57 pages • 1 hour read
The Maidens
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Book Brief
337
Novel • Fiction
Cambridge, England • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
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.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
395,369 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
395,369 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Zoe
Zoe
The orphaned niece of Mariana, who earned a place studying literature at Cambridge and shares a complicated past with Sebastian, Mariana's late husband.
Sebastian
Sebastian
Mariana’s deceased husband, whose troubled childhood and complex relationships are revealed through his interspersed first-person narrative.
Edward Fosca
Edward Fosca
A charismatic classics professor at Cambridge who is popular with the “Maidens,” garnering suspicion due to his close connections with the students.
Fred
Fred
A doctoral candidate in mathematics who meets Mariana on a train, struggling with personal loss, and develops a fascination with her that leads to an unexpected bond.
337
Novel • Fiction
Cambridge, England • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
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