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**THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**

"Alex Michaelides’s long-awaited next novel, 'The Maidens,' is finally here...the premise is enticing and the elements irresistible."
—The New York Times

"A deliciously dark, elegant, utterly compulsive read—with a twist that blew my mind. I loved this even more than I loved The Silent Patient and that's saying something!"
—Lucy Foley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guest List

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.

The Maidens: A Novel by Alex Michaelides

In the halls of Cambridge University, tragedy strikes. A group of brilliant young women, known as "The Maidens," fall victim to a series of brutal murders. As the bodies pile up, Detective Superintendent Edward Fosca finds himself at the center of a twisted investigation.

Fosca, a brilliant but tormented detective, delves into the dark underbelly of the university, uncovering a world of secrets, lies, and forbidden desires. As he races against time to solve the case, he must confront his own demons, battling the relentless pull of his past.

With each twist and turn, Fosca's world unravels further. He is drawn deeper into the lives of The Maidens, becoming entangled in their rivalries, ambitions, and hidden connections. As the killer's motives become clearer, Fosca realizes that he is playing a dangerous game, one where the line between truth and illusion blurs.

In a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, Alex Michaelides weaves a tale of psychological suspense, betrayal, and obsession. "The Maidens" is a captivating thriller that explores the depths of human nature and the consequences of forbidden desires.

Key Themes:

• Murder and investigation
• University setting
• Secret societies
• Forbidden desires
• Psychological suspense

Why Read "The Maidens"?

• Immerse yourself in a gripping murder mystery set in the prestigious halls of Cambridge University.
• Witness the unraveling of Detective Superintendent Edward Fosca as he battles his own inner turmoil while pursuing the elusive killer.
• Get caught up in the intricate web of relationships, rivalries, and secrets that bind The Maidens together.
• Experience the twists and turns of a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
• Explore the darker side of human nature and the consequences of forbidden desires in a thought-provoking narrative.

About the Author:

Alex Michaelides is a British-Cypriot author and screenwriter. Born in Cyprus and raised in England, he studied English literature at Cambridge University before pursuing a career in advertising. In 2019, he made his literary debut with "The Silent Patient," a psychological thriller that became an international bestseller. "The Maidens" is his second novel.