The maidens by Alex Michaelides

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. 

Michaelides is back with another heart stopping thriller. This novel is full of red herrings and will keep you guessing with every twist and turn. Dark academia meets Greek mythology, this book will hook its readers from the very start. The author has such a strong command of the mystery/thriller genre, and the short chapters will keep the readers interested. His use of psychology interwoven with the book gave it an extra depth, something that makes the story unique to your typical murder mystery.

Themes: Murder, Teachers, University, Child Abuse.

Emily Feetham