Review: The Maidens by Alex Michaelides (audio)

Publisher: Macmillan Audio / Celadon Books

Published: June 15, 2021

Source: Audio: ALC via Librofm / Print: ARC Paperback via Celadon Books

Summary:

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.

My thoughts:

I absolutely loved Alex Michaelides’ debut novel, The Silent Patient, so of course, as soon as I heard he had a new book coming out, it went on my to-read list. This was one of my most anticipated releases this month and I am so happy to say it completely delivers in every way!

I didn’t think this author could get any better after his first book, but wow…this latest one really impressed me. I loved how he incorporates academia and Greek mythology into this story, combining it with tragedy. It’s not necessarily a fast-paced story, but more of a slow-burn that consumes you the further you get into the story. I loved that I had the print alongside the audio so that I could easily toggle back and forth…because this is one that once I started I absolutely did not want to stop until I reached the end. And let’s just talk about that ending. While I did figure things out right before the final reveal, I didn’t know the why and to me, that’s just as important as the who. This author is the master of misdirection and I found myself questioning everyone and everything right up until that ending. I loved that!

I loved the nod to The Silent Patient. This book isn’t so much a sequel but rather can be seen as a companion and I just love that. But don’t worry if you haven’t read it yet…you won’t miss out on anything crucial here, other a few Easter eggs sprinkled in here and there.

This book is so atmospheric, which totally grabbed me from the beginning. And I love this author’s writing style – it is downright addicting and completely engrossing. This is the type of book that as soon as I finished it, I not only wanted to start it rereading it again right away, but I also wanted to delve into the world of Greek Mythology to fully grasp all the ties to the story. That’s when you know the story is good!

Audio thoughts:

This was a great book to listen to and even though both narrators – Kobna Holdbrook-Smith and Louise Brealey – were new to me, I thought they did a great job. They really were able to make this book come alive and I found it to be a mesmerizing listening experience.