"The Maidens" by Alex Michaelides

I have not read Alex Michaelides' previous bestseller called The Silent Patient. But having finished The Maidens a few minutes ago, I must say I am a fan of his writing and will definitely read his previous novel. The Maidens will appeal to those who like dark academia settings in literature. Our main character Mariana is a psychotherapist who conducts group therapy sessions in London. One night she gets a call from her niece Zoe who is a student at Cambridge. Zoe's friend Tara has gone missing and now a body is found of a brutally murdered young girl. Zoe is sure it is Tara and is desperate for her aunt to come stay with her. 

I listened to this novel on audio, and it is a brilliant production. I am not sure what it is like to read this book on paper, but the audio narration was gripping. I found myself unable to stop listening and finished the audiobook in just a couple of sittings. The book is written as a mystery thriller. As more dead girls turn up, it becomes clear that there is a psychopath on the college campus. Mariana suspects an American professor who teaches Greek tragedy. Her suspicions are reinforced by the fact that all of the murdered girls had received a postcard with a verse in ancient Greek foretelling their deaths. Professor Fosca also has a select group of students, all female, whom he calls the maidens - and Mariana suspects that his relationship with those girls is not strictly that of a teacher. 

Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel, and definitely recommend it. It is a murder mystery but also an intense psychological thriller. The audiobook is a great way to read this for sure. 5 out of 5 stars.

An audio ARC was provided by NetGalley.com