Not his best work thus far

 

⭑⭑⭑  Wholly absorbed by Alex Michaelides previous work, The Silent Patient, and currently on a Greek mythology bender, it seemed the perfect solution for me to delve into the world of The Maidens. All in all it was a good shout but maybe not as powerful an offering as I had hoped?

Mariana, a group therapist dealing with grief over the loss of her husband, comes rushing to the aid of her frightened niece Zoe at Cambridge, when one of Zoe's friends is brutally murdered. Great premise, great location, a really cosy feel reading this novel from a gifted writer. It ticks all the boxes. That alone makes this a worthwhile read. The atmosphere is comforting though tinged with a delicate menace - just enough to keep you hooked. But from here it gets a bit dicey.

Mariana is convinced prof Fosca is the man to blame and it all feels a bit amateurish from there. I nailed the killer straightaway which, for me, is not a positive. I want to be transported and enjoy some shock and awe by the unveiling and the rationale. There are some solid twists and though the writing is sublime I just couldn't believe Mariana could be as foolish as she was and that the course of the narrative should be so simple. I wouldn't be put off by this. As I said before, the atmosphere is palpable and immersive but the story just wasn't as strong as I would have liked it to be. Regardless, I am a fan and will be first in the queue for the next novel, I promise.