The Maidens

by Alex Michaelides
The Maidens cover
Good Books rating 2.5
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4318
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781409181675
  • Published: 2021-06-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

From the author of the global #1 bestseller The Silent Patient, The Maidens is a spellbinding literary thriller that weaves together Greek mythology, psychology, and murder. Edward Fosca, a charismatic professor at Cambridge University, is suspected by Mariana Andros, a troubled group therapist, of being a murderer. Mariana becomes fixated on proving Fosca's guilt, especially after one of his students, a member of the secret society known as The Maidens, is found dead. The story delves into the dark undercurrents of academia and the rituals of Persephone, creating a chilling atmosphere of suspense and obsession. As Mariana's investigation spirals out of control, she risks destroying her credibility and relationships. The Maidens is a highly anticipated book that promises to be your new obsession, with its intricate plot and psychological depth. Praised by critics and readers alike, this thriller is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Reviews
What is Quinn Reading · 2025-06-28
entertaining 4.00

The book is a highly entertaining thriller that moves quickly. The incorporation of Greek mythology adds depth to the story. The protagonist's journey is compelling and keeps the reader engaged.

This thriller is a fast-paced read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The use of Greek mythology is a standout feature, adding a layer of intrigue and depth to the narrative. The protagonist, Mariana, is well-developed and her journey is both compelling and engaging. The book's pacing is excellent, making it a highly entertaining read from start to finish. The author's ability to weave together different elements of the story is impressive, and the overall experience is one that will leave you wanting more.

Quick quotes

    However, this is a highly entertaining thriller, and moves fast.

    I liked the incorporation of Greek mythology and the looks into Mariana's past.

    The book's pacing is excellent, making it a highly entertaining read from start to finish.

Berkeley Fiction Review · 2024-04-15
disappointing 2.50

The novel has a chilling start and beautifully plays into the aesthetics of academia and Greek tragedy. However, it falls short in its portrayal of mental illness, which feels misrepresented and clichéd.

The novel starts off with a chilling and promising tone, effectively capturing the aesthetics of academia and Greek tragedy. The setting and atmosphere are well-crafted, making it an engaging read. However, the portrayal of mental illness is a significant letdown. It feels misrepresented and clichéd, which is disappointing given the potential the story had. The characters, especially those dealing with mental health issues, are not given the depth and nuance they deserve. This oversight detracts from the overall impact of the novel, making it feel incomplete and somewhat shallow.

Quick quotes

    Michaelides' novel had a chillingly promising start, and certainly played beautifully into the aesthetics of academia and Greek tragedy.

    It falls short in its portrayal of mental illness, which feels misrepresented and clichéd.

    The characters, especially those dealing with mental health issues, are not given the depth and nuance they deserve.

Reddit - DarkAcademia · Reddit User · 2022-04-15
boring 1.00

The writing is boring, the protagonist is unbearable, and the twist is not shocking. The Maidens themselves are barely characters in the story.

This book is a letdown on multiple fronts. The writing is dull and unengaging, making it a chore to get through. The protagonist is particularly unbearable, with a personality that is hard to connect with or root for. The Maidens, who are central to the story, are barely developed as characters, which is a missed opportunity. The twist at the end is not shocking and feels somewhat predictable. Overall, the book fails to deliver on its potential and leaves much to be desired.

Quick quotes

    The writing was so boring, the protagonist was unbearable, 'The Maidens' themselves were barely characters in this story and the twist didn't shock me at all.

    The book fails to deliver on its potential and leaves much to be desired.

    The protagonist is particularly unbearable, with a personality that is hard to connect with or root for.

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