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57 pages 1 hour read

Alex Michaelides

The Maidens

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The plot follows Mariana Andros, a widow and group therapist, who travels to Cambridge University to investigate the murder of her niece Zoe's friend. As she delves deeper, she becomes suspicious of Professor Edward Fosca and his secret society, "the Maidens." As the body count rises, Mariana's emotional turmoil intensifies, culminating in a dramatic reveal that ties past and present tragedies together. Contains references to sexual exploitation, violence, and grief.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides offers a suspenseful, psychological thriller set in the world of academia. Praised for its gripping plot and engaging writing style, it keeps readers hooked till the end. However, some felt the character development was lacking and the final twist predictable, which detracted from the overall impact.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Maidens?

Ideal for fans of psychological thrillers, The Maidens by Alex Michaelides captivates readers who enjoy intense, suspenseful narratives akin to The Secret History by Donna Tartt and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. If you relish dark academia themes, complex characters, and unexpected twists, this novel will grip you from start to finish.

Book Details
Pages

337

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Cambridge, England • Contemporary

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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