gray receives a mysterious invitation to the luxurious island of Courcy. Her task is to protect the stunningly beautiful yet narcissistic actress, Miranda Grey, from unknown dangers lurking around her.
As Cordelia steps into the fairy tale-like castle with rose-red walls, she realizes that the stage is set for a sinister plot. With her detective skills at the forefront, Cordelia delves deeper into the mystery, uncovering dark secrets that lead to a shocking truth.
Will Cordelia be able to shield Miranda from harm, or will she become the next victim? Find out in P.D. James’ suspenseful masterpiece, The Skull Beneath the Skin.
About the Author
Phyllis Dorothy James White, also known as P. D.
James, was a British author famous for her mystery novels featuring Adam Dalgliesh, a detective from Scotland Yard. James was born on August 3, 1920, in Oxford, England, to a middle-class civil servant.
Her family lived in Cambridge where she spent most of her childhood. However, at the age of 16, she had to quit her formal education because of financial problems.
From then on, she educated herself.
In 1941, James got married to Ernest C.B. White, a medical student who suffered from mental health issues after returning from wartime service. He spent most of his life in psychiatric hospitals.
To support her family, which included two children, James worked in hospital administration. After her husband’s demise in 1964, she became a civil servant in the criminal section of the Department of Home Affairs.
While working there, she wrote her first mystery novel, Cover Her Face, in 1962, which introduced Adam Dalgliesh. She wrote six more mysteries before retiring from government service in 1979 to focus on writing full-time.
Adam Dalgliesh is a serious, introspective detective who rises from chief inspector to chief superintendent and then to commander in the series. James’s characters are fully rounded, civilized, genteel, and motivated.
Her unique characterization and use of classic mystery devices made her novels very popular. Most of the novels featuring Adam Dalgliesh were made into television shows.
James wrote fourteen Dalgliesh novels, with the last one, The Private Patient, published in 2008.
Apart from the Dalgliesh series, James wrote two novels, An Unsuitable Job for a Woman (1972) and The Skull Beneath the Skin (1982), which revolve around Cordelia Gray, a young private detective. The first novel was adapted into a television movie and a short-lived series.
James also ventured beyond the mystery genre in The Children of Men (1992), which was adapted into a movie in 2006. Her last work, Death Comes to Pemberley (2011), is a sequel to Pride and Prejudice (1813) that explores the class and relationship tensions between Jane Austen’s characters in the midst of a murder investigation.
James also wrote nonfiction works such as The Maul and the Pear Tree (1971), co-written with T.A. Critchley, a historian, and Talking About Detective Fiction (2009), which provides insightful commentary on the genre. Her memoir, Time to Be in Earnest, was published in 2000.
James was made OBE in 1983 and was named a life peer in 1991.
Editoral Review
P.D. James The Skull Beneath the Skin is a gripping murder mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. James, who was known for her iconic detective fiction, delivers yet another masterful tale that lives up to her reputation as the Queen of Crime.
The novel was first published in 1982 and is set in England, where Cordelia Gray, a private detective, is hired by actress Clarissa Lisle to protect her during a theater run on an isolated island. The reclusive Lisle believes she is being threatened, making her anxious to the point of paranoia, and Cordelia’s job is to discover if there is any real danger.
However, matters quickly spiral out of control when murder strikes, shattering the veneer of calm and plunging the island into chaos. James vividly brings the isolated island to life, with its misty beaches, intricate maze, and sinister atmosphere.
The labyrinthine plot is a classic whodunit, involving a range of suspects with possible motives for the murder. James keeps readers guessing with twists and turns, red herrings and subterfuge, all the way to the shocking reveal at the end.
The two main characters, Cordelia and Clarissa, are compelling and complex, with their personal traumas and secrets that slowly come to light. Their relationship evolves from initial mistrust to a wary camaraderie that is both compelling and unforgettable.
James’ writing is elegant and descriptive, with an eye for detail that builds up the tension to a fever pitch. Her characters are sharply observed, each with their unique quirks and motivations, and the dialogue is witty and engaging.
The Skull Beneath the Skin is a remarkable book that belongs in the canon of detective fiction classics. It manages to explore themes of class, gender, and power while still delivering an engaging and entertaining read.
The only real flaw of the book is its slow pacing at times, but it’s a minor quibble in the grand scheme. Overall, The Skull Beneath the Skin is a must-read for fans of the genre and even those who are not.
James has created a timeless masterpiece that deserves to be read and cherished for its timeless appeal. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves mystery and suspense novels, and it is guaranteed to provide an exceptional reading experience.