The Skull Beneath the Skin

P. D. James · first published 1982 · ISBN 9780816135691

Cordelia Gray, now established as a private investigator, takes a job protecting an actress during a week-long birthday cruise. The actress believes she's in danger, but from whom? When a murder occurs on the isolated ship, Cordelia must sort through decades of theater world grudges and secrets. James sets the novel against the claustrophobic atmosphere of a Victorian mansion and the sea.