DigeeBooks

"Between the three of them, author Alex Michaelides and narrators Louise Brealey and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith cast a spell that will have listeners glued to this suspenseful novel every chance they get." (AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award winner)

"The audiobook is narrated primarily by actor Louise Brealey, who has given life to complex female characters in the audio editions of The Girl on the Train and The Silent Patient, Michaelides’ first novel. Here, she does an excellent job of conveying Mariana’s confusion, courage and determination to solve the mystery at any cost. Actor Kobna Holdbrook-Smith’s nuanced performance as the killer reminds us that monsters are made, not born, and that within even the most heinous murderer is a shattered, lonely child." (Booklist, starred audiobook review)

"Listeners will not be disappointed with this suspenseful and intelligent thriller." (Booklist, starred review)

From the number one New York Times best-selling 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.

A Macmillan Audio production from Celadon Books

"Stunning.... The intelligent, cerebral plot finds contemporary parallels in Euripides's tragedies, Jacobean dramas such as The Duchess of Malfi, and Tennyson's poetry. The devastating ending shows just how little the troubled Mariana knows about the human psyche or herself. Michaelides is on a roll." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

"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 best-selling author of The Guest List)

In the captivating novel "The Maidens" by Alex Michaelides, the reader is transported to the idyllic setting of Cambridge University, where a prestigious college, known as Maidens, becomes the backdrop for a dark and twisted tale. At the heart of the story lies Mariana Andros, a group therapist newly appointed to the college, seeking to unravel the truth behind a series of disturbing incidents and disappearances.

As Mariana delves deeper into the lives of the students and staff at Maidens, she uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and forbidden desires. The disappearance of a charismatic undergraduate, Tara, sets off a chain of events that reveal the sinister underbelly of the seemingly perfect academic institution. Mariana finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, facing opposition from those determined to protect the college's reputation at all costs.

With each twist and turn, Mariana's investigation leads her closer to the truth, uncovering a history of trauma, betrayal, and hidden identities. She must navigate through a labyrinth of red herrings and false leads, questioning the motives of those around her. As the body count rises, Mariana realizes that she is not only pursuing a killer but also confronting her own demons.

Alex Michaelides weaves a gripping narrative that explores the complexities of human nature, the power of obsession, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. "The Maidens" is a psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. It delves into the dark recesses of the human psyche, challenging notions of truth, justice, and morality.

Throughout the novel, Michaelides masterfully builds suspense, creating an atmosphere of paranoia and uncertainty. The reader is left questioning every character's intentions, wondering who they can trust and who is hiding something sinister. The intricate plot and well-developed characters make "The Maidens" a compelling read that will linger in the reader's mind long after they finish the last page.