Ratings134
Average rating3.4
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)--now in mass market. 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.
Reviews with the most likes.
If your looking for a fast paced story, this book isn't for you. The pace is slow, and focuses more in the inner world of the characters. Here there is no detective trying to find the killer, just a character who tries to make sense of everything while she plays detective. The ending was kinda disappointing, and it didn't leave me the same impression that The Silent Patient did. Still, it's a good book, and a promise of the author's next books.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed it–the setting, the story, the characters–but I occasionally felt there were bum notes, things that didn't ring true or feel authentic. And I sometimes felt the main character needed a smack. It somewhat damaged my enjoyment of the book, but not completely, and I would have given it a rave but for those moments where the facade slipped. I cautiously recommend it to those who are good at suspending disbelief. It should be 3.5 stars.
This was a ride. I didn't like it as much as The Silent Patient, but it was still enjoyable. The acknowledgements thanked the Golden Age crime writers, which I liked; I made a couple notes of things that reminded me of Christie in particular. Overall, a good mystery and enjoyable ride.
I felt let down by the ending, though I was really enjoying it until that point. It felt made up rather than a carefully crafted surprise. Another chapter probably was needed.