The Maidens wasn’t the right fit for me, but I encourage others to give it a try because some elements will appeal to everyone.
I’m a proponent of not comparing an author’s books to their other works, but I questioned whether the same author wrote this as The Silent Patient. I would have enjoyed the group of Maidens had they been more multi-layered because I was expecting some sinister happenings with them that didn’t happen. Then we get to the ending, and we’re handed this poorly wrapped package of “here you go, isn’t it all wrapped up nicely.” Lastly, it’s unbelievable that someone who is hurt superficially would be too weak and unable to talk.
I liked the historical elements, the introduction of Greek tragedy, and English literature. It’s clear Michaelides did a lot of research for this book. But unfortunately, it wasn’t right for me. I’m not a fan of long-winded descriptions of locations, especially in a story that doesn’t depend on those descriptions. I enjoyed the little nod to his previous work. Thank you, Celadon Books, for sending this along.
The Maidens is available for preorder on Amazon for $14.99, it releases June 15th.
About the Book:
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.
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