BOOK BRIEF

The Skull Beneath the Skin

P.D. James
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The Skull Beneath the Skin

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001

Book Brief

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P.D. James

The Skull Beneath the Skin

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

Mystery & Crime Fiction

British Literature
Setting

England • 1980s

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Skull Beneath the Skin by P.D. James is a mystery novel featuring private detective Cordelia Gray. Gray is hired to protect a famous actress, Clarissa Lisle, during a performance at a secluded island castle. As Clarissa's life is threatened, Gray must navigate a web of secrets and deception to uncover the truth.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Challenging

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.0

10,146 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Skull Beneath the Skin by P.D. James is acclaimed for its atmospheric setting and intricate plot. Critics praise James's skillful character development, particularly of protagonist Cordelia Gray, and the novel's engaging whodunit aspect. Some find the pacing slow and the narrative occasionally dense. Overall, it effectively combines mystery with psychological depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Skull Beneath the Skin?

A reader who enjoys The Skull Beneath the Skin by P.D. James would likely savor intricate mysteries and psychological thrillers. Fans of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None or Ruth Rendell's novels may appreciate the book’s rich character development and atmospheric tension.

4.0

10,146 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

Mystery & Crime Fiction

British Literature
Setting

England • 1980s

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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