Book Summary and Reviews of The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

Book Summary

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient comes a spellbinding tale of psychological suspense, weaving together Greek mythology, murder, and obsession, that further cements "Michaelides as a major player in the field" (Publishers Weekly).

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 students 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.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. Now that you know who the murderer was, did you guess correctly? Which red herring was the most convincing? Looking back, what clues did you miss about the killer's identity?
2. What do you make of the ending scene? What do you think happens to Mariana and Zoe after the events of the book?
3. Do you agree or disagree with Mariana's reaction at the end? Do you think she was right to be upset or do you believe she should've been more compassionate? Suggested by Spooky Book Club (Boston, Massachusetts)
4. How do Mariana's memories of her school years at Cambridge influence her actions when she returns there?
5. The book opens with Mariana's assertion of Fosca's guilt. How did this impact your experience and interpretation of ...