A Lazy Reader's Review of "The Maidens" by Alex Michaelides

Synopsis

    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 student 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.

Review

    If I had a nickel for every time I read a book with a charismatic Greek professor that is surrounded by an exclusive group of fanatic students who take part in an ego-dissolving ritual I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot but it's weird that it happened twice.

    This was probably the first proper murder-mystery book I've read, and I thought it was a really good introduction into the genre.

    I thought that the main character was really well-developed and had flaws that made sense and that hindered her throughout the story. I also thought that the development that she went through during the events of the story was pretty good and fitting.

    The tension that was created had my attention and I think it is a credit to Michaelides's writing style because I normally don't get too drawn in to books of this genre. The major twist at the end was just a tad bit predictable but I enjoyed the revelation nonetheless. The ending was a little hastily wrapped up but I thought that the conclusions that each character received was fitting and relatively satisfying.

    Overall, I gave this book a 3.5 star rating and I really do recommend it to anyone trying to get into the mystery genre. This book was a quick read and kept me interested throughout. Perhaps as I continue to read books of this genre my opinions about this book will change, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Oct. 7, 2024 - Oct. 7, 2024

★★★☆☆

Favorite Quote: "After all, everyone's entitled to be the hero of their own story. So I must be permitted to be the hero of mine. Even though I'm not. I'm the villain."