Author: Alex Michaelides

“The Maidens” by Alex Michaelides is a gripping mystery thriller set against the backdrop of Cambridge University. The novel intertwines elements of Greek mythology, dark academia, and a secret society, creating a rich and atmospheric narrative.

Detailed Summary

The story follows Mariana Andros, a 36-year-old widow and group therapist, who is drawn to Cambridge after her niece Zoe’s friend, Tara, is brutally murdered. Zoe suspects Professor Edward Fosca, a charismatic and popular Greek tragedy professor, who is adored by a group of female students known as “The Maidens.” Despite Fosca’s alibi, Mariana becomes convinced of his guilt and delves into the investigation.

As Mariana digs deeper, she uncovers more about the secretive group and their connections to ancient Greek rites. The plot thickens when another body is found, intensifying Mariana’s determination to unmask the killer. The narrative is interspersed with first-person accounts from the perspective of the killer, adding to the suspense and complexity of the story¹².

Reviews

The Bibliofile praises the book for its engaging plot and well-developed characters. The reviewer highlights the clever use of Greek mythology and literary references, which add depth to the story. The writing is considered a step up from Michaelides’ previous work, “The Silent Patient,” making “The Maidens” a compelling read¹.

SuperSummary notes the novel’s gothic mood and dark academia elements, which romanticize the pursuit of knowledge at elite institutions. The review appreciates the intricate plot and the unexpected twists, particularly the revelation of the true murderer².

Kirkus Reviews mentions that while the book starts slowly with backstories and a Cambridge travelogue, it picks up pace and delivers a thrilling experience with its ritualistic murders and ancient myths4.

Overall, “The Maidens” is well-received for its atmospheric setting, intricate plot, and the seamless blend of mythology and mystery. If you enjoy dark academia and psychological thrillers, this book is definitely worth a read!

Source:
(1) Summary, Explanation + Review: The Maidens by Alex Michaelides – The …. https://the-bibliofile.com/the-maidens/.
(2) The Maidens Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary. https://www.supersummary.com/the-maidens/summary/.
(3) THE MAIDENS – Kirkus Reviews. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/alex-michaelides/the-maidens/.
(4) Review: ‘The Maidens’ by Alex Michaelides (a literary, Dark Academia …. https://www.booksburgersandbackpacks.com/blog/review-the-maidens-by-alex-michaelides.