https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3879835746

<i> “We all secretly hope that tragedy will only ever happen to other people. But Mariana knew, sooner or later, it happens to you.” <\i>

Well, I’m blown away by this book. I haven’t read The Silent Patient, but I know it has a BIG hype, so I was unsure what to expect from this book - Alex Michaeledes’ newest. I didn’t imagine that I would finish the whole book in just two sittings ( and only then because real life got In the way!). I also didn’t think he was going to be able to trick me at the end like that! I was so convinced I could not be tricked, and I’ve read enough Agatha Christie’s to always know what’s coming...it turns out I don’t!

No spoilers here so don’t worry that’s enough about the plot from me. I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to Donna Tartt’s The Secret History though. It’s clear to me that the author has read it, is inspired by it, and makes subtle nods in it’s direction throughout. This wasn’t a bad thing though, as a lover of that book too I was pleased to be back in that space and it felt familiar to me. The references to Ancient Greek, to mythology, to secret cults and over enthusiastic students who have not so subtle favoritism received from their professor - all of this was back inside Secret History territory for me. At other points too when the drama spices up towards the end but which I won’t mention here. I’m fact fans of this book who haven’t read The Secret History would do well to read it, I think they’d enjoy. Living in Cyprus surrounded by The Greek language and religion, I loved reading the mythology laced throughout , and the injects of Greek culture and reference made me pleased.

I really enjoyed this, and I think I’m going to have to join the crowds and pick up The Silent Patient. My thanks to the Publisher and to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. My review and opinions are entirely my own.

5 πέντε τραγωδία δεμένα αστέρια ....

First off, I was SO stoked about receiving an eARC of this. I really didn't think I'd be approved. I was in shock. Anyway, I quickly finished up my current ebook to get into this one.

With high hopes after the smash hit, The Silent Patient, The Maidens was a bit underwhelming. I didn't find myself connecting with the characters and I wasn't gripped by the story from the get-go like with The Silent Patient. That being said, I still decided on giving The Maidens 4 stars because of Michaelides's signature twist. I thought I had it figured out and then you discover the truth and you're just like "WHATTTT?!" and that's what I love about his writing.

I also loved the cameo. I won't give much away on that one but I'm interested to see if the author continues this trend. I vote yes.

A good thriller and definitely still an auto-buy author for me.

This book kept popping up in my feed and consistently got rave reviews. After reading and loving Michaelides debut novel, The Silent Patient, I was absolutely delighted when I got my hands on The Maidens. I have to say it absolutely lived up to the hype. What an absolute page turner. It's incedibly gripping from the start. The characters that are introduced and the way Michaelides writes is just captivating.

Set amidst the idyllic yet dark and secretive backdrop of Cambridge University, Mariana follows her niece's urging to come to her after a friend and fellow Cambridge student has been brutally murdered. The further the investigation gets, the more connections Mariana seems to pick up that the police fail to catch. Her own Greek ancestry plays into her limited knowledge of the Greek philosophers who play a part in the puzzle that is left to authorities to solve.

Mariana, a group therapist, becomes increasingly drawn to Edward Fosca, an enlightening and dazzling professor with a cultish following of his female students, those named "The Maidens." W'hen Mariana begins to suspect Fosca, she, too, is drawn into his charasmatic personality. However, she remains convinced he is the killer, but she cannot figure out how he did it, or more importantly, why?

Though the Maidens kept me reading and engrossed in the atmosphere, specifically one so reliant on academia, there were just too many twists and red herrings that never quite got wrapped up by the end. I won't lie--the ending stunned me, and I wasn't quite sure how I felt about it. The longer I went before writing this, the more it worked for me, but it definitely left me stunned and speechless.

I was sooo excited for this one, and I wanted more of "The Maidens," I was expecting something more along the lines of A Secret History, so I felt a little let down when the Maidens didn't play as big of a role as their title suggested. Regardless, Michaelides is a thriller master, and I will continue to read his works for their shock value and atmospheric genius.

I found this to be a mix of Secret History and The Silent Patient. This was definitely an interesting read and I was keen to get to the end. However, I wouldn't say this thriller did anything unique or unexpected. But great as a quick thriller read. I will read anything by Michaelides in the future for sure.

What a frustrating read. I found the initial concept intriguing, incorporating well known Greek mythology rites and themes into a modern day crime thriller. A well-built story benefiting from a strong first half... but then it all fell to piece. It unravelled so quickly and perhaps so pointlessly. This could’ve been so much better - but in the end, I come away with no attachment for the characters, story, novel. A 2.5 out of 5. Thanks NetGalley for the advance copy.

The format on this arc is very hard to read.
That being said I did enjoy the book immensely.
Was short quick chapters. Easy characters to get into. The ending seemed a little rushed..
Overall another great book from this author.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and thank you Netgalley and publisher for the copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was fast-paced and I flew through the short chapters.

