The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

 

Synopsis

Edward Fosca is a murderer. Of this Mariana is certain. But Fosca is untouchable. A handsome and charismatic Greek Tragedy professor at Cambridge University, Fosca is adored by staff and students alike—particularly by the members of a secret society of female students known as The Maidens.

Mariana Andros is a brilliant but troubled group therapist who becomes fixated on The Maidens when one member, a friend of Mariana’s niece Zoe, is found murdered in Cambridge.

Mariana, who was once herself a student at the university, quickly suspects that behind the idyllic beauty of the spires and turrets, and beneath the ancient traditions, lies something sinister. And she becomes convinced that, despite his alibi, Edward Fosca is guilty of the murder. But why would the professor target one of his students? And why does he keep returning to the rites of Persephone, the maiden, and her journey to the underworld?

When another body is found, Mariana’s obsession with proving Fosca’s guilt spirals out of control, threatening to destroy her credibility as well as her closest relationships. But Mariana is determined to stop this killer, even if it costs her everything—including her own life.

REVIEW
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Thank you to @celadonbooks for the gifted copy.

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“The Maidens” follows therapist Mariana once she ultimately becomes obsessed with murders happening at her niece’s college, but only for the need to solve them , but also to keep her niece safe.

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When she gets to the college, she becomes convinced that an American professor, Edward Fosca is the murder. He also has like a cult like following with some female students. He seems like the most likely candidate, but police don’t seem to think so , so she takes matters into her own hands and begins her own investigation. And what she finds is unreal.

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I went into this book not sure what to expect. I saw a lot of mixed reviews. I also may be one of the last people on the planet to not have read “The Silent Patient” by the same author.

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I loved that this book had short chapters. That made me keep wanting more. And I did want more. I was instantly intrigued when I first started. The plot kept me guessing and the final twist made my jaw drop. I highly recommend this thriller. Now, I’m going to have to go read “The Silent Patient.”

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