The Maidens: A Novel

After reading The Silent Patient, my expectations were quite high, but I must say this book didn't disappoint me. The plot is solid and twisted, the characters are well developed, and the descriptions really bring the setting to life. I enjoyed every single page, and the suspense kept me reading till the end. Great Book.

I really like Michaelides' books - very suspenseful and keep you guessing to the end. I knocked off a star because I found it a bit of a stretch that the main character was so naive regarding the people she loved most. I won't say any more to keep from spoiling the book for others.

I liked the author's colorful command of descriptive language."The interlocking branches of the trees were covered with intricate cobwebs, mummuified bluebottles, and other insects, suspended in silken strands above her head" is only one of numerous examples where skillful description adds to the emotional intensity of the prose." The use of red herrings also keeps the reader ploughing ahead to the end to see whodunit. Unfortunately, the plot doesn't hang together sufficiently for the cleverly conceived ending and although the identity of the killer is surprising, the plot doesn't provide a convincing scaffold for the imaginative leap that the author wants us to make. The ending ends ambiguously without the final confrontation between Zoe and Mariana. The build-up was done so well that the ending fell flat by comparison, like air escaping a balloon about to pop. The first sentence of the novel starts out in the prologue" "[name omitted] was a murderer." But that's not the identity of the person who Zoe convinces Marianna and the reader committed the murder. It's true the prologue was nota looking back after the conclusion of the novel, which would have been truly at odds with the conclusion. Rather it occurred " a few days earlier" than the prologue, but even so, how can the heroine know who the murderer is before the trail of investigation commences with its list of mostly persuasive red-herring suspects? That said, the mood, theme, characterization clearly set this novel apart form run-of-the-mill psychological thrillers.

Fantastic read. Loved every bit of it. Nice twist.

Love the write, liked the book and the story. Not as strong as TSP tho.

I really like his books .U are interest throughout the the book .

this authors books ALWAYS hit

This is my third book of this author that I read. And just when you know you have figured out this writing style you don’t. I did not have any idea who did it until the very end of the book. I could’ve done without so much Greek mythology but overall it was a good book, I would recommend it.

Love this novel! A must read for those who like well written, intelligent thrillers.

As the first novel, The Silent Patient, this book keeps you hooked up on it from the start. The Author has the ability to transport you completely into the protagonist’ mind. And he makes you completely astonished on the turnouts of the story! Couldn’t stop reading and wish there was the continuation already!!!

Just as good as The Silent Patient!! I enjoyed every bit of it, couldnt put it down until the end. I truly love the work of this author

Interesting book.

To be clear, I read a lot of this genre and Amazon simply recommended The Silent Patient. I liked the book enough to try another book by Alex Michaelides. The Maidens is more than I expected. I never attempt to guess so I love the ride and what a ride he gives. I like the Greek Mythology brilliance. I love the opening and fell right into it. I love the smart quotes. This is well done. The writer had me guessing and yet it twisted together without dead ends that simply sometimes happen. It wraps perfectly. Thank you Sir! I appreciate your talents and await the next.