Title: The Maidens: A Novel
Author: Alex Michaelides
Release Date: June 15th 2021
Genre: Psychological Thrillers
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient comes a spellbinding tale of psychological suspense, weaving together Greek mythology, murder, and obsession, that further cements “Michaelides as a major player in the field” (Publishers Weekly).
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.
Where to start……
This story could have been good. Great even. It just fell flat for me. To say I’m disappointed is putting it mildly. I know that I am the unpopular opinion, as there are lots of raving reviews for this book. I just don’t agree. The plot just wasn’t a good one. There’s a lot of unnecessary scenes in the story that made me feel like I wasn’t reading a thriller. The twist was a pretty lame one. I figured it out and hoped he wouldn’t go that route. Nope, he went there.
This is the second book I read from this author. I was disappointed with his first and I find myself in the same situation with this one. The only thing I can say is, read it for yourself. I’m glad others enjoy it. It just wasn’t for me. I give this 2 stars.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
The Literary Vixen 