What I loved about it-
The plot was clever and suspenseful. It had me doubting the characters and second-guessing throughout. I also loved how Greek Mythology was interwoven with the story. It added depth to the story and made it more interesting. I loved the setting. The architecture of the buildings, the gardens, and the halls were well described. It perfectly matched the circumstances in the story. Sometimes gloomy and sometimes grand. I loved the transition.

I absolutely loved the references to The Silent Patient and the connection. It was a very nice surprise.

What I felt lacking-
The ending felt a bit rushed. There was a disconnect between the plot and the end.
I also wished there was more character development. I enjoyed the diverse characters but I wanted to know more about the Maidens and also the characters related to the ending.

Also,there was some issue with the format of the ARC provided which I had not faced before.

Thanks to Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Silent Patient is one of the hype books that were everywhere and I decided to not read it. When I came across maiden, I thought let's try it without getting influenced by 1000+ people out there. The Synopsis and title both caught my attention. I really like Greek mythology so I was curious to read a mystery book inspired by Greek mythology (Robert Langdon is one of my favourite characters so you can guess my type).

Greek Mythology-Check
Academia vibes- Check
Murder Mystery-Check

Mariana is a group therapist and has lost her husband about a year ago. She is trying to act normal but deep inside she is unable to move on, Sebastian was her everything. Mariana and Sebastian are former students of Cambridge and they met there. Now Marina only has Zoe in her life who is also studying at Cambridge. One night she called to tell her best friend, Tara, is murdered. Mariana has to protect Zoe from trauma.

Going to Cambridge without Sebastian is already such a difficult task. Things got more complex when she figured out this murder is connected to something big. Tara confided in Zoe that Professor Fosca, a charismatic Greek Tragedy Professor, has been threatening her. Dr Fosca is dark and famous and made a group of his special female students and they are named Maiden.

I didn't know what to expect, this book hooked me from the first line and kept me on the edge, it didn't lose me at any point. I loved the whole Cambridge setting, I am a sucker of the High School/ University/Dorms setting. I decided to not trust anyone throughout the book still it shocked me in the end. Though there were some loose ends and I found it hard to believe a couple of things. I also felt that the closure of a few side stories was too rushed.

Overall I really enjoyed 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.

This book should be on the top of everyone’s most anticipated books of the year. It is a twisted story of mythology, murder, and obsession that will have you hanging on every word until the very last page. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

Rating: 2.0/5

Having missed out on Alex Michaelide's debut novel, "The Silent Patient", which received overwhelmingly positive feedback, I was keen to make sure that I got my hands on a copy of his follow-up. Having read the accompanying synopsis my anticipation was only heightened further: A murder mystery set in the world of academia within the appealing environs of Cambridge University. In addition to murder, the plot was said to combine psychology and Greek mythology, as legendary tales from the time of ancient Greece seem to bear an uncanny resemblance to events taking place now. My appetite was suitably whetted ... but unfortunately it wasn't to be too long before severe disappointment set in.

Frustratingly, some sections are nicely written and quite prosaic. In combination with an appealing backdrop and an engaging premise that could, and should, have been a recipe for a successful story. Unfortunately, there are just too many elements that simply don't pass muster: The characterisation is simplistic and lacks any depth. Descriptive language tends towards the melodramatic. The dialogue is often stilted, clunky and unnatural. Some of the mechanics used to move the plot forward are convenient to the point of being inane and reminiscent of the kind of thing you might expect to find in a children's adventure story. The frequent references to Greek mythology are, no doubt, intended to give an impression of worthiness and of being profound, but it is little more than a veneer. Ultimately "The Maidens" is a run of the mill mystery hiding behind an intellectual façade.

In his notes the author states that this novel is his fond homage to the classic female crime writers: Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, Margaret Millar, Margery Allingham, Josephine Tey, P.D. James and Ruth Rendell ... A nice gesture perhaps, but those ladies really deserved something better than this.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
I give this book 4 stars

St Christopher's College, Cambridge,
For Mariana it's where she met her late husband. For her niece, Zoe, it's the tragic scene of her best friend's murder.
An exclusive set of students known as The Maidens are under the sinister influence of professor Edward Fosca.
The man who will become the prime suspect in Mariana's investigation - an obsession which will unravel everything...

I raced my way through this dark mystery thriller. I loved the descriptive writing style and the short chapters make it a fast paced read. A book that combines Greek mythology, a university setting and murder. It has plenty of secrets and cleverly layered suspense. A great added crossover to The Silent Patient is included.
With thanks to Netgalley,Alex Michaelides and Orion Publishing Group for my chance to read and review this book.

Elegant and stylish prose made for a powerful narrative spliced with tension.

