The Maidens: A Novel

I usually figure out who the bad guy (or girl) is pretty early on in this type of story. But not this time! Read this one; I don’t’ think you’ll be disappointed.

This is a riveting story and a page turner. Having read the Silent Patient, I was expecting a plot twist but didn’t see this coming. Alex is certainly keeping The Grove busy.

I went into The Maidens with high hopes after loving The Silent Patient. Academia isn’t my favorite setting, but when done well (like the absolute masterpieces The Secret History and Babel), it can be brilliant. So I was cautiously optimistic.At first, the Greek tragedy elements were intriguing, but after a while, they started feeling like they were being force-fed.And the whole concept of a secret group of stunningly beautiful female students, called The Maidens, fawning over their extremely charming professor being seen as harmless is ridiculous. In real life, that would set off alarms left, right, and center, not just be brushed off as “oh, nothing to see here.”Then there’s the thriller aspect. I expect twists (plural) not just one at the very end. A good thriller keeps you on your toes, dropping little breadcrumbs so the final reveal makes you go “Oh wow, I should’ve seen that coming!”. Here, the twist is surprising, sure, but it doesn’t feel earned. More like it’s just… there.That said, it’s a fast read, so if you’re looking for something quick and easy, it does the job. But the writing isn’t anything spectacular, and overall, it didn’t come close to The Silent Patient. A solid 3 stars from me. Fine, but forgettable.

This book wasn't bad, good storyline. First time reading this genre. Didn't hold my interest as much as I hoped, but I would recommend to others.

3.5✨I was excited when I started reading this book ~ psych thriller combined with Greek tragedies? Heck, yeah!..and while I do appreciate the slow-paced story, the red herrings thrown left and right and the 'straight from the murderer's journal' account in some chapters, the whole story just somewhat, disappoints in the 'mess my head up' category I usually enjoy in psych thrillers. I really did expect to have at least one of the red herrings be an actual 'sensible' clue to give a more appropriate background to why the killer was the killer (and not anybody else). Y'know? the right under your nose burried under a lot of red herring type of clue that all makes sense (or not) at the end.Yet, it just ends with a large heap of red herrings turned to plot holes. Like when it was made to believe that the loss of Seb was focal to the narrative of the MC and yet when the killer was revealed, t'was just, the heck happened? He just died like that? He didn't even faked his death? It was just like that and he's now filed in the 'good riddance' category?Imagine being thrown with clues left and right, only to have the story reveal that the killer was somewhat a proxy murderer ~ continuing the plan of the would be original killer as a retaliation and a mark of the beginnings of an inevitable psychological disintegration brought about by the loss of the predatory influence to which the proxy was subjected to.It is a nice book for a beginner whodunit mystery. A bit disappointing if you're really after the psychological aspect of the psych thriller category. Kinda felt that all the references to 'daddy issues', abuse, and even the innuendo of the original culprit having DID had been lost in the narrative.

I love his books so detailed so many twists! I couldn't put it down!! A must read for anyone sho loves a good mystery

Decently enjoyed this one and didn’t predict the ending, which is always a nice plus. Good writing and build up of characters.

The skeptical so side of me would give this 4.5 stars, there are definitely things I’m lukewarm on. Like the ending. It leaves a window for the author, which I respect, though part of me was hoping for something more final.The plot twist was exhilarating, once again shocking me. I’d only been able to pick up bits here and there along the way.The connection to The Silent Patient is unmistakeable.