The Maidens by Alex Michaelides is the long awaited next book following The Silent Patient. For fans of The Silent Patient, know that this is a very different book. It is still very well written and does hold a lot of shock factor with the ending. There is also a lot of Greek mythology, given that the professor in the book teaches that subject. Mariana is grieving the death of her husband, Sebastian, from a drowning. She receives a call from her niece, Zoe, about a friends death in college and rushes her to aid. The killings continue at the college, so who is responsible?

Cambridge University is supposed to be safe, but after a series of murders of young women on campus, it clearly isn’t.

Mariana Andros, a group therapist and Cambridge alumna, is concerned for her niece Zoe after one of her close friends ends up being one of the victims. She heads to the campus aiming to comfort her, but ends up getting involved in the investigation of the murders, using her therapy knowledge to decipher the killer’s motives.

Edward Fosca, is a beloved professor of Greek Tragedy at Cambridge. He has a small tutor group called “The Maidens” who end up being the killer’s targets, murdered in a ritualistic fashion, which doesn’t look so great for the favorite professor. Mariana in particular doesn’t believe his innocence for a minute, despite his alibies.

Though I preferred Michaelides’ debut novel The Silent Patient, this literary mystery/thriller has short chapters and plenty of potential murderers to keep the pace moving quickly and the reader guessing. Some of those red herrings should have been a little further developed in my opinion as I figured out “who dun it” about half way through. Still, this was a quick read that would entertain anyone looking for a fast summer read.

Thank you to Netgalley, MacMillan Audio and Alex Michaelides for the advanced audio book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I liked the beginning part of the book with Mariana's group therapy. I wondered how her most needy patient would play a role throughout the book. I didn't like Zoe and felt she was a spoiled college student for a lot of the book. The greek words and phrases were an interesting addition to the book and fit with the plot around The Maidens. I will read more books from this author!

The Maidens is absolutely perfect for audiobook format. The story is compelling and addictive and I never wanted to stop listening. The narration is so well done and really captures the mood of the story.

The plot pulled me in from the beginning and had just the right amount of complexity. There was a twist and a reveal but not so many twist and turns and new characters to make it overly confusing. There were no unnecessary characters or scenes. Everything helped take me on a journey through the story and arrive at the final payoff of the plot.

The use of Greek plays and mythology plays a beautiful part in the story and made the plot more full and enjoyable. The Maidens is dark and creepy and tense in all the right places and I couldn’t put it down. It would be a perfect summer or fall read.

Therapist Mariana Andros receives a call from her niece Zoe after the body of a murdered young woman is discovered in Cambridge. After Mariana rushes to Zoe’s side, she entangles herself in the investigation. Mariana learns of The Maidens, a secret society of female students led by Professor Edward Fosca. Convinced of Fosca's guilt, Mariana attempts to prove he was involved in the young woman’s murder. Throughout the novel, Mariana must also confront memories of herself and her late husband during their time in Cambridge as students.

I enjoyed Mariana as a character. Both her backstory and her character are well-developed. The other characters were just okay for me. They didn’t seem to have nearly as much depth as Mariana. At times I suspected most of them of being the killer, perhaps because my insight into each of them was limited.

The dark academia aspects of the novel interested me. The setting was quite vivid, and I liked how Michaelides pulled in aspects of the classics and Greek mythology to add meaning to the story’s events. Those connections really helped to shape both the secret society and some of Mariana’s experiences.

The novel’s plot was interesting and not too predictable. I kept coming up with different theories about the killer, and while I did figure out one aspect, I never managed to work out exactly what was going on.

My only complaint about the novel is that the first ¾ of the book is so slow. Things finally pick up in the last fourth, but I honestly considered DNFing well before then. I suspect if I’d been reading a print copy rather than listening to the audio, I wouldn’t have made it through the novel. I also struggled a little to understand how parts of the timeline fit together. Sometimes events were explained in a way that made them seem like they took place at a different point than they actually did.

I haven’t read The Silent Patient, so my expectations may have been different than most readers going into The Maidens. I did enjoy the story, but I would have liked a bit more action throughout.

THE MAIDENS
I try to write short reviews, but this one is HARD. Like many people who are interested in this book, I LOVED silent patient. You have to realize going in this is not that book (nor do we want it to be).
For the silent patient die hards, you will appreciate some of the characters in the book (these were maybe the most exciting plot twists to me 😏🤐 ). This book maintains the vivid descriptions, Greek mythology, && suspense of silent patient but relating to a new murder & setting.

I’d love to say I guess who was committing the murders & I did!...but I also had a theory going for each person in the book, but did guess the whole story. This ending does have as large of a shock factor as Silent Patient, but does surprise readers & link back to multiple foreshadowing moments.

The cast of narrators was amazing & helped to pull listeners into the story even more with the vivid descriptions coming to life.

