“We’re all haunted by something—something we can’t escape.” — The Maidens, Alex Michaelides

Some thrillers hook you with action. The Maidens pulls you in with mystery, mood, and quiet tension. It’s not fast, but it keeps you thinking. The setting—Cambridge University—feels dark and closed off. The characters are hiding things. The pages are filled with grief, secrets, and strange clues.

I picked up this book after reading The Silent Patient. I was curious to see if Alex Michaelides could surprise me again. He did—but in a very different way.

This review is my honest take on the story, the writing, the twist, and the things that worked or didn’t. If you like slow, thoughtful thrillers with a dark academic vibe, this might be your next read.

Keep reading to find out what The Maidens is about, what sets it apart, and if it’s worth your time.

Plot Summary

“Tragedy changes us. It hardens us or breaks us completely.” — The Maidens, Alex Michaelides

Characters and Character Arc

• Mariana Andros: A group therapist still grieving the loss of her husband. She becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the campus murders.
• Edward Fosca: A popular, brilliant professor who leads a group of elite female students called The Maidens. He’s charismatic but suspicious.
• Zoe: Mariana’s niece and a student at Cambridge. Her best friend is murdered, drawing Mariana into the mystery.
• Fred: A strange but kind man who takes an interest in Mariana and may know more than he lets on.

Storyline

Twenty-four years ago, Tara Hampton, a bright and well-liked college student, was found dead under mysterious circumstances. Her tragic death cast a shadow over Cambridge University and left many unanswered questions. The incident was quickly ruled an accident, but some whispered that the truth was far darker.

A Mysterious Death at Cambridge

Years later, the peace of the prestigious college is shattered again when another student—a member of the exclusive Maidens group—is murdered. Mariana Andros, a group therapist and former Cambridge student, is drawn back into the academic world when her niece, Zoe, becomes tangled in the case.

Mariana’s past grief resurfaces as she uncovers unsettling connections between the killings, the Maidens, and the enigmatic professor, Edward Fosca.

The Maidens and Fosca’s Secrets

Mariana suspects Fosca, a charismatic professor adored by his students, may be at the center of the mystery. However, Fosca’s charm and academic status make it nearly impossible for anyone to believe Mariana’s claims.

As she digs deeper, Mariana finds herself surrounded by dark clues and mythological references, all pointing toward a chilling pattern.

A Dangerous Obsession with the Truth

Despite warnings to step away, Mariana becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth. Her investigation takes her into hidden corners of Cambridge, where she uncovers a secret society, ancient rituals, and layers of deceit.

The closer she gets, the more she realizes that the danger isn’t just in the shadows—it’s much closer than she imagined.

Revelations and Confrontations

In a tense final showdown, Mariana confronts the horrifying truth behind the murders. The revelation shakes her to her core, forcing her to reassess everything she thought she knew about the people around her.

Although justice is served, the emotional scars remain. In the end, Mariana must find a way to heal, accept the truth, and move forward, carrying the weight of what she has uncovered.

Themes and Plotline

“Grief makes you do strange things. It clouds your mind and fills your heart with shadows.” — The Maidens, Alex Michaelides

• Grief and Trauma: Mariana’s pain after losing her husband affects her choices and how she sees others.
• Obsession and Trust: The story explores what happens when someone becomes obsessed with justice, even if the truth might hurt.
• Greek Mythology: The book uses myths to add depth and mystery. It raises questions about fate, death, and sacrifice.
• Secrets and Power: The story shows how those in power can hide dark secrets and how charm can be used to mislead.

What Genre Does The Maidens Focus On?

The Maidens is a psychological thriller with elements of murder mystery and dark academia. It blends suspense, emotional trauma, and mythology to create a layered and moody story.

What to Expect

• A slow-burning mystery

• Dark campus atmosphere

• A grieving, unreliable narrator

• Twists, secrets, and a shocking ending

• Literary references and Greek mythology

Ratings and Reviews

“We’re all damaged in some way. It’s what we do with the pieces that matters.”

Goodreads Rating and Reviews

3.57/5 (Rated by over 170,000 readers)

Reader Opinions:

• “A slow start but the ending blew my mind.”
• “Moody and mysterious. Loved the Cambridge setting.”
• “Didn’t love it as much as The Silent Patient, but still a good twist.”

Amazon Reviews

• “Smart and elegant. The story kept me thinking.” – 4 stars
• “I guessed the twist early on, but I still enjoyed the journey.” – 3.5 stars
• “Dark, suspenseful, and beautifully written.” – 5 stars

Unlike many thrillers, The Maidens is quiet, thoughtful, and layered. It focuses more on mood and emotional depth than fast-paced action. The Greek mythology adds a unique twist, and the academic setting creates a haunting, closed-off feeling.

While some thrillers rely on constant twists, this one lets the tension build slowly, leading to a final twist that changes how you see the entire story.

Who Should Read The Maidens?

This book includes murder, trauma, emotional distress, and references to abuse. It’s best suited for mature readers (16+).

People Who Liked These Books Will Enjoy The Maidens

• The Secret History by Donna Tartt

• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

• The Girls Are All So Nice Here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

• A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

• If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

Book Recommendations If You Liked The Maidens

• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: His debut novel with a strong psychological twist.

• The It Girl by Ruth Ware: A campus thriller filled with secrets and lies.

• The House of Silence by Sarah Rayne: A haunting mystery with a dark family history.

• The Secret Place by Tana French: A murder mystery set in an elite girls’ school.

• Bunny by Mona Awad: A surreal and twisted academic thriller.

More from This Author

About Alex Michaelides

Alex Michaelides is a bestselling author known for his dark, twist-filled thrillers. He studied English literature and screenwriting, which shows in his character-driven, cinematic storytelling.

His debut novel, The Silent Patient, became an international bestseller and is one of the most talked-about psychological thrillers in recent years.

Other Books by Alex Michaelides

• The Silent Patient: A psychological thriller about a woman who stops speaking after her husband is murdered.

• The Fury (coming soon): A highly anticipated new thriller from Michaelides, promising more suspense and sharp twists.