The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

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.

This book has been impossible to put down. It was creepy, a little bit confusing with all the Greek mythology incorporated in the story, but nevertheless quite interesting plot. The only downfall for me is the ending. It was rush in my opinion, I do not want to spoil anybody about who the real killer is, but I was confused as hell and I felt I was kept hanging with all so many questions after that ending. I want the backstory of killer. I want to know what happened to him/her at the hands of the certain person that causes for him/her to be like that.

To me, this didn't have those consistent sequences that I've come to expect from psychological thriller I have been very fond of. But it was quite engaging that pulls you toward the end. I would describe this as steady. If you want a deeper character study or a faster, more creepy filled scenarios this will not quite satisfy you.

Overall, I still like how the author can keep you engaged in the story. It might not fill up my expectation but it was still a good read. I will be reading 'The Silent Patient' soon.

Thank You so much @definitelybooks for the complimentary copy of this book!