Thank you to NetGally & Macmillan audio for this advanced reader copy.

This is the story of a murder, the murder of a college student at Cambridge University. As the story unfolds, Mariana, the aunt and guardian of Zoe, whose roommate is the murder victim, tries to help Zoe with her grief. As a licensed therapist, Mariana not only tries to help Zoe recover but also find the murderer. It's definitely a slow burn but an enjoyable journey. I liked the references to Persephone and Demeter, Persephone, being the bride of Hades, King of the Underworld. I did have to look up some very english words that were not explained as well as a bedder, like a buttery and a punt, and punting is boating in a punt, and the punter moves the punt with a pole!

I know I was not alone in highly anticipating this novel after The Silent Patient. This is definitely a solid mystery thriller, but I wouldn't put in on the level of that previous work. I did enjoy how Michaelides weaved Greek mythology within the narrative and like The Silent Patient this mystery does not unravel until the final pages. I do think readers will appreciate this work, but I'm not sure it will create the kind of buzz that The Silent Patient did or end up best books of the year lists.

There is nothing -NOTHING- I like better than a mystery set on a college campus. Then throw in a Secret Society?? SOLD. "The Maidens," written by Alex Michaelides, could have been titled, "Hey, Abbey! Come Read This Book...You're Gonna Love It!"

That title might be a touch too long and lacking in commercial appeal, but, all that say...it's my jam.

"The Maidens" is set on the Cambridge campus, and centers around Greek mythology, Mariana (our fearless and broken protagonist), her niece, Zoe (student at said troubled university), and the overly charming & sketchy professor, Edward Fosca. Particular students are being brutally stabbed to death in the woods and they are all in the *cough* Girl Only *cough* secret society led by the handsome and mysteries Fosca.

I am usually quick to solve a mystery story. I can pick out the "bad guy" and even give his reasons for murder most of the time. And I did again... ... ...but I did NOT see the twist coming. Just...not even a little. Thinking back on some key passages, I feel like Michaelides was dropping a few light clues to mislead his audience - that I totally bought hook, line, & sinker!

Fantastic Read! Only way I could have loved it more was if I could have read it for the first time on a rainy October day. But, I mean, you can only ask so much of a book. *wink*

A HUGE Thank You to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and review this amazing audiobook. 5 Stars!

First, let me say I loved The Silent Patient, so I came into this one expecting it to be good. Thankfully it didn’t disappoint.

A serial killer is in the midst at a prestigious university. The story line follows group therapist, Mariana as she tries to unravel this plot. She is invested because this school is her alma mater and the university her goddaughter attends. When Mariana notices the oddities of one of the professors and his relationships to his female students, she starts to get suspicious.

The reader is treated to dual narrators and both are fantastic. Both the voice of the writing for each character is rich and intriguing, as well as the actual voice of the narrators in the audiobook we amazing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely purchase it for my library.

Such a good read! If you love murder mysteries, this is the book for you. I found myself wanting to read “just one more” chapter, over and over. It was fast paced, so you won’t feel bored. As for the ending, I absolutely did not see it coming. Definitely check it out!

Alex Michaelides has done it again! The Maidens is an awesome story. Michaelides brings readers compelling characters within a gripping story. I am thrilled to be able to say Michaelides is the real deal! The Maidens is a unique and impeccably written story. Michaelides brings the twist and turns readers crave, and keeps us on our literary toes…all the while reminding us of our love for tales of the Greek Gods! Move over Hitch!

Loved the narration in the audiobook version as well. Does The Maidens give a nod to The Silent Patient? I’ll never tell!!

Alex Michaelides's previous novel, The Silent Patient, got a ton of buzz when it was released and even won some readers' choice awards for its unique plot. Having read and enjoyed it immensely, I was excited to read Michaelides's next novel, The Maidens. I have to say that it exceeded my expectations and (in my opinion, of course) is better than The Silent Patient.

The Maidens follows Mariana Andros, a group therapist who is still dealing with her husband's tragic death a year later. The only person left in her family circle is Zoe, her niece who was left in Mariana's charge when her parents were killed in a car crash. While attending university, Zoe's best friend is found murdered, her throat slit and her body found in a way that makes her death seem almost sacrificial or ritualistic. Mariana immediately goes to Zoe and her mama bear claws come out as soon as she realizes that a young, handsome professor might be preying on his unsuspecting students. Determined to find the person responsible for the murder, Mariana gets herself into all kinds of trouble with the police. Her digging continues even as more bodies of young girls start to show up. The victims all have one thing in common-they were part of a secret group on campus called "The Maidens," which shows all the signs of being a cult run by the suspicious professor. The police don't seem to be putting two and two together, so Mariana sets off to find the killer and stop him before he can turn his sights to her beloved Zoe.