This was a gripping tale that twisted and turned. I was fully invested in the characters and riveted by their journey even when I disliked one of them immensely.

Good ending that I didn't see coming.

Alright, he's done it again. I'm just stunned, shocked, and amazed

Ever since I've read the silent patient Alex Michaelides held a special place in my heart. I've been waiting for his next book since the time I've finished the first. I want to thank orionbooks and NetGalley for my advanced copy
I theorized all sorts of endings but still got thunderstruck.
It's such a delight to dive, once again, into Alex Michealides' world of greek mythology and explosive endings.

the story centers around Mariana Andros, a group therapist,
who is not only having a hard time dealing with her difficult patients but is dealing with her own personal hell; A year ago she lost the love of her life, Sebastian, after a swimming accident.
When her niece Zoe calls from Cambridge, crying the death of her best friend, she immediately took the train to be with her. Once there, Zoe discretely shares her morbid suspicion about one person, Edward Fosca. he's holding the position of a greek mythology professor, with a dodgy reputation of having mysterious reunions and parties with a group of female students.
Mariana takes it on herself to be more assertive like Sebastian was, and stay around primarily to protect and support her niece, and ultimately to expose Fosca as a murderer.

this was a real slow burn, but the ending was out of this world. What a plot! I have no words to describe it. It took my breath away.

Send help how to get over a book hangover? the was a real slow burn, and though it's not something I would normally enjoy, but the ending is out of this world. I have no words to describe it. It took my breath away.

When is the next book?

Alex Michaelides did a fantastic job with this darkly academic thriller that I devoured in two sittings. I absolutely loved the atmosphere this book created and it kept me guessing right until the end. A wonderful and absorbing fast paced read!

I was a fan of The Silent Patient so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of The Maidens, so much that I didn’t even read the burb when I requested it on NetGalley.
Ex Cambridge student Mariana Andros is a group therapist struggling to do her job as she is still getting over the death of her husband Sebastian who died a year ago. When she gets a call from her niece Zoe also a Cambridge student, that her friend has been brutally murdered. She straight way takes some time off from her job to come to Zoe’s aide. She can do with some time off anyway from the pressures of her own job.
When she meets charismatic Edward Fosca the Greek mythology teacher and his selective group of students called ‘The maidens’, instinct thinks that something is not right. When there are clues that link him to the student’s death Marian is convinced that Edward Fosca is the murderer. Mariana wants to help found out who the killer is.
I thank Orion for a copy of The maidens by Alex Michaelides. I so looking forward to reading this, but I was extremely disappointed. Do not get me wrong, this had an intriguing plot, but this for me was it was a bit flat. I was expecting more. Also, I thought there was too many references to Greek mythology especially the notes written in Greek, I just skipped them parts and found it a bit tedious. 3 stars from me.

The Maidens is Greek tragedy, murder mystery and psychological thriller all thrown into one explosive package!

I loved how Greek mythology was used to connect the different events in the book and I found the connections between these stories and the interactions of the Maidens (the cult) fascinating. The author deftly and succinctly explained the mythology without it becoming textbook-ish and this was invaluable in getting me to love this story.

The main theme concerned the abuse of power and love, and how love is often confused with psychological abuse and dependency. The sense of foreboding is present throughout the pages and it’s impossible not to keep turning those pages.

I would have liked to see deeper characterization, especially regarding the Maidens. I felt they could have played a larger, more dominant role. I didn’t like Mariana or Tara very much which disappointed me a little as I didn’t feel much empathy for either of them.

I guessed the murderer early on, but I didn’t anticipate the final twist! Delicious!

Mr. Michaelides is now firmly on my “to-be-automatically-read” list!

P.S. I was thrilled at the passing mention of Theo, Alicia and The Grove!

#netgalley #themaidens #alexmichaelides #orionpublishinggroup

I cannot give feedback on this novel because the format on the kindle. makes it impossible to read.

I have contacted the publishers directly to try and ascertain a new copy so that I can read and review properly.

The Maidens caught my attention both because of its subject, its cover, and the author’s popularity with his first book. As I said, I thought I could read it since the setting is Cambridge University, but there is also art, literature and Greek tragedies, and charismatic academics as well, so I instantly started reading. It is a very easy-to-read book that leaves you curious. So it ends immediately. However, even I, who is not a genre fanatic, found some of the things in the book to be ridiculous and cheap. I don’t think real genre aficionados can take the author seriously.

A not too bad beach read.

After reading The Silent Patient, I was THRILLED to be given an advanced copy of The Maidens and I was not disappointed. Alex Michaelides weaves a tale of Greek tragedy and secret societies that had me gripped from the very first page. I was constantly trying to figure out who murdered Tara and couldn't put it down until I knew!
Thanks NetGalley for an advanced copy.