Heads up, Tartlets: I tore through the The Maidens in about three days.
I hadn’t read author Alex Michaelides’ previous novel, the mega-bestseller The Silent Patient, but when an unrequested ARC of The Maidens showed up in my mailbox, I was like, Hey, a free book. Let’s try it.
This twisty, edgy psychological thriller is bound together with threads of Greek mythology and tragedy, deception and lies, and some pretty skeevy teacher-student relationships. Michaelides transports you to Cambridge University in England, giving you some serious Harry Potter/Hogwarts vibes that quickly become less than comforting once everyone realizes a campus serial killer is on the loose.
Although the book’s titled “The Maidens,” which alludes to a cult-like group of students who idolize a university professor, there wasn’t as much cult activity as I was expecting (and hoping for) in this novel. “The Maidens” kind of take backseat to main character Mariana as she tries to 1) track down the serial killer, and 2) get over the death of her husband.
Mariana’s a therapist, so she’s constantly psychoanalyzing other characters in The Maidens. There’s a lot of suspense and tension as she tries to suss out the serial killer, leading her into some pretty sticky situations that repeatedly left me going “Why the eff would you do that?” Mariana’s naiveté gets a little frustrating at times, but since she’s still reeling from recent widowhood, I’ll give her a pass.
Mariana’s also hung up on the Greek myth of Persephone, goddess of the underworld, which plays a huge part in the book. Michaelides’ emphasis on Greek culture and literature throughout the story was actually my favorite part of The Maidens. I’ve always been fascinated by Greek myths and beliefs, rituals and rites, so it was great to have them folded into what otherwise could have been a rather generic thriller.
The plot of The Maidens twists and turns, and although I think we could have gotten to The Big Reveal a little bit quicker, the story kept me flipping pages until the very end. If you’re looking for a unique psychological thriller, definitely pick this one up.
And, be sure to check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Arugula Salad with Watermelon and Feta.
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides will be available for sale on June 15, 2021 from Celadon Books. Although I received a complimentary advance copy of this book, all opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I was not compensated in any way for this review or for any other promotion/publicity I’ve done related to this book.
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Ooh, I love the relationship between Persephone and Hades! I didn’t realise this book featured their story so much, so perhaps I’ll keep an eye for this one…
It’s not so much about Persephone and Hades as about Persephone herself as a goddess, but it’s still really interesting and steeped in mythology! I think you’d like it.
Ok so I read this book knowing I might not love it because I don’t typically read this genre, but then…I flew through it and kind of loved it! Until the end 🙁 I didn’t like the outcome! It was kind of a let-down because I thought it was going to be something…different, I don’t know! Just didn’t like it.
Oh, I hear ya about the end. I called one “surprise” — but I totally didn’t call the other. It didn’t sit well with me, either; I don’t think I would have gone there. At all. But aside from that (y’know, only the ending, LOL), it was a great read, haha.