I loved this one! While I enjoyed The Silent Patient, I was worried The Maidens would fall victim to the same kind of ending where the reader is expected to suspend reality a bit to accept the resolution. This plot veered towards unbelievability for a moment, but righted itself in time. I did not see the big twist coming and there were plenty of red herrings that kept me guessing throughout. The pacing was quick and had I not been so end-of-the-year-teacher tired, I would have finished it in just a few sittings. I think those who liked The Silent Patient will definitely like this one, especially since there are some 'Easter egg' references to characters and places from that novel sprinkled into the Maidens. If you didn't love The Silent Patient, I still think there's a good chance you'd like this book as it doesn't have any of the same issues that I found with the other title.

*Thanks to the author, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for providing me with the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

I loved the book until the end. The final twist didn’t seem entirely necessary to me & I didn’t like that it ruined Sebastian’s reputation when that was never hinted at throughout the book. However, I’ll be thinking about this story for a long time.

This one was just okay for me. I had high expectations coming in but I have to say that I felt as if I were in a child’s magic act. The main goal being deception that can be seen. Perhaps, I’m just good at seeing the “slight of hand” type of deception, but with all of the hype I was expecting far more. Thanks to NetGalley for the early read.

4.5 stars
The Maidens, by Alex Michaelides, is an atmospheric, creepy and deeply disturbing gothic mystery immersed in Greek mythology. It centers around Mariana Andros, a group therapist who is still recovering from the loss of her husband, when she gets an alarming call for help from her niece, whom she has raised as a daughter. Her friend has been horrifically murdered and she’s reeling from shock. Marianna makes the trip to Cambridge to help her niece through this traumatizing experience, but soon finds herself embroiled in unraveling a mystery as she focuses her attention on a questionable professor and his secret society of beautiful, well-connected female students called, The Maidens.

This story is deeply unsettling and carries a whole host of trigger warnings, and yet despite that, I found it immensely intriguing and oddly captivating.

I listed to the audio-version of this book and the narrators did an outstanding job of creating an ominous ambiance for the story. Their voices were menacing, chilling and absolutely perfect for the plot. They were truly superb voice actors.

The conclusion of this novel was a complete surprise to me and absolutely alarming and unsettling. I think my exact words while listening were, “Ew!” Through the sinister tone, the countless red herrings, and many mythological stories and references, this psychological thriller was unique and a compelling page-turner!

The Silent Patient is one of my all-time favorite audiobooks so when I heard Alex Michaelides was releasing The Maidens, I had to have it. Unfortunately, it just didn’t live up to the hype and the prior novel. The book itself was good, interesting and kept me guessing but felt like there was a piece missing. The ending came and went and I felt like there was more character development that needed to be had. I was very invested in the maidens, the professor and various other side characters that just never got an ending.

The audiobook’s female narrator was wonderful but the male narrator’s voice was sometimes uninteresting or hard to follow. Several times I had to go back and restart the male’s chapter because I completely zoned out when he started speaking.

The Maidens is a dark and interesting take on the elitist lives of those at Cambridge University. The setting was perfect for this thrilling novel and I did enjoy all the characters, even though a lot of them were unlikable or unreliable.

A great thriller that keeps the reader engaged throughout the entire story. The pacing wasn’t too fast or too slow and the end pay off was both surprising and extremely satisfying.

Great suspense novel that kept me on my toes. I did not see the ending coming. The narrator was great. Highly recommend.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4004412114

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced audiobook.

So, now I'm wondering what I missed by not reading Michaelides' uber-popular The Silent Patient because I really enjoyed this. Now I'm going to have to add that one to my to-read list, too.

Group therapist Mariana is convinced that Cambridge professor, Edward Foska, is a murderer. Her niece, Zoe, calls her when her friend is found dead. Mariana goes to her side and is disturbed by the group dynamics between Foska and his students, particularly his chosen few whom he calls The Maidens. Even though Mariana is still dealing with her own grief from the recent loss of her husband, she stays to help and protect Zoe.

Needless to say, things to not go according to plan.

This is a slow burn, but if you love mysteries set at British universities (which I do) or psychologists trying to outwit each other or groups of odd students obsessed with the classics, pick this one up.

The tension builds rapidly at the end, and I LOVED the ending. It totally caught me off guard, even though there were plenty of clues along the way. I completely fell for the red herrings.

I love a thriller with a twist that both surprises me and is fair to the reader. This one is.

Also, this is a fabulous listen.

Louise Brealey does a wonderful job as Mariana, expressing her grief, confusion, anger, and thoughtfulness, sometimes all at once, with her lovely-to-listen-to voice.

Kobna Holdbrook-Smith does a perfectly disturbing job as the unknown killer in intermittent chapters.

If you're looking for an audiobook that will make you want to stay in your car or keep on exercising, try this one out.

*language, sexual situations, violence