This excerpt from The Maidens by Alex Michaelides contains the first five chapters of the book. 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). 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.
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About the author
Alex Michaelides
Author
Alex Michaelides is a bestselling author and screenwriter whose literary career has been marked by a seamless blend of psychological insight, narrative suspense, and cinematic flair, earning him international acclaim as one of the most compelling contemporary voices in crime fiction. Born in 1977 in Cyprus to a Greek father and an English mother, Michaelides grew up immersed in a multicultural environment that shaped both his identity and his storytelling sensibilities; the island’s history and mythological backdrop would later permeate his work in subtle but resonant ways. After completing his early education in Cyprus, he moved to the United Kingdom, where he pursued English literature at Cambridge University, an experience that honed his appreciation for classical texts and the psychological dimensions of character. Eager to combine his literary foundation with a visual medium, he studied screenwriting at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, where he learned the mechanics of pacing, structure, and dialogue that would become trademarks of his novels. Before finding his breakthrough as a novelist, Michaelides worked in film, contributing as a screenwriter to projects such as The Devil You Know (2013) and collaborating on scripts that, while modest in recognition, gave him invaluable experience in the dynamics of storytelling for a mass audience. His immersion in therapy and psychology, including a period working at a secure psychiatric unit for teenagers, profoundly influenced his creative path, exposing him to the complexities of mental health, trauma, and human behavior—insights that later informed the authenticity and depth of his fictional characters. In 2019, Michaelides published his debut novel, The Silent Patient, a psychological thriller centered on a woman who stops speaking after a violent crime and the psychotherapist determined to uncover her truth; the book became an instant sensation, topping The New York Times bestseller list, selling millions of copies worldwide, and earning translation into over fifty languages. Praised for its shocking twist, elegant prose, and masterful control of suspense, The Silent Patient established Michaelides as a new force in crime fiction and has been optioned for a film adaptation, further cementing his crossover appeal between literature and cinema. Building on this success, he released his second novel, The Maidens, in 2021, a dark academic thriller set against the backdrop of Cambridge University that wove together classical mythology, psychoanalysis, and murder mystery; the book achieved bestseller status in both the UK and the US, demonstrating his ability to sustain reader interest with layered plots and atmospheric settings. In 2024, Michaelides published The Fury, a high-stakes tale of betrayal and revenge on a private Greek island, which once again showcased his affinity for combining the mythic landscapes of his heritage with the psychological intensity of modern suspense narratives. Throughout his career, Michaelides has been celebrated not only for his ability to craft intricate, tightly plotted thrillers but also for his exploration of silence, trauma, obsession, and the fragility of identity—themes that resonate with audiences far beyond genre fiction. Today, he continues to write from London, where he balances his literary pursuits with ongoing work in film, admired by readers and critics alike for his capacity to merge the timeless allure of Greek tragedy with the immediacy of psychological thrillers, making him one of the most distinctive and influential authors of his generation.
The Maidens: Chapter Sampler
by Alex Michaelides
Books Like The Maidens: Chapter Sampler
If you're looking for books similar to The Maidens: Chapter Sampler, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
The Silent Patient
Alex Michaelides
Another psychological thriller by the same author that explores dark psychological themes. The novel follows a psychotherapist's obsessive investigation into a patient who murdered her husband and stopped speaking. It features complex characters, unexpected twists, and a deep dive into psychological motivations. The book shares similar elements of mystery, psychological tension, and academic settings with The Maidens.
The Secret History
Donna Tartt
A literary thriller set in an elite college environment involving a close-knit group of classics students. The novel explores dark secrets, murder, and the psychological dynamics within an exclusive academic circle. Its themes of Greek mythology, academic intrigue, and hidden violence closely parallel The Maidens. The book delves deep into character psychology and complex interpersonal relationships.
In the Woods
Tana French
A psychological crime novel set in Ireland featuring a detective investigating a murder with personal connections to his past. The book blends psychological depth with a complex murder mystery. It explores themes of obsession, trauma, and the impact of past events on present investigations. The narrative style and psychological complexity make it similar to The Maidens.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Stieg Larsson
A complex mystery involving a journalist and a skilled hacker investigating a decades-old disappearance. The novel combines psychological depth with a meticulous investigation of dark secrets. It features strong, complex characters and explores themes of hidden violence and psychological trauma. The investigative approach and psychological tension align with The Maidens.
The Magpie Murders
Anthony Horowitz
A meta-mystery novel about a detective novel within a larger investigation. The book explores layers of storytelling, hidden secrets, and complex narrative structures. It features intricate plot twists and psychological depth. The investigative approach and narrative complexity are similar to The Maidens.
Rebecca
Daphne du Maurier
A classic psychological suspense novel about a young woman haunted by her husband's previous wife. The book explores themes of obsession, psychological manipulation, and hidden secrets. Its atmospheric tension and deep psychological exploration mirror elements found in The Maidens. The narrative focuses on uncovering dark truths and complex interpersonal dynamics.
The Thirteenth Tale
Diane Setterfield
A literary mystery about a biographer uncovering a famous author's hidden past. The novel explores themes of storytelling, family secrets, and psychological complexity. It features intricate narrative layers and psychological depth. The investigative approach and atmospheric tension align with The Maidens.
Sharp Objects
Gillian Flynn
A psychological thriller about a journalist investigating murders in her hometown. The novel features a deeply troubled protagonist with complex psychological issues. It explores themes of family dysfunction, hidden secrets, and psychological manipulation. The intense psychological narrative and dark undertones are reminiscent of The Maidens.
Big Little Lies
Liane Moriarty
A psychological drama about secrets and relationships in a small community. The novel explores complex female relationships and hidden psychological tensions. It features multiple perspectives and a mysterious central event. The psychological depth and exploration of hidden dynamics are similar to The Maidens.
Dark Places
Gillian Flynn
A psychological thriller about a woman investigating her family's brutal murder. The novel explores complex family dynamics, psychological trauma, and hidden secrets. It features a protagonist driven to uncover the truth about a past crime. The psychological depth and investigative narrative are similar to The Maidens.
The Woman in the Window
A.J. Finn
A psychological thriller about an agoraphobic woman who believes she witnessed a crime. The novel explores themes of perception, psychological instability, and hidden truths. It features a complex protagonist investigating a mysterious event. The psychological tension and unreliable narrative perspective are reminiscent of The Maidens.
In a Dark, Dark Wood
Ruth Ware
A psychological thriller about a bachelorette weekend that turns deadly. The novel explores psychological tension, hidden secrets, and unexpected violence. It features a protagonist confronting a mysterious past event. The psychological complexity and suspenseful narrative are reminiscent of The Maidens.
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