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Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,793
Registered: ‎11-08-2014

OUTSTANDING THRILLER BY ALEX MICHAELIDES, "THE MAIDENS"

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Many of you must have read his first sensation, "The Silent Patient".   I haven't yet, but have just finished his second one, "The Maidens",  and am wowed.

 

Warning----    Premise of book described below, might be too much of a spoiler for some__

 

 

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Mariana is a London psychotherapist, specializing in group therapy.   She's a talented therapist, but depressed and still reeling from her husband's drowning death over a year earlier.

 

Her adored, orphaned niece, Zoe, a student at Cambridge, calls in tears about a student murder at the university-- and with misgivings, Mariana, who is also an alum, goes to her and is drawn into an investigation of her own...

 

The novel is haunting, steeped in a sense of the tragic past through the themes of Greek plays that backdrop the murders.  But this all this weaves through the modern campus setting of one of the great ancient universities, in an enticing way.

 

I do have quibbles with some aspects of the book, but can't discuss them without giving too much away. 

 

Nevertheless, the literacy of the narrative, along with the flabbergasting twists and turns, and irresistable mood that is created, make this one of the best mysteries I've encountered in recent years.   Wow, and some people say "The Silent Patient" is even better!   

 

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,430
Registered: ‎06-14-2010

Re: OUTSTANDING THRILLER BY ALEX MICHAELIDES, "THE MAIDENS"

I am not familiar with this author.  However, I will definitely take note and add it to my books to read list!  I love thrillers and your synopsis sounds like a book I would enjoy!  Thanks for the recommendation.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,768
Registered: ‎01-15-2017

Re: OUTSTANDING THRILLER BY ALEX MICHAELIDES, "THE MAIDENS"

I read The Maidens when it was a new release that I got from the library. I liked it so much that when Barnes&Noble had a book sale a while back I bought the Silent Patient. OMG, it was even better! I read so much that I can usually guess the ending. Not that one! I love it when the ending takes me by surprise. Not that there weren't hints, I was just so wrapped up in the story that I didn't see it coming. I highly recommend the Silent Patient.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,806
Registered: ‎12-14-2018

Re: OUTSTANDING THRILLER BY ALEX MICHAELIDES, "THE MAIDENS"

Ooohhh, sounds so good ~ thanks @Oznell .

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,269
Registered: ‎11-08-2020

Re: OUTSTANDING THRILLER BY ALEX MICHAELIDES, "THE MAIDENS"

@Oznell , thanks for posting.  I am on the hunt!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 21,124
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: OUTSTANDING THRILLER BY ALEX MICHAELIDES, "THE MAIDENS"

Thank you I have read The Silent Patient and really enjoyed that one, so will be on the hunt for this one. Sounds very intriguing!

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,278
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: OUTSTANDING THRILLER BY ALEX MICHAELIDES, "THE MAIDENS"

I read the books and liked "The Silent Patient" slightly better than 'The Maidens." I recommend both books, though. 

"The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog."

Mark Twain
Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,793
Registered: ‎11-08-2014

Re: OUTSTANDING THRILLER BY ALEX MICHAELIDES, "THE MAIDENS"

   @NEvans2 ,  @CANDLEQUEEN , and @teganslaw --  great to hear your endorsement of the earlier one, "The Silent Patient"!   I hope to read that too.

 

@spiderw ,  @Spacrazy ,  and @Lilysmom1 ,   if you do read "The Maidens",  hope you'll weigh in with opinions -- love to hear what others think.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,806
Registered: ‎12-14-2018

Re: OUTSTANDING THRILLER BY ALEX MICHAELIDES, "THE MAIDENS"

@Oznell   Of course I will ~ and I hope you continue your enjoyable posts 🙂

Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,793
Registered: ‎11-08-2014

Re: OUTSTANDING THRILLER BY ALEX MICHAELIDES, "THE MAIDENS"

Thanks, @Spacrazy ,  how nice